By Penny Martin. Thank you Penny for writing this and sharing it with our readers.

As a first-time pet owner, you may feel a little overwhelmed by everything you need to do to take care of your new furry friend. If so, don't worry - Chitra Walmsley is here to help! Today, we will cover some essential advice, including preparing your home for your pet, bonding strategies, and keeping pet stress to a minimum. Let's dive right into it.

Bonding with your new pet is an integral part of pet ownership, and there are a few things you can do to ensure the process goes smoothly. First, take some time to get to know your pet's personality. Observe their behaviors and try to understand what makes them happy, scared, or agitated. This will help you best approach them and build a positive relationship, particularly if they are anxious rescue dogs.

Second, create a routine for your pet and stick to it as much as possible. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in their new home and help them acclimate to their new life. Be sure to include regular meals, potty breaks, playtime, and cuddle sessions in your pet's daily routine. Finally, be patient! Building a strong bond with a new pet takes time, so don't get discouraged if they're not immediately attached to you. With patience and love, you'll be best friends in no time.

Early puppy socialization and training are vital components of raising a well-adjusted and confident adult dog. By exposing puppies to a variety of people, places, and other animals during their formative months, they learn to feel comfortable in different environments and situations, reducing the risk of anxiety or aggressive behavior later on. Additionally, early training helps in building a strong bond between the puppy and their owner, establishing trust and respect. This early bonding not only creates a more enjoyable relationship but also helps in effectively teaching basic commands and obedience, laying the foundation for a harmonious and happy life together.

Did you know that pets feel stress just like humans? According to research published in Scientific Reports, pets are deeply impacted by human stress levels, which can affect their emotional and physical well-being. That's why it's essential to keep your stress levels in check to minimize your pet's anxiety, as this could lead to them acting out in public. In addition, work-related stress can cause listlessness and fatigue in pets.​

These tips will help you get off to a great start as a first-time pet owner. Enjoy your new furry friend, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it! Don't forget to keep your and your pet's stress to a minimum by being mindful and helping them acclimate successfully, along with digitizing your records to make it easier to stay organized. 

​If you are in need of an experienced dog trainer, Chitra Walmsley can help! Reach out today to get started.

​As a pet parent, you want nothing but the best for your furry friend. You want them to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved. However, sometimes dogs can exhibit bad behavior that can be frustrating and even dangerous. This is where Chitra Walmsley comes in. As a certified Boston-area dog trainer, she offers the best dog obedience training services to help pet parents eliminate bad behavior and create a harmonious relationship with their furry friends.
Why Choose Chitra Walmsley for Dog Obedience Training?
Chitra Walmsley has years of experience in dog training and behavior modification. She understands that every dog is unique and requires a customized training plan that meets their specific needs. She uses positive reinforcement techniques to teach dogs good behavior, allowing pet parents to enjoy a happy and stress-free relationship with their dogs. Chitra Walmsley offers the best dog obedience training services in the Boston area. Her services include:

• In-Home Dog Training

 Chitra Walmsley offers in-home dog training to help pet parents teach their dogs good behavior in a familiar environment. This is especially helpful for dogs that exhibit bad behavior at home.

• Behavior Modification

Chitra Walmsley offers behavior modification services to help pet parents eliminate bad behavior in their dogs, such as aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive behavior.

• Comprehensive Training Options

 Chitra offers a variety of training options, including basic manners for both puppies and adult dogs, behavior adjustment modification for dogs with fear or aggression issues, impulse control, AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation, nose work, and even tricks! Whatever your dog's needs are, Chitra has a training program to help.

• Positive Reinforcement Techniques

Chitra uses positive reinforcement techniques to train your dog, which means rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. This approach creates a happy and stress-free learning environment for your dog and strengthens your bond with them.

• Follow-up Support

 Chitra doesn't just train your dog and leave. She advises clients on how to maintain the training by incorporating it into their everyday lives. She also provides follow-up support to ensure that you and your dog continue to see positive results.

If you're a pet parent in the Boston area and you're looking for the best dog obedience training services, look no further than Chitra Walmsley. Don't let bad behavior stand in the way of a happy relationship with your dog. Choose Chitra's services for a professional and effective training experience!

Are you tired of constantly scolding your furry friend for their bad behavior? Does it feel like you're not making any progress with traditional dog training methods? If so, it might be time to try something new and give positive reinforcement training for dogs/puppies a try. And who better to guide you through this exciting and effective training method than Chitra Walmsley?

