You saw the article in the Washington Post.
(May 16-Front Page–excerpt below)

Now, attend this informative workshop to learn the best way to introduce your dog to adults, children and other dogs…how to avoid trouble and what to do when it breaks out.

Canine good citizenship is every dog person’s responsibility. Now is the time to learn how to make it easy for your dog.

Help your dog to meet & greet successfully

We’ll be on the south side of the park, above the ‘pit.’

NOTE: All participant dogs must be on leash for the duration of the workshop. Please leave toys at home and only bring treats in a dog-safe container. Reducing temptation is the best way to avoid tension!

**Please rsvp  via our brand new facebook page if you would like to receive the workshop materials at the event.**

Washington Post:
“Where there is conflict, there are often peacemakers. On Capitol Hill, Bonny King-Taylor, a pet coach known as the Doggy Lama, has been holding workshops on dog citizen skills, including how to deal with children and panicky parents.

The next one is slated for June in Lincoln Park. Will it foster a new detente between dog owners and parents?

She doubts it. “The people who need to come probably won’t,” she said. “

It breaks my heart any time I hear of a pet going missing, for whatever reason.

But we now have the power of social media, and kind hearts everywhere, to help reunite pets and their people.

Please pass along the info on the attached flyer to your contacts and compadres.

Just a quick note today to invite all our local friends to a special event at Chateau Animaux this Saturday, 20March, at 4pm.

We'll be glad to see you.

Tea with the doggy lama: Ask the Expert!
Bring any and all questions about:
* health
* wellness
* proper equipment
* grooming
* nutrition
* behavior problems
* training theories, etc.

Join us for a fun and informative discussion and demonstration.

PS: If you have any questions, please give us a call at 1.866.821.9386 or visit doggy lama pet coaching online.

We are starting off the year with a brand new series of events with our partners at Chateau Animaux. It’s going to be great!

So, as we wait for Jack Frost to quit dumping on us, check out the tips for cold weather care below. And, plan to join us on Saturday,

For the Love of Your Dog.

SPECIAL EVENTS
We have been privileged to work with Chateau Animaux for the last two years and, in 2010, we are planning 6 very special events.

These will be highly interactive, skill-building seminars, so come prepared to learn positive, practical tools by doing ‘hands on’ exercises. We’ll have a lot of fun while practicing the behaviors that work best for you and your dog.

Saturday, February 13
New time! 4pm

For the Love of Your Dog: Building a perfect relationship

Are you loving your dog the right way?

Join us for this informative session focused on the “language of love” between humans and canines. You might be surprised how easy it is to ’speak dog.’

• Read Post »

On the Walk – Protect your pooches feet and fur

• Coats are good if they protect the underbelly and repel water
• Try sweaters that stay warm when wet. Polar fleece and wool are good.
• Most dogs resist booties, but if your dog will comply, they are a great idea!
• Puppies, and older or health-challenged dogs should only be taken out for bio-breaks.
• Clip fur out from between toes to prevent the build up of painful ice crystals.
• Do not let your dog drink from puddles, even after a rain.
• Carry water when you can. Low humidity and the extra energy it takes to combat cold can cause dehydration.
• Practice close-leash techniques to keep you both safe from slips and injuries.

More great tips after the jump…

This poor fellow doesn't seem to be enjoying the snow

Read Post »

This month’s technique above is all about depriving your dog of temptation.

This month’s tip is about filling the void.

Plan ahead for the times when you have a house full of guests or when visiting friends and family.

Choose distracting toys and treats that will keep your dog occupied while your attention is elsewhere.

A peanut butter (or lower calorie filling) stuffed Kong toy is terrific. Freeze it first and the distraction will last even longer! Use a large towel or old blanket as a ‘placemat’ to reduce smears and mess.

For non-dominant dogs, food dispensing toys like Buster Cubes take time to empty and keep pooches laser focused. Be sure to use your dog’s regular kibble meal rather than adding extra. We may not be able to control ourselves when it comes to putting on the holiday pounds, but you can (and MUST) help your dog stay trim.

Dominant dogs should not be allowed to ‘hunt’ for their food with kibble toys. Instead, try lighted or sound producing toys that will engage his/her prey drive.

If you don’t know whether your dog is dominant or not, give the doggy lama a call. We can do an assessment and provide appropriate games and commands for every temperament.

NEVER leave your dog alone with rawhide, string or stuffed toys that can be torn up and swallowed. Not ever…but especially not when you are stressed or distracted.

Special note for our cat friends:
Chateau Animaux has lovely catnip stuffed toys. While I’m no drug pusher, I’m thinking a ‘mellowed out’ holiday (for cats who tolerate catnip well) is everybody’s friend.

Everybody knows that I like a good joke, but while what I’m about to suggest may seem silly, I’m as serious as a choking accident.

Both before, during and after you decorate your home for the holidays and prepare for those fun parties, I want you to get a unique perspective on what your dog sees.

And by SEES, what I really mean is SMELLS. Ask yourself, “If my dog smells something yummy, how high can s/he reach, either by stretching or jumping?” Then, add about 50%.

The last part of that equation is the key.

In our early days, I misjudged Bartleby’s range, resulting in him jumping up on the kitchen COUNTER and gobbling an entire pound of gingersnap cookies. It was an awesome feat for an 18 inch tall dog, but we BOTH suffered from that miscalculation.

Once you’ve identified the danger zone, get to that height, either by stooping or stretching. Then do a 360 degree scan, searching for anything that looks edible, shiny or shakeable. Then add about 50%.

Seriously. Even if it doesn’t look eat-able to you, it might smell like a treat or a play temptation. Be sure to empty boxes or bags as well. ANY scrap of good smelling stuff can be a risk. I once left an empty granola bar wrapper in my briefcase. You can guess what happened…and it wasn’t Bartleby’s fault.

Remember: There is NO accounting for taste in the dog world!
If it can go in a mouth, it should be kept out of reach.

Make sure there is no tinsel, holly, easily breakable glass, ornaments made of dough, cinnamon, grapes/raisins, etc. within licking or pawing distance.

Your pet and your vet will thank you. Okay, your vet might miss the extra cash, but you know what I mean.

Come to the workshop and you’ll leave with lots more helpful tips.

Join us for the last Yappy Hour of 2009.

December 12–Tonight!
At Chateau Animaux Pet Supplies, 7PM. (Yappy Hour 6-8pm)

Let’s all have safe and sane holidays with a dash of silly!

We’ll talk about:
* Avoiding party problems
* Making your dog an ‘easy rider’ and a great guest during holiday visits
* Preventing decorating disasters
* The MOST fun toys and treats
* Organizing play dates when, Baby, is it just TOO cold outside!

You’ll find useful advice and practical tools for creating the best life with your pet.

Join us at:
Chateau Animaux
524 Eighth Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Call 866.821.9386 for details.

We’ll see you there!