Health and Nutrition Tips For Your Dog
Take your dog to a quality veterinarian. Every dog needs the occasional health checkup. Start them off right and you'll save in the long run.
Health Tips For Your Dog
Make sure your dog is getting the proper exercise. We hear all the time about a healthy diet and regular exercise helping our health - it helps your dog's too.
Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Encourage them to chew on their toys instead of available electrical cords or other dangerous household items.
Your dog is your pet, not the bacteria or parasites that prey on them. Keep your dog clean by brushing their coat and their teeth and keeping their areas clean.
Don't over-bathe your dog. Dog's only need baths when their coat becomes soiled. Even if your dog lives indoors, you shouldn't bathe them more than every few weeks. Remember that a dog's skin is much more sensitive than a person's. Human shampoos remove the essential oils from their skin. Use a shampoo that is formulated for dogs.
Pay attention to the plants that you
put in your yard or bring into your
house. Many can be harmful to your
dog. See our list of common yet
harmful plants below.
put in your yard or bring into your
house. Many can be harmful to your
dog. See our list of common yet
harmful plants below.
Keep your dog's ears clean. A healthy ear will be a pinkish grey in color and it will not have any odor. Check them regularly for ear mites and ear infections. If their ears don't look or smell right, consult with your veterinarian.
If you have a large dog, talk to your vet and read up on gastric torsion, commonly known as "bloat". Never let your dog run and play immediately after eating. Also, don't let them drink water for 30 minutes after they eat. A dog should rest and let his food digest immediately after he eats.
Never overfeed your dog. A puppy can eat three times a day, but an adult dog should only be eating twice a day. Read the label on your dog food for your dog's recommended serving size. Overfeeding can lead to obesity which can hurt your dog's quality of life and ultimately shorten his lifespan.
Control fleas and ticks on your dog. There are many quality products sold in pet stores or talk to your vet about your options for dealing with this problem.
Avoid giving your dog chew toys that can be swallowed. There
have been cases of intestinal problems from many of
the chew products that claim to be digestable.
have been cases of intestinal problems from many of
the chew products that claim to be digestable.
Never leave your dog in an unattended,
parked car. Dogs can be stolen from
unattended vehicles and we hear
stories on the news every summer
about dogs that have been left in
parked cars in the Phoenix heat
and they dehydrate or die.
parked car. Dogs can be stolen from
unattended vehicles and we hear
stories on the news every summer
about dogs that have been left in
parked cars in the Phoenix heat
and they dehydrate or die.
A dog should always have access
to shade and clean water. We
strongly recommend against keeping
a dog outside in the Phoenix summer.
to shade and clean water. We
strongly recommend against keeping
a dog outside in the Phoenix summer.
Secure the lids of your indoor and outdoor trash cans or make sure the cans are behind closed doors. There are many things that we throw away that can be tempting to your dog but could seriously harm them.
We feel better when we have just taken a nice shower and we are clean. Dogs are very similar. Regular grooming, including brushing their hair and clipping their nails, is needed for every dog. Learn the grooming needs for your breed.
Walking your dog during a Phoenix summer can be a challenge. The hot asphalt can burn their feet and the hot temperatures can cause dehydration.
We receive a lot of requests from our clients to recommend safe, healthy food and treats for their dogs. Food is the most important factor for your dog's good health. Unfortunately, we don't really recommend any of the dog foods for sale in retail stores.
Nutrition Tips For Your Dog
Any food that is for sale in a retail location is going to contain chemical preservatives. The food needs to be shipped and stored in a warehouse and then it is going to sit on a store shelf for what could be a prolonged period of time. Because of this, the manufacturer needs to include the preservatives.
Meat by-products in dog food, by law, do not include hair, horns, teeth, hooves, feathers or manure. They do include organs, including the lungs, spleen, intestines, brains, kidneys and liver, and in the case of chicken, by-products will include the head (including the beaks) and feet.
Dog food companies are also allowed to use things like wheat and soy to increase the protein
percentage listed on the packaging, but these fillers are not digestable for a dog. The fillers just
become more waste in your yard.
percentage listed on the packaging, but these fillers are not digestable for a dog. The fillers just
become more waste in your yard.
