There is a new wildlife expert in town, and he has four paws. Meet K9 Echo, a three-year-old Shepherd-Husky mix who is making history in Vero Beach as a conservation detection dog in training. While most dogs are content with a game of fetch, Echo has a much higher calling: protecting a threatened keystone species.
The Mission: Protecting Florida’s Gopher Tortoises
Gopher tortoises are essential "engineers" of Florida’s ecosystems. Their deep burrows provide critical shelter for upwards of 300 other species, including burrowing owls, frogs, and snakes. Because of their vital role, they are classified as a Threatened Species in Florida.
Currently, Florida law requires builders to hire Registered Gopher Tortoise Agents to translocate these reptiles to permitted recipient sites before development begins. However, finding them is not always easy. Agents typically capture tortoises by digging up their burrows, but if the tortoise isn't "home" during the dig, they can be incredibly difficult to locate—unless you have a nose like Echo's.
The Powerhouse Behind the Project: Gerry-Anna Jones
This groundbreaking project is a major collaborative effort led by Gerry-Anna Jones, the owner of Goldstar Puppy Academy and President of the Gopher Tortoise Alliance.
With over 10 years of experience working with various animal species, Gerry-Anna is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who adopted Echo when he showed the unmistakable drive of an enthusiastic working dog. At the Academy, she applies the same advanced, "positive-first" training techniques to our clients' dogs that she uses to prepare Echo for his critical role in environmental stewardship.
"Echo’s journey from a rescue foster home to a conservation hero is a testament to what is possible when we understand the science of the canine mind," says Gerry-Anna. "We are proud to use the same advanced techniques we offer our Academy clients to help protect Florida’s natural heritage."
A World-Class Collaborative Effort
Training a conservation detection dog requires a high level of professional collaboration. K9 Echo is supported by a premier team:
Foundational Training: Assisted by Janey Fuller at Cougar Creek K9 in Alabama.
Expert Field Transition: Renowned wildlife biologist and turtle dog handler Dr. Kristine Hoffmann (Bark & Code LLC) is visiting from New York with her famous partner, K9 Newt, to transition Echo to finding live tortoises in the field.
What’s Next for Echo?
By Spring 2026, K9 Echo will be fully operational. As his handler, Gerry-Anna will direct Echo to zig-zag through the landscape until he catches a scent. Once he pinpoints a tortoise or an active burrow, he will alert her by lying down.
The assigned Registered Gopher Tortoise Agent will then take over to collect data and safely move the tortoise to a recipient site where it can become habituated to its new home range. This collaboration represents a major step forward in habitat surveys and population assessments, helping ensure the survival of this unique species.
Join the Movement
Whether you are looking for premier training for your own dog or want to support local wildlife, there are ways to get involved:
For Your Dog: Experience the Goldstar Puppy Academy difference. We help every dog reach their full potential through expert-led education.
For the Tortoises: If you have questions about gopher tortoises or wish to donate to the cause, contact the Gopher Tortoise Alliance at 772-228-1492 or visit gophertortoisealliance.org
Together, we are leading the way in environmental stewardship one paw at a time.
The moment you drive back to Vero Beach with your new puppy is pure magic. However, it’s also the most critical window for setting the tone for the rest of their life. The first 48 hours are about more than cuddles; they are about structure, safety, and laying a foundation for future training success. As your local dog training experts, we know exactly what it takes. Therefore, follow this Vero Beach New Puppy Checklist to master those first two days and give your new best friend the perfect start.
Home Sweet Home: Safety and Setup
Before your puppy even sets a paw inside, the environment needs to be 100% puppy-proof. Safety and a sense of calm are your top priorities in those crucial first hours.
Puppy-Proof Your Space: Get down on your hands and knees. Check for any loose wires, poisonous plants, or small, chewable items. Furthermore, this is especially true for backyards in Vero Beach, and be sure to check for toxic foliage!
Specifically, for the “Designated Den” (Crate): Set up a comfortable crate in a quiet but central area, like your bedroom. This is their safe space, so never use it for punishment. For the first two nights, you may even want to place the crate next to your bed to ease separation anxiety.
The Potty Protocol: This is essential for preventing accidents. Once you decide on a designated potty spot in your yard, immediately take your puppy there the moment you arrive home and every 30-45 minutes after. Then, celebrate every success with a high-value treat!
Setting the Foundation for Training
Training doesn’t start next week; it starts right now. Essentially, the first 48 hours are when you begin teaching the most important life skill: communication.
