Raising a dog as a puppy requires a great deal of responsibility and commitment. There are certain things which are universal on newborn puppies as they would be with children. The world is brand new to them, and with your guidance they have the ability to become a great loving dog or a violent one. Here are some important tips while training your dog.

1. We teach Dogs commands as they don’t understand English

Puppies will look up to you for guidance! A puppy doesn’t know the difference between good or bad and when it comes to language, its the same. Unless you teach them by using commands based on actions, the puppy will not understand language. Puppies will pay close attention to our reactions, which includes body language, facial expressions and the way we communicate. If you say regularly “Wanna go for a walk” and you grab a leash, in time the dog will understand those words as being meant for ‘Potty Time’. The best rule of thumb is to use the same command over and over for an action and in time that dog will learn what it means.

2. A Puppy’s Metabolism and understanding it in the early days

As your puppy is new to the world, it’s metabolism is moving more and more rapidly. As your puppy is growing, the animals body is changing as is its appetite and patterns for going to the bathroom. Don’t push your puppy for going to the bathroom inside but train it to go outside as it’s growing. It needs to be exposed more and more to the outside as a puppy. After your puppy makes outside be excited and say “Good Boy/Girl”. This will let them know they did good and if they see your happy, they will sense your energy.

3. Dogs study our body language and Facial Expressions

If you have negative body language, your dog will sense this. If you give nasty faces to your dog, it will sense that as well. Turning away will upset a dog and if you’re training your puppy you need to keep things positive, especially early so it knows when you’re upset and can understand your body expressions. As much as a dogs attention span is short, positive reinforcement comes from our body language. Many times your dog will know before you mention what you’re ready to express.

As there are many important tips while training your puppy, these three are extremely important to remember while you train your puppy. If you follow them, you’re on the right path and your new puppy will love you for it! Just as important as it is to follow these tips, if you are struggling consider hiring a professional trainer to assist you. Good luck!

Gift Ideas for Pet Owners

If the person your sending your gift to is a pet lover consider sending them a portrait of their favorite pet. Anyone who owns a pet and considers it part of the family will really appreciate the thought you put in.

Knowing many pets have much shorter lifespans then people, you are giving them a gift that lives on many years after an animal may. This will many times be looked at as a portrait in the later years filled with great memories.

Pet Calendar

Another great pet gift is to make a Pet Calendar. Many printers have templates already built where you just need to drop in the photos and in the matter of minutes you’ll have a 12 month calendar with their pet. Not only will the person enjoy the gift for twelve months, but there’s a great chance they’ll be showing it off by hanging the calendar somewhere many people see it.

Pet DVDs

One Pet Gift which will get laughs are Pet DVDs, which can be a good thing or bad thing depending on the pet. Pet DVDs are clips filled with animals playing, barking, meowing and well… Just being pets. Many people buy these DVDs so their pet doesn’t feel alone while they’re at work or out. Getting a DVD like this as unique as it sounds, will most likely get some good laughs and may be just what was needed by the recipient.

Personalized Pet Bowls

If the person you’re giving a gift to has just moved, personalized pet bowls for their pet along with a can or two of pet food would only make your housewarming gift memorable for many years. Plus, you know it’ll get used!

There are many great Pet Gift ideas out there, so next time you need to buy someone a gift and you’re scratching your head, ask yourself “Do they have a Pet”. If the answer is YES, you now have a few great ideas.

Exploring Melrose Avenue | WeHo Shopping

There’s a lot to see and do here. It’s pedestrian friendly, with a genuine neighborhood feel. It’s a great area if you want to stroll, shop, eat, or just catch the passing scene.

If Rodeo Drive is considered one the world’s most expensive shopping street, Melrose definitely falls in a class of being one of the most trendy. This is the place for hip and stylish boutiques. They range from the retro quirky to the cutting edge. If you want to look fashionable and fabulous in that specifically L.A. way, take a look at places such as Unica, Passage, or Gossip. Wasteland is the place for vintage clothing and XTC is a shoe shopper’s paradise destination.

Window-shoppers will delight in the creativity of the store display windows. The striking colors and distinctive names reflect the spirited and sometimes playful nature of the neighborhood.

Antique and Collectible stores on Melrose

There are also a number of antiques and collectibles stores. Check out Off the Wall for big-ticket furniture or The Wound & Wound Toy Company for, well, wind-up toys. Hollywood Neon makes custom-made neon art and signage.

