The Miami Dog Whisperer Official Blog

Richard Heinz, The Miami Dog Whisperer on Telemundo teaching Dog CPR

2011-03-10T17:01:00.000-05:00

How to give your dog CPR and save his life.

The U.S.A. Best Rated Dog Parks!

2011-02-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

A dog park is a wonderful place to play,socialize and train your dog. Our company has fun group classes and events at our local dog park which our clients are invited to, and everyone has a great time! Here is a list of the nation's highest rated, and most loved Dog Parks....see if there is one near you! If there is one park you like in particular, please share it with us!

#10 Happy Tails Dog Park (Plantation, FL)

Happy Tails offers five acres for dog play with three separate fenced areas. Poop bags are provided, as well as water access. Benches are supplied for owners to watch the fun. The park is free, but does not have night lighting, so it closes at dusk.

#9 Rocky Top Dog Park (Kingston, NJ)

The Rocky Top Dog Park sits on just over two acres and has a swimming pond for dogs, a separate small dog area, and evening lighting for those staying late (open until 9 p.m.). The park also hosts events such as puppy play groups and small dog socials. Use is restricted for non-members, and membership fees start at $306 a year, but monthly passes are available for just $25.50.

#8 Ossining Dog Park (Westchester, NY)

This two acre park features separate big and small dog areas, a doggie drinking fountain, poop bag stations and seating areas. With its sloping landscape and a dog "playground" with boulders for climbing, this park is especially good for dog exercise. Free and open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

#7 Tompkins Square Dog Run (New York, NY)

One of the first dog parks opened in New York City, Tompkins Square was renovated last year and now offers small and large dog areas, three pools for dogs to cool off in, free tennis balls, and seating for owners. This free park is open 6 a.m. to midnight.

#6 Bea Arthur Dog Park (Norfolk, VA)

Though small (1 acre), the Bea Arthur Dog Park boasts 24/7 access! This free park includes water stations, a toy bin, and swimming with ramp access. Owners will enjoy the shaded picnic area and the scenic view.

#5 Shaggy Pines Dog Park (Ada, MI)

Shaggy Pines features 20 acres of park with several areas for different sized dogs, as well as amenities for people too. The jogging and hiking trails are lit at night and plowed during the winter, and an overlook deck has seating, music, a coffee bar and lounge. Dogs will enjoy the swimming pond, water stations and washing stations. Extra points awarded for the park's charity and adoption events. However, use is limited for non-members and membership fees start at $256 a year.

#4 Fort Woof (Fort Worth, TX)

This five acre park is open late (11:30 p.m.) and is conveniently lighted at night. Fort Woof offers separate areas for big and small dogs, water stations, free poop bags, and faux fire hydrants. Fun events such as Barktoberfest, and Fort Woof after Dark add to the good community spirit of the park. Free admission.

#3 Jackson's Howlabaloo Dog Park (Edinboro, PA)

Jackson's Howlabaloo features 58 fenced acres of doggy fun. There are creeks and ponds for swimming in, dog sports areas, hiking trails, paw showers and provided poop bags. Petside also likes the weather shelters and that the park offers an area just for special-needs dogs. There is a membership fee (annual $269.00 + $50 for each additional dog), but monthly and daily passes are also available. Open until 8 p.m. in the summer, closes at 6 p.m. during the winter.

#2 Dog Wood Dog Park (Jacksonville, FL)

Dog Wood Dog Park offers 25 acres of fenced play area, swimming, Frisbee fields, a sand pile for digging, agility equipment, and park-provided toys. There are also separate areas for small dogs and a kid-friendly dog spot where children and dogs can play together. There are fees for all of these perks ($289 yearly for one pooch), but for the lucky dogs who get to enjoy Dog Wood, it is sure to be a treat. Daily passes are available.

#1 Point Isabel Dog Park (Richmond, CA)

Point Isabel offers 23 acres of play space and wonderful amenities including swimming, hiking, provided biodegradable poop mitts, and grooming stations. Owners can also enjoy the amazing views, and activities like biking and bird watching. The park is open until 10 p.m., is free for all dogs and people, and provides free parking.

