Koko Amazes Us With Her Skills!

As promised, some more footage of the LOVELY Koko! Koko completed two weeks in our daycare and train program for help with her manners. Koko LOVED to drag her parents around town on walks and there was no stopping her when another dog passed by. She knew she was strong and she knew she could easily take Mom to the ground if she pulled hard enough.

Koko had a great time training at the Paw and now, she'd like to show off her stuff to all of her loyal fans. Check out Koko's video!

The AMAZING Tex!!!

I'd like to take a moment to introduce Tex. Tex is an Australian Cattle Dog who was originally brought into this world to serve a purpose. His mom picked him to be her teammate in agility. Unfortunately, as Tex began to mature, he started displaying less than stellar behaviors. I'll never forget the first time I met Tex. His mom brought him in for a consultation because she was having difficulty with his dog aggression. Apparently, any time another dog was in site, sweet, adorable little Tex turned into Mr. Hyde.

During his first visit to the Paw, Tex seemed apprehensive. I approached him and he slunk into a little ball. I walked away from him to grab a collar and just as I moved, he jumped out and nipped me in the back of the leg. Mom was shocked and concerned. I knew this meant we had a much deeper issue to deal with.

We got to work. Mom was and still is one of the most dedicated dog owners I have met - she will do anything to make sure Tex rehabilitates and she follows through with every piece of advice she is given. Soon, Tex began regularly attending our anti-agrgession social and now, he has graduated to be able to socialize with our daycare friends!

We still have quite a bit of work to do on Mr. Tex but mom shared something very exciting with me today. She has been taking Tex sheepherding and apparently, our slinky little chicken has been showing another side of himself. At his lessons, he has been great with the other dogs, a star with the sheep and has shown some confidence we aren't used to seeing out of him....

Tex reminded me of just how valuable dog sports can be. You see, in getting your dog out and having fun with them while teaching them new things, you are actually strengthening your bond with them and building confidence. I encourage everyone with a dog to check out dog sports. Even if your dog isn't the fastest or the most agile, I know there is a dog sport out there for you. From flyball to agility to dock diving and lure coursing, dog sports are taking the world by storm....and rightfully so! If you are interested in checking out some dog sports - competitively or just for fun - email us and we will be happy to help you choose a dog sport that suits your pooch! Heck, I have even been looking into new sports for my dogs to particpate in!

Great job Tex! Your family at Metropawlitan Dog is proud of you!

Yahoo goes to the drug store...Longs Drug - Market Street

I am beginning my "Adventures of Yahoo" blog with one of my favorite places to take Yahoo, Longs Drug on Market and 6th.

Longs opened about a year ago. Until then, all of us living downtown had to go to Ralphs or Albertsons for any supplies. Since I was living right in the middle of them both, I was excited to have a place a few short blocks away from me open.

I used to do what most of us do and tie Yahoo up outside of the store while I "ran in" for a few things. Like most of us, I don't like leaving my dog unattended outside. One day, the security guard at Longs invited Yahoo in with me. Since then, Longs on Market has turned into my favorite store.

Everyone that works in this store is dog friendly. They really enjoy their customers and their dogs. Some smart Manager realized that it was a good business decision to embrace downtown's love of dogs rather than fight it.

Now I make Longs a regular stop on our walks. Yahoo loves going into Longs. They used to give out treats to the dogs. Now they just give out "pets" but that is OK with Yahoo and me. Sometime I get dirty looks from people in the store, especially out-of- towners. Most people in the stores just smile and pet Yahoo.

All I know is that Longs on Market has won my business by being one of the most dog friendly places to shop in San Diego!

Longs Drug
(619) 234-5900 - 645 Market St, San Diego, CA

The adventures of Yahoo

In 2007, I moved from North County to downtown, when I founded Metropawlitan Dog. One of my biggest concerns was how my 80lb Newfoundland Mix, Yahoo, would adapt. Since I adopted him (8 years ago), he has had the run of a 2,000 square foot house with a yard. In addition, our neighborhood was full of dog friends. There were open spaces, beaches, trails and a lot of rabbits to chase.

Since living downtown, my dog has had more fun than he ever had in the suburbs. Why? Well, what I found is that living in the city is very dog friendly. It allows you to develop a stronger relationship with your dog. When you live in a house, you can get away with not taking your dog out for a walk. In the city, there are no excuses...you have to walk your dog. What I found is when you walk your dog... that this is when the fun begins!

I decided to share my dog friendly finds in San Diego, focusing on the downtown area. These are places that you can go to everyday with your dog. The focus is integrating the time you spend with your dog into your everyday life. I think you will be surprised at all the places you can take your dog with you in the downtown San Diego area.