Bay Area Metro Woman

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The Right Dog

Choose Your Family Wisely

"Real Life" Training Simple and Easy

SPECIAL

Dog Lovers

Help Fido love the Vet Doggie Day Care

Edition

Exercise More, Bark Less

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A Note From the Editor me to give an update about their dog. It makes me incredibly happy to hear that my advice made a difference. When I see children pointing out my doggie mobile as I ride through town, I must admit it makes me smile from ear to ear. (Causing my own kids to crack up!).

I love the Bay Area, this community and the dogs that jog along their people here.

The advertisers supporting this issue are greatly appreciated. They are not random companies just looking to sell product or service, but rather they are neighbors, friends and dog owners themselves who proudly serve and operate their businesses within our community.

1st impression knows exactly how to create a gorgeous, rich synthetic lawn for your pet, while Pyrenees Pets will make certain your dog is groomed and looking great.

Jennifer Wison & Puppy

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ince 1998 I have dedicated countless volunteer hours in shelters, hosted numerous So thank you to all who contributed to this San Francisco Pet Pride days; trained, washed, special issue: Jason, Stephanie, Doug, Gina, walked, held, studied, and overall loved dogs Vanessa; the beautiful people at Thirteen Sasince before time. For me, this issue is dear lon, the list goes on and the gratitude endless. to my heart.

And to my fellow dog lovers, I look forward It’s rare for me to walk into the local Safe- to seeing you out and about with your four way without someone calling out or stopping legged family members!

To Our Men and Women in Uniform

Past, Present and Future,

THANK YOU

www.BayAreaMetroWoman.com c Bay Area Metro Woman, 2015. This Directory, in part or whole, is not to be reproduced or copied without written permission.

BAMW is a registered trademark of Hidden Values, Inc. (800) 960-6788. The BAMW is not responsible for the validation and representation of advertisements’ material including but not limited to photography, products, and services, statements of availability, safety or accuracy. Graphic Design: Ball Designs, www.balldesigns.com. Editor/Publisher: Jennifer Wilson

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makes advice pointhrough om ear k up!). nd the

ue are m comervice, nd dog nd opmunity. create ur pet, n your

to this Gina, en Sandless. orward r four

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Ruffles with Love is excited to announce our new line INDESTRUCTIBLE ME designed for the woman who lives life by her own terms, who not only lives in the moment but for the moment!

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I am Vanessa, an overly girly, fun, energetic, kind but not weak, sensitive but strong, cautious, passionate, loving, loyal, strong-willed, driven and a dreamer. I am married to my best friend and my number one supporter.

Ruffles with Love is my passion and a business that started as merely an idea that has grown into more than I could ever imagine. It's at times been my worst enemy and at times been my best friend.

It's made me cry, made me happy, frustrated me, angered me, challenged me, taught me the true meaning of an all-nighter and introduced me to coffee! It hasn't been easy, but its been worth it. The relationships and friendships I've gained mean the world to me. It's given me the feeling of accomplishment and allowed me to have something where I can incorporate my personality and creativity and share it essentially with the world. It's given me the desire to wow my customers and try and outdo my own designs.

It's allowed me to dream and realize that not all dreams are just dreams but that they are possible. Now that I know that, I will never stop dreaming....and reaching them! Thank you all for your continued support and kind words and most importantly, thank you for allowing me to do what I love!

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Select the Right Dog for You

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void the common mistake of selecting your new dog based on looks, rather than traits and temperament. Your next furry best friend may live with you for the next decade or more, so this isn’t a decision that you want to rush into. Some planning and research could help reduce your chances of disappointment and heartache later on.

Research a variety of breeds so that you know their “hardwired” characteristics. Every pure breed of dog has characteristics that typically accompany the breed. Knowing what these traits are may help you decide if a particular breed or breed type may be a good match for you and your lifestyle. If you decide on a mixed breed instead of a purebred, it can be helpful to know what breed characteristics it might have based on its heritage as well. There are no guarantees that a dog will exactly match a breed standard, but doing your research on breeds will stack the odds in your favor.

