Pet Grooming Help

My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sophie, is almost 12 weeks old. Are the classes sponsered by PetSmart and Petco worthwhile, or should I look for other pet training specialists, like Man’s Best Friend?

Just like with your hairdresser, where they work has little to do with skill level. So no matter where you go you may run into a very skilled trainer or a person that can’t even tie their own shoes.

I have little to no interest in a puppy that did not start training at three days of age.

http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/achiever.html

From that point on it isn’t a question of should there be training, it’s a question of what kind of training.
@ 12 weeks "fear memory" has developed so the window for some things has already closed. At this point everything in the puppy’s development needs to be kept on a fun basis only because it will not have the cognitive skills to properly understand a correction. Take advantage of the puppy’s natural food motivation at this stage. At approximately 6 months of age the pup will suddenly start to demonstrate a new found feeling of independence and self awareness. (very noticeable change of behavior) At this point "formal" training can begin because this behavior change indicates that food motivation is being replaced by other motivations, and that the pup does have the cognitive development to properly understand training.

I really dont want to have to use a kennel as they are really expensive and last time my dog Misha came home bitten and timid. Suggestions please I am supposed to fly out next week and my neighbor has just said they cant take care of them as they had previously offered! help!

Hey there, Yep boarding kennels can be hectic. My Dad’s up your way and had the same kennel experience (maybe it’s the same place). He’s started using a pet minder who’s been great. I think it’s cheaper than a kennel anyhow. Dad’s at Copa so I’d say Erina should be ok. Heres her site better not put a phone number in here hey! Good luck have a good trip hey.

http://www.centralcoastpetminding.com/

What do the customers read? What do they want? What do they like? Why will they buy your product or service?

As a pet owner, I would want experience. How long have you been grooming? Of course prices, hours, and contact info. I would want to know how up to date your equipment is, how safe it is, etc. Also, that ‘personal touch.’ What kind of pets you have/how long, and just generally treating the animals you’re working with as if they were your own. I would want to see you petting and reassuring, maybe little dog and cat treats.

It’s REALLY the personal touch that gets me. I shop at a local, smaller pet store that charges a bit more than the "big chains" just because the people are a million times more friendly there, we’ve all grown to be on a first name basis, and I particularly enjoy that I can sit and talk to them about our animals. I can honestly tell that they care about the health of their animals they sell and sell products for, even if it means costing them more.