How's everyone doing with their New Year's resolutions?
WHAT'S THERE TO RESOLVE ANYWAY? YOUR DOG ALREADY THINKS YOU'RE WONDER-FUL & IS THERE REALLY ANOTHER OPINION YOU VALUE MORE THAN THEIRS?
We didn't think so. Besides, with National Pizza Day & Margarita Day coming up in the same month, February is a great time to forgo those resolutions altogether (not like we need holidays to celebrate those dietary staples anyway). Lucky for you, unlike lettuce & kale, this newsletter will fill you up - it's packed with useful training tips & seriously sweet doggos. 👏
So, without further adieu (that's french, btw) the January newsletter.
GET YOUR PAWS ON THIS
WE'RE CELEBRATING! 🎉
Wonder Dog University has been voted #1 Dog Trainer by Mt. Pleasant Magazine for the 3rd year in a row! (whaaaat?!) As always, thank you to everyone who continues to support us. For a small business, every Facebook Like, Instagram Follow, mention in a group text & vote for us means the world to us and helps us help more puppers! Check out the full article HERE.
DOG BLOG
Old dog, meet new dog.
We've all seen the cute videos - the new shiny puppy being brought through the front door to meet the veteran pet-riarch of the family and then one of two things always happen: 1. The older dog welcomes the new dog in some adorable viral-social-media way or 2. The video ends without ever showing us the actual meeting-of-the-mutts, but instead fast forwards us in time to show us the adorable viral-social-media way the two pups cuddle on the couch and play together...now. So what happened on that never-before-seen footage when old dog met new dog? Could it be that when introducing a new puppy to the household [SPOILER ALERT] it's not always as easy (or adorable) as walking through the front door and setting the Bingo down in front of Old Yeller? Lucky for you, we've broken down exactly how to make the introduction on our blog. It may not be as sweet as those social media moments, but we promise, it's much better for everyone involved.
If dogs can't see color, why do their toys come in different colors?
Recent studies have shown it's not all 50 shades of grey for hounds. While they can't see the entire rainbow of colors that humans can, dogs can distinguish between certain colors better than others. Toys in shades of blues and yellows are easier for dogs to make out, versus toys in shades of red and orange, which tend to appear green/brown. So the next time you're toy shopping for Mr. Wiggles, stick to the traditional yellow tennis ball versus those fancy red ones unless you like playing fetch yourself when they get lost in the grass.
👀 SEE YOUR WORLD THROUGH A DOG'S EYES WITHDOG'S EYE VIEW→
MYTH BUSTERS
If dogs can't see color, why do their toys come in different colors?
Recent studies have shown it's not all 50 shades of grey for hounds. While they can't see the entire rainbow of colors that humans can, dogs can distinguish between certain colors better than others. Toys in shades of blues and yellows are easier for dogs to make out, versus toys in shades of red and orange, which tend to appear green/brown. So the next time you're toy shopping for Mr. Wiggles, stick to the traditional yellow tennis ball versus those fancy red ones unless you like playing fetch yourself when they get lost in the grass.
👀 SEE YOUR WORLD THROUGH A DOG'S EYES WITHDOG'S EYE VIEW→
GROUP CHAT
New Year's resolutions for dog owners
If you're still struggling to find a resolution, here are some easy ones we've come up with for pet dog owners:
🦴 MORE SNIFFARIES IF YOU PLEASE
At least once a week, take your dog on a decompression walk without a leash in a safe area or with a long line. A decompression walk is a walk that allows your dog more freedom "to be a dog."
🦴 NO MORE ONE DIRECTION
No, not that One Direction - actual directions. Your dog wants to go many different directions! At least once a week, take Scout on a walk in a new direction, giving him someplace new to explore - even if it's just a different street in the neighborhood. This helps increase mental and physical exercise (Scout is a big fan of getting 2 birds with 1 seed... you did name him, "Scout," after all).
🦴 FOOD WITH THOUGHT
Replace one meal each day with a puzzle feeding enrichment toy to give your dog some mental stimulation. 🛍HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES
🦴 MORE CUDDLES (DOGTOR'S ORDERS!)
Do at least one thing you and your dog both love together every day. So, that extra 10 minutes in bed each morning to cuddle with the puppers? It's called self-care people. Look it up.
🗣WE ASKED THE WDU FACEBOOK GROUP WHAT THEIR NY RESOLUTIONS WOULD BE IF THEIR DOGS GOT TO PICK THEM. CHECK OUT THEIR ANSWERSHERE→
WDU SKILLS TRAINING
Fur-iendly play vs. not-so-friendly play
The date has been set. The meeting place agreed upon. You've been preparing for this your whole pet-parenting life - the doggy date. But how can you tell if your pup has swiped left or swiped right on his new playmate? Is that growling indicative of something more aggressive to come? Why is that other dog showing his teeth? How can you tell the difference between friendly and unfriendly pup play?
