I was doing some research for a couple of summer health tip posts and I came across something about dog parks that I hadn't thought about before. Dog parks can be hazardous to you dog's health unless you take the right precautions.

We love the dog park. It's a great place to socialize your dog and meet people that share your love of critters.
 
For single dudes with dogs it's a great place to show how sensitive you are and meet a nice woman. We take Miles at least once a week and he can tell when we are getting close. He loves the place.
 
What I didn't know was that many of my Veterinary colleagues are anti dog park. They have their reasons, many of which are quite logical. Your dog can pick up a dangerous virus like Parvo or Distemper and parasite eggs love the warm moist soil conditions found at many dog parks that try to keep the grass in place. Fleas and mange mites can transfer too, in the tussle for a tennis ball or frisbee.

Continue Reading "Dog Parks can be Dangerous Places" »

I have finally decided that it is time. Marleigh is going to school.

The days of arm socket dislodging, pillow destroying, food spreading and midnight bark-a-thons will soon be over. Six weeks from Wednesday, I will be the proud parent of a masterfully trained dog who is astonishingly obedient.

Am I excited? Of course. Am I nervous? Absolutely.

Maizie was a dream student. She was attentive, wanted to learn, gave me undivided attention and was the superstar of the class. I have absolutely no idea what to expect from Marleigh. Not a clue.

All I know is I am going to prepare for anything...and everything.

-- Chloe Ochse --

I get lots of questions from dog and cat owners about training. They want to know how to get their dogs to do this or that or how to correct this or that.

We spend a lot of time talking about training on the blog too. Good basic obedience training and good socialization will last a lifetime. Along with regular Vet care and pet insurance, these are the most important gifts you can give your dog.

Good training plans have one thing in common. They all use rewards and postive reinforcement as the starting point.

Continue Reading "The Power of Positive Dog Training" »

Like many pet owners, I celebrated the Fourth of July with my furry children. In an attempt to escape the brutal Texas heat, Marleigh, Maizie and I headed out to the lake with a group of family and friends. Having brought my dogs to the office several times, watched them interact with groups of people and other pets, I was confident that they would adjust just fine.

Continue Reading "Crisis Avoided, Lessons Learned" »