Always wanted to visit an adult-themed gift shop? This is the place to do it. Stores such as Pleasures Adult Gifts and Evolve Exotic Boutique have a fascinating range of merchandise. Friendly and helpful staff people will make even the most reserved shopper feel right at home.

Melrose is not all quaint little shops. Some other notable businesses along this stretch include Fantasy Lighting, L.A.’s oldest lighting store and supplier to such TV hits as House and Nip/Tuck, and Fuzzy Navel, an artisan hair salon known for high-end custom wigs.

This area is a favorite place to have a casual meal, an adventurous dining experience, or a leisurely cup of coffee while enjoying people watching. Start by taking note of L.A. landmark Pinks, which is on La Brea just north of Melrose. There is always a long line of people here waiting for one of their world famous hot dogs.

Places to Eat on Melrose

You can visit the original Johnny Rockets or choose from a range of international cuisines. There is LaLa’s Argentine Grill, Frankie’s or Angeli Caffee for Italian food and Melrose Pita Café for Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Tommy Tang’s is a prominent see-and-be-seen Thai and sushi restaurant that just happens to also serve great food.

For lighter fare, the Blu Jam Café and Vienna Café are two breakfast spots that both have loyal followings among locals. Fratelli Café at Formosa is a coffee spot with an outdoor seating area that really captures the neighborhood feel of this stretch of Melrose.

Also in the area is The Groundling Theatre, home of the famous improv comedy troupe that launched the careers of Jon Lovitz, Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens, Edie McClurg, and Phil Hartman.

Melrose Trading Post

As a final stop, every Saturday there is the Melrose Trading Post, a large flea market held at Fairfax High School. This is a browser’s paradise for furniture, vintage clothing, home décor items, and just plain old interesting stuff. It’s a perfect symbol of this fun and very unusual neighborhood.

Enjoy your day on Melrose!

The L.A. Farmers Market on the corner of 3rd and Fairfax

The Farmers Market is an outdoor shopping and eating located at the intersection of Third and Fairfax. It’s right next to The Grove, an open-air shopping mall. If you have not been to the L.A. Farmers Market is a Must-See

History of The Farmers Market

The Farmers Market did start out back in 1934 as a place where farmers brought their goods and sold them out of the backs of their trucks. You won’t see any actual farmer’s there today, but you can buy vegetables, fruit, flowers, as well as high quality meats.

One of the best things about the Farmer’s Market is the feast of aromas you encounter when you arrive. Waffles, kettle corn, gumbo, Brazilian BBQ, Crepes, Fresh Baked Pastries and so much more!

From the parking lot, you can see that local institution Du-Pars is here, along with Johnny Rockets. You’ll also see the historic gas station, a salute to the oil field that used to occupy this spot, still owned by the same family today.

Moving farther inside, you find an amazing variety of places to eat and things to buy.

There is something of the atmosphere of a bazaar to the Farmers Market. On a weekend afternoon, you feel as though you might bump into anybody or everybody. In fact, it is a favorite meeting spot for groups of friends because everybody can find something they like.

Special events are held here throughout the year. There are seasonal celebrations for the spring and winter holidays, a Cinco de Mayo festival, and free music performances in the summertime.

The Farmers Market underwent an extensive remodel in the early 2000s, so if you haven’t been there for years, you might want to visit again to see what it’s like now.

This happened in conjunction with the development of The Grove, which is an attraction in its own right with stores, dining places, a movie house, a trolley line, and an attractively designed pedestrian mall for strolling.

The Clock Tower, which has long been a symbol of the Farmers Market, was placed in its current location in 2002 along with a turn of the millennium time capsule.

Bring your out of town guests here for an authentic L.A. experience. Even if they are not the usual souvenir shopping type, they will find the Farmers Market is still worth a look. Browse the hat store, the retro toyshop, the hot sauce collection, or any of the various knick-knack shops. Of course, even some of the most sophisticated travelers can get caught up in the atmosphere and find themselves wanting a Hollywood sign T-shirt or an Oscar statuette snow globe.

The Farmers Market is an exciting and appetizing place to bring the family, meet up with friends, shop for supper, or just have a good time strolling around.

