The Dog Did What?

Our behavior and training beliefs at Westside Animal Clinic include "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

This is especially fundamental to puppies. Begin training as soon as possible, in the home. We encourage our dog owners to enroll their pets in obedience classes, not only to enjoy the benefit of a well-behaved family member, but to get them ready for being out and about.

A Puppy Kindergarten class for puppies 18-20 weeks of age and younger (after they've received the necessary vaccinations) helps prepare the young animal, teaching them resilience, as opposed to fear or anxiety, to new things. The classes provide the opportunity for both dog-dog and dog-stranger socialization so that all they encounter in the world will be met with confidence. PK also offers the owner tips on house training, crate training, nipping and other puppy-related issues. Westside Animal Clinic conducts Puppy Kindergarten Classes on a periodic basis, so be sure and inquire about the next class when you bring your puppy in for its first exam.

And, you can teach "an old dog new tricks"! Dogs of all ages will benefit from obedience training and we can supply you with some guidelines for selecting a trainer.

However, every dog and every situation is unique and occasionally problem behaviors present themselves and need to be addressed. When those situations arise, we can help.

We can provide you with a comprehensive assessment and recommendations to try to resolve the behavioral issues. All family members who interact with the dog are encouraged to participate in the evaluation and planning process. While we cannot guarantee your results because of the variables in every case, our trainer can assist you in learning positive methods to communicate good and poor choices to your puppy or dog; methods and skills to shape new behaviors. Our training philosophy employs only positive, humane training methods which are not harmful to the dog, utilizing primarily positive reinforcement.

Our behaviorist/trainer is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), an organization of individual dog trainers who are committed to becoming better trainers through education. For additional information see www.APDT.com

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN SPRING CLASS 2009

Westside Animal Clinic announces its first Puppy Kindergarten graduating class! The Spring Class of 2009 participants included Sandy Krantz and Gracie, Dave Allen and Lilly, Carmen Werning and Katie, Seth Skogen and Gucci, Tyler Schaeffer and Sparky, Sarah and Brooke Bruinsma and Sadie and Jane Skallerud and Tess. In addition to learning how to socialize with other puppies and people, the participants played “pass the puppy” – getting the animals used to being handled on their feet, ears, tail and mouth by their owners and strangers – impulse control, settling in their owners laps and basic obedience such as sit, stay down and come. The nervous little puppies from the first class became self confident, “spook-proof” pups with a good foundation for obedience and a desire for learning. On graduation night, the final exam was to maintain a sit-stay while the instructor bounced a tennis ball all around them! Everyone passed! We all had so much fun watching the puppies grow and play and become good pals.

We will be conducting another Puppy Kindergarten this summer and a basic obedience class in early fall. Watch our newsletter and website for announcements and updates! Call the clinic if you have any questions or wish to obtain more details. 605-878-7297

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) is a professional organization of dog trainers.

Did you know? The average housefly lives for one month.