So you just welcomed home a new puppy or maybe you’ve nobly rescued an older one. Your life feels complete. You wake up to a snuggly buddy and you come home from a long day to a happy grin and an endearing woof. Every pooch owner lives for these joys, but they also know the aggravation of having to reprimand a troublemaker.
The adjustment phase of a new dog can be exhausting, a phase that most pup-lovers wish they could bypass. But fear not, San Diego’s top of the line trainers aim to bring peace to the pup chaos and make any transition period as smooth as possible. Enter Pawtopia Dog Training, a celebrated local source run by Founder and Trainer Colleen Demling. In honor of you local owners who haven’t yet made time to choose a trainer but are in dire need of assistance, we sat down with Colleen to hook you up with an info-packed virtual lesson, on the house.
From how to pick the perfect puppy for your lifestyle to dog park dos and don’ts, important public manners for Fido, preferred dog-friendly businesses around town, and what to consider when choosing a dog trainer, get to know Colleen Demling of Pawtopia Dog Training in this week’s industry spotlight.
DiscoverSD: The thrill of bringing home a new puppy can make us overlook some major issues. What top things should we consider before adopting a dog?
Colleen: Picking the right dog can be difficult but it is vitally important since you will be spending the next 10-15 years with your new canine friend. To help you make the right decision, first evaluate your life and what you want out of a dog. Be honest! How much time do you have for him? What type of activities do you want to do with him? Do you want a dog that sheds? Do you want a dog that can easily travel? Do you want a dog that can run all day or one that prefers to sit on the couch? What will your life look like in the future? Do you want kids? Will your next job promotion require extensive trips? By honestly answering these questions, it can help you to narrow down exactly what type of dog will work best for you and your situation.
Also, consider what age dog you want. Puppies are adorable but they take TONS of work. They need to be potty trained, socialized, and taught basic manners. They will chew up at least one of your favorite possessions and pee on your rug. But they will also make you laugh and it can be one of the most enjoyable phases of a dog's life. Adult dogs have already learned most of these behaviors so they take less work and can often adjust to your lifestyle faster but they may have some emotional baggage to deal with from previous homes. Older dogs tend to have less energy and are more content relaxing with you on the couch. These “golden years” can be some of the best years to have a dog but since they are further along in their lifespan, health problems are more likely.
Finally, once you have an idea of what breed or mix you would like remember that looks are only skin deep. Too many people pick dogs based on sex or color. So many people say, “I picked him because I wanted a yellow male and he was the best looking in the litter.” Looks is the last thing you should consider when you choose a dog because your handsome new family member may not be so cute after he eats the cake sitting on the dining room table! To have the most successful relationship possible, you want a dog that has a similar personality to you. If you like to exercise a lot and are a natural leader then you will be most happy with the energetic dominant dog. If you tend to be more easy going, then the quiet submissive dog would be a better match.
DiscoverSD: Puppies are adorable, but they can sure drive you crazy with all that energy. What are some tips for puppy playtime, and how much is enough?
Colleen: A tired puppy is a happy puppy! There should be at least two 30-45 minute exercise sessions per day. Long walks, fetch, and dog parks are a great way to burn energy.
- Do not jog with the puppy on pavement or for long distances before he is 1 years old since it could cause physical problems later in life.
- Be sure that YOU decide when a game should start or end. For example, if he drops a ball in your lap, do not begin a game of fetch. Instead wait for a time that is convenient for you and then encourage the puppy to play.
- Do not rough house with the puppy or engage in any type of play that encourages him to be “mouthy”, growl or jump because, although these behaviors can be cute when he is young, you are reinforcing bad habits that will be difficult to get rid of later when he is full grown.
- Do not play “chase” with your puppy because it shows him that running away from you is really fun so he is less likely to “come” when you call him. Instead, make sure he always chases you.
- Have Fun! Playtime should be fun for you and your puppy so enjoy it!
DiscoverSD: What are the top dog park dos and don’ts?
Colleen: Dog parks can be a great way to socialize and exercise your dog but it can also be extremely dangerous since dog fights are common. To help minimize your risk and increase the enjoyment of the neighborhood dog park:
DO:
- Make sure your dog likes the dog park! Some dogs, like some people, would prefer to relax in their neighborhood instead of going to a crowded restaurant (or in your pup’s situation, a dog park) with a bunch of strangers!
- Make sure your dog is under voice control. This means that she must come to you when called and stop doing a behavior when told “No”. If you don’t have this basic control then you will have no way to help her if she gets into a dangerous situation.
- Take your dog off leash before she enters the park. This will give her a greater ability to get away from trouble if it erupts but it will also help her to feel more comfortable.
DON’T
- Hang out with large groups of people. Lots of people go to the park to socialize. They sit around one table or stand in one area. As a result, the dogs cluster in this and there is a greater chance for a fight or disagreement (among the dogs AND the people).
- Hesitate to leave, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason. It’s better to be safe and come back another day then to accidently get your pup in a bad situation.
DiscoverSD: San Diego is a very dog-friendly community, but not all dogs are ready for public places. What are some dog training tips for helping public manners?
Colleen: Be prepared - Always, I repeat, ALWAYS have poop bags and water for your dog. Also, if you have a dog that tends to drool (like some of the larger breeds) make sure to bring an extra towel. You may not be bothered by puppy slobber but the local high end clothing boutique will not find the habit so endearing!
- Keep him out of the way - If you take your dog to a restaurant or shop make sure that he is under the table or out of the main aisle. This will make sure that the guests don’t have to walk around your pup or the waitress isn’t trying to balance a tray full of drinks as she steps over Fido. Plus your dog will thank you because his tail or paw won’t get accidently stepped on by a stranger.
-No Begging or shedding - All the great restaurant food smells as good to your pup as it does to you but make sure to prevent any begging. You may not care but the people next to you probably don’t want to see your pup lick your plate clean. If you are taking your dog shopping as you buy the hottest spring trends, keep him away from the clothes. After all, not all people thing dog hair is the best accessory!
DiscoverSD: What are your favorite dog-friendly restaurants in San Diego?
Colleen: There are so many great places to hang out with your pup. A few of my favorites are Pacifica Breeze Café in Del Mar, La Jolla Brew House, and Solare Ristorante and Lounge in Point Loma. These are great establishments that make sure your pup feels welcome with water bowls and extra love.
DiscoverSD: Even though we have the best intentions, we don’t always have enough time to train our dogs. What are some of the top things to consider when choosing the right dog trainer?
Colleen: Keep in mind that ANYONE can call themselves a dog trainer. So when you are talking to a perspective trainer, ask how many hours of hands-on dog training experience do they have? This is important. It’s easy to read a few books and say you are a dog trainer, but without extensive hands on experience, you don’t know if the person is really able to observe, assess and modify dog behavior properly. Make sure the trainer is easy to understand. Ask her/him about their teaching method. You want someone that not only trains the dog but also stops to explain to you what they are doing, why, and how you can apply it to your specific situation. Finally, unless you are training for an advance obedience title, I do not recommend using trainers that charge a large flat fee for an unlimited amount of classes or consultations or make you buy a training package. If done right, training should be complete in 4-8 weeks and the learning should be permanent. Plus, if you find the trainer’s methods aren’t working, you want to be free to use someone else without losing out on a ton of cash.
Love Colleen? So do we! Expertise and inventive methods are sending Pawtopia Dog Training on a pet-revolution through San Diego. Are you ready to get on board? Introduce your dog to the professionals today! You can contact them by phone 800.683.7107 or email info@pawtopiatraining.com. Their website offers even more information, as well as resources to quickly rely on. Check them out now at pawtopiatraining.com.
