My wife and I just returned from a vacation in the Canadian Rockies; in particular, Banff and Jasper National Parks, where they promote the Icefields Highway as one of the most spectacular drives in North America and the world. Their proclamation made me think of the best scenic drives that I have taken in North America.

Here is a description of five of my favorite scenic drives in North America, followed by a list of several others.

I invite you to send your thoughts and comments, whether you agree or disagree. If you have a favorite scenic drive that I did not mention, then I would love to hear about it. Here goes:

1) Big Sur, Highway 1

Many people consider the 100 mile drive through Big Sur the greatest drive in the world. The Big Sur road, too spectacular to be called a highway, is the crown jewel of the famed Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), many sections of which qualify for outstanding scenic status. Every mile allows you to experience the ocean crashing against the bottom of the cliffs a couple hundred feet below you or, on the other side of the road, the bright green fields of grass. If you can not travel in both directions, then I recommend starting the drive from the north end; you will be next to the ocean for the entire drive. The northern end of Big Sur, between Carmel and Carmel Highlands and 2.5 hours south of San Francisco, has one of my two favorite traffic signs: it shows the snakey line, indicating curvy road ahead, with the text "Next 84 miles." The road passes Point Lobos (one of California's best state parks), Carmel Highlands, and soon crosses the Bixby Creek bridge, one of California's most photographed spots. Many people consider the view from Rocky Point restaurant, a little further south, as the greatest sunset in the world. In between here and Cambria, the southern end of Big Sur, you will pass Nepenthe (another world class viewing spot), Hearst Castle (the most expensive home in the US), and countless breathing photographic opportunities. The entire shoreline of Big Sur is a National Marine Sanctuary (sea otter resort). The fog in the middle of the summer surprises most visitors. The temperature rarely raises above 70 degrees and most often is around 55. The best weather occurs between November and April, when you can see migrating whales from the road.

2. The Overseas (Florida Keys) Highway, US 1

This drive is outstanding if only for the fact that it extends 100 miles into the Florida Straits, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The Keys Highway leaves the Florida peninsula just outside the Everglades, an hour south of Miami, and immediately takes you through the city and island of Key Largo. The road then continues 100 miles to the southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West, only 90 miles from Cuba. You seem to spend half the drive over water and half the drive on several small islands, with names such as Duck Key and Pine Key (or Big Pine Key and Little Pine Key). One of the highlights of the drive is crossing the seven mile bridge, featured in the movie "True Lies," and inevitably wondering if hurricanes can suddenly appear out of the blue (ocean) like their tornado cousins. Otherwise, the drive is so soothing and calming. Unlike Big Sur, you almost must drive this road in both directions, so you might as well take at least a week. Do not forget to try the conch fritters and key lime pie!

3) Tioga Road, highway 120

At 9,945 feet, Tioga Pass, Yosemite National Park's eastern entrance, is California's highest automobile pass. You can not enter this area of ​​the park during the winter and should be able to see snow in places during the middle of summer. This year, the campground at Tuolumne Meadows, less than 5 miles west of Tioga Pass, did not open until July or August due to extra winter snow. Tuolumne Meadows is a beautiful alpine wonderland with wildflowers during the spring and summer. Tioga Road passes Tenaya Lake and Yosemite Creek along the 40 mile drive into Yosemite Valley. By far, the most spectacular scenery, however, is between Tuolumne Meadows and highway 395, near Mono Lake.

4) Trail Ridge Road, highway 34

Trail Ridge Road offers a convenient way to experience Arctic tundra conditions without traveling to Northern Canada or upper Alaska. This road, in Rocky Mountains National Park, is above 11,000 feet for at least 10 miles, reaching a peak of 12,183 feet near the Alpine Visitor Center at Fall River Pass. The road crosses the Continental Divide four miles west of here at Milner Pass. I like to enter at the Fall River Ranger Station entrance, near Estes Park. Almost immediately, you will come to Sheep Lakes and, hopefully, see some bighorn sheep.

5) Teton Park Road, Grand Teton National Park, US 29

The Tetons are different from other mountain ranges, because they rise straight out of the ground and have no foothills to diminish the view. From the southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park, take US 29, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway into Grand Teton National Park. You will go past Jackson Lake and Colter Bay Visitor Center. Take Teton Park Road at Jackson Lake Junction. A special side trip is the turn off to Signal Mountain with a vast panorama of the entire park. The three tetons (Grand, Middle, and South) dominate the view as you drive south. In addition to the craggy, steep mountains, you may see moose, elk, coyotes, or deer.

Here are some lesser-known scenic drives that represent the beauty of North America:

Canada

Icefields Highway (Alberta)

North Vancouver to Whistler (British Columbia)

United States

Skyline Drive (nicer than the Blue Ridge Parkway)

highway 101 through Northern California and Southern Oregon

drive around Crater Lake, Oregon

Chain of Craters Road and Crater Rim Drive in Volcanoes NP, Hawaii

highway 462, Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Natzhez Trace trail (Columbus, TN to Natchez, MS)

Wolf Creek Pass, highway 160, Colorado (best continental division crossing)

Durango to Silverton (Southwest Colorado)

Million Dollar Road outside Ouray, Colorado

drive around Lake Tahoe, California / Nevada border

US 1 along the Maine coast (and highway 3 into Acadia Nat'l Park)

Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts

Kancamagus Highway (highway 112), New Hampshire (Conway to Lincoln)

highway 82, J. Davis Memorial highway (Tifton, GA to Columbus, MS)

highway 191 around Moab, Utah and Arches National Park

Portuguese Bend, California

Interstate Highways (here are some particularly scenic portions):

I-10 west of New Orleans (through swampland)

I-15 Arizona (beautiful canyons)

I-24 Western Kentucky (beautiful landscape)

I-25 Cheyenne to Denver (incredible sunsets and scenery)

I-80 Truckee, CA to Reno, NV (Donner Pass)

I-84 Columbia Gorge, Oregon

I-90 Missoula to Billings (city dwellers should try this one)

I hope this inspires you to drive on some of the scenic roads and byways in North America on your next vacation.

