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.”

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.

Starting February 1 you should really check out the Idatwalk. Its an event you can participate in from you own location but connect with many around the world who are participating along with their dog.

Itada-Walk

Fitness with your dog is a growing activity in San Diego and all around the country. Staying in shape doesn’t have to be a costly gym membership endeavor. You can train with your dog from the trails of your own neighborhood. Your dog will absolutely love you for it.

Sign up for a dog friendly 5K race, fun run or walk. Your dog will love it.

Puppy Love 5K Run Walk

Getting out and enjoying your dog along with other dog owners who share the same joy in them is also on the rise. San Diego being as dog friendly as it is has a host of events throughout the year to go have a social drink and let your dog have a social hour as well. A good way to get yourself out and about with the dog as your best friend.

Pugs & Kisses Wine and Cheese Fashion Show

2010 Dog Friendly 5K, 10K Race and Fun Runs

Want your dog to go out and do all these fun cool things with you, but …. well….
Your dog isn’t well behaved enough to attempt it. No problem. A private session. Your own coach for your dog and your desire for a lifestyle you can get out with your dog and do things with….

February Solution Sessions

Subscribe below to stay updated on all the newest dog friendly events in San Diego

Dogs give us such love because they appreciate life on a daily basis. Just the way it is. We can learn a lot from that. Feeling like you truly have a rich life is made of moments we are doing something and fully enjoying it.

San Diego Dog Friendly Events and Activities January and February 2010

January 23, 2010 – Hillcrest Pup Crawl
February 1- March 31, 2010 Idita-Walk
February 6, 2010 – Puppy Love 5K Run 1 Mile Fun Walk
January – February 2010 Canine Cross Training Programs – 5K Race
February 2010 – San Diego Dog Training Camps and Private Coaching

Dog Lover’s Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog (The Devotional Series)

Dog Friendly 5K Races, Fun Runs and Walks – To keep this information current sign up and you’ll get the latest dog friendly event updated as the dog news comes available.

Hillcrest Pup Crawl

Dogs are part of our lives to the point that we look for things to be able to take them with us. We have to face the fact that though San Diego is way up on the 5 star paw count in dog friendly places and events, there are also many venues where our dogs are not allowed to go.

Getting out and getting active with your dog not only improves your relationship with your dog but gets you out and active. This could be one of their biggest favors to you over a lifetime. Promoting your own health and fitness.

One of the reasons dogs owners end up being more active, fit, and able to lose weight is it becomes really fun to do things with the dog. Activity doesn’t seem like such a chore.

Picking something new to go to also creates an inspiring, fun reason to go. January and February 2010 dog event calendars are looking good in San Diego.

Here are a few ideas to pick from:

January 14, 2010 – National Dress Up Your Pet Day

January 23, 2010 – Hillcrest Pup Crawl

February 1- March 31, 2010 Idita-Walk

February 6, 2010 – Puppy Love 5K Run 1 Mile Fun Walk

January – February 2010 Canine Cross Training Programs – 5K Race

February 2010 – San Diego Dog Training Camps and Private Coaching

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

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

Canine Cross Training Programs

San Diego Dog Training Camps

More San Diego Dog Friendly Events

Private Dog Training Coaching Lessons

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?

San Diego Dog Training Camps & Private Coaching

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

Get outside for a bit and enjoy some fresh air, some refreshing exercise and possibly even a trip to Del Mar Dog Beach.  Its beautiful.

With the holiday usually comes lots of great food around the house.  Here are some REALLY important tips on common foods that can be harmful to your dog’s health.  If you have a dog or know dog loving people make sure to take note and send them along for the health and happiness of everyone this holiday season and into the next….  Wag!

Holiday Dog Food Safety Tips

How To Remove Urine
6 Easy Steps for a Proven Method of
Urine Removal. Freedom is Possible!

San Diego Dog Training Camps and Private Lessons

Online Health and Fitness Training Programs (*New fitness programs starts Jan 1)

Comments when a dog trainer like myself shows up at a gathering about how a person’s dog is bad or they haven’t worked on “obedience” often come up.  The relief that comes over people’s faces when the response from me is the focus on obedience isn’t the biggest deal in the end is awesome.  How many things do you feel comfortable doing with your dog?  Taking your dog and going to do fun things, whether its a trail run, a walk or going to some really cool dog friendly event is what its really about.

The best time to practice having more fun with your dog is now… so here are some events this week that your dog is invited to and you get the benefit of enjoying some good ol’ holiday cheer!

Canines N Cocktails – December 22

Dog Happy Hour – December 23

How To Remove Urine
6 Easy Steps for a Proven Method of
Urine Removal. Freedom is Possible!