Dog Walking Adventures in East Mesa Part II

We recently told a story about a stubborn Dalmatian who was difficult to walk.  We promised an update on her behaviors and here it is.  If you'd like to refresh your memory on part I of the story, follow the link below:

http://playtimepetcare.blogspot.com/2011/03/dog-walking-adventures-in-east-mesa.html

Part II

This is Shanti.  She and I argued quite a bit when we first started walking together.  There was only 2 things she wanted to do when we left her house. #1 Walk directly to the park, #2 go home.  If we weren't doing one of those two things she wanted nothing to do with me AND she would drag me all the way along the way.

It got to the point that I had to remove her from her neighborhood in order to teach her how to properly walk on a leash and actually walk for a full 30 minutes.

I am happy to report that Shanti and I are back to walking in her own neighborhood, she isn't pulling on the lead and doesn't feel the need to sniff everything along the way.  We are able to walk for a full 30 minutes without arguing about which route to take and we are both LOVING it.  Shanti has become such a wonderful dog to spend time with.  She is full of love and is super playful.  I still take Shanti to the park occasionally just to spice up her life and she LOVES car rides.  She is now on her way to losing some of her extra pounds and becoming a more healthy dog.

Is your pooch overweight?  Call us today for your no obligation consultation...480-292-9735.

Mesa, AZ Pet Sitter Helps Potty Train New Puppies

It's always so much fun when there's a new puppy in the house.  You get to watch them as they discover how to play with others, use their ever growing legs and learn how to use their voice. What fun it is to teach them new tricks, how to sit, stay, lay down and come.  Oh, but how frustrating it can be when the little guy just doesn't seem to catch on to potty training!  As your Mesa, AZ pet sitter, here are some basics on how to potty train your new little pup.

1. Crate Train:  The crate can be instrumental in house training your puppy.  There certainly are rules on how to best use the crate as a training tool.  You should never leave your puppy in a crate for extended periods of time and you should never use the crate as punishment.  The crate works by creating a den or safe haven for your puppy.  Your puppy is unlikely to soil this area so the longer you can train him to be in his crate, the less likely he is to have accidents.
2. Supervision is Key!  Keep an eye on your puppy as much as possible.  The more you can catch him just before he is about to relieve himself the quicker he will learn.  Look for the signs and immediately grab him and take him outside (even if he has already started).  You've got to be quick because your puppy can find a spot and urinate in 5 seconds.
3. Praise! Praise! Praise!  When you get your puppy outside praise him even if he finished on your new pair of shoes.  Never scold your puppy for accidents.
4. Enlist the Help of Others:  You have your new puppy and everything is fine when you're not at work, but what happens when you have to leave for 8-10 hours a day?  That's when Play Time Pet Care comes to save the day!  We can help your little guy stick to a potty routine by visiting him a couple times per day.  Not only does this reinforce your training techniques, but it allows your puppy some much needed play time out of his crate.
5. Banish That Smell:  When there are accidents immediately clean the area with a cleaner that gets rid of urine smells, not something that just masks it.  Your pup will return to the same places to urinate if you don't.

Want some other potty training advice?  Or need some help while you are at work?   Give us a call, we are glad to help!  480-292-9735