Atlanta Georgia is a traveler's paradise. If you are planning for a trip to Atlanta then make sure you visit the top 10 attractions in Atlanta. Although there are many fun things to do in Atlanta but the top 10 things to do are given below: –

1. Atlanta History Center – It is one of Southeast's largest history museums featuring teo historic houses namely- the 1928 Swan House and the Tullie Smith Farm. Together these the Margaret Mitchell House comes under the operation of the History Center. The Kenan Research Center is a place worth seeing in the museum.

2. Georgia Aquarium – The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest aquarium which covers an area of ​​13 acres and is home to thousands of animals. You would be amazed to hear that this Aquarium holds more than 8 million gallons of fresh and salt water for the survival of ocean life that lives within it.

3. Piedmont Park – If you a nature lover and want to start your day healthy by jogging then you can take a stroll in this park. The park features picnic facilities, tennis courts, playgrounds, dog park etc. The famous Atlanta Jazz festival is held here.

4. Underground Atlanta – If you want a unique shopping experience then this is the place you should explore. It has numerous retail shops, gift shops, restaurant, food joint and entertainment hubs.

5. World of Cola Atlanta – As the name suggests itself, this place would give a total idea about the history and uniqueness of the Cola Company. You can experience thrilling 4-D movie, "In Search of the Secret Formula", with 3-D glasses plus moving seats.

6- Atlanta Zoo – If you love seeing the wild animals in the mid of nature then you can give a try at the Zoo Atlanta. The Zoo has more than 100 animals in it and is the home to giant Pandas. The Zoo's newest attraction is the Trader's Alley. It also inspires us for the preservation of wildlife through a unique combination of education and outdoor family fun.

7. The Center for Puppetry Arts' – If you have children to accompany you in your trip to Atlanta then you should definitely visit the center for Puppetry Arts. It provides an entertainment and educational source to the children as well as for the general audience pular Xperimental Puppetry Theater. There's something for everyone!

8. Atlanta Botanical Garden – The plant lovers would really like this place. It features beautiful plant collections and spectacular exhibitions. The attraction of the botanical gardens is the carnivorous plant which you can see and enjoy.

9. Georgia Dome – It is the largest domed stadium in the world. It is the home of the Atlanta Falcons and site of two Super Bowls. All the sports lovers would certainly give a try to this one.

10- Atlanta Opera – The highest standards of Opera are presented in the Atlanta Opera. Both musical and theatrical performances are held here. It also works to attract the finest national, international and regional singers, conductors, stage managers and designers.

All things in life need to grow and develop. This applies to our relationships as well. This also applies to our relationships with our dogs. Whether you just got your furry best friend and want to plant the seeds of a harmonious long-term friendship, or you have been living together for a while, and want to take your relationship to the next level, we all need guidance sometimes. And just like you would go to a specialist if you wanted more out of your relationship with your partner, you would go to a… dog training school if you needed to work on your relationship with your dog.

The question is, how do you find a good specialist? Now, if you were just feeling under the weather, you would probably go to a general practitioner. But what if you had a toothache? I bet you would go to a dentist instead! Same with dog training. First, you need to decide whether you want to work on general obedience, aggression, separation anxiety, or maybe you want to take on therapy dog training or a protection dog training course. And then you got to read on because we created a list of local hidden gems in San Diego area that specialize in exactly the kind of dog training classes you want!

Now, what types of dog training schools are we going to look at exactly?

Dog Obedience Training

Aggressive Dog Training

Protection Dog Training or Guard Dog Training

Behavior Modification Dog Training – Dog Separation Anxiety Training

Therapy Dog Training

Service Dog Training

We will also take a look at such training types as a dog training camp, group classes, in home dog training and online dog training.

All of these gems have 5-star ratings on Yelp, tons of happy clients and they are local, oftentimes family-owned businesses, so you can make great friends among your neighbors while doing some training as well!

First things first, there are plenty of options out there in regards to dog training. How do you know which one is good for you? Here are 6 tips.

6 Tips For Picking the Right Dog Training School

1. Know That the Dog Training Industry is Unregulated

That means that virtually anyone could call him or herself a trainer, sadly. However, there are certifications and organizations that can help you identify those who actually have the right designations and experience. Always check to see if the trainer has some of the following certifications: The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), The Academy for Dog Trainers (ADT), the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT KA), the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (KPAATB), or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Being the primary educational organization for trainers, APDT has a very useful resource called Trainer Search that allows you to find trainers in your area based on your city or zip code. Great tool! Note that if a trainer is certified by the APDT it does not necessarily imply that he or she uses a specific training method, which brings us to the next tip.

2. Know the Training Methods Used

Now, all trainers have different training methods, but here are a few basic things that would help you swim confidently in the sea of trainer jargon. There are currently 4 basic methods of training that stem from behavioral psychology: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment and negative punishment. Now, the words positive and negative aren’t representing the concept of “good and evil” here, they function more like they would in math, with positive meaning addition and negative meaning subtraction of something. It will become clearer in a second.

Positive Reinforcement

This is the most popular method today, and, sure enough, you are all familiar with it. Positive reinforcement has, at its core, rewarding a dog for desired behavior usually with a treat, a toy or play time, depending on what motivates your dog the most. The trick is to pick the right timing: just as your dog does the desired behavior, reward him or her right away, and supplement the treat with a high-pitched “good dog”, to make sure your pet realizes how pleased you are with this behavior. See how a treat is added here? This is the positive part, the addition.