The only commercial dog food we feel
comfortable recommending is Life's
Abundance dog food. It is not available in
stores but you can purchase it online at
www.LifesAbundanceDogFood.com. Life's
Abundance was developed by Dr. Jane Bicks,
a nationally renowned product formulator and
holistic veterinarian.
comfortable recommending is Life's
Abundance dog food. It is not available in
stores but you can purchase it online at
www.LifesAbundanceDogFood.com. Life's
Abundance was developed by Dr. Jane Bicks,
a nationally renowned product formulator and
holistic veterinarian.
Human-grade chicken meal is the primary
ingrediant in Life's Abundance. It also contains
egg, one of the more digestible forms of
protein, and it is full of vitamins A, B, E, K,
biotin and amino acids. It also has fish meal,
which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which
are wonderful for your dog's skin and coat.
ingrediant in Life's Abundance. It also contains
egg, one of the more digestible forms of
protein, and it is full of vitamins A, B, E, K,
biotin and amino acids. It also has fish meal,
which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids which
are wonderful for your dog's skin and coat.
Life's Abundance contains no steroids,
no hormones, no by-products, no artificial
colorings, no corn, no wheat, no soy and
no chemical preservatives. Your dog's food
will be delivered fresh and is guaranteed to
never be more than six months old. They use
only fresh, natural, wholesome ingrediants.
no hormones, no by-products, no artificial
colorings, no corn, no wheat, no soy and
no chemical preservatives. Your dog's food
will be delivered fresh and is guaranteed to
never be more than six months old. They use
only fresh, natural, wholesome ingrediants.
Life's Abundance is the only food we're
aware of that uses probiotics (a friendly bacteria)
for a healthy digestive tract. It also contains lactobacillus
acidophilus to help maintain a balance of friendly bacteria in your dog's intestines.
Take their pet food challenge and compare Life's Abundance to your dog's current food.
aware of that uses probiotics (a friendly bacteria)
for a healthy digestive tract. It also contains lactobacillus
acidophilus to help maintain a balance of friendly bacteria in your dog's intestines.
Take their pet food challenge and compare Life's Abundance to your dog's current food.
Thank you to the ASPCA for providing this information on home and holiday dog hazards.
Common Hazards To Your Dog
If you think your dog has been exposed to a harmful substance, consult your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.
Hazardous Household Items
The following common household items could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Keep them out of their reach.
Disinfectants
Fabric Softener
Lead
Lighter Fluid
Mothballs
Anti-cancer Drugs
Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
Rat and Mouse Bait
Bleach
Fabric Softener
Lead
Lighter Fluid
Mothballs
Anti-cancer Drugs
Solvents (paint thinners, etc.)
Rat and Mouse Bait
Bleach
Liquid Potpourri
Slug and Snail Bait
Oven Cleaner Sprays
Lime/Scale Removers
Fly Bait
Detergents
Tobacco Products
Flea and Tick Products
Drain Cleaners
Slug and Snail Bait
Oven Cleaner Sprays
Lime/Scale Removers
Fly Bait
Detergents
Tobacco Products
Flea and Tick Products
Drain Cleaners
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory
Medications
Acetaminophen (pain relievers like Tylenol)
Cold and Flu Medications
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Home Insect Products
Diet Pills
Medications
Acetaminophen (pain relievers like Tylenol)
Cold and Flu Medications
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Home Insect Products
Diet Pills
Common Hazardous Plants
The following common plants could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Keep them out of their reach.
Aloe
Amaryllis
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Belladonna
Bird Of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black Locust
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddhist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Clematis
Amaryllis
Andromeda Japonica
Asian Lily
Asparagus Fern
Australian Nut
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Belladonna
Bird Of Paradise
Bittersweet
Black Locust
Branching Ivy
Buckeye
Buddhist Pine
Caladium
Calla Lily
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Clematis
Cordatum
Corn Plant
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Daylily
Devil's Ivy
Dieffenbachia
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Ferns
Fiddle-Leaf Philadendron
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Heavenly Bamboo
Corn Plant
Cycads
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Daylily
Devil's Ivy
Dieffenbachia
Easter Lily
Elephant Ears
Emerald Fern
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Ferns
Fiddle-Leaf Philadendron
Florida Beauty
Foxglove
Glacier Ivy
Gladiolas
Heavenly Bamboo
Honeysuckle
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Kalanchoe
Lantana
Lilies (all species)
Lily Of The Valley
Lupine
Marble Queen
Morning Glory
Mother-In-Law
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthysis
Nightshade
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Kalanchoe
Lantana
Lilies (all species)
Lily Of The Valley
Lupine
Marble Queen
Morning Glory
Mother-In-Law
Mountain Laurel
Narcissus
Needlepoint Ivy
Nephthysis
Nightshade
Oleander
Panda
Peace Lily
Philadendron
Poison Hemlock
Precatory Bean
Privet
Red Emerald
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Tulips
Water Hemlock
Wisteria
Yew
Yucca
Panda
Peace Lily
Philadendron
Poison Hemlock
Precatory Bean
Privet
Red Emerald
Rhododendron
Ribbon Plant
Sago Palm
Satin Pothos
Schefflera
Striped Dracaena
Sweetheart Ivy
Tulips
Water Hemlock
Wisteria
Yew
Yucca
Harmful Foods
The following common foods could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Keep them out of their reach.
