Kokopelli Dog & Puppy Training

Posted on April 6, 2011 by admin

We have had alot of calls from new puppy owners in the last couple of weeks.  Besides the usual questions about potty training and puppy biting, the big question is “how do I get this puppy to stop crying and go to sleep?!”  When new puppy owners are sleep deprived they will try anything including, sleeping on the floor next to the crate or pen, sleeping on the sofa with the puppy asleep on top of them, asleep in the chair with the puppy on top of them and finally asleep in their bed with the puppy on top of them. I even had one owner camp out on the kitchen floor next to his new pup. (This is only funny if you are not the new puppy owner) .                                                                                                                                                                    

You will be happy to know there is a toy out there  called a snuggle puppy that comes with it’s own battery operated heart beat and warming pack. You can find your snuggle puppy at RyansPet.com or simply google snuggle puppy.

 Don’t forget these little guys have left warm snuggly litter mates that keep them cozy and warm.  When you get your new sleep aid/snuggle puppy home, activate the heart beat and warming pack and place it inside the velcroe enclosed pouch before placing the whole thing inside one of your t-shirts, sweatshirt, or maybe even a pillowcase. Make sure it smells like you and not your detergent. These furry little pack animals need to be close to you, not all the way at the other end of the house or even worse, outside.  Try placing their crate next to the bed where they will not feel so isolated and alone. Their snuggle puppy will smell like you and they will be able to hear you right next to them. Much more comforting than being in puppy isolation. Once they have acclimated and gotten used to the changes in their pack you may want to consider moving them out of the bedroom if that’s what you really want. There’s time for that later after they have had a little time to adjust—after all they just left their whole family and are lonesome for something familiar. Heartbeats and warmth can work wonders….and sweet dreams too.

Posted in Training | Leave a comment

Posted on March 21, 2011 by admin

Rainy days in Arizona always prompt a multitude of questions regarding unfamiliar behaviors in otherwise calm and well behaved dogs. The biggest question is about potty training or potty accidents in an otherwise consistent and solid dog.  Your dog’s accident may mean nothing more than they have become surface oriented to dry rock and/or grass. The surfaces may smell differently as well as being much wetter than our desert dogs are used to.  These differences can make them generally uncomfortable and unable to concentrate on the task at hand. The solution of course is to go out with them. (An umbrella may help if they are not afraid of it.) Offer praise and a treat reward when and where  they “produce.” If they are hesitant to go, you may have to put them on leash and give them no more than 5 minutes to get the job done. If they don’t go within that time frame, either tether them to your belt loop or put them in a crate.  Watch them closely for a few  minutes and then take them back outside to try again. How does your dog react to the rain…………………………………   If you have other behavior questions please call 480-839-3118.

Posted in Behavior, Shannon Holstein | Leave a comment

Posted on March 8, 2011 by admin

Shannon Holstein, Canine Behavior Consultant
for the past seventeen years, studied and trained in Hawaii for four years. In late 1996 she brought her unique, gentle and non-physical training approach to the valley.  Her expertise in educating people to teach their dogs the way dogs learn and not the way people think they should learn, is reflected in many resulting lifetime canine/human relationships.

As the owner of Kokopelli Dog & Puppy Training, LLC,  she has demonstrated and proven her methodology to be hugely successful in a wide range of behavior issues including aggression.  She has experience and expertise in service dog training and works with all breeds & all ages.

She conducts group classes, customized private appointments, and works closely with local rescue groups and veterinarians. She co-founded the Red Rock Prison Cell Dog Program and was head trainer for the Second Chance Prison Program.

Shannon is a member of the APDT, Assoc. of Professional Humane Educators, AKC CGC evaluator, and is an active contributor to Az Golden Retreiver Connection and Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue.

Posted in Shannon Holstein | Tagged dog and puppy training, Shannon Holstein | 1 Comment