The Weekly Woof

December 21, 2025

Hey there, dog lovers of South Orange County! Tommy Stark here from DogTrainerOC.com, spreading some holiday warmth your way. 🌟 First off, my apologies for the Weekly Woof landing a day late—I got tied up with family time over the weekend (the best kind of busy, if you ask me). But here it is, packed with updates and good vibes. As always, if you're eyeing a private session, just send over your availability—I'll make it happen. Heads up: I'm taking Wednesday and Thursday off for more family moments, but Friday morning's open and ready.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas 🎅 and the happiest of holidays! May your season overflow with quiet walks, warm fireside snuggles, and those unbeatable dog smiles that light up even the shortest days. Here's to wrapping up 2025 with gratitude and stepping into the new year stronger—pups leading the charge, as usual. 🐶❤️

🌟 Upcoming Adventures

THE Pack Walk of OC 🚶‍♂️🐕 January's Pack Walk is on the horizon—perfect for shaking off the holiday treats and building solid socialization skills in a calm, guided group at Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Keep an eye on ocpackwalks.com for the exact date and time announcement soon. It's a refreshing way to start the year right.

New Group Classes Starting Soon 📅🎉 Big news: My group classes launch January 10th!

• 9:30 AM: Beginner and Puppy classes to nail down those core obedience skills and early habits.
• 11:00 AM: Intermediate workshop—open to dogs who've completed my beginner or puppy series. These fill up quick, so hop over to DogTrainerOC.com and grab your spot.
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Dee Dog Park Glow-Up 🏞️❄️ Dee Dog Park's been getting some fantastic renovations these last couple weeks—it's fresher and more inviting than ever. Book your private play sessions now: $10 for 30 minutes of pure off-leash joy. Perfect for holiday energy burns!

Training Tip of the Week 💡🎁 Holiday guests can amp up the excitement, so prep your dog with a solid "place" cue. Direct them to a cozy mat or bed with a stuffed Kong or long chew, praising lavishly when they relax. It creates a peaceful retreat amid the bustle—I've guided so many dogs through festive seasons with this simple game-changer.

Dog Spot Spotlight 🏖️✨ For a serene holiday escape, wander Dana Point Harbor. The docks sparkle with lights reflecting on the water, wide paths invite easy leashed strolls, and the salty breeze clears the mind. It's dog heaven with ocean vistas and plenty of benches for pausing to soak it all in.

Positive Pup News 📰🐶 Fresh research from Japan reveals that teens living with dogs show lower levels of social withdrawal, aggression, and even delinquency. Scientists point to microbiome shifts—shared bacteria that might spark more curiosity and connection. (Always consult pros, but it's a neat glimpse into how dogs nurture the whole family.) Another standout from the Dog Aging Project's massive review of 47,000 dogs: Long-term CBD use (under vet guidance) linked to calmer aggression in older pups dealing with chronic issues. Encouraging insights for supporting senior dogs through their golden years.

There you have it—your holiday Woof, full of heart and helpful bits. Stay cozy out there, and reach out anytime.

Woof woof, 

Tommy Stark

 DogTrainerOC.com | @ocdogtrainer