How to Help Your Dog with Fireworks
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA This year will be different when it comes to fireworks displays. Most towns are cancelling the big fireworks events due to COVID-19. This makes …
Self Care is Pet Care
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA We would do anything for our dogs. I know that about all of you, as well as I know that about myself. I have sat …
If We Could Only Do 3 Things
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA The other day, my husband asked me, “If you could have all dog parents do one thing, what would it be?” What a question! …
What To Do When Life Starts Returning to Normal
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA Our pets have been adjusting to us being home more since the pandemic started (and some may be loving it!). We are a long way …
Puppy Socialization during Covid-19
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA The critical socialization window for puppies occurs roughly between three and 16 weeks of age. Puppies in this phase of development are like sponges soaking up information about the world and learning …
Intense Times
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA We are living in some intense and stressful times right now (that’s why I wanted to use a chill photo of a doggy massage!). I …
Happier Vet Visits
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA Does your dog dread going to the vet? Do you? We are here to help! There are several things we can do to make vet …
Practice Saying No
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA Have you ever been walking your dog when someone approached and asked to pet them? You know your dog can be uncomfortable about new …
Difficulties Getting Started in Training
By: Melissa Kolmar CPDT-KA, SBA Today I want to talk about something we don’t spend a lot of time on. That is how difficult it can be to get started …
What Does Your Dog Find Reinforcing?
By: Melissa Kolmar, CPDT-KA, SBA At New Dawn, we talk a lot about positive reinforcement (adding a pleasing consequence that will strengthen future behavior). We usually start with food, as …