Rebel Dog Training Blog

Housebreaking, redux

2011-10-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

My wife and I have fostered god-knows-how-many puppies over the last several years, keeping them warm and fed and socialized until they're big enough to be altered and adopted. In the process, we've typically had them very close to potty trained by the time they went back to the shelter (by the age of 8-10 weeks, mind you). Thus I've adopted a very smug attitude towards housebreaking: "Oh, if you're having problems, you must not be trying hard enough."

Two weeks ago, we brought home The New Puppy.

(I think you can see where I'm going with this.)

It was so easy to house train the foster pups. Ohhh so easy. *sadly shaking head* And I think this is why: They were foster pups. Of course we adored them and spent hours cuddling and playing with them, wishing they could be ours forever. But we knew they'd be going back in a matter of weeks or months (even days, sometimes), and so we didn't mind putting forth the SUPERHUMAN amount of energy that is flawless housebreaking. We also let our own pup, Mesa, the ridiculously cute Golden Retriever, toddle around much more of the house than the foster puppies ever had access to.

Typically, they were granted one new room (say, the living room, or the bedroom) after several days of no accidents in their current living spaces, and only for 15 minutes at a time--and only when we knew their bladders were empty. Whereas I love having a new "Velcro Dog" and am delighted to have Mesa follow me around everywhere, even if that means I occasionally forget to make sure that whatever she's chewing under my desk while I'm working is okay.

The moral of the story is that puppy training is easy. It's tedious, and it may occasionally require an egg timer, but it can be boiled down to a few simple rules.

1) Never take your eye off puppy.

2) If you're taking your eye off puppy for a second, put him in the crate.

3) If you're taking your eye off puppy for more than an hour, put him in his comfy puppy-proof room (e.g, a bathroom, the laundry room) with his crate or bed, toys, safe chewies, water, and a potty area.

4) NEVER TAKE YOUR EYE OFF PUPPY.

So far, while taking our eyes off puppy, we've sustained a chewed a/v cable, a chewed credit card, pee in the middle of our bed (no, it's not because she's salty because we pet the other dogs or other Cesar Milan-type nonsense), a joyously unfurled roll of toilet paper, a dug-up bed of moss roses (see photo), and a puppy garbage fiasco after she (very quietly) learned how to open the lidded trash can in the bathroom. I blame the work-to-eat toys.

It's not as bad as it could be. She is getting potty trained and chew-trained, slowly but surely, under the increasing diligence of the sheepish humans. And hey, it's nothing compared to my first dog as an adult, who in our first two years together (yes, two years; I never learned) chewed up two cell phones, my eyeglasses, about sixty paperbacks, all the windowsills in my apartment, and a couch, down to the wooden frame.

Nope, this new kid's not bad at all. But maybe next time I can just remember to... oh, that's right. Never take my eye off the puppy.

Free classes for Pit Bulls this fall!

2011-09-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

We love Pit Bulls and other bully breeds and mixes. They tend to be sweet, people-oriented, and ready for adventure! We're not the only ones--lots of people, including families with kids, seniors, and differently-abled folks, are in love with their "pibbles" and swear they're the best dogs around.

Even more than we love Pit Bulls, we love Pit Bull owners. They face housing discrimination, jeers and horrified looks even while walking politely through their own neighborhoods, and are routinely denied access to places like... Denver.

So we're throwing you guys a bone. Call or email any time to nab a spot in our FREE obedience classes this fall, exclusively for bully breeds and mixes. All classes will be held in San Felipe Park, D Street, Hayward, rain or shine!

The first 4-week session will be on Saturdays, 1:00--2:00 p.m., from October 22 through November 12.
The second session will be on Sundays, 1:00--2:00 p.m., October 23--November 13th.

We're limiting class size to ten dogs in each session, and each class will have two experienced instructors present to ensure lots of individual attention for each dog.

We'll cover the basics: Sit, Down, Stay, Come, Wait at doors, walking nicely on-leash, polite greetings (not jumping on people), and even a couple of cute party tricks so you can convince Grandma that your beast is actually pretty tame. Charming, in fact. And he comes with his very own diploma.

P.S. Check out BAD RAP's excellent online database of SF Bay Area Pit Bull resources, like pit-friendly housing!

Little Dog Lost

2011-09-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

My beloved dog Daisy died suddenly this summer, on the fourth of July in fact. We'd had a fun, relaxing holiday planned--search-and-rescue training in the early morning, some yardwork during the day, a small barbecue with friends in our quiet suburban cul-de-sac. Isn't that how these things happen? She started vomiting in the morning, and by late afternoon she was gone.

In the middle there were several hours at the emergency vet's, where they gave her some fluids and anti-emetics and pronounced her well enough to come home. She passed away quietly soon after, laying on her dog bed in the living room where I'd been lazing on the couch with the newspaper. When we rushed her back in, the clinic staff were stunned.

The two months that have gone by since we lost a healthy, vibrant, 4-year-old dog, my search-and-rescue partner in training, my wingman, have been a blur of shock and grief. My wife and I cry every time we find a ball in the yard. It's true we have two other dogs that we love to bits, but none that crawl up in bed at night to squeeze in-between us for cuddles. None that I can take out for a ten-mile trail run, and that will turn around to look at me with that particular gleam in her eyes.

Maybe this is inappropriate for a blog post. The relationship between technology and story-telling is a smoky one. But Daisy, my "problem child," was the reason I clung so hard to any new scrap of dog behavior and training knowledge I could find; she's the reason for this business, the reason for this blog. Dogs like her are maybe my reason for being.

I realized how lucky I am to be surrounded by friends and coworkers who know dogs as family members, as close friends, just as powerful and precious in their lives as their human loved ones. My community blessed my household with company, phone calls, held hands, casseroles, and check-ins to see how we're doing even now, two months later. For grieving families without that kind of community, or who just need more support, I've found the following resources.

The Pet Loss Support Page is a comprehensive on-line list of California hotlines, support groups, counselors, and cemeteries and cremation options for pet families.

