By Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

When my husband and I were newly married, we adopted an 8-week-old German shepherd. Max required just about as much work as raising a child, given the housebreaking, training, socializing and deterring her from chewing anything in sight.

Several years later, Max grew to be a wonderful family dog. At the age of 12, however, she passed away. We eventually adopted an older dog, a 10-month-old beagle from a medical research lab. She had never been outside before, but she took to housebreaking and other training like a fish takes to water.

The Puppy Myth
As I learned, adopting an older dog has many advantages. “There’s a fairly well-ingrained myth that you have to get a puppy in order to train and develop a solid relationship. It’s simply not true,” says Pat Miller, a certified professional dog trainer and behavioral consultant with Peaceable Paws LLC in Fairplay, Md. Of the five dogs Miller now has, three were adopted between 6 and 7 months old, one at 5 months and one at 8 years of age.

Puppy Versus Adult
While puppies are cuddly, and many grow up to become wonderful companions, prospective pet owners sometimes forget the trouble involved with raising a canine from infancy, and they overlook the countless mature dogs awaiting adoption from shelters and rescue organizations. Here are the advantages adult dogs have over puppies when it comes to adoption:

• Housebreaking Older dogs are often house-trained. If not, they are at least able to learn quickly. Puppies, on the other hand, are too young to be able to physically “hold it” for very long. You have to take them outside every hour — often in the middle of the night — and you still must clean up puddles.

• Training Mature dogs frequently come pre-trained not to chew furniture or clothing. They also may know basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay” and “down.” “They know how to walk on a leash and a lot of the other basic things that puppies haven’t learned yet,” says Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk program of the Humane Society of the United States.

• Energy level Adult dogs tend to be calmer. With puppies and adolescent dogs, energy level is more of an issue. Many adolescent and young adult dogs wind up in shelters because their families weren’t prepared for such a high-energy pet.

• Socialization Older dogs are apt to be more socialized, and therefore, they usually handle people, other pets, cars and noises better than puppies.

• Temperament and size With older dogs, you have a better idea of who they are, how they act and what they’ll look like. With purebred puppies, you can make an educated guess by observing the dog’s parents. With mixed breeds, however, you may not know the parents. In addition, paw size is an inexact measure of full-grown size.

• Spaying or neutering An adult dog has likely been fixed already, taking the responsibility off you.

Questions to Ask When Adopting an Older Dog
Sometimes, adopting an adult dog may have a few downsides. Pre-owned dogs can come with baggage. “If you’re adopting a dog from a hoarder, puppy mill or other home where he wasn’t well-socialized, you may be facing significant behavioral challenges, such as neophobia (fear of new things), fear-related aggression and general shyness,” says Miller. A dog kept in unclean conditions may also be more difficult to house-train. Dogs may end up in shelters or with rescue groups because of health and/or behavioral problems.

What to ask a shelter or rescue group before adopting:

• Do they have any history on the dog? Do they keep information about how and where the dog was found if it’s a stray? Why did its previous owners surrender it?

• Are there any behavioral issues? How has the dog behaved at the shelter? Is it a high-energy dog, or is it happy sitting around all day?

• Are there any health concerns? Has the dog been treated for anything while at the shelter or rescue center?

• What type of home do they think is best for this dog? Has the dog ever lived with children or other pets? Could you arrange a meeting between the dog and your children or pets before adopting?

For our family, an added reason to adopt an older canine was that we knew we were giving a loving home to a dog that was going to be harder to adopt out. For others, the reason can be even more compelling: You may be saving the dog from euthanasia. As Miller says, “You can feel really good knowing you are saving a life.”

Do they have any history on the dog? Do they keep information about how and where the dog was found if it’s a stray? Why did its previous owners surrender it?

Are there any behavioral issues? How has the dog behaved at the shelter? Is it a high-energy dog, or is it happy sitting around all day?

Are there any health concerns? Has the dog been treated for anything while at the shelter or rescue center?

