Dogs need fresh air and exercise to maintain their health. Some breeds, such as herding or working dogs, may need much more exercise than others. Dog walkers can exercise your dog when it's hard for you to find the time, or if you have mobility problems. When interviewing dog walkers, find out:

• Does he or she have a genuine love for dogs? Ask to set up a meeting with all of you present, including your dog. Make sure they get along and have a good rapport.
  

We took our Cane Corso to yesterday's Pet-O-Palooza in Mesa, AZ, and boy did she get some wonderful attention. Of course she did, because she's a beautiful animal that weighs about 140-pounds.
The event was a success! We met some great people, and some cool dogs were certainly out-and-about. There's another Pet-O-Palooza in April that we're planning on attending, so we recommend coming out and joining in the festivities.

History

The eye-catching Bullmastiff is a fearless dog; therefore, they make for wonderful guard dogs. Additionally, they are wonderful with kids, and just like all other bully-breeds -- socialization is very important.

We will be having our orientation interview towards becoming Spring volunteers at the Hospice of The Valley in 2-weeks, where our Cane Corso will be going through the volunteer process to continue on with our pet-therapy activities. 

Scottsdale BARK is excited to partner with HOV during these upcoming weeks and months.

Scottsdale BARK attended the Adoption Event presented by Best Friends Animal Society and Petsmart today, and had a great time helping out with walking the dogs. There were many adoptable puppies and older dogs that were indeed adopted, so it was certainly nice to know many of them will have nice homes.

Thanks to both Best Friends Animal Society and Petsmart for their volunteer opportunity, and their sincerity towards all animals.

The Doberman "Dobie" Pinscher is one of the most beautiful guard dogs that loves their family! They're highly active; therefore, they need consistent exercise. Due to their athletic history, a brief walk once in a while will not cut it. The Dobies must receive continuous exercise where they can either walk for an extended period of time, or they need to run somewhere they're capable of reaching top speed.

Scottsdale BARK will be helping our furry friends this coming weekend -- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday -- 1.9.2009, 1.10.2009, and 1.11.2009 -- at PetSmart!

We'll be at the PetSmart in Tempe, AZ -- 1315 West Elliott Road for a few-hours each day, so come out and enjoy with Scottsdale BARK!

Please call - 435.644.2001 x4564 for more information.

The volunteer hours are very flexible, so you'll be able to help out at any time during the following hours:

Friday - 2:00 P.M. -- 8:00 P.M.

Be Positive! Neither your dog nor you will have much fun if you don't make each-and-every training session a positive one. Let's face it -- puppies are not going to listen very well at first, so patience is an absolute MUST. Patience is vital with grown dogs too, as some dogs may not mature until a few-years old. Positive reinforcement is very important when training your pup. Whomever may be around you during your training sessions should hear, "Goooood boyyyy/girrrllll" quite frequently.

Scottsdale BARK needs a Tagline -- and we need YOUR help!

Send us some tagline ideas and we'll then pick the top vote-getter, who will win a free prize. The prizes will either be a free walk, gift certificate to PetSmart/Petco, or to your favorite dog-friendly bar/restaurant.

Currently, here are the choices after narrowing the list down . . .

Scottsdale BARK -- The Doggie Scoop

Scottsdale BARK -- When it's Time to Go -- We're There

Scottsdale BARK -- Valley of The Dog   

The weather today has made Boris a little bit frisky, so in this Blog we'd like to talk about some training with Scottsdale BARK.

Let it Rain&Then We Train is about simple commands with your dogs. And, the importance of each command being used on a consistent basis.