The Pack Leader April's Paws & Read Blog

  So you decided to save a dog; help a dog whose life may be ended because no one took the time to care for or train him so he becomes a canine ambassador. As a rescue, we truly love people that step up to the plate and help dogs but please know your ins and outs about rescues and dogs. Here's some good information to help you.   Not All ...

While dog parks are, in theory, a great idea, they can become a scary place because people don't have control over their dogs. Rarely do people understand the instincts or behavior of dogs. They sometimes lack the education of reading body language or simply don't pay attention to the surroundings.   Why do people go to the dog park?   Mo...

We usually all train our puppies to be in a crate. For some, it’s a lifesaver, while others despise the idea of a dog being locked away. I've always been an advocate of crate training for many reasons - and not all are the average ones people first think about. For most dog owners, placing puppies in crates is to limit access for house tr...

I often get calls that are quite scary to the regular person: ‘My dog just attacked my other dog. Serious injuries occurred.’ The common call ‘My dog just nipped someone and we are now scared to have him’. We often realize that most people have no idea why these behaviours occurred. The scariest of calls ‘My dog has suddenly become absolu...

While I can’t say I was anything less than shocked to see a clear ban on certain tools in this city. To say the least it scares me. A long time ago I never would have used a prong collar, they were scary looking and meant to cause harm right? Not my aim as a trainer. I often avoided mentors who used them and refused to acknowledge anyone ...

Having a second dog is great, who wouldn’t want as many dogs as they can have - but pay the price if you don’t do it right! Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision.   Aren't they so cute together? Some people want two puppies at the same time. I cannot stress that this is the most terrible idea for a number of reasons. Mo...

The time has arrived where our dogs are frolicking through the mud, the grass, water and more! While it’s a lovely time there are a few things we should remember.   Let's start with short coated dogs I’m talking about boxers, pit bulls etc. Sometimes we need to be cautious in the sun with these stunning breeds as they easily get sunburned...

We need to speak up.. for the dogs. In the last 2 weeks.. read carefully.. my rescue has gotten 5 surrender applications over children. Three bites to the face and 2 - no children around yet but people have assumed (or know) there will be a problem. So what got these dogs in this mess? Due to the fact I’m ‘the crazy dog lady,’ I constantl...

Being in the rescue world has its advantages being a trainer. Often times I deal with serious cases which have given me the experience and hands-on knowledge to give me what I need to be ahead of my game. During the times I was overconfident in my abilities, it’s often a rescue that brings me down to being as humble as we all should actua...

As a trainer, one of the things I hear most often from clients is that their dog has become immune to working with them on a specific issue. “Leash Reactivity” tops the list for me. If you are struggling long term with this issue, then this blog is for you!   Let’s start with the most important aspect of working with your dog to correct t...

Perhaps the most common question when we come upon another handler and their dog is “should we let our dogs approach each other?”  What is the answer: No, Maybe, Yes?! No two dogs will answer the same so let's teach you how to make the decision properly.     The first thing I look at prior to an introduction is breed (or breeds if a mix)....

One of the finer points of responsible pet ownership is keeping our dogs healthy and happy! While accidents happen and dogs get loose its crucial to ensure we are prepared for incidents and get them safely.   The most effective way to not lose your dog is to train them. Ensure your dog can pay attention and focus on you. Practice a solid ...

Spring is the busiest time of year for us dog trainers. We are swarmed with jumping, biting little puppies and expected to turn them into Companion Dog Excellent title holders in as little as six weeks… Let’s cover some important factors to get you on the right track.   Pick your puppy carefully. Study the breeds or breed you are getting....

While this article will for the most part cover one breed - this is a sad state of affairs in many breeds. What follows is a great educational read for both pet owners and breeders — and trainers as well!   We quote the famous Max Von Stephanitz as he is where it all began “The most striking features of the correctly bred German Shepherds...

This Blog is in Memory of Alice The Bull Terrier. Welcome to the wonderful world of owning a rescue dog! Rescues are wonderful companions you will cherish and love, but they also sometimes come with baggage that requires dedication to overcome for continued success!   BEFORE: Before you decide to jump into the world of rescues there are a...