Ten Ways to Puppy Proof Your House

April 4, 2011 By mike

Puppies will get into trouble. How we prepare for them is the key.

If you have ever owned a puppy before, you know that they are very curious about their new home. This curiosity can lead to our new puppies sticking their nose in places they don’t belong. So, just like a new baby, when you bring a new puppy into your house there are certain steps that can be taken to make their new home safer. We call it puppy proofing your house.

There are many types of plants that are poisonous to dogs. Make sure your indoor and out outdoor plants are safe for your puppy.
Make sure you keep your medications out of the reach of the puppy. Puppies are surprisingly good at getting into things that are left on the counter or on an end table.
All trash cans (including any in the bedroom or bathroom) must be put away so your puppy doesn’t get into them.
Keep all cleaning supplies put away.
Lit candles are out of the reach of your puppy (or their tail), also make sure all fireplaces have secure screens.
Make sure that any cords for window covering have been tied up so they are not left dangling where a puppy can get caught on them.
If your puppy is left unattended, make sure there are no power cords on the floor.
During the holiday season make sure that your decorations are out of the reach of the puppy.
Your puppy enters your house without understand what your rules are. Until your dog is proven as a trustworthy member of the house make sure you don’t let them develop bad behaviors. Make sure your puppy is always kept in your eyesight, if not make sure they are safe in a crate.
Start training and socializing your puppy right away. It never hurts to speak to a trainer before your new puppy enters your home. Be the alpha of the pack from Day One.

Almost Gave Up

April 3, 2011 By mike

The Helm Family's Simon

My husband and I had only owned our golden-doodle for one year, and were literally at the point of giving him up. He was just exhausting and out of control. However, we had happened to meet someone at the local dog park who referred us to Mike Dixon, and we decided to give Simon one more chance.

When Simon returned from Mike’s off leash program; it was seriously like night and day. Simon was a completely different dog! He behaves, respects, and is actually enjoyable now. Mike taught Simon his role and made us the alpha. Because of this training we are now looking forward to many ENJOYABLE years with our dog.

I would absolutely recommend Mike to anyone. What a difference he can make! It’s Amazing!

The Helm Family
Northern Kentucky

Dog Parks

March 5, 2011 By mike

Dog parks can provide great opportunities for your puppy or older dog to learn important social skills. I’ve put together this map of the dog parks in Cincinnati. If you know of any more, just comment below. I hope you find this as useful as I do!

Car Safety Tips

February 11, 2011 By mike

There are many types of car restrain harnesses at your local pet store

Everyone has owned that dog that loves to hang their head out of the window during car rides. You have also probably seen people leaving their dogs in open truck beds. There are many reasons why these situations are not really appropriate conditions for your dog. While your dog probably loves feeling the wind on their face, it can be very dangerous to leave your windows down with your dog in the car. Dust and debris can get into your dogs eyes and ears, and even more dangerous your dog can jump out of the window. At any speed and no matter how small the window is cracked this can present a very real danger to your dog.

If possible you should either crate your dog while they are in the car, and if that is not possible then harness your dog in a safety harness.

Dogs should never be left unattended in the car. Don’t leave your dog in a hot car, or a cold car, either situation can be very dangerous to your dog. If you are taking your dog with you in the car, be prepared to take your dog with you when you leave the car. When the outside temperature is 78°F, a closed car will reach 90°F in 5 minutes, and 110°F in 25 minutes. Even a few minutes in a hot car can kill your dog or cause irreversible damage.

Lastly, not all dogs enjoy car rides. If your dog drools, shakes, or vomits in the car it can be a sign that they are having anxiety about the car ride. So don’t force your dog into the car when they are showing signs of car anxiety.

For more information about car safety and car anxiety contact a Certified Obedience Trainer.

Cleo in Northern Kentucky

February 10, 2011 By mike

Melody Oswalt's Cleo

We started training our dog, Cleo, with Mike when he was at Pets Mart and followed him to continue her training as a therapy dog. We constantly get comments about how well behaved she is. We walk Cleo at a local park and during warm weather, there is an exercise class conducted outside. Cleo maneuvers around the participants and their belongings without touching or bothering them. The exercisers now know and love Cleo. They have brought their children to meet her and have asked if she can accompany them on runs in the park. Another person that bikes on the walking and bike trail in the park stopped us to tell us how well behaved she is. He said she shares the trail better than most humans. While he generally tries to stay away from dogs on his rides, he is always happy to see Cleo. All of the praise we receive is a direct result of the training Cleo has received from Mike. He truly cares about results and the dogs he trains.

Melody Oswalt (Northern Kentucky)

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