Caring for Your Dog: Just Who to Listen to and Take Advice From
It has been brought to my attention many times over the years that most people don’t know exactly who they should listen to when it comes to their dogs. I find this more often with first-time puppy/dog owners, especially those who are purchasing or adopting an 8 week old puppy. Who they should listen to when it comes what to feed, what toys to buy, where to groom, how often to bath, which vet to choose, which training methods to choose, how to pick a trainer, what food to feed--the list goes on and on. The biggest conflict I am finding right now is company employees or business owners who operate one type of business, but advise and suggest things to pet owners about something that is not related to what they are selling. Here is the general rule I suggest all pet owners to follow: First, always do [...]
Why I Continue My Education as a Professional Dog Trainer
This past weekend I attended a 3 day training seminar for A-Z Free Heeling from the current 3 times world sport dog trainer. Although I have never been into sport dog training, I have handled many titled dogs throughout my career and I enjoy watching the competitions and talking with those handlers / trainers in that field of training. I have always been fascinated with the art of sport dog training and wondered how do they get these dogs so in tune with them. So thanks to a client’s support, I was able to attend this course. Learning from a professional sport dog trainer Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be so hooked into a style of training that I used to tell people, "If you are looking for sport dog, I can refer you to another trainer." Granted, I will still refer to trainers who specialize [...]
Service Animals in Florida
Service animals play an incredibly important role in our community. They offer assistance and companionship to people with disabilities. For many people with disabilities, the assistance of a service animal is an essential part of their daily life. What is a service animal? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2010 defines service animals as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Service animals are specifically defined as “working animals,” not pets. They must perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Dogs who solely provide emotional support or comfort are not regarded as service dogs under the ADA, because they are not trained to do specific tasks. However, emotional support and comfort animals do qualify as “assistance animals” under the Fair Housing Act, which protects [...]
Visiting Florida Beaches with Your Dog
Summer is here, so it’s the perfect time of year to go to the beach in Central Florida. And what could make a beach trip better than spending it with your dog? Before you head out to the beach with your dog, here are a few things to consider: Make sure the beach allows pets Many beaches in the Central Florida area don’t allow pets. The beaches that do allow pets usually require them to be on-leash at all times. Check the rules for the beach you plan on going to before you head out on an adventure with your dog! Here’s a list of a few dog-friendly beaches in Central Florida: Smyrna Dunes Park in New Smyrna Beach, Florida (on-leash at all times) Lighthouse Point Park in Ponce Inlet, Florida (on-leash at all times) Picnic Island Park in Tampa, Florida (off-leash allowed in dog beach area) [...]
Florida’s Most Popular Dog Breeds
The most popular breeds of dog in Florida might surprise you! Here are the top five dog breeds for Orlando, Miami, and West Palm Beach, based on registration statistics from the American Kennel Club from 2012 to 2015. Most Popular Dog Breeds in Orlando, Florida Yorkshire Terrier Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever Maltese Most Popular Dog Breeds in Miami, Florida German Shepherd Dog French Bulldog Labrador Retriever Rottweiler Bulldog Most Popular Dog Breeds in West Palm Beach, Florida Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever Rottweiler French Bulldog Most Popular Dog Breeds across the United States of America Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Golden Retriever Bulldog Beagle
The Best of Orlando Dog Parks
Looking for a dog-friendly park in Central Florida near Orlando? We’ve made a list of twelve local dog parks that your dog will absolutely love! Whether you want to take your pup on an outdoor off-leash adventure, or you want to find a quiet, nearby dog park for regular walks, we’re going to show you the best dog parks in the Orlando metro area. Lake Eola Park Directions Website Reviews On-leash park Disposal bag dispensers Walking trails Dr. P. Phillips Community Park Directions Website Reviews Off-leash in dog park Small and large dog sections Disposal bag dispensers Water fountains Shower station Play pool Downey Park Directions Website Reviews Off-leash in dog park Small and large [...]