Avocados
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Onions and Onion Powder
Gum / Candies
Tea Leaves
Garlic
Grapes
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Onions and Onion Powder
Gum / Candies
Tea Leaves
Garlic
Grapes
Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
Raw Yeast Dough
Alcoholic Beverages
Moldy / Spoiled Foods
Salt
Fatty Foods
Xylitol Sweetener
Macadamia Nuts
Raw Yeast Dough
Alcoholic Beverages
Moldy / Spoiled Foods
Salt
Fatty Foods
Xylitol Sweetener
Hazardous Objects
The following common household objects could prove
hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Balls (specifically balls
that are small
or have a smooth
outer coating)
Sharp Objects
Bread Twist Ties
Buttons
Cotton Swabs
Rubber Bands
String or Yarn
Dental Floss
that are small
or have a smooth
outer coating)
Sharp Objects
Bread Twist Ties
Buttons
Cotton Swabs
Rubber Bands
String or Yarn
Dental Floss
Wax
Glass
Hair Pins
Jewelry
Nylons
Paper Clips
Plastic Wrap
Socks
Towels
Batteries
Coins
Glass
Hair Pins
Jewelry
Nylons
Paper Clips
Plastic Wrap
Socks
Towels
Batteries
Coins
Trouble Areas Around The House
Common household areas that could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of these areas.
Keep them out of these areas.
Balconies .. Tall balconies without safety railings, or railings spaced too far apart, can lead to a dangerous or even fatal fall.
Bath Tubs and Sinks .. Small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks.
Electrical Cords .. Your dog can be electrocuted if they chew on electrical cords.
Fireplace .. Your dog can be burned by the flames or get sick if they eat the ashes.
Toilets .. Toilet water is not healthy for your dog to drink. Always remember to close the lid or the
bathroom door. Make sure you leave plenty of clean, fresh water for your dog.
Washer and Dryer .. Your dog can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge. Always close the
doors to these appliances when they are not in use.
Bath Tubs and Sinks .. Small pets can drown in full bathtubs or sinks.
Electrical Cords .. Your dog can be electrocuted if they chew on electrical cords.
Fireplace .. Your dog can be burned by the flames or get sick if they eat the ashes.
Toilets .. Toilet water is not healthy for your dog to drink. Always remember to close the lid or the
bathroom door. Make sure you leave plenty of clean, fresh water for your dog.
Washer and Dryer .. Your dog can crawl into a washer or dryer without your knowledge. Always close the
doors to these appliances when they are not in use.
Hazards Outside The Home
The following common outdoor objects could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Keep them out of their reach.
Algae .. Can be found in ponds or other bodies of water. Certain forms can be toxic.
Antifreeze / Coolants .. Some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol. Even in
small amounts, it can be highly toxic to dogs.
Firepit / Grill .. Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
Fences or Gates .. Your dog can run away of they find openings in damaged fences or gates. They can also
get hurt or strangled if the get stuck.
Deck Lattice .. Your dog can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly get strangled.
De-icing Salts .. Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to dogs if ingested
in large amounts. Look for "pet-friendly" de-icing salts.
Compost (particularly if moldy).
Gasoline
Oil
Pesticides
Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch Fertilizer
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs .. Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools,
even if they can swim.
Antifreeze / Coolants .. Some types of antifreeze or coolant products contain ethylene glycol. Even in
small amounts, it can be highly toxic to dogs.
Firepit / Grill .. Flames can result in serious burns and ashes can cause illness if ingested.
Fences or Gates .. Your dog can run away of they find openings in damaged fences or gates. They can also
get hurt or strangled if the get stuck.
Deck Lattice .. Your dog can get stuck in the openings under your deck and possibly get strangled.
