Why adopt from a shelter, and how to do it right

The Nevada Humane Society has announced that it desperately needs dog adopters, as they’re at 90% capacity. Here are some things to consider! Why adopt from a shelter? Because you can save a life. Well, two, actually. When you bring home a dog or cat from a shelter, you are actually saving two animals: the […]

Super Seniors Workshop

Did you know that a dogs are considered “seniors” when they reach half of their anticipated life expectancy? As our furry friends age, they face unique challenges that require special care and attention. Our Super Seniors Workshop with animal physical therapist, Beth Williams, P.T, A.P.T, is designed to help you provide the best possible support […]

Cool Activities for Hot Days

With toxic blue-green algae growing in many of our favorite doggy swimming holes like Washoe Lake and smaller pools around Lake Tahoe, avoiding standing water this summer is probably a good plan. But, what are you supposed to do to entertain and tire out your dog if it’s too dang hot to play outside? Teach a new […]

Kids and Dogs – Setting Everyone up for Success

The relationship between kids and dogs isn’t always as easy as it seems! Written by Ericka Kinsey, M.Ed., CPDT-KA, Family Paws Parent Educator Your child and your dog: Lassie Goals Most of us have visions of our children happily romping in the backyard with a loving dog, one who follows them around and spends the […]

The Rehearsal Effect: Why your training isn’t working!

I’ve been training so much. Why isn’t it working? It’s really common that dog, cat, and parrot owners come to us having already done a lot of training with their pet, and they’re often frustrated that no matter what they try, it never seems to stick. When we hear this complaint, there is usually one […]

COVID-19: Our actions

UPDATED: March 29, 2022 As Nevada adapts to living with COVID-19, here are our policies and sanitation protocols. We hope you feel confident coming to classes and referring others to us! If you have any questions, please ask us! On Thursday February 10, 2022, Governor Sisolak lifted the universal mask mandate for Nevada. This means […]

Join our shy dog seminar

Wallflowers, and How to Help them Blossom Do you have a dog who is shy, reserved, or has a hard time meeting new people or dogs? Some dogs have a harder time making friends than others, and those dogs need a little extra help from us.  Join our “Wallflowers” workshop to learn how to build […]

Canine Influenza – our actions

Canine Influenza has reached the Truckee Meadows. Here are our changes in policy and sanitation protocols. We hope you will continue to feel confident coming to classes and referring others to us! Cleaning and sanitation Increased disinfection of trouble spots.  We have always cleaned the training center and mopped the floor once a week (before […]

The Golden Rule of Animal Training

The Golden Rule of animal training: Don’t ever, ever call your pet to you (or ask your bird to step up), then do something they don’t like.  Animals are not stupid; they learn by association and consequences, and if there is an unwanted consequence for coming to you, they will be reluctant to do it […]

Puppy Socialization

Puppy Socialization: What it means and how to do it right It’s not just a buzz word!  Socialization simply means “learning to live in a society.”  For dogs, this means learning to live in a human society, which takes some active effort on our part.  Most young social animals are very receptive to new experiences, […]