Goldstar Puppy Academy

04/23/2025

Meet Andi!
Andi is our newest board and train student at Goldstar Puppy Academy. She’s the sweetest little pup and just loves napping in the sun! ☀️ Stay tuned for videos of her progress 🐶

04/22/2025

Springtime in Florida brings sunshine, warmer temperatures, and lots of outdoor fun for pups and their people. But with the change in season also comes an increase in shedding, pesky fleas and ticks, and pet hair collecting on every surface of your home.
This guide will help dog parents in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, and across the Treasure Coast prepare for the season with practical tips on managing shedding, protecting your pup from parasites, and keeping your home fresh and clean.
Click the link below to learn more! ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Discover essential spring dog care tips for Florida

04/18/2025

Some dogs love the car. Others? Not so much. Whether your pup is overly excited, nervous, or prone to pacing and whining, helping them feel comfortable during car rides is a skill worth building.

Start by treating the car like a training environment, not just a mode of transportation. Short, positive sessions where your dog simply sits in the car without going anywhere can build comfort. Use treats, toys, or a favorite blanket to help them feel at ease. If your dog struggles with excitement, practice calm loading and unloading, and reward quiet behavior.

And if motion sickness or anxiety is part of the picture, your veterinarian can help with supportive options. The goal is for your dog to see the car as just another part of their routine—not something to fear or get overstimulated by.

04/17/2025

Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language: What Are They Really Saying? 🐶

Dogs may not speak our language, but they’re communicating with us all the time—through posture, facial expressions, and movement. Learning to read your dog’s body language can help you better understand how they’re feeling and respond appropriately in different situations.

A wagging tail doesn’t always mean happiness—it depends on the tail’s height, speed, and movement. A loose, wagging tail at mid-height usually signals friendliness, while a high, stiff wag could mean excitement or tension. Similarly, lip licking, yawning, or turning away can be subtle signs that your dog is stressed or unsure.

By paying attention to these signals, you can catch early signs of discomfort before they escalate into barking, growling, or reactivity. Understanding your dog’s body language isn’t just helpful for training—it’s essential for building a stronger, more respectful relationship.

Have you noticed your dog communicating something surprising with their body language? Share your story in the comments!

04/13/2025

Florida’s warm, humid climate might be paradise for beach days—but it’s also the perfect environment for fleas and ticks to thrive year-round.

Even during months that feel cooler, these pesky parasites don’t take a break. That’s why consistent flea and tick prevention is a must for every Florida dog. These parasites aren’t just annoying—they can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tapeworms, and can trigger allergic reactions or skin infections.

Don’t rely on outdated treatments or occasional use. Talk to your veterinarian about the best, vet-recommended options for your pup. Whether it’s a chewable, topical, or collar-based solution, staying protected is key—especially if your dog loves exploring the outdoors, dog parks, or even just your backyard.

Florida bugs don’t mess around—neither should your prevention plan.

04/11/2025

Easter Safety Tips for Your Pup!

Easter is a joyful time filled with sweet treats, colorful decorations, and springtime fun—but it can also bring some unexpected dangers for our four-legged family members.

Keep your pup safe this holiday with a few quick reminders:
• Chocolate and xylitol (a sweetener found in many candies) are toxic to dogs, so keep those Easter baskets out of reach.
• Plastic grass, plastic eggs, and small toys can be choking hazards or cause blockages if swallowed.
• Be cautious with Easter lilies and other spring flowers, which can be harmful to pets.
• If you’re hosting guests or an egg hunt, make sure your pup has a quiet space to relax away from the excitement.

We love seeing pups included in the holiday fun—just make sure it’s safe fun! Maybe a dog-safe Easter egg hunt or a new spring toy is the perfect way to celebrate.

Wishing you and your pup a happy and safe Easter from all of us at Goldstar Puppy Academy!

04/10/2025

Equipment for your dog can be tricky! With all the options out there, it's difficult to know what the best choice is. Here are some helpful pointers for important equipment to use and some bonus tips for using it on walks! Give us a call if you want help deciding what option is best for your dog 🐶

04/06/2025

We get our puppies vaccinated on time because we love them and we want to lessen the likelihood of infectious diseases that can cause illness, suffering and even death. Why then, don't people get their dog the vaccination against fear, anxiety, stress, panic and phobia?

