My Soul Dog

New to the Island of Misfits, a California Deafie has entered the building.  This is the first deafie I have owned and I am convinced he came into my life to make me a better trainer.  I discuss some interesting facts you might not know about deaf dogs, celebrity deaf dogs and what the future holds for me and this deaf boy.  This is the beginning of our journey and YES, you can still talk to them.    

With the respiratory illness scare and headed into winter, it's not a bad idea to give your pup's immune system a boost!  Here are the things I am doing for my pups in my home and in my studio.  All ideas are easy to get and administer.  You just can't go wrong helping your pup be as healthy as possible.  

I was bombarded with my thoughts on the new canine respiratory illness right before leaving for the Thanksgiving holiday.  People were on edge, and I was feeling it.  Social media is blowing up over this new scare and I am not sure it's warranted.  Here are my thoughts.  

Beth Everson joins me, Stephanine, is discussing all things Malinois.  This particular breed is incredible, when in the proper hands, but so many are landing in shelters and rescues around the country. Why?  Beth talks about how she lives with Neeka, her Mal and what her days looks like.  

**DISCLAIMER** Neeka is a wonderful pup who has NO aggression towards people. She has drive and fixates on objects, but this is NOT aggression towards people.  

Could sleep deprivation be affecting your pup?  I think it did mine?  Let's talk about sleep and your pup and ways you can improve and things to think about.  You and your dog might both sleep better. 

I had to be a part of this great idea, Sniffspot.  What a wonderful thing it is to see your pup run off leash in a safe, fully fenced environment.  I have been fussing over this project for several weeks now and it's almost ready! Let me tell you all about it. 

The rise of DNA tests for dogs is wonderful and I am in full favor.  Simba is a rescue and looks like no other pup so I decided to get a test and see what he makes him, him.  Well, it was a huge surprise!  Take a listen to all that makes Simba, Simba and perhaps his is just the right mix for you! 

Blue-gree algae will kill your pup.  Summer is here and dogs are getting into the lakes and rivers as they should.  It is important to look for the signs blue-green algae could be present as well as, notice if the environment will foster this type of bacteria.  Once exposed, your pup will die quickly if not treated.  Beware! 

There is so much conflicting information out there on when to spay or neuter your pup.  The vets, these days, are telling pup parents to wait 14,16,24 months before spaying or neutering.  They report the pups reach their full height and it will decrease likelihood of injuries later.  However, people have historically altered their pups as early as 8 weeks.  What is a pet parent supposed to do? I have my take, as a trainer and daycare owner, in this podcast.   

Spring is full of hope and that is exactly what I have for my newest addition, Simba.  He is my current project, fostered through Spokanimal.  He was shutting down at the shelter so it was best to get him out of there as he is only a puppy at, 5 months.  It's been an eventful first few days but all signs point to this being a fabulous puppy.