Playtime Paws

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Playtime Paws

Specialize in private dog behavior sessions, new puppy training, and education. We are located in North Jersey but also provide ONLINE options as well.

Playtime Paws specializes in dog parent education, training, and behavior consulting.

24/08/2023

Have a nippy puppy? A dog with unlimited energy? Does your pup love to chase?

You don't have to work with me long to hear me talk about the flirt pole. 🎣

It's a pole and bungee cord with a toy attached at the end.

✅It's great for keeping small hands away from sharp little teeth!
✅It can satisfy your dog's chasing instinct!
✅It can tire out the high-energy pups!

As with all new things, ⛑️SAFETY FIRST!⛑️

Play in short bursts (especially with young puppies!) and gradually increase the time to avoid injuries or over-exhaustion (creating cranky pups).

You can find the one I use at www.playtimepaws.com/supplies or search "flirt pole for dogs" at your favorite online pet shop.

22/08/2023

Hey there, pet parents! 🌟 With all the new faces here, I'm overdue for an introduction. 🙋🏻‍♀️✨ I'm Debbie, host of Your New Puppy's Podcast and owner of Playtime Paws. I'm a dog trainer best known for working with new puppies.🐕‍🦺

I also have a lot of experience with adolescent dogs, dogs that struggle with shy and fearful behaviors, and other common dog behaviors. 🐾

Simply put I'm a Jersey girl with a passion for dogs and the humans that love them. 🐶💕

Whether it's raising your puppy, managing your teenager, or fine-tuning your perfect pup I've got you covered! 🎉

So, tell me: What would like to see from me here?
Training tips? Fun dog videos and memes? Ways to bond with your fellow pup parents? All of the above? 🙃 🖊️

15/08/2023

When potty training our puppies we are teaching them they always go potty outside.

Sometimes what we teach them and what they learn are two different things and we don't realize it until it's too late!

Luckily this one has a simple fix.

13/09/2021

You're dog is a unicorn! But you already know this.

What I want to know is...

What makes your dog a unique?

09/09/2021

Dog play can look a lot like fighting if you're not used to seeing it.

Although Miriah and Ollie are biting each other and showing their teeth, the periodic sneeze is a sign to the other that they're only playing.

This silly little signal is one of many ways to know that the dogs are just having fun!

Does your dog ever sneeze when playing with you?

08/09/2021

These girls are my biggest distraction but they also get me through my days.

They seem to decide to chase a raccoon up a tree the moment I hit record on my podcast.

They always seem to want an early breakfast on the same day I decide to sleep in.

They're also there to nap with me on a lazy Sunday and up for walk anytime I need some fresh air.

It's just the Dog Mom Life.

🎶 I get by with a little help with my friends 🎶. No one said those friends had to be human!

How do your dogs help you get by?

05/01/2021

Last chance to sign up! 2 spots left for tomorrow’s class!

www.Playtimepaws.com/workshop

The struggle with adolescent puppies is real!! They have more energy, they're getting smarter, and boy do they know how to work you!

This is about when you start to say "my dog is amazing, and I love them will all my heart, they really are the best…BUT it's just that they _______ (fill in the blank: bark, dig, counter surf, pull on the leash, jump on guests, destroy the couch, all of the above...).

I want to help you with that "BUT"!

You have it mostly under control you just have a few issues to work out or maybe just a few questions to ask.

That's why I've brought back my Virtual Not-So-New Puppy Workshop. Come join 10 of your fellow dog owners from all over the world and ask me ALL the questions you have. We'll have some fun, get your Q's answered, and even learn from each other.

There are 4 workshops ready for registration now. They start in January, but prices go up on December 31, 2020!

www.playtimepaws.com/workshop

Feel free to message me with any questions!

02/01/2021

A live virtual workshop with me for puppies between the ages of 5-18 months old.

Includes 4 weeks of trouble shooting and Q&A sessions with me.

Get your questions answered, learn from others', hang out with other puppy parents, and get my best advice!

Class starts Tuesday!

www.playtimepaws.com/workshop

31/12/2020

At least one thing didn’t change this year. I’ll be spending New Year’s in my jammies with my girls. Probably in bed by 11 (ok ok probably 10).

