JAX
The soulful and seriously loveable inheritor of a “ruff” life, Jax has, for reasons entirely unknown, been cycled back and forth between shelters for years. Loving nothing more than a warm-hearted walk with a loving owner, Jax would be a perfect addition to any sized family looking to spread some of that summer love; Paws4You.org.
JASPER
A spirited and sprightly Shepherd Mix in the first year of his life, Jasper would be the ideal companion for an active family looking for a 4-legged friend to go that extra mile! Although not comfortable around cats, Jasper’s jocular nature and foundational obedience training make him a perfect match for a family with kids or another dog; ChainOfLoveDogs.org.
CUPCAKE
An affable, adorable pup every bit as sweet as her name, this is one cupcake you’ll never have to regret picking up! Ecstatic to enjoy any part of family life and eager to join in even the most taxing of aerobic routines, Cupcake would make a perfect addition to any fitness-focused family looking to get totally “pupped up”; 100PlusAbandonedDogs.org.
ELEVATOR-QUETTE
Most humans have a fear of being trapped in a crowded elevator. So why does it surprise us that some dogs share the same anxiety while riding from our apartment to the ground floor during a routine walk? We often set the unrealistic expectation that all dogs are going to be comfortable in all settings around all other animals and people all of the time! It’s simply not true! Although the motion of an elevator ride is something to which your dog can become desensitized, some dogs have trouble acclimating to the unpredictability of what each open door on an elevator ride will reveal. Will it be another dog? Kids? A lady with a big scary bag? You can train any dog to be confident when the magic portal doors open by taking your dog’s favorite treat with you on the ride. Every time the door opens, you should get excited and tell your dog “Yes!” or “Good!” and then offer a reward. Your dog should remain sitting, preferably between you and the wall where he is safest to eat his treat. With enough repetition, your dog will anticipate looking up at you to get a treat every single time the elevator opens, which will also reinforce sitting and staying as opposed to lunging toward the door. Over time, you won’t need the treat anymore, just verbal praise and petting will do just fine. Being a responsible dog owner means having good control of your dog, even in tight spaces!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
› Dee Hoult is the CEO of Applause Your Paws, South Florida’s largest privately owned pet dog training company, and Miami’s leading user-rated dog-training company on Yelp.com.