Isn't emotional suffering and potential euthanasia enough of a reason to protect puppies as any other infectious disease?

Just like vaccinations, the timing of socialization is critical. You can't do it later. It has to be done before 14 weeks in most breeds.

Not only is the exposure important, but the nature of the exposure. Positive exposures put value in the emotional piggy bank and negative ones withdraw value.

There is no reason to avoid socialization if done well and safely, but there are lots of negative consequences to waiting to expose your pup to the world.

Give your puppy the best of both worlds—protection and preparation for a happy, confident future!

04/05/2025

Spring is in the air, paws are itching to run free, and your pup deserves a beach day, too! If you’re a dog parent on the Treasure Coast, you’re in luck. From the sandy shores of Vero Beach to shady parks in Port St. Lucie, this guide reveals the top dog-friendly beaches and outdoor spots to enjoy this spring — along with safety tips, etiquette reminders, and how to prep your pup for a fun and allergy-safe outing. Read our blog post below to learn more ⬇️

Discover the best dog-friendly beaches and parks in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, & Port St. Lucie. Learn beach etiquette, safety & allergy tips.

04/03/2025

Goldstar Puppy Academy FAQ!

Our comprehensive Board and Train program is designed to provide your puppy with expert training, socialization, and care while staying in a structured environment. Whether you’re curious about how long the program lasts, what types of training your puppy will receive, or how often you’ll receive progress updates, this FAQ section covers all the essential information. Explore the answers to our most commonly asked questions about our Board and Train services and discover how we can help your puppy develop into a well-behaved companion. Check out the link below to read all about the most commonly asked questions ⬇️

Get answers to all your questions about Goldstar Puppy Academy's Board & Train program. Ensure your puppy receives expert care and training

04/01/2025

Every year, an estimated 100,000 dogs die because they ride in the back of trucks. And that’s just the number of dogs that die—even more get badly hurt.

Truck beds don’t protect dogs from the weather. On hot days, the metal floor can get so hot it burns their paws or skin. If a dog is left in the sun without water or shade, it can get heatstroke very quickly.

Even though dogs might look happy with the wind in their faces, dirt, dust, and other stuff in the air can hurt their eyes, ears, and lungs.

Never tie your dog to the truck bed. If the dog falls or jumps out, it could get strangled by the leash. This can happen in an accident or even if the dog just tries to jump out.

If your dog has to ride in the back of a truck, put it in a crate. Make sure the crate is tied down tightly so it can’t move around or fall out. This will help protect your dog from the wind and weather.

Keep your pets safe!
Additional information can be found:

https://www.americanhumane.org/public-education/remember-safety-while-driving-with-pets/

https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/how-many-dogs-die-in-car-accidents

Credit: I Love Dogs

03/31/2025

Why Your Dog Needs Mental Exercise, Not Just Physical Activity

Many people assume that tiring out their dog means long walks or endless games of fetch, but mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. In fact, a mentally stimulated dog is often calmer and more well-behaved than one who only gets physical exercise.

Training sessions, puzzle toys, and scent work all engage your dog’s brain in a way that helps prevent boredom and unwanted behaviors. A high-energy dog who doesn’t get enough mental stimulation may still seem restless even after a long walk, while a dog who has worked through a problem-solving task or a structured training exercise will be more satisfied and ready to settle.

By incorporating mental challenges into your dog’s daily routine, you’ll not only help prevent destructive behaviors but also strengthen their confidence and problem-solving skills. A balanced dog isn’t just physically tired—they’re mentally fulfilled.

How do you challenge your dog’s brain? Share your favorite enrichment activities in the comments!

03/26/2025

We wanted to give a HUGE thank you to Islamorada Brewery for letting us host a fantastic group class at their Fort Pierce location! Pups and owners all had a blast! 🐕 islamoradabreweryfortpierce

03/25/2025

Have you heard of Lepto lately? 🐶

Recently, there have been a few reported cases of Leptospirosis in Indian River county—a reminder of why prevention matters. Leptospirosis (or “Lepto”) is a bacterial infection that dogs can contract from contaminated water, soil, or even by sniffing urine from infected wildlife. It can cause serious illness and, in some cases, affect humans too.

