Help My Dog is Overweight! As we get ready for a New Year, I think it’s safe to say many of us will have a New Year’s Resolution or two. Oftentimes we’re in search of the latest and greatest way to shed a few pounds. In today’s dog blog I’d like to discuss how to help your dog lose weight in 2013, if need be. It has been proven that dogs live much longer when they’re fed to ideal body condition. Many dog owners really aren’t aware that

Christmas Reflection First, allow me to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas. For my family, Christmas is truly one of our favorite times of the year. Lately I’ve been thinking about some fond dog-related Christmas memories. I thought I’d share one with you, with Christmas now just days away. Our dear Mocha was laid to rest well over a year ago. This awesome Chocolate Lab was as close as close could get to our family. She was very

I recommend Focused Dog training for a positive, fun and successful experience in creating a closer bond with your dog as you both learn obedience techniques. Matt is super encouraging, supportive and always responds to questions offering advice. I believe all dogs and their humans can benefit from positive training! Johanna- Visalia

I highly recommend Matt's program for anyone interested in a positive, low stress environment for training your dog.  His method of positive reinforcement really works, and he was always available for questions and advice. Thanks, Matt, for a great experience. -Julie - Tulare

Dogs and Cats Unite   I'm sometimes asked, "Is it possible to train dogs and cats to get along?"  The answer in short is yes, but they much be introduced slowly and carefully.  It's a good idea to start off by keeping the two away from each other, but able to smell one another.  This is a good introduction, as they're able to pick up valuable information about each other through smelling each other's scent. The next step that I'd recommend

Picking the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle Before you bring home your next dog, it’s a good idea to do some research on the various breeds you think you’re interested in.  While not every dog within a breed group are alike, there are some common characteristics and tendencies you should know about. I once spoke with a dear lady who said her dog was destroying her yard, digging, chewing and jumping all over them any time they went in the backyard. 

                                                    Oso’s Journey After being bitten by my Rottweiler/Pit bull mix, Oso, multiple times and being told by everyone to “get rid of the dog,”

Before training, Sam the dog was a little terror. Not that he is little by anyone's standards. He rarely listened to any commands we tried to give him, and everyday we struggled to keep him under control.    After Matt's incredible training, Sam is a much happier and well behaved dog. While he still has his stubborn moments, we have learned that he responds best to positive reinforcement. Matt is a very patient dog trainer, and

IS YOUR DOG OUT OF CONTROL? WON'T LISTEN TO YOU? I RECOMMEND FOCUSED DOG for dog training. We just graduated from Focused Dog Training! Matt is an awesome teacher. I have had a dog before that I took for training. Matt's course was far superior. He explained how to handle your dog and how dog's think. I learned so much about dog behavior. I loved too how Matt also emailed information on training. That was a big help and good reference.

Calming Your Dog on the 4th of July The fourth of July is an exciting time of the year for Americans.  The fireworks, firing up the barbecue, and gathering with friends and family, is cause for joy.  But for your dog, it could very well be the scariest day of the year!  Is there anything you can do to ease their anxiety?  In today’s blog I’d like to offer up a few calming tips that may be of some help to you. Exercise your dog early in the