Is your pup part of your New Years plans?

Have an amazing New Year and I’ll see you on the other side!

The struggle with adolescent puppies is real!! They have more energy, they're getting smarter, and boy do they know how ...

30/12/2020

25/12/2020

Shhhh we’re sleeping in 😴.

We’re sad that we won’t be seeing as many loved ones this year but we get to take advantage of this rainy Christmas morning and catching some extra zzzzz’s

Merry Christmas to all that are celebrating even if it looks a little different this year.

09/11/2020

Do you love to pick up and cuddle with your dog? Your dog may enjoy it too!

In their natural world dogs aren’t handled like they are when they live with us. Us humans are very handsy.

But, teaching our dogs how to be handled goes beyond picking up and cuddling.

If your dog comes in from a walk limping, you want to be able to check their paws.

If your dog starts shaking her head a lot, you want to be able to check inside her ears (and even clean them!).

Or when they have something in their mouth you want to be able to get it out.

From grooming to medical care to the good Samaritan that grabs your dog’s collar, you want your dog to be used to being handled in many different ways.

The best way to do this is from a young age. I teach my clients Pass the Puppy.

Use a chunky treat or bone, let your puppy chew away while you take turns handling them. Check their paws, check their ears, grab their tail, roll them on their back, etc. The point isn’t for everyone to do everything every day but do some each day and the consistency will pay off with trust and peace of mind!

Your vet, groomer, and trainer will thank you!!

Handling is one of the three important skills that your dog should be learning from day one! For more listen to my latest episode of Your New Puppy’s Podcast. Listen where ever you get your podcasts!

07/11/2020

Is your dog pushy? Barks at you for attention? Can’t stand being separated from you? Grabs treats from your hand? Tell you when it’s time to get up? Gobble down their food before you even put the bowl down?

If you’ve ever had a 15-week old puppy throw a tantrum (maybe it almost looks like they tried to attack you!) then you know what I’m talking about.

They may have low impulse control or low frustration tolerance.

Like the kid in the supermarket that throws a tantrum when he can’t have the candy… yes, he is genuinely upset that he can’t have the candy and we need to help him deal with that but the last thing we want to do is give him the candy.

This is also part of our puppy’s normal development.

This can be really hard for us because we can’t explain to our dogs (especially our puppies) WHY they can’t have something. So the guilt sets in and we justify giving it to them.

The good news is there are many skills we can teach our dog this self-control:
Crate training
Stay
Leave it
Wait
And many more.

Pretty much anything that teaches then how to wait or work for the things they want.

BUT If we don’t teach our dogs how to deal with that frustration when they can’t have what they want when they want it then we have a dog that has no patience and will end up running the household.

Impulse control is one of three important skills that your dog should be learning from day one! For more listen to my latest episode of Your New Puppy’s Podcast. Listen to where ever you get your podcasts!

06/11/2020

Want your dog to come when called? First, you need to get his attention.

Want your dog to leave that plastic bag alone? First, you need to get her attention.

Want your dog to stop barking at all the people walking by? First, you need to get their attention.

Why?

Because, if your dog's paying attention to YOU, they’re not pulling on a leash or chasing the squirrel or barking out the window.

One of the most useful tools you can teach your dog is to look at you when you say their name! It’s the first step in almost all training with your dog.

This is why it’s one of the first things I teach my clients.

The simplest way to start is by saying their name and immediately making fun things happen! Attention, treats, toys, play, food, anything your dog loves!

Attention is one of the three important skills that your dog should be learning from day one! For more listen to my latest episode of Your New Puppy’s Podcast. Listen where ever you get your podcasts! Or stay tuned right here this week to learn what the other two are...

On a scale of 1-5, how easily can you get your dog's attention (1 being "not at all!)?

05/11/2020

Do you reread books? The list of books I have read more than once is very short. They include The Harry Potter Series, Ready Player One, and this book.

The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. is by far my favorite dog behavior book I've read. She has a great way of breaking things down with a touch of humor that I love!

It's always a top recommendation to any dog owner that wants to learn more about dog behavior.

Do you have any recommendations?

04/11/2020

You never know, they just might...