De-icing Salts .. Some formulations may contain chemicals that are hazardous to dogs if ingested
in large amounts. Look for "pet-friendly" de-icing salts.
Compost (particularly if moldy).
Gasoline
Oil
Pesticides
Cocoa Bean Shell Mulch Fertilizer
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs .. Never leave your pet unattended near uncovered pools,
even if they can swim.
Holiday Hazards
The following common holiday objects could prove hazardous to your dog.
Keep them out of their reach.
Keep them out of their reach.
Valentine's Day
Flowers and Candy .. Many types of flowers and plants found in bouquets are harmful to dogs if they are ingested (see our list of hazardous plants). Chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and, in severe cases, chocolate poisoning can be fatal.
Easter
Fake Grass .. This colorful "grass" may look appetizing to your dog, but it could cause them to choke or obstruct their intestines if ingested.
Small Toys and Other Plastic Items .. If swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your dog to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.
Small Toys and Other Plastic Items .. If swallowed, small toys and plastic Easter eggs can cause your dog to choke or even damage their intestinal tracts.
Fourth Of July
Fireworks .. Fireworks can scare your dog and possibly make them run off. They can also cause serious injuries if detonated near them. Many of the formulations used in fireworks are also toxic to your dog if they ingest them.
Halloween
Doors .. Repeatedly opening doors to greet trick-or-treaters can increase the chances of your dog running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts at all times. If feasible, keep them in a secure area or closed room when answering the door.
Candles .. Dogs are naturally curious. They may be attracted to the bright light of candles in dark areas. They could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candles over and cause a fire.
Xylitol .. Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic. Keep them away from your dog.
Chocolate .. All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your dog. Ingestion of chocolate can result in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from high fat content.
Candles .. Dogs are naturally curious. They may be attracted to the bright light of candles in dark areas. They could either burn themselves by the flame or knock the candles over and cause a fire.
Xylitol .. Candy or gum sweetened with xylitol is toxic. Keep them away from your dog.
Chocolate .. All forms of chocolate can be harmful to your dog. Ingestion of chocolate can result in poisoning or even pancreatic inflammation from high fat content.
Thanksgiving
Bones .. Turkey, chicken and other small animal bones are very different from the large bones you find at the pet store. These small bones splinter easily and can cause serious internal damage if swallowed.
Hot Containers .. Your dog will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that they do not tip them and get burned.
Hot Containers .. Your dog will most likely become curious when they smell something cooking. Keep an eye on hot containers so that they do not tip them and get burned.
Christmas
Holiday Plants .. Christmas Rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs.
Ribbons .. It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your dog's neck could
cause them to choke.
Fire Salts .. These contain chemicals that
could be harmful to your dog.
Angel Hair (spun glass) .. Can be irritating
to eyes and skin and could cause
intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Christmas Tree Water .. Stagnant tree
water or water containing preservatives
could result in stomach upset if
ingested by your dog.
Decoration Hooks .. These can cause
blockage and / or trauma to gastrointestinal
tracts if your dog swallows them.
Styrofoam .. Can cause your dog
to choke if it is swallowed.
Ornaments .. These can look like toys
to a dog. They can cause serious
injury though, especially if your dog
breaks or swallows them.
Tinsel .. Tinsel can cause
injury or internal blockage
if your dog swallows it.
Ribbons .. It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your dog's neck could
cause them to choke.
Fire Salts .. These contain chemicals that
could be harmful to your dog.
Angel Hair (spun glass) .. Can be irritating
to eyes and skin and could cause
intestinal blockage if swallowed.
Christmas Tree Water .. Stagnant tree
water or water containing preservatives
could result in stomach upset if
ingested by your dog.
Decoration Hooks .. These can cause
blockage and / or trauma to gastrointestinal
tracts if your dog swallows them.
Styrofoam .. Can cause your dog
to choke if it is swallowed.
Ornaments .. These can look like toys
to a dog. They can cause serious
injury though, especially if your dog
breaks or swallows them.
Tinsel .. Tinsel can cause
injury or internal blockage
if your dog swallows it.
New Year's
Balloons and Confetti ..
These New Year's
party decorations
can cause your dog
to choke or obstruct their
intestines if ingested. Keep
an eye on your dog when they're
around these items or move them
to an area that is not decorated.
Loud Noises .. New Year's is typically a
noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises
frighten dogs and can cause them to run off.
Keep your dog in a separate room, away
from noisemakers, music and other
loud sounds that may startle them.
