Shelly Leibowitz, the owner and head trainer of Green Leaf Pet Resort, has been training dogs for over 40 years. Throughout Shelly’s career, he has trained almost every breed and mixed breed from puppies to senior dogs, working with aggression / behavioral issues to potty training, and everything in between

Shelly’s experience with dogs extends further than obedience training. He has directed training for handlers in law enforcement agencies, private detection, and other private businesses. Shelly has mastered the process of importing purebred dogs overseas from Europe for this purpose, including German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and occasionally Rottweilers, Dutch Shepherds, etc.

Once a month, we’ll be doing a blog post on special canines we’ve imported with information and fun facts on the breeds and what they do, including what they’re up to now!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Big news: Derby, the Trenton Thunder’s mascot and bat dog, is a new dad. When he’s old enough, one pup will follow in his father’s footsteps, training with us for over a year before he’s ready to help fetch bats and carry water during games.
But first, this future star needs a name. And that’s where you come in!
What would you name Derby’s little guy? Click here to suggest your favorite name (or two). The Trenton Thunder will pick a handful of its favorites, and fans will get to vote to decide the winner.
Check out the full article over at NJ.com.
You have until Friday, January 17 to enter. Play ball!

History

The Pomeranian gets its name from a part of Europe known as Pomerania—now part of Poland and Germany. Bred here from ancient Spitz dogs, the Pomeranian was once much larger and used for herding sheep. In 1888 Queen Victoria acquired a small Pom, increasing its popularity in England. Other notable Pomeranian owners include Mozart, Marie Antoinette, Émile Zola, and Napoleon.

Personality 

Extroverted
The Pomeranian is extremely outgoing. He’s eager to please and a real people-lover, with high energy that makes him endlessly entertaining. His friendly attitude also contributes to his reputation as a stellar show dog.
Loves Thy Owner
The Pom Pom (as they’re sometimes called) gets very attached to his owner. He can become protective, and sometimes suffers from separation anxiety when left alone. He just wants to be with you all the time!
Smarter Than You’d Think
These little guys may come in small, fluffy packages, but they’re highly intelligent. They are quick learners, respond well to training, and are always aware of their environment. They pick up easily on tricks, and are good at getting what they want from their owners (the fluffy cuteness doesn’t hurt).

Care 

A Walk a Day
Pomeranians don’t need much exercise, and will receive most of it through play. However, they have a ton of energy, and would love a good walk at least once a day.
Daily Brushing
The Pomeranian’s long double coat needs to be brushed on a daily basis. His undercoat will shed twice yearly, but his overcoat sheds on a regular basis. That’s a lot of fur, but it’s on a little frame—making the brushing fairly quick and easy.
Attention!
These guys don’t like to be left alone. They always want to be the life of the party and love all the attention they can get. Loneliness can lead to behavioral problems in Poms, so be sure to include them in family activities and outings.
Pom Poms are fun-loving dogs with great attitudes and awareness. They love their owners and are extremely loveable themselves. For a little dog, the Pomeranian has an enormous personality.

The Green Leaf’s own Erica Etchason shared some holiday travel tips with Pet Advocate recently, including what to look for in a pet hotel or resort:

She advises pet owners to ask to see where their dogs will be sleeping and spending most of their time. A good resort should also accommodate almost anything to make your pet’s stay as comfortable as possible. Clients usually bring their pets’ food, beds and toys. The resort should record all of these items at check-in so they are returned to the owner at the end of the visit, she says.

For more tips from Erica and others, check out the full article!
 

All of our pets have personality traits that are uniquely their own, and that is of course among the many reasons why we love them! Since everyone is a little quirky in their own right, we thought we should outline some pet products that are anything but ordinary.
 
Burrow Beds: If you have a dog that is digging tunnels through your bed sheets, this may be something you and your pet could use. The product itself is essentially an oversized pillow with an opening for your dog to nestle into. So, if you keep losing your pet in a pile of laundry consider looking into these creative beds.
http://store.funstufffordogs.com/burrow-bed—fleece-p61.aspx
 
Sandy Paws Print Kit: With a little sand and plaster, this product will create a custom cast of your pet’s paw print. If you’re a crafty dog owner who wants a little part of your pet with you while you’re on the go, consider dangling this unique ornament from a keychain or rearview mirror.
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/sandy-paws-print-kit
 
Trendy Pet Toys: Designer brands, gadgets and pop culture inspired these plush and unusual pet toys. Depending on whether you and your pet are all about the “Chewy Vuiton” or the “Ipaw,” there’s likely to be a stuffed novelty that will suit both your personalities. You can also breathe a sigh of relief when you catch your dog chewing on his or her “BarkBury” rather than your BlackBerry.
http://www.trendypuppy.com/teetherstoys/bone%20toys1.htm
 
The Walky Dog Bike Leash: Bike rides may be something you’d like to share with your dog, however doing so isn’t always easy or safe, especially if a squirrel on the move catches the eye of your pup. The Walky Dog Bike Leash is a hands-free device that extends from your bike to your dogs collar while you cycle.
http://www.amazon.com/WalkyDog-Bike-Leash/dp/B005AFFVBS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1337875037&sr=8-4
 
Dog Shoes: Although some dog lovers may be wondering whether or not paw-wear is practical for pups, the purpose of dog shoes isn’t simply to make a fashion statement. Pet shoes have a variety of orthopedic, disposable, and seasonal options that could keep their paws protected from the elements all year round. However, keep in mind that your dog is not going to be accustomed to the human tradition of wearing shoes, so don’t be surprised if he or she is a little put off by the idea.
 
http://www.alldogboots.com/Fashion-Designer-Dog-Shoes-s/55.htm
 
 
If these products are a little too outlandish for you and your pet, visit us at the Green Leaf Gift Shop and browse our selection of functional, handmade and hypoallergenic products from artisan leather leashes to amazing, plush beds by Crypton, the Tempur-Pedic® of dog beds!