Vote for Us! Good Sit nominated for Best Dog Walker in the Los Angeles Area

Just click on the link above and place your vote.  Please support us in making Good Sit your #1 Professional Dog Walking Service in Los Angeles!

Rent-a-Pet?

A recent Wall Street Journal article  discussed new and unusual concepts in temporarily caring for animals, particularly dogs.  

At Good Sit (www.good-sit.com) we love pets, promote adoption, advocate rescue, actively volunteer and adore the companionship of our furry friends.  We practice good manners, especially in public and strive to be the most polite guests when in house or hotel.  From an emotional standpoint, suffice it to say the little gals are greatly missed when travel plans cannot accommodate their four paws. Thank goodness for a petsitter who sends "postcards" while we're away.

Yet pet rental?  Speak.

Sleep Well Tonight: Schubert Pet Bed by Room & Board

A good night's sleep is just as important to your pet as it is to you, right?  Let your dog or cat slumber in style with Room and Board's bed.  Available in two sizes, the steel frame construction comes equipped with a tastefully simple slipcovered cotton microweave mattress.

Now here's the fun part for all of you design-o-philes.  Nearly all of Room & Board's upholstered pieces are customizable.  That means kitty can count sheep on the print of your choice and you can rest easy knowing her comfort doesn't mean sacrificing your mid-century chic vibe.

*Sweet Dreams*

Visit Room & Board for additional info, swatch selection and ordering information.

Schubert Small Pet Bed Slipcovered in Dorien Oatmeal Fabric $199 + $25 delivery fee

(33" x 20" x 7")

Schubert Large Pet Bed Slipcovered in Dorien Oatmeal Fabric $299 + $25 delivery fee

(45" x 30" x 9")

Now Enrolling: Scott-Fox Training

School's out for summer, but what about Sparky?  Consider this the perfect time to sign up you and your pooch for obedience classes with one of the nation's most respected dog behavioral specialists, Penny Scott-Fox.  

Owner of Scott-Fox Training, she is a a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT), Fellow of the Pet Behavior Institute, Durham, England.  Now, after twelve years with the phenomenal Pasadena Humane Society, she has ventured out privately to offer her popular training and agility classes to dogs and their families.  In addition, expanded offerings include practical pet etiquette and hiking excursions. 

Whether Fido was just adopted yesterday or Spot's known sit for years, nearly all pet's can benefit from a group setting with Penny.  Her successful techniques have been covered by media outlets around the world, yet is the consistency and loyalty of her clientele that speaks loudly, including a strong base of recreational training clients focused on agility called Lifers.

Obedience Classes are $150 for five weeks.

Please e-mail PennySF@yahoo.com for availability and a registration form.

Sessions beginning:

Tuesday, August 19th - Adolescent/Adult Basic Class

6:30 PM  Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

Tuesday, August 19th - Adolescent/Intermediate Class

8:00 PM Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

Thursday, August 21st - Puppy Kindergarten

6:30 PM Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

In Session - AKC Canine Good Citizen Class*

8:00 PM, Farnsworth Park, Altadena, CA

* This is an 8-week course priced at $225.

Please visit Scott-Fox Training for additional information.

Coming to Pasadena: TICA Southwest Regional Cat Show

The SoCal ExoTICA Cat Club hosts the Southwest Regional Cat Show this coming weekend, July 26th and 27th, 2008 at the Pasadena Convention Center.  For additional information, please visit the official website and additional links located on the main page.

Heal Your Paws and Your Soul: Pet Massage

Miss Behavin's cat likes to remind her nearly every day what a terrific masseuse she would make.  Kneading and purring, there is no mistaking how much she cares for you.  So this little kitty got her thinking about pet massage, not by, but FOR, pets.  Specifically, cats, dogs and other furry friends.

If you are concerned about the way your pooch is feeling or just want to add a bit of extra pampering into their routine, pet massage may be the solution.  It is a natural way to augment your veterinarian recommended treatment plan and manage-- even improve -- your pet's condition.

