Sunday, April 10, 2011

The Puppy Care Center



Puppy love. That's what Best Friends' new Puppy Care Center is all about. A safe haven for orphaned puppies and their mothers. A soft landing where our whole health approach will help these tender hearts to heal and find forever homes. A happy place
where cold noses, warm tummies, wet kisses and sweet puppy breath are always welcome.

Opening in spring 2010, the Puppy Care Center will accommodate up to 240 puppies and mothers. Its design combines local aesthetics and "green" elements with best practices in animal care and provides new space for Best Friends to pioneer its model outreach programs in support of No More Homeless Pets. See video of the Dedication Event.



Puppy Admissions Building. This is where new arrivals will get a full medical checkup and receive treatment for any existing health problems. Four puppy apartments will become home along with two family suites where mothers can peacefully nurse their newborns. During a quarantine period, puppies will be vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and watched as their personalities develop - and they'll get lots of "cuddle therapy." Take a virtual tour of the Puppy Admissions Building.

Puppy Preschool Building. When they're ready, the puppies will move next door, where seven indoor/outdoor puppy apartments await along with their very own classroom! The puppies will learn basic manners and meet dogs, cats and people of all ages during Puppy Class, one of the most popular activities among our sanctuary volunteers. Take a virtual tour of the Puppy Preschool Building .

Puppy Park. What could be more fun than a playground full of puppies? With a sandbox, pool, recreation and training equipment, and covered areas for relaxing, this multi-surfaced yard that connects the two buildings will be the puppies' favorite hangout. Take a virtual tour of the Puppy Park.

Check back often for updates and news about the Puppy Care Center!

How to Find the Right Dog School for Your Dog




Has a new puppy recently become a member of your family? Puppies are born with instincts, but not with the knowledge of how to behave. Therefore, it is necessary to teach your new puppy appropriate behaviors and also some fun tricks. You can try to do this yourself or you can enlist the help of a dog school.

There are many different types of dog schools available. What dog school would be the best for your dog? Things to consider when searching for a dog school include: the age of your dog, the breed, the personality, and what it is that you want your dog to learn.

Let's focus first on what you want your dog to learn. Do wish to have your dog learn basic obedience commands such as "sit" and "stay"? Do you want to learn practice drills you can do with your dog at home such as keeping them from begging for food at the dinner table? Then local dog schools will best meet your needs.

Local dog schools can be found at community colleges, city recreation centers, through pet stores, and even through private dog schools. You can opt to take a group class with up to twenty other dogs. These types of dog schools are often less expensive and meet in a local park. They meet once or twice week for a few weeks. You can have fun teaching your dog new commands as well as let them socialize with fellow dogs.

Local dog schools can offer more advanced dog training classes as well. Perhaps your dog has mastered the basic commands and you want to teach them how to hold a piece of food on their nose for a specified amount of time and then flip it into their mouth. You can find dog schools that have fun, exciting advanced classes where you and your dog can bond.

You may consider having your dog compete in dog shows. Maybe you purchased your dog from an established breeder that has determined your dog has champion DNA in their pedigree. If so then you should look into more in depth dog schools that are focused specifically and dog handling/showing. You can find these through breeders and the American Kennel Club. You can search for dog training materials and resources on the American Kennel Club website at:
http://akc.org/

On a different note, maybe you want your dog to become a service dog or guide dog for the blind. Dogs that perform these jobs have to go to specific guide dog training schools. These special dog schools are necessary because there are very detailed requirements and commands that a guide dog must learn. These types of dog schools will also provide the support, knowledge, and training necessary to make your dog a successful guide dog.

There are many guide and service dog schools around the world to train your dog. You can find these schools through your breeder, groomer, and veterinarian. You can also find information about these dog schools through the Internet. A comprehensive listing is available by Wolf Packs - List of Service Dog Schools and Information.



Once you have determined what you want your dog to learn then you can narrow down your search of dog schools by taking into account your dog's age, personality, and breed. Do you have a young puppy that is large like a Great Dane? Or do you have tiny new Bichon Frise that weighs in at only 4 pounds? Find out the type of dogs that are allowed into the dog training class.

Will the dog training class be filled with many large dogs that might scare your little Bichon Frise? Or are there dog classes available that are separated by age and weight? It is a good idea to be aware of this information before you sign your dog up for classes. You want to provide them the best experience possible and not have them cower when it is time to head to dog class each week.

Another consideration when choosing between dog schools is the amount of one-on-one attention. Is your dog very active and can't sit still during group training sessions? Many dog schools offer private classes. Sometimes the dog trainer will even come to your home to give you and your pooch lessons.

Picking among dog schools is also reliant upon the price and schedule flexibility of the classes. Run a price and schedule comparison on dog schools in your area. This will help you to discover a dog school that fits your schedule, your dog's personality, and meets your budget.

Choosing between dog schools is an important decision that will set your dog on the path to obedience success. Take your time and choose wisely so that both you and your canine buddy have a memorable, enjoyable dog training experience.

