Follow Me Dog Training

Blueberries are good for you!

Fresh blueberries provide more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables. Blueberries have been associated with positive cosmetic and physiological benefits for centuries. Blueberries are a source of vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, phenolics and flavanoids. They are low in fat and sodium. (www.blueberry.org)

Who doesn’t like blueberry pancakes, blueberry scones, blueberry muffins, blueberry cheesecake? I don’t like soup but did you know there is even a recipe for Chilled Fresh Blueberry soup? 

The Blueberry is the official state fruit of New Jersey!

So what do Blueberries have to do with dogs? Well, because Follow Me Dog Training LLC is working with a Blueberry…..no don’t worry, I’m not cooking. This is Blueberry:

Isn’t she cute! This Blueberry can provide her owners with some health benefits as well. She needs exercise…at least one good hour long walk a day. She is very soft and fuzzy, providing fuzz therapy for everyone she meets, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. Fortunately Blueberry’s owners contacted Follow Me Dog Training LLC  for some training so they could take advantage of those health benefits.

Blueberry wasn’t the easiest dog to walk. She is pretty tall and was a pro at pulling on a leash, using all her body mass to take the person on the end of the leash from one tree or squirrel spotting to the next. Our goal was to be able to have Blueberry walk nicely on a leash so all the young adult owners could walk her….success and health benefits accomplished!

It is hard to not be stressed with a dog that likes to dig tank size holes in the back yard, fence fight with the dogs going past their yard, and chew on the deck furniture. So by establishing some rules of behavior in the back yard, teaching a solid recall (off the back fence), and providing more focused exercise in the shape of a good long walk, Blueberry was able to become even more loved without the frustration and yelling…fuzz therapy at it’s best!

Follow Me Dog Training LLC knows that Blueberries in any shape and form can be good for you! Contact us today for a FREE demonstration and evaluation with your dog.

Hail to the Chief…and his dogs!

Today is President’s Day. Originally the day was set aside as a Federal Holiday to honor President Washington. Soon after the day was marked to include President Lincoln and many other Presidents. Since we reside in the state of Virginia, Washington’s home state, the holiday is legally known as “George Washington Day”.

Nearly every President had a pet and a good portion had dogs. The Presidential Pet Museum (just recently re-located to President’s Park in Williamsburg, VA) is an amazing place to find out more about the famous pets of our United States Presidents. For instance did you know that George Washington had 4 Black and Tan Hounds named Drunkard, Tipsy, Taster and Tipler. I don’t feel so crazy for having a dog named after a brewery after hearing what our first President named his hounds!

President Lincoln had the first Presidential pet to be photographed, a dog named Fido. President John Adams had two dogs named Juno and Satan…hmmmm. President Lyndon B. Johnson had Beagles, Him and Her. President T. Roosevelt was a Terrier man with a Bull Terrier, a Manchester Terrier, and a Rat Terrier among just the few of his many animals.

The other Roosevelt had one of the most famous terriers to live in the White House, Scottish Terrier Fala. So loved was Fala, he made it onto the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

Presidential Dogs have written books; Millie’s Book: As Dictated to Barbara Bush and Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kid’s Letters to the First Pets. Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres owned by President Regan, has a portrait made of her own hair. So does a current resident of the White House, Miss Beazley Bush. And Barney Bush had a bronze statue of himself made by AKC judge Richard Chashoudian.

Needless to say our United States Presidents should also be celebrated for their love of animals, not just for leading our country. Presidential Park is worth a visit just to see all the fascinating exhibits but especially to see the over 500 artifacts, pictures and novelties associated with Presidential pets.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC hasn’t trained one of the President’s dogs but we can help you train your dog to live happily in your house, white or otherwise. Contact us for a Free demonstration and evaluation with your dog.

Be Mine!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance, Hallmark cards and chocolate…it is also about showing your love to friends and family. Follow Me Dog Training LLC wants to help you out with some hints on how to show your love to your best friend who gives you unconditional love every day of the year!

• Take your dog for a long walk. Enjoy a new park or route in the neighborhood and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses along the way.
• Feed your dog out of your best china or crystal bowl.
• Wrap a new toy in a big red bow.
• Take your dog for a day at the spa (groomer) and give them a bath, manicure and makeover.
• Make your dog some home made treats.
• How about a fancy new collar or leash your dog can show off in?
• Think about their health and make an appointment for a yearly check up with your veterinarian.
• Give your dog a nice massage and love session.
• Don’t forget to tell them how much you love them and how thankful you are to have them in your life.
• Good training is one of the best ways to show you love your dog, so contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE demonstration and evaluation.

Valentine’s Day is a good day to pamper you dog, just don’t forget to treat them like a dog! Good exercise, a foundation of manners and house rules and clear communication should earn your dog tons of love.

It’s show time!

The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is now in progress! Some of the best dogs in the country will be competing for the coveted Best in Show title. Catch the final breed showing and Best in Show competition tonight on the USA Network.  Madison Square Garden opens it’s doors to thousands of dog fanciers, handlers, groomers, owners and most importantly pure bred dogs every year. Sorry no mutts allowed, but this is a great chance to see where the mutts originated from… Can you find the breeds that make up the Schnoodle, chab, whoodle and snickerdoo?

Here are a few little “did you know” facts about Westminster:

• In 1907 the first Best in Show title went to a Smooth Fox Terrier bitch named CH. Warren Remedy…she is the only dog to have won Best in Show three times!
• In 1888  a woman named Anna Whitney was the first woman to judge at Westminster! She judged 117 St. Bernards.
• Up until his death in summer of 2006 you could spot famous trainer Captain Haggerty sitting in the front row of every Westminster Dog Show.
• Neither the Belgian Malinois (Leinie’s breed) or the Irish Terrier (Pepper’s breed) have ever won a Best in Show at Westminster.
• In 2007 the Dandi Dinmont Terrier that won best in Terrier Group was co-owned by the comedian Bill Cosby. The dog’s name is Harry.
• 169 Breeds and varieties from 7 different groups will be judged over a two day period.
• There are four new breeds eligible for the first time at Westminster in 2008: the Plott (Hound Group), the Tibetan Mastiff (Working), the Swedish Valhund(Herding) and the Beauceron (Herding).
• For more information about purebred dogs, AKC dog shows in your area, or some great fun facts check out the American Kennel Club.

Follow Me Dog Training LLC believes that the dog you choose is always going to be the Best in Show of your family. Mutts, mixes, rescue dogs and purebred dogs all share a place in our hearts. We also believe that responsible breeding, training and care are the things that will keep dogs in our homes for many years to come. If you choose a dog to live with your family please train them, follow local pet laws and be respectful of everyone’s right to own a dog. Westminster always brings certain breeds into the spotlight. Before you purchase a purebred dog research how it might fit into your lifestyle. Responsible breeders love to talk about their chosen breed!

When you bring a new dog home (rescue or puppy) contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC for a FREE demonstration and evaluation.

Be kind to the dogs…it is their birthday!

The Chinese New Year celebrations began yesterday. This year is the year of the Rat. The Chinese New Year lasts 15 days and has alot of fascinating customs and traditions surrounding it. My favorite is the second day because dogs are singled out in the celebrations. “On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.”

So feed your dog a little extra treat and wish them a happy birthday. Enjoy the year of the Rat and make the most of your 2008.

If you are interested in a Free demonstration and evaluation with your dog please contact Follow Me Dog Training LLC to set up an appointment.