Hello dog lovers!
Welcome to the August issue of our new and improved e-newsletter. We welcome your feedback and encourage you to let us know how we can continue to improve our newsletter. Drop me a line at lisa@collinscanine.com.
And don't forget to vote for us in the Chicagoland Tails Readers Choice Awards! Click here to vote.
Happy training!
Lisa Collins, CPDT
Founder and President, Collins Canine, Inc.
In this issue:
Training Top 5
Latest & Greatest from
Collins Canine
Worldwide Barks
Where in Chicago is Fido?
Last, but not least
Training Top 5
Top 5 Dog Park Safety Tips
1. If you can, visit your local dog park during non-peak times. Weekdays during the day and early mornings on weekends are usually the quietest times. Watch out for dog walkers who use the public parks during the day to allow their doggy clients to run loose. You may see dog walkers illegally bring carloads of dogs to the dog park where they cannot safely keep track of the animals. The law states that any person can only bring three dogs inside the park at a time. If you see violations to this law, please report them to the park district. Your help can make our parks much safer for dogs and owners!
2. Remember that your dog is your first priority at the park. While dog parks can be a great social activity for adults, it’s important to be watchful of your dog at all times. Fights, bites or other problems can happen in a split second and your keen awareness can help limit these issues.
3. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable, then it is time to go. If you are concerned about your dog or someone else's dog, don't wait until it goes bad - get you and your dog out of there. A five minute break or walk to calm down may do the trick. If not, just leave for the day. You probably know when your dog is not feeling well by his body language. Use this same cognizant to look at dog behavior at the park. There is much more to a dog’s demeanor that just a wagging tail. And, contrary to popular belief, a wagging tail does not necessarily mean a happy dog.
4. Keep snacks and kids at home. Dogs will act abnormally when food is nearby, so finish your coffee and bagel outside the park. And while it’s true that many dogs are great with kids, remember that dog parks can infuse a dog with uber energy! And you just can’t control other dogs, dog owners or their kids. Little kids can get knocked over and most children tend to evoke dangerous behaviors unknowingly which can lead to scratches, bites or worse. Dog parks are simply not a safe place for kids.
5. Don’t force dog-to-dog interaction. It’s perfectly natural for adult dogs to not want socialization with other dogs. Dogs do; however, need exercise. You don’t have to limit yourselves to just exercising at the dog park, In addition to dog parks, walks or runs, consider some other fun activities, like an agility or flyball class. Even an obedience class will tire them out. Did you know that mental exercise is another way to tire out your dog? Try adding a class into your daily life and see for your self.
Latest & Greatest from Collins Canine
• Hybrid Training is here! You can pick and choose every aspect of your group training class, including the location! It’s simple. Complete a short survey to let us know your training needs and Collins Canine will match your needs with dog owners with similar requests in your area. It’s the ideal combination of private and group training. You’ll get the personal attention of a professional trainer, custom tailored curriculum and the convenience of private training at an affordable group class rate! Our flexible staff can focus the training on practically any issue-from simple play times to reactive dogs. Fill out the survey today! Or, drop us a line at info@collinscanine.com and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
Worldwide Barks
Dogs making headlines around the globe!
• Trained service dogs offer help, comfort
• Tiny Dog Saves Baby From Rattlesnake
Where in Chicago is Fido?
Bella is pictured at this Chicagoland location. Do you know where? Send your guess to info@collinscanine.com for a chance to win a Collins Canine logo item!
And congratulations to our June Where's Fido winner, Nancy Wheeler who correctly guessed that Bella was at Wrigley Field!
Last, but not least
Most dog owners know the importance of training young puppies, but did you know that it is just as important, if not more so, to continue training into adolescence? Dogs go through stages of growth just like humans do. A dog that is under six months is comparable to an elementary age child. Dog adolescence begins around eight months and goes until he or she is two years old. During these formative years, your dog needs continued education and guidance as he explores the world around him. Even if your puppy was an A+ student in Kindergarten, further training will help her develop properly into adulthood. Behavioral problems can become increasingly difficult to manage at this stage without continued education. In fact, most dogs are relinquished to rescues and shelters during adolescence. Whether you continue training with Collins Canine (which of course, we encourage) or another trainer, you and your dog will be very glad you did.
Collins Canine, Inc.
Call: 773.398.8852
E-mail: info@collinscanine.com
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