Top 10 Dog - Friendly Cars

2011-02-25T11:41:00.003-05:00

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Cars

We dog lovers take our pets seriously. In fact, we take them so seriously that our four-legged friends are as much a part of our family as our children. So it’s no surprise that when we hit the road for a family outing, we often bring our pups along for the ride. Yet some rides are better than others for roaming with Rover. Here’s a look at the top ten vehicles best-suited for canines and their drivers.

Personal NOTE from The Miami dog Whisperer: I drive a Hyundai Santa Fe, and I love that my dogs fit comfortably in the back and with the protective covers it is ideal! I also like the mileage that I get from my Santa Fe, so to me, this very affordable and great looking SUV should be added to the list.

#1. Nissan Cube Hatchback

Hyundai Santa Fe SUV

#2. Ford Fiesta Hatchback

#3. Honda Element Economic Mid-Size SUV

#4. Range Rover Supercharged SUV

#5. Audi A4 Avant Station Wagon

#6. Mitsubishi Outlander SUV

#7. Kia Shortage Crossover

#8. Ram 1500 Pickup Truck

#9. Mazda 3 Hatchback

#10. Chevrolet Equinox Crossover

Top 10 Smartest Dog Breeds! (Official Kennel Clubs List)

2011-02-25T10:48:00.000-05:00

Official AKC list of the top 10 smartest dog breeds! Great video, Check out which breed will come in as "The Smartest Dog Breed" , can you guess??????
Video curtesy of You Tube (leoapp1223)

The MIami Dog Whisperer training a dog nobody thought could be trained! Great Obedience!

2011-02-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

When Richard Heinz, The Miami Dog Whisperer met the owners of this Pug puppy, Meatball, they did not think their little dog could be trained to do much more than sit. After working with Meatball for several weeks, Richard shows off what Meatball can do with just a little training. Meatball surprised everyone with his obedience, including his owners!

The Miami Dog Whisperer at Max's first class! AMAZING!

2011-02-25T10:13:00.000-05:00

Max would not allow his owner to walk him. He'd pull her all over the place and she barely got two steps without Max laying down or trying to do his own thing. Frustrated, they called Richard Heinz, The Miami Dog Whisperer from The Harvard of Dog Training and after observing the behavior, and working with max literally just a few minutes, not only did Richard , The Miami Dog Whisperer, get Max to walk properly, but to walk properly Off-Leash! Just amazing results in a short time. Now the hard part is to teach the owners how to do the same thing.....Check it out!

What is a DOG WHISPERER?

2011-02-23T22:14:00.000-05:00

What is a Dog Whisperer?

There is a big difference between a dog trainer and a dog whisperer.

A dog trainer will train your dog to sit stay, and heel. The dog trainer will often have one method they implement with all dogs, no matter what the issue or the dog, regardless of whether it is effective or not.

A dog whisperer will use many different techniques, and cater to the dog’s unique characteristics, the owner’s needs and the behavior situation at hand.

The term “Whisperer” is given to someone that has a natural and inborn ability to understand what is going on inside a dog’s mind, as well as being able to read a dog’s body language quickly and accurately. A dog whisperer can communicate with dogs in their own language and be the lea -son between the dog and the owners. The dog whisperer is as much a human trainer as they are a dog trainer. The dog whisperer is not only able to fix the problems themselves and make the dogs behave when he is there, but they can transfer that knowledge over to the dog owners and teach them how to do it every day.

A truly successful dog whisperer is able to transfer their ability and knowledge to the owners and help them better understand their dogs and have a happier, healthier relationship. These unique abilities are very rare in the dog training industry and therefore you see very few people with the Whisperer term attached to their name. You do not become a dog whisperer by going to school and getting a “whisperer” degree. You are born with an ability to read dogs, and then perfect that ability through years of experience and the perfecting of not one, but all the dog training techniques, with the ability to know which one to use, in what situation and with what dog and then transferring that knowledge to the dog owners.