Stacy's Wag 'n Train also offers an up-to-date events listing for NorCal/Bay Area dog resources, including a pet loss support group at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley and one at the San Francisco SPCA, both on the first Tuesday of each month. On third Tuesdays, there's also a group at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. These group sessions are free, typically offer printed handouts or other resources for you to take home, and are a nice way to feel you're not alone and to help other pet families feel heard and understood as well. The grief counselor can also help you sift through difficult emotions about getting another pet, as well as offer ideas about rituals or other ways to honor your pet and come to terms with your loss.

Daisy's ashes are still in her urn in my office; we can't bear to scatter them yet, although my wife and I bought beautiful glass lockets to store a bit in, when we finally open the urn. We plan to take a driving trip to lay her to rest in all her favorite places: Stinson Beach, Fort Funston, the In 'n Out Burger at the Oakland Coliseum. She was a fierce, beautiful soul, a bright star, and she lingers still in all the places we knew her.

Genetically Poor Predators (except when it's a squeaky toy)

2011-01-19T17:13:00.000-08:00

I was doing dishes this afternoon with the patio door open and the dogs puttering in and out, when I realized it'd been awfully quiet for a while. I went into the backyard to investigate and found Daisy fussing over something in the grass. It was a dead mole, its wet fur plastered to its fat little body on one side. Once Daisy saw that I was just a passive observer, she went back to what she was doing: nibbling at its fur, then pawing at the mole and thrusting at its body with her nose.

Why didn't she eat it? If she was playing with it, why didn't she rip it open and pull out all the innards, like she spends hours doing with her stuffed toys?

Ray Coppinger, in his book Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution, says that perhaps our domestic dogs have lost part of their genetic code, the part that says "chase prey, then grab prey, then bite prey, then eat prey." More or less. He postulates that certain elements of the sequence have been added or lost, depending on what humans wanted dogs to do. For example, what good is a retriever that retrieves a half-eaten duck? Not much... Thus, hunters bred retrieving dogs who would "chase, grab" but not "bite, kill, eat." Border collies and other herding dogs have a special sequence of genetic code that says "eye-stalk, chase," the eye-stalk being that special lowered-head glare they use to intimidate the flock.

So what does that mean for Daisy? Maybe that, as a (very) mixed-breed dog, she's retained the entire predatory sequence...except for "eat"?

But why, then, does she rip apart (essentially, play-eat) her stuffed toys? One answer might lie in the sometimes-bizarre, sometimes-hilarious area of genetic drift. Some genes get passed on kind of accidentally--that is, by chance--not because they help the animal survive or procreate, or do much of anything important. This phenomenon is what causes dogs to spend an inordinately long time scratching a "nest" in a smooth couch cushion before laying down. It would make sense in a pile of leaves, grass, or snow, but what the heck good does it do on the couch? It's just a mostly-useless genetic remnant of a behavior that used to be very important, maybe even life-saving, to dogs (or wolves, or a missing link between them), but nowadays doesn't hurt (or help) dogs' chances for survival.

We're still anxiously awaiting a lot more research in the field of dog behavior. At this point, it's hard to say much for sure. Except rest in peace, Mr. Mole. And Daisy: please don't lick my face for a couple of hours.

New Shelter Standards of Care Guidelines

2011-01-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

Finally, from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters!

A few excerpts that resonated with me:

"(T)here can be a large gap between adequate care and deficiencies serious enough to prosecute under existing cruelty statutes. This leaves the possibility that substantial numbers of animals will live in substandard conditions within organizations expected to protect animal welfare. In some cases, the organizations that are at fault for providing inappropriate or negligent care are governed by the same entity that investigates animal cruelty, creating a conflict of interest. ...

Many factors can alter the capacity for care. For example, loss of animal care staff, or malfunctioning enclosures, can temporarily decrease the capacity for care until such time as new persons are hired and appropriately trained, or enclosures are repaired or replaced. Operating beyond an organization’s capacity for care is an unacceptable practice. ...

Ideally, shelters should maintain their populations below maximum housing capacity to allow for daily intake as well as more flexibility when choosing appropriate enclosures for each animal. Maximum housing capacity must not be exceeded. Even though enclosures may be available, it may be necessary to leave some empty due to other constraints on capacity for care (e.g., staffing levels and opportunities for enrichment). ...

Organizations that develop their own evaluation should do so in consultation with a veterinarian or behaviorist familiar with the science and theory of behavior assessment. ...

Enrichment should be given the same significance as other components of animal care, such as nutrition and veterinary care, and should not be considered optional (ILAR 1996). At a minimum, animals must be provided regular social contact, mental stimulation and physical activity (ILAR 1996). For some animals, social needs may be partially fulfilled through interaction with members of the same species. ...

Training programs for dogs and cats (e.g., to condition or teach basic obedience commands or tricks) also serve as an important source of stimulation and social contact (Griffin 2009a; Laule 2003; Thorn 2006). For dogs, such training has been shown to increase chances for re-homing (Leuscher 2008). Training methods must be based primarily on positive reinforcement in accordance with current professional guidelines (APDT 2003; AVSAB 2007; Delta Society 2001). ... Sufficient resources (e.g., trained staff, time for behavioral treatment, adequate housing and working space) must be available to provide appropriate care if behavioral modification is attempted. The techniques required are generally labor-intensive and time-consuming and must be applied consistently over a period of time in order to be successful."

5 Tips for Teaching Your Pup How to Spend Time Alone

2010-12-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

by Andrea Arden, reprinted from dogtime.com

I am convinced that sweet puppy breath is nature's form of Love Potion No. 9. Once exposed, you become intoxicated and powerless to do anything but reschedule your life so that you can spend as much time with your new puppy as possible. Days pass and you feel your mood and spirit lighten as you witness them romping about in their inquisitive, enthusiastic, and not yet fully coordinated manner.

These brief bursts of entertaining energy are balanced with hours spent watching the peaceful, deep slumber that is unique to a baby animal. Your hazy, love fog begins to clear when you realize you must head to work, school, or the grocery store. But, the thought of leaving your new little puppy at home by him or herself can be enough to send even the most rational pet parent into guilt overload. This is exacerbated once you head out the door and hear the whimpers, whines, howls and barks of a pup that suddenly realizes they have been left alone. What ensues is nothing less than mutual canine and human separation anxiety.

Puppies are programmed to seek out social connections for safety and comfort. Spending time alone is something that is inherently foreign to them and that they are unlikely to have experienced in early puppyhood while they are with their mother and littermates. However, as spending time alone will be a consistent requirement for almost all pet dogs, helping a young pup to develop the skill to self pacify and spend time calmly and quietly without their family nearby is a vital part of early puppy education. Doing so will take the stress out of separation for you and your dog. However, be mindful that helping your puppy learn this skill should be balanced with a well-planned and implemented socialization program so that they also learn to enjoy the company of a wide range of people.

In most ways, the dog's preference for sociability works in our favor. After all, they have been our devoted companions for years and will work by our side, alert us to intruders and otherwise be all one could hope for in an animal companion. However, this propensity for sociability also means that we must allow for a gradual adjustment to learning to spend time alone. Furthermore, each dog is an individual and deserves to be provided with all that it takes for them to learn in as stress free a manner as possible that is appropriate for their particular temperament and experience. So, be sure to proceed with the following tips at a rate that is appropriate for your pup.

1. Make the most of your pup's need for plenty of rest.

As wonderful as it is to cuddle with your sleeping pup, try to use vital nap times as opportunities for your dog to be separate from you when it is likely easiest for them. Resting in a suitably sized crate is usually the best option as it not only provides a safe resting spot, but when used properly will also be a useful housetraining tool. Start by placing your pup in his or her crate just after elimination in an appropriate spot and at times when they seem most in need of a nap. The crate should be nearby you or other family members. But, over the course of a couple of weeks you should be able to gradually move it farther away. When your pup wakes up, be sure to carry them immediately to their potty spot.

2. Use puzzle and chew toys to keep your puppy happily occupied when not engaged in play with you.
Dogs, especially puppies who are teething, love to chew. Have a selection of five to ten chew toys on hand for your pup to play with. The three general varieties are: toys which are hollow in the middle and dispense your pups dry or wet food (such as Busy Buddy Twist n' Treats, Kongs, and Activity Balls), toys which are hollow in the middle and can be stuffed with soft food which does not drop out when pushed about, but that your dog can work to get (such as sterilized white bones with a small opening at each end), chew toys which are digestible (such as Flossies and Bully Sticks). Providing your dog with these engaging chew options will keep them happily occupied when you aren't engaged with them.

For three more tips to help your pup become the happy, well-adjusted adult dog you know he can be, even when he's home alone, see Andrea's full article here.

Is your dog ready for the holidays?

2010-11-21T11:22:00.001-08:00

From the Thanksgiving turkey to house guests to holiday decorations, temptations abound for the average pet. How will your dog's training stand up to the challenges?

Take our survey now!

Try Treibball!

2010-11-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

Looking for a new sport to play with your favorite canine? Energetic dogs of any breed, especially herding breeds or ball-crazy pooches, might enjoy Treibball--and, we guarantee, so will their owners.

At the whistle, the dog bumps and "herds" a flock of eight balls into a net, one at a time, while his human teammate calls out directions to keep him on track.

Treibball ("drive ball") emerged in Germany in 2003, and recently has gained some fans stateside. Classes and competitions are starting to pop up (for classes in northern California, see www.livingwithdogs.us), and curious owners can check out the American Treibball Association for more information, or to find (or start!) a Treibball club near you.

Cheers to finding new ways to play with your dog!

Canine Cognition: Why the controversy?

2010-11-01T21:10:00.001-07:00

Most dog lovers feel in their guts that canines are more than simple input-output machines; that they think, feel, and have consciousness and empathy. But canine cognition, the science of dog intelligence, is still a controversial field. Let's take a look at the evidence.

Until the 1950s, scientists favored a reductionist model of psychology, using experiments on animals (for example, the Skinner box) to show simple processes that they believed would illuminate some facets of undoubtedly more complex, sophisticated human intelligence. This early work is still valuable today; classical and operant conditioning, in particular, inform much of modern dog training practices.

However, research continues to expand our knowledge of non-human psychology. As scientists turned increasingly to primates, marine mammals and other animals, instead of the typical rats and mice, and as the field of ethology (studying animals in their native habitats) grew, we found surprises around every corner. In hindsight, it seems obvious: of course animals behave differently in the field than in a laboratory maze. Long-term projects, like the chimpanzee studies of Washoe and Nim, provided insights into social learning, tool use, and other never-before-seen aspects of animal behavior.

The most controversial subjects of animal cognition may be those of consciousness, language-learning, and empathy.

Consciousness, or self-awareness, was long measured by Donald Griffin's mirror test, in which researchers apply some paint or marking to a subject animal's face while it's sleeping. Upon awakening, the animal is placed in front of a mirror. Humans and other primates tend to touch their face on or near the mark, demonstrating that we recognize the face in the mirror as our own. Bottle-nose dolphins have also shown self-recognition in this fashion.

Dogs fail this test miserably, leading some to the conclusion that they have no concept of self. That is, until Marc Bekoff reframed the experiment. Dogs aren't as visually-oriented as us, he posited, so why not play to their strong suit? Bekoff designed an experiment using smell, specifically, testing whether dogs could pick out their own urine from that of other dogs. Not surprisingly, the dogs aced it.

Language also seems to be a sore spot for humans. We hate to admit that we're not the only species with extraordinary talents in this arena, but a variety of species have learned language or language-like behavior, including woodpeckers, cetaceans, and Irene Pepperberg's famous African Gray Parrot, Alex.

Finally, empathy. Anticipating others' actions (thus their internal states) has been well-documented for decades in species such as chimpanzees and elephants, but say out loud, "My dog knew I was sad and tried to comfort me." Go on. I dare you. Many pet owners face derision for claiming that their dogs are able to have empathy for humans or other animals, but you'll feel better after reading this article in Scientific American about Frans de Waal's studies with mice.

What do you think? I'd love to hear your opinions, based on your own experiences, anecdotes, and... cognition.

Pet Dog Manners classes starting soon!

2010-10-22T21:40:00.001-07:00

Rebel Dog will be offering group classes in the East Bay beginning next month. Our convenient "levels" format, with each lesson offered every week, means that you can train at your own pace. You can retake classes, go on vacation without missing class, or even finish the 5-week course in one weekend!

Pet Dog Manners is a traditional basic obedience course, covering Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It, Recall (coming when called), walking nicely on-leash, and much more. Classes are capped at 5 dogs per session (8 dogs maximum with Assistant Instructor), to ensure individual attention and troubleshooting for your dog.

See you soon!

2010-10-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

"The truth is that you already are what you are seeking."
--Adyashanti

Teaching "Bow"

2010-07-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

1) Lure front legs and chest down with a food lure.

2) Mark with "Yes!" or clicker, then treat.

3) When behavior is easily lured, add in cue ("Bow") before lure. (Daisy's not quite ready for this yet.)

4) Phase out lure.

5) Start thinking of next trick! :)

10 Easy Tips to Potty-Train Your New Dog or Puppy

2010-07-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

1. Feed your dog on a schedule. Give him 15 minutes to eat, and no more. If you know when it goes in, you can predict when it'll come out.

2. Take him to his designated potty spot within 5 minutes after eating, waking up, playing hard, or drinking water.

3. When he pees and poops, consider him "empty" and give him 15 minutes of free run-around time in the house.

4. After 15 minutes, put him on leash and tie the leash to your belt loop, chair, or something sturdy within your eyesight--and keep an eye on him! He can follow you around the house or settle down quietly to play, nap, or chew a safe chewtoy, and won't be wandering around unsupervised to pee, chew, or otherwise perfect his Master of Disaster routine. This is also good for bonding. :)

5. Take him out every hour at first, whether he's a 10-week-old puppy or a 5-year-old who's new to your house (or is for any other reason not housetrained).

6. When he's home alone, or if you're too busy in the house to watch him, confine him to a small space the size of his bed (usually a crate or kennel) so that he will wait to pee until you come and let him out. Make sure it's big enough for him to stand up, lay down, and turn around comfortably, but not much bigger. Pet store staff can generally help you find an appropriately-sized crate for housebreaking. If you'll be gone for longer than he can hold it, don't crate! Instead, put him in a puppy-proofed room (e.g, bathroom, laundry room, kitchen with a baby gate) with his open crate or comfy bed, water dish, toys, and some newspaper or puppy pads so that he can relieve himself.

7. Increase the time he's expected to "hold it" very gradually. For pups, a good rule of thumb is to add one hour to the puppy's age in months. (Ex., a 5-month-old puppy may be able to go for 6 hours without peeing or pooping.) Pups can generally go a little longer at night, but often need to be taken out to potty once or twice in the middle of the night until they are 3-4 months old.

8. Remember that all dogs are individuals, and that they learn and grow at different rates.

9. Remember that just because your dog *can* hold it for 10 hours doesn't mean it's humane for you to make him. You could probably abstain from peeing for 10 hours, too, if you had to, but how comfortable would that be?

10. Applaud yourself for being a kind and diligent pet parent, and take it easy on yourself. Puppy will make mistakes, and so will you, but if you're patient and consistent, you'll get through the learning curve in no time...together.

Holiday pet precautions--have fun, stay safe!

2010-04-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

The holidays are upon us again! As with any occasion that involves special human treats, be careful to watch what your pets eat. Chocolate rabbits are a definite no-no, along with other candy, fatty or spicy foods, and the usual suspects: onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, parts of the avocado plant, grapes and raisins, and the popular artificial sweetener xylitol. Be careful with holiday plants, too--lilies (toxic for cats), daffodil and azalea bulbs, and other common plants and flowers can also be harmful.

Well-meaning guests sometimes slip pets treats without knowing they're potentially harmful, so if you're unable to keep both eyes on your furry family, consider putting them in another room during festivities. This will also avoid pets darting out the door when guests enter or exit, and will keep pets from becoming overwhelmed with the noise and bustle.

If your pets are welcomed into your friends' or families' houses during the holidays, you may want to bring a large crate with your dog's cozy, familiar bedding and toys, to give her a place to relax when she needs a little down time. Bring lots of chewtoys, a pre-stuffed Kong, or something else to keep her occupied while you visit (unless there will be other dogs there and you think it may cause tension). I like to have a "diaper bag" with lots of options to keep my dogs busy and quiet, just like I would bring a coloring book and crayons for a toddler. New places are very exciting for dogs, with new smells and interesting objects, and remember that dogs don't know what's okay for them to chew, explore, or play with until they're taught. Grandma's antique ragdolls in a wicker basket in the corner seem just like their toys and toybox at home!

Whatever your plans for the weekend, stay safe, be patient with your dog's misadventures with human culture, and have fun!

Spay/neuter now mandatory in Las Vegas

2010-04-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

In a heroic effort to reduce pet overpopulation, Las Vegas city council members ruled that all pets over the age of four months must be sterilized, with exceptions for service and law enforcement dogs, animals with extenuating medical conditions, and show dogs registered under fanciers' permits.

Last year, 62 % of pets taken into shelters in Las Vegas were put to death--over 12,000 animals. The Humane Society of the United States says, "Many people believe that their pet's puppies or kittens would never become homeless shelter animals. But the reality is that every time the dog finds his way under the fence to visit the neighbor's female dog, or the indoor/outdoor cat comes back home pregnant again, the result is a litter of dogs or cats. Even if they are placed into homes, it is still possible for them to end up in shelters once they become "hard to handle," or for them to reproduce further and for the next generation of puppies or kittens to wind up homeless.

Many people are surprised to learn that nationwide more than 3 million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters. Spay/neuter is the only permanent, 100-percent effective method of birth control for dogs and cats."

The Las Vegas spay/neuter ordinance was adopted in November, and goes into effect today. A similar mandate will go into effect in Clark County on May 1st.

Canine Good Citizen tests now available!

