Hello Reader!

Welcome and thank you so much for joining our email list! Hopefully you remember doing so, as it may have been awhile ago (please don't immediately unsubscribe)! Ha ha!

We plan to ramp up our newsletter, as well as our tips, tricks and dog information this year... 2022 is it... the year it all happens!

To start with, we have a new short podcast on the hot topic of puppy biting for any of you new pup owners out there.

For anyone looking for group training classes, we currently have puppy (7-18 weeks) and basic manners class for dogs (5 months and up), running in Richmond and Vancouver. Check here for dates and locations.

Traveling with your dog this summer?

I just got back from a gigantic road trip with my two dogs. It was really fun, we saw incredible sites, and I felt a sense of freedom that I definitely haven't felt in a few years! ​​

Here are a few thoughts if you're thinking about heading out on the open road with your furry friend this summer.

If your dog gets a bit nervous in new environments or situations, take them to visit some new places and to meet some new people before your trip. Take it nice and slow so that they don't get overwhelmed. Maybe take them downtown and walk into a few different hotels. See how they enjoy sitting at an outdoor patio with you. Reward them generously for calm behavior. Help build their confidence by learning some new skills or maybe take a class with them before your trip. New sights, people and places can be exciting, and also overwhelming for some, so pace yourselves if your pooch is showing signs of stress.

For traveling in the car, ensure that you have a harness and seatbelt for your pooch. This keeps them safe, and reduces distraction for the driver. If your dog isn't used to being restrained, do several practice runs before the day of your trip. Ensure that they have a travel water bowl and bring lots of water in your vehicle. I found a cool spill proof bowl that came in really handy. Do some research to ensure that you can buy your current dog food where ever you are traveling to. Switching food in addition to the other changes related to travel may not be great for your dog's digestive system. Trust me, you don't want to be running down hotel stairs with your dog in the middle of the night.

If your dog isn't a big fan of the car, or maybe gets motion sickness, definitely talk to your veterinarian. There are several new treatment options available in terms of medication, and other solutions such as Adaptil that may work to relax your dog. You can also slowly desensitize your dog to car rides by planning short trips that lead to really fun things on the other end such as parks, or a swim in a local lake.

In terms of hotels, on my recent trip I found that a majority of them are pet friendly. They typically charge a pet fee however, and will also have a pet policy. This policy can include agreeing not to leave your pet unattended in the room. Personally, my dogs freak out if I leave them alone in a strange place, so I just don't do it. If your dog is absolutely fine being left in a room so that you can actually go out for dinner, do double check the policy before doing so. I did a lot of takeout meals, and it really wasn't that big of an issue. Think picnics!

Some provincial and state parks and other tourist locations do allow dogs, but surprisingly, some still don't... who are these people? Plan ahead and do your 'dog friendly' research so that you don't get disappointed. Bon voyage!