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What People Say

About Dog Training... 

Marilyn's dedication to help me and my dog Paxton has been above and beyond what most people would do... I would highly recommend Marilyn's services to anyone interested... She is not only intuitive, she is kind, generous and has a lot of great wisdom.

~ Peggy
Bloomington, MN
2005

 

The Dog Blog

6 of 8 Family Pets Killed, Because…

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Monday, 04 July 2011 22:11

6 of 8 Family Pets Killed, Because…

signs“6 of 8 Family Pets KILLED cuz you people REFUSE to SLOW DOWN”

I saw the sign while out walking dogs not that far from my house. The message was forceful, the anger palpable.
PETS.                    KILLED.                    YOU PEOPLE.                     REFUSE. 
The words jumped out at me as though an invisible fist had punched me in the stomach.

Read more: 6 of 8 Family Pets Killed, Because…

 

Be Inspired - Aspire to Be

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Saturday, 28 May 2011 09:45

"An uninspiring person believes according to what he achieves. An aspiring person achieves according to what he believes." - Sri Chinmoy

Bones & HoldenWith regard to dog training if you only take the time to train a dog to sit, then that’s all YOU can achieve with your dog. It’s NOT the limit of your dog’s potential.

Read more: Be Inspired - Aspire to Be

 

Tempting Training Treats

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Monday, 14 March 2011 20:39

Tempting Training Treats (for dogs)Dog Begging

*Courtesy of Bullwrinkle.com

Ingredients:
2 1/3 cups flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup grated cheese (like parmesan)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder (Pure Spirit recommends using 1 clove or 1 tsp. Finely chopped garlic)
1/4 cup powdered milk (non-fat)

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix well. Roll the dough out to size of a cookie sheet. Pat the dough onto a lightly greased cookie sheet, bringing it to the edges. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut desired sizes into dough (just score through). If you're using as training treats, cut them into small pieces. Sprinkle a little extra cheese and garlic if desired on dough for flavor. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 15 minutes until golden brown. Turn off the oven and let cool for a few hours. They will keep hardening the longer you leave them. Break them apart; store tightly covered or in the freezer.



 

Big Bed for A Big Dog

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Sunday, 06 March 2011 18:17

Got a Big Dog?  Need a Big Bed? Crib Mattresses are perfect!  They are less expensive than fancy orthopedic dog beds and offer good support and cushioning.  They are easy to wipe clean and don’t absorb body fluids that are sometimes part of life with elderly or ill dogs.  

Read more: Big Bed for A Big Dog

 

A Dog By Any Other Name

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Friday, 04 March 2011 14:11

How many names does your dog have?  Before you answer, “just one” think about it... 

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Focus - DOWN at Mealtime

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Wednesday, 02 March 2011 14:14

Focus on what you want

Cues your dog must know: DOWN and/or STAY

Throughout your day focus on what you WANT.  If you want your dog to lie down while you and your family are eating your meals… FOCUS on your dog lying down during mealtime.

Read more: Focus - DOWN at Mealtime

 

Integration

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Monday, 27 December 2010 01:41

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." - Henry Ford

German Shepherd Dog in the snowLiving with an animal is about integration: bringing another species into your world, your family, your life then working with them to achieve a mutually rewarding and beneficial relationship.  Sounds lofty, but here’s a question… why would anyone not want to fully integrate their companion animal into their life? 

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Halloween Costume Contest Photos!

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Wednesday, 27 October 2010 16:48

Check out our fabulous Halloween contest winners!

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Sally (owned by Mary Malone) as a ladybug and devil diva!




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Tina van Cleve shows off her dogs' style as well as the fantastic training they've received!

 

Puppy Wreaks Havoc, Human to Blame

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Friday, 24 September 2010 03:24

I always like to say, “Good thing puppies are cute… it’s what keeps them alive!”  I also like to say, “If your dog does something wrong, you are probably to blame.” Dogs don’t do things to intentionally irritate us or wreck our stuff… usually. Dog do things because they can; because they haven’t been taught otherwise; and/or because they are getting some sort of reward or satisfaction out of their actions.

Read more: Puppy Wreaks Havoc, Human to Blame

 

Dogs & Music

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Friday, 24 September 2010 00:48

This is a great video by OK Go!