Founder of AboutWeHo Recommends

-Best Cajun food in the area is at The Gumbo Pot. You’ll love the Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice and as far as sides, I highly recommend the Sweet Potato Salad with Raisins.
-Best Produce from Farm Boy.
-Best Local Butcher. I even ask the butcher to shred for me short rib as thin as possible so I can make homemade Philly Cheesesteaks. With advance notice, they’ll freeze the meat to get a better extra thin cut on the shredder.

UnphoGettable bills itself as the number one family owned and operated Vietnamese restaurant in West Hollywood. While the pun-based name may seem a little precious, rest assured that the folks at UhphoGettable take food and service seriously.

The location is on Santa Monica Boulevard west of La Cienega. You have to keep an eye out for it, because of its tucked out of the way entrance. There is an open, spacious fountain courtyard seating area at the front. The protected location makes for a serene ambiance, protected from the busyness of the boulevard.

You can find your favorite Vietnamese foods here, including pho, of course, spring rolls, and meat dishes. Pho is the traditional Vietnamese soup made from beef or chicken, rice noodles and vegetables. Accompaniments of lime, basil, and bean sprouts and hot sauce are served on the side. The idea is you add a bit of this and that to suit your own taste.

At UnphoGettable, you will experience everything there is to like about pho. Noodles are cooked to the exact al dente texture. The broth is rich with complex flavors. Fresh hot sauces, rather than the bottled ones you usually see, are served along with it. All ingredients are fresh and the meats are of good quality.

Other menu items include charbroiled chicken and Royal Rolls, rice paper wraps of vegetables, sausage, and special dipping sauce. These are a specialty of the house made from a family recipe.

Be sure to ask about the featured daily specials such as beef combination pho made with brisket and steak, traditional Vietnamese fried rice, and the summer roll, which is a rolled dough dish presented on a piece of sugar cane.

Food is fresh and authentically prepared. The portions are quite generous, making the prices very reasonable. Everything is tasty and there is enough variety in the menu to warrant repeat visits.

The pleasant décor, which some describe as having a Zen quality, makes it a good place for a laid-back date or a getaway lunch on a stressful work day.

The very warm and friendly service reflects the family’s pride in their cooking and care for their dining guests. If Vietnamese food is new to you, they will be very glad to answer any questions you might have. If you would just like to experience the real deal, this is the place. The owner’s mom presides in the kitchen, that’s how authentic it is.

UhphoGettable offers authentic traditional Vietnamese pho presented in an attractive and relaxing setting.

UnPhoGettable Address & Information

UnPhoGettable
8543 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Phone: 424-249-3825
Website: UnPhoGettable on Facebook

Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fri: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Sat: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sun: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Type of Cuisine: Vietnamese
Parking: Free lot or street parking

When a dog owner brings their puppy home from the shelter or from a breeder, there are some things that they will need to keep in mind regarding new puppy care. The first thing that they need to prepare for is the home environment of the puppy. The new owner will have to think about where the dog is going to stay, and under what conditions the dog will stay under. Some people like to start their puppies right out with crate training. Some people get large cages for the dogs. Still, others have dedicated rooms just for their new puppy to sleep in, while others would like to place their puppies on a dog bed by their side.

Another aspect for puppy care that a new owner should be thinking about is what to feed the dog. Ideally, a person should have already done the research to figure out what is the best type of food to feed the dog. Not only should they do research for the best type of practices in feeding puppies, but they should have specified their research according to what type of puppy breed they’ll be selecting. Many people have a good idea of what they’ll be picking out when they are bringing their puppies home, so it’s important for them to consult with their veterinarian or with books to find out the types of foods that are best suited for their brand-new puppy according to the breed. These days you can find many great premium dog food brands.

Obedience Training

These aspects are important, but another aspect that is equally important is the dog’s obedience training. Many people might not give thought to training a puppy concerning socialization skills and obedience until the puppy gets a little bit older, but this is a huge mistake. If a dog owner allows the puppies to roam around and delay dog obedience, then they find that they will have a mature dog that is stubborn to train. Most dog experts state that dog obedience training should begin from the moment the dog comes home from a shelter, or from a breeder. If money is tight on your end, you may want to check some pet stores as they not only can be a big resource for you, but some of the bigger stores offer obedience training classes.

