New Pup? Now What?

So you were a very good little boy or girl last year and Santa treated you with a new puppy, but now what?  Are you having a hard time getting the pup adjusted to your life - or better yet - are YOU finding it difficult to adjust to having the pup in your life?

If you answered yes then you're in luck - pet expert, Aaron Hill, owner of Pets In the City has some great advice for how you can get your four-legged friend to mind his manners and keep his "business" in the great outdoors.

1. Be aware - It's important to recognize your pet's existing bathroom tendencies.  For example, most dogs will need to relieve themselves after waking up in the morning and within 20 minutes of eating and drinking.  Typically, the younger the pup, the more urgent the need to go to the bathroom will be.

2. Get on a schedule – As soon as possible you want to get your pet on an eating and drinking schedule.  Follow a strict schedule for potty breaks as well.  This is the best way to help eliminate accidents.

3. Show them the way - It is paramount to train you pet where you want them to go.  When you take your pet out to go potty, walk directly to the same area that your pet has used before and be as "boring" as possible.  Let your dog sniff all around while you ignore them while they do their business.

4. Give them praise - The key with potty training is all in the reinforcement of desired behavior.  When your pup successfully goes to the bathroom outside, shower him with as much attention and affection as you can!  Treats, praise, scratches, toys, play, whatever your dog loves most - let him know that going to bathroom outside is his ticket to happiness.  Never punish for accidents inside

5. Try and repeat - If the dog  does not go to the bathroom outside, take him back in and put him in a crate or tether him to you with a leash so that you can monitor him indoors.  After 30 minutes, repeat the process of taking him outdoors to the designated potty spot and try again.

 

Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitting/ Training service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.

dClutterfly Earns Top Honor (again!)

dClutterfly Earns Top Honor from Angie’s List (again!)

dClutterfly, Los Angeles’ premiere home organization and de-cluttering service, has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award.  It’s an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews.

“We are thrilled and grateful to our clients for helping us earn our fourth Super Service Award from Angie’s List,” said Tracy McCubbin, owner of dClutterfly.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that dClutterfly can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about its dedication to consumers.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their clients and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

“It’s great to see the transformation in a client’s home after we de-clutter it,” said McCubbin, “But it’s even better to read their reports and know how much they truly appreciate our top-notch personal service.”

McCubbin works with clients all over the country and helps them de-clutter and re-organize their lives.   She has recently been featured on KTLA-TV, KCAL-TV in Los Angeles and KMAX-TV in Sacramento.  Additionally, she has a monthly column in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

VIDEO: Organization Motiviation for 2012 via KCAL 9

Tracy McCubbin, organization extraordinaire, declutter pro and owner of dClutterfly, shared her expertise on KCAL 9 today.  True to form, Tracy offered great tips, advice and some much needed organization motivation for 2012!