The Indispensable Dog

12/11/2014

New Blog!

Check it out and check back for part 2 soon!

…not so much when they are sixty pound dogs. I have to admit, there are some mornings when I just don’t feel like leaving my dogs at home. I know I am going to be gone for the next nine hours and darn...

04/01/2014

"He knows the behavior; he just refuses to do it!" If you find yourself up against this wall in training, make sure you can answer two questions for your dog: 'what?' and 'why?'. What is it, exactly, that you want me to do? Why should I? The second question of one motivation. It's uber-important; bu...

01/18/2014

Check out some images from our last group class! You can find all the information on enrolling in the link below!

The Animal Defense League now offers low-cost dog training options. The 6-week course is only $75 for non-ADL dogs. It's only $50 if your dog was adopted from the ADL! We've also added Novice Obedience (the second step) and we offer FREE Puppy Power classes.

Check it out at www.adltexas.org/dog-training-in-san-antonio!

01/07/2014

After the holiday vacation, I came down with a horrible flu! My poor dogs were so sympathetic the first few days but then started to get a bit bored and rowdy. Inside games that required little energy for me seemed to tide them over but anyone have any suggestions on to keep your pets happy when you are feeling miserable? (By the way, I am working on returning phone calls that I missed so if you are waiting on one, thank for your patience!)

12/20/2013

Interesting!

After years of dogs dying from jerky treats, the FDA is finally proposing stricter regulations to strengthen the safety of pet food.

11/27/2013

It's been awhile since I did a spot light dog so today I'd like to share with you Clover! Clover is one of the most unique looking dogs I have ever seen and has a unique personality to match it! She is available for adoption through the Animal Defense League of Texas located in San Antonio! Check her out!

http://adltexas.org/pets/dogs/dogs-medium/clover-2/

I’m an energetic girl who is playful, curious and friendly. I like to keep fit so going for a walk or a jog with you will be a splendid way to spend time together. I also ride well in the car so you can take me with you to keep you company. I might sound like I always need to be on the go but I do k...

11/17/2013

One of our awesome group class members all wore out after our class tonight! Learning can lead to some serious nap sessions!

11/05/2013

Curious about what it means when your dog immediately goes into wrestling mode upon seeing a familiar dog? This is a great article about dog/dog greetings!

Have you ever seen two friends or family members reunite? The emotional greeting usually involves hugs with happy, loud voices, pats on the back, and arms around one another.

10/31/2013

Some great tips on Halloween from the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services!

* Trick-or-treating may be fun for the family but the constant ringing of the doorbell can scare your pet. Provide a quiet, safe place for your pet to relax.
*Pets should be kept indoors as they can become the victims of pranks that are not always harmless.
* Talk to your kids about the danger of giving your pet Halloween treats.
* Chocolate of any type, even a nibble, can be toxic and potentially fatal to dogs and cats. Keep holiday goodies like candies and cookies away from your pets.
* Cellophane and foil wrappers, lollipop and caramel apple sticks should be thrown away immediately. They pose a choking hazard to your pet if swallowed.
* Although it may be tempting to bring Fido along while trick-or-treating, keep in mind holiday masks and costumes could be threatening to your family pet. Fear may lead to protective or aggressive behavior like biting and growling.
* Halloween decorations, like jack-o-lantern candles and electric strings of lights, can spark curiosity in pets. Keep them out of reach.

10/02/2013

Food lures and rewards. That's the topic of the day! Below is a great article on fading food lures with a video to boot!

Food lures. Loved by some. Maligned by others. If you ask us, food lures are among the most valuable, if not *the* most valuable tool you have in your tool kit when beginning to train new behaviors...

09/11/2013

Basic Obedience graduation students! Check out http://adltexas.org/dog-training-in-san-antonio/ for more information on our upcoming classes!

09/10/2013

Leave it is a simple command that can save your dog's life! Whether it be leaving that chocolate bunny that fell on the floor or that cat that is running across the street on your walk, a solid leave it is a skill that is worth practicing!