• Personalized Training

 Chitra's unique approach to dog training involves personalized sessions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each dog and their owner. This means that every dog and their owner receives a customized training program that takes into account their unique circumstances, lifestyle, and training goals.

• Training in Familiar Environment

 Chitra's dog training program involves teaching dogs in the environment where they spend most of their time. By training dogs in their own home and neighborhood, they are more likely to respond to commands, even when distracted by the sights and sounds of the outdoors.

• Expert Guidance

 With Chitra's expert guidance, dog parents can be assured that they are receiving the best training for their furry friends. Chitra is a certified dog trainer with years of experience in training dogs of all breeds and ages. She is dedicated to helping dog parents understand their pets' behavior and providing them with the tools and knowledge to maintain their training in everyday life.

• Comprehensive Training Services

 Chitra offers a variety of training options to fit your needs and budget, from basic manners training for puppies to advanced behavior adjustment modification for dogs who need a little extra help. And once your furry friend has mastered the basics, why not try some fun and mentally stimulating activities like nose work or teaching them a bag of tricks?

• Lasting Results

 Chitra's training approach is designed to provide lasting results, ensuring that dogs remember what they have learned and continue to respond to their owner's commands over time. This means that dog parents can enjoy a well-trained and obedient furry friend for years to come.
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 So what are you waiting for? Give positive reinforcement/reward training for dogs a try with Chitra Walmsley, and watch your furry friend transform into a well-behaved and happy member of your family. With Chitra's expert guidance and positive approach, you'll both enjoy the process and see results in no time!

The Holiday season is an exciting and dazzling time of year! Beautiful decorations adorn our homes with plenty of delicious savory and sweet food on the menu! It can be a hectic time of year so here is a list of things to keep your dogs’ away from to make the holidays fun, festive and safe for everyone!

If you want to treat your dogs as you tuck into your festive meals, remember there are lots of different recipes that you can find to fill a Kong and freeze it for their treat, or spread on a Licki Mat. Or, if there is a long-lasting chew that your dog loves, let them enjoy that!

Don’t forget to have a few presents under the Christmas Tree for your dog(s) to get excited over. A fancy new harness, collar or leash are great ideas as are puzzle toys for mental enrichment, tug toys or if you don’t already have one for your dog, a dog flirt pole!

Dogs can get excited or fearful of large family gatherings that we typically have during the festive season. To help alleviate some of the stress, it’s a good idea to exercise them for at least 30 minutes before guests arrive so that they are relaxed and maybe even a little tired when your guests arrive. It’s also a good idea to give them a break away from company in their crate or in a room with their dog bed.

Be proactive in knowing the number and address details of your nearest 24/7 Emergency Clinic should you need to rush your pet to the vet for any emergency.

Happy Holidays everyone and best wishes for a healthy, happy and safe New Year!

Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show 29.8 million people moved in 2019. While many moved into larger homes, others downsized to save money or to have a more manageable home. If you're joining those looking to downsize and you have pets, follow these tips to keep your pets safe.

Since most home buyers choose a previously owned residence, you have the advantage. But most buyers also want a house that doesn't require major renovations. Make repairs and fix pet-related issues, such as stained carpets or chewed trim. Having your home professionally cleaned and removing most of your pet paraphernalia helps make the home more appealing to prospective buyers who don't have pets.

As you check out new homes, look for pet-friendly features, such as a fenced-in yard or an out-of-the-way spot for the litter box. Determine what your budget can handle, and proceed quickly when you find a pet-friendly home that meets your requirements. With the rates changing on a daily basis, you should check on current mortgage rates throughout your home search process to know if you are getting the best deal possible. Lower rates can also mean more cash on hand to make pet-friendly modifications to your new home should it be missing important features, like a fenced yard or doggie door.

Evaluate your new space to determine how much stuff you can keep. Take measurements to ensure your furniture fits, and sell or donate things you no longer need or want. If you need a self-storage unit to hold some items, expect to pay $100 to $300 per month, which can cut into the savings you realize from downsizing.

