Training & Safety Tips

If you have any questions you would like answered, please email us at lee@welldogs.com. In the Subject line of your email, please write “Lee’s Training Tips”.

RE: CORONAVIRUS QUARANTINE

Please note: If you plan to return to work, please keep in mind that your pup has had your undivided attention for several months. When you suddenly return to work s/he will be confused and STRESSED at suddenly being alone! S/he may bark, chew, dig, rip up pillows, even soil in the house. DO NOT punish your dog for these behaviors.
This is how dogs attempt to reduce their stress. Punishment will increase the problem.

Start now, leaving her/him alone for short periods, several times a day. Expand that time by about ten minutes each day until you are away for several hours at a time.

Leave the TV on KPBS where children’s shows will entertain your pup. Try to safely socialize your dog with known dogs.

After a walk, wipe their feet and muzzles with tiny bit of soap and water on a face cloth, and rinse well.

Although they do not transmit the virus as do humans, dogs can carry droplets into your home if they sniff, or step on,  a surface onto which an infected person has coughed or sneezed.
Unfortunately, not everyone wears a mask!     Stay Safe

Introducing A New Puppy

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A question asked by many dog owners is how to best introduce a new pup to the already established canine-member of the family. The following applies to the introduction of puppies and older dogs who are ‘new’ to your home and your established dog. First, jealousy is a human trait, not a canine trait. What dogs …

Introducing Dogs and Cats

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The conflict between cats and dogs is legendary. Indoors, cats who are raised around dogs develop survival strategies. Outdoors, cats see themselves as predators while dogs see them as prey. Running elicits the prey/chase response, even with some dogs who live peacefully with cats. This means that some dogs who live peacefully with cats will …

Introducing A New Baby

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A question asked by many dog parents is how to best introduce a new pup or baby to the already established canine-member of the family. The following applies to the introduction of a new baby to your home. First,  ‘jealousy’, a human trait, is not a true canine trait. What dogs experience, when a new …

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are an important part of keeping your dog healthy and A Wells Trained Dog requires that all dogs are fully vaccinated before joining one of our groups. However, where vets used to recommend that all dogs be vaccinated yearly (every three years for rabies), thoughts on that are beginning to change and some vets …

Teaching Your Dog To Play

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Getting your dog to play – It’s all a matter of “desire”! Play is an extremely important part of dogs’ lives. It is a means to: measure/compare themselves to other members in the group; build or cement a bond between individuals; release stress, unwind, relax; stimulate body and mind; break down inhibitions. There are two major …

Christmas & Hanukkah

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The holidays can be a happy or tragic time for your pets. It’s up to you. Here are some safety tips to keep their and your holidays happy: Edibles: Mistletoe, Holly Berries, Christmas Rose and Christmas Lily plants are poisonous to pets. Poinsettia is still questionable so play it safe! Edible decorations can cause diarrhea, …

Independence Day (July 4th)

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It is best to not take your dogs to the fireworks or the independence day parade. The loud booms of the fireworks, and the horns and drums of the bands hurt their sensitive ears. The sudden flares of the rockets can frighten them. They love being with you and will put up with almost anything …

Biting and Nipping – Bite Inhibition

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ABOUT PUPPY MOUTHING (Nipping your hand with those razor sharp teeth!) THE most important things you can teach your pup are “Come”, “Wait”, “Stay”,”Don’t” and BITE INHIBITION. A perfect “heel”, “sit”, or “shake hands”, are of little value when your pup runs into the street and is hit by a car. “Come”, (approach your person’s …

Safety Tips

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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING. It could save your dog’s life: FOOD temptations: Chocolate can cause diarrhea, vomiting and fatal heart arrhythmias. Remember how clever dogs are and hide that candy! Grapes and Raisins shut down the kidneys which is often fatal.  Coffee, Caffeine, Alcohol, Avocado, Macadamia Nuts, Yeast Dough, Raw Meat, Raw Eggs, Xylitol, Onions, …

Halloween Tips

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Halloween can be a very traumatic time for pets, especially dogs and puppies. Neighborhood children, who have been the pups’ playmates for months or years, suddenly appear to have become ‘monsters’, with scary clothes, hats, wands, swords, masks and SOUNDS! Here’s how you can help your pup/dog cope with the excitement: BEFORE HALLOWEEN, as many …

Safe Equipment

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About the Martingale Training Collar used by Dr Wells: Although the safest of training collars, the Martingale is for training and walking only. It should never be left on an unattended dog. You will understand when you see it. Although, when fitted correctly, it cannot choke a dog, the lead ring can get caught on anything …