ETCETERA
Wonder Dogg-O' the Month FILE UNDER: GOOD BOYS & GIRLS
ALEKOS
A service pup in training, tell Alekos to "Leave It" & he'll roll his eyes & say, "Hold my treats" (Note treats in photo lined up on his paw, "leaving it," like a BOSS). Aging in at just 10 months this Dutch Shepherd mix flew through Kinderpuppy class like a billionaire in space & is now working his way through Canine Good Citizen class. His humans, Jessica & Lonny, say he's too young for his own Instagram account, so he shares one with his Dachshund brother @adventuresofenzo.
Dog Stuff We Swear By FILE UNDER: WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE
EMBARK DNA TEST
Why we ❤️ them:
Embark on a journey of discovery...for your dog (see what we did there?) Find out what your dog’s DNA says about their breed. From potential health issues to dietary restrictions to quirky habits & temperament, knowing more about your pup's breed & ancestry can provide insight to helping you give your dog the best life possible. Psst...right now, their Breed ID Kits are on major sale!
Embark on a journey of discovery...for your dog (see what we did there?) Find out what your dog’s DNA says about their breed. From potential health issues to dietary restrictions to quirky habits & temperament, knowing more about your pup's breed & ancestry can provide insight to helping you give your dog the best life possible. Psst...right now, their Breed ID Kits are on major sale!
These guys thought they were getting a teacup pig & when Esther didn't stop growing, rather than give her up - they gave up their house! Yes, Esther the Wonder Pig is an indoor pig. Follow along with her fabulous life here.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA? LET US KNOW ON INSTAGRAM @WONDERDOGUNIVERSITY.
What We're Binging FILE UNDER: FREE DOLLARS
MOVIES, BOOKS, & MUSIC OH MY!
Why we ❤️ them:
Get access to free movies, music, audiobooks, even TV shows on your computer, tablet, phone, and TV all thanks to your public library. Head to this handy dandy website hoopla.com and check it out. All you need is a library card! This month's audiobook is Meet Your Dog. Can we get a HOOP THERE IT IS 🙌 for the public library system?!
We feel like we need to say, these aren't partners or sponsors or anything. These are really just things we love that we think you might love too.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Upcoming Classes📚
REFORM SCHOOL
🐾 WHO: All ages 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 5 weeks 📅 START DATE: February 26 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
PUPPY JUNIOR HIGH CLASS
🐾 WHO: 12 to 18 months 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 6 weeks 📅 START DATE: March 9 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
PUPPY PRESCHOOL
🐾 WHO: 7 to 18 weeks 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 5 weeks 📅 START DATE: March 12 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN TEST PREP CLASS
🐾 WHO: 12 months to Seniors 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 6 weeks 📅 START DATE: March 7 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
PUPPY ELEMENTARY
🐾 WHO: 7 to 12 months 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 6 weeks 📅 START DATE: March 10 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
KINDERPUPPY CLASS
🐾 WHO: 18 weeks to 7 months 🕙 WHEN: 1 hour/week, 6 weeks 📅 START DATE: March 12 🔗 REGISTER:Click here
#FebruaryHashtagHolidays
There's always a reason to post your pups, just don't be the last one to do it! Here's this month's most interesting social media holidays: #blessed
CHINESE NEW YEAR -1ST#ChineseNewYear It is the year of the tiger.
GROUNDHOG DAY -2ND#GroundhogDay Celebrate spring, celebrate the end of winter, celebrate the fact that you can spell Punxsutawney or celebrate Bill Murray. There’s a number of ways to celebrate this day over & over & over…
NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON'S DAY - 5TH#NationalWeatherpersonsDay National Weatherperson's Day is used to recognize people working in the fields of meteorology & weather forecasting.
NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY - 7TH#SendACardToAFriendDay 📬 The holiday was introduced to raise the popularity of sending physical mail to your friends & loved ones. We've got a sneaking suspicion someone's grandma was behind this one.
NATIONAL PIZZA DAY - 9TH#NationalPizzaDay 🍕 Required reading eating.
NATIONAL INVENTORS' DAY - 11TH#InventorsDay 💡National Inventors' Day celebrates past & present inventors - wonder if that includes the inventors ofthese clever pup products from Buzzfeed?
SUPER BOWL LVI - 13TH#SBLVI #SuperBowlSunday 🏈 While everyone swears they're watching because of their love for football (yay sports) we know it's rrrrreally all about the PUPPY BOWL.Check out this year's adorable starting lineup.
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS DAY - 17TH#RandomActsofKindnessDay #DYK There's a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation & their mission is to “make kindness the norm”.
NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY - 20TH#LoveYourPetDay As if we don't already celebrate this one every day (AMIRIGHT?!)
NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY - 22ND#NationalMargaritaDay **NOTE TO SELF: take personal day 23rd
ONE LAST THING
Kind Words❤️
We know how busy life can get. That's why it means the world to us when you take the time to write us a review. As a small business, a positive review is more valuable than you may realize. So to all you positive review writers out there: from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
