Dog Training Classes Part of Well-Rounded Canine Care, Says Asheville Animal Hospital Veterinarian Team
Dog ownership involves love – and does not have to involve soiled rugs and chewed-up shoes. Our Asheville veterinarians at Charlotte Street Animal Hospital work with animals every day, with services that range from the routine to emergency vet care, and we know all too well the importance of proper dog training. While our animal hospital does not offer dog training classes, we do know experienced and compassionate trainers that do.
We encourage pet owners to discuss behavioral issues with our veterinarians. For serious behavioral issues, we refer pet owners to our Behavior Center for a consultation appointment. For common behavioral issues and general training like jumping, house soiling, excessive barking or chewing, we refer pet owners to the Train Station service at our Behavior Center. The Train Station is Asheville’s first walk-in dog training center and is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Train Station does not require appointments and is a great resource for pet owners looking to solve common pet issues.
Asheville Veterinarian Recommends Dog Training for Obedience, Socialization, Deeper Bond with Owners, and Positive Behavior
Dog training classes can be valuable for dogs of all shapes, sizes and even ages. The adage is not true that an old dog cannot learn a new trick. It may take longer to break unsavory habits of older dogs, but with enough diligence and repetition new habits can be formed. Training is not just for unsavory behavior, either. It can help establish the rules of the household that prevent negative behaviors before they even start. Negative behaviors that are left unchecked and left to fester can develop into full-fledged behavioral problems that seem insurmountable.One of the top reasons people give up dogs is not because of a dog’s health, age or outside circumstance, but because of a dog’s negative behavior. Habits that were once easily modified can grow into major problems. Consistently working with a dog through methods used at dog training classes, can eradicate the negative behavior and transform an unruly animal into a responsive, well-behaved and lovable pet.
Dog training is valuable on many levels. Dogs that respond to commands such as “sit” and “stay” are less likely to run loose if they somehow get off their leash. This could save a trip to the emergency vet clinic – or a dog’s life. Knowing not to jump on or growl at guests who enter the home can save guests and owners a lot of anxiety and grief. Working closely with a dog during training also helps establish a closer bond between owner and animal as well as reinforce a dog’s penchant to please. It also helps socialize dogs so they know how to behave around other dogs, people and even for a trip to the veterinarian office.
And then there are the tricks. Most dogs generally enjoy having a task and teaching them tricks can give both the owner and dog satisfaction. Some tricks are useful, such as fetching a pair of non-chewed-up slippers, while others are all in fun. Positive reinforcement training, in which a dog is rewarded for positive behavior with a treat, toy or affection, can be fun regardless of what skill a dog is developing Dog training can be fun and useful for the entire family, and our Asheville animal hospital veterinarian team can help owners find it.
Companion Animal Food and Supplies Drive
Charlotte Street Animal Hospital is proud to sponsor a chilly weather pet food and supplies drive for the needy animals of our region!
From November 15, 2011 to April 15, 2012, Charlotte Street Animal Hospital will be collecting donations for six local animal rescue organizations including Animal Compassion Network, Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Catman2, Meals on Wheels for Pets, and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue.
Each organization's wishlists are outlined below. Please make donations at our hospital or via phone. And thank you! for helping ensure that the furry members of our community stay nourished, cozy, and happy this cold season!
Animal Compassion Network:
-Scoopable kitty litter
-Dog & Cat food (our dogs & cats LOVE Chicken Soup for the Soul!)
-Blankets & towels
-Nutrical
-Mother's Milk Replacer (puppies and kittens)
-Stamps (1st class & higher)
-Long-distance calling cards
-Collars & leashes
-Printer toner and ink (call 274-3647 for specifics!)
-Cleaning supplies
-Gas cards for transport program
-Kongs and other interactive toys for dogs and cats
Asheville Humane Society:
-Towels/blankets
-Canned dog & cat food (please, no fish)
-Clay kitty litter
-Latex exam gloves (size small & medium)
-Hot dogs
-Bleach
-55-gallon trash bags
-White copy paper
-Beef and chicken bullion
-Hard plastic toys (Nylabones are awesome!)
-Peanut butter
-Cat toys that dangle
-Cardboard scratching posts (only the ones that lay on the ground)
-Rawhides and pig ears
-Kong/interactive toys
-Rope toys
-Paper towels
-Chewy dog treats/dried liver
-Monetary donations
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue:
-Blankets/towels
-Dry & canned puppy, kitten, dog and cat food (Pedigree is preferred, but any is welcome)
-Dog treats
-Peanut butter
-Dog toys (Kongs, Nylabones, squeaky toys, etc)
-Leashes
-Non-slip collars
-Scoopable (clumping) kitty litter
-Cat treats
-Cat toys (including disposable catnip scratch pads and teaser toys)
-Thundershirts for anxious/scared doggies
-Bleach & Pine Sol
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to Petsmart & Petco
-Gas cards for the Northern Transport program
-Office supplies & 1st class stamps
-Universal Microchip scanner
-Monetary donations
Catman2:
-Friskies canned food
-Purina/Meow Mix/Iams/Friskies dry food
-Old pillow cases/blankets/towels/crib sheets
-Litter deodorizer
-New or gently used crib mattresses
-Laundry detergent
-Gift cards to purchase supplies (Lowe's & Wal-Mart)
-Non-toxic cleaners (ex. Simple Green, Greenworks, etc)
-Paper towels
-Litter scoops
-Sterilite/Rubbermaid tubs (we use them as litter boxes)
-White vinegar
-Office supplies (printer paper, binders, tape, etc)
-Air fresheners (citrus blocks, sprays, etc)
Meals on Wheels for Pets:
-Dog and cat food of any kind
Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue:
*Any perishable items will be picked up by a volunteer upon donation
-Clean, unused bird toys
-Raw, unsalted nuts (our birds LOVE walnuts!!)
-Grains (quinoa, millet, kamut, etc)
-Fold-down carriers (for transport)
-Grocery store gift cards
-Fresh fruits & vegetables
-Monetary donations for vet bills
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Clinic Hours
| Monday | 7 - 8
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| Tuesday | 7 - 6
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| Wednesday | 7 - 8
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| Thursday | 7 - 8
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| Friday | 7 - 6
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| Saturday | 9 - 1
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| Sunday | Closed |
Call Us:
828-232-0440 Request
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