Harmony Forum

Puppies are squishy and cute. They have an irresistible puppy smell. They are instant happiness. On the other hand, puppies need boundaries, constant supervision, they can't concentrate on anything for more than a minute or so, and they need to pee every few hours. Even if you're prepared, raisin

The Stuff No One Warned You About You brought home your puppy and the first day was magic. That new puppy smell, those little paws and toe beans, the way they collapsed into your lap like they were meant to be there. Exhausted from the day’s travel, the puppy falls fast asleep once you get home,

Hi! Here are some good tips from Professional veterinarian: The puppy should be enclosed in a small area (meter by meter will be sufficient). The compound should be placed in the center of the house (eg in the living room) so as not to create social isolation, which can lead to behavioral problems

How do you teach your puppy about the world outside when many of us are staying isolated in our homes? Your puppy’s first year—and the first four months in particular—are incredibly important in shaping how they will cope with new sights, sounds, and situations throughout their life. One of the m

There are two main fear periods. The first happens at 8 weeks of age. The second happens at adolescence. Unlike the first fear period, that we know happens right around 8 weeks, the second fear period does not have an exact time frame. Perhaps its because dogs mature at different rates. Smaller brea

The holidays are here, which means one thing: food. Glorious, delicious, everywhere-you-turn, food. While we humans load up our plates and maybe even squeeze into those stretchy pants, it’s easy to forget about the four-legged family member giving you that “but I’m starving” look from under the t

As our dogs grow, they move through distinct developmental stages, each with unique learning opportunities and behavioral changes. Knowing what to expect as your puppy matures can help you support them, manage common challenges, and make the most of their critical learning periods. Let’s take a c

As soon as young puppies open their eyes, they begin to interact with their mother and siblings through play. Puppy play is a critical part of the physical and psychological well-being of puppy. During this early developmental stage in their lives, puppies are always learning and they are consta

As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry family member. Whether it’s mastering basic commands, developing good manners, or addressing behavior concerns, finding an effective training method is key to ensuring a happy and healthy relationship with your dog. Among the various training techn

The Fourth of July is a time of celebration, with fireworks lighting up our skies. While we humans may find these dazzling displays thrilling, the loud noises and bright lights can be extremely stressful for our furry friends. Dogs, in particular, can become anxious, fearful, and even panic-stri

As we discussed in our Introduction to Cooperative Care, this training concept involves training your dog not to just tolerate handling, grooming, and other husbandry procedures, but to empower them to be an active and willing participant in these experiences. The concept of cooperative care ha

Once you have an account with us, all of your classes and payments will be managed through the online portal. In this video we will take you through all the things you can do on your account. Please let us know if you have any questions. We're always happy to help! Dogs In Harmony Online Portal T

Most times dogs display unwanted behaviors because of an emotional need or distress, boredom, lack of knowledge or as a way to get what they want. Consider why your dog is behaving in the way he is by looking at the behavior ABC's. Don't look at a dog as good or bad, consider a behavior as wanted or

How do we start? How long should it take? Is my puppy peeing behind the sofa just to spite me? Puppy potty training… we’ve all been there (or, if you’re reading this as you prepare for a puppy you’ll be there soon!). It’s not always easy, and how to start can be confusing. In today’s blog post w

It’s hot out there! This week’s heat wave has forced many of us back indoors (as if we weren’t spending enough time in the house already…) and has made afternoon walks and trips to the park a bit less appealing. If you’re looking for ways to release some of your dog’s pent-up energy, encourage the

Congratulations on welcoming a new puppy into your family! As the Fourth of July approaches, it's essential to prepare your furry friend for their first experience with fireworks. By introducing them gradually and employing effective socialization and desensitization techniques, you can help your

Everyone warns you about puppies. Nobody prepares you for adolescence. You survived the biting, the crate training, the sleepless nights. Just when your puppy seemed like they were getting it together, something shifted. They stopped listening. They started barking more. Jumping again. Pulling h

Shaping is my favorite training tool. Shaping is just like playing a hot and cold game with your dog. Except that in this hot and cold game, we only tell the dog that they are getting warmer in the form of a click. In this video I am working with Gin on putting away her toys. This is not the firs

As temperatures soar during the scorching summer months, it's not just us humans who feel the heat; our fur coat wearing friends have it pretty 'ruff' too. As responsible dog owners, it's crucial to understand the potential dangers of extreme heat on our canine companions and take necessary prec

A young puppy still with its mother. Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting and transformative experience. As much as we focus on providing the basics—feeding, housing, and training—one of the most important aspects of raising a well-adjusted dog is establishing a solid emotional bon

California recently released guidelines for restaurants looking to begin offering dine-in services. These guidelines include limited capacity and expanded outdoor seating. As counties begin to meet Phase 2 reopening criteria, many residents are looking for safe ways of venturing out into the wor

When it comes to training, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Start training these important skills before the stress of the holidays sets in! The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many families, this means a house full of guests, festive decorations, and bustling act

Training your dog to follow commands and develop good manners is a rewarding experience, but it requires the right tools and techniques to achieve lasting success. One of the most effective methods used in positive reinforcement training is a technique known as luring. Whether you're working with

Puppy biting is a common concern for new dog owners. It's a natural behavior for puppies, but it can be frustrating and sometimes painful. Understanding why puppies bite and how to manage and reduce this behavior is essential for creating a harmonious relationship with your new furry friend. In t

The holidays are just around the corner, and one of the questions we’re asked most frequently this time of year is how to prevent dogs from “getting into trouble” amidst the food, friends, and festivities. It can take months to train the skills your dog would need to remain on its best behavior a

Your puppy is fully potty trained and come to you most of the time when he's called. She is sweet and pays attention when you need her to. So you should give them more freedom, right? NO! Your dog is very smart, at this stage they are building confidence and figuring out the rules of the house. T

Digging is a natural, instinctual behavior for dogs. Depending on the breed of dog, the desire to dig might even be a part of their breeding and hardwired into their instincts. The act of digging can be a source of joy and enrichment for dogs, but a yard filled with holes is likely a going to cau

The Holiday Season is in full swing, and Santa Paws will soon be delivering presents to all of our very, very good boys (and girls!). While we prepare for a joy-filled Holiday and celebration of the New Year, take a moment to go over some helpful holiday safety tips for pets. Pet Proof the Chris

Residents throughout the state are experiencing poor air quality due to ongoing wildfires. For many areas, air quality has reached hazardous levels. Poor air quality is just as much of a concern for animals as it is for humans, and we should take the same precautions for our dogs that we do for ou

Do you struggle with taking your dog to the vet? Is their stress and fear so intense that they tremble, salivate, pant, or even resort to attempts at escape or aggression? In the end, the vet visit is likely essential, so you probably force your dog to complete the visit (and promise to make it up