 

BE! Message from Phoenix

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Wednesday, 22 September 2010 11:23

Female German Shepherd DogSo you want your dog to be your ‘best friend’?  Well, we really want to be that for you, but it’s a two-way street! We canines can’t just give and give and give. We need you to be our best friend, too! So let me tell you how you can get to best friend status in the doggie world.


Spend active time with us! Really it’s that simple. There are other things you can do to be start with this.  It sounds easy, but it seems to be a colossal undertaking for you people!

Read more: BE! Message from Phoenix

   

Shayna and the Boxers

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Saturday, 18 September 2010 00:00

German Shepherd PuppyToday I had a booth at the MN Boxer Rescue Boxer Walk Fundraiser and took Shayna with me.  What better way to socialize her and see where she needs work than around a herd of short-nosed boxers?

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Fun with Boxers 2010

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Saturday, 18 September 2010 00:00

Boxer WalkBoxerWhat a blast at the Boxer Walk today (MN Boxer Rescue)!  So many wiggly, short-nosed, nubby-tailed beasts enjoying the day and keeping their people company!  It was fun to see the diversity in size, color and age.

Read more: Fun with Boxers 2010

   

Finding Shayna

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Friday, 17 September 2010 00:00

Shayna's original petfinder pictureI started looking at petfinder.com, because my mom thought it was time to get another dog and asked for my help in finding the right one; a female German Shepherd Dog between the ages of 2-6 with saddle dog markings, good with kids and preferably house-trained.

I looked at all the dogs in Arizona, and since she was visiting me in last week, all the dogs in Minnesota. Very few fit the bill. One listing with a fuzzy picture and a sensational story

Read more: Finding Shayna

   

First Place Rally Run

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Thursday, 02 September 2010 20:46

Samoyed Dogs Flirt & StellaAugust 27-29, 2010 - St. Croix Valley Kennel Club Dog Show at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo, MN is always a big deal. Dogs of all shapes and sizes come to compete in AKC (American Kennel Club) events; Conformation, Agility, Obedience and Rally Obedience.  Dogs are coiffed and groomed and strut their stuff in the conformation rings looking to pick up points toward their championship status and vying for the coveted titles of Best of Breed and Best in Show.  Other dog and handler teams have worked hard training for Agility and Obedience titles.

Read more: First Place Rally Run

   

Trip to Packerland

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Tuesday, 10 August 2010 02:08

RinTinInnWhat a wonderful weekend in Green Bay and the Fox Valley.  I gave a free talk Friday evening at Rin Tin Inn Pet Lodge. What a fabulous venue and host, Forrest Micke, could not be more friendly or accommodating.  I was in awe of the peacefulness and the beauty of the boarding facility. Frankly, I was ready to throw a sleeping bag on the floor of the boarding house and spend the weekend there! We had a nice turn out of people interested in finding out more about animal communication.

Read more: Trip to Packerland

   

Paws On Grand

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Tuesday, 03 August 2010 10:01

BoothPaws On Grand, St Paul, MN… no better place to be on Sunday August 1! Grand Avenue Business Association does a great job every year sponsoring this event of pets and their people, and this year was no exception.  From our booth on Dunlap and Grand we were able to do some serious people watching as their dogs proudly paraded them past a myriad of vendor booths and entertaining activities. 

Read more: Paws On Grand

   

The Best Defense is a Bag of Poop

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Monday, 26 July 2010 04:18

"Hello!" I called cheerfully to the man moving erratically in my direction.

Bones & Holden"Muh shu u clenion u shih," the drunken guy mumbled as he came toward us (I was walking my two boarding dogs for their last potty break at 10:30P). I walk this same route multiple times a day, especially when I have visiting dogs at my house. It’s only a few blocks from my house and ½ block from a bar, although it’s rare that I encounter anyone walking down this road at night.

Read more: The Best Defense is a Bag of Poop

   

Hitting the Beach

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Tuesday, 18 May 2010 21:05


   

Conan: Playing in the Snow

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Saturday, 06 March 2010 00:00

Winter in Minnesota means outdoor fun at it's best! Here's Conan with his big, red ball!


   

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