As you prepare to move, keep your pets in a safe area away from where you're working, such as a bedroom or the backyard. On moving day, hire a pet sitter or take your pet to a kennel to keep them out of harm's way. At your new home, keep a close eye on your pet when they're outdoors.
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Hiring movers for the big day can help you to get through your move quickly. Plus, it will allow you to focus more on keeping your pet safe if they are present with you. You can find local movers online, but make sure to read reviews before committing. If your pet will be on the property for move day, look for reviews or ask specifically about how they handle pets. Some companies will be more accommodating than others.

Your new place may need some upgrades to make your pet feel at home and be safe. For example, adding a fence to contain your dog will require you to spend some money, but the total depends on your location, yard size, and fencing material. Meet with local contractors to get a written quote and discuss your needs. Read online reviews, verify the contractor you choose is licensed and insured, and make sure they follow safety guidelines, such as checking for underground utility lines. Other possible upgrades include dog doors, an outdoor catio for feline friends, and removing poisonous landscaping.

In your new home, stick to your normal routine when possible, including regular mealtimes and walks. Set up your pet's space immediately, so they have comfortable, familiar things. Be empathetic and patient with your pet, and keep the home as calm as possible.
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Make sure that you have a good leash, harness, and/or collar for your pet so that you can safely keep them with you on walks and in the yard. Look online for product reviews from veterinarians to find the right way to secure your pet. Remember, this can be a stressful time for your animals, and they may not respond in their normal ways. It’s always better to be safe and keep your pets secured for awhile until you’re sure they are comfortable in their new home.

Controlling your stress is one of the best things you can do for your pet throughout the downsizing process. Pets pick up on your anxiety, stress, and worry, and they may become anxious. Work on reducing your stress and spending time with your pets in a calming, loving way.

As a loving pet owner, you want nothing more than your furry friend to lead a happy and healthy life and grow old alongside you. As your animal pal enters their later years, you will have to adjust your care plan to their changing needs. Discover how you can nurture your senior pet below.

Older cats and dogs may become less vigilant about grooming, so it's on you to help them. Whether you pay for a professional groomer or do the job yourself, follow best practices when helping elder animals with their hygiene. These include keeping sessions short, using soft brushes, and using a non-slip surface. Also, keep an eye out for health problems on their body as they groom, such as skin lesions.

As animals get older, their metabolism slows down, which means they may lack an appetite. You need to ensure your cat or dog still gets the nutrients they need while eating less. Towards this end, look for dog or cat foods geared specifically towards "senior" pets. Consult reliable sources for top-rated foods. For example, the American Kennel Club provides tips for brands that are ideal for older dogs.

If your senior pet is scratching frequently, is acting submissive or aggressive, or isn’t eating as much, these can be telltale signs of stress. Fortunately, there are a few things that pet owners can do to help reduce stress in their older pets. First, it's important to keep them healthy by providing them with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Second, create a predictable routine and stick to it as much as possible. And finally, make sure to spend quality time with your pet, providing them with the love and attention they need.

Beware that older animals may lose bladder control and have accidents indoors. Remain patient and don't get angry at your pet if this happens. It's simply part of the aging process. You can cover furniture or carpets to help protect them, and get a waterproof cat or dog bed. When accidents happen, clean them thoroughly. You want to remove stains and smells completely or you risk a repeat of the incident. This guide explains how it's done.

You should schedule veterinary visits regularly at any point in your animal's life. However, these checkups become even more important as they get older, at which point they are more prone to various illnesses. Your veterinarian can also make personalized recommendations on everything from pet food to addressing accidents.

As your pet gets older, you will have to prepare yourself for the inevitable loss that comes with their death. While it might seem morbid, preparing in advance can make it easier to let go when the time comes. For example, you might want to make sure you're taking plenty of pictures and videos of your pet in their later years to remember them by. When the time comes, follow these tips from Psychology Today for preparing for the process.

You want to do all you can to help your pet live their best life in their later years. Trust the tips above to help. You can then rest easy knowing you've given your favorite furry pal the happiest and healthiest life possible.

For positive-reinforcement, force-free training, trust professional dog trainer Chitra Walmsley. Virtual training sessions are also available!
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As puppies go through the teething process this can be a very painful period much like the process that human babies go through when they are teething. As those adult teeth are pushing through, this is the time that your puppy may find things to chew on as the act of chewing helps to sooth their discomfort and helps to calm them down.