Negative Reinforcement

This technique involves taking something unpleasant away to reinforce the desired behavior. That is how electric fences work, for example. When a dog gets too close to the perimeter, it gets a shock, but the shock disappears the moment the dog moves away from the boundary. This way, the dog learns to stay away from the perimeter. See the subtraction here – the unpleasant sensations are taken away to reinforce a behavior, this is negative reinforcement.

Positive Punishment

With punishment techniques, the trainer is trying to make a particular behavior happen less often. With positive punishment, the trainer adds some unpleasant stimuli to discourage a behavior. With excessive barking, for example, a trainer can add a spray bark collar to the training, so that every time a dog barks, it gets sprayed. The dog will associate nuisance barking with being sprayed, and this will discourage him or her from barking all night long again. Did you see how with this technique a trainer would add (=positive) something to discourage a behavior (=punishment).

Negative Punishment

This technique implies taking something away (=negative) in order to discourage a behavior (=punishment). A good example would be if a trainer turns away from a dog that is jumping on him or other people to get attention. He takes the attention away from the dog to discourage undesired behavior. This method is often used together with positive reinforcement to reduce the unwanted behavior and reinforce the desired behavior.

Ah, that was quite a bit of information, right? Did it become somewhat clearer what the different training methods do? Great. There is still much debate around the best training methods in the trainers’ world, but what you choose remains up to you.

Now that you’ve learnt more about the behavioral psychology, do you start seeing some similarities between how we train dogs and how the government trains us? On to the next tip.

3. Choose the Training Type

Group Classes, Boot Camps, In House Training or even Skype chats – there is every type of dog training you might need under the sun. Consider the benefits and drawbacks. With in house dog training the obvious advantage is that you will get more personal attention. If your dog has some socialization issues, in home training won’t be as effective as group dog training classes, where both you and your fido can learn to be around other dogs and work around so many tempting distractions. If you want your dog to get the experience of a full immersion, then a dog training camp will be the best option. Whereas, if your budget is tight, online dog training might be the solution you are looking for. Deciding on the type of training you need will make the task of finding a good dog training school way easier.

4. Watch a Class Before You Sign Up

Once you picked a class or a training school, take some time to come to one of the training sessions and just observe. Pay attention to the following:

How big is the class size and whether you will be getting enough attention,

If puppies and adult dogs are trained separately,

How many levels do the classes have (basic, intermediate, advanced),

How the trainer interacts with the dogs,

How dogs react to the training,

Whether everyone seems to be having fun and enjoying the process.

If you ticked all the checkboxes here, and are comfortable with the environment, you have found a good candidate.

5. Don’t Forget About Vaccinations

Safety first! Make sure your dog is properly vaccinated before you start any dog training and get the green light from your vet. Next, ensure that the training school requires every dog to be vaccinated and is asking for a proof. This way you can rest assured that the safety aspect of your training is covered.

6. Ask About the Follow Up

Now, what happens after you have completed the course? Do you get a lifetime membership and can come any time for future “tune ups”, or are follow up visits limited? Maybe there are no follow up visits in case a problem does arise. Make sure to ask the school or the trainer about what happens once you are done with their program.

Great, you are all set for the dog training school of your dreams. Now, we are introducing you to the 10 hidden gem schools with 5-star Yelp ratings that specialize in the type of dog training you are looking for. Go ahead and find the one for you!

Top 10 Dog Training School Hidden Gems in San Diego Area

Let’s start with puppy training. The best time to start training is when your pooch is between 3 and 14 weeks old, it doesn’t mean that your pup doesn’t learn well afterwards, but it is just the juiciest time when he or she absorbs new tricks like a sponge, so take advantage of that if you can! The next stage at which pet owners often need assistance is the 6 months mark, when pups transition into adolescence, and this time is much like the teenage years we’ve all been through – rough. Puppy training to the rescue!

1. Woofingham Palace – Puppy Training San Diego

Woofingham Palace is our 5-star hidden gem for specialized puppy socialization and puppy training in San Diego. It is a family-owned business run by Samantha & Jon Mears, who both immigrated from London 11 years ago. Hence, the name of their dog training school. Samantha Mears is a certified professional dog trainer, who passed her CPDT KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainlines) exam with distinction. Samantha has worked with dogs every day for over 10 years. She is also a Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and is a qualified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG).

Woofingham Palace offers plenty of different puppy training options for you and your pooch all held within a fenced training area in the shade of large sails. The classes are small, so you will get that individual attention. This dog training school puts lots of emphasis on puppy socialization, and notes that pups who have been socialized young tend to show less behavior problems in the future than those pups who haven’t. The prices for group puppy training classes vary from over $100 to over $300, so you have plenty of options.

559 Union Street

Encinitas. CA 92024

P: 760-929-1996

2. Total K9 Training – K9 Dog Training/ Dog Obedience Training San Diego

Now, an all 5-star hidden gem for dog obedience training in San Diego is Total K9 Dog Training. Its trainer, Shannon, is a Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), and is CPDT Certified. She also holds a BA in Psychology and started training animals in 1991 at Sea World. Total K9 Dog Training offers a range of classes, but specializes in dog obedience training, both beginner and advanced.

Total K9 Dog Training teaches the owners how to become good leaders for their dogs without using any intimidation or domination techniques. They focus on building the trust and communication that would allow the dog to follow the owner… even when he or she doesn’t have that tasty food handy. Shannon puts a lot of emphasis of training the whole family on how to work with their dog, as this strengthens the bond between all the family members and ensures that everything a dog learns at school will be further reinforced at home. The prices of classes vary, but the general range is between $100 and $165 for group classes.

Total K9 Dog Training serves the areas of San Diego: Escondido, 4S Ranch, Del Sur, Santa Luz, Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Sabre Springs, Rancho Penasquitos, Scripps Ranch.

