Hope everyone has been surviving and thriving during the heat wave. The heat adds some complications to training your dog, but you can absolutely work around it with great success. (We do it and enjoy it every day.)
So what’s been going on with dogs in the Fresno area?
- Marc Benjamin of the Fresno Bee reports on a pack of uncatchable abandoned dogs in Clovis. The article notes that residents have been complaining about the city’s efforts in catching the stray dogs. I don’t know enough about these efforts to comment critically, but I will say that catching non-social dogs is very difficult, much more difficult than most people realize.
- Bonhia Lee reports on a tightening rental housing market in Fresno and Clovis. People with dogs are finding it particularly tough to find housing that will accommodate them. (It’s always worth keeping in mind that a new dog will generally raise housing costs considerably. Even a “free” dog is very expensive. Many people learn this the hard way.) Worried your new dog is going to cause destruction and put you on bad terms with your landlord? Here are a few posts on limiting destructiveness, welcoming a new dog into the household and surviving puppyhood.
- The well-deserved popularity of Game of Thrones has led to more Huskies in California shelters and rescues. These are very high energy dogs that can be difficult to manage in a standard pet home. Training them can be a little tricky and can take a little longer. But it’s well worth the work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider reaching out for help. Many people are led to believe that things are hopeless when they just need to make some strategic adjustments.
- The Music for Mutts fundraiser is coming up on September 10. The proceeds benefit the Valley Animal Center, which helps find homes for homeless pets in the Central Valley.
- It seems that dog surfing is a thing, and the World Dog Surfing Championships recently took place in Northern California.
- AÂ new Clovis police dog, Bolt, was recently introduced. She is currently taking part in a 6-week intensive training program with her handler, building on a prior year of intensive training, including learning commands in German. Another reminder that training takes time, even when dogs come with impeccable bloodlines.
If I missed anything exciting, just let me know.
If you’re considering a board and train in the Fresno area, here’s a guide to help with your decision.
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As always: Train well. Be consistent. Enjoy life.
Nate Hess is a dog behavior specialist and the owner of Dogspring Training, which provides comprehensive dog training and behavior services in Fresno and Clovis, California. He is a graduate of Stanford University, a member of the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants (IAABC), and an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and S.T.A.R. Puppy programs. He lives in Clovis, CA, with his wife, Elaine, and some lovely dogs.Â