2010-03-22T11:28:00.001-07:00

Rebel Dog Training is pleased to offer AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) prep classes (private and small-group) and evaluations. The tests cover basic good manners exercises, like walking politely through a crowd, being handled by a friendly stranger, and staying in place until the handler gives a release command.

Check out a complete explanation of test items online, or contact us any time with questions or to sign up for a prep class or exam!

Daylight savings can throw off dogs' potty schedules

2010-03-13T20:33:00.001-08:00

As you turn your clocks forward an hour tonight, take a moment to think about how this odd human custom might affect your dog's routine. Since dogs can't understand our "time change," and can't control when they go outside to relieve themselves, daylight savings time can force even the most well-trained dog to urinate or defecate in the house.

To help your dog through the time change, take a day or two to shift their eating and potty schedules gradually, if possible. If you're one of the many nine-to-fivers who's accustomed to rushing home right after work to let Fido out, you may need a little help to get through the first few days. If your dog holds it for eight hours every day and is used to urinating at 5:30 p.m.--and 5:30 p.m. on the dot--help him out by having a friend, neighbor, or professional dog-walker come for a ten-minute potty break at lunch or in the afternoon.

By the end of the week, you and your pooch will be back on the same schedule, and your rugs will have nothing to show for it.

Adventures on the Central Coast

2010-03-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Carpinteria is a slow-paced beach town cradled between the mountains and the sea, about twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. "Carp," as the locals call it, is renowned as a dog-friendly town, and we can attest to its reputation after what turned out to be the perfect four-day camping trip. Our three pooches had a great time running on the beach, hiking the trails, and relaxing on the patios of some very yummy eateries.

Our picks:

In Carpinteria:

Carpinteria State Beach Campground

All the campsites are just a two-minute walk from the beach, and are adjacent to a great hiking trail with a nice, lush meadow for off-leash doggie play. About a half-mile up the trail is a roped-off viewing area on the bluffs, overlooking the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary. The protected harbor seals spend much of their time sunbathing on the rocky shore, with occasional dips in the ocean. From December through May, the spot serves as a birthing habitat, and you can watch the little ones playing and swimming in the tide pools.

5361 6th St, (805) 684-2811

$35-55 per night, $10 for day pass

Jack's Bistro & Famous Bagels

We adore Jack's, where the big patio has shady palms, heat lamps, and lots of room between the tables so the dogs can stretch out. Jack's boasts friendly staff, great service, and the best Bagel Benedict this side of the 101. Try the Salmon Scramble or, for adventurous palates, the Jalapeno Bagel with Jalapeno Cream Cheese.

5050 Carpinteria Ave, (805) 566-1558

M-F: 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sa-Su: 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Island Brewing Company

This award-winning, family-run brewery is worth a trip in every season. Owner Paul Wright, who got his start at the Marin Brewing Co., is a certified judge and enjoys exploring with limited release and seasonal brews. Island offered just ten gallons of a very dry Passionfruit Weiss this Valentine's Day, and last week introduced their delicious cask Vanilla Bean Stout. Their dog-friendly patio has a restful ocean view, and is a short walk across the railroad tracks from the campground.

5049 6th Street, (805) 745-8272

M-F: 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sa-Su: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

In Santa Barbara:

Harbor House Inn

If you're after a little more pampering, we recommend these cozy cottage-style studios, just a block away from dog-heaven West Beach in Santa Barbara. Included in the very affordable rates are 3-speed cruising bicycles, a huge breakfast basket complete with dog biscuits, and beach chairs and umbrellas to help you while your day away in comfort.

104 Bath St, Santa Barbara; (805) 962-9745

$119 (cute suite with Queen bed) to $325 (for deluxe King with fireplace or hydrotherapy tub), $15 pet fee

The inn is a short walk away from downtown State Street, where you'll find plenty of dog-friendly restaurants (try The Natural cafe, at 508 State St, for tasty vegan fare), as well as OffLeash pet boutique (1103 State St), in case you forgot Fido's favorite rubber ball.

Catch our article this month in BayWoof!

2010-03-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Pick up a copy of BayWoof at any Bay Area pet-related venue and check out the Good Dog! column. Our article, "Dogs on the Run," covers all you need to know to get started running on the roads or trails with your pooch.

Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your good (and tired) dog!

Daisy and Jaime enjoy a run at Don Castro Regional Park in Hayward.

Shy Girl, and a camping dress rehearsal

2010-03-05T06:36:00.000-08:00

We're taking our first family camping trip with all three dogs on Sunday, and have been taking every opportunity to habituate our fearful dog to the things she'll encounter. As far as she's come, we're often reminded that she's still nearly a feral dog at heart.

Willa, aka "Shy-Shy Girl," was one of the infamous Gabbs dogs, rescued from a 150-dog hoarding case in rural Nevada in early 2008. These dogs lived together in outdoor runs, with hay bales for shelter and little to no human contact. Shy Girl was estimated at about five years old when she was rescued from Gabbs, and was found living in an underground den (dug by the dogs) with a few other adult dogs and a litter of puppies. I met her when she arrived at the East Bay SPCA in Oakland, where I was working as a shelter dog trainer, and after a few weeks we brought her home to foster. Christened "Molly" by my roommate Dan, Shy Girl made slow but steady progress, and was able to join us in bed for short naps when she thought we weren't looking. After a month, I decided she was ready to find a forever home, and she did, with a very loving woman who worked as a schoolteacher and had a big, quiet house with a secure backyard.

I saw our shy girl, now named "Bella," weekly for a while, as her devoted new mom brought her to a special Wallflowers class at the shelter. She was painfully agoraphobic, and often panicky, but was doing well in her new home. We all breathed a sigh of relief and congratulated ourselves on what seemed to be a happy ending.

That summer, I got a call from Shy Girl's adopter, saying that she had darted out of the car at a trailhead, and that although she'd been searching for hours, Shy-Shy was gone. We contacted all the local shelters, and Shy's adopted mom posted flyers everywhere, and kept searching for weeks, along with friends and a couple of her friends' dogs who Shy-Shy had known and gotten comfortable with. There were a couple of sightings over the summer: a hiker called and said he'd caught a glimpse, and her martingale collar showed up in faraway Danville, but that was all. As the months passed, we grimly assumed the worst.