Los Angeles-based Licensed Massage Therapist Jessica Dragan practiced Massage Therapy for people before studying pet massage.  She utilized the the feedback and experience gained  and now provides the best techniques for a variety of muscle pains and problems for our four-legged companions.  As Jessica mentions, "Animals experience the same knots, pinched nerves, muscle tension and disease that we do!"  From injuries and arthritis to anxiety, Jessica incorporates Acupressure, Reiki, Swedish, Oscillation, and Trigger Point techniques to address what ails your pet.

Classes are offered in Playa Del Rey, so you too can effectively massage your pet.

Additional classes are scheduled at:

Saturday, September 6th, 2008:  The Bodhi Tree, West Hollywood, CA

Saturday, October 25th, 2008:  Learning Light Foundation, Anaheim, CA

For additional information, visit her website at www.JessicasPetMassage.com or contact by phone at 310.913.3225.

A Puppy for Everyone - Plush Baby

Inspiring and bittersweet, Jana Kohl's book A Rare Breed of Love will leave you wanting more. To learn more.  Do more.  And, of course, cherish the bond between you and your pet all the more.  Her transformative experience with Baby, a puppy mill dog, led her to write, speak out and advocate on behalf of the animals -- past, present and sadly, future -- being treated as commodities rather than the sentient creatures they are.

Now, you too, can snuggle with your own Baby.  Soft plush and unique design co-mingle for a pet-friendly purchase anyone can welcome into her home.

Available online through A Rare Breed of Love catalog.

Plush Baby ($20)

Harry Barker: Good Dog Ceramic Bowls

Abracadabra!  We all know Harry Potter is a wizard.  But who is Harry Barker?  A potter!  Maker of eco-friendly pooch products, you'll be singing the praises of everything he casts a spell upon and then fires in the kiln.  Not only are these ceramics restaurant-quality, they are lead and cadmium free and easy to use.  (Dishwasher and microwave safe, anyone?)  Available in two oh-so-chic tones in three different sizes with graphic French Twig design and signature "Good Dog" banner, consider matching sets for Fido and Fifi. Mais Oui!

Available online at Earth Doggy

Colors: French Blue, French Taupe

Small (10 oz.)     5" x 2"       $22

Medium (30 oz.)   7" x 2.5"    $26

Large (50 oz.)      8" x 3"       $32

Safety First: Pet Tips for a Happy - and Safe - Fourth of July

While everyone is celebrating today, here are a few tips to keep in mind.  Special thanks to the spcaLA for compiling the following list of safety tips for you and your pet.

Firework displays and parties are an American tradition on the Fourth of July.  However, during this time of celebration there are many dangers for our family pets.  Every year around Independence Day shelters fill up with pets, lost and injures as a result of these celebrations.  The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA recommends taking these simple precautions that will help your pet from going astray and save the life of your pet.

• Keep pets safe and secure inside your home or a covered run.
  
• Loud noises, such as fireworks, can cause a dog to jump a fence and run away from home or a cat to hide under a building and stay there for days.
  
• If you're not able to stay home with your pets, keep them in a cool, well-ventilated room during the evening hours with a radio playing softly in the background.  Also make sure that room is very secre as some animals panic and break through windows or screens, and many are killed in traffic as they run away from the noise.
  
• DO NOT tie your dog up outside to keep him/her from escaping.  The loud noise from the fireworks can frighten a dog making the dog more likely to attempt to escape.  Many dogs injure or kill themselves trying to get away when they are tied up.
• ALWAYS make sure to have identification on your pet.  In the unfortunate circumstance your pet escapes this is the best way to ensure you are happily reunited with him or her.

Good Sit, providers of premiere pet care and professional dog walking, suggest the following tips in addition:

• Please remember as you are barbequing  to keep your pets secure and away from the enticing smells -- and hot surfaces and foods -- on and around the area.  Again, keep them safe and secure inside where they are less likely to be inadvertently burned by "counter-surfing" the grill or eating scraps that fall.
  