These New Year's
party decorations
can cause your dog
to choke or obstruct their
intestines if ingested. Keep
an eye on your dog when they're
around these items or move them
to an area that is not decorated.
Loud Noises .. New Year's is typically a
noisy holiday. Unfortunately, loud noises
frighten dogs and can cause them to run off.
Keep your dog in a separate room, away
from noisemakers, music and other
loud sounds that may startle them.
"Since we last spoke, Basil has
progressed even further. She is
just becoming the sweetest,
most social little thing. Far
more than I certainly could have
imagined. I am looking into
agility training along with a
friend of mine from school who
has a pup of her own (wow Basil
is making friends! :) Anyway a
few words for your website if
would like to put them up, I will
definitely refer your services to
anyone who is having any dog
troubles."
progressed even further. She is
just becoming the sweetest,
most social little thing. Far
more than I certainly could have
imagined. I am looking into
agility training along with a
friend of mine from school who
has a pup of her own (wow Basil
is making friends! :) Anyway a
few words for your website if
would like to put them up, I will
definitely refer your services to
anyone who is having any dog
troubles."
Christina & Basil
Phoenix .. Arizona
Phoenix .. Arizona
"Steve, thank you so much for
all of your help with Basil.
She is much less nervous
now, and her submissive /
aggressiveness is now under
control. Before I couldn't even
have people over to the house
because she had become so
unfriendly, however now I can
have groups of people over and
Basil is not an issue. Your
techniques put me in control
of my dog, and now not only am
I much happier, but Basil is too!
Thanks again Steve for going
above and beyond for us, we
appreciate everything!!"
all of your help with Basil.
She is much less nervous
now, and her submissive /
aggressiveness is now under
control. Before I couldn't even
have people over to the house
because she had become so
unfriendly, however now I can
have groups of people over and
Basil is not an issue. Your
techniques put me in control
of my dog, and now not only am
I much happier, but Basil is too!
Thanks again Steve for going
above and beyond for us, we
appreciate everything!!"
"Hey there Steve, wanted to
give you an update on our
Zachariah. We are very well
pleased with Zach’s progress.
He now has freedom to roam
around our home and he and
Martin are best buds. Quite
amazing to see him content to
sit on Martin’s lap and take a
snooze, from when we first got
him, Zach turned his head away
and wouldn’t sit still on Martin.
Thank you for your wisdom and
knowledge - we now believe
God had this precious little guy
made just for us - it took a few
months of diligence but it has all
paid off and we have a peaceful
family. Thanks ever so much."
give you an update on our
Zachariah. We are very well
pleased with Zach’s progress.
He now has freedom to roam
around our home and he and
Martin are best buds. Quite
amazing to see him content to
sit on Martin’s lap and take a
snooze, from when we first got
him, Zach turned his head away
and wouldn’t sit still on Martin.
Thank you for your wisdom and
knowledge - we now believe
God had this precious little guy
made just for us - it took a few
months of diligence but it has all
paid off and we have a peaceful
family. Thanks ever so much."
Martin, Linda & Zach
Surprise .. Arizona
Surprise .. Arizona
The leadership methods that
you showed me are working
already. Holly is submitting and
Boojum and Joops are sending
me thank you vibes. I think this
will also help bring my cat Gu
back into the mix. Hopefully Gu
will soon realize that Holly is not
in control and my kitty can come
around more. Once she is again
milling about with the pack, then
I can correct Holly whenever
she goes into cat attack or
pursuit mode. While working
the techniques that we
discussed will take some
getting used to, I am willing to
put in the time. THANKS!"
you showed me are working
already. Holly is submitting and
Boojum and Joops are sending
me thank you vibes. I think this
will also help bring my cat Gu
back into the mix. Hopefully Gu
will soon realize that Holly is not
in control and my kitty can come
around more. Once she is again
milling about with the pack, then
I can correct Holly whenever
she goes into cat attack or
pursuit mode. While working
the techniques that we
discussed will take some
getting used to, I am willing to
put in the time. THANKS!"
"You would not believe the
peace and tranquility and JOY
and RESPECT around my house
after only a few days of
consistent and persistent
training and correction.
Boojum is no longer yelling at
me, Joops is about the same
(just a silly boy eager to please),
and Holly is much calmer and
more focused. It appears that I
am becoming recognized as
leader of this cowdog pack!!!
peace and tranquility and JOY
and RESPECT around my house
after only a few days of
consistent and persistent
training and correction.