The good news? There’s a vaccine that helps protect against Lepto! While not considered a core vaccine, many vets recommend it—especially in areas where cases have been reported or if your dog is frequently outdoors, around standing water, or in contact with wildlife.

If you’re unsure whether your dog has had the Lepto vaccine, now is a great time to check with your vet and discuss whether it’s right for your pup. Preventing illness is always easier than treating it!

03/23/2025

The Benefits of Teaching Your Dog to Settle on a Mat 🐾

Teaching your dog to relax on a designated mat is one of the most useful skills for real-life situations. A mat cue helps your dog learn to stay calm in busy environments, settle during meals, and relax when guests arrive.

The key to mat training is making it a positive, rewarding space. Start by encouraging your dog to lie down on the mat and rewarding them for staying put. Over time, you can introduce distractions and increase duration, helping them learn that their mat is a safe place to relax no matter what’s happening around them.

Mat training is great for:
✔ Calming excitable dogs
✔ Helping with impulse control
✔ Giving your dog a “place” when guests arrive
✔ Making public outings easier (dog-friendly cafes, vet visits, etc.)

A well-trained “go to your mat” cue teaches your dog to settle in any environment—turning chaotic moments into calm ones. Have you tried mat training with your dog? Let us know in the comments!

03/22/2025

Finding the Right Dog for You: Why Google Isn’t Always Enough 🐶❓

Thinking about getting a dog? A quick Google search might tell you that a certain breed is “great with kids,” “low-maintenance,” or “perfect for first-time owners”—but it’s not always that simple. Breed descriptions online often focus on general traits, but they don’t always reflect the individual needs, temperament, or energy levels that can vary within a breed.

Instead of relying on a quick search, consider:
🔹 Lifestyle Compatibility – Do you want a high-energy dog who needs lots of exercise or a relaxed companion?
🔹 Training & Socialization Needs – Some breeds require a lot of structured training to be successful family dogs.
🔹 Grooming & Health Considerations – Long coats, breed-specific health issues, and dietary needs can all affect care requirements.
🔹 Individual Personality – Even within a breed, dogs have unique personalities that may or may not fit your expectations.

If you’re unsure which dog is right for you, talk to trainers, veterinarians, and reputable breeders or rescues who can give you real, experience-based insight—not just what a Google article says. The more research you do, the better chance you have of finding the perfect match!

Check out our blog post on our website on finding a reputable breeder if you’re finding yourself in search of the right breed for you!

03/20/2025

Preventing Door Dashing: Teaching Your Dog to Wait at the Door 🚪🐾

Does your dog try to bolt out the door the second it opens? Door dashing is not only frustrating but also dangerous. Teaching your dog to wait patiently at the door can prevent accidents and create a calmer, more controlled exit.

Start by practicing impulse control at the door:
🔹 Ask your dog to sit and wait before opening the door.
🔹 Slowly open it just a crack—if they move forward, gently close it and try again.
🔹 Reward them for staying put, then release them with a cue like “okay!” when it’s time to go.

Consistency is key! With practice, your dog will learn that staying calm at the door is the only way to go outside.

Does your pup struggle with door dashing? Let us know in the comments!

03/17/2025

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️🐾 Celebrating Irish Dog Breeds

Today, we’re tipping our hats (and wagging our tails) to some of the amazing dog breeds that hail from Ireland! These dogs have rich histories, unique skills, and plenty of charm—just like the Emerald Isle itself.

🍀 Irish Wolfhound – One of the tallest dog breeds in the world, these gentle giants were once used to hunt wolves and are known for their kind, loyal nature.

🍀 Irish Setter – With their stunning red coats and boundless energy, Irish Setters are playful, intelligent, and always ready for adventure.

🍀 Kerry Blue Terrier – Famous for their curly blue-gray coats, these confident and hardworking dogs were bred for farm work and make loyal companions.

🍀 Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier – Friendly and affectionate, Wheaten Terriers are known for their silky coats and joyful “Wheaten greetin’” when they meet new people!

🍀 Irish Terrier – One of the oldest terrier breeds, these fearless and spirited dogs were once used as farm protectors and messengers during wartime.

Whether you have an Irish breed or just a dog who enjoys good luck and belly rubs, today is the perfect day to celebrate! 🍀🐶 Do you have a favorite Irish breed? Let us know in the comments!