What type of home do they think is best for this dog? Has the dog ever lived with children or other pets? Could you arrange a meeting between the dog and your children or pets before adopting?

For our family, an added reason to adopt an older canine was that we knew we were giving a loving home to a dog that was going to be harder to adopt out. For others, the reason can be even more compelling: You may be saving the dog from euthanasia. As Miller says, “You can feel really good knowing you are saving a life.”

I found this fascinating quote today:

Since the dawn of the printed word, the consciousness of society has been shaped by those who dispense the information. Yet this generation stands alone in having the democratic power to dispense its own information and shape its own consciousness. However, as much power as we have to distribute our own media, we hold an even greater power yet, the power that we have had all along, the power to control which media we entertain. Now more than ever, our consciousness is ours to shape. Let us shape it onto something magnificent.modernhippiemag.com, Your Daily Groove – Shaping Our Consciousness, Feb 2010

Get coaching for you and your dog for more enjoyment through doing things together.

San Diego Dog Friendly Events

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Wag more!

Every day is a great day.

Wag.

Even when it doesn’t go exactly as planned.  When dog’s do the wrong thing, they put the next paw forward, give a wag and try again.  It’s up to our urban standard of living to show them what to do…. they’ll keep giving it a try.  And they’ll keep on wagging until they get it.

I found this fascinating quote today:

When the circumstances of our lives do not always add up to the idea of perfection we had anticipated, we have the tendency to give in to disillusionment and lose hope. However, we must realize that each of us is a creative being. Our actions, attitudes, and choices create the lives we live. We are the artists of our own lives. If the mediums we are given are not exactly what we hoped for, how do we transform them into something we can use? Perhaps the mediums we are given will create the mediums we desire.modernhippiemag.com, Your Daily Groove – Life As Art, Jan 2010

You should read the whole article.

K9 Cross Training:  Run A 5K A Coach for You and Your Dog.

Solution Session Get your dog on the right paw. It doesn’t have to be a consume weekend after weekend in classes that don’t go over what you want for your dog.

San Diego Dog Training, Fitness Coaching and Cool Things To Do With The Dog.

photo credit: Helen Woodward Animal Center San Diego

That’s right. Another way cool dog friendly event in San Diego. It is America’s Finest City for sure! The Puppy Love Run Walk 5K in Del Mar February 2010 is a race you can do with you best training companion.

Your dog.

Fitness is important not only to your good health, but your dog’s as well. Exercise is one of the most fundamental elements to fitness and health. Boot camps and training programs you can do with your dog are the latest trend and living in San Diego has opportunities right in your back yard… so get out and have some fun with your dog, get fit, and end up with a well balanced trained dog on top of it all.

5K Training Programs written specifically for you to do with your own dog provide the inspiration and the coach that can get you out and get you going.

Puppy Love Run Walk 5K benefits Helen Woodward Animal Center and orphaned pets all over the country. Kick off Valentine’s Day with your furry soulmate!

Puppy Love Run Walk 5K
February 5, 2010
Del Mar, CA

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Being a professional dog trainer who encourages getting out and having fun with your dog as the best way to a well trained dog, dog beach is on the radar often.  When the story broke this morning on NBCSanDiego.com about Golden Local:  Best Dog Beach, I just had to chime in.

Their survey asks you to vote which San Diego Dog Beach is better… Coronado or Ocean Beach?  Well, San Diego dog friendly orientated as I am, the elephant in the room is what about Del Mar Dog Beach?

Go ahead, give us your on both websites (and feel free to leave a comment about your dog beach)…. but lets be fair to San Diego County and the many options to take dogs off leash, have some fun, get some exercise and find the balance in life.  Which dog beach do you like best?

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Canine Cross Training:  5K Training w/ K9

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Dog Training Health and Fitness Programs

The New Year, which some are referring to as the new decade, has rolled around already.  2010 is here and in full swing already.  Time to put that action plan for a new you into action.  And the goes for your dog who is a big part of the family.