• Certain common condiments and foods common to picnics, BBQs, bonfires and camping (i.e. onions, chocolate for s'mores) are poisonous to dogs.  Exercise caution and care when bringing your dog to these activities and ask guests to refrain from feeding the dog please.
  
• As a precaution, if you do not have it on hand already, know the number and location of your local, preferred emergency veterinary clinic.
  
• Consider contacting a professional petsitter if you are unable to provide the supervision your pet may require.

Rub My Belly for Luck :: Lucky Pup Designs

Quite simply, the most stylish, visually appealing, dog tags on the market.  Unless you are going for the utilitarian, yet modern look of a silver polished pared down round disc, this is identification tag for you and your pet.  Made of a lovely rust-resistant nickel toned metal, these small discs will look stunning on anything from a 10 pound pocket pooch to a harlequin great dane.  Available in a variety of vintage-inspired designs (like Buddha, Shiva, Pinup Girl, and Vaudeville Dog) housed and crafted in a sealed "pictovision" process, you and your pup are sure to find a graphic conveying personality and good taste.  Once you select your design, submit your details for engraving and the tags arrive in the mail about two weeks later from the local LA studio.  

Visit Lucky Pup online at www.luckypupdesigns.com

to view designs and to locate a store or online retailer.

Buddha Dog Tag (approximately $15 plus shipping - price may vary)

Lucky Dog Leather: Get Lucky, Doggie Style

You love your dog.  This much.  But you're not the type of girl who goes around with bows in her hair.  When you want to match Fluffy, but don't want to look fluffy, pop online and visit Lucky Dog Leather.  For people and pups alike when you're more punk than priss, or just want to add a bit of edge to your prep and polish, call on the stylings of its Los Angeles based artisans for the perfect accessory for you or your four-legged friend.

Need a wrist cuff?  Check.  Studded belt?  One or two rows, thank you very much.  What about my dog?  It wouldn't be Lucky Dog Leather without collars now would it?  Available in a multitude of designs and styles, you'll fall in love with selections such as the double stud collar -- made wider than standard collars across the back, but narrower in the front for the comfort of your precious pooch.  With eight colors to choose from, you may find yourself ordering more than one.

Available online at www.luckydogleather.com.

Featured above:

Leather Dog Collar (Studs, Double Row) in Blue Metallic and Black

Available in sizes Small ($50), Medium ($55), Large ($60), X-Large ($65)

Dublin Dog: You Should Be So Lucky

Welcome to Lucky Dog Week at www.good-sit.com where the luck of the Irish... or any nationality showers down each day.  Our first feature is a innovative "all-style, no-stink dog collar" company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Founded by Jason Watson and inspired by companions Kona and Jake, Dublin Dog produces hand-filled liquid polymer dog collars that are both waterproof, smell-resistant and multi-layered.  Fashion forward and flexible, these pet necklaces are both style-friendly and functional.

Available in an array of designs and sizes at www.dublindog.com.

For those gearing up for Independence Day, the red, white and blue Hampton Bay collar is available for 40% off now through July 12th by entering code BANG at checkout.  What a great deal!

Featured above, Kaleidoscope in Midnight Forrest.

Small ($22), Medium ($24) and Large ($26).

C'mon, Get Political

Olivia Newton John sings about getting physical.  Well, with the elections on the horizon, and in the same spirit of cheeky fun of an 80s pop song, I offer you this delightful lavender tissue tee.  Just right for the dog-loving Democrat  Inject some playfulness into your politics and wear it with pride.  Not your cup of tea -- or should I say Gatorade?  There's a multitude of breed specific silk-screened pop art dog cropping up on women's and unisex fit shirts and totes just waiting to be added to your wardrobe.  The images are also available on casual puppy wear, pillows and even jewelry and buttons.

Available online from Alfie and Rex ($26).

