New Puppy for Christmas ... Now What?

Colorado living, like many places, is great for outdoor recreation and having a dog. With trails, National Forest, BLM, city & state parks there is a plethora of options for taking your dog along. But what do you do to get yourself and your dog ready for being the best dog and dog owner possible?

For me, Hope at Waggin Tails Doggy Day Camp and the obedience classes she teaches continue to be invaluable. I learned just how much I did not know about being a good dog owner and the responsibility I had for my dog in her training, lifestyle, social interactions and perhaps most importantly her safety.

Waggin Talis offers day care for dogs and starting Nyah as a puppy was perfect. Most of her buddies who were with her in puppy kindergarden continue to be with her every day in day care. My Texas customers laugh on a regular basis about Nyah being in day care. Yet most of them have been with me in either dropping her off of picking her up and have met Hope.

After two years and consistent classwork Nyah has graduated from kindergarden, Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog International. We have started hospital visits and will expand in 2012 to nursing homes, schools and hospice. The gift of love from a dog goes a long way for patients, families and staff.