EPIPHANY

I lay in bed this morning and this thought process went through my head: In order to feel fulfilled, you have to provide a way to be fulfilled. Sitting on your "hope chest" waiting for someone or something to come along and fulfill you, will leave you unfulfilled and depressed. But getting up and figuring out what it is you need in utter to feel fulfilled will usually get the job done.

Dogs will find a way to fulfill themselves, whether their owners provide the needed stimuli or not. If not, their fulfillment usually comes through unwanted, naughty behaviors and destruction of property, people and other animals. If their needs are met and they feel fulfilled, there is only room for contentment and belly rubs.

WEEKLY PACK WALKS MOVED TO SATURDAYS

Pack Walks will now be held every Saturday morning from 9:00am-10:00am at SPRINGCREEK PARK in Springville. Join the event on FACEBOOK. 

***Please review the REQUIREMENTS & SAFETY RULES then fill out the following forms:***

PACK WALK QUESTIONNAIRE

PACK WALK WAIVER

SAFETY RULES

*Anyone who doesn't follow these simple rules will be asked to leave our group

1. Group sizes are limited to 10 dogs (not including my two) so please RSVP using FACEBOOK or call 435-503-0182. 
2. Waivers must be signed before participation. 
3. Before approaching/petting any dog, even if you know them, everyone must ask permission from the owner and follow the "no touch, no talk, no eye-contact rule." 
4. All dogs must be on a leash (no longer than 6’ and no retractable leashes allowed) when participating as per city ordinance and for the safety of all animals and humans in the vicinity. 
5. Do not let dogs meet each other, regardless if your dog is friendly. Respect each dog's space; no crowding. 
6. Pick up after your dog (bring your own poop bags). 
7. No treats or food of any kind. 
8. Kids (including strollers) are welcome but must follow all the rules, especially #3

Words VS Reality

When we try to treat our dogs like children or think of them as our babies, we are not providing protection and direction as a good Pack Leader should. Instead, we are focusing on our emotional needs first.

The best gift our dogs can give us is to be balanced and happy, which is why the best way we can show affection to our dogs is to let them be dogs, and to follow Nature by respecting and honoring their instincts.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/features/Words-and-Reality?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jun14NL_3#ixzz34p8ogwId

Balance

Dog packs do not have dictators. If the alpha dog in a pack tries to enforce the rules through intimidation and coercion, the other dogs in the pack will kill him or drive him out. But balanced pack leaders do not need intimidation or coercion. They inspire the pack to follow them through calm, assertive energy.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Balance?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jun14NL_1#ixzz33hS1I9bp

Your Dog Can Be the Secret to Weight Loss

How you care for yourself is closely related to how you care for your dog.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/exercise/Your-Dog-Can-Be-The-Secret-To-Weight-Loss?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jun14NL_1#ixzz33hR9Tvur

Outdoor Exercise Ideas for You and Your Dog

No matter what physical activity you engage in, it is important to watch for signs of dehydration: lethargy, sunken or bloodshot eyes, dry gums, increased heart rate, paleness, and loss of skin elasticity. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times!

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/exercise/summer-activities?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jun14NL_1#ixzz33hQf0pm5

Balancing the Equation

A balanced dog is one that is fulfilled in all three aspects of its being: body, mind, and heart. Pay too much (or not enough) attention to any one of those areas, and your dog becomes unbalanced. If you don’t provide enough exercise, the dog’s excess energy in its body will override everything else. That dog’s mind will not be focused and its heart (or feelings) will go completely out of control.

If you give your dog nothing but affection, then you’re combining the lack of exercise problem with a lack of discipline and creating a situation in which your dog will take over the pack. Provide exercise and affection with no discipline, and you’ll get a dog that will never listen to anyone.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Balancing-the-Equation?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Jun14NL_1#ixzz33hQ6VemE

10 Tips for Epic Road Trips with Your Dog

Before you load up and get going, follow these 10 steps to ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable trip for you both.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-travel/10-Tips-for-Epic-Road-Trips-with-Your-Dog?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May28#ixzz332VaRPLR

Best Friends Bring Benefits

Maybe it’s time to rewrite that old adage — a dog in your day keeps the doctor away!