4th Annual Wags-n-Whiskers Walk

Thank you to everyone who supported us on behalf of the Glendale Humane Society in the 4th Annual Wags-n-Whiskers Walk.  The Montrose Farmer's Market was a flurry of furry activity as vendors, pet professionals, companion animals and, of course, the community came out -- leashes in hand -- to show their appreciation for the local animal shelter.

If you'd like to participate in a similar event, the Pasadena Humane Society will be hosting their annual Wiggle Waggle Walk fundraiser at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, October 11th.  Yay!  Or should I say, woof!?!

Ask Miss Behavin: The Chew Toy Dilema

Dear Miss Behavin,

I walked into a pet store to purchase toys for my beautiful new labrador puppy, who is teething, and was completely overwhelmed by the selection.  Are there any toys I might want to avoid letting him chew on?

Sincerely,

Sarah

...and Linus

Dear Sarah and, of course, Linus:

Items such as rawhide, rope toys, plus animals and squeaky toys should be carefully considered, as they can often resemble items in the home -- and items the family wants the dog to avoid.  When chew toys resemble other household items, the dog may have difficulty discerning the appropriate from the forbidden objects when left alone.  For example, the ends of some brands of rope toys are fringe-like and tasseled, similar to upholstery accoutrements or rugs.  Rawhide is made of processed animal products, often skin and tendons, and resembles leather -- the choice material for many shoes, handbags and small fashion goods such as wallets and gloves.  Fuzzy plush toys are soft and tactile like rugs, carpeting and accent pillows and baby toys.  Rubber and plastic squeaky toys may be similar to children's action figures, toddler's toys and similar items.  In addition, you may not want the dog to play with toys that are disignated for other animals in your home, such as the cat's toys, which can also look quite similar to children's toys -- or more importantly -- small caged pets or birds that may or may not be present in your home.

This is not to say that rope toys, rawhide, and plush animals should never be offered as rewards or during play.  Chewing is a natural behavior, especially during the teething process for puppies. The goal is to set up the dog for success and make differentiation easy for the pet.

Continue to check back with our blog at www.good-sit.com as we offer more tips for managing chewing behavior.

Yours in Training,

Miss Behavin

Keep Your Buddy Busy: Chew Toy Tip #1

Appropriate chew toys are fantastic objects to keep your pet entertained and engaged in appropriate chewing activity.  It allows you as a pet guardian to positively reinforce which objects are okay to mouth, and when necessary, have an item to "trade out" when your dog is focusing on test-tasting forbidden items.  Since we'd prefer to keep the Prada's pristine and the Jimmy Choo's unchewed, this week will focus on fun toys for dogs of all dispositions.

The Tug-a-Jug is a unique and brilliant hybrid -- both in form and function.  It resembles things you'd find around the home and then combined in an innovative manner.  Take a Nalgene water bottle, a Downy dryer ball and a small length of rope and there you have it. Quite simply, by touching the toy, seeing, hearing, smelling and tasting the treats or kibble the Tug-a-Jug dispenses, interacting with the toy becomes self-rewarding.  It is excellent for food-motivated dogs and can be used to encourage proper chewing with high-value treats, or simply incorporate into obedience training and feeding meals to add novelty to your dog's routine. 

It comes in small and medium/large sizes that stand up to the strongest of chewers. Available at www.busybuddytoys.com.

Ask Miss Behavin

Imagine for a moment...

A modern day Mary Poppins coaching you and your pets with a dash of eco-glam thrown in for good measure.

Her name is Miss Behavin: resident animal enthusiast, tastemaker, and advice columnist here at Good Sit.  Miss Behavin believes whole heartedly in the good life.  And the good life is synonymous with people and pets living in harmony.

This regularly-updated blog will act as your guide to tips, trends tidbits, insights, observations and ephemera from the whimsical to the wise.  No problem is to big or pleasure too simple.  Readers and clients alike are encouraged to submit questions and comments to missbehavin@good-sit.com or via the Good Sit contact form located at our primary website.

We hope you will join us.  Things just keep getting better and better at Good Sit!