Look at what's going on for dogs in September and October

Here are some of the upcoming events for dogs in your neighborhood. 

Saturday, September 26th
Seal Beach’s 14th Annual 2009 Wag ‘N Walk at Eisenhower Park (adjacent to the Seal Beach Pier)from 10:00am-3:00pm for more details go to http://www.sbacc.org./ Individual Registration: $25.00 or Family Registration: $40.00

Saturday, September 26th
Irvine’s 8th Annual Pet Trek at Woodbridge Park, Alton Parkway & Lake Road Irvine, CA 92604 from 8:00am to 12:00pm for more details go to: www.irvineshelter.org or call (949) 724-7741 Registration: $25 per individual, $40 per family or $50 per team

Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th
Pet Days at the OC Marketplace from 7am to 4pm at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.  For more information go to: http://www.aaloc.org/. (Note: No pets allowed.  There will be animals available for adoption)

Saturday, October 3rd
A Tail of Two Cities ~ "Caribbean Skulldoggery" Benefiting the animals at the Pro-humane San Clemente – Dana Point Animal Shelter at Talega Golf Club 900 Avenida Talega San Clemente, CA 92673
For more information go to: events@petprojectfoundation.org or call (949)-595-8899 PRICE: $100 per person.

Sunday, October 4th
12th Annual Walk for the Animals at Central Park East (Golden West & Talbert Avenues behind the Central Library) in Huntington Beach from 9am. For more information call the Orange County SPCA (714) 374-7738; email, ocspca@verizon.net, or go to: http://www.orangecountyspca.org/

Sunday, October 11th
1st Annual Surf City Surf Dog Event at Huntington Dog Beach PCH, Huntington Beach, CA 92647 For more information go to: http://www.surfcitysurfdog.com/

Tuesday, October 20th
Howloween Party and Costume and Trick Contest from 6pm to 8pm at San Jaun Capistrano PetSmart 33963 Doheny Park Road San Juan Capistrano CA 92675.  For more information email: ocsmartpets@aol.com or go to http://www.petsmart.com/.  Free!

Saturday. October 31st
Howl-o-Ween Pawty at Three Dog Bakery  118 S. El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672
(El Camino Real & Del Mar)from 1pm to 2pm.
Phone: (949) 218-3DOG (3364)

If you know of any events that should be listed here email me at ocsmartpets@aol.com

Coming soon... November and December events

The Summer Yappy Hour Luau was Great fun

Check out this album of guests at the 2009 Summer Yappy Hour Luau. There were costumes and contests and even a Best in Show! Raider took the grand prize: a $15 gift card to PetSmart for his performances in the Most Obedient and Bobbing for Hotdogs categories. Although there should be an Honorable Mention to Ziggy, the five pound Yorkie that ate just as many hotdogs, just at a slower pace! The Best Dressed Dog was Lily, the Chihuahua. The Waggiest Tail belonged to a Shi Tzu named Max. And the Best Kisser was Molly, the Pekinese! Thanks to everyone who attended. And a special thanks to the Three Dog Bakery in San Clemente. The cake they provided was beautiful and delicious. At least that's what my guests told me. Be sure to stop by to see them and tell them Yolanda sent you!

Keep an eye out here for updates on upcoming events in the area.

See you soon!

Welcome to OC Smart Pets

Happy New Year and welcome to OC Smart Pets. I wanted to make it easier for people to get information about their dogs' classes and find out about local dog-related events and the latest dog-related news. I will soon be posting graduation pictures and a calendar of upcoming classses and events.

Let me tell you what's new in '09! I am excited to tell you that as a CGC-approved evaluator for the AKC, I will be including the AKC STAR Puppy program as a part of my puppy class curriculum. STAR stands for Socialization Training Activity and Responsibility. The program requires the Pet Parent at least six weeks of classes and demonstrate 20 behaviors including a test at the end of the class. Those who successfully complete the requirements will be given a application to send to the AKC for a certificate and medal and other valuable resources. This is a wonderful new program to encourage puppy training and environment enrichment for a well-adjusted family pet. For more detailed information visit the AKC website.

There will also be several free potty training seminars in January. The first one is January 13 Tuesday at 6pm. The second is January 18, Sunday at 6pm and finally January 24 Saturday at 12pm. This is your chance to meet the trainers and get some tips about potty and crate training. We will also be talking about other issues that accompany the arrival of a new puppy like introducing the new dog to other pets in the family. How to children should act around the new puppy and other important topics. Your pets are welcome of course but not necessary for this informative hour-long seminar. Sign up in advance to ensure there is space for everyone interested.

I will also have a booth at the 6th Annual CARE Car show Saturday January 31 from 8am to 2pm at the Capistrano Sports Park. The proceeds from this event support the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort. Leashed pets are welcome and there will be refreshments available for purchase and vendors and live music. I will be there handing out goodies for pets and talking to people about dog training and raffling off free dog training classes and other prizes. I hope you can make it that day.

I want everyone to start getting ready for the 2nd Annual Puppy Love Yappy Hour! There will be a best-dressed, best kiss and a best trick contest plus pictures, prizes and refreshments. Bring your dog and their date and celebrate on Tuesday February 10th from 6-8pm.