Welcome to Happy Dog of Kentucky

Thank you for visiting. Browse the site as you please. Please email or call me at (502) 905-8863 if you are interested in training or have any questions. We offer both group and individual training sessions tailored to fit your dog's needs.

I am a nationally certified trainer residing in eastern Louisville Ky. I have over ten years of experience teaching humans to train their dogs using positive reinforcement (reward based) training techniques that strengthen the bond between you and your dog. From basic life skills to coping with separation anxiety, together, we can make your dog a Happy Dog.

News

Dog-Safe, Dog-Friendly Gardening

Spring is in the air and it’s time to start getting those gardens ready for the summer. When deciding on plants and landscape designs, it’s a good idea to keep your pets in mind. Some types of plants and gardening materials are downright toxic, and if you plant your new rose bush in your dog’s main walkway it’s sure to get trampled! Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Never use cocoa mulch in a garden where your pets will be. The cocoa makes it smell good to your pets, and ingesting it, just like ingesting chocolate, is a medical emergency and can be life threatening.
  • Some plants are toxic too. One of the most common bushes, the azalea, is toxic to both cats and dogs. For a thorough list of poisonous plants visit the ASPCA’s website at: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
  • Pesticides can be life threatening to your pets (and all other wildlife). If you must use pesticides in your garden, please read and follow all directions and safety precautions. Make sure these are stored securely out of the reach of curious pets.
  • Herbicides to kill weeds, and fertilizers to make the garden grow, can both cause serious illness. Again, make sure to read and carefully follow all safety precautions if you must use these on your gardens.
  • If your dog has favorite pathways around the yard, avoid planting in these areas. You can really get creative here! If you don’t like the look of that pathway through your grass, perhaps it can become a pathway filled with stepping stones, lined with hardy plants, that leads to a fountain or a small seating area.
  • When you plant new landscape and garden areas, it’s a good idea to go out with your dog and let them know that you prefer they stay out of the landscaped areas. To do this, simply encourage them to stay on the grass using toys, treats, praise and fun. When they step off the grass into the landscaping issues a soft ‘not there’ and call them back to you. When their feet are back on the grass, the fun starts again. In other words, stepping into the landscaping is BORING and walking in the grass is a big PARTY!

Reminder: It’s Getting Hot in Here!

Please remember that as spring arrives, the sun gets stronger and will much more quickly heat up the inside of your car, even on a relatively mild day. Never leave your dog in a locked car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperatures inside a car can quickly rise above 100 degrees and can be fatal for your dog after just a few minutes. Remember, dogs can’t sweat to cool themselves. If you see a dog locked in a car, don’t assume the owners will be right back. If the car is at a retail/restaurant facility, speak with the manager and alert them to the situation (most will page the driver of the vehicle) or call your local law enforcement. Most police and locksmiths treat a dog locked in a car as an emergency and respond quickly which can literally save a life.