Introduce Their Name: Keep it positive! Say their name and immediately follow it with a high-value reward or praise. Once they look at you, they win. Remember to keep these sessions short and fun.
The Leash Introduction:BecauseVero Beach is such a dog-friendly area, getting comfortable with the leash is key. For instance, just put the collar and leash on for five minutes at a time while supervised. Let them drag the leash around the house to get used to the weight.
Prevent Nipping/Biting: All puppies bite! For example, when your puppy’s teeth touch your skin, give a short, sharp “ooph!” and immediately remove your hand. In addition, if they bite again, end the play session for a minute to teach them that biting makes the fun stop.
Building a Health and Social Schedule
A stable routine is a new puppy’s greatest comfort. It helps them feel secure, which is vital for reducing anxiety and making training effective.
The Feeding Schedule: Stick to a consistent feeding time. This makes their potty schedule predictable, which is the secret to successful housebreaking.
The Vet Appointment: Have your puppy’s first vet check-up scheduled within the first 48 hours. Remember to bring all adoption or breeder paperwork.
Safe Socialization (Before Vaccinations): Contrary to old beliefs, socialization doesn't mean meeting every dog. Specifically, focus on gentle, positive exposure to new sounds (blenders, vacuum cleaners), textures (tile, carpet, grass), and different people in a safe environment. This is how we begin building a confident, well-adjusted dog, which is the ultimate goal of our training programs
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
Ultimately, by following this Vero Beach New Puppy Checklist, you’ve successfully survived the first 48 hours! You’ve puppy-proofed your home, established a routine, and started foundational training. The next step is making that early training consistent and effective.
Whether you need help with housebreaking or a full Board & Train program, Goldstar Puppy Academy is your local partner. We specialize in transforming those first 48 hours into a lifetime of excellent behavior.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you are searching for the best Christmas dog gifts, you have come to the right place. For puppy parents, the holidays can be chaotic. Between the wrapping paper and the guests, your dog needs healthy ways to burn off energy.
At Goldstar Puppy Academy, we often see owners in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach struggle with high-energy puppies during the holidays. The solution isn't always more exercise; often, it's better mental stimulation.
Gerry-Anna has rounded up her top 5 "Trainer Approved" picks for this Christmas. These are tools to help your dog learn and stay calm while you enjoy your holiday dinner.
1. The "Distance Teacher": Remote Treat Dispenser
Why Gerry-Anna Loves It: This is a game-changer for teaching your dog independent skills. A remote treat dispenser allows you to reward your dog for staying on their "Place" or in their crate from across the room. It’s the perfect tool for stopping begging at the dinner table!
Why Gerry-Anna Loves It: If you want to build a powerful bond with your dog, you need to play with them. These real fur tugs utilize your dog's natural drive and are excellent for building an interactive play routine.
⚠️ Important Safety Note: Do not let your dog have this toy and take off to shred it. This toy is meant to be used exclusively when playing with you!
Why Gerry-Anna Loves It: Did you know that 15 minutes of sniffing is as tiring as an hour-long walk? A snuffle mat engages their nose, lowers their heart rate, and calms them down—perfect for rainy Florida afternoons.
Why Gerry-Anna Loves It: Puppies need to chew. If you don't give them a "legal" option, they will choose your baseboards or your new shoes! Benebones are durable, flavored, and easy for dogs to hold.
Why Gerry-Anna Loves It: Ditch the food bowl! We love the Toppl toy because you can stuff it with lickable food (like yogurt, pumpkin, or wet food) and freeze it. It acts as a "puppy pacifier" to buy you 30+ minutes of quiet time.
Want to see happy, well-trained dogs in action? Come wave to the Goldstar team!
We will be walking in the Vero Beach Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7th, along Ocean Drive. Look for the Goldstar Puppy Academy banner and our team of confident canines. We’d love to see our graduates and meet future students!
Ready to start 2025 with a well-behaved dog?
Raising a puppy is a journey, but you don't have to do it alone. Contact us today to book your free consultation and see why we are the top choice for puppy training in Fort Pierce and beyond.
Thanksgiving means family, football, and a feast that everyone looks forward to—even your dog! But when those puppy-dog eyes lock onto your turkey, it’s important to ask: Can dogs eat turkey safely? The answer is yes, but with precautions. Turkey offers great nutrients like protein and phosphorus, but only if it’s prepared correctly. Let’s walk through 5 safety tips to help you include your pup in the festivities—without the vet visit.
Start Small: Moderation Is Key
Too much turkey at once can upset your dog’s digestive system. In some cases, it can even lead to pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous condition. Instead, offer a small bite or two and see how they handle it before offering more.