Obedience training is important because the puppy, while being very cute, has canine instincts. The puppy needs to understand that they have a master to obey, and they need to learn socialization skills as early as possible. Some dog owners might be remiss to do this, but they’ll realize the benefits of doing this when they see that their puppy is growing up to be socialized and obedient. Also, dog obedience allows the dog owners to detect any personality flaws in the dog during the course of training.

Show your new puppy lots of love, and start training them young! It looks like you now have a new best friend!

The WeHo restaurant Genghis Cohen is one of the places that has taken on a life of its own. It’s more than just a restaurant and a place to grab a tasty bite with a date or a few friends. It’s a personality, it’s an experience, and it’s an institution of the area. Learn more about the Genghis Cohen WeHo restaurant and what you can expect from a visit below with this quick review.

New York Style Szechuan Chinese Cuisine

Genghis Cohen serves New York style Szechuan Chinese cuisine. You might be wondering, what is that kind of place doing in West Hollywood, and what is that kind of food? Well, Genghis Cohen was the first of its kind in the area, and has been open since October of 1983. The original slogan for the establishment was “Hot & Cool” and that’s what the food, the restaurant and the vibes are all about today.

It’s more than a restaurant, it’s also a thriving bar, and a popular venue for local music acts, with an intimate and lively 60-seat music room. Typically you’ll find live music at least six nights of the week, and usually there is more than one act per evening, so there’s always some great entertainment on hand. Sometimes the music is supplemented with comedy acts or other performances as well.

The food definitely brings a flavorful kick at this WeHo restaurant. So much so that there isn’t just one denotation for something spicy, there are three different levels of spicy items! From the mildly spicy all the way to the very spicy hot. You’ll certainly find many of the Chinese dishes you’ve come to know and love over the years, like Mongolian Beef, Beef & Broccoli, Mu Shu Pork, Kung Pao Chicken and Shrimp and more.

There are also dozens of different noodle dishes and other Chinese classics. Many of the best items on the menu though can be found elsewhere, like in the Genghis Cohen Specials, offering plates like Triple Kung Pao and Crispy Duck, as well as Spicy Garlic Lamb. The pan fried potstickers and steamed dumplings are sensational, and the soups and starters are great too. For example, you’ll find Three Flavor Sizzling Rice Soup with shrimp, scallops and chicken, and the Cohen Slaw & Pickles appetizer, Curry Chicken Wings, and the Krispy Kanton Knish.

If you’re looking for a lively night out, a twist to your usual lunch routine, or just something with some real oomph and kick to it with your food, then give Genghis Cohen a try. It’s a WeHo restaurant you’ll have to go to for yourself to truly experience and be in the know about, and it’s an affordable, fun and tasty trip.

Genghis Cohen
740 North Fairfax Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046-7206
Phone: (323) 653-0640
http://genghiscohen.com/‎

Hours: Sunday-Tuesday 12 pm – 10:30 pm; Wednesday & Thursday 12 pm – 11 pm; Friday & Saturday 12 pm – 11:30 pm
Cuisine: Szechuan Chinese
Dress Code: Casual
Parking: Street parking and a private lot available
Cost Range: Entrees $10-$15

The “Defense of Marriage Act,” popularly referred to as “DOMA,” was signed into law by President Bill Clinton in 1996. It has been a hot-button issue ever since, and has been in the news lately since President Obama announced that his administration would no longer defend the discriminatory legislation in court, as he deemed it unconstitutional.

This legislation had two major components. The first is that states who have not legalized same-sex marriages do not have to legally recognize these marriages that have been performed in other states. This means that if a couple that was legally married in southern Iowa moves a few miles south across the state line into Missouri, for example, their marriage is no longer legally valid. As there are only five states plus the District of Columbia who have legalized same-sex marriage, this severely limits the options for LGBT couples in areas such as seeking out of state employment, or transferring to out of state universities.

The second major component of the Defense of Marriage Act is that it defined marriage on a federal level as between one man and one woman. This means that even if a same-sex couple is legally married in a state in which it is legal, the federal government does not recognize it. Same-sex couples will have the benefits of marriage on a state level, such as visitation rights if a loved one is in a local hospital. However, the married couple will not receive the same benefits as a heterosexual couple at the federal level, such as the additional federal financial aid awarded to college students who are married through the FAFSA program. The tax breaks awarded to married couples are substantial, and include benefits many heterosexual couples take for granted, such as the ability to leave behind an inheritance to your spouse when you die without your spouse having to pay taxes on those assets.

