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Yes, YOUR DOG can be a Canine Good Citizen…this weekend!

Mar 10th, 2010
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By nature dogs want to be good, but it is up to us as humans; the more evolved species to teach our canine companions our definition of good.  

By investing some quality time with your dog and getting some basic training you will reap the benefits of having a pet that is welcome almost anywhere and is appreciated by your family, friends and neighbors.

The Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) established in 1989, is an American Kennel Club program designed to promote responsible dog ownership and encourage the training of well mannered dogs. It is a team effort, you and your dog(s).

This Saturday and Sunday, March 13th and 14th, The Palm Beach County Dog Fanciers Association, Inc. in association with Very Important Paws (West Palm Beach & Wellington) co-owner Marc Street who is also the owner of The Happy Dog Training Inc. and a member of the Palm Beach Dog Fanciers Association Inc. will conduct  Canine Good Citizen (CGC) testing.

The CGC test is open to mixed breed and  purebred dogs who are at least 6 months of age or older.  All dogs must be vaccinated including puppies. The cost for CGC test is $5.00 per dog plus the dog show entrance fee. 

The CGC will cover:

1. Accepting a friendly stranger.

2. Sitting politely for petting.

3. Appearance and grooming.

4. Walking on a loose lead.

5. Walking through a crowd.

6. Sit and down command and staying in place.

7. Coming when called.

8. Reaction to another dog.

9. Reaction to distraction 

10. Supervised separation.

Upon successful completion of the 10-items on the test, you dog will be awarded a CGC certificate from the American Kennel Club.   Certification may enable your dog to accompany you to accepting restaurants, hotels, and may also be the prerequisite for acceptance into Condo and Homeowners Associations.

CGC Testing will be conducted on Saturday at 11am and at 3pm, and Sunday at 11am.

Join us this weekend at the South Florida Fairgrounds, East and West Expo Centers, located 9067 Southern Boulevard, West Palm Beach, Florida 33411.

Posted in: Dog Boarding, Dog Daycare, Dog Grooming, Dog Training.
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VIP Celebrates Its 6th Anniversary

Feb 26th, 2010
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Our clients often say “I could stay and watch the dogs play all day…Very Important Paws must be a great place to work.”

It is, and our clients and our guests are the best! 

And thanks to you Very Important Paws is now celebrating our  SIXTH ANNIVERSARY at our Downtown West Palm Beach location. 

You know that every great business starts with a brilliant idea…

Seven years ago NYC native, West Palm Beach transplant Will Corrente was cruising past The Breakers Hotel on the Island when he had a thought…why not create a LUXURY HOTEL FOR DOGS.   It’s Palm Beach where perhaps there are more privileged pooches per capita than anywhere else in the world, who quite frankly would not stand for the cold, dank,  and unwelcoming  common cinder block and chain link accommodations of traditional kennels.

Will floated his Very Important Paws idea to a couple of friends professional dog trainer Marc Street and businessman Kevin Keene who agreed  there needs to be a VIP and the friends were off and running.  Who knew Doggie Daycare, Luxury Boarding, Grooming, and Training would be in such demand.

Our flagship location in Downtown West Palm Beach has an interesting history, the main building used to be a Harley Davidson dealership; we like to say we’ve gone from hogs to dogs.  

 The building adjacent to the reception area and hotel where our guests play was once a movie theatre.   The projection room is on the second floor overlooking the play area.  

In December, 2007, VIP opened its second location in Wellington to serve the western communities.

Since its inception Very Important Paws has maintained a relationship with the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. VIP recognizes the importance of adopting and rescuing pets from area shelters.  In fact, VIP’s fourth and silent partner ‘CoCo’ , a Black Lab who regularly visits both of our locations was adopted from The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League by Will when she was just seven months old.   Many clients ask Will how they can get  their dog to be as well trained as CoCo.   Will says ‘CoCo’ is a testament to the kind of quality companion you may adopt from a shelter. He  says it was the best ninety-five dollars he ever spent.   We all agree.

During an average season VIP donates to some thirty charities including the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, The American Cancer Society,  American Lung Association, Leukemia and Lymphoma, Dreyfoos School of the Arts, The Epilepsy Foundation, Evening on Antique Row, Juvenile Diabetes,  King’s Academy. Various local neighborhood associations and sports teams, St. Ann’s and St. Julianna’s, The Shriners,  The Boys and Girls Club, The West Palm 100, and Toys for Tots just to name a few.

Please join us in celebrating our SIXTH ANNIVERSARY with special savings and discounts offered at  our Very Important Paws location in Downtown West Palm Beach.