3. Think Pawsitive Dog Training – Service Dog Training and Therapy Dog Training

Interested in Therapy Dog Training/Service Dog Training? A service or therapy dog certification requires you to take a number of steps along the way. Think Pawsitive dog training school can help you throughout the process. Its founder, Vanessa Melrose, is a member of APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), certified by ABCDT (ABC Dog Trainer) and KPA CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner). She has been working with dogs since 2003.

What Think Pawsitive offers in terms of service dog training and therapy dog training: it offers to help you with the entire process, from basic training to preparing and passing the CGC Certification and Therapy Pet Certification, which you must get in order for your dog to become an official service/therapy dog. To start the program, your dog doesn’t need to be a specific size or breed, it needs to have a calm, friendly temperament. You know, a therapy dog – boy, that patience! Therapy Dog Evaluations are $30, and Think Pawsitive offers extended discounts for referrals or recently adopted pets, so you can email Vanessa directly to learn more about the program and the pricing.

1273 Crest Dr.

Encinitas, CA 92024

949.533.4756Service area: San Diego + Orange County

4. Behave! – Aggressive Dog Training San Diego

Behave! – another hidden gem that specializes in aggressive dog training in San Diego. Its founder, Alexandra Gant, graduated from ACBDT animal behavior college, and since 2012 has been working with “unworkable” or “last chance” dogs who are on the verge of being euthanized or re-homed due to aggression issues. Alex focuses on teaching owners in need of dog aggression training how to train the dog by themselves, without relying on professional help. Behave! trainers are knowledgeable about the different forms of aggression and believe that aggression is a symptom of a much deeper problem, so they focus on fixing the problem, rather than just the symptoms.

Behave! realizes that dog aggression training is a big commitment, so it encourages all owners who work with them to consider packages instead of sessions. The classes are $80-$125 Per Session, and they currently offer a 10% package discount.

(303) 746-3487

5. American Canine Training – Dog Protection Training San Diego

So you were looking for guard dog training in San Diego? We found a hidden gem for that too, all 5 stars – American Canine Training. Chris Moredock is the head trainer, certified by APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and the Pro-train institute of California.

American Canine Training has a number of different options when it comes to dog protection training. You can choose Security Alert Training, which will teach your dog to watch out for strangers and warn you should they be up to something spooky. It will also teach your dog to stop aggressive responses on your command. Or you could go for a Personal Protection Training (on and off leash), which will teach the dog to protect his or her humans and property, learn “attack” and “release” commands, etc. There you go, you are on your way to getting that cool police-style dog you’ve always wanted.

(858) 274-0268

Serving area: the entire San Diego County

6. Legends Dog Training – Behavior Modification Dog Training/Dog Separation Anxiety Training

If your pooch needs some professional behavior modification training, this is your local 5-star professional dog behaviorist – Legends Dog Training School. They specialize in dog separation anxiety training, training for dogs with impulsivity issues, fearful response to other dogs and many other behavioral problems.

Alyssa Rose (Lapinel), the founder of Legends, is a CPDT-KA certified Canine Training and Behavior Specialist with 15 years of experience in the area of behavioral studies. She is also certified by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers, and by Triple Crown Dog Training Academy. Alyssa is an AKC Citizen Evaluator, and a Professional Member of The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). She applied her degree in Phycology to work with children and adults diagnosed with serious disorders such as schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder, and later used this experience to start working with animals. Alyssa designs behavior modification dog training programs that address the root cause of a behavioral problem and provide a systematic framework for improving communication and strengthening the bond between the dog and his/her owner.

One consultation costs $150, but it is included if you decide to pursue a training package with 5 classes for $575. Mind you, different options are available, so check Legends website and see their contact info below to learn more.

619.431.1233

Serving the City of San Diego and San Diego County: Golden Hill, South Park, North Park, Talmadge, Kensington, Mission Hills, Mission Valley, Little Italy, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Escondido, La Jolla, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, La Mesa, Ramona, Poway, El Cajon

7. Pawtopia – Dog Agility Training San Diego

You have sure enough heard about this dog training school – Pawtopia. But did you know that they had a specialized dog agility training class? Yep, this one also made it to our hidden gems list. Its founder, Colleen Demling, is an accredited trainer with 16 years of experience. She is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, is accredited by the CBCC-KA and CPDT-KA, as well as IABBC. Colleen also designed the Temperament Test for the Naval Medical Center’s Therapy Dog Program here at San Diego. Colleen is actively involved in many professional organizations, including the International Association of Canine Professionals, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, and the Animal Behavior Management Alliance.

“Fun with Agility!” is the class Pawtopia offers for dogs of all levels of training, so don’t look away if you are not interested in competing – this is dog agility training class for all those who just want to have fun, run through tunnels and jump through hoops, no pressure! The price is $170, and you can learn more on the Pawtopia website.

858-414-7797

Service areas: South Park, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, North Park, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Bay Park, Morena, Kearney Mesa, Linda Vista, Clairemont Mesa, Normal Heights,University Heights, Clairemont, Coronado, San Diego, Lemon Grove,, Linda Vista, Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta, Sports Arena, La Jolla, Bird Rock, UTC, Sorrento Valley, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Santa Fe, Crosby, Del Sur, Carmel Valley, Torrey Hills, Del Mar, Del Mar Heights, Solana Beach, Fairbanks Ranch, Cardiff By the Sea, Encinitas, Encinitas Ranch, Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Penasquitos

8. Devotion to Dogs – In Home Dog Training

For those of you looking for in home dog training, Ben of Devotion to Dogs offers just that, and takes a place in our list of hidden San Diego gems. Ben is a graduate of Northridge Animal Behavior College, is AKC certified, and is a member of IACP. Ben has been a dog trainer for 15 years, and trained dogs with a variety of behavioral issues. He also works with local rescues and believes that every dog can be trained and successfully rehabilitated. His specialty is in home dog training: a personal, one on one type of training that allows him to assess the environment and find the right solution. And allows you to save time on commute of course.