One of the big rules of thumb at K9 Coach for all of our private dog training clients and our dog campers is “a tired dog is a good dog”.  Exercise is key to better health and better behavior.  *True of people too.

This year we’ve decided to integrate things into dog training so that everyone ends up living the good life.  Let’s face it, focusing on basic dog training obedience is boring for you and certainly your dog picks up on the lack luster participation in the exercises.

Walking or running with your dog can be the missing link to not only a well trained dog, but a happier, healthier, fit you!  A built in training partner for you and the dog makes it more fun to participate in things like a local 5K, 10K or active event.

San Diego is quite the dog friendly city with many events where your dog is welcome.

Signing up for a 5K is a way to give yourself something to focus on while you are establishing an exercise, diet and nutrition routine that you can stick to.

A training plan written out for you increases your chances of enjoying the exercise,  knowing what to do and how to do it safely.  Give yourself something to focus on while you are establishing your exercise, diet and nutrition routine.  Stick with your new plan plan by signing up for our Canine Cross Training: Running your 1st 5K!

Wag more this year while you are doing something that is honestly good for you and for your dog.  Go outside and get some exercise, drink a lot of water, and constantly picture your life, your dog’s life, and those your surround yourself with as balanced.

©Jt Clough and K9 Coach, Inc. 2010    www.SitK9Sit.com www.GoTrainYourDog.com

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

2009 is only a few hours from being behind us.  On to 2010 and what many put hope in a new beginning.  Its really a great thing to do and New Year’s resolutions aren’t cliche anymore.  Its a time to set goals, go for a better way of being, thinking, and doing.

Number one on everyone’s list should be:

Wag more.

Yep.  Even if you aren’t a dog owner it’s a good rule to live by.  Of course dog owners know exactly what that means.  Dogs tend to wag at the slightest hint of possibility.  For the most part, those who wag more have more joy, harmony, gratitude, and peace of mind than those who spend their time barking about whatever is presented them on a moment to moment basis.

Along with wag more the highest of priorities should be health and fitness.  Without it the chances of your happiness and self fulfillment becoming a reality are much smaller.  Doesn’t matter if you are person or dog, if you don’t feel good, if you are overweight, if you can’t get out and move its not a fun place to be.

So here they are.  Top priorities for 2010.  You and the dog:

• Wag more.
• Get fit.
• Loose those extra pounds.
• Find peace of mind.

For the dog finding peace of mind and wagging more are easier than for most of the thinking two legged communities we live in.  Make it a point to take a lesson from our four legged friends there on a daily basis.  Wag more.

Getting fit and losing extra pounds…. well…. those are more under the two legged friends control and our dogs rely on us for the opportunities to join in the movement on those fronts.

The truth of the matter is it is much easier to accomplish weight loss and getting fit when you have a loyal training partner to rely on.  Perfect for dog owners.  You’ll never find a more loyal training partner, ready to go at any moment’s notice, never an excuse and always with a big inviting wag of excitement to go.

Awesome.  So we have established that weight loss and getting fit are big on the New Year’s resolution list.  We’ve also established that the chances of it actually happening are high when you have someone to rely on.

Perfect.

Then this is for you.  Your dog is already willing to sign up.  Done.

Now all you need another coach to inspire you, provide a simple program you can follow with the help of your dog, add a little encouragement here and there and send you what to do every week.

Done.

How to Run Your 1st 5K with your dog as your most loyal training partner is for you.

It’s easy, its fun, you get to do it with your dog and it will work.

Click to find out more about Running Your 1st 5K with Your Dog as Your Training Partner.

Even if you don’t want to actually sign up for a 5K you’ll enjoy all the benefits of a training program written for you and your dog to follow.  Getting encouragement from a coach and 9 time Ironman finisher that knows dogs, knows how to train for fitness and has found success in coaching others to their best.

Go ahead.  Make 2010 your year.  Look good, feel good, get fit, and wag more.

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

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

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

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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