I am known as The Miami Dog Whisperer, a name I have earned through my career and my success in this field, and I am always humbled , grateful ,and proud when I get the opportunity to share this ability with my clients always with amazing results .

Richard Heinz

All Dog Trainers are NOT Created equal! MUST READ (this can save you time and money!)

2011-02-23T22:00:00.001-05:00

Important! Read this if you care about your dog and your money$$

Before I write what I am about to tell you I want to start off by saying that It's impossible for me to train everyone's dogs, although I wish I could! With that said, you have some very difficult decisions to make if you are thinking about getting your dog trained.

Why?

Here is how my typical day of the week goes. I go to 3-5 new clients homes a day. And almost always they tell me that they've already had at least 2 dog trainers before me. A lot of people have shocking 3 to 5 dog trainers before me. Yes, you read that right. 5 dog trainers.

Keep in mind that all of these dog trainers were highly recommended by someone they know and trusted, to them. And almost all of the people who attempt to get their dog trained start at a group class at one of the major pet supply stores; where you are definitely throwing your money away. Luckily it's very little money, but that's why the public starts there first.

These people don't realize that there's a huge difference between what each dog trainer knows and a huge difference between their individual skill levels. The typical group class dog trainer is usually at a (nursery school or kindergarten grade level for example) on a scale that goes up to a doctorate level (yes, you don’t want a low level trainer for your beloved dog, you want to make sure you have a trainer that is at the PHD level for sure!) .

Ouch, that's scary. Now here's something even scarier. The majority of the dog trainers that you will be meeting with or interviewing are maybe a hair higher on the ladder than those pet store classes (no offence to those trainers, everyone has to start off somewhere and this is a great way to gain experience).

Fact! Most trainers, who claim to be “the best”, are First grade level at best.

A recent study estimated that 93%-97% of dog trainers in the country don't really know what they are doing. Sad, but true! It seems that everyone thinks they can train a dog, simply because they have owned one in the past, and that makes them an “expert”.

So, Every time I step into one of these homes who have had so many dog trainers already- the owners are usually blown away at what I am telling them and how quickly I get results or have it fixed pretty much the first day when they've already had 20-30 training classes combined with all the other dog trainers. I take over dog training programs that have been a disaster ranging from group class instructors, top sport dog competitors, recently a French ring sport champion, police dog trainers, clicker trainers and recently which most people would be shocked about that don't know anything about me or my skill level a very famous dog trainer on TV that almost everyone knows whether you own a dog or not

You can say, I have seen it all and I am still shocked by all of this on a daily basis even though I've been hearing it and seeing it for many, many years. I just feel so bad for the owners, who love their dogs and want the best for them, to spend all the money to try to get them the best training possible, and not see any results. It breaks my heart and so I decided to write something to help.

My advice to you is to do your research before hiring the trainer that fits your needs and style. Make sure that they do an evaluation and you get to meet, and listen to how the program works before you have to pay them. This helps you decide the right program for you. I’d also advice that you look for proof, such as in videos, or client testimonials, that they can do what they say that can do. A professional trainer should not only be able to tell you what they can do for you, but show you as well. Stay away from anyone who guarantees their training. Yes, it sounds good, but training is something nobody can guarantee because of the many variables involved. It depends on the trainer, but also on the dog, and strongly on the owners, so they should tell you that if you do what they say, the program will work, but nobody (NOBODY) can guarantee and if they do, they are lying and you should stay away from them because you will be disappointed. Another thing you want to stay away from is any trainer who tells you that by doing obedience commands; they will be able to fix a behavior issue. Unless this issue is to come or to sit, then that will not work and any good professional dog trainer will be know that.

Never send your dog away to be trained, unless it is followed by some training to you after. Most of the issues you have are at your home, or in your neighborhood, many times just removing dog from there will do the trick, however as soon as dog returns, without the proper follow up and effort on the owner’s part, the training would have been a waste of time.

Vets are wonderful, but they are not dog trainers, so beware of training advice that comes from your vet. From having trained many vets, I can tell you that they have let me know that their training knowledge is limited at best and that many times they advice on what they “think” is right, so make sure you listen to your veterinarian about anything health related, but when it comes to training, hire a professional dog trainer.

