5 Must Dine Places With Your Dog – Plymouth, MA

5 Must Dine Places With Your Dog – Plymouth, MA

The dog days of summer are here! The only thing better than dining alfresco in Plymouth, MA, is being able to bring your dog. We’ve compiled our top 5 picks for eating places with your pup. Before we dive in, this is your sign to text a fellow pet parent and make your dog-friendly dinner, lunch, or brunch plans for the summer!

1. ThreeV Sandbar:

Formerly (Stack Shack) has come under new ownership by, yes, you guessed it, ThreeV Restaurant to bring you a laid-back dining experience on the beach in Plymouth’s historic Cordage Park. ThreeV Sandbar is a casual outdoor establishment featuring tasty food and unique drink specials. Oh! And they are V dog friendly. *pun intended* Check them out on Instagram and Facebook @threevsandbar

2. Bramhall’s Country Store:

Whether you live in Plymouth or are just passing through, Bramhall’s is a must-stop spot, and they love it when you bring your dog! Enjoy their famous lobster roll, shop for local produce, enjoy sitting under the shady trees as you listen to the birds, and finish off your visit with some Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. You and your pup are sure to love this relaxed environment located in the heart of quaint Chiltonville, and you might even make a new friend. They are open 7 days a week from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, so plan your visit!Dog ad Bramhalls Plymouth MA Dog Friendly

3. Plane Jane’s Place:Plane Jane's Dog Friendly Plymouth MA

Plane Jane’s Place is a casual dog-friendly restaurant at the Plymouth Municipal Airport. If you want to add a little excitement to your dining experience with your pup, this is the place! They have outdoor seating where you can enjoy a meal while watching planes take off and land. Their menu is full of American classics, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, so there is something for everyone, including a basket of fries for your well-behaved pup.

4. Anna’s Harborside Grille:Anna's Harboarside Grill Dog Friendly Plymouth MA

Looking for a more elevated dining experience with your dog? Head to Anna’s Harborside Grille outdoor patio! This dog-friendly restaurant is situated right on Plymouth Harbor. Enjoy dining with your dog and panoramic views of the water while digging into delicious seafood and other New England-inspired classics!

5. Plymouth Beach + Sandy’sAmerica's Hometown Hound at Sandy's Plymouth MA

Beach day, anyone?!? If you’re a beach goer and your pup enjoys the ocean this will become a must-stop spot for you this summer! Not only can you and your pup spend the day in the sun and sand, but grab a refreshing pup cup (or a platter of deliciously fried seafood for the humans) to top off your excursion and ensure it’s the Best. Day. Ever. Take a swim in the ocean or play fetch with friends and bring your beach umbrella for shade. The beach and Sandy’s seafood shack are dog friendly but please keep your pup on a leash.

There are dozens of dog-friendly restaurants in Plymouth, MA, but this list should get you started this summer! Remember to check with each restaurant in advance to confirm their dog-friendly policies, as some restrictions may apply. Additionally, always keep your dog on a leash and ensure they are well-behaved while dining out.

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Cat Sitting/Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

 

 

Potty Training Your Puppy 101

Potty Training Your Puppy 101

It is time to Potty Train your puppy! You have your adorable new puppy home and settled in. She snuggles and licks your face – so sweet. But then, she also pees on your favorite rug, or poops in the corner of the kitchen. Ugh – Where to begin?! Time for Potty Training 101! What you do for potty training in the first few weeks of having a puppy will follow you through the life of your dog. Think of house-training your dog as the foundation of a happy life together. Keep it simple with a schedule, stay consistent and have a positive attitude, and your puppy will be a potty-trained pro in no time. You can do this!

Potty Training: First Things First

The goal of potty training is for your puppy to only poop and pee outdoors, in the spot you want them to. If they need to go out, you want them to let you know. You can begin potty-training your puppy as soon as they arrive (8 weeks). Usually pups start to gain control over their bladder around 12 weeks, but get them used to a regular potty routine as soon as they join your family as an important part of the potty-training process. For the first week or two…play inside, business outside other than short walks on leash. The reason for this is that, when you get your puppy, they will have been with their littermates and have been able to pee and poop as they play in their play area. Puppies are used to this. If you have them playing outside and they do their business while playing, then when you come inside and play they will do the same. They will not know the difference between playing outside or inside and being able to just stop and pee. So, make outside for business-only in the beginning. It will not take long before they understand, and you will be able to have lots of fun outside!

