Monday, November 30, 2009

FREE New Dog/Puppy Workshops in January!

We'll address common dog and puppy issues for the new (or future!) dog owner, including housebreaking, chewing, biting/nipping, canine body language, and socialization. We're reserving the last ten minutes of each session for Q&A and troubleshooting for attendees, so bring your questions!

Thursday, January 7th, 2010
6:00-7:30 p.m.
1901 Russell Street (at MLK)

Thursday, January 21st, 2010
6:00-7:30 p.m.
5205 Telegraph Avenue

See you there!

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Monday, November 9, 2009

Quiz: What kind of dog should I get?

It can be tough to choose a new dog or puppy, especially if you're standing in the shelter, looking at a row of sweet, hopeful faces. It helps to sit down with the whole household first, and make a list of what qualities in a dog are important to you.

Try to be realistic about what characteristics will fit your personality and lifestyle best. Do you love big dogs, but live in a studio apartment and don't have three hours a day to commit to running, throwing frisbees, and chasing squirrels with your new pooch? Rescue a mellow adult or spry senior who will be happy with a nice walk and a cuddle on the couch. Puppies are cute, but remember that they often need potty breaks every 1-3 hours during the day, as well as once or twice in the middle of the night while they're really little. If you're gone for 8-9 hours most days, plan on having a friend or professional dog-walker help out, or else adopt an adult dog who is already house-savvy.

Breed selector quizzes are tons of fun (right along with "What breed of dog would you be?"), but remember that there's a lot of variation within breeds, and that mixed breeds, along with being genetically healthier, can be the perfect combination of the qualities you love best.

Click here to take the quiz!

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Puppy Socialization Tours

Are you and your puppy suffering from cabin fever?

Puppies under 16 weeks old, or who haven't received a complete series of immunizations, are at high risk of contracting diseases if allowed to walk on the ground outdoors. For example, parvovirus, which presents as diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy and is often fatal in young puppies, is highly contagious and can live in soil for up to a year.

On the other hand, it's well-documented that puppies need to learn about the world around them before they are 16 weeks old. Friendly strangers, especially children; dogs and other animals; street noise; bicycles, skateboards, and motorcycles; dog-friendly shops and street fairs--all of these new and exciting sights, sounds, and smells, when experienced in a careful, positive way by your youngster, will make him a confident, social, and well-adjusted adult dog.

When even a five-minute romp in the front yard can be risky, but social isolation is clearly just as dangerous, what's a responsible owner to do?

Puppy Socialization Tours
serving San Francisco and the East Bay

We'll carry or cart your puppy safely through his new neighborhood, prearranging easy, fun events so that his field trip will be tailored to his personality and your lifestyle. Want a dog who will lay calmly under a cafe table while you sip your morning latte? Happily greet kids at the neighborhood playground? Hang out by the skatepark and not bat an eye? You got it!

Our trainers will ensure that your puppy gets proper stimulation without becoming overwhelmed. We're also available to help with housebreaking, chewing, biting and mouthing, and other common puppy issues. Call us today for an appointment or free phone consultation!

Ask about our 15% discount
for puppies adopted from shelters or rescues!

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Our New Year's resolution is to help you with yours!

Rebel Dog Training is ready to launch in January 2010, so get your naughtiest, rowdiest, craziest dogs ready for a little rock 'n roll ...'n freeze-dried liver snaps, and sign up on our website:


We offer group classes for puppies and dogs, private in-home training, and special workshops and camps to teach your urban dog the skills he needs to be a civilized member of society, while nourishing the Rebel Dog spirit within. We also offer one-on-one dog-walking, training and enrichment for fearful, dog-aggressive, or special-needs dogs.

Thanks for checking us out, and see you soon!


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