Boojum is no longer yelling at
me, Joops is about the same
(just a silly boy eager to please),
and Holly is much calmer and
more focused. It appears that I
am becoming recognized as
leader of this cowdog pack!!!
Kathleen, Boojum, Joopiter
Holly & Gu the cat
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Holly & Gu the cat
Ahwatukee .. Arizona
Second Email
"Steve, I wanted to send you a
quick message to say thank you
and let you know that we are
thrilled with the progress we
are seeing in Bello in the few
days since we first met with
you! We have seen a marked
decrease in his barking
and, though we'd be thrilled
enough with that, he has
also responded well to our
establishment of pack
structure. We have been very
successful with our training
sessions each day. He already
has the "sit-down-stay"
command with 15+ feet and
holding for over 30 seconds. We
started working today on the
"stay" while out-of-sight
command and he did better
than I anticipated! We had a
house full of company last night
and everyone remarked on how
calm Bello was and how well
behaved! Most of the time he
sits just by putting our finger up
- such a nice little party "trick" :).
He also "sit-stayed" while our
front door was open and our
guests left - a major change
from his prior behavior!
Thanks again and we'll be in
touch once we've mastered
the initial skills you taught us.
quick message to say thank you
and let you know that we are
thrilled with the progress we
are seeing in Bello in the few
days since we first met with
you! We have seen a marked
decrease in his barking
and, though we'd be thrilled
enough with that, he has
also responded well to our
establishment of pack
structure. We have been very
successful with our training
sessions each day. He already
has the "sit-down-stay"
command with 15+ feet and
holding for over 30 seconds. We
started working today on the
"stay" while out-of-sight
command and he did better
than I anticipated! We had a
house full of company last night
and everyone remarked on how
calm Bello was and how well
behaved! Most of the time he
sits just by putting our finger up
- such a nice little party "trick" :).
He also "sit-stayed" while our
front door was open and our
guests left - a major change
from his prior behavior!
Thanks again and we'll be in
touch once we've mastered
the initial skills you taught us.
Kami, Jeff & Bello
Laveen .. Arizona
Laveen .. Arizona
"After living with my
roommate's dog for almost
three years I could not imagine
life without one when he
considered moving out. About
a month before he was
scheduled to move I got the call.
A young female pit bull was
found by an acquaintance of
mine in the backyard of a
foreclosed home. I was
cautious at first, knowing that
pit bulls can be aggressive and
not knowing the trauma she had
gone through. After meeting
her and seeing first hand her
loving and tender personality I
knew she was too amazing to
let go. The first few weeks with
Indi were equally fun and hard.
She was so great to be around
but her constant elimination in
the house, disobeying of
commands and chewing of
furniture, carpets and cabinets
soon became too much to deal
with. Every second she was not
in eyesight lead to another
mess to clean up or more
destruction. Internet research,
advice from friends and the four
books I had bought all seemed
to have great insight and advice
but different strategies
altogether. After a few weeks
and very little improvement I
was at a breaking point. I was
so stressed I even considered
giving Indi up, that is when
someone suggested I call
A Better Dog.
I felt better after my first
conversation with Steve. Even
though I know he heard them
before, he listened while I told
of him of all the problems I was
having with Indi. He reassured
me that he could help and three
days later he came to my house.
What a relief! It was not easy but
after every day, week and
month things got better. Steve
offered a complete system and
not just strategies or advice to
band-aid her behavior. I am so
thankful for him making me a
proud owner of such a well-
behaved and disciplined canine.
I get compliments on her all the
time! After the turn around Indi
made on their system I would
recommend A Better Dog to
anyone, and I do! Thanks again!"
roommate's dog for almost
three years I could not imagine
life without one when he
considered moving out. About
a month before he was
scheduled to move I got the call.
A young female pit bull was
found by an acquaintance of
mine in the backyard of a
foreclosed home. I was
cautious at first, knowing that
pit bulls can be aggressive and
not knowing the trauma she had
gone through. After meeting
her and seeing first hand her
loving and tender personality I
knew she was too amazing to
let go. The first few weeks with
Indi were equally fun and hard.
She was so great to be around
but her constant elimination in
the house, disobeying of
commands and chewing of
furniture, carpets and cabinets
soon became too much to deal
with. Every second she was not
in eyesight lead to another
mess to clean up or more
destruction. Internet research,
advice from friends and the four
books I had bought all seemed
to have great insight and advice
but different strategies
altogether. After a few weeks
and very little improvement I
was at a breaking point. I was
so stressed I even considered
giving Indi up, that is when
someone suggested I call
A Better Dog.
