The Puppy Nanny

01/12/2025

With the "winter storm" changing things up, I wanted to give you the current schedule for group classes.

There WILL be classes tomorrow, Monday 1/13

NO CLASSES - Saturday 1/18, Monday 1/20 or Saturday 1/25

Classes resume on Monday 1/27, and will return to the regular schedule.

01/09/2025

Anna's January 11-12 race has been rescheduled for the 18-19. So we would like to offer class this Saturday the 11th at 1:30pm for Over 20 Weeks and 2:45pm for Under 20 Weeks. Please message us here or message Anna directly if you would like to attend. Weather permitting we will hold classes at the regular times on Monday January 13th.

01/07/2025

Why yes my dog would LOVE to say hi, but I’m still going to say “no thank you” and move on. Why?

1. Because I want my dog to learn that every time we see people it doesn’t mean it’s a party for him. I’d like him to continue his focus on us together as a team and not create conditioned excitement and expectation every time we are approached by someone.

2. Because I don’t know what saying hi means to you. Will you politely touch him? Will you allow him space to move away if he wants? Will you put your face too close to his? I don’t want him to have a negative experience so I’m going to avoid that by continuing our walk.

3. Because maybe I feel overwhelmed or stressed in public places and conversations with strangers may make me uncomfortable, so even though you’d like to talk and meet my dog, I’m protecting myself too.

4. Because we’re in a rush and have to get something done quickly.

5. Because I said no. Even social, sweet, friendly dogs and their handlers have every right to say “no” to a request to meet and be touched by people. This shouldn’t just apply to reactive, worried or bubble space dogs. Dogs are not public property, and saying “no thank you” to touching my dog shouldn’t be regarded as rude or unkind, any more than if a stranger asked to hold my baby.

Please normalize hearing “no” OR even better, normalize ignoring more dogs in public. Let them carry on with their handler and admire them from a far. It would do a world of good for dogs and humans everywhere, trust me.

- Helen St. Pierre

01/05/2025

If you have heard coyotes at night, DO NOT leave your dogs outside unattended.

https://myfox8.com/news/south-carolina/womans-dog-attacked-by-coyote-in-south-carolina/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwY2xjawHnaPBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU4EL4_fIfY-Gn8Olz4ElIcrzDJXWSUz0PKZ_8q_qVEqxQxzFuCsYdlzoQ_aem_ByAtC92J41PVGsMb6AdOTg

An Upstate woman said she rushed to her fenced backyard after she heard her dog scream.

01/02/2025

These are pretty cool.
I especially love the escape artist, the crop cover dog, and the English Cocker who drops the ball in the stream.

12/29/2024

12/24/2024

Sue and Anna wish you all the best this Holiday season and through the New Year.

Group classes will restart on Saturday, Jan 18th.

Nosework classes will resume on Monday, January 6th.

12/18/2024

Here is a great free resource from our friends at Training Between The Ears, for some things to make your holidays easier for you and your dog.

Holy cow, would you believe it. Not a single bark or boof. We start slow and walk to the park down the street, chill and hang out for a bit. We watched kids play, a yoga session, and passed a couple of dogs. Then we relaxed in the yard. Their reactivity was improving so much, seeing more calm behavi...

12/16/2024

This is why Taillights is one of the few daycare options that I recommend.

Mythbusting Monday: Your dog needs all-day play in order to come home tired? Nope! Unless you want to build a canine triathlete. Dogs sleep anywhere between 12-18 hours per day and a good daycare environment will have structured rest breaks so you don’t take home a dog that’s overtired, amped up, or grouchy!

Thanks to Jesse for modeling the after-camp sleepies. ☺️

12/15/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17sFYS4gA2/

12/13/2024

Some great advice on traveling with your pet from our friends at Holly Tree Animal Hospital.

'Tis the season for joy and travel, pets included! Ensure stress-free journeys with these tips:
* Stick to Routine: Maintain their schedule as much as possible.
* Plan Extra Time: Schedule pit stops for dogs; carry a litter box for cats.
* Pack Wisely: Stock up on waste bags, water, food, meds, and supplements. 🛍️ * Pet's Papers: Check for necessary health certificates for travel.
* ID and Microchip: Confirm updated tags and registered microchips to prevent loss.
* Watch for Motion Sickness in Dogs.

12/10/2024

12/10/2024

Does your dog love you?

12/10/2024

This is from the UK, but makes some good points that I hadn't thought about.

I am absolutely about picking up your dog's p**p. But I have long thought that if we are in the woods, or somewhere with a lot of wildlife, and my dog goes well off the path, that it wouldn't be much different than fox or raccoon p**p.

I hadn't thought about the things like flea and tick meds or supplements that we give our dogs and how that might affect the environment.

https://petimpact.co.uk/blogs/poo-revolution/how-dog-poo-can-harm-wildlife-and-our-wider-ecosystems?fbclid=IwY2xjawHFHvRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRQwwrXMCpF7y1bjtVnBV2s2sjPnTHXXTVaKx5y0ODFgp92BpPhS9CzoRg_aem_Fys6LYq6q9ANBDK3-hAfXQ

Dog p**p - natural or not? Is it ok to leave dog poo in the environment? Unfortunately dog waste can pose some serious environmental and health dangers. Dog p**p is not just a nuisance, it can be harmful to our ecosystems and our own health...