tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66743736184797307252024-03-13T04:32:12.516-07:00BestPaw BlogSheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-55943542803288831482012-01-18T19:50:00.000-08:002012-01-18T19:50:24.113-08:00Woodstock PetValu's Grand Opening!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Come and visit us at the Woodstock, ON PetValu's Grand Opening</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (Wal-Mart plaza on Norwich Ave)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stop by for some free dog training advice and lot's of free giveaway's!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">This Saturday Jan 21st from 10am-2pm!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ft4m6WonrX4/TxeSp3uv2ZI/AAAAAAAAACo/htfQgPMNHvs/s1600/best+paw+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ft4m6WonrX4/TxeSp3uv2ZI/AAAAAAAAACo/htfQgPMNHvs/s200/best+paw+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-13170797998104996462011-11-29T18:32:00.000-08:002011-11-29T18:32:53.757-08:00The Counter Surfer - How to teach your dog to stop stealing your food!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are coming up on holiday time and with it comes many gatherings, which to your dog means free food! Dogs are opportunistic scavