Ah, Spring! Ah-CHOO!

If you've spent even just one year in Atlanta you know exactly what I mean. While many folks wax eloquently on about Spring being Atlanta's best season, it does have its drawbacks. Allergy sufferers like myself pop decongestants like candy, keep tissue companies in business, startle anyone within earshot with surprise sneezing fits, and bemoan the fine yellow dust that permeates everything for a month or two each year.

It's the price we pay to live here. Though oak pollen is one of my worst enemies, I adore the amount of stately hardwood trees that still exist despite rampant development. I shudder to see them bulldozed and feel actual pain when storms bring them down.

Spring is, of course, an excellent time to get out and show off your trained dog for all to see. It's also a great time to get into a training program if your pooch isn't "show-offable."

It's still cool enough to take Fido places in the car, too--which it won't be very soon. So make the most of the season and improve your relationship with your four-legged companion!

Practicing a down-stay while the rhododendrons bloom. Yes, it was a very long down-stay. :-)

Wouldn't a romp in the garden be fun?

AS YOU VENTURE OUTDOORS, REMEMBER:

With warmer weather come the bugs! Mosquitoes, fleas and ticks pose the biggest risk to pets. Talk to your veterinarian about parasite control now, before the infestation begins. Your dog should be on heartworm preventative already (our winters are too mild to kill off skeeters, so you should give it year-round).

Once your pooch has the basics down, he might enjoy the sport of agility.

How about some canine sports? Agility, flyball, Rally-O and others can give you and your trained pooch a great avenue to meet other dog lovers and improve your bond.

Dog sports are great for meeting the dog's exercise and mental stimulation needs, too.

The oppressive heat and humidity of the summer are just around the corner, so enjoy the outdoors now! Just remember to take your inhaler, allergy pills, tissues, eye drops...

See you in the park!

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NEW! Private lessons at the Atlanta Humane Society!

The Pooch Professor is now teaching private lessons at the Atlanta Humane Society. These are done by appointment during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The first appointment can start as early as 9:30 am, and the last appointment of the day can begin no later than 3pm.

These lessons are less expensive than in-home visits (please call (404) 974-2899 for pricing), and are flexible in what we can cover.

The classes I teach at AHS remain the most popular offerings. For more info about those, check out Obedience Classes at the Atlanta Humane Society.