Socializing Your Pets - Yappy Hour/Ask the Trainer

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies.  Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. The ultimate goal is for them to avoid displaying fear or aggression. There are a number of different ways you can accomplish this - one is to find a situation where they can meet lots of people and other dogs.

One option is something like the Yappy Hours we hold at Cause to Paws. We push aside the displays and make room for the dogs (and people) to interact and socialize. These supervised sessions with other dogs is a good idea - you need to make sure to do this only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations.  We also have a couch area where you can sit with your puppy in a more private way,  where you and others can handle and pet the puppy/dog or allow them to "retreat" to an area where they can rest in case they get tired from playing with the other dogs. And it is fun. We test out new treats (for people and pets), toys and talk about our dogs - doesn't get much better than that.

Training your Pet - You can also attend socialization classes or a variety of training options - that go beyond just Puppy training.  Many trainers offer a variety of classes including Agility, Dog Park Behavior, Canine Good Citizen Training, and much more. At Cause to Paws we often have trainers come in to give free talks - including "Ask the Trainer" - where you can meet a trainer and ask questions (and remember no question is a stupid one) - about your dog's behavior, training or any concerns you might be having. It's a good way to know what is available before making a commitment . We have a new session coming up on Sunday, June 19th starting at 3 PM with Vera Wilkinson, from The Cooperative Dog.

In addition to classes - walk the streets, bring them to a park and spend as much time as necessary to ensure that you have a well trained, socialized and happy puppy/dog.  It is well worth the effort.

Pets, Sports, Clothing and Toys.......

Well Winter has come & gone - somewhere in there we have had Spring since I last posted on this Blog. I also think we had one day of Summer stuck in there somewhere & today it feels more like Fall. Hard to keep things straight - but that's New England for you.

Often I can tell what season it is by what Sport's Teams are in the News but with the Celtics & Bruins in their respective playoffs this year that has made it harder. Did do well with the C's & B's Tanks , Collars & Bandanas. As always we have a lot of Red Sox fans who show their pride all year round, although it was tough at the beginning of the season. Being only a mile from Fenway Park, we are often on the route home & we get a lot of happy fans (at least this May and June) who want to show that their dogs are part of Red Sox Nation, too.



Annie showing her Bruin's Pride



New England Patriots have their Pet supporters as well - but that appears to be very season oriented - a more Winter, TV watching item of clothing - goes well with the doggy pizza we sell!

And let's not forget the Cat Owners. We've decked them out in Sports clothing as well. Somehow dressing your dog or cat in sports/college teams does not qualify as dressing your dog among those squeamish with that concept. Seems these items don't count as clothing.

And Toys - as most of us know dogs (& cats) like to play with ball like objects - dogs have a thing for squeaky tennis balls & we also do a big business in small soccer balls (soft vinyl squeaking types - Kanji's favorite) - interesting that Footballs, Hockey Pucks and Baseballs are not high on the list of available (and likable) pet toys options.

Oh well.... I promise to be more communicative about the happenings in the dog world and Cause to Paw. Lot's of stuff happening. Like my Facebook Page and keep up to date on everything.