Training Tip from Maria!

Do you know that excessive energy and hyperactivity can be related to food?
Try a high protein and grain free diet and experience how much easier it is to train a dog that can focus.

Maria's favorite foods: Raw Diets such as Primal, Ziwi Peak or Raw Advantage, Dry Foods: Orijen and Acana.

Big Puppy Playgroup in Feb. 2009

Puppy Class Testimonial!

Mitzi was my first puppy. When I got her I was starting from scratch. Not only did I not know anything about puppies, but I am a pediatric nurse and wanted to treat Mitzi like a baby. (A human baby!) Thank goodness I found Barkz! We enrolled in the Puppy Kindergarten class where Maria, our instructor, gave us the guidance and tools to successfully teach Mitzi basic commands, and help her develop healthy socialization skills. She also helped me understand puppy behaviors which made a big difference in my approach to ‘puppy parenting.’ She was great! I am pretty certain that without Maria I would have a spoiled, coddled and probably demanding little pup, but instead, at age 6 ½ months, I have a delightful little pup who will sit and stay in one spot while I go out and get the mail… with the door open.

We always look forward to going to play groups. It’s fascinating to watch how puppies learn to play. I really appreciate the high standards Barkz has and knowing that Mitzi is in a very clean and safe environment. The staff is really wonderful, and the people I’ve met are friendly. It’s been fun!

Many thanks!
Diane Gates

Training Tip: When do you start socializing your puppy?

Each day we have new puppies that enter Barkz. Some come into puppy playgroups right away at 8 weeks old and some come in later. There are discrepancies in the information provided on the Internet and through vets regarding when to socialize your puppy. Some vets believe to wait until all vaccinations are effective whereas professional dog trainers and the team at Barkz believe that we need to socialize our puppies right away starting at 8 weeks old. Listed below is an article from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) discussing the effects of not socializing your puppy right away.

http://www.apdt.com/about/prog/scholarships/win/2003_winner_01.aspx

Reef's favorite flying toy

The 'Flying Squirrel' is Reef's favorite toy. She has now mastered catching it in the air and of course completes a victory lap whenever she does catch it. This is a great alternative to a frisbee or disc since the shape of it makes it easy for the dogs to pick up off the ground. It's also easy for the human to look like a pro when throwing it minus the slobber. Your dog can also play with at night as it glows in the dark! However you cannot leave the toy alone with it as it can easily be chewed up. We mistakenly did that and Reef shredded the ends very quickly.

Dog at Shelter needs a home

Hi Everyone!

We have a wonderful dog at the shelter who is so stressed, we can hardly get him back into his kennel. He is a sweet, boy who is just petrified to be at the shelter. He is a people dog, doesn't seem to mind other dogs, and he is a great walker. When we put in back in the kennel after a walk, he just shakes....he needs to get out of there as soon as possible....hopefully, someone can help!!! Please see his pictures to the side...and call me if you think you can help!

Thanks, everyone!

Dale/Kitsap Humane Society
360/471-8229