REMEMBER: If a dog trainer starts telling you that they are going to fix your dog’s behavior or aggression problems by teaching them obedience commands or having them attend a group class- run away as fast as you can! Aggression is a very difficult issue that not many trainers are able to deal with, much less fix. They have to have experience and know dog psychology in order to truly help you, so you need to find the trainer who deals with aggression on a regular basis and has had great success with it. (Check out their videos, those are always very telling!)

Now, that being said, I do have to give Kudos to the many amazing trainers out there, and behavior experts who bring knowledge and professionalism to the owners and give this wonderful career a good name. Cesar Milan (from the National Geographic show) and Oscar Anzueto (from The Harvard of Dog Training) are two of them, and I have met a few more from different parts of the world. (if you are one of them, and are reading this blog, I know you know exactly what I am talking about, and I thank you for your dedication to your profession!)

Good Luck on your search because our dogs are counting on you (DOG OWNER) to help them so they are not given away or put to sleep unnecessarily. The help is definitely there for you. You just have to make the correct decision in choosing your help.

Richard Heinz **World Renowned Professional Dog Trainer/Behavior Expert known in the media as The Miami Dog Whisperer

Adult Dog vs. Puppy - The Truth!

2011-02-23T21:19:00.001-05:00

Question:

Getting an Adult Dog vs. a Puppy (the Truth!)

Puppies are cute. Puppies are cuddly and small and frankly adorable. Puppies will melt your heart and make you love them instantly! However, it is important to realize before you bring that bundle of joy home with you, that puppies are also time consuming, not housebroken, can't be left alone for long periods of time, have a hard time sleeping through the night at first, will go through the teething stage and use your shoes, and legs to chew on, and overall have and will develop different behavior issues you can't foresee because their true personality has not come through yet.

The reality is that puppies are not ideal for the majority of busy households and many times they don't get the attention, exercise, patience, and most importantly the proper training they need to behave in an acceptable way. Sadly, in many cases these are the puppies that get given away, abandoned or put into shelters for adoption, where euthanasia is often the end of the road for them if they don't get adopted within a few weeks. That is why Puppies make up a large percentage of the dogs that enter shelters each year. Lucky for them, puppies are the first to get adopted at a shelter, but many times they are often returned to the same shelter, for the same reasons (lack of time, knowledge, and proper training) and the odds they will get adopted as they get older are very slim.

FACT: You do NOT bond more with a puppy than you do with an adult dog. That is a huge misconception.

Adult dogs are a great choice in many cases. An Adult Dog is much more ready to become an instant companion. They will be your best friend right away, because there is no need to wait for them to grow up, or develop a personality. An adult dog has already been through all the quirks of puppyhood and has happily moved on so there is less of the wee-wee on your favorite carpet and chewing on your shoes. Because you will see their true personality as you chose them, and can pick a better fit for your family, an Adult Dog is much more likely to fit into your family dynamic and become an instant member without skipping a beat.

That being said, The most important thing to do regardless of whether you chose an adorable and rambunctious puppy, or a calmer and more set in their ways adult dog, is to have a training plan ready for when the new member of the family comes home. It is important that you remember that All dogs need training, and this will assure that you and your dog will get the right start and establish a healthy and balanced relationship from day one.

Now you know the real difference between getting a puppy, and getting an adult dog, it is up to you to make the decision that is right for you and your family. Happy Adopting!

by, Richard Heinz

The Miami Dog Whisperer

www.theharvardofdogtraining.com

(305)223-5291

What dog food do you use for your dog(s)? Why?

2011-02-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

We are always asked to recommend dog food that is good for your dog. Please let us know what you use and why? (does your dog like it?)

Share your dog stories here!

2011-02-23T16:05:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone, we want to hear your dog stories!

Dog Training Questions??

2011-02-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, we created this blog so our current and future clients can ask any and all of their dog training questions. You can also post your dog stories, or anything at all related to your dogs behavior, etc.

Looking forward to hearing from you!