🗞️ THE WEEKLY WOOF
Powered by iSpeakDog! + The Dog Director
Afternoon check-in from South OC—rain's in the forecast this week, so we're adapting on the fly. Quick updates: the next Pack Walk has shifted to March 21st at 5:00 PM (new timing for better vibes all around), and group classes won't kick off on February 21st due to Little League opening day at 9 AM that Saturday. I'll pin down fresh afternoon dates soon to fit around my coaching schedule and get the word out. With soggy days ahead, let's lean into indoor fun and keep those pups sharp—here's your Woof to power through.
🐕 Pack Walk Alert!
Mark your calendar! The next THE Pack Walk of OC is happening on
🗓 March 21st
🕔 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 (Rainy Indoor Edition)
Rain keeping you inside? Turn your home into a training playground. Work on impulse control with a “wait” game at doorways, before meals, or even before tossing a toy: hold a treat in your closed fist, say “wait,” and reward the instant your dog backs off or sits patiently. Keep sessions short—3–5 minutes, a few times a day—to build self-control without needing outdoor space. It mentally tires high-energy dogs and strengthens manners for when the weather clears.
🐶 Group Classes Update
Heads-up: No February 21st start for group classes due to Little League opening day at 9 AM Saturday. I'll confirm new afternoon dates soon to work around my coaching schedule (games Saturday mornings). We'll hit essentials like sit-stay, loose-leash walking, and everyday confidence in small, hands-on groups led by me.
💬 Message @ocdogtrainer or visit dogtraineroc.com to get on the list!
🏖️ South OC Dog Spot to Visit
(Perfect once the rain passes)
Dana Point Harbor – ideal for a relaxed weekday walk along the water.
✅ Wide paths with ocean views
✅ Boat-watching benches
✅ Fresh sea air that relaxes even the busiest pups
📰 Pawsitive Dog News
Morris Animal Foundation is launching four new canine health studies in 2026, targeting real challenges we see often: engineering bacteria for targeted immunotherapy against histiocytic sarcoma (aggressive in breeds like Flat-Coated Retrievers), investigating if myasthenia gravis underlies idiopathic acquired megaesophagus for better diagnostics, testing oral rabies vaccines with facial recognition tech to protect free-roaming dogs in Tanzania, and developing safe monoclonal antibody therapy for mast cell tumors. These projects promise stronger prevention, diagnosis, and treatments—more healthy years for our dogs ahead.
📚 Source: morrisanimalfoundation.org
💬 Quote of the Week
"The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog."
– M.K. Clinton
That's the Woof this week—short, real, and all about building better connections with our dogs, rain or shine. Hit me up for more indoor game ideas or if you want to chat training. Give your pup an extra scratch from me.
Tommy Stark
