Big round eyes, a tail that wags even when times don’t feel that prosperous, and an attitude ready to go with you or just hang no matter what you want to do.  Traits of what has become our best friends, family members, closest confidant, and most loyal training partners.  The dog.

Our dogs have their own personalities too and its the feeling that most have about their own personal dog; this is the best dog in the world.  Some of our dogs love tennis balls, some love a plain ol’ stick, some like to play keep away, some like to bring the ball back incessantly, some like to run, some like to take a nice nap by our sides.

Our dogs come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and varieties as well.  The mixed breed dog tends to be the chillest, coolest dogs ever and brings the very common question:

I wonder what kind of dog you are?

For many people it would be fun to know.  Dog park conversations center around this subject and knowing would add some spice to the three day a week date with the dog and the dog people we tend to hang out with.

Knowing what breeds your dog is made of can help with health and nutrition and decisions we can make to prolong our dogs’ lives.  Explaining the adorable trait due to breed specific genetics are fun facts to know… And the other side of the coin is immensely helpful as well, the annoying trait that may be breed specific can be explained and setting up a specific dog job to take care of the genetic need makes everyone’s life as it should be; contented.

Good news.

In the past DNA testing was extensive and expensive.  No more.  Technology has reached the pet care world as well and with it comes new and improved training techniques, dog toys that work, and DNA Breed Identification Kits that can be sent to your home for an affordable price.

The question that comes often about your dog can finally be answered.  What kind of dog do you think that is?

The Canine DNA testing is easy and safe for your pet, and can be done at home. Simply swab the cheek of your dog with the enclosed foam collection device. Then just send the Dog DNA test ID card, along with the customer information card in the enclosed prepaid envelope to BioPet Vet Lab.

Good stuff.

Get your dog’s DNA Breed Identification Kit and have a great holiday….

More links for holiday fun with your dog….

A Holiday Dog Treat Recipe – Carob Dog Bone Treats
Spend time with your friends and family creating gifts for dog lovers and their dog’s that are not only organic and good for the dog, but economically friendly in the midst of the overwhelming expensive holiday season.

Canines N Cocktails Happy Hour – December 22 2009 6:30-9:30 pm

Hotel Indigo and City Dog

Hotel Indigo 950 Island Avenue San Diego, CA 92101

Gone are the dog days of dining! Hotel Indigo and City Dog are going arms wide for you and your furry friends. What could be better than listening to good music, enjoying tasty drinks and socializing with other dogs and their humans.  Info:  619-727-4000

Dog Happy Hour – December 23, 2009 5:00-7:00 pm

The Fleetwood 639 J Street San Diego CA 92101

The FleetWood Serves Up a Doggone Good Time. Now dogs can eat, drink and mix at The FleetWood. Back by popular demand,dogs of all sizes and breeds are invited to The FleetWood’s Dog Happy Hour every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Dog lovers will abound to the lush heated patio, while sitting back, relaxing and enjoying half-price wine bottles and $4 “You Call It’s.” Guests can also choose from a variety of specialty cocktails, such as the “FleetWood Mojito,” “Applejack” and “Julius.” The pups will feel right at home with their very own dog treat menu.  Info:The Fleetwood 619-702-7700

Online Dog Training Health & Fitness

San Diego Dog Training

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2009      www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Find out where and what you can donate, including donations through paypal as Ricochet the San Diego Surf Dog has been the most giving dog with time, energy and service to others this year.  Just watch the video and you’ll see what a special dog this Golden Retriever truly is.

Click here to find out details on the Children’s Hospitals and how Ricochet:

Ricochet’s Holiday Children’s Hospital Project

Have a wonderful Holiday Season… take some time and get outside for some fresh air with your dog, while enjoying the San Diego sunshine, beaches, and dog friendly city.

DNA Breed Identification Kit

San Diego Dog Training Private Coaching Lessons

San Diego Dog Training Camps

Online Dog Training Programs

Baxter, a dog at 19 years old was giving special moments to those in Hospice at the very end. The moments that allowed some to move on with that smile. Baxter himself passed away last week leaving a legacy that will give others with that special need to serve as therapy dogs a model to look up to.

He will be greatly missed and he will live on in his Baxter way. Read the Tribute to Baxter for a heartwarming moment to your day and cherish you life and your dog just a little more.
Tribute to Baxter the world’s oldest hospice therapy dog

San Diego Dog Friendly Events

San Diego Exclusive Dog Training Camps

San Diego Private Dog/Person Coaching

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Sunday October 18th 12 – 4 pm
Southern California German Shepard Rescue’s 1st Annual Barktoberfest.
Markim Pet Resort, 4393 Carmel Valley Road, in Del Mar.  For the price of admission you get local microbrew, BBQ, traditional German deserts, vendor booths, raffle, demonstrations, and doggie lap pool.  Benefitting Southern Californis German Shepard Rescue.  For more information see: www./barktoberfestsd.com     www.socialrescue.org

October 18th
MuttMile in La Jolla—benefiting San Diego Humane Society.  1 mile walk/run in beautiful La Jolla starting at the park at 1133 Coast Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037. There will be a costume contest first so dogs will not have to walk or run in costume.  www.CoastwiseMile.com

Tuesday October 20th 5 pm-8 pm
Yappy Hour at the Hotel Indigo, San Diego. Dogs and their owners are invited for cocktails, live music, and a view from the safely enclosed 9th floor deck.