Until she was caught with a feral cat trap by an East Bay shelter near the trailhead she'd disappeared from, nearly a year after she'd disappeared. There'd been a mistake--she'd been adopted without being spayed first--and a shelter worker had found her with a litter of puppies, and used them as bait to lure Shy-Shy into the live trap.

Her adopted mom cried with joy at the news, and visited Shy Girl at the shelter, but she'd adopted another dog that year and didn't feel confident that she could keep Shy-Shy safe and happy, after all that had happened. Right away, we knew that we'd invite her home with us, this time for ever.

Shy-Shy Girl, once Molly, then Bella, now Willa (but she still answers to "Shy-Shy," and we can't quite shake the habit of calling her that), is not a normal house pet, but she's getting more comfortable all the time in our strange, urban, human environment. She is a domestic dog in the sense that her species has been domesticated, but she is, even now, not quite tame. She doesn't enjoy petting, although she tolerates it. She'll do anything for food, and steals our other dogs' bones and chewies and hoards them in her crate, along with tissue paper and wool socks.

She's still in survival mode. But occasionally, a relaxed, joyful, puppyish version of herself will peek out, and play with other dogs, give me a quick play bow, or chase a pigeon in our backyard. She's conquered lots of demons: she comes out to greet our guests (to see if they have cheese for her--and we ensure that they always do), she jumps into the car and is able to settle nicely in her spot on the floor behind the driver's seat, and even nap while we drive. She knows to look forward to drive-thrus.

So, we decided it's time she come with us camping. It'll help that our other dogs, Daisy and Chew Boo, will be there (and will be enjoying it more than anything else on earth!). It'll also help (I'm hoping) that we've had the tent set up in our living room for the past week, and that Shy-Shy's new pop-up crate has been set up in the bedroom, right next to her regular crate.

Today, two days before our trip, I'm taking Shy-Shy (and Daisy, as Good Role Model) on a camping dress rehearsal at Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Park, a ten-minute drive from our house. We'll bring the tent, Shy's pop-up crate (for inside the tent), some bedding, and lots and lots of awesome snacks and chewies--and a good book for me (The Human Zoo, by Desmond Morris, would be apt). We'll set up, sniff around the campsite, hang out inside the tent for an hour, stuff Shy Girl with hot dogs, and come home. And hope that our little trip on Sunday leads to yet another huge step forward for our little Shy.

Here's to shy and special dogs everywhere--and to vacations for their families!

Resources for shy or fearful dogs:

A must-read: Help for Your Fearful Dog, by Nicole Wilde, available online here.

This excellent book, The Cautious Canine, by Patricia McConnell, is available from dogwise.com.

The Thundershirt: compression can help some animals relax (see Temple Grandin's book Animals Make Us Human for a description of the Squeeze Box she invented for cattle, and how the same technique works to calm autistic children). My boss at the time I fostered Shy Girl, Sarah Wharton (the B&T director at the East Bay SPCA), fit Shy with a tight little t-shirt before we took her home, for the same reason. There's no way we can gauge how much it helped, but as they say, it sure can't hurt.

Likewise, soothing music; dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP), available in spray form, as a diffuser, or as individually packaged travel wipes; other scents such as lavendar; and flower essences or herbal remedies, given orally, or as a drop massaged onto the dog's ear or nose, can't hurt and might help.

Training "Shut the Door," part I

2010-02-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Training Daisy to shut the door.

Daisy already knew "Touch," touching her nose to my hand target. From there, we worked on transferring the target from my hand to the piece of tape on the door. The jackpots (excited "Yes!" in the video, followed by multiple treats) are for quicker than average response times or for touching harder or for longer than usual.

Stay tuned for Part II! :)

It's National Pancake Day!

2010-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

For humans--

free short stack of hotcakes at participating IHOPs from 7-10 a.m. today, mmmm!

For dogs--

homemade pumpkin pancakes (hold the syrup).

Happy Pancake Day, and see you at the trough!!

Outwitting Dogs: great attitude, and a great book!

2010-02-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm reading Outwitting Dogs: Revolutionary techniques for dog training that work!, by Terry Ryan and Kirsten Mortensen, and I love it! This is one that I'd recommend to clients; it has tons of very practical, doable tips and techniques for training and management, and the language is friendly and easy-to-read.

So tell me: what are you reading now, or what's your favorite dog book?

Hike Review: Mission Peak

2010-02-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

With 2200 feet of elevation change over five and a half miles, this hike is not for the faint of heart. But if you and your pooch are fairly fit, bring lots of water, and pace yourselves, you'll earn a stunning panorama of the South Bay (not to mention big-time bragging rights).

Daisy and I started out at about 8:30 on a Friday morning, from the staging area at the east end of Stanford Avenue in Fremont. We began on an excellent note by making friends with two big labs and an ultrarunner, who encouraged me to come back for the Ohlone 50k in May. ("You already have the perfect dog for it!" True that.) Then, with a preemptory sip of water, we started our slow slog up into the rolling hills. (Well, I started slowly. Daisy ran big circles around me.)

The weather was perfect: bright and sunny, and a cool fifty degrees. Perfect for shorts and a long-sleeved shirt.

Halfway up, we picked our way over a cattle guard, and Daisy saw her first cows up close. In this photo, she's lifting a paw and turning her head away (she also licked her lips several times), a very nice example of canine communication, and what Turid Rugaas calls "calming signals."

There were plenty of other runners and hikers, more than half with dogs, and everyone was chipper and chatty. We couldn't help it; the air up there is intoxicating.

Although we weren't pushing the pace by any means, we reached the summit in a little over an hour (ebparks.org predicts a five-hour round trip, which would be a relaxing stroll even our spry senior dog could handle), and sipped more water while we enjoyed the view.

And then we ran down.

Trail specs:

Address: East end of Stanford Avenue, off Mission Blvd

Fremont, CA

Map

Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk

Parking/admission fees: None!