01/11/2020

“What? You’re just gonna burn it anyway”

Bromley hopes your November will be filled with warmth and a good stick.

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Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 19:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 19:00
Thursday	09:00 - 19:00
Friday	09:00 - 19:00
Saturday	09:00 - 12:00

Website

http://playtimepaws.com/

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Videos

Dog play can look a lot like fighting if you're not used to seeing it. Although Miriah and Ollie are biting each other and showing their teeth, the periodic sneeze is a sign to the other that they're only playing. This silly little signal is one of many ways to know that the dogs are just having fun! Does your dog ever sneeze when playing with you?

Not So New Puppy Behavior Workshop

A live virtual workshop with me for puppies between the ages of 5-18 months old. Includes 4 weeks of trouble shooting and Q&A sessions with me. Get your questions answered, learn from others', hang out with other puppy parents, and get my best advice! Class starts Tuesday! www.playtimepaws.com/workshop

With Covid restrictions still in place finding internet and charging places have proved challenging! Plus with no air conditioning I’m not comfortable leaving the pups alone. Hopefully this won’t last long 🤞🤞🤞

Oh wait! That’s me again. Like most dog trainers I had to turn to virtual dog training to continue to help my clients. John Elliot and I talked about that too!

Yours truly was interviewed by John Elliot from CBS 2!! We talked about separation anxiety, what it really means and how to handle spending time away from home again! Miriah and Lucy also make their debut!

Welcome back to phase two of an activity-a-day while we are home with our dogs. If you missed last week’s activities check out my feed, they’re there waiting for you. Let’s get to today’s activity because it’s an oldie but a goodie! 🎾🎾 Fetch! 🎾🎾 If your dog already knows how to play fetch, skip to the bottom where I give you ideas to change it up. For those of you that haven’t taught your dog yet, here are the first steps! What you’ll need: ✔1 human ✔Your dog ✔A toy (traditionally a ball) To Play: 1️⃣Get your dog excited about the ball. 2️⃣Roll the ball for a very short distance (I’m talking inches). 3️⃣If they bring it back throw a party and reward!! 4️⃣Roll/throw for longer distances. Tips: ✅Start in a small room or area so your dog and the ball don’t have far to go and there are minimal distractions. ✅If your dog doesn’t bring the ball back, don’t worry just try again and roll for a shorter distance. ✅Stay super excited and playful. This will encourage your dog to stay engaged with you and the game. ✅Different dogs respond differently to rewards (tug, praise, throwing the ball, etc) find the ones that both encourages him to get the ball AND bring it back to you. Does your dog already know Fetch? ✅Use a Chuck it or a tennis racket to send the ball further. ✅Use an odd-shaped ball or toy so its bounce is unpredictable. ✅Switch to a Frisbee. ✅Add a game of tug between throws to up the exercise. Any other tips from our veteran fetchers? Take a video or picture of you playing with your dog and tag me. I wanna see! Come back tomorrow for a new activity!!

Rover Round Robin

Today’s activity is my personal favorite. If you’re one of my clients, students, listen to my podcast, or have been following me for a while you know what it is!! I even have a special download for this one (more info below). 🐶🐶Rover Round Robin🐶🐶 What you need: ✔️2 or more humans ✔️Your dog ✔️Treats, toys, and a silly attitude To Play: 1️⃣Stand a few feet apart. 2️⃣Take turns and call you dog to you. 3️⃣When your dog reaches you, shower him with praise, give him treats, and/or play a game of tug. Tips: ✅Start close together while you and your pup are learning. Add distance once your dog learns the game. ✅When it’s your turn to call your dog, throw a party! Get excited, tap on the floor, whatever you need to do to get your dog to come (hint dogs LOVE playfulness!). ✅If it is not your turn, stay boring and ignore your dog. This game is great for reinforcing recall, giving your dog exercise, a way for the whole family to play with the dog! To get a cheat sheet with step by step instructions, including different ways to play (including turning it into a game of hide and seek) head over to playtimepaws.com/game! 🎥 Take a video or picture of you playing with your dog and tag me. I wanna see! 👀 Come back tomorrow for a new activity!!