Skip the Salt and Seasoning
Thanksgiving turkeys are usually full of spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or butter-based marinades. These ingredients might be delicious for us, but they can be toxic for dogs. That’s why it’s safest to only serve your dog plain, cooked turkey with no added seasoning.
Watch Out for Toxic Ingredients
In addition to spices, other holiday favorites like stuffing or gravy often contain onions, garlic, or even raisins—all of which are dangerous for dogs. If your dog eats these foods, symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, or even anemia. It’s not worth the risk.
Always Remove Bones
Turkey bones can splinter when chewed, causing choking, internal blockages, or serious injuries to your dog’s intestines. To keep your pup safe, always double-check that turkey is boneless before feeding.
Don’t Feed the Skin
Turkey skin may seem harmless, but it’s loaded with fat and often carries leftover seasoning. Feeding fatty skin can lead to gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis—especially in smaller breeds. Instead, stick with lean, white meat in small amounts.
Safer Turkey Alternatives for Dogs
If you’d rather not take the risk, there are plenty of dog-safe Thanksgiving treats. Try:
Plain green beans
Mashed sweet potatoes (without butter or sugar)
A spoonful of plain pumpkin (not pie filling)
Store-bought turkey-flavored dog treats
How to Safely Serve Turkey to Your Dog
Want to share a little holiday joy with your pup? Here’s a quick checklist:
Cook turkey plain with no salt or seasoning
Remove all skin and bones
Cut into small, chewable pieces
Serve as a treat, not a full meal
Key Takeaway — Yes, Dogs Can Eat Turkey (But Carefully)
Plain, cooked turkey is safe for dogs in moderation—as long as it’s bone-free, skin-free, and unseasoned. Follow these tips to share a bit of your holiday without risking your dog’s health. Want more training and wellness tips from a team that treats your dog like family? Book a free consult with Goldstar Puppy Academy — we’re here to help families thrive together.
When we sent out our September blog on dog daycare safety, we didn’t expect to receive this kind of reply.
A local dog owner reached out to tell us what happened when she trusted her dog to a well-reviewed daycare with acres of outdoor space. The story stuck with us—not because it was unusual, but because it was all too common. We’re sharing it here with her permission, in hopes that it helps another pet parent avoid the same mistake.
The Setup: A Promising Daycare
It sounded perfect on paper.
This local daycare (we’re not naming names) boasted acres of open land, plenty of playtime, and a promise that dogs would be free to “just be dogs.”
Her pup, a sweet black Lab named Bentley, had energy to burn and loved the outdoors. She thought he’d be in heaven.
She dropped him off, trusting the business’s polished website and warm assurances.
The Pickup: A Real Dog Daycare Horror Story
When she returned to pick Bentley up, she noticed something right away: he was limping, and there was blood on his ear.
Not only had the daycare staff not noticed the injury, they had no idea how or when it had happened.
Bentley had torn his dewclaw, and a cut in his floppy ear wouldn’t stop bleeding. She rushed him to the vet, where he needed sedation, stitches, and a long course of antibiotics.
The vet bill was steep. But worse was the emotional toll: Bentley, usually confident and happy, was withdrawn and nervous for days.
"If I had seen your daycare checklist before," she told us, "I would have asked better questions. I never would’ve left him there."
Why This Story Matters
This reader’s story came in after we published our blog, but it highlights exactly why we created it in the first place.
Many dog owners think a big yard or endless playtime equals quality care. But dogs need more than space—they need structure, supervision, rest, and trained professionals who can spot trouble before it happens.
Without those things, even a dog who loves to play can get overwhelmed, injured, or worse.
What to Ask Before You Enroll Your Dog Anywhere
Before you drop your pup off at any daycare—even one with glowing reviews—we strongly recommend asking:
What is your dog-to-staff ratio?
Do you do behavioral screenings before accepting dogs?
How is a typical day structured?
Are your staff trained in dog behavior and first aid?
What kind of enrichment activities do you offer?
What happens if a dog is injured or distressed?
Can I tour the facility unannounced?
We turned these into a printable checklist to help you choose safer, smarter care.
At Goldstar Puppy Academy, our Day School program is invite-only, and only available to dogs who have gone through our training programs. We believe dogs do best in structured, enrichment-based environments with certified trainers and small, supervised playgroups.
Because the goal isn’t just to wear them out. It’s to build them up.
If this story made you rethink your current setup, you're not alone. We're here to help you navigate better options and raise confident, happy pups—the safe and smart way.