Restrooms: Yes, in parking lot at trailhead

Water: Bring your own.

Camping reservations (Ohlone Wilderness Trail): 1.888.EBPARKS

Great hike directions/info at Bay Area Hiker.

Valentine's Day pet photo contest winners!

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

1st prize

Maria Karunungan

"Maya and Jared"

2nd prize

Teresa Tolone

"Bubba"

3rd prize

Michelle Jones

"Fianna"

Congratulations to all our cute doggie photo entrants, and happy V-Day!

Are you watching the Super Bowl?

2010-02-04T19:59:00.000-08:00

Take the Super Bowl pledge:
Support the pit bulls of New Orleans!

The Sula Foundation is dedicated to fostering responsible pit bull ownership through low-cost veterinary clinics, education and advocacy.

DIY Acupressure for Dogs

2010-02-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

Acupressure is a hands-on, fingertip therapy that works by applying pressure to various identified points on your dog's body. It originated over 3,000 years ago as part of a holistic healing system called Traditional Chinese Medicine (or TCM). Chinese medicine holds that all animals have a "life force" called qi (pronounced "chee") that moves through the body through pathways called meridians. Specific points on these meridians that are located close to the surface of the body, then, can be accessed to re-establish balance in the movement of the qi.

Acupuncture is a deep treatment technique that should be performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist registered with the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture or a holistic veterinarian. Acupressure, on the other hand, is something that you can provide for your dog daily, free of charge! While it does by no means replace regular veterinary care, it is a wonderful supplement that can be used to relieve pain, reduce muscle spasm, support healing, and strengthen the immune system.

Starting with a light massage or simple 'petting' will start the acupressure session off nicely. Acupressure can be performed with the dog standing, sitting, or lying down, depending on your dog's natural preference and the particular point you will be addressing. So, when you are ready, you can begin to zero in on your dog's acupressure points.

Once you have found the point, place your index finger or thumb on the point and apply steady pressure with a single straight finger. Try and imagine a slow and even continuum of energy entering his body at that point. It might sound hokey, but it will keep you from poking in an awkward or sudden motion that can startle or confuse him. Slowly increase the pressure and release after 5 to 15 seconds, depending on the body language of your dog. A dog who is ready to be released from a point might tense his muscles, make a sudden movement, or even yelp. Make sure you use your own dog's comfort level as a guide, and by no means should a dog acupressure point be held longer than 15 seconds. More is not better in this case. However, do feel free to treat several different points in one sitting, always repeating each acupressure points on both sides of the body to maintain balance.

If you come across a tender spot on an acupressure point (often marked by a twitch when pressure is applied), simply use a gentle massaging motion to relax the muscle. Then, use the aforementioned acupressure technique to release the tender point. Adding a few counter-clockwise rotations to your finger just before releasing may help in these areas as well. Of course, use extra care and gentleness in these areas on all occasions. Think of long-term health and healing. A small massage and gentle release today and tomorrow may be your canine companion's start on his road to recovery. Keep a record of your work, noting tender areas as well as improvements and you will be amazed at the difference this dog therapy can make!

(information and photos courtesy of luckydoghealth.com and horseqi.com)

Last day to submit photos for Valentine's Day contest!

2010-02-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

We have some really cool prizes to give out, including an original ink or watercolor portrait of your pet by Berkeley artist Maria Leria; a gift certificate to Holistic Hound; a Rebel Dog t-shirt; and more!

Send V-Day themed pet photos to info@rebeldogtraining.com

or post to our facebook page.

Entries due tonight at midnight!

Flush Puppies

2010-01-31T19:15:00.001-08:00

Have you guys heard of this? Flushable doggie waste bags that are water-soluble and break down in about ten minutes (and are also 100% biodegradable if thrown in the trash). The company's site (e3living.com) says that "in a city of 100,000 people or 43 square miles, dogs can generate about two and a half tons of feces per day. That's almost two million pounds a year."

Oh boy that's a lot of poop bags.

The power of suggestion

2010-01-30T09:23:00.000-08:00

Putting the finishing touches on my article for the March issue of BayWoof. Topic? Running with dogs.

Every time I work on it, I want to put it down and go run!

I think that's what Daisy's thinking, too.

Tennis Balls: the root canal of all evil

2010-01-26T22:44:00.000-08:00

Does your dog have worn-down canine teeth? Is she also the World Champion of fetch? There could be a connection: chewing tennis balls can cause tooth abrasion, abnormally rapid loss of the top of the crown of the tooth.

What's an active dog to do? Try rubber balls, like Chuck-It Ultra

or the Planet Dog "Orbee."

Of course, the best advice comes straight from your favorite vet. Don't be shy about asking what toys (or chewies) your vet recommends. The Rx will always end in play!

Bullylicious!--one night only

2010-01-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

A Bay Area Benefit for Bully Breeds,

presented by Bad Rap and Pinups for Pitbulls

February 20, 7:00 p.m.

Autobody Fine Art Gallery

1517 Park St, Alameda

$10 cover

18+/21 for beer and wine bar

Burlesque by Little Darling, Bunny Pistol & Barbary Coast

Live music by 77 El Deora and Patty Schemel of Hole

Raffle--Silent Auction--Merch--Pinups and Bullies

Moscow dog-friendlier than ...Bay Area?

2010-01-21T16:37:00.000-08:00

Let alone PET dog-friendly; even the strays there are allowed on subways (apparently). Check it out: Financial Times article and photo blog.

Cute online game: Pavlov's Dogs

2010-01-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

This short but sweet game, courtesy of nobelprize.org, demonstrates classical conditioning in action! Ever want to make your spouse salivate at the word "chores"? Pair this technique with chocolate, folks, and you'll have a spotless house in no time.

Play it here.

