Choosing The Right Dog

Choosing The Right Dog

by | Jan 12, 2022

Dog Training Sebastian

Puppy training expert Gery-Anna and the training team at Goldstar Puppy Academy see a lot of soon-to-be dog owners wondering exactly which dog is right for their family. Here Gerry-Anna explains all of the things you should look at when deciding to add a fur baby to your family. 

The other day I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post in a group for one of the authors I follow. The post asked if anyone knew where they could get a dog like the one in the book series “bred and trained.” It struck me as odd because not only is it a fantasy series, the dog in the book is a mastiff. Mastiffs are a giant breed and certainly not for everyone. Personally, I would love a house elf or a dragon, but I would not pick my next pet based on a book character.

Each dog breed has its typical characteristics and health challenges. Some dogs need lots of space and exercise, love water, and thrive in high-activity environments. Other dogs don’t need as much space or exercise and do well in a smaller living area. Depending on your habits and your family’s habits and activities, it’s best to choose a dog that’s energy level matches yours. In my experience, the best matches are made based on the dog’s personality, not just breed or looks.

Another thing to consider is your time and lifestyle. Regardless of breed, dogs, and puppies need time, attention, and exercise. They should not be kept in a crate 12+ hours a day, six days a week, because you have a crazy work schedule.

Consider your family situation. Do you have young children or babies? Puppy raising can be highly challenging with young kids because puppies get wild and nip and bite. It requires A LOT of management.

Do you live in an apartment downtown or on acres of land? Puppies turn into dogs that may need more space to run than an apartment can offer.

So based on experience and a lot of research, you need to consider a few things when getting a new dog.

The average dog lives 10-13 years, but this can be longer depending on the breed. Are you prepared to commit for the next 15 years? If not, this may not be the time for a dog.

How much time do you have to spend with a dog?

  • How much time can you spend with a dog each day if you look at your schedule over the last few months?
  • How much time would they spend in a crate or alone?
  • Dogs need social interaction with their humans, and we must make time for them. You may have a crappy day at work, but when you get home, your dog will still need exercise and attention from you, whether you feel like it or not!

How much space do you have?

  • In my twenties, I moved from apartment to apartment. They were small spaces, and when I decided to get a dog, I got a small dog for my small apartment. A 90lb Labrador in a 600 sq foot apartment may be a challenge, especially if you can’t take them to exercise a few times a day.
  • Speaking of apartments, be sure to consider your budget. If you are a renter, you will have to pay a pet deposit every place you live. Having a pet also limits your options as many landlords don’t accept pets. A well-behaved dog is much easier to keep! And don’t forget to budget for medical issues, monthly heartworm/flea prevention, and the cost of training in case you need some help.

What travel does your job require?

I currently live overseas as a civilian connected with a military base. Whether you are home or abroad, if you have to travel for months at a time, it may not be the time to get a dog. If you have a family at home, consider the amount of time and responsibility that will land on your family without you being available to help with the dog. I see weekly, if not daily, posts from families on base trying to rehome dogs because they realize they don’t have time to take care of the dog and their family. It’s also costly to get your pets back to the USA with you.

In conclusion, make sure you think things through before adding a pet to your household. Do your research, assess your budget and make the best choice for yourself. Don’t make an impulse decision that you may regret later. Dogs require time and dedication, but you will find the best furry friend for you and your family with that investment.

Dog Trainer Sebastian

Raise The Dog Of Your Dreams

Do You Want A Dog You Can Take Everywhere?

Unleash your dog’s true potential with unrivalled puppy training.
Having a dog who misbehaves, barks like crazy, or jumps all over people can be quite a struggle. Nobody wants to be running across the beach after an unruly pup or to find themselves buying fruit basket after fruit basket to placate their irritated neighbors!

You want a dog you can take everywhere, who’ll turn heads in all the right ways. Not a dog who attracts all the wrong attention and eye rolls!

With our unparalleled puppy training program, you’ll be equipped with all the skills and support you need to raise the dog of your dreams.

Goldstar puppy training programs offer a revolutionary blend of in-person private puppy training, home-study tutorials, and group puppy classes.