I felt better after my first
conversation with Steve. Even
though I know he heard them
before, he listened while I told
of him of all the problems I was
having with Indi. He reassured
me that he could help and three
days later he came to my house.
What a relief! It was not easy but
after every day, week and
month things got better. Steve
offered a complete system and
not just strategies or advice to
band-aid her behavior. I am so
thankful for him making me a
proud owner of such a well-
behaved and disciplined canine.
I get compliments on her all the
time! After the turn around Indi
made on their system I would
recommend A Better Dog to
anyone, and I do! Thanks again!"
Eric & Indi
Tempe .. Arizona
Tempe .. Arizona
"Recently my wife and I were
talked into purchasing a dog for
our 12 year old daughter Sadie.
We made a deal with her that
she would be responsible for
the dog and had to be the one to
take care of her and train her.
She agreed and it was actually
her idea to hire a dog trainer.
Under our supervision, Sadie
got on the phone and started
making calls. Steve at A Better
Dog was really the only trainer
we could find who would take
her seriously and actually spend
time on the phone with her. We
listened in on the extension and
were very pleased that he was
speaking to her like an adult and
taking the time to explain
exactly how the training
programs worked. He also
emphasized with her that she
would need to be responsible
for Sugar's training and work
with her regularly. After hanging
up with Steve, Sadie was almost
giddy. She wanted to get started
right away. Steve came over a
few days later and after the
preliminaries, he began to work
with Sadie and Sugar. I told my
wife after that session that I
was really impressed with the
way that Steve explained
everything in a way that Sadie
could understand and he was
very clear on how she could
accomplish her goals. He also
had a way of talking to her and
making her feel important, but
after every key point he would
glance at one of us to make
sure that we all understood
things. He did it in a way that
never made Sadie feel like he
was really talking to us. We've
made great strides with Sugar
over the past few weeks, but
I'm even more impressed with
what's happened with Sadie.
She was always a bit quiet and
shy, but as she works with
Sugar, I can see her confidence
and self-esteem growing. It's
really interesting and
rewarding. Whenever she has a
question, she calls Steve. He
makes the time to talk to her
and if he isn't available, he
always calls her back quickly. He
has always been very
professional and he uses
humor and games to keep both
Sadie and Sugar interested in
the training - and us for that
matter. So anyway, thanks
Steve. You've done more than
just help us to train our dog and
we really appreciate it."
talked into purchasing a dog for
our 12 year old daughter Sadie.
We made a deal with her that
she would be responsible for
the dog and had to be the one to
take care of her and train her.
She agreed and it was actually
her idea to hire a dog trainer.
Under our supervision, Sadie
got on the phone and started
making calls. Steve at A Better
Dog was really the only trainer
we could find who would take
her seriously and actually spend
time on the phone with her. We
listened in on the extension and
were very pleased that he was
speaking to her like an adult and
taking the time to explain
exactly how the training
programs worked. He also
emphasized with her that she
would need to be responsible
for Sugar's training and work
with her regularly. After hanging
up with Steve, Sadie was almost
giddy. She wanted to get started
right away. Steve came over a
few days later and after the
preliminaries, he began to work
with Sadie and Sugar. I told my
wife after that session that I
was really impressed with the
way that Steve explained
everything in a way that Sadie
could understand and he was
very clear on how she could
accomplish her goals. He also
had a way of talking to her and
making her feel important, but
after every key point he would
glance at one of us to make
sure that we all understood
things. He did it in a way that
never made Sadie feel like he
was really talking to us. We've
made great strides with Sugar
over the past few weeks, but
I'm even more impressed with
what's happened with Sadie.
She was always a bit quiet and
shy, but as she works with
Sugar, I can see her confidence
and self-esteem growing. It's
really interesting and
rewarding. Whenever she has a
question, she calls Steve. He
makes the time to talk to her
and if he isn't available, he
always calls her back quickly. He
has always been very
professional and he uses
humor and games to keep both
Sadie and Sugar interested in
the training - and us for that
matter. So anyway, thanks
Steve. You've done more than
just help us to train our dog and
we really appreciate it."
Efram, Sadie & Sugar
Queen Creek .. Arizona
Queen Creek .. Arizona
