New puppy? Keep in mind: from day one puppy is learning both good and bad habits. Between five and 10 months of age many puppies move into adolescence, and any problem behaviors you haven’t dealt with are bound to intensify. Puppy problems don’t go away on their own; they tend to get worse. That said, focus on the following areas: Household Manners Housetraining, chewtoy-training, and teaching your puppy alternatives to natural (but undesirable) behaviors, such jumping, nipping, recreational barking or destructive chewing, is your most urgent priority. From day one, try managing the puppy’s environment so mistakes are virtually impossible to make. Create a confinement schedule and have p

Cal Expo will be overloaded with cute this weekend as the inaugural Sacramento Puppy Show Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14. Attendants to the show can expect to see all things puppy – from puppy competitions to pet psychics, adoptions and, yes, even a puppy wedding. Dogs will have the opportunity to run through an agility course, and even if you don't bring a dog, you're welcome to bring a photo. And since it's close to Halloween, why not take a moment to watch the dog costume contest? Pet adoptions will give the opportunity to rescue a dog, and you can take home a furry friend. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. For more information, and to purchse tickets, visit the puppy

Q:  I recently adopted a  female 2-year-old pit bull mix, and I want to start training right away. She definitely looks like a pit bull, which is causing some concern amongst my neighbors, so I know I need to go over and above to make sure her behavior is good. I grew up with a couple dogs but have never put one through training and I'm not sure how to go about selecting the right trainer or training program. Can you offer any guidance? A: Congratulations on the new member of your family and a big THANK YOU for adopting. As a pit bull advocate myself, I appreciate your responsible approach to training and your understanding of the reality of the public's perception of this breed. We can y

Q: We just got a dog and we’re on the fence about using a crate. The staff at the shelter said we should, but the dog is housebroken, so is a crate really necessary? A: Necessary, maybe not. Strongly recommended? Absolutely! The crate is one of those dog management tools that most trainers consider essential because of the many purposes it serves. If used correctly, the crate represents a haven for your dog, a place where he feels secure to relax and rest. Dogs have a den instinct, and the crate is the perfect place for a dog to settle for the night, a nap, or just for some recreational chew-toy time. Some other crate benefits: --Starting in puppyhood, the crate is an excellent housebre

Last month the Ask the Trainer column gave advice on what to consider before adopting a dog, such as what energy level and exercise requirements would best suit your family’s lifestyle. Assuming you have honestly appraised the resources and time you have to give a dog, and you have identified your ideal physical characteristics (big or small, short hair or long, slobbery or not) and compatibility requirements (cat/kid/dog-friendly), then you’re ready to begin the search! Whether you’re seeking a mixed breed or a purebred (according to the ASPCA, approximately 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds), you’re sure to find your ideal canine companion at a shelter or rescue organization.

As dog lovers we tend to be extremely tolerant of what some might perceive as “unmannerly” behavior by our dogs. We’re used to our bulldog’s habit of smooshing his face (and sometimes-droolly mouth) up against our leg to say “welcome home.” We don’t mind when our yorkie jumps into our lap as we settle on the couch. And when our exuberant golden thrusts her nose “south of the border” we understand that she’s just reacquainting herself with us after a long day. While these normal dog behaviors might be no big deal on a regular day, imagine a gathering in your home for a special occasion (not to stress you out, but the holidays are here) and suddenly your dog is embarrassing you all over the

Welcome to The Local Bark’s new column, “Ask the Trainer.” The training team at The Local Bark has been working with dogs and their owners for more than 10 years on issues ranging from basic obedience to severe behavioral problems. There is no single training style, philosophy, or tool that fits all dogs or all dog owners. Kristin Minnie, trainer and owner of The Local Bark, and I bring a variety of philosophies and experiences to each and every client. Our goal with this column is to be able to answer questions about dog-related issues – both common and uncommon – that will help dog owners not only have well-behaved dogs but also achieve a balanced, healthy relationship with them. At th

These adorable dogs are looking for homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front St.  The shelter is open all weekend.  Here is their website: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/generalservices/animal-care/ More dog photos may be seen at http://www.annechadwickwilliams.com/

Four adorable chihuahuas are in need of homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front Street.

These three cute dogs are at the Sacramento city shelter and need homes. A minature poodle, a puppy, and a standard poodle all want to go to a home. Please help them.  The shelter is at 2127 Front St. and is open Saturday from 11-5 and Tuesday-Friday from 12-5:30.

These cute pups are in need of homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front Street, which is open Saturday from 11-5 and Tues. - Fri from 12 - 5:30. Cpt. Morgan is only three months old. Doodle is also a puppy and growing up at the shelter.  Great dogs looking for great homes.  Do you know anyone looking for a dog?