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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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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

If You Didn't Teach It, Don't Correct It

As I was running in my neighborhood today, I witnessed a disturbing interaction between an owner and her dog; it really irritated me. Let’s see if you feel the same way.   READ MORE

Oct 17, 2012 / (5) comments

Well Timed Rewards Matter for Puppies in Training

The other day, I was sitting at an outdoor café eating breakfast with my family, including Maverick, my puppy. Maverick barks when he is excited, when he is stressed, or when he has something to say. We are working on it. So, when someone walked by that he was interested in, of course he barked... READ MORE

Oct 10, 2012 / (3) comments

When Your Puppy Goes from Friendly to Reactive

Maverick, my 10-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy attends multiple classes a week and also participates in a puppy play group. It is fun for me to watch the puppies develop. There are two puppies, including my own, who are at risk for developing a behavior called leash reactivity. Leash reactivity... READ MORE

Oct 03, 2012 / (2) comments

Who the Heck is Premack?

Maverick, my puppy, went to the beach with me not too long ago. While there, he learned that I didn’t exist and that he shouldn’t pay attention to me. How in the world did he learn that? Let me tell you a story… My friend Mindy, her Border Collie Zander, Maverick, and I went to... READ MORE

Sep 26, 2012 / (2) comments

Fear vs. Respect

The other day, I saw Sam, a German Shorthaired Pointer, who has Separation Anxiety. When the male owner comes home each day, he yells at Sam for the destruction that he has caused in the owner’s absence. I spent some time explaining that this just makes Sam afraid of him, which is very unproductive. Generally,... READ MORE

Sep 19, 2012 / (2) 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
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No
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Total votes: 720
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