Puppy Olympics, and the Importance of Early Socialization

By Laura Sharkey

The Puppy Olympics are almost here! 

8 weeks ago, on April 1st 2016, our foster dog Harlie gave birth to 11 tiny puppies. WOOFS! has fostered many pregnant moms and their puppies over the past 13 years, but this time we decided to do something different. We assigned each puppy a WOOFS! trainer. Each trainer was responsible for their pups early socialization and training. The results of these efforts will be on display at the Puppy Olympics on June 3rd. The puppies will be 9 weeks old.

Meet the Daycare Team: May 2016

By Cynthia Robertson

WOOFS! has an awesome staff. So who are these people who choose to spend their days with the dogs? This month we are featuring Preston.

Upcoming Community Events: May 2016

By Cynthia Robertson

Check out some fun dog-related events in our area!

Walk for the Animals 2016

Come join us at one of two, yes TWO, wonderful Walks for the Animals to benefit the Animal Welfare Leagues of Arlington and Alexandria!  Both events are important fundraisers, and both dog-friendly events feature vendors, goodies, demonstrations, and kid-friendly activities.

Puppy Challenge #1: House Training

By Laura Sharkey
Originally Published on ArlNow.com

So you have a cute new puppy? Congratulations! But now what?

Puppies naturally bite, cry, poop and pee. Then we get them in the house and immediately want them NOT to bite, cry, poop or pee. It’s a pretty tall order for an 8 week old. So here are a few tips on how to gently mold your tiny new best friend into the awesome dog you know she can be.

Jane and Frankie Win Regional Championship

Congratulations to WOOFS! trainer Jane Saunders and her Papillion Frankie for their performance last weekend at the USDAA 2016 Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships!  Jane and Frankie won the Regional Championship for 8" Performance Masters Challenge Biathlon, came in 3rd place the 8" Performance Triathlon, and made it to the finals for all events. And on top of all of that, Frankie was top 10 for 2015 in both Standard and Snooker for Masters 12" dogs!  Way to go!

New! Puppy Prep School

By Laura Sharkey

You have GOT to meet Lucy.  Lucy is our first Puppy Prep School student and she is adorable. Lucy is an 8 week old mini dachshund who started Prep School on April 5th. I will be chronicling her progress here. We have a lot planned for this little girl.

We immediately started working on Lucy's crate training. Her owners reported some seriously pitiful crying when she was crated, including an episode of getting her teeth stuck on the crate bars which was terrifying for everyone. Our goal is to have her willingly crating without protest by the time she goes home so today we started to teach her to go into her crate on cue.