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.