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/new-dog/Best-Friends-Bring-Benefits?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May21#ixzz332VCiuTd

Dogs Live In a Hierarchy

One of the conclusions of the study is something that Cesar’s fans will find very familiar: “Dogs that led more often had higher dominance ranks in everyday situations, assessed by a dominance questionnaire... Pack leadership is well-established in wolves, where packs are typically led by a single breeding pair, but there is still much debate as to whether groups of domestic dogs have a social hierarchy.”

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/basics/Science-Catches-Up-to-Cesar?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May28#ixzz332Uxcus9

Sergeant Stubby

Stubby was the most decorated dog of World War I. He was adopted by Private J. Robert Conroy and became the mascot of the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division. He learned a lot about military life including bugle calls and how to execute a salute with his paw. He was smuggled to France when his owner shipped out and allowed to stay when the commanding officer saw him salute.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/node/1905?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May14NL_4#ixzz332USGdQR

K9 Veterans

Throughout history, military and law enforcement service dogs have helped to keep us safe from harm. Every year in March, we honor them for their selfless contributions. Take a look at these photos of K9 service dogs, and help us give thanks to these four-legged heroes!

http://www.cesarsway.com/packgallery/k9vets?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May14NL_4

Power of the Pack

Dogs are pack animals, with leaders and followers. Humans are also pack animals with leaders and followers. Most of us don’t recognize that or even think we adhere to it, but you don’t have to look very far in your own life to see that it’s true.

Think of all the packs you’ve ever belonged to: family, work, friends, school. Every single one of these groups has its leaders, mediators, and followers.

In a dog pack, there are three positions — front, middle, and rear. The dogs in front are the leaders, and they provide protection and direction. The dogs in the middle are the mediators, and they communicate between the front and the back of the pack. The dogs in the rear are the alert system — if they detect a threat, they sound the alarm.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Power-of-the-Pack?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May14NL_4#ixzz332RZNwJ1

Cesar'sWay: An Absolutely Staggering Number

Six hundred million is a huge number, and there’s a reason I want you to understand the magnitude of it, because this is the number of abandoned, homeless, and abused dogs in the world. That’s nearly two dogs per every person living in the United States; nearly ten for every citizen of the UK.

Unfortunately, a huge number of these dogs will be destroyed in shelters or killed in the streets. I have seen places where dogs are routinely abused, tortured, hanged, or shot. These dogs will never know what it means to be part of a human pack and will never have a loving home — but there is a way to reduce the problem and, I hope one day, to eliminate it.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/newsandevents/cesarsblog/An-Absolutely-Staggering-Number?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Apr14NL_4#ixzz30CoVvhUj

Cesar'sWay: Ten Tips for Choosing the Right Veterinarian

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right vet for you and your dog:

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/finding-the-right-vet?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Apr14NL_4#ixzz30CnOmCVZ

Cesar'sWay Newletter: Five Freedoms

Freedom four, to express normal behavior, might be a bit puzzling. At first glance, it sounds like just letting your dog do whatever she wants — barking at everything, chewing up the house, chasing bicycles and skateboards. Those are all dog-like behaviors, right?

The key word in this freedom is “normal,” and the key to normalcy is discipline. Dogs want to work for their food and affection, and they want to please their pack leaders. You can also use discipline to reinforce the calm energy state you achieve after exercise. And remember, “discipline” does not mean “punish.” In the dog sense, it just means teaching a dog to follow the rules.

For example, if you train your dog that she must sit calmly while you prepare her food and not approach it until you give permission, you’re letting her earn that food as well as building her self-esteem by allowing her to do something for you.

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Five-Freedoms?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Apr14NL_4#ixzz30CZC2Qc3

Happy Easter! Remember to move forward!

