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Purely Puppy is the perfect blog for puppy parents. It is written by Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board certified veterinary behaviorist in southeastern Florida, who has a great love of dogs, and a special fondness for Rottweilers.
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Environmental Enrichment for Puppies and Dogs

Jack is a 1-year-old Labrador retriever. He is shiny, black, and full of energy. He is bouncing around my exam room wagging his entire body and soliciting attention from everyone. Each toy that I pull out is immediately picked up by Jack. He throws it up in the air and pounces on it as it falls to the... READ MORE

Dec 26, 2012 / (3) comments

The House-training Glitch that Needs to be Fixed

This week we are running one of our favorite Dr. Radosta columns on the topic of fixing a house-training program that has gone awry. It was originally posted in November of 2012 under the title "Why Do So Many Dogs End Up on Death Row for Peeing in the House?" Dr. Radosta will return next... READ MORE

Dec 19, 2012 / (7) comments

Keeping Puppies Safe Over the Holidays

As I watched Maverick’s tail hit the Christmas tree, sending two glass ornaments in wide arcs over his head and finally to the tile floor breaking them into bits, I thought about all of the different ways puppies can get into serious trouble during the holidays. Simple management can help to... READ MORE

Dec 12, 2012 / (2) comments

Old Dog, New Puppy

On a recent home visit, I had the chance to meet a wonderful, older Labradoodle named Susie. She was calm and quietly friendly. She had never really been a fan of playing with other dogs, although she wasn't necessarily aggressive either. At nearly 12 years of age, her owners had adopted a puppy to help... READ MORE

Dec 05, 2012 / (8) comments

When Can You Find the Time to Train Your Puppy?

“Can you meet me at ballet?” I ask my husband. “Mav has class tonight.” The day had started with a rushed morning as I got myself ready for work and my daughter ready for school. After work, I picked my daughter up from school and ran her to her after school activities. In order... READ MORE

Nov 28, 2012 / (1) comments

Is a Pup Begging at Your Thanksgiving Table?

Lots of us will be gathering with our family on Thursday to enjoy the food, drink and company; just as many of us will have a pup begging at the table next to us. Puppies beg to get a bit of what we have on the table. It smells good, why not?   READ MORE

Nov 21, 2012 / (4) comments

What are Your Goals for Your Dog?

When my daughter was born I had lots of ideas about who she would be and what she would like. As a veterinarian, I knew that genetics were a huge part of who she would be, but I was happy to shape the rest exactly as I saw fit. I felt confident that she would be a tomboy like me. That would be something... READ MORE

Nov 14, 2012 / (2) comments

The Dominance Down - Ick!

Maverick and I were at the beach one day with two of our friends and their pups — a Border Collie and a Black Lab — both Maverick’s age. As I described in a previous blog, Maverick and I spend our time at the beach seeking out dogs who are friendly so that I can use dog play as a reward... READ MORE

Nov 07, 2012 / (2) comments

From Puppy Mill to Pet Store

The patient that inspired this blog is a cute teacup Yorkie named Samantha with a host of health and behavioral problems. Working with her is heartbreaking because she is suffering physically and behaviorally. Everything about her pulls you to save her and help her. I explain to her owner that a big... READ MORE

Oct 31, 2012 / (1) comments

How Do You Train Your Dog When Times Are Tough?

I’ve spent a lot of time here emphasizing the importance of teaching your dog the proper skills in order to be a good pet. Regular readers know that I think that going to class is best for most pups. There is nothing like an educated coach to help you guide your puppy. When you can, get to class! However,... READ MORE

Oct 24, 2012 / (5) comments

ABOUT PURELY PUPPY

LISA RADOSTA, DVM, DACVB

Photo of Lisa Radosta

…is a board certified veterinary behaviorist. Haven’t ever heard of one? You’re in good company, because many people don’t know they exist. After all, there are only 54 of them. After veterinary school at the University of Florida and some time in primary care practice, Dr. Radosta completed a 3-year residency in behavioral medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She treats dogs, cats and birds with serious behavior problems, like aggression, separation anxiety, elimination outside of the litter box, and storm phobia. But please don’t ask her if dogs lie on a couch and bark at her!

She spends her off time writing textbook chapters and articles for veterinarians and clients, as well as lecturing nationally and internationally. Oh, yeah - she is also an overscheduled, stressed, tired, working mom. If you are itching to know lots more about her, go to her website at www.flvetbehavior.com, and join her weekly for your puppy fix.

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POLL

Has your puppy ever seen a professional dog trainer?

Yes
27% (192 votes)
No
73% (518 votes)
Total votes: 710
1.
Bella
8512
 
Evan
9111
2.
Coco
8433
 
Wrigley
8129
3.
Anna
8195
 
Chad
6498
4.
Pepsi
6740
 
Buddy
5530
5.
Zailey
6692
 
Bentley
4727
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