Visit the dog website to research dog breeds & get free tips on dog training, dog health, dog grooming & how to find dog sitters & dog walkers.

Val's Puppy Care Center Grand Opening

 

Best Friends Animal Society celebrated the grand opening of Vals Puppy Care Center on March 25, 2010. The new two-building setup for puppies at the sanctuary was built to keep the puppies warm and snug no matter what the weather can dish out and has been much needed. Vals Puppy Care Center was about three years in the making, including a full year of planning alone. As Best Friends CEO Gregory Castle explained in his opening remarks for the ceremony, "This building will help save lives," and "will bring us closer to a day when there are no more homeless pets."

Get a peek at the building and some of the new residents.

Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®. At the core of Best Friends' work is the dream that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. Spaying and neutering will be the rule for all pets and adoption will be the first option for everyone. Making this dream a reality is the mission we call No More Homeless Pets. The society's leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country's largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of supporters and community partners across the nation.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Entlebucher Mountain Dog

Entlebucher Mountain DogEntlebucher Mountain Dog
Entlebucher Mountain Dog PuppiesEntlebucher Mountain Dog Puppies
Entlebucher Mountain Dog PuppiesEntlebucher Mountain Dog Puppies

Alaskan Malamute

Alaskan Malamute Dog Breeds
Alaskan Malamute Dog Breeds
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Alaskan Malamute Dogs Puppies Alaskan Malamute Dogs Puppies

Great Dane

Great Dane Dog BreedsGreat Dane Dog Breeds
Great Dane Dog Great Dane Dog
Great Dane Dog Puppies Great Dane Dog Puppies

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei DogChinese Shar-Pei Dog
Chinese Shar-Pei Dog PuppiesChinese Shar-Pei Dog Puppies
Chinese Shar-Pei Dog BreedsChinese Shar-Pei Dog Breeds

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier | Retriever TrainerThis tricky dog really need to have a remote dog trainer for it will mess up your house.

Everybody loves Toto, right? What a trooper that dog was, keeping up on the Yellow Brick Road! Like him, Cairn Terriers are independent little bundles of energy. They are alert and active with the trademark terrier temperament: inquisitive, bossy, feisty, and fearless. They are intelligent and can be a bit mischievous.


Cairn Terrier | Petsafe Dog CollarWarn your flowers -- many Cairns love to dig! Obedience training is very important with this breed. They will try to test your limits, and are born assertive (but not aggressive). They are not usually problem barkers, but will bark if bored or lonely. They love their families and need attention and affection from their humans. They are protective of their families, and will defend their territory with courage and devotion, but they are also people-oriented and are friendly with everyone they meet. They love gentle children but will not tolerate mistreatment from anyone.

Cairn Terrier | E CollarsThey need regular exercise, but need to be kept on a leash or in a fenced-in area, as their prey drive is strong and they will chase small animals. They have been known to harass, and sometimes hurt, cats. They generally do well with other dogs, but will stand their ground if challenged. They love long walks and like to play ball, or simply tear around the backyard with the kids. They excel at obedience, agility, and tracking trials. They remain active and playful well into their teen years. They are companionable, loyal and loving. They make great listeners, perky playmates, and good foot warmers. They've been called "the best little pal in the world." And they are always a work in progress.

Cairn Terrier | E Collars

Photo Credits: dogscatspetshops.com | puppyconnection.com | puppyconnection.com | dogbreedsaz.com

Akita

Akita Dog PuppiesAkita Dog Puppies
Akita Dog Akita Dog
Akita Dog BreedsAkita Dog Breeds

Dachshund

Dachshund DogDachshund Dog
Dachshund DogsDachshund Dogs
Dachshund Dog BreedsDachshund Dog Breeds

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Glen of Imaal Terrier DogGlen of Imaal Terrier Dog
Glen of Imaal Terrier Dog PuppiesGlen of Imaal Terrier Dog Puppies
Glen of Imaal Terrier Dogs Glen of Imaal Terrier Dogs

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Chow Chow

Chow Chow Dog Chow Chow Dog
Chow Chow Dogs Chow Chow Dogs
Chow Chow Dog Puppies
Chow Chow Dog Puppies

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier Dog BreedsAiredale Terrier Dog Breeds
Airedale Terrier Dog Airedale Terrier Dog
Airedale Terrier Dog Puppies
Airedale Terrier Dog Puppies

Clumber Spaniel

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Clumber Spaniel Dog Breeds
Clumber Spaniel Dog Breeds

Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees Cute Puppies ShowShih Tzu Cute Puppies Show
Great Pyrenees DogShih Tzu Dog
Great Pyrenees Dog PuppiesShih Tzu Dog Puppies

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog BreedsCavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Breeds

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Dog Afghan Hound Dog
Afghan Hound Dog Wallpaper Afghan Hound Dog Wallpaper
Afghan Hound Dogs Puppies  Afghan Hound Dogs Puppies

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever DogChesapeake Bay Retriever Dog
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog  Puppies
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dogs Puppies
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breeds
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Breeds