🗞️ THE WEEKLY WOOF
Powered by iSpeakDog! + The Dog Director
Hi all!! TONS of exciting news below!! Please read!
We WILL be having Intermediate class tomorrow at 9:30am!!
I have a little league season ending party at 11:30am. Baseball season is over next week and we will be diving head first into new group classes
🐕 Pack Walk Alert!
Mark your calendar!
The next THE Pack Walk of OC is happening on 🗓 May 16th🕔 5:00 PM📍 Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Let’s get those paws moving with Emily Haley + Tommy Stark
leading the pack. All dogs welcome—just bring your leash, good vibes, and poop bags. 👉 Check for updates: ocpackwalks.com
🧠 This Week’s Training Tip Controlling Space –
one of the simplest, most powerful exercises you can do with your dog. It teaches them right away that they don’t own the territory — you do.
If your dog is standing in your path, don’t step around them. Gently but confidently make them move out of your way. Use your leg, a calm “move” cue, or just your body presence. Walk straight ahead like you own the hallway, the kitchen, the doorway — whatever it is. Do this consistently around the house and they quickly learn you control the space.
That one little habit builds massive respect and calm leadership. It carries over to the dog park, on walks, and in everyday life. Simple. Consistent. Game-changing.
🐶 Group Classes Update
Big news, pups and people—new group class series kicks off Saturday, May 16th at Dee Dog Park!
- 9:00 AM – Puppy/Beginner
- 11:00 AM – Intermediate + Workshop (beginner grads prerequisite)
Small groups, hands-on, led by me. Perfect timing after the pack walk the same day. Spots are limited—get on the list now! 💬 Message @ocdogtrainer or visit dogtraineroc.com
We’ve also got gorgeous weather rolling in—perfect for off-leash lessons at Dee Dog Park or social practice sessions down at the Harbor. Reach out and let’s get your dog dialed in.
📱 App Alert!The iSpeakDog! app is live in the App Store! Easily submit your availability, read the Weekly Woof, and stay plugged in. 👉 Download here
📖 New Releases
- “The Christmas Puppy” – The adventures of Timmy and Barky McBarkface. A heartfelt guide on selecting an ethical breeder. Grab it now: https://a.co/d/00WltzO6
- Upcoming – The Comprehensive Guide to Dog Behavior at Dee Dog Park drops on Amazon this week. Stay tuned!
🏖️ South OC Dog Spot to Visit Dana Point Harbor –
ideal for a relaxed weekday wander with your pup.
✅ Wide, scenic paths hugging the water
✅ Plenty of benches for boat-watching breaks
✅ That fresh ocean breeze that melts stress away for both of you
📰 Pawsitive Dog News
Researchers at the University of Arizona are launching a new study on how growth hormone IGF-1 affects cognitive aging in dogs. Big dogs often have shorter lifespans, but their brains appear to age at a similar pace to smaller breeds—super interesting stuff that could unlock better ways to support healthy senior pups (and maybe even give us clues for human aging too). Real progress happening in canine longevity science. 📚 Source: University of Arizona News
📚 Quote of the Week
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – adapted for the pack
That’s the Woof this week—short, real, and all about building better connections with our dogs. Hit me up if you want to chat training, book a session, or anything else. Give your pup an extra scratch from me.
Tommy StarkThe Dog Director of iSpeakDog!