On Monday March 1, 2010 save $6 off  the purchase of a single day of daycare

On Tuesday, March 2, 2010, save $6 off the purchase of a Requested Bath

On Wednesday and Thursday March 3 & 4, save $6 off the purchase of a 5 day play pack, or save $12 off the purchase of a 10 day play pack, or save $24 off the purchase of a 20 day play pack.

Thank you for 6 great years we look forward to serving you for many more!

Posted in: Dog Daycare, Dog Grooming.
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It’s always Valentine’s Day at Very Important Paws…

Feb 14th, 2010
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Cupid works overtime at Very Important Paws. Every single day there is another happy, playful, furry face to fall in love with.

That’s just one of the many reasons why we all love working here so much .

The team at Very Important Paws in Downtown West Palm Beach and Wellington are an experienced and diverse group of individuals from all walks of life who share a common bond…we all love DOGS!

Many of us have had careers in other fields. One member of our team worked as a professional classical musician, another was an executive chef, another was a broadcast journalist and still another worked as a microbiologist before choosing to work at VIP.   Very Important Paws has also been an inspiration for some members of our team to learn to groom and for others to move up to middle management.   No matter what service we offer Doggie Daycare, Dog Boarding, Dog Grooming, or Dog Training it is always a pleasure interacting with our four legged guests because we receive lots of unconditional love and perhaps that is the best love of all.

Thank you for sharing the love in your life with us!

Posted in: Dog Daycare, Dog Grooming.
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Super Bowl Weekend 2010

Feb 1st, 2010
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As you know Super Bowl Sunday is a great day to get together with family, friends, and co-workers and watch the big game. Whether you plan to head south to Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens to watch the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, or have a Super Bowl party at home or elsewhere, Very Important Paws is here to provide overnight Dog Boarding and insure your dog has his own super weekend away from the cheers and jeers of boisterous football fans.

Since we are talking about football, sort of…What do dogs and football players have in common?   Aside from running around and chasing a ball on a field, dogs and football players are both prone to rupturing their ACL, anterior cruciate ligament.  It is the most commonly injured ligament in a dog’s knee as well as a football player.  A  Football player’s knees are frequently injured while running, twisting , and turning on the gridiron.   A Dog may rupture their ACL during exercise that involves jumping or running on changing terrain or stepping in a hole while running.   

Obese dogs are at greater risk for suffering an ACL injury as are specific breeds including, but not limited to Bichon Frises, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepards, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Lhasa Apso’s, Mastiffs, Minature and Toy Poodles, and Rottweilers.   Injuring an ALC can be painful and result in lameness if the injury is not treated. In addition, an untreated ACL injury may lead to debilitating arthritis.    If your dog is reluctant to put pressure or weight on one of his hind legs, or sits crookedly, you should have him checked by your vet for ligament injury.  

A normal dog’s knee works like a hinge, keeping the dog’s leg stable as it bends.  When the knee has a ruptured ACL the “hinge” becomes loose.  By taking x-rays or applying pressure on the knee, a veterinarian will feel the bones move and determine any abnormality or ligament injury and decide on the best course of treatment for the health and well being of your dog.

 Call us today and book a SUPERBOWL XLIV WEEKEND SUITE at one of our two convenient locations: Very Important Paws in Downtown West Beach or Wellington 561-366-9000.

Posted in: Dog Daycare, Dog Grooming, Services.
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Happy New Year!

Jan 5th, 2010
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The new year means new resolutions, new promises, new ideas, and new ways to care for your pet. Here at Very Important Paws, we like to keep things fresh and new. What better way to keep your pets happy and healthy than to find ways of keeping their food and water fresh and clean? The Very Important Paws Store carries many feeding and watering products to keep your pets food and water supplies refreshed.

Automatic feeders make it easier and more convenient to feed your pet while also ensuring that the supply is fresh. Automatic water suppliers and automated water replenishers provide clean, clear water that help to reduce the occurrence of urinary tract diseases.

So this year, resolve to keeps your pets happy as well as healthy, and from all of us at Very Important Paws, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Keeping Your Pets Warm

Dec 4th, 2009
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It’s December, and you know what that means. Welcome in the cold weather season. While we humans bundle up for brisk breezes, we sometimes forget about our furry friends. So, for the best in Pet Weather Protection, visit the VIPaws Store for a complete line of Heated Beds. We also carry All Season as well as Cool Beds (perfect for those hot, Floridian summers) and Memory Foam Beds. Remember your pets this winter season and don’t leave them out in the cold!

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Safe Holiday Decorating

Nov 30th, 2009
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We here at Very Important Paws Daycare love decorating for the holidays. Pets, however, can love it so much they play with it or try to eat the stuff and end up getting hurt. One of your responsibilities as an animal owner is to pick pet-safe holiday decor. Every decorating season should be accompanied by a checklist in your head of how to make it safest for your furry friends. Here are some safe decorating tips and ideas.Having A Safe, Fun Holiday

1. Hang It Up High

What ever you choose to decorate with, it will be safest for your pet if they can not reach it. Keep ornaments away from the bottom of trees and from shelves that animals can reach or climb up onto.

2. Stay Away From Edibles

Candy Canes, Gingerbread Houses, scented candles, and holiday plants such as poinsettias and mistletoe can pose a potential digestive danger to your pets. These particular items should not be left where pets can get to them. Although some of them are not toxic, cleaning puke is no good way to spend the holidays.

3. Sweat the Small Stuff

Small pieces such as ornaments and detachable parts such as bulbs and hooks are part of a recipe for disaster if mixed with your pets. Use solid ornaments and decorations, make of thick, solid plastic, wood or metal, that do not have many small parts that can come unhinged . Use the adage that if your pet can fit something in its mouth, it most likely will.

4. Prepare the Power

Electrical cords  are a big hazard for curious animals with sharp teeth. Not only does it ruin your lighting set-up, it could prove fatal if your pet is electrocuted. Tack cords out of reach and use high outlets if possible. Block outlets from access with stacks of books or boxes so your pet (and even some small children) does not have easy access. There are even outlet protectors you can buy for added safety and security.

5. Decorations for Dogs

And cats, and birds, and other furry friends are available at many pet stores and retailers. When you haul out the decor, also haul out a set of holiday toys especially for your pet. Anytime Fido goes for something hanging from the tree, quickly hand him one of his own special toys to show him that’s what he should be playing with. Specially designed toys and decoration made specifically for your pets are a good way to keep your pets safe while giving them the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with you.

The Staff at Very Important Paws Daycare would like to wish you and your pets a Safe and Fun Holidays!

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Marc Steet’s The Happy Dog Training Inc. at Very Important Paws West Palm Beach Florida

Nov 13th, 2009
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“Bringing Out the Best in Your Dog”
Private In-Home Training • Boarding And Training • Group Classes • Puppy Kindergarten • Behavior Facility • Grooming • Dog Daycare For All Breeds & Ages In South Florida

Private In-Home Training
Customized Training to Fit Your Needs and Schedule
An experienced and knowledgeable dog trainer will come to you in the comfort and privacy of your home to help with all of your training needs.  Your trainer will become your own private coach to work with you and your dog to help achieve long-lasing results.  Private lessons are a greeat way to keep the motivation necessary in having and maintaining a well-trained dog.  For your convenience, our trainers will work around your busy schedules.

Behavior Consulting
Solutions to All Behavior Problems
Some problems require a little extra help and very specific  solutions.  We can help you eliminate unwanted dog behavior such as destructiveness, aggression, barking, digging, housebreaking, separation anxiety, jumping, leash pulling and more.

Boarding and Training
The Palm Beach Pooch Camp
“Boarding and Training” is the quickest and easiest way to get long-lasting results, while allowing your dog to learn in a structured environment with positive, consistent and constant reinforcement of new commands.  Each day of your dog’s stay will consist of training and socialization sessions as well as play times with other dogs of equal size and temperament.  Each night, your dog will sleep in his or huer own private suite.  Throw in lots of love by our caring staff and a day at the spa just before you pick up your dog and he or she may want to stay forever!

Boarding and training is the best and by far the most successful tool we can offer to give you a well behaved pet for life.

Group Classes
All Classes are Limited to Eight Dogs
We offer a variety of classes that meet once a week for six weeks.  Our classes are limited in size to provide maximum individual attention.

Puppy Kindergarten-For puppies 9 weeks to 6 months old.  This is an enjoyable way to teach and socialize your puppy.  Early training builds confidence and prevents unwanted behavior.

Basic Obedience-For dogs 6 months and older.  It’s never too late to start training!  Our motivational classes help with your dog’s self control in a group setting.

Intermediate & Advanced Obedience-For those wanting to continue the learning process, these classes offer fun and exciting new challenges and commands.

Canine Good Citizen Class-The AKC has a formal test to determine if you dog is a “Good Canine Citizen”.  This class is designed to teach all the tasks necessary to take the CGC test.  Mixed breeds and purebred dogs over 6 months old are welcome.
Call us for class locations

Marc Street with Myrtle and Luther

“…For the past 12 years we have used Marc exclusively for the behavioral training needs of our clients.”
Steven Atwood, V.M.D.
Jennifer Everett, D.V.M.

“Marc quickly adapts to different pet personalities…He has a very effective, common sense philosophy and does an excellent job presenting it.  We now have four happy dogs.
Kirsten Sauter, D.V.M.