Devotion to Dogs offers a variety of packages. The starting package includes a 2-4 hour in home session as well as a 1 hour follow up session, which goes for $500. Call Devotion to Dogs for more information.

Garfield Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020

619-500-4787

9. Tully’s Training – Online Dog Training

If you need some flexibility or are on a budget, Tully’s Training offers not only private in home training and group classes, but also basic obedience positive-reinforcement online dog training – via Skype.

Tully’s Training team is comprised of trainers with experience in exotic, domestic, and marine mammal training, which allows it to look at animal behavior from different angles. One of their most titled trainers is Meghan McLeod, who reportedly trained with a number of well-recognized behaviorists such as Karen Pryer and Dr. Ian Dunbar. Meghan is also a certified CGC evaluator. Check out Tully’s team of trainers with a whole spectrum of different backgrounds here.

According to Tully’s, online dog training has been working great for them and their clients, as they are able to get that same individual, one on one session that you would get in person for a fraction of the cost. So, if online dog training suits your needs, this is the school for you. Training packages are highly customizable, so get in touch with Tully’s for more information.

925.603.3647

Service area: San Diego and Los Angeles

10. Specialty Dog Training – Dog Training Camp San Diego

Were you looking for a dog training camp in San Diego? Then this is the place for you – Specialty Dog Training. It is a family-owned dog training school founded by Graham Bloem, a professional dog trainer with 17+ years of experience and a recipient of numerous awards, including American Red Cross Real Heroes Award and the Honeywell Life Safety Award presented by Larry King himself. Graham’s team consists of a number of seasoned professionals that together have accumulated numerous accreditations, including certificates by IACP, APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), NADOI, ABSCDT and others. Graham and his wife, Kyrie, also actively support nonprofits, shelters and rescue organizations.

Specialty Dog Training focuses on using positive reinforcement and discipline in their training. Their dog training camp, i.e. in-kennel training, dog board and train or a boot camp is a structured environment where your dog will be taught all the obedience basics he or she needs to be a great companion. Being away from the usual environment is a good opportunity for your dog to “reset”, while the trainers can work on his/her behavioral issues in a controlled environment.

Specialty Dog Training offers plenty of packages, they also have a Boot Camp Special for the month of March, with 25% off all dog training camps. The price varies between $1575 (with the discount) for a 2-week program with 2 private sessions, to $5400 for an 8-week program with 2 private lessons.

Pacific Pet Resort, 2909 San Luis Rey Rd Oceanside CA 92058

855-287-8659

We hope this helped you find the best dog training school for your needs. And if, after all, you are still looking, you can check tools like Thrumbtack for other options in San Diego area https://www.thumbtack.com

Bets of luck with school hunting!

If you find yourself in the privileged position of visiting South Africa's Western Cape Province, rent a car and take time out to discover some of the magical tourist destinations on offer. Ranging from the historical Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and many political activists were hospitalized for years, to the Kirstenbosch Gardens, this province has something to inspire even the most tired of souls.

Cango Caves
Experience the beauty of South Africa's oldest tourist attraction as experienced guides lead you through this South African Landmark.

Cape Wine Tours
Surrounded by rolling mountains and lush landscapes, the Cape wine lands are a sought after tourist destination. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Cape wineries, learn about wine, meet people and have fun with the Cape Wine Academy. Day tours, wine tastings and tailor itineraries will add the pleasure to this must-see part of South Africa.

City Sightseeing
See the sights of Cape Town from the Open Top Red Tour Bus. City Sightseeing Cape Town offer visors the option of taking the scenic route or the historic route through Cape Town. The best way to get to know the city.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Enjoy a relaxing day of serene beauty at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch is home to a variety of plants and animals.

Robben Island
This World Heritage Site off the coast of Cape Town used to be the home of many political prisoners. Today the Robben Island Museum strives to conserve the heritage of this island and to educate and enrich its visitors.

Table Mountain National Park
This Natural World Heritage Site is an international tourist attraction. The National park covers a vast expanse of natural beauty ranging from valleys and cliffs to the beautiful beaches of the Western Cape.

Two Oceans Aquarium
The Two Oceans Aquarium located at the V & A Waterfront plays host to thousands of marine animals from both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This top tourist attraction gives visitors the opportunity to discover the magic of our oceans.

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Situated at Cape Town's harbor, the V & A Waterfront is a well-known destination. With something for everyone, the V & A Waterfront hosts a variety of retail outlets, entertainment areas, offices, and hotels and residential areas. The V & A Waterfront combines the elements of life.

Whale Watching at Hermanus
Hermanus is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Discovery Tours in Cape Town offers private tours for visitors to experience these majestic creatures.

White Shark Cage Diving
Dive into the Atlantic Ocean (with the protection of a cage) and experience the thrill of swimming with sharks. Meet these superior predators face to face with African Dive Safaris.

1. Research your walk. Check to see if there are any written guides or information on the trail you have selected. Ask the locals for advice or contact the Batemans Bay Visitors Centre who have pamphlets and local bushwalking books. Check with the local holiday parks in Durras, Depot or Pebbly Beach for advice. Do not rely on asking others for advice whilst on the trail as you may not even encounter one single person.
2. Allow adequate time for your walk. Though the trail may be described as just 3km, it is more important to find out how long you should allow. For example, the Durras Lake Walk is often described as 5km long, but this does not include the return trip.
3. Check the weather forecast. Remember that many walks in the Murramarang National Park include walking along the beach or around headlands and could be affected by strong surf or winds. Sunrise and sunset times are important to know. Check for the times of low and high tides. Some walks such as Around Point Upright can be extremely dangerous in big surf conditions combined with high tide conditions.
4. Take plenty of water. Apart from water supplies at the holiday parks in Durras North and Pebbly Beach, there are no sources of safe drinking water on most walks. Durras Lake is often open to the ocean and is comprised of salt water. Any creeks encountered are mostly brackish and not suitable for drinking.
5. Check the difficulty of the walk. What is easy for one person may be very hard for others. If a walk is described as moderate, find out what that means. If may be graded this way due to the length of the walk or how long it may take to complete. Or, it may be moderate due to steep climbs up hills. Assess whether or not you will be fit enough to enjoy the walk. The Burrawang Walk for example, includes 94 steps then a steep climb to reach the top of a headland. Hard going for most people.
6. Advise others of your intentions. Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Good people to advise include other campers, the staff of holiday parks or the National Parks office. Importantly, notify them when you have finished your walk otherwise they may think you have gone missing.
7. Mobile phone coverage. Depending upon the network you are with, the Murramarang National Park has very limited mobile phone reception, if any. Even UHF radios often don’t work due to the hilly terrain.
8. Wear suitable clothing. If you are doing a coastal walk, you may be exposed to direct sunlight so you will need proper sun protection. A broad brimmed hat is good. Wear suitable footwear according to the walk you are doing. Shoes or sandals are ideal but make sure they provide adequate ankle protection. A small daypack with a rainjacket or spare clothing is recommended.
9. Be environmentally friendly. There are no rubbish bins in the Murramarang Park. Any rubbish you create should be carried out with you. Do not take any plant or geological samples. All wildlife in the Murramarang National Park are protected. As always, take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints
10. Prevent being bitten! Use an insect repellant. Mosquitoes can be prevalent. Leeches are also a problem, particularly after rain. A small packet of salt is best. Just sprinkle the salt on to the leech, and it will soon drop off your body. Snakes are a feature of the Australia bush. Most will avoid you, but if you do come across one, allow it time to get away. Walk around it if possible. Whatever you do, do not torment it. The most common snakes in the Murramarang National Park are Diamond Pythons or Red Bellied Black snakes. Carry a small first aid kit.

The bushwalking opportunities in Murramarang National Park are diverse. As the park includes coastal landscapes, Durras Lake and the bushland, the trails provide some of the best bushwalking opportunities on the NSW South Coast.

Any visit or prolonged stay on the coast of Southern California is best marked with the experience of learning to surf. While taming the waves might seem like a sinking proposition, there are five ways you can prepare to make the experience glide into success. We encourage anyone taking Del Mar surfing lessons to prepare with the following:

One. Push-ups. OK, do I really have to put myself through a personal boot camp prior to going surfing? No, but light training will help come lesson day! Most new surfers are amazed how muscles they never really have worked in different activities become sore from surfing. If you have some time leading up to your surfing lesson in Del Mar, some basic upper body strength will help you pop up to the standing position much easier.

Two. Yoga is another great cross-training activity leading up to a Del Mar surfing lesson. There is a reason many of the top surfers in the world are also yoga practitioners. While strengthening your core, working on balance translates well to the balance used when surfing. If you are staying or live near the Del Mar area, the grassy park on 15th street is a perfect place to breath in the ocean air, practice your yoga, and enjoy the sounds of the crashing waves you will soon surf.

Three. The evening before or the day of Del Mar surfing lessons, we recommend eating a light meal. Leading up to most of any exercise, a heavy meal typically is a bad idea. Del Mar is full of great options for food whether it be some tacos at the Brig, a long list of options around the Del Mar Plaza, or some food and ambiance at Burlap.

Four. Be flexible in many ways. The ocean has an ever-changing mind of its own. Sometimes finding the right parking spot requires flexibility. The beach for the locations might not have the right conditions. Instructors might relocate the lesson the morning of to give you a better experience. The whole experience will go better if you are prepared to be flexible. Welcome to an aspect of the surfing culture. And please note, Del Mar has a mixture of free and paid parking. Parking meters are strictly enforced.

Five. Be ready to get wet. Sounds funny right? At Del Mar surfing lessons, many times vacationers come to a lesson mentally unprepared to submerge their head underwater. Instructors will always try to limit your wipeouts and waves crashing into you by techniques such as lifting you over waves. However, wipeouts happen. They are fun. Embrace the idea of you going underwater, getting splashed in the face and all round having fun.

With these five preparations, you are in good hands with a professional instructor. They will give you the details of the surfing lesson making sure you are ready to enter the surf. Whether you learn in Del Mar, Hawaii, Australia or more, your first lesson in surfing will be a day you remember for the rest of your life. Best of luck and see you in the water!

Enjoy more tips on our blog: http://www.delmarsurfinglessons.com/blog.html

Many of my favorite childhood summer memories of growing up along Florida's Space Coast revolve around the annual camping trips my family and I enjoyed each summer at Sebastian Inlet State Park, about 30 miles south of my home in Satellite beach. Then as my friends got old enough to drive, weekend camping trips were a regular occurrence. When I got married and had a family of my own, the camping tradition fought onward and today, my daughters tell me that those trips comprise some of their favorite memories. Sebastian Inlet is broadly regarded as one of Florida's finest and most popular state parks in the state and for good reason. There is so much to do there.

First and foremost, Sebastian Inlet is a fishing mecca and produces some of the best Snook fishing in the state, but Redfish, Snapper, Sea-Trout, Flounder, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Tarpon and Jacks and a host of others are more possibilities. The rocks along the shoreline almost always produced mangrove Snapper for me while Sheepshead were less frequent catches. I would catch Atlantic Spadefish which look like a freshwater aquarium angelfish from around the pilings under the A1A Bridge's fishing catwalk. Summer nights would find me and whatever friend came with us at the end of the L shaped dock near the campground with a Coleman lantern suspended just above the water. After the tide had been going out for about an hour the shrimp would show up to be scooped up by the dozens just off the surface of the water. Placing one on a hook and casting off the dock almost certainly produced great fishing. Shark fishing at night is popular along a few. My oldest was a 5 foot Nurse Shark off the North Jetty but I have seen larger Blacktips and Bull Sharks as well as others here.