Through years of experience, we’ve discovered that this is the most effective way to train your puppy successfully. Your puppy progresses their new skills easily, with the optimum conditions to promote powerful learning that lasts.

So that you can enjoy life with a dog who is confident, well behaved, and an upstanding member of doggy society!

For more information contact us now, you can either call us, drop us a message online or book your free consult right here

Want To Take Your Dog Everywhere?

Want To Take Your Dog Everywhere?

by | Dec 14, 2021

Most people don’t think about all of the continued long-term efforts that go into raising a dog that can go anywhere and not embarrass you.

When you see professional service dogs in public, you may not realize that most are raised with specific training and socialization objectives. They usually train for about 18 months before even beginning their service task training!

Treasure Coast Puppy Trainer

Puppy training expert Gerry-Anna helps humans and their dogs live together in harmony. Book a call today and start receiving support right away.

When it comes to raising adventure dogs, it’s all about the long game with training.

You’re not going to have a dog that can reliably relax in public after just a couple of sessions or group classes. You need a training lifestyle! But don’t worry, it’s more fun than you think. You’ll have a fantastic relationship with your dog based on trust, understanding, and shared joy.

I want to shine the spotlight on one of my awesome clients and their pup, Lola. Within two weeks of bringing home their new little Havanese puppy, Lola, Mom asked me about training. It was her first dog, and they needed to do everything possible to set Lola up for success. After all, Lola’s Mom and Dad travel a lot, and they want Lola to be comfortable in new situations so she can accompany them on life’s adventures. They also do a lot of entertaining in their home, so Lola needs to mind her manners at dinner parties.

In this case, Lola came to Gerry-Anna’s home for Goldstar’s version of board and train, Puppy Sleepaway Camp. Lola was introduced to new environments, people, and animals during her stay. She also began learning essential life skills like coming when called, sitting, leave it, etc. After her visit, Lola’s parents continued working with Goldstar Puppy Academy to build up Lola’s skills in various settings, including public parks, restaurant patios, and even the airport!

Puppy Training Treasure Coast Board and train Treasure Coast When it comes to raising adventure dogs, it’s all about the long game with training. Goldstar Puppy Academy can help train your pup.

The photo above was taken in the middle of baggage claim at Newark airport after 9-month-old Lola took her first airplane ride. She was in her carrier under the seat during the flight. She was allowed out of her carrier once they were through the airport.

Long waits at the airport can lead to anxiety and stress for humans and dogs. Still, little Lola decided to lie on her mat and relax, one of the keystones of Goldstar Puppy Academy’s training. All this while people were bustling around her with rolling luggage.

Many puppies her age would be highly overwhelmed and unable to perform known behaviors. It can make travel more stressful for everyone involved. However, Lola’s Mom invested the training time and energy early in Lola’s life. Now she’s set herself up for a lifetime of easier travel!

When Lola and her parents arrived at their northern home (where Lola had never been before), she found her mat and took a big nap!

We love seeing our clients and their pups blossom and shine! Thanks to modern technology, Lola’s parents continue to work with Goldstar Puppy Academy virtually even though they are thousands of miles away. It helps ensure that Lola stays on track with her training and allows us to offer guidance if she has any trouble adjusting.

Online Puppy Training Florida

All of your puppy training foundations are covered in short home-study video tutorials that you can watch at your own pace.

You’ll receive instant access to 10-15 minute puppy training tutorials you can start right away, around your daily schedule.

Consistency is key to your puppy training success, so you can share your training tutorials with your whole household to ensure everyone is on the same page.

 Treasure Coast Puppy Trainer – What you can Expect

All dog trainers are dog people, but not all dog trainers are people-people! While I love working with animals, I also love working with the human end of the leash!

I pride myself on designing the best educational programs that are super effective for both my dog and human learners. I know you are busy, and it’s my job to make training easy and fun so you can build it into your routine without it feeling like a chore.

I want you to enjoy your training experience with me. I’m a geek about education, and my main goal is to teach YOU the skills you need to have a great relationship with your dog based on trust and shared joy.

I help puppy parents navigate the challenges of puppyhood and raise well-mannered, confident companions. By starting with an early foundation of good behavior, my clients and their dogs can enjoy a stress-free, happy life together!