Don't Use Choke Collars

These can cause neck and throat injuries, and are not necessary to use in training. If a trainer tells you, "It's just a little jerk, it doesn't hurt," your response should be, "Just to be sure then, lets put it on you and try jerking it on your neck before we try it on the dog I love."

Rule of Three

Follow the “rule of three.” If you catch your dog doing something once, expect it to happen again. If he does it twice, then ask yourself, “Do I want him to continue this (good) behavior? If yes, then reward the behavior with a treat or praise. If no, then make an immediate correction.

Rocky River Classes

Next session starts March 7.

Group Sessions Starting in North Ridgeville and Rocky River Soon

Visit the "Upcoming Classes" link on THE Dog Class website to select a class.

Classes Start Tonight in Rocky River

New Classes start tonight in Rocky River at Elmwood Park.

February 2011 Newsletter

THE Dog Class February 2011 Newsletter

Wipe Those Paws

Be sure after your dog is outside during the cold weather, you wipe his paws when he comes inside. This is to remove small chunks of snow and ice, and also salt crystals that might be used as sidewalk and road deicer. These all can cause harm to his paw pads.

New Training Classes Starting Soon

New Training Classes will be starting soon in Fairview Park. And now, you can register online by clicking here and selecting Adult Programs. Puppies/Beginners and Intermediate start March 10.

Leadership Tip

When going through a doorway, always make your dog go through it after you do. In the pack, the pack leader is first. You can have your dog sit first, and you can use the command of "wait" as well.

Halloween Dog Safety Tips

Halloween can be a fun time, but it can also be a scary time for dogs.  Here's a few tips to consider:

• Be careful the your dogs don't eat the trick-or-treat candy.  Chocolate can be toxic and in large doses, fatal.  Wrappers can cause intestinal blockages.  Many candies will result in an upset stomach.  So make sure your kids keep their candy away from where your dog can reach it.
• Even the calmest dog might become nervous or scared by people in costumes.  Give your dog a safe place to relax during trick-or-treat time or parties, away from the action.  If your dog does become scared or excited, remember, as the pack leader, you need to remain calm.  Reassurance is fine, but don't baby your dog or overdo it.  A calm, relaxed leader will help a dog be calm and relaxed.  Your dog will think, "The pack leader seems to think all is OK, so I'm OK."
• Be careful your dog doesn't dart outside when you're opening the door for trick-or-treaters.
• Dressing your dog is a costume can be fun.  But not every dog tolerates it well.  If your dog doesn't like the costume, don't stress him out by insisting it be worn.  Perhaps an orange and black neckerchief is enough.  Make sure costumed dogs are under constant supervision so they don't become entangled in, or ingest parts of their costume.
• Be careful if you put a candle in a jack-o-latern that your dog doesn't knock it over.

Happy HOWLoween!