To prepare to house-train your pup there are a few things to do in advance.

  • Choose where their “SPOT” will be outside. Decide on an area that is easily accessible for them, a decent size (min. 10’x10’), and that you can stay consistent with.
  • Don’t keep your outside potty area spotless. Leave a little so your pup can have the necessary smells to know that is where you want them to go.
  • Research the many Potty-Training methods out there to gain as much knowledge of the process as possible.
  • Observe your puppy’s habits to assess how well/long your puppy can control their bladder before starting to train. This usually takes a week or two leading up to starting your training.

Potty-Training Schedule

As a general rule the number of hours a puppy can go without using the bathroom is the equivalent to how many months old they are. For example, a 2-month (8 week) old pup can usually go 2 hours between potty breaks, a 3-month old can go 3 hours, and so on. As your puppy grows the hours between relief will also grow and your schedule will vary depending on their house-training progress. For anyone beginning to potty train their dog this schedule is an excellent place to start. Download our free Potty Training 101 Schedule to use as your daily guide: 8-12 Week Schedule        12-16 Week Schedule

6:00 AM Wake up & right out to POTTY

6:15 AM Breakfast

6:30 AM Post breakfast POTTY

9:30 AM Mid-Morning POTTY & Walk

12:00 PM Post Nap/Pre-lunch POTTY

12:15 PM Lunch

12:30 PM Post Lunch POTTY

3:30 PM Afternoon POTTY & Walk

6:00 PM Post Nap/Pre-dinner POTTY

6:15 PM Dinner

6:30 PM After dinner POTTY

9:30 PM Last POTTY before bed (this time will adjust depending on your personal bedtime)

NOTE: Your puppy will not be able to make it through the night without an accident. Be prepared to get up during the night every 2-3hours to take your puppy out.

Remember to always take your pup out for relief following naps and playtime. In addition, a potty break is needed before and after all meals. This schedule is only a starting point. Do not forget to adjust with your growing puppy as needed. Get a FREE age appropriate schedule for your pup here: Potty Training 101 Schedule: 8-12 Weeks     12-16 Weeks

small tan puppy lifting his leg on grass

Consistency is KEY

Whatever your schedule looks like, keep it consistent for your dog. Constantly changing up their routine confuses them and can wind up setting back the progress you may have already made. The hours between potty breaks will increase as your pup grows but keep feeding times and walks on the same schedule whenever possible to maintain their regimen. If you are a working puppy mom or dad a regular schedule may seem impossible. Hiring a dog walker/pet sitter for times you are unavailable keeps up the consistency for your pet and expedites the house-training process. Typically, by 4-6 months you will be able to judge for your puppy what their best long-term routine is as every dog is different.

Stay Positive through the House-Training Process

Keep it PAWsitive for your pup! We know how frustrating it can be when our pet uses the bathroom inside, especially on our favorite rug. No matter how trying the times of training may be your pet will respond best to a positive attitude and constructive actions. Punishing your puppy for an accident in the house is not going to teach them what you want them to do. Instead of punishment try clapping loudly to get their attention if you catch them in the act. Verbalize NO or another word they are familiar with and take them outside immediately to teach them the correct way to use the bathroom. Let us not forget the successes; when your pup does their business outside praise them! Your dog wants to please you. Giving extra love and even a cookie will create positive association for your dog making them more eager to please you every time, thus becoming house-trained.

smiling dog waiting for treat from dog walker

Signs your pup needs to potty

During the first few weeks of your potty-training quest it is important to keep a close eye on your pup. Look for the signs that they need to relieve themselves. Each pup will have his or her own sign, which you can learn by watching carefully. To get started, once they exhibit any of the signs listed below take them to their “potty spot” outside as quickly and gently as possible. Soon you will recognize their “I gotta go” behavior and be able to respond appropriately.

