Dependable Partners Dog Training, LLC

06/09/2021

Did some gardening today, switching out dying summer annuals for healthy fall annuals. And I learned some new things! Mums can give dogs upset stomach, and lantana are poisonous. They're now in front, not in the back with my dogs.

Here's some more info on plants and pups.

Know before you grow, and your pets will thank you!

11/08/2021

01/08/2021

If you have puppies, be careful of over-exertion (too much activity) and especially activities that put a lot of stress on joints.

When you get your 8 week old puppies, please keep these images in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

When you're letting your puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile with no traction you are damaging the joint.

You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.

Once grown you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.

By Patricia Crespo
Photos Veteriankey.com @62 days

*Many Bones are not fully fused until 13mo of age.

20/06/2021

If you're heading back to work and concerned about the change in routine for your dog...

Dog and cat adoptions climbed in 2020. Pets have been constant companions — easing our grief and fears. Now it's our turn to ease dogs' separation anxiety, as we head back out into the world.

02/07/2020

UPDATE 6/23/203 Currently, I am not offering dog training classes. Happy Tails, the dog training business which had contracted me was sold to Feeders Supply.

If you are an existing client and want to set up a private virtual (internet-based) Zoom class with me, I'm happy to schedule it and accept payment via PayPal prior to the class. $55 for 40 minute session (recommended for most behaviors). You'll need access to a computer with Zoom software downloaded, a reliable internet connection, and a space suitable for the behavior(s) you want to train.

I also offer in-person OUTDOOR private lessons for established clients (and those referred by former clients.) $60/hour or $35/ half hour.

If you are an established client and you're interested in setting up a Zoom session or want a private OUTDOOR session, please PM or email ([email protected]) me and we can chat about what you want.

18/06/2020

Summer officially begins this week. Please don't leave your dogs unattended in a vehicle when it is hot.

I’d bet the farm that everyone who follows me knows how dangerous it is to leave a dog in a car in warm weather. But still, what if just one person needs a reminder? Or, if you share this with someone who might appreciate one?

14/05/2020

This is excellent advice! I've been taking my now 6-month old German Shepherd, Zoe, to shopping centers. She likes the low-level activity that we've found in these places and can relax most times. In areas with more movement, she stops moving herself to take it all in. So follow the advice below - wait until your pup becomes bored. Also: Once they're routinely bored with a minimal level of activity, next time, go to a new place that has more activity!

I’m seeing a trend in Covid-time puppies. They are very triggered by movement.

To me this suggests they are not seeing enough. I spend hours a week sitting in different places in the real world. Take your own lawn chair and watch traffic. Watch people going in and out of shops. Watch kids playing.

They key is to stay long enough until your puppy is bored.

Socializing means seeing the world. Not interacting with it...

Monique Anstee
VICTORIA, BC

07/05/2020

COVID-19 update: I won't be teaching group pet obedience classes at Holiday Manor Feeders Supply until August at the earliest (I will not be teaching in the June session). As someone with a new puppy myself, I know the lack of classes nowadays can be challenging. I do, however, think this is the safest for everyone.

In the meantime, if you want to set up a private virtual (internet-based) Zoom class with me, I'm happy to schedule it and accept payment via PayPal prior to the class. $65 for 50 minute session (recommended for most behaviors) or $35 for half hour for targeted training or brushing up on skills. You'll need access to a computer with Zoom software downloaded, a reliable internet connection, and a space suitable for the behavior(s) you want to train.

If you're interested in setting up a private session, please PM me and we can chat about what you want and if a virtual session would work for your needs.

25/03/2020

Prevent your pups from getting too attached now, if you're home a lot more than you used to be!