Having problems?

Need a direction on barking, chewing or housebreaking?  Looking for information on locating your next puppy?  These links will give you a step in the right direction.  As always, contact us with any questions or concerns.

 

Want a puppy?  Looking for a breeder?

I feel very strongly that dogs should only be bred for a good reason.  It is not enough to simply breed two dogs together because they are "nice" and would make good pets.  Dogs need to either be conformation champions (show dogs) or be worked in some venue (with titles to prove it) to be worthy of being bred.  Show and working breeders produce dogs in their litters that make fantastic pets.  Dogs need to be FULLY health tested before they are bred.  Don't know where to start your search?  The following links will give you a good start:

• I Don't Want A Show Dog; I Just Want A Pet - **Must read!

• Selecting the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle

• Good (and Bad) Reasons to Get a Dog

• Ten Things You Should Consider Before You Adopt

• Finding A Good Breeder - A great article detailing how and why to search for a good breeder.

• Finding a Dog From a Breeder - APDT's article on what to look for in a breeder.

• Finding a Dog From a Shelter or Rescue Group - if you decide not to go with a breeder.  I have first hand experience with a wonderful shelter dog!

• Before You Get Your Puppy - Ian Dunbar's book with information on where to get your dog and how to prepare for your puppy.

• Littermate Syndrome - thinking about getting two puppies?

 

The following are resources on health testing available for dogs.

• Canine Health Information Center - look up your breed and see what specific health testing is recommended.

• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals - registry for health testing in dogs.

 

Housebreaking and Crate Training

• Housebreaking

• Houserbeaking the Easy Way

• Re-Housetraining Your Adult Dog - perfect for newly adopted adult dogs

• The Training Tether

• Crate Training

• Crate Sizing

 

Biting, Chewing, Barking

• Chewing

• Bite Inhibition

• How To Survive Your Dog's Arousal Biting

 

Dog Training

• Common Myths About Dog Training

• Can I Train My Dog Like On TV?

• What to Expect When Taking Classes

• Why Do Trainers Use Food When Training?

• Dog Behavior Problems

 

Pulling on the Leash

• Teaching Your Puppy to Walk on Leash

• Walking on a Loose Leash

 

Fussy Eater?

• Teaching Your Dog to Eat

 

"Dominance" Issues

• Dominance Myths and Dog Training Realities

• Dominance and Dog Training

• Dominance vs Unruly Behavior

• Dominance and All That Jazz

 

Advanced Training

• Activities You Can Do With Your Dog

• Beginner's Guide to Companion Events (Obedience, Rally, Tracking, Agility)

 

Clubs and Organizations

• Grand Rapids Agility Club

• Grand Rapids Kennel Club

• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

• Kalamazoo Kennel Club

 

Books and Equipment

• Dogwise - a great source for dog books and DVDs

• Cleanrun - all the agility gear you would every need.  A great source for toys as well.

• J&J Dog - source for obedience and agility equipment.

• See my favorite books here.