What to Know About Tiny Dogs

By Laura Sharkey
Originally published on ArlNow.com 

Small dogs are great for urban environments. They are generally easier to exercise than large dogs and take up less space with their small crates and small beds.

Small dogs are just as smart and trainable as large dogs. Small dogs get a bad rap because too often owners find it faster and easier to just pick up the dog rather than train it, something that is not possible with a large dog. It’s not until the dog is older that some owners realize they missed the boat in teaching their small dog manners.

On Leash Greetings

By Laura Sharkey
Originally published on ArlNow.com 

Urban living can be tough on our dogs, and one of the toughest situations our dogs encounter is meeting other dogs on leash.

Dogs meeting on leash is a completely artificial situation for them. The leash and the resulting close quarters means that dogs can not greet each other in a natural way. Compare the way unleashed dogs greet each other at a dog park with how they meet when on leash.

Laura Sharkey Writing Column for ARLnow

WOOFS! is currently sponsoring The Local Woof for ARLnow, our Arlington local news source.  The Local Woof will cover a variety of topics relating to dog ownership, training and behavior.  Articles are written by WOOFS! owner Laura Sharkey.

Dining Out With Fido

By Laura Sharkey
Originally published on ArlNow.com 

One of the best ways to enjoy the warm weather in Arlington is to enjoy a meal outside at one of the many restaurants that offer patio seating. But what about bringing your dog along? Unfortunately, it’s not always a good idea.

Moving? Help Fido Transition Smoothly, Too

By Patti Hight

Moving can be a stressful, challenging time for you, but it can be even worse for your dog.  Dogs thrive on routines and stability to feel secure.  Moving disrupts both, and removes the familiar.  It can seriously unsettle them; however, here are a few helpful hints to help your best pal transition a bit more easily:

Conference Presentation by Ariana Kincaid

As well as being a WOOFS! trainer, Ariana Kincaid, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP is the founder and owner of Operation Socialization, an organization to promote the importance of early, positive puppy socialization.  Ariana recently spoke at two big events.

Laura Sharkey to Speak at ClickerExpo 2014

WOOFS! owner Dr. Laura Sharkey will speak at ClickerExpo in Norfolk, VA on March 29 and 30, 2014. Her first talk, "Shh! Tagging, Targeting & Tranquil Training", explains how to teach human students more effectively with non-verbal communication.  Her second is "Give Pups a Chance: Working with Aggressive Puppies" which shares case studies and protocols for puppies with true aggression as young as 8 weeks old.

This is Laura's second year as a speaker at ClickerExpo.  It is a terrific honor that she shares billing with Karen Pryor, Ken Ramirez, Dr. Susan Friedman, Kathy Sdao, and many more amazing behavior experts and trainers.