Setting the Tone

Posted on by Olivia | File under Training
It’s going to happen either way. The tone of the interaction with our dog will be set. Is it going to be excited energy or calm? Are we nervous about how our dog will behave, or quietly confident in the work we’ve put in? Is our dog making all of the decisions (and are we just reacting?), or are we taking the approach of being the calm and patient teachers, thinking one step ahead and working with the dog?
The general tone is set by the rules we establish for our dogs. These are the basic rules of life.  Does the dog think to get permission from us before jumping up on a couch? Does he wait patiently for food? Does she pull on the leash at whatever might be more interesting and more rewarding than what we have to offer her? Have we established a basic level of respect?
The general tone then sets us up for success (or doesn’t) with the specific tones. And this is where the practice of obedience training comes into play. The down-stay, the loose leash walk and the off leash recall. Essentially, teaching the dog to control their impulses – acts that may feel very unnatural to them.
It is up to us. We can decide the tone we want. Or we can be bystanders to our relationship with our dog. It’s going to happen either way.

Employee Spotlight: Vicky

Posted on by Olivia | File under Staff

Meet this month’s Employee Spotlight: Vicky! Vicky heads up our grooming department. When she started 7 years ago, she was a department of 1. Now, she oversees a department of 4, which is only growing! Vicky is an integral part of our staff and she is likely an integral part of your pup’s life, too!

Has Vicky always been a dog groomer?

I’m glad you asked! Vicky has not always been a dog groomer. Vicky received her degree in journalism form Ohio University, and spent more than 8 years working as a reporter and editor before shifting gears to pursue dog grooming. Before she worked at The Urban Hound, Vicky had a writing job at Boston University.

What is Vicky’s favorite part of working at The Urban Hound?

There are so many great things about being a part of The Urban Hound team but, of course, everyone’s favorite part are the dogs. Vicky has had the privilege of knowing thousands of dogs during her time at The Urban Hound. She considers it a privilege to watch each dog mature and age, and to even to help send them off on their journey across the rainbow bridge. So many dogs hold a special place in our hearts long after they are gone. Vicky also loves her squad of “spa dogs” who hang with she and her team during the day.

What does Vicky do in her spare time?

When she is not at The Urban Hound, Vicky has many interests that occupy her time. Vicky is an avid reader, and some of her favorites include “The Glass Castle,” “Jacob I Have Loved,” and “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn.” Vicky and her partner, Jenn, enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, especially hiking. Vicky & Jenn live with their cat, Nina, who Vicky has had since college.

What does Vicky want to be when she grows up?

Vicky is loving her career as a dog groomer, and is content to stick with that for some time. However, she does harbor many dreams, most notably moving to Maine or Vermont to raise goats and revisit her writing career.

Introducing Our Revamped Puppy Kindergarten Course!

Posted on by Olivia | File under Training

Welcome to Puppy Kindergarten at the Urban Hound!

Training your puppy starts the moment you bring him or her home. Start off on the right paw and join us for our 6-week Puppy Kindergarten class. This class runs Tuesday nights from 7-8PM, and is the perfect beginner course for your new pup. Please check our class schedule for the next 6-week session. A 6-week session is $250.

During our weekly one hour class we will help you navigate the critical stages of puppyhood and start you and your puppy off on the right path for enhanced communication and mutual understanding!

What makes our Puppy Kindergarten unique?

  • Individual attention will be given to your puppy and you
  • 6-week structured program
  • Class sessions are tailored for our group

Each class offers:

  • Confidence building agility exercises
  • Socialization designed to foster appropriate manners and play
  • One on one obedience instruction
  • A Q&A troubleshooting session
  • And much more!

Call us today to register your dog for our next session! Reach us at 617-755-5775.

Next session starts: Tuesday, June 19th @ 7pm

Employee Spotlight: Krista

Posted on by Olivia | File under Staff
the urban hound boston dog daycare

Meet superstar Urban Hound daycare attendant, Krista! Krista has been with us for 2 years now, and brings a positive attitude and smiling face to each day. Learn more about Krista below!

Where have I seen Krista?

As a morning Daycare Attendant, Krista can often be seen shuttling dogs from the lobby to our play parks during rush hour. She can also be found out and around the South End walking some of our daycare and boarding dogs.

What does Krista do when she’s not at the Urban Hound?

What doesn’t Krista do?! When she’s not hanging out with us, Krista can be found walking some pups in the suburbs. Krista can also be found around New England seeing her favorite bands. So far in 2018, she’s been to 12 shows! Krista’s music taste is diverse and she is always up for an adventure. Krista loves to travel, as well, and #1 on her bucket list are the Northern Lights.

Krista also is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nonprofit dedicated to honorably recognizing active duty service members and veterans in many ways. With permission from families, Krista and her fellow Guard Riders hold flags at funerals and services to show their respect. They also attend send-offs and homecomings to show their gratitude to the troops. Krista and the Patriot Guard Riders will be attending an “Honor Flight” in April, where Southwest Airlines will be providing a plane from Logan to take many WWII and Korea vets to see their monuments down in D.C.

Is Krista secretly a cat lady disguised as a dog lady?

I’m glad you asked! The answer to this question is, well…maybe. Krista is a super cat lover, and her family has rescued many throughout the years. Most recently, they had cats named Capone and Rocky, who were rescues from the Quincy Animal Shelter. The answer, really, is that Krista is a crazy ANIMAL lady. She has a number of dogs she cares for, and she even has pet sit for ferrets, birds, and fish.

Employee Spotlight: Jess

Posted on by Olivia | File under Staff

While Jess hasn’t been at the Urban Hound for a year just yet, it is hard to remember what Hound life was like without her. Jess is a vibrant presence everyday and always has a smile on her face. Here’s a bit about Jess so you can get to know one of the awesome humans caring for your pup day in and day out!

Where you’ve seen her: As one of our Daycare Supervisors, you’ve likely seen Jess all around the hotel. Jess is either bringing your pup into daycare in the morning, or bringing them back out to you nice and tired at the end of the day. In between, she’s making sure that all of our dogs are safe and happy all day, everyday. Jess has also filled in as a dog walker when we’ve needed her – both in the South End and the Seaport – so you might have also seen her strolling around Boston, pups in tow.

What does Jess do outside the Hound? When she’s not at the Urban Hound, Jess can be found spending quality time with her fiance, Josh, and their rescue dog, Eva. Jess and Josh also have two bunnies and an ever-rotating crew of foster pups. Most recently, Jess and Josh fostered a momma Yorkiepoo (they think!) and her puppies, all of whom Jess helped adopt out to their perfect homes.

What does Jess do for fun? Jess can always be found doing any number of activities with Eva at her side. She also loves hanging out with friends and exploring the city. Josh is a lights engineer and has worked on a number of high-profile musical tours. When she can, Jess likes to catch up with Josh on tour and even went to Paris this past fall.

Will Eva be in Jess’s wedding? The answer is a resounding YES! OF COURSE! Jess and Josh’s wedding will be spectacular for a number of reasons, but the most important is that Eva will be part of the ceremonies.