It is the time that if your puppy is not properly supervised, they may go for inappropriate objects to chew on such as chair or table legs, remote controls, glasses, shoes, slippers, and phones!  If this happens always remember that your puppy has no concept of right and wrong; they do not know it is inappropriate to chew on your new pair of shoes. If it’s there and within reach, they will go for it!  So how to do you prevent this? Answer --  Puppy Proof your home to set your puppy up for success in the same way that you would child proof your home to keep young toddlers from accessing things that could be potentially dangerous to them.

This means putting away shoes and items of clothing, and keeping phones and remotes up high and out of reach. Ensure plants are put up high or in a room that the puppy is not allowed to roam, and when you think all is safe what I have found helpful is getting down on the ground to see if there is anything hanging low that a puppy might be able to grab and if so, remove it. Remember this is not forever, it is just for a window of time, and it will keep your puppy safe and your items in the home free from puppy teeth marks!

Puppies are fun and are a ray of sunshine that can bring much joy, laughter and happiness to a family.  Just be prepared to put in the hard work when they are young, teach them in a positive way, socialize them to their world so that they are confident in their living environment both inside the home and outside and train them so that they understand their boundaries and learn what is appropriate.  Once you guide your puppy through the first year of their life you will have a very loyal and happy K9 member of the family.

Marker training is a scientific based teaching method that communicates to a dog that they have done the correct behavior desired by the trainer/handler and will therefore be rewarded.  It is also known as positive reinforcement dog training.

​In marker training you can either use a verbal marker such as “Yes”, “Click”, “Bravo”, “Nice” or you can use a device called a “Clicker” which is basically a toy-like mechanical devise with a button which when pressed will make a sound.

To teach your dog that your chosen marker has meaning you will need to “charge” or “load” the verbal marker or the clicker.  This is where you will have about 10 rewards to hand, say your verbal marker “Yes” and half a second later reward your dog.  Similarly, if using a clicker, you will click and half a second later reward your dog.  The timing and order of doing this is very important so that the dog is focused on hearing that marker to gain the reward and not just concentrated on the reward.

To then translate this into training the sequence will be, ask for the behavior for example a “sit”, when the dog goes into a sit you either say “yes” and reward your dog or if using a clicker, click and reward your dog.  Therefore, the sequence is, behavior = marker = reward.

A question I get asked a lot is “do I have to use a clicker or marker for the rest of the dog’s life”?  The answer to this is “no”. The more you work with your dog and the more fluid they become at doing the behaviors you have taught them this is where you will begin to give variable rewards, that is, not rewarding them for every single sit that they perform and instead reward them for every third and then sixth one and continue to do the same with all cues.  After that you can then begin to phase out the rewards.  The only cue that I suggest to clients that they always reward for is Recall.  That is when you call your dog back to you and they listen, especially when you are in an environment with a lot of distraction, for example a park, but your dog has chosen to come back to you.  That, in my opinion deserves a lot of praise and rewards to keep your Recall solid.

This is where a “no reward marker” will come into play.  A no reward marker is used when your dog has not offered the behavior that you are asking for.  It is a verbal signal such as “no” or “uh oh” or “Oops” that you will say in a neutral tone to communicate to your dog that they have not offered the behavior you want and need to try again.

I advise clients to use no reward markers sparingly in training as if you are teaching a dog something and they are trying to learn but are not quite getting it right, too many no reward markers can begin to stress the dog and what you do not want to associate in your dog’s mind is that training is stressful, quite the opposite.  It is important to note here that a no reward marker is NOT a physical correction to the dog it is simply a way to communicate with your dog verbally that they have made a mistake and will have to work a little harder to get that reward.

In essence marker training, whether you are using a verbal marker, or a clicker teaches your dog to problem solve.  The key to training is to find the thing that really motivates your dog which may be its food, dog treats, a special toy and use that to reward them when they offer behaviors you are looking for. 

A dog’s bark is its voice and it is their way of communicating with their human or with other dogs.  There are many reasons why dogs bark and it is important to understand this to help solve barking if it becomes a problem.

The following is a list of the most common reasons why dogs bark.

As a trainer one of the many reasons I get asked for help is because of dogs barking a lot in the home.  My main task is to ascertain what is causing the behavior and then teach my clients ways to work on this.  But I always remind people that a dog’s bark is their way of communicating to us in the same way we communicate with our fellow human beings.  So, it is always important to ascertain why they are doing the behavior and by working through things with patience and consistency they can be taught an alternative behavior.