Got a new puppy for Christmas?

Well, we got our new puppy last year, Chewie, short for Chewbacca, but we know of at least two families that got a bit larger this Christmas with the acquisition of a dog!

After following the advice of a great dog trainer/animal behaviorist, Dottie Zaris of Canine Coaching of Stony Point in Rockland County, we house-trained our dog in less than a week. It takes dedication to take on a new puppy and following the same routine all the time. Dottie’s a real dog whisperer and an amazing person to talk to about your concerns about bringing up a dog.

At first, we participated in group training at Canine Coaching on Saturday’s to help our dog, a very easy-going Soft-coated Wheaton Terrier, become socialized. Although we live in Nyack, it was well worth the 15-20 minute trip North on 9W along the Hudson River through Haverstraw to Stony Point. It was great to take the kids to the training classes so they could be involved from the getgo on caring for and training our dog. Chewie learned the simple commands of sit, stay, down, here, etc., and leash walking at the class as well as getting to play with other dogs. Dottie Zaris did a wonderful job of keeping more shy dogs away from the more aggressive dogs and then slowly allowing them to acclimate to each other. Dottie also came to our home in Upper Nyack to further help us train the dog on the leash and to teach our children how to play appropriately with the dog. This was really helpful because it was dealing with issues in the environment where we all live. For example, Dottie helped us address the issue of the dog begging for food at the dinner table and charging at people when they come in the door. Dottie Zaris and Canine Coaching continue to be a great resource for us when we need help with Chewie.

We also have found that Dapper Dog on Main Street and 9W in Nyack and Pet Nutrition on 59 in Nanuet, have been great places to buy our dog food and dog treats. We hit Pet Smart in Nanuet for dog toys.

Kim-Adele Rosner, Real-Estate Associate Broker, Wright Bros. Real Estate

Share and Enjoy: