Author Archives for Sydney

Are You Ready For This?

a woman and puppy connect, looking into each others eyes

Emotional Puppy Preparedness In my online puppy prep class, You’re Lucky You’re Cute, where I discuss three key pillars of puppy raising, I also spend some time talking about the emotional side of adding a puppy to your life. I think that taking a bit of time to consider all of the puppy energy that’s… View Article

Sit and Stay!

Fluffy SIT! SIT! SIT! STAY Fluffy! SIT, STAY! Do you ever have trouble getting your new puppy to sit still for a photo? Unless they are sleeping or chewing it seems like they are on the move. If you are feeling frustrated with your pup’s poor performance you may be too focused on static behaviors… View Article

Kara Graves – Testimonials

It would also be a great resource for a breeder to share with puppy-buyers, or to include as a gift on the day the puppy goes home with it’s new family. You’re Lucky You’re Cute Online Class Reviewed by Kara Graves of the Australian Shepherd Journal, Official Publication of the United States Australian Shepherd Association. To read the… View Article

When The Dog Bites

Sing it! When the dog bitesWhen the bee stingsWhen I’m feeling sadI simply remember my favorite thingsAnd then I don’t feel so bad I’ve been thinking a lot about the words Julie Andrews croons in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved song from the Sound of Music. Specifically, the line “when the dog bites“. Imagine if all… View Article

Dodge the Doggy Doldrums

Saint Bernard puppy looking bored

There is an excitement and optimism surrounding newness. In contrast, we come to enjoy a shorthand and unspoken understanding with what is established. Puppies are a fresh start, like the first day of a new healthy routine or a new piece of furniture we plan on keeping spotless. I’ve got a Vitamix that I love… View Article

Can your puppy handle it?

Here a puppy is lying on a mat. This is the puppy handling station where you will do the work.

My mom has a love affair with Pomeranians. She has had poms for years. She has shown them in both obedience and confirmation and enjoyed the grooming and training required when competing with these lively little dogs. Pomeranians require a lot of brushing and scissoring. Never one comfortable not understanding ‘the details’, (she’s one of… View Article

Jolene McLellan – Testimonials

“Both myself and the vets that I work for love it and think it is a fabulous way to educate people right from the start about dogs.” Jolene McLellan | Woodgrove Animal Hospital, Nova Scotia, Canada

3 Tips To Take Your Socialization Strategy from Blah to Brilliant

What Does It All Mean? It seems like most folks have a vague idea about what socialization is. More people are enrolling in puppy classes and this is a great thing. But what is it really and why does it matter? What does it mean specifically for a new puppy person and the dog now… View Article

Food For Thought

Food for Thought

What Goes With What? If you have dinner parties and get excited about pairing wine with different courses you will appreciate this analogy. To my mind pairing treats with puppy life requires the same consideration. From making a good impression when introducing your pup to the nail trimmers, to a smooth and effective training session,… View Article

6 Tips That Will Help You Calm Your Puppy Down

puppy sleeping while woman meditates

  Find The Puppy Om A new puppy does brings lots of fun and excitement. Along with that adorable bundle of joy also comes their natural puppy behaviors that can quickly get overwhelming for folks without a game plan and some know-how. Do you have a new puppy? Are you struggling with your puppy biting,… View Article