Surfing also reigns supreme here. "First Peak" is a surf break known through the eastern surf scene. It occurs just north of the North Jetty when, under the right conditions with a swell coming out of the northeast, sections of an incoming wave will strike the jetty and bounce off into the rest of the wave, forming a very pronounced peak. The best surfers in the state regularly flock here and it can get very crowded. Sebastian Inlet is host each year to several surfing tournaments that draw pro surfers from around the world. Monster Hole, a reef structure about a 1/3 mile offshore of the south jetty, is another local legend. During flat times you would never know there is a surf break there. It takes a 3-5 foot swell to set it off but when it does, intrepid surfers are rewarded with hollow, powerful leaves that peel off for a hundred yards or more. I mentioned intrepid surfers because it has never been fully explained to me whenever the name, "Monster Hole" is because of the waves that break there, or the large sharks that are sighted there. In addition it is a ways out there, not for beginners.

While fishing and surfing reign supreme here, there is so much more to Sebastian Inlet. During my childhood summers my buddy and I would be the only snorkelers in the inlet but today, it has become very popular. The wading lagoon on the North Side of the inlet is an great place to get started with snorkeling as the lagoon has easy access, is shallow, with a sandy bottom, and yet the rock jetties that protect the lagoon from the currents within the inlet itself provide structure that joins Mangrove Snapper, Striped Grunts, Sheepshead, and a variety of smaller tropical looking species. Once while snorkeling with my Daughters in this cove we were paid a visit by a Manatee. Some people slide down the rocks lining the north side of the inlet and then go for a drift dive, preferably on an incoming tide while snorkeling along the rocks along the southern shore of the inlet near the campground has for me produced sightings of large Snook just milling about waiting for the next nighttime feeding frenzy. If you are snorkeling and really want to see a lot of fish and amaze your kids, snorkel from the beach area near the campsite where you will find clumps of rocks, with a hand full of cut up bait shrimp, and with your back to the current, release the shrimp into the water in front of you. You will be rewarded with a miniature feeding frenzy if front of you. Remember to always stay within 100 feet of a dive flag and out of the boat channel. Also avoid snorkeling in front of people fishing from shore. The best snorkeling within the inlet will always be the later stages of an incoming tide or the earlier stages of an outgoing tide. That is when the inlet is filled with cleaner ocean water. You can also sometimes snorkel off the beach when the water is clean and little or no swell is present. You can snorkel along the ocean side of the south jetty and starting just south of jetty, you will find coquina ridges close to shore, within 100 yards.

Scuba Diving is also popular here, and is allowed in all waters of the inlet except the boat channel, and directly under the bridge and fishing catwalks. Just outside of the Inlet, Monster Hole is popular, especially with lobster divers, and then you have Riomar Reef, which starts just south of the south jetty, within 100 yards of shore, extends out about  a a mile, and runs unbroken all the way down to Roimar. Divers here can encounter sharks, rays, sea turtles, and over 200 species of fish, plus the unique and rare Oculina species of corals. Reliefs in the limestone and coquina ridges can be quite dramatic. Depths range from 3-4 feet to about 15. Remember to always carry and display a dive flag.

For Kayakers, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great paddling destination Putting in at the Sebastian Inlet Marina located about a mile north of the Inlet itself gives you access to the Campbell Pocket area with its mangrove lined shorelines and additional pockets and coves between the marina and the Inlet while putting in at the Inlet's Boat Ramp on the south side near the campground allows exploration of mangroves to the south of the inlet and the Inlet itself near the lagoon, although care should be taken due to the tidal currents running through the inlet.

The Inlet marina also serves as a trailhead for the hammock trail for hiking as well as some off-road bike trails in the area, while at the same time there are walkways along the north edge of the inlet leading from the main concession out to the North Jetty. Wildlife is abundant here with many species of birds along the inlet as well as the woods surrounding the inlet. Also, if it lives near shore in the ocean, it will swim through the inlet. I have had sightings from the bridge catwalks of Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Turtles, Sharks, Rays, and more.

There are two museums within the State Park. At the north concession area is the Sebastian Inlet Fishing Museum telling the history of the area's Fishing Industry while the McLarty Treasure Museum is located on the beachside of A1A about a mile south of the bridge. In July of 1715, 11 ships, including 10 Spanish Galleons loaded with gold, silver, and "The Queens Jewels", plundered from Central and South America, were sailing north along the Florida East Coast bound for Spain when a massive hurricane stuck the fleet , driving the ships ashore. The El Capitan, which is believed to have been the northernmost of the fleet, was driven upon the coquina ridge just offshore of the beach here and the massive waves pounded it to pieces. The survivors of the shipwreck camped at the site where the museum today stands, while remnants of the wreck remain about 100 yards off the shore. The search for the reminder of its treasure is ongoing to this day.

If you go; Sebastian Inlet State Park is on State Road A1A about 15 miles south of Melbourne Beach, just north of Wabasso, and offers a marina, museums, concessions, full service campsites, pavilions, picnic areas, and 3 miles of beaches in addition to the inlet itself. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Sebastian Fishing Museum and McLarty Museum are open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For campers who plan to arrive after sunset, call the park on the day of arrival at 321-984-4852 to get the gate combination and instructions.

The Spanish Canary islands off the coast of North Africa are a fantastic location for family holidays. The Spanish love children and Gran canaria and Tenerife in particular are heavily geared towards family tourism. If you want a full family day out there are theme parks, animal parks and nature reserves aplenty in North and South Tenerife and in Southern Gran Canaria.

Sometimes its difficult to combine an interesting sightseeing trip for the adults along with something for the kids to do! However in the Canaries there are plenty of activities and attractions to entertain both young and old. Even the hotels and restaurants are mostly “child friendly” and lay on suitable entertainment for kids even in the early evenings and the Spanish love of festivities and parades can be a good ( and free) source of entertainment for the family if you time your holiday well, there are tons of fiestas during the summer months and many carnivals during the winter in January and February.

Safaris

There are plenty of stables offering rides for children in holiday resorts but in Gran Canaria they do things differently, how about a camel safari? there are two main centres on Gran Canaria near Fataga and another in Tenerife at El Tanque.

Waterparks

The waterparks in Gran Canaria might not be up to Mr Disney’s standards, but never the less can provide almost as much fun for adults and kids and are much closer than Florida! Maspalomas on Gran Canaria has Aqualand and the smaller Oceanpark and there is another Aqualand on Teneri near Playas de las Americas.

Watersports

If your kids are old enough to take part in watersports activities there are many centres offering tuition in everything from snorkeling and scuba diving to rides on the “water bananas” ( inflatables pulled behind a speedboat). For younger kids the old family favourite of pedalos are also freely available for hire.

Wildlife

There are several bird and wildlife parks along with nature reserves on the islands, the biggest and best of which has to be the Loro Parque at Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife. Second in popularity is the bird and butterfly park on gran canaria called Palmitos Parque. Young boys in particular will also love Reptilandia at galdar which specialises in insects and creepy crawlies!

Theme parks

Holiday world is perhaps the nearest thing the Canaries have to the theme parks of Florida, based just outside maspolamas on gran canaria this is the first and biggest of the canary islands theme parks and has conventional thrill rides for older kids along with more sedate attractions for toddlers.

Mount Teide

A fantastic day out for all the family is riding to the summit of Teide ina cable car, the car ascends from 2356m to 3555m in just 8 minutes and the weather at the top of the dormant volcano of Mount teide can be very different from the traditional Canaries weather along the coast, snow fequently falls here in winter. Be aware that you will need prior permission to visit the actual crater of the volcano itself which is a short (163m) walk from the El Teleferico cable car station.

1. Your neighborhood. Getting to know your beach cruiser before heading out on a trail with other riders, skaters or walkers is a good idea. Get to know how your bike rides, the speed your bike goes easily and how you handle the bike. Cruising your own neighborhood is also a nice way to get out a see where you live instead of driving your daily route to get somewhere quickly.

2. Coronado Bike Path – This 17.1 mile bike path is a nice cruise between Coronado ferry terminal and Imperial Beach. This path is relatively flat with a nice wide path for easy riding. The path can be busy on weekends with runners, in line skaters, other riders and walkers also use the path. This path can also be windy on most afternoons. The path runs around the outskirts of Coronado and then down Silver Strand. The Pacific Ocean is one side and San Diego Bay on the other side of this ride. The path is well maintained in most areas. The San Diego side of the trail gets a little bumpier as the path has a few more cracks.

3. Mission Bay Bike Path – 11.4 miles are around beautiful Mission Bay. This path tends to have heavy traffic on weekends as bikers, runners, walkers and in line skaters also use the path. This has many starting points along Mission Bay. The elevation change is minimal which makes this ride an excellent ride for a single speed Beach Cruiser as well. This path also takes the rider along the San Diego River and SeaWorld.

4. Mission Beach/Pacific Beach Boardwalk Path – Approximately 3 miles of fun along the Pacific Ocean. There is a speed limit on this path along the beach. It can be crowded during heavy tourist season. There are no elevation changes along this route. There are a lot of places to stop and take in the Pacific Ocean, grab a bite to eat or have a drink. Belmont Park is an amusement park in the area that is home to a wooden roller coaster.

5. State Route 56 Bike Path – This 10.3 mile long route goes from Del Mar to Sabre Springs neighborhoods of San Diego. There are some food places on either end of the path but not much in the middle. There is one significant quarter mile long uphill when going west to east. This route is not a popular tourist route but is popular local among bike riding enthusiasts and runners.

Above are some cool central San Diego bike rides for the Beach Cruiser enthusiast in all of us. Beach Cruisers can be used for more than just a cruiser along the beach. However if a cruise along the beach is what you are looking for those are listed as well.

The Battery/White Point Gardens, behind the elevated walkway at Murray Boulevard and Battery Street, are named for the St. Bernard-sized piles of oyster shells that covered this area where the Cooper and Ashley rivers pour into Charleston Bay. The marsh was filled in and transformed into a public recreation space beginning in 1837. The stately oaks you walk the dog under were planted in 1863. From the dog-friendly park you can study the positions of the forts that protected the harbor, including Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began.

About 90 minutes to the south is Hunting Island State Park a 5000-acre island that

was once a hunting preserve, hence its name. Before that it was a stopover for

sailors and pirates. Much of the park was developed as a Depression-era project

and its 1120-foot fishing pier is one of the longest on the East Coast.

The lighthouse in the park, built in 1859 and destroyed in the Civil War before being

rebuilt with cast iron plates designed to be dismantled and moved, is the only public

light in South Carolina. You can climb the 167 steps – without your dog – to the top

for a commanding view of the shoreline.

Hunting Island State Park is one of the best places you can hike with your dog. Dogs

are allowed on the park trails and the ocean beach – three miles of natural sand.

The formal trails include a one-mile nature trail and a 4-mile long hiking trail. Both

are easy going for you and the dog. A marsh boardwalk has been constructed over a

salt water marsh overlooking Johnson Creek.

You will find an abundance of palmetto forests – the South Carolina state tree – on

the island. If you remember the jungle scenes from Forrest Gump you will get a feel

for the tropical trails on Hunting Island. The Vietnam scenes from the hit movie

were filmed here.

Hunting Island State Park is 16 miles east of Beaufort. From Charleston, take

Highway 17 (Savannah Hwy) South to Gardens Corner, then take a left on Hwy 21 to

park.

copyright 2006