Dog Training

5 Things to Consider Before Buying Your Dog a Sweater or Coat

Dog clothes. It seems these days that you can dress your dog to fit any occasion.    This sparks a question though, do dogs really need to wear clothes? I mean, they have lots of fur covering their entire body, right? Surely they are warm enough on their own.    The answer can be a…

I want a puppy for Christmas!

It’s the phrase most parents and possibly spouses dread to hear, “Can I have a puppy for Christmas?”   And who wouldn’t LOVE to find a cute, fuzzy, soft, adorable puppy under the Christmas tree? If you’re a dog person, I think we all had a puppy on our Christmas wish list at some point…

Holiday Food Guide for Dogs

Well, we’ve made it to the last part of this crazy year.    The holiday season is officially upon us, and before you know it, the wonderful smells that accompany this time of year will be gracing our nostrils. Consequently, they also will be gracing the nostrils of our furry family members.    Yep, our…

Private lessons vs. “Immersion Programs” for Adult dogs

We get lots of phone calls asking for in-home lessons. In theory these are great. It’s private instruction at your home, tailored to your needs, your dog’s behaviors and in your normal environment. So, why aren’t private lessons a good place to start for many people? First, if I shadowed you at your job for…

Tricks Classes, Anyone?

Monday nights during November and December will be all about tricks. What tricks, you wonder? It will depend a little on your dog…but… Around. Backpack. Bang. Beg. Bounce. Bucket. Circle. Crawl. Fire hydrant. Handstand. Push. Reverse. Roll.  Speak. Spin. “Spider”. Spread ’em. Touch. Twist. Under. And MORE.   The fine (ok, bold) print: Classes will be…

New! For Puppies 8 – 16 weeks old!

Did you know that veterinary behaviorists identify the critical socialization period for puppies as 3 – 14 weeks old? The first several weeks of socialization comes with their littermates and mother, until they are sold to their new homes. Responsible breeders will not sell puppies prior to 8 – 10 weeks of age. But, not all puppies…

Downward Dog

Downward Dog It’s not just a Yoga pose anymore. Its a new sitcom on ABC. And Copper, our talented,  “houndsome” Bloodhound is in the Pilot episode. Be sure to watch it. It will air on Wednesday, May 17 at 9:30p. If you can’t catch it live, DVR it (is that still a thing?), 0r watch…

“Wanna go for a car ride?”

The weather is supposed to be nice in the ‘Burgh this weekend. Be sure to enjoy it. But DON’T miss the Pittsburgh International Auto Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Check out 2017 models from all the major car manufacturers, drool over the newest luxury brands like Mercedes, Bentley and BMW, see exotics…

Dog Reactivity & Energy Management

Finn is making great progress! Compare this video from the one below – he’s quiet, less jumpy, more focused and more relaxed. We were able to work closer to a dog than before, and his barking was nearly non-existent during his third lesson. Stay tuned for more updates!

IT’S ALL ABOUT ATTENTION

“Finn” is a dog-reactive Pit Bull. Before training with Sit Means Sit Pittsburgh he was visually stimulated to the point of no return at distances of up to 50 yards. He had been to several trianers over the last couple of years before coming to us. Nothing helped. This is his second lesson with Sit…

Tips to Help Prepare Your Dog for a New Baby

This is a huge topic and one that could be an 8 week class, but here are some helpful tips to get you thinking along the correct lines for how much your life is going to change for your dog when you have a baby in the house. Let’s start with locations: ·         Will your dog…

Do You Know What A Yellow Ribbon Tied On A Dog’s Collar Means?

During the week of August 24th, we will be giving out yellow ribbons to anyone who needs them.  Come to group class, or call to request one. 412-345-1748.   You are out in the park with your family, playing, running, maybe even having a picnic.  Perhaps your dog is with you; however, off in the…

Your Dog’s Leash

Picking the correct leash can be cumbersome – so many things to consider:  what will you be using it for, what kind of places will you will be going, and how much control you have over your dog are just a few.  Leashes come in all kinds of materials and styles these days – leather, nylon, retractable, LED…

Canine Warts

  Currently in the Pittsburgh area there is a canine virus being spread – and most dog businesses are not taking it seriously. Canine warts are highly contaigious, but many daycare and boarding facilities are not requesting or requireing affected dogs to stay quarrantined, which is the vet-recommended practice. Who is at risk?  Any dog, any age, any breed…

Client Spotlight this week- XENA

Xena is a 6 year old Pitbull. She likes: walking, cuddling, belly rubs and laying out in the sun Training goal: to have Xena greet calmly at the door, not run to the door, bark and go after them. Xenas family met her at the Washington Area Humane Society when they volunteered as dog walkers…