What's New in 2010

Sherri Grant from The OC Dog shares her predictions for new doggie trends for the new year. Find out what "trendy" things will become mainstream. Food, toys, dog parks even vaccines will be changing. Get the scoop at my-zen-dog.com

Smooches For Pooches

Pet Portrait Workshop Sit, Stay, & Say Cheese February 6 & 13, 2010 Training by: Dogs, Etc. Photography by: Lisa Scarsi Hosted by: Founders Veterinary photo by lisa scarsi Get your dog portrait ready with the Sit, Stay, & Say Cheese Workshop and have kissable portraits just in time for Valentines Day!!! The training portion of the workshop will be held from 12-1pm on February 6th at Founders Veterinary, 330 N. Brea Blvd., CA. The pet portrait mini-sessions will be scheduled in 20 minute increments on the following Saturday, February 13th Each workshop attendee will learn posing techniques, get some training (for owner and pet), receive 2 digital files from their very own furry photoshoot with professional pet and person) photographer, Lisa Scarsi. $105 To sign up contact Pro Dog Trainer, Cindy Scott of Dogs Etc. at dogsetc@yahoo.com www.my-zen-dog.com or www.lisascarsi.com www.foundersvet.com

Now Offering Dog Walking

Everyone knows the importance of exercise for your dog. Most behavior problems are due to bored and energetic dogs. Very few breeds originated to just sit on laps. Most dog breeds were created to work. So what happens when you expect your working dog to be a couch potato?

Destructive digging, chewing and barking all symptoms of dogs with too much time and too much energy. So what's a busy dog owner to do? Sometimes there's just not enough time in the day to walk your dog. Let us do it for you!

30 Minute Dog Walk: $15.00
45 Minute Dog Walk: $20.00
60 Minute Dog Walk: $30.00

to schedule a walk call (714)393-0432 or email dogsetc@yahoo.com

Pet Portrait Done Right

Lisa Scarsi of Lisa Scarsi Photography reveals what to look for when hiring a pet photography as well as how to make your pooch's portrait gallery worthy. Also, step #6 in the series Successfully Housetraining Your Dog.

Top 2009 Names

The 10 most popular dog names for 2009:
1. Buddy
2. Max
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Charlie
6. Bella
7. Molly
8. Jack
9. Sadie
10. Lady

The top 10 most popular names for cats for 2009:
1. Lucy
2. Smokey
3. Midnight
4. Bella
5. Molly
6. Daisy
7. Oreo
8. Shadow
9. Charlie
10. Angel

Camp For Dogs

Just finished interview with Kris Hanna from Camp Bow Wow. Check it out and get some great boarding and daycare tips. Learn what you should do before you leave your best friend while you're on vacation.

House Training

Housetraining Guide
6 steps to successfully potty train your dog


1) Is your dog healthy? If your pup has a physiological problem such as worms or a urinary tract infection, he has little or no control over his bladder or bowel.

2) Regulate food & water. Regulars feeding and watering schedules control the input so you can predict the output. After your dog is finished eating pick up the leftover food. Use common sense in regulating water. If your dog is outside all day he must have water at all times.

3) Supervise or confine at all times. Do not allow the pup in unsupervised areas of the house. Keep the pup in the bedroom with you at night in a crate, exercise pen or on a tie down. When you are home to supervise tether the dog to your chair or yourself so he can not sneak off and have an accident. In your absence confine the pup safely to a small room like a bathroom or laundry room or in a crate. Never tether the dog when you cannot supervise it.

4) Reward, reward, reward. Select one potty area for the pup. If you take him to the same place each time, he will start to go to his pee zone on his own. Allow 3-5 minutes to eliminate, otherwise continue supervision and confinement. When the pup relieves himself – immediately reinforce with praise and a food treat. Teach the dog to eliminate on cue (“get busy”, “tinkle”). Say this command as your dog performs the desired behavior.

5) Correction. Reprimands must occur during the act. Delayed punishment, even a few seconds after the behavior, does not work. Use sound and motion to correct the pup when he starts to relieve himself in the wrong area. As the pup starts to squat, startle and distract him. Go to the dog in a calm, neutral manner and take him outside to finish. Learn from mistakes, and watch your dog closer to prevent accidents.

Never – under any circumstances hit your dog!!

6) Odor Neutralize. Use a good odor neutralizer to clean up any messes. Nature’s Miracle and Outright are some brands sold in stores. White vinegar mixed 50/50 with water is also a great odor neutralizer. Do not allow the pup to watch you clean up accidents.







Be consistent. The more constant you are with these 6 steps, the faster your dog will learn.

Be patient. Your dog is learning something new. It will take time and effort, but the results are well worth it.

Watch your timing. The biggest mistake people make is not rewarding immediately after the desired behavior.

If your dog regresses, go backwards a little. Confine him more and reward him more often.






















©Dogs Etc.
(714)393-0432
my-zen-dog.com