  • Sniffing
  • Whining
  • Circling/Restlessness
  • Licking the groin area
  • Standing still and lifting the tail (That’s our mascot Quinn’s move)
  • Going to a previously “used” in-house area
  • Squatting (Catch them quick with this one!)

You can do it!

Potty training your precious pooch is a big responsibility that you can totally handle! When you keep a consistent schedule and stay positive with your pup in everything from the praise to the corrective actions you will have a house-trained fur baby in no time. Remember that puppies are not puppies forever and one day (soon!) the trials of potty training will be a distant memory. Soak it up while you can. Create a schedule that works for you and find ways to keep it up no matter what. Whether you hire a dog walker for additional help or recruit your mom or neighbor to avoid skipping potty breaks your pet will appreciate your hard work. When the day of no more accidents comes so will you!

happy puppy smiling on grass

Need help keeping your pup’s schedule?

Just Around the Corner offers a wide variety of dog walking and pet care options for you and your furry family member. We all know how difficult it can be to keep up a consistent schedule for our dog, especially while potty training. JAC is here to help! Avoid the setbacks of messing up your dog’s routine. Set up a Meet and Greet with a JAC pet care professional. Choose from a variety of visits, walks, and hiking options that best suit your dog and never worry if your pup’s schedule is “off” again! Call or text: 508-245-1389 to set up a meet and greet TODAY.

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Help I Need A Dog Trainer!

Help I Need A Dog Trainer!

Choosing the right dog trainer for you and your furry family member can be one the most important and daunting decisions you will have to make regarding your dog. There is so much to think about, and it’s definitely not as simple as googling “dog trainer” and randomly choosing one!​

If you have determined that you need the help of a trained professional to work with you and your pup, you have probably been bombarded by a royal ton of random people claiming to be the best, the only person available who speaks dog, the only dog trainer in existence who holds the key to your dog’s happiness and lifelong obedience. You have likely been offered more guarantees than you can possibly count, each swearing by different methods. Some claiming to be firm and disciplinary, others claiming to help you become your dog’s ‘pack leader’, and others who simply charge so much because of all their years and schooling making them the masters of dog psychology (this is all dripping with sarcasm).

There are so many options and so many individuals saying that their way is the best way. Unfortunately, if you choose the wrong way this can cause increased psychological harm in your beloved pet. So, with this being the case, how do you navigate through this vast ocean of alternatives and select the trainer who is actually qualified to work with you using healthy, safe, and positive (and let’s not forget effective) techniques?

First,

decide what the purpose of finding a trainer is. Do you want your dog to learn to be calm and not attack everyone and everything? Or do you just need your dog to learn basic commands… before choosing a trainer you need to know the purpose of training… have specific goals in mind.

Second,

you need to draw a line in the sand about your ethics and be assertive about them. Different people have different philosophies and ethics when it comes to training dogs. Do your research and make sure you have a clear idea of what you feel is okay and what isn’t (for example – choke chains, training spray, etc.). It is essential that you have a dog trainer that agrees with your values and supports them.

Additionally,

while there are many truly talented dog training and behavioral professionals who aren’t certified trainers, and while there are no solid rulebooks that necessarily dictate that a certified trainer is an expert, it is recommended that you search for a trainer with credentials. Certification does ensure that the trainer you hire to work with your beloved pup has had to pass some minimum requirements.

Still not sure who to choose? What are your friends and neighbors saying? Word of mouth is often the best way to find the best of what you are looking for. Ask people who are previous clients to find out about their methods, experience and success rate.

Finally, listen to your instinct. If you feel that something is wrong, don’t ignore the instinct! It is your furry family member’s wellbeing that you are concerned about… you are justified in this! AND … Don’t hesitate to be part of the process. If your trainer wants to exclude you, consider this to be a red flag. It is you that your dog has to respond to, you who lives with your dog, and you who is the paying customer! So don’t feel guilty for asserting that you want to be part of the process.