Scavenger Hunt

Over the next week, I am going to post an activity-a-day that you can play with your dog. Try each one and see which one is your dog’s favorite. Yesterday was Puppy Soccer, today 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️Scavenger Hunt!🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️ What you will need: ✔️1 or more humans ✔️Your dog ✔️Your dog’s dinner and smelly treats To Play: 1️⃣Keep your dog in a separate room as you hide portions of their dinner mixed with the treats. 2️⃣Put a few pieces in plain sight to get them started. 3️⃣Bring your dog in and let them sniff and hunt! Tips: ✅Start with super smelly treats (liver treats work) while they are learning the game then you can switch to their food only once they get the hang of it. ✅Start with super easy places (where he can see it as well as smell it) until your dog gets the hang of it then up the challenge. ✅Puppies are still developing their ability to sniff out food so make it super easy for them. ✅Don’t hide it where your dog has to break a house rule to find it (in the couch or on a shelf). This is great nose work, tires out their brain and fills the tummy! Take a video or picture of you playing with your dog and tag me. I wanna see! Come back tomorrow for a new activity!!

Puppy Soccer

Over the next week, I am going to post an activity-a-day that you can play with your dog. Try each one and see which one is your dog’s favorite. Let’s start with a super easy one! ⚽️⚽️Puppy Soccer⚽️⚽️ What you’ll need: ✔️1 or more humans (you'll take turns) ✔️Your dog ✔️Your dog’s dinner (or dry treats, or peas, or anything that will roll across the floor) ✔️A tiled or wood floor (no carpet) To Play: 1. Show your puppy the food or treat. Let them sniff it and get them excited about it. 2. Roll across the floor. 3. Once they catch it, call them back to you. 4. Repeat! Tips: ✅Start with short distances while your dog is learning. ✅Make sure the dog sees you roll the food. ✅Great for young kids and adults! ✅Feed your dog dinner and get some exercise and bonding time as well!! What do you think? Take a video or picture of you playing with your dog and tag me. I wanna see! Come back tomorrow for a new activity!!

So today is National I Want to Make You Happy Day 😋. Yeah so that’s a thing. But is there a better holiday to for you and your dog?? I made my dogs happy by bringing them for an off leash romp. They made me happy by not rolling in raccoon poo! Win win!! How do you and your dog make each other happy???

Kid and His Dog

You can't plan something like this. It was the first time Ollie and Ian met and this moment couldn't have been more perfect. What this album worthy video doesn't capture is how 4 minutes later Ian wanted nothing to do with Ollie because he jumped up and nipped at him. For some reason, we didn't get our phones to capture that moment. Something that comes as a surprise for most parents is how much you need to supervise and manage the dog-kid relationship. Some tips ✅ have the kids use toys when playing to avoid nipping ✅ the crate is DND area so your puppy has somewhere to go if they need a break and ✅ parents always supervise so you can intervene before frustration starts. This is also why I have specific lessons inside YOUR Perfect Puppy (my online new puppy course) to help parents make sure the kids are the puppy's best friends! I talk about more things that they don't tell you in episode 43 of my podcast. Listen free at playtimepaws.com/episode43 or wherever you listen to podcasts.

I think Miriah is in love 😍. Miriah doesn’t play much anymore. She’s more of a “let’s chill in the shade together” kinda dog. Every once in a while a dog comes along that brings out her inner puppy. Just like us dogs will bond immediately with certain dogs and others not so much. Your dog’s personality will drive whether they want to play with ALL the dogs, stick with their best friends, maybe need some warm up time, or would rather be left alone with their stick. Having a well socialized dog isn’t about loving all the dogs, it’s about learning how properly communicate, understand, and react properly to their fellow canines. Your dog might not enjoy playing with EVERY dog. Socializing them as puppies teaches them how to handle the dogs they don’t like as well as the dogs they do. So they will not only learn how to play with other dogs but how/when to stop playing or how to ask the other dog to stop or leave them alone. Socializing your puppy with a well socialized adult dog can be the best lesson you give them all week!

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Our Story

Playtime Paws is located in North Jersey and is dedicated to helping our fellow fur moms and dads. We support our fellow pet owners through education, dog training, and behavior consulting.