"Humans have a tendency to hold onto the past, though, so a lot of times when they adopt a dog from a shelter, the dog comes along with the story of how it got there. The human way is to latch onto that story, and it becomes part of the dog — 'This is Betty. She was thrown out of a moving car and was just terrified when we got her. Now she’s our baby and we don’t want anything to scare her ever again.'

"Because people hang onto the story, they become overly aware of things that humans would call triggers. For example, Betty’s humans may never take her in the car because they worry that it will remind her of what happened. Or, if they do take her in the car, they’re the ones thinking about that experience and that nervous energy goes right to the dog and makes her afraid to be in the car.

"It’s a vicious cycle but there’s an easy way to end it. Let go of the story and live in the moment. It’s what your dog does, and it’s how so many dogs are successfully rehabilitated. What happened to the dog before it got to that shelter doesn’t matter. Everything that happens between you and that dog once you take on the responsibility for rescue and rehabilitation does.

"We don’t have to teach dogs how to let go of the past because they already know how, and this is one of the greatest lessons they can teach us. It is only when we can stop clinging to our own pasts that we can fully engage in that constant process of renewal called life."

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Renewal?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Apr14NL_3#ixzz2zXqqZTwc

Stress Free Vet Visits

"Remember: dogs think through their noses. Lavender and some other natural scents are known to have a calming effect. Spray some in the back of the car or on a cushion or towel to take with you. It doesn’t hurt to have some on your hands too."

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/features/The-Secret-to-Stress-Free-Vet-Visits?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Apr9#ixzz2yWpfCnRm

Cesar911 Episode 5

Episode 5 RECAP: "Exercise, discipline then affection" is the recipe for success. "When Cesar arrived, it soon became clear that there were bigger issues in the relationship than just the dog."

"A dog doesn’t really know what it wants to do, other than to take care of its basic needs, and avoid unpleasant, scary, or dangerous things. If we don’t offer leadership, then a dog will try to figure out how to do all of those things but, since they live in our world, what they figure out may not always be so pleasant for the humans.

"A dog that doesn’t get enough exercise may take care of that basic need by bouncing off the walls or tearing up the house when no humans are home. A dog that hasn’t been properly socialized may greet every strange dog (or person) with fearful aggression. And a dog that gets nothing but affection will take on the role of Pack Leader to the humans and become uncontrollable.

"When you’re having trouble getting your dog to behave, just remember: Yes, it can be done. You have to learn to understand what your dog is saying as well as what you’re saying to your dog, then learn how to provide protection and direction in a calm, assertive manner as the Pack Leader."

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Yes-You-Can?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mar14NL_5#ixzz2xqDY5xHx

Establish yourself as the pack leader

A pack leader doesn't project emotional or nervous energy...In the wild, the pack leader uses calm-assertive energy to influence how the dog interacts with his surroundings.

• Ownership of territory
• Waiting/earning affection (including food)

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/basics/rules-boundaries-and-limitations?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mar14NL_5#ixzz2xq91vDbk

PAWesome books!

RUFF LOVE
"Do you need Ruff Love?

• Is it difficult to motivate your dog to do what you want him to do, when you want him to do it?
• Is your dog “too energetic” or “too distracted” to give you his best work?
• Is your dog happy to run after squirrels in the back yard, but not willing to run on the agility course?
• Is your dog’s recall effective only if there isn’t something more interesting nearby?
• Is your dog willing to work only if he sees the bait bag or his favorite toy?
• Is your dog “into” toys, but won’t play tug with you?
• Is your dog prone to the “zoomies” during an agility run?

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, your relationship needs strengthening. The Ruff Love program will help you to achieve just that."

SHAPING SUCCESS
"Written by one of the world’s best dog trainers, Shaping Success gives an excellent explanation of the theory behind animal learning. Buzzy’s story both entertains and demonstrates how to apply some of the most up-to-date dog training methods in the real world...It’s rare that a trainer shares his or her mistakes as well as successes. Susan presents a great mix of training theory, practical application, and “Buzzy” stories."