When announcing that his administration would no longer defend DOMA in court, President Obama admitted to the discriminatory nature of the bill, calling it “unnecessary and unfair.” He also has been quoted as stating that rhetoric used during the debates leading to the passage of this bill reflected “moral disapproval of gays and lesbians… precisely the kind of stereotype-based thinking and animus the Equal Protection Clause (of the United States Constitution) is designed to guard against.” Arguments in favor of this legislation routinely fall back on “morals” grounded in religious beliefs held by the individual. Of forty-one organizations that have openly opposed same-sex marriage legalization in America, twenty-eight contain a reference to the religion of the organization in the name alone, such as “Christ,” “Church,” or “Baptist.” This is without even delving any further into the rhetoric of the organization than its name alone, and does not include openly discriminatory organizations without religious verbiage in their name such as the American White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

Finding fashionable clothing and accessories for your dog has never been easier. In fact, this is a one stop shopping location for all of your dog’s needs. The customer service is what you would expect in a store that caters to pampered pets- it pampers the customers with the very best service available. All of your questions find answers and all of your pet’s needs can be filled here.

One of the stores that believe in being super pet friendly, the D.O.G. Pet Boutique is a hangout spot for every man’s pampered pooch. In fact, the owners of the store allow dogs to enter to do their own selecting of new doodads and treats, socialize with their pals, and make new friends.

Moreover, the store sponsors special events just for pampered pooches. Their well-known “Yappy Hour” events offer fresh doggie treats and non-alcoholic beer.

Products

The store has an entire medley of cool products for your favorite furry friend from chic clothing to comfortable beds to deluxe feeding dishes to cool collars and leads. Trendy is a definite flavor when it comes to each and every one of these products.

Stop by and outfit your pet with the latest styles. Select from among a wide range of tee shirts, tank shirts, hoodies, sweaters, and more. Perhaps your favorite dog deserves a new bed and bedding. Why not stop by and pick one up at the store that knows what style for your pet is all about?

Whether you are traveling to the veterinarian’s office, across town, or taking a train trip to the East Coast, D.O.G. has totes and carriers to make the journey easier. Pick up a few toys to keep your pet amused, a few treats to reward his good behavior, and some all-natural dog food to keep him healthy.

While you are here, don’t forget about picking up a new collar or leash to replace the old one. After all, don’t you periodically replace your belts, necklaces, bracelets, and more? Plus, the choices include the latest in fancy colors glittering with gemstones.

Practical Information

Parking is available in the rear of the store.

Questions about the boutique can be directed to staff members at 310-424-5807.

Visit them online:http://dogpetboutique.com/p4/D.O.G-Pet-Boutique-Los-Angeles/pages.html

The Setting at Café Med

You will feel like you are in a seaside Italian café when you enter Café Med. The casual atmosphere of this beautiful grill is a nice change from the many formal places in the area. The décor of the restaurant is very well done with many pictures on the walls and wonderful lighting throughout.

One of the best places to get the complete package with this restaurant is the wonderful covered, outside, patio dining area. You can enjoy all the features they offer and have a great view of all the action going by. You can sit there even when it is cold outside; they have heat lamps to keep your warm. The wrought iron furnishings put a finishing touch and add to the overall ambiance.

The Food at Café Med

They offer you a large variety of Antipasti and Insalata (hor d’oeuvres and salads), Le Pizze and Le Paste (pizza and pasta dishes), and Secondi and Dolci (main course and deserts). The menu may be Italian, but they do have descriptions (in English) below for every item. You can always ask your friendly server questions about them or for suggestions

They offer a full bar for all of your drinking pleasures. Their wine list is good and has many selections to choose from.

Café Med Restaurant Information

They are open seven days a week — Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 10 PM and from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended and they can be reached at 310-652-0445.

They are a great place for groups and children, but can also be romantic at night under the stars. This is a place everyone can feel welcome at. All of the major credit cards are accepted for payment and their price range averages $20 for lunch and $25 for dinner. One of the best features they can offer you is the free parking, especially in this area.

If you are looking for a great, causal, friendly place to have some of the best Italian food in the area you should check them out. The people watching offered on their patio can entertain you for hours as you enjoy your delicious meal.