“Marc gets my highest recommendation…one of the best in his field.”
Brian Kilcommons, Leading Authority on Dog Training and author of “Good Owners, Great Dogs” and “Metro Dogs”

“When he came to work with our 2-year old Yorkie, even our kitty fell in love with him!”
Terry & Sam Abby

Marc was a weekly guest on ABC Channel 25 News.  Featured every Monday morning on “Pet Corner”, Marc discussed related training tips.

Marc has appeared on The CBS Evening News, and The American Baby Show.  He has also appeared on local news programs in Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Orlando, New York, and many o9ther major U.S. cities.

National Media Spokesperson and Director of Training for the Invisible Fence Company from 1988 through 2001.

Over 15 years experience

Behavior training:  Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine

Director of Training:  The Walter Turken Training for Adoption Program

Member:  Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Excellent References

All of The Happy Dog’s trainers are hand-picked, experienced trainers

Recommended by Your Veterinarian, Animal Shelters, and Dog Owners throughout Palm Beach County.

Free Brush-Up Training Included

Over 10,000 Happy Dogs Owners!  Serving all of Palm Beach County

South Florida Training Dept.
561-798-4114

South Florida Boarding, Grooming & Day Care
561-366-9000

Martha’s Vineyard
508-693-6027

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3rd Annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest

Oct 27th, 2009
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If you don’t feel up to hosting your own doggie Halloween party, join us for ours!

Very Important Paws 3rd Annual Halloween Party and Costume Contest

Thursday October 29, 2009 6pm – 8pm

418 Park Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Call us at 561-366-9000 for details.

Check back here for photos after the event!

Wellington dog grooming available by appointment. Call 561-753-0170 to schedule an appointment, Monday through Saturday 9am – 12pm.

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Make Your Own Halloween Dog Treats

Oct 26th, 2009
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Halloween is this Saturday! For some of us our dogs are like children, here are some tips and recipes for you and your dog to get the most out of this Halloween. Throw your own dog friendly Halloween party with all your friends that have dogs. In addition to adorable dog costume contests, here are some dog treats you can offer.

Keep treats at human level so the dog owners can choose which treats to give their dogs, this also helps to avoid conflicts over food between dogs. Remind guests to avoid the temptation overfeeding Halloween treats. Be sure to avoid of chocolate, which is toxic for dogs. Also, keep penty of fresh water available for your doggy guests.

The following recipes are for special-occasion treats for your pet. Treats of any kind should not take the place of meals and should only be given in small quantities. If your dog is on a special diet, contact your vet before offering treats. For dogs with specific diets, you can make treats out of a canned version of that diet, just roll out the canned food, cut into shapes and bake. Cooking times are between 12 and 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

No need for frosting, use Halloween cookie cutters. These same recipes can be used for any holiday treat, just use different cookie cutters depending on the holiday.

Tricky Dog Treats

Makes 14 treats

2 cups water
3/4 cup canned applesauce
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
3 cups whole-wheat flour
1 cup white flour
1/4 cup chopped nuts
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup oats

  1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
  2. In a bowl, mix water, applesauce, vanilla and egg thoroughly.
  3. In a separate blow, combine flour, nuts, baking powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring well.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix well.
  5. Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling each cup completely and bake for about 1 1/4 hours.
  6. Cool completely and store in a sealed container.

Halloween Dog Treats

1/4 cup butter softened
3 cups rye flour
1/4 cup powdered milk
1 garlic clove pressed
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/2 can carrots and peas drained
1 egg beaten

  1. Combine butter and flour in a large bowl until it looks like a crumble topping.
  2. Add powdered milk to the chicken broth, add egg. Mix well.
  3. Add this liquid to the flour mixture.
  4. Add garlic, peas and carrots. Mix well and knead until dough is workable but stiff. Add broth or flour to adjust firmness if needed.
  5. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes.
  6. Place cookies on a non-stick baking sheet and bake for approx 1 hour or until golden at 350 degrees.

The cookies will harden as they cool and can be stored in a container without a lid right on your counter top.

Pumpkin Dog Cookies

3 Cups flour
1½ teaspoons of cinnamon
Shortening
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs

  1. Combine flour and cinnamon.
  2. Cut with shortening.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and pumpkin with eggs.
  4. Add flour mix and stir to form dough.
  5. Roll to approximately ¼ inch thickness and cut dough with cookie cutters.
  6. Bake at 275 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet until cookies are lightly golden (approximately 25 to 30 minutes).

Peanut Butter Eyeballs

1½ cups of crunchy peanut butter
½ cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon milk
½ cup flour

  1. Combine peanut butter and butter with milk.
  2. Add flour and beat with an electric mixer. Add additional flour if needed until dough thickens.
  3. Roll into eyeball-sized balls and bake at 300 degrees until slight crust forms (approximately 10 minutes).

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