Search on the internet

and read breed-specific books for information about breed standards and the wide variety of breeds that are available. You will begin to get a feel for what different breeds are like.

For example, you might learn that herding breeds, such as Shetland Sheepdogs and Border Collies, have a strong inclination to herd livestock, are bred to run and work for hours at a time, and will use barking, nipping/ biting, chasing or a combination of all of these to control their herd. So, if you live in an apartment and have small children who take up much of your day, a dog that requires abundant exercise, loves to bark and chase small moving objects is not a good fit for your current lifestyle. You

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might instead want to consider an older dog with a mellower personality that will mesh well with your children and your household.

Realistically assess how much time and money you have to spend on your new dog. Breeds with significant grooming needs will require regular trips to a groomer. Some breeds will need a lot of exercise and a lot of time from you. Some breeds may be more assertive breeds, such as terriers or working breeds, which are likely not the best choice for novice dog owners or will require more time for training and socialization.

You should also decide on whether you have the right lifestyle for a puppy or an adult dog. While many people enjoy the thrill of having an adorable new puppy in their home, they often don’t anticipate the needs of what basically is a “baby” in your household.

Housetraining, socialization, basic training, and “puppy proofing” your home all take much time and effort

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and patience on your part. If you have a busy, hectic life, then a puppy may not be the best choice for you. There are many advantages to taking home an adult dog, such as the likelihood that the dog is already housetrained as well as may have had some training from the previous owner or owners. And adult dog has an “established” personality that you can observe and while all dogs require daily exercise, depending on the age and breed of the dog, the adult dog you acquire may not require the same amount of physical work as a puppy.

No matter whether you decide you would like a purebred or a mixed breed, every dog can provide your home with love and companionship . Remember that some dogs are better suited to fit your lifestyle than others. So, do your research and take some time to make the right decision. Selecting the right dog will help ensure that both of you will enjoy your years to the fullest.

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f you pupce for ges to ch as eady have vious g has that dogs nding dog, y not physi-

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Benefits of a Well Trained Dog

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he benefits of having a trained dog are nearly limitless! From the moment you get your new puppy or dog, here’s a run-down of just some of the advantages and benefits: Puppy classes provide the opportunity for getting your new family member started off right. Puppy classes provide the experiences and opportunities for your puppy to develop interaction skills with other puppies, with people, and in new environments.

Puppy socialization has been found to be critical to the psychological health of adult dogs. Puppy classes provide the opportunity for this important facet of your puppy’s upbringing.

Training classes provide dog owners the skills and knowledge for dealing with common, normal dog behaviors - starting with puppy behaviors such as housetraining and chewing.

No matter what age you start training your dog, foundation training provides the basis for any activity, behavior or job you want your dog to do.

A trained dog is a fully participating member of the family what a gift for all of you!

A trained dog joins in the fun when company comes, accompanies the family to the kids’ sports games, goes with you to visit friends and relatives, goes for hikes, swims, and everything else the family does together.

Training has been shown to be the single most important thing that keeps a dog in his or her “forever” home.

Training builds your mutual bond, enhances the partnership and enriches the relationship you share with your dog. Is there anything better?

Having a trained dog is a joy for both you and your dog!

Training provides dogs with the basic good manners we all want -from polite greeting when guests arrive, to walking nicely on the leash, to coming when called.

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Al

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Doggie Daycare provides exercise, socialization, and stimulation

By Jennifer Lee Wilson, National Pet Dog Trainer, SPCA CTC

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hewing furniture, soiling inside the house, excessive barking, escape attempts, and even worse; hours of isolation, are just a few issues dog owners face when they head out for the day, leaving the dog they love behind.

Fortunately an increasing number of TriValley dog owners are realizing the benefits of A Lucky Dog daycare located in Danville, California; a pet care option that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Dog owners like it because their dogs get to socialize with other dogs,

exercise for good health, and are stimulated through the ongoing “Good Manners” obedience training offered throughout the day. Dogs like it because – well, it’s a lot of fun! Doggie daycare is an enjoyable and healthy option to crating or having a dog stay alone for hours at a time, which consequently creates unwanted behavioral problems.

Some pet owners bring their dogs to daycare five or seven days a week, while others come only occasionally to give their dogs a special treat, a change of pace, or to reinforce training. Some bring their dogs only on weekends while they run errands. Whatever the reason for enrolling in daycare, dog owners and dogs reap the benefits.

There are many good reasons to choose daycare for your dog. The most important is to recognize dogs are pack animals by nature, but rarely are given the opportunity to play in a ‘pack’ setting. As a result, many dogs become dog-aggressive or overly fearful around other dogs.

A Lucky Dog allows them to socialize

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and play with other dogs in a way that is much more natural for them. With proper socialization, many of the challenges pet owners experience are solved, paving the way for a well adjusted obedient companion.

A Lucky Dog has been serving Bay Area pet owners since 1998. The facility is clean, operated by experienced owners and dog training staff. Procedures are in place to introduce a new dog to the “regulars” and staff members are with the dogs at all times. Tours of the facility are offered to potential clients and there is always a vet on call. Overnight boarding is also offered with 24 hour supervision.

Doggie daycare is an excellent alternative for dog owners with lifestyles that make it impossible to socialize, exercise and train their dogs on a consistent basis. Although it is not a substitute for quality time with the owner, it is a positive experience for both owner and dog. JW

Jennifer-Lee Wilson is a graduate of the San Francisco SPCA, Academy for Dog Trainers. She is a certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Counselor. For owners looking for more pet care options, Jennifer-Lee also offers local doggie daycare, private boarding, as well as private training lessons at your home, within her training facility and select Pet Food Express locations.

Complimentary Consultation

925-808-8861

www.aluckydog.com

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“Real Life” TRAINING

ne of the mistakes we often make with our dogs is thinking that dogs see training classes in the same way that we often see being in school—in other words, that learning is reserved for the classroom! In truth, dogs (and people) are constantly learning every second of every day.

To have a truly well-mannered dog, you need to reinforce the behaviors that you want during the course of your daily life. “Use It or Lose It!” is a good maxim to follow when teaching your dog new behaviors.

Here are some ideas on how you can involve “real life” in your training practice: Take your dog with you when you go shopping. There are many stores that allow dogs. Once you are in the store, you can practice walking nicely on leash, sitting politely for petting and no jumping, and even stays in the aisles or under your chair or table if you are sitting and having a cup of coffee.

You can also practice having the dog

stay before getting into your car and before jumping out, and while you are loading any goodies you’ve purchased from the shopping cart into your car. Take your dog on car rides.

Even if you have a quick errand to run, such as to the bank or to a drive thru restaurant for food, take your dog along! You can practice stays with the dog getting in and out of your car, and going out is always a good socialization opportunity for the dog.

Some drive thru establishments even keep jars of dog treats on hand to say “hello!” to new canine visitors.

Practice sitting politely when guests come over every time a friend or relative visits. Practice sit stays when the mailman drops off your daily mail, when the garbage collection truck comes by, and when the newspaper deliveryman drops off your paper.

Practice sit and down stays while you are watching TV, on the phone, cooking, eating dinner, working at home on your computer, or while your children are doing their homework. The dog learns to be quiet and relaxed during times that you are busy and need to work, and it doesn’t require much extra effort on your part to train the dog while you are doing other things.

Practice stays when you go to pick

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your children up from school or from extracurricular activities. Arrive a few minutes early and take your dog out on leash and have them stay while watching the busy parking lot full of children. This is a highly distracting atmosphere for the dog and it’s great practice for stays, as well as walking nicely on leash. Use the recall command in your house in the course of your daily activities, such as when you want the dog to come to eat his or her dinner, or when your dog runs to the front door or a window to bark at a squirrel or the mailman.