A Tale of Two Dog Parks

2010-01-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

Daisy and I decided to try out a new dog park today, McKinley Square in the Potrero Hill neighborhood (find it at 20th Street at Vermont). This is a small park, less than an acre, with just the hillside located on the west slope of the park okayed for off-leash play. However, the view is spectacular (like most dog parks in the Bay Area), and there's a nice, wood-chip-surfaced trail connecting the dog park area to the kids' playground and street parking at the top of the hill. When we went, at 11 a.m. on a weekday, we were all alone except for the fog and a woman with an elderly Rottie.

Daisy says: 2 paws up.

After lunch, we stopped by our old stomping ground at Alamo Square Park. We love this place for more reasons than we can count: the dogs and people are chill (it tends to be owners with one or two dogs, unlike many dog parks frequented by group dog-walkers, where the ratio can commonly reach 7-10 dogs per 1 human); there's a lot of space and paths to explore, with both shade and sun in abundance; and there's a drinking fountain we both can reach. Street parking can be tricky, but keep driving around the park and you're bound to find a spot within a couple rounds. Afterward, hit up the Corner Store (Scott Street at Hayes) for a cup of their Alamo Square blend and the best deli sandwich around, manned by a couple of film students and a die-hard Red Sox fan. They'll take care of you.

Daisy says: 4 paws up.

Valentine's Day Photo Contest!

2010-01-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Send us your favorite dog photo

with a Valentine's Day theme.

Or Anti-Valentine's Day--

we love those too!

Winners will get awesome prizes, including:
Grand Prize: Original ink or watercolor portrait of your pooch

by Berkeley artist Maria Leria
Runner-up: Gift certificate for Holistic Hound or pet boutique of your choice
Booby Prize: This one's a surprise. Don't worry; you'll love it.

Photo submissions due by February 1st, 2010, at midnight.
Post to Rebel Dog's facebook page or send as attachment to info@rebeldogtraining.com. Winners will be contacted by February 10th, 2010, via facebook or email.

All submissions will be posted to the Rebel Dog facebook site for your enjoyment.

Thanks, and have fun!!

"Mine" - Documentary about pets and Katrina

2010-01-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

This heartbreaking documentary follows New Orleans residents who were separated from their pets during Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of pets were left behind during the disaster, but many of those were saved and eventually rehomed by rescuers. "Mine" tells the story of what happened next. Watch the trailer.

See it now at:

Roxie Theater

16th Street at Valencia, SF

Jan. 9-14

iTunes

Recipe: No-Bake Oat 'n Fruit Crunchies!

2010-01-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

1 cup nut butter

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons molasses

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

1/2 cup dried cherries (or cranberries, apples, or mango)

2 cups cheerios

Combine nut butter, butter and molasses in a large bowl.

Stir in yeast and fruit.

Add cereal and stir gently but thoroughly.

(If mixture is very sticky, add a bit of flour.)

Roll into balls or mold into cookie shapes.

Place treats on cookie sheets covered in waxed paper.

Refrigerate until firm.

When firm, balls may be removed from sheets and stored in

tupperware in the fridge.

Great for teething puppies!

(Recipe courtesy of yummyfordogs.org)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

"Happy New Year!"

from our family to yours.

Dogs Chasing My Car

2009-12-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

This moving photography series by John Divola is part of an exhibit now showing at UC-Riverside that examines, through photos, videos, paintings and sculptures, human interactions with animals and attempts to explore how animals experience the human world. The exhibit also includes workshops like "How to Act Like an Animal," in which participants watch video of animal behavior and do related theater exercises.

'Intelligent Design: Interspecies Art'

Where:

Sweeney Art Gallery

3800 Main St., Riverside

951-827-3755

When:

Tuesday - Saturday, noon-5 p.m.

first Thursday of each month for ArtsWalk, 6-9 p.m.

Through February 6th.

Admission:

Free

Dog jokes never get old.

2009-12-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money. -Joe Weinstein

Caring for pets in hard times: Bay Area safety nets

2009-12-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

We all agree that pets provide unconditional social support for the people who love them. When owners struggle to care for their pets, whether the challenge is buying kibble, finding a ride to the vet, or walking the dog despite an illness or accident, it's not just the pets who suffer. Not being able to provide proper care for their pets can be devastating for owners, who often consider animals their best friends or closest family, and the effects of the human-animal bond, whether healing or harmful, reach far into the community.

Fortunately, there are fantastic resources for Bay Area pet owners, as well as would-be volunteers.

Youth Engagement, Advocacy and Housing (YEAH!)

This Berkeley group provides shelter, meals, education, and support for homeless youth, and goes out of its way to accommodate pets. YEAH! also sponsors frequent mobile veterinary events around the Bay Area.

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS)

These volunteers serve low-income senior, ill, or disabled pet owners in San Francisco, providing pet food, services and supplies to help keep pets in their homes, as well as free or low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter clinics throughout San Francisco and the Peninsula. (Other branches serve Los Angeles and San Diego.)

SHARE's Side-by-Side program, Marin Humane Society

SHARE (Special Human-Animal Relationships) provides pet food, vet care, grooming, and many other services to low-income Marin County residents who are seniors, living with HIV/AIDS, or receiving hospice care. The Marin Humane Society also provides information about financial assistance for pet owners and emergency vet assistance.

Volunteers are always needed to help keep these and other programs running. Donations of pet food, collars and leashes, cat litter, used towels and other supplies are also greatly appreciated. And of course, cash is welcome, too: in SHARE's "Sponsor a Senior" program, just $300 covers a senior's pet care for about a year.

Finally, if you know of someone in your community who could use a little help, whether that's a quick dog walk once a week, help arranging transportation to the vet, or an occasional can of cat food, pitching in could mean the difference that allows that pet to stay in its home. And that's good for all of us.

FREE New Dog/Puppy Workshops in January!

2009-11-30T12:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Berkeley Public Library--South Branch

1901 Russell Street (at MLK)

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

6:00-7:30 p.m.

Oakland Public Library--Temescal Branch

5205 Telegraph Avenue

See you there!

Quiz: What kind of dog should I get?

2009-11-09T20:18:00.001-08:00

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.

C lick here to take the quiz!

Puppy Socialization Tours

2009-11-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

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!

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

2009-11-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

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:

www.rebeldogtraining.com

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!