Lifestyle

Friends Fur-ever

Ready for the summer season, and eager to hit the beach? Why not bring one of these canine companions along for the ride?
Text by Ryan Jarrell | May 10, 2018 | Lifestyle

KATEY
A true “people puppy,” Katey’s an affectionate Lab willing to do everything an adventurous family enjoys — from short walks around the block to thrilling trips to new locations. A mature and majestic example of her breed, Katey would be perfect for anyone wishing to reap all the Retriever benefits without committing to the time and energy a puppy requires; LRROF.org.

BEANY
A brave and loyal cute little beagle every bit as adorable as his epithet implies, Beany’s a smooth and sedate senior looking to celebrate the autumn of his life in a loving home. Waggish when walked and a chowhound if there ever was one, if you’re looking to add a little excitement and a whole lot of love to your South Florida homestead, look no further than this pup; Paws4You.org.

PRINCESS
Endowed with the excellent manners, temperate nature and obedient bearing of any truly regal personage, Princess is simply looking for a castle to call her own. A housetrained Cattle Dog Mix of an indeterminate middle age, raise the tenor of your home with this cordial canine companion. Best of all, she is equitably tolerant of all manner of housemates; 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.