October 25th
22nd Annual Hall-O-Wiener Picnic—San Diego Dachshund Club.  Free. Bring your gear and your costumed dachshunds and watch the doxie’s invade Balboa Park.  Corner of Park Blvd. & Presidents Way  www.sddc.us

October 25th
Ocean Beach Canine Carnival.  By the Ocean Beach Kiwanis • FREE • Contests & parade dogs must register at $5 per dog for single dogs, $8 for groups or floats. Street fair and party featuring costumes, prizes, a doggie parade, and lots of craft items for pets and people. Santa Monica Ave between Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and Ebers Street. 619.339.0001.

Tuesday October 27th 5 pm-8 pm
Yappy Hour at the Hotel Indigo, San Diego. Dogs and their owners are invited for cocktails, live music, and a view from the safely enclosed 9th floor deck. Bring your dog in a Halloween costume!

October 30th 8:30am-Noon
Spooktacular Walk for Helen Woodward Animal Center   Cost: Collect pledges for walk. Walk with your pets, food, entertainment, raffles and vendor village.  858.756.4117 www.AnimalCenter.org

October 30, Friday,  6-8 p.m.
Halloween Doggie Café  held at San Diego Humane Society.  Bring your friendly, on-leash dog to socialize with other dogs during our Spook-tacular Halloween event! There will be a costume contest with prizes for scariest, cutest, and most original dog costumes. Halloween pet pictures will also be available for $5. Dogs should be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on all vaccines, friendly and on-leash. One dog per human handler, please.. Complimentary desserts and dog treats provided. Behavior and Training specialists “on-paw” to answer training questions. $10 suggested donation for the event.  Call (619) 299-7012 x2230 for more information.

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San Diego Dog Training Resuce Dog

As a professional dog trainer in San Diego, CA with the belief that exercise for people and dogs can fix a lot of things in anyone’s life, it became clear the need to encourage people in ways to get out and get started… and then stick with it. It is such a rewarding feeling to see people make the change to a healthy fit lifestyle.

Here’s a great training partner for someone who is committed to exercise as a lifestyle and at the same time wants somebody to also be committed and wagging to go every single time!

Meet Dozer, 9 months old and most likely a Lab/Pit Mix although her paperwork shows this dog as a Border Collie/Lab mix., female, spayed and micro chipped. She is friendly with dogs, and unknown with cats.  Dozer was well trained with all commands, house/potty training, crate trained and proper leash walking from 18 weeks old. She’s now older and ready to add the running to her workouts as well but will be completely happy with walking…. a lot of walking or running, or both.

Her original family did not have a commitment to exercise for themselves and that meant the puppy lost out. Dozer is a great dog, but has a couple of things that are important to her continuing to be an awesome dog; exercise being at the top of that list. 

The family “felt bad” because as it turns out they didn’t realize what kind of energy they had signed up for and were just looking for a little puppy that would be fun for the kids. Unfortunately it’s a mistake easily made and without intention. Never-the-less not researching what kind of temperament or personality type a dog has first, many people are mismatched with a dog choice.

Dozer needs a family or individual committed to continued exercise including 1 plus hours per day of controlled exercise (walking/jogging).  She is trained to jog on a treadmill, potty trained, crate trained and knows:

Commands:
Place (Although she believes the sofa is “her” place)
Sit, down, wait, off (no jumping up or bothering people/other dogs),
Out (drop anything in mouth),
Quiet
Let’s go (for recall and on leash prompting)
Let’s go potty
 
She knows the previous mentioned commands by hand signals, snapping fingers and voice command combined. She has been fostered with Carla, a professional trainer, since August 14, 2009.

She is trained with a remote collar on a low-level or using the vibrating pager and can do well leash walking with this training collar. Her adoption fee of $100 includes the collar and additional lessons training lessons with the family or individual.

She’s a way cool dog and really has the ability to be not only your best training partner but your best friend as well.

Contact Carla at 760-587-7879 or www.SitK9Sit.com

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Godiva, a 10 month old Pocket Beagle, is one of the most adaptable dogs I know. One of the biggest keys to a well balanced dog is getting clear direction in combination with exposure to as many people, dogs, places, and things as possible.

Godiva has a serious head start compared to most puppies her age. She came to her San Diego Dog Training Camp this time to move her along in her quest to be an excellent therapy dog and she proved to be one of the best candidates ever to sign up.

She traveled to That’s My Dog located in Wisconsin to assist me with our Advanced Professional Dog Trainers Business & Personal Development Course as well as E Palooza in it’s 5th year hosting professionals bringing fresh ideas to professional dog trainers.

Godiva traveled by plane with me and managed to get even the TSA crew to smile. She was my teaching assistant and sat on her “park it” spot or dog bed while I presented. She was introduced to agility, met the neighborhood cows, went downtown and walked in the distraction of lots of people, dogs and activities. She learned to “stay” in the distraction of about anything and even mastered a few tricks like “give 5” and “play dead”. She’ll rival that dog on the Letterman Show any day of the week!

Sit, stay, a strong recall, and walking nicely on a leash allows a dog like Godiva to go and do just about anything a dog or her family can imagine. She’s ready to go back to her family, soccer games, rides in the car, and much more as well as being the entire family’s best friend.

Godiva went home today from dog training camp after returning to San Diego from our trip to Wisconsin. I miss her terribly. She’s become my little protege and has gone so many places with me its odd not to have her around. Yet, I know back at home with 4 kids and two parents with a very active lifestyle, she’s fallen right into stride and has a fabulous life.

Good girl Godiva… and I look forward to updates of her great life.

For more dog fun dog photos, tips and tricks, and dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

And for your own dog’s exclusive dog training camp, private training lessons, or online programs contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com

San Diego Dog & Puppy Training

This last week has brought warmer weather than normal for San Diego County and for those that live here its a bit unusual. That goes for the dogs as well. Though most dogs are acclimated to a warmer climate, the lack of breeze and warmer weather can effect a dog much more than humans due to the fact that their cooling system works much different than ours.

Heat stroke can strike without you realizing it as lack of hydration and high temperatures with no breeze can effect a dog rapidly. The symptoms and what do about about heat stroke are described in detail in this article: Heat Stroke Prevention for Dogs

Heat stroke and other dog emergencies require medical attention immediately. A list of emergency veterinary care in North County San Diego can be found in this article: Dogs 101: Where to Take Your Dog in North San Diego for an Emergency

Don’t be afraid to get out and have some fun in the warm weather. The beaches offer a great place to cool down and have some fun. Going for a walk or run is a great idea too, just remember to keep your dog hydrated and be smart about the time you are out and acclimating to the activity or event you and your dog are planning on doing. For more information on how to make sure your dog is getting enough water check out this article: Hydration and dogs: 7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Drinking Enough Water

For more dog training tips, cool dog photos and the latest dog news follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

For San Diego dog and puppy training camps or private dog training lessons contact us at www.SitK9Sit.com and for online dog training programs check out www.GoTrainYourDog.com

Surf Dog A Thon benefiting Helen Woodward Animal Center

Clinics will be held at Del Mar Dog Beach on August 8th, 16th and 22nd. Two 1-hour clinics at 9:00 am and 10:am $45 per dog with a 25 dog limit to each clinic.

San Diego is the place to get out and have some fun with your dog and the perfect reason to head on down and enjoy the beaches.

Click to find out more about the line up of instructions and clinic details: Surf Dog Clinic – Del Mar Dog Beach, CA

Register for the Surf Dog A Thon here.

Find out more ways to develop your dog’s exercise options with an exclusive San Diego Dog Training Camp and follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog for more fun dog photos, tips, tricks, and cool dog news.

San Diego Puppy Potty Training

This is the case with Charlie, a 9 month old female Peekapoo who was purchased from a pet store at 6 months old. She had been returned once most likely due to the first owners not being able to get a grasp on something like house breaking or potty training. Sad really, since she is the sweetest happy little puppy who just needs some training to bring her best behavior out.

Charlie’s new owners decided it best to get her into a dog training camp so they could ensure potty training success for their new puppy. Choosing K9 Coach San Diego & Temecula came down to the fact that she would be trained in a home situation with one or two other training partners. The difference; full time attention and the commitment to success.

The challenge for a dog like Charlie is she lived in a small area indoors all the time. She learned to go potty where she lived. Changing that picture takes some serious supervision. Most dog owners don’t understand how dogs think and learn and training a puppy like this who sees going inside as the only real option need to understand that re-training will mean showing your dog where to go outside.

Indoor potty pads have become a new craze with small dog owners. Dog trainers for the most part cringe as it makes it very difficult for a puppy to understand why they shouldn’t be picking there restroom to be inside the house.

The key to potty training is supervision, supervision, and more supervision. If you do have a puppy or dog purchased at a pet store or who has spent a lot of time in rescue at a kennel, plan on finding the perfect outdoor potty spot and training your dog to go to that.

K9 Coach offers exclusive dog training camps in San Diego & Temecula, as well as private lessons and online training programs for those who want to train their dog at home.

Follow us on Twitter for more dog and puppy training tips, cool dog photos, and breaking dog news. www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog

Restaurants are among many of the dog friendly places in San Diego. A key to great dog training is to expose your dog to many as new places as you can. If going out to eat is one of those things you like to do with either family or friends, the opportunity to bring the dog is prevalent here in San Diego.

Check out this link for a few new restaurants you and your dog are welcome to frequent.

San Diego Dog Friendly Restaurants

Look for more dog friendly lists as the summer progresses from K9 Coach providing Dog Training Boot Camps, Private Dog Training Lessons, and Online Dog Training Programs in San Diego and Temecula, CA.

Follow us on Twitter for dog training tips, cool dog photos, and the latest dog news at www.Twitter.com/GoTrainYourDog