Step1
Trixie, a rescued pup
Getting a dog is wonderful. But it can also be a bit overwhelming if you don't know where to start. In the sixteen years we have been married, we have always had at least one dog. And thru these years, we want to share with you our knowledge in the following article:
Step2
First on the list is getting your new dog trained. There are a couple of recommendations we would like to make (these are only for the Seattle local area):
Step3
Argus Ranch is so awesome! The Obedience barn is completely separate from the Agility barn. If you want to see what agility is all about, this is the place to visit:
http://www.argusranchonline.com/index.html
A dog must be a year old before it can start training for agility. So Obedience is a great way to start and is a must. Visit an agility trial some time and you will clearly see why!
Step4
Trixie's first sheepherding session
Ewe-topia is a place where they teach you to teach your dog to herd sheep. Every dog has sheep herding ability, from Chihuahua to Pit bulls. It can be done for just fun or to become a competitor. Check out their website at:
http://www.ewe-topia.com/index.htm
Step5
Okay, so now you've taken your dog to some training and they look an absolute mess. What to do now...
Step6
Kim is very, very knowledgeable and she's definitely done her homework. Even if you need a hand washing your dog, she's there to help.
http://splishsplashdoggybath.com/whyusesplishsplash.html
Step7
We get a lot of rain in Seattle. So, to stay warm while getting wet, we highly recommend the following place:
Step8
Happy Tail Resort & Spa is where Beth offers a full size heated pool for exercising your dog. (Dog temperature is different than human temperature, so this warm water is like bath water to them.)
To visit her site:
http://www.happytailsresort.com/
Did you know that your dog swims mostly with its front paws and must be in constant motion or your pet will drown?
Step9
If your dog is dragging its back paws or is having a hard time getting up and around, then these next two steps are for you:
Step10
Wellsprings in West Seattle is a terrific place to take your dog for warm water aqua therapy and massage:
http://www.wellspringsk9.com/team.htm
Step11
In addition to the above, Barbara is very educated on dog paralysis. She has a business called K-9 carts over on Bainbridge Island. She also offers the Walk-a-bout which is a simple harness that is usable on land as well as in water as it is made from neoprene. It's quite handy. Please visit their website at:
http://k9cartswest.com/conform/contact.htm
Trixie, a rescued pup
Getting a dog is wonderful. But it can also be a bit overwhelming if you don't know where to start. In the sixteen years we have been married, we have always had at least one dog. And thru these years, we want to share with you our knowledge in the following article:
Trixie's first sheepherding session
Ewe-topia is a place where they teach you to teach your dog to herd sheep. Every dog has sheep herding ability, from Chihuahua to Pit bulls. It can be done for just fun or to become a competitor. Check out their website at:
http://www.ewe-topia.com/index.htm
Enthusiast 