Cesar's Way Newsletter-3/23/14

"The easiest behavioral problems to fix are the ones that never happen in the first place."

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/the-scoop/cesars-blog/Two-Kinds-of-Nature?utm_source=BlueHornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mar14NL_4#ixzz2wonoPMJt

Penny's Anxiety-Day 3 (+playlist)

Penny's Anxiety-Day 2 (+playlist)

Penny's Anxiety-Day 1 (+playlist)

"The Drug That Is You" - The Good Dog Life

For my friends, family, and clients who have expressed a desire to help their dogs overcome their anxiety, here's a GREAT & SHORT article about how WE cause the anxiety. 

http://thegooddoglifeblog.com/2014/03/17/the-drug-that-is-you/

More pictures added to "Our Guests" Album!

Check out the new pics we took over the last few weeks. 

? Question to Clients ?

As a dog trainer, what is the most valuable piece of information/training I can provide to you? (i.e. fixing behavioral issues, walking/leash etiquette, meal-time manners, basic obedience). Write your answers in the comments below.

Grand Opening Pot Luck!!!

Dear Clients, Friends, Family & Neighbors,

Please join us this Saturday morning starting at 10am! Bring your dogs, kids and a yummy treat to share. We'll be giving tours of our home and letting the dogs play in the backyard.

VIDEO: Feeding Time - Day 3

This is only the dogs 3rd day being with us. 

Huge thanks to Kelsey Bileen!!!

Thank you Kelsey for taking such beautiful pictures of our pack! Click here to view more.

Valentine's Day Weekend - our guests

Business is booming here at Bakers Acres! We had a total of 7 dogs over the weekend!!! Taz, the Husky; Chief, the Labrador Retriever; Alicia, the American Bull Dog mix; Kingston, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; Laila, the Boxer; Chico, the Chihuahua; and our dog, Bandit, the Australian Shepherd. 

a little too cold for Chico and me

these three love playing and resting together

Chico really loves Alicia's big comfy bed

Laila in her "restful" state

resting after a hard morning of play

It's a hard life being Chief

Sleeping is always better with a snuggle-buddy

Valentine's Day Weekend - fencing project

Whew! What a weekend! And it's not over yet! The dogs have really enjoyed their stay so far and we've been busy upgrading the backyard fence to make sure everyone is safe and secure. Click here to view the entire project.

before

adding posts

rolling out the new wire fence

after! now the fence is 6' high and the little dogs, like Chico & Kingston, can't squeeze through

Valentine's Day

Need a sitter for this romantic weekend? We'll be open!!! Call or text (435) 503-0182 now to book it.

Google+ and GooglePages...check!!!

Find us now on Google+ and spread the word for a free leash etiquette lesson!

Back to Business...

Alpha and Baby Bean are back home and ready to welcome your dog into our home while you enjoy a much needed vacation.

Did you know (according to Google Flights) February is the best month for airline fares until the Fall? That's why we took our vacation last week. And you'd better enjoy that vacation before the chaos and hassle of flying during Spring Break. So book that flight, hotel and rental car, then call us!!!

We're now on PetSitter.com!!!

Check out our PetSitter.com profile!

Website Changes

It's been a busy weekend and we've made lots of improvements to the website: uploading pictures, updating information, creating menus, and adding services. Can you sniff them all out?

Upcoming Events

Bakers Acres will be closed from Tuesday, January 28-Tuesday, February 4. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will be ready for you and your dog at 8:00am, Wednesday, February 5.

Open again on Feb 5th!!!

Social Media

Like us and share our page on Facebook for a 15% discount on your first pet sitting appointment and a free leash etiquette lesson. Call or text to set up a time.

A new idea sprouted

Welcome to Bakers Acres. We are a small family (daddy, mommy, toddler and dog). And like many families, we love our animals and vacation time, but the two don't always mix. So we've started a little dog-sitting business from our home.