Use all of your dog’s behaviors to earn him “what he wants.” Make getting anything that your dog desires a learning opportunity! If your dog wants to go out, he has to sit for his leash to be put on, or lay down at the door, or do a trick instead. Do the same when your dog wants his dinner, or to play or be petted or get attention. It doesn’t really matter what behavior you ask for, as long as you ask the dog to do “something” in exchange for a valuable “life” reward.

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What Makes a Good Dog Park

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dog park can be a wonderful place for dogs to socialize. However, some dog parks are better than others, and some dogs do better at dog parks than others.. Below are attributes which can make a dog park a good place to bring your dog. Very few dog parks are perfect so consider your dog’s temperament along with the features of the dog park and make an informed decision about whether or not your dog will have an enjoyable time at the park!

DECENT DOG PARKS SHOULD HAVE THESE FEATURES

must have access to drinking water and shade. Dogs play very strenuously Materials for cleaning up after dogs in dog parks and water is an absolute necessity – if there is no water available, (bags and garbage cans) it is very possible that dogs may suffer The ability to clean up after our dogs from heatstroke, which can be fatal. is essential for basic good health for Additionally, there should be shady both dogs and humans. Many canine areas where dogs can lay down, cool diseases are spread through feces, themselves, and rest before continuing and feces attract insects which can their strenuous play. spread disease to humans. Cleaning up after your dog – particularly in Enough space to avoid crowding urban areas – is a demonstration of If dogs become too crowded, it is much good citizenship. easier for a “bully” or a pack of dogs to corner and harass another dog. Fights Drinking Water and shade tend to break out more often under Dogs can’t cool themselves as ef- crowded conditions. ficiently as humans and therefore

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Entrances and exits with a two-gate system The two gate system is so dogs can’t escape from the park accidentally — Parks with a two-gate system avoid the possibility of dogs escaping from the park, increasing the safety of all the dogs.

Designated enclosed areas for smaller dogs (under 20 lbs) It can be very dangerous to take a small dog to a park frequented by large dogs. The large dogs may not mean to hurt the smaller dogs, but they can play too rough, or they may see the small dog as a prey animal and pick it up and shake it, which can be fatal. Exceptional dog parks have an enclosed area specifically for small dogs. This keeps them safe, yet still allows them to socialize which is especially important for smaller dogs.

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Help Fido Love the Vet

Once your dog has had a few positive visits at that level, have the veterinary technicians feed him treats. Ask if you can take him back in an examination room. Feed him treats in the room and then leave.

Repeat these steps until your dog struts into the veterinarian every time.

Some tips to remember: Always leave on a positive note. If your dog has a bad reaction, or is frightened by something, find an area where he’s willing to take treats—even if it’s outside the office.

Don’t leave right after your dog has reacted or been frightened by something

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o prevent your dog from shaking and whining every time you pull into the veterinary clinic parking lot, start training him to show him that the veterinarian’s office is the greatest place in the world when you first bring him home. This training obviously works better starting as a puppy, but any dog can benefit from having positive experiences at the veterinary office. Follow these steps for a dog whose tail starts wagging when you reach the veterinarian’s office:

If your dog is afraid, wait until he calms down a little before leaving. He should offer you some type of relaxing behavior, such as sitting, sighing or shaking off, at some point in the visit. When he does that, reward him by leaving.

An extremely fearful dog might not be able to enter the building during the first few sessions. If he starts shaking when you pull in the parking lot, start by rewarding him for calming down while still in the car. Work up slowly to going inside the building.

Talk to your veterinarian about bringFor proper health, your dog must visit ing your dog in for a few quick visits. the vet, so help make the experience a Most offices allow this as long as you positive one for all involved. don’t abuse the privilege.

Spend a few minutes in the reception area feeding your dog treats, then leave. The more often you can do this the more effective it will be, but even once a month can be effective After your dog has had a few positive visits just receiving treats, have him get on the scale, feed him some treats, and then leave.

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et

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