Honey goes where we go. And we go by bicycle. And sailboat. What will it take to teach a Golden Retriever that fun adventures await if she rides in a bicycle cart or climbs aboard a sailboat? Some special training. And lots and lots of patience. Where the Training Began We had been clumsily introducing …
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7 Reasons to Hire a Dog Trainer in a DIY World
The Webster household is into DIY. We rewired our house in Philadelphia without it becoming a home perm project. Our yard is filled with homemade agility equipment. I even cut my own hair for years. So why would we work with a professional dog trainer? Why not just rely on the dozens of books on …
Spring Naturals Dog Food Review – Fighting the China Syndrome
For years I’ve avoided buying products made in China. People thought I was nuts. But since 2008 when both milk products and pet supplements from China were found tainted with melamine, I’ve been one of a crowd. Meet Spring Naturals Seeing a strong consumer demand for pet food and treats made from safe sources, the …
What Motivates Your Dog?
Rewarding Your Dog You can train a dog without treats. But you can’t train a dog without knowing what makes her willing to do what you ask. Honey is easy. A morsel of turkey hot dog, a piece of cheese, or even a sliver of apple are a terrific reward for walking by my …
The Puppiness Project – The Resilience of a Mischievous Foster Pup
Gretchen Rubin wrote in The Happiness Project about the year she spent “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy.” The Puppiness Project is my attempt to learn the same from Honey, my Golden Retriever Chérie, our visiting Foster Pup. Don’t Cry For …
9 Things You Must Have to Foster a Dog
Today I planned to post my first home shot video. But I didn’t have time to edit it. You see, we have a new foster dog in the house. And a foster dog trumps professional-looking video. I thought you’d agree. Never Foster a Dog Without… 1. Paper towels and rags. Lots and lots of paper …
Look What Came In Through the Cat Door – Friday Funnies
I’ve read all kinds of stories lately about strange critters that find their way into houses through unsecure cat doors. But I didn’t read anything that equalled what happened to my neighbor in Philadelphia. Officer, I Found Something Stuck in My Cat Door I lived in Philadelphia just as crack made its way into the …
How to Make Dog Poop Green
Why should you make your dog’s poop green? Shamrock sh*t is the hot new designer color. No one wants dog poop in their drinking water. Ca-ca created this year should not still be around for the Zombie Apocalypse. If you picked two or three, you’re right. If you picked one, I’m a little worried about …
The Puppiness Project – Let Your Friends B & M (Bark and Moan)
Gretchen Rubin wrote in The Happiness Project about the year she spent “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, the current scientific studies, and the lessons from popular culture about how to be happy.” The Puppiness Project is my attempt to learn the same from Honey, my Golden Retriever. Have you ever come home from a bad day …
Educate, Don’t Intimidate – Blog the Change 4 Animals
I was excited. I was getting my first dog as an adult and could hardly wait. I dialed the number from the ad: “German Shepherd Rescue of Philadelphia has a handsome, two year old male looking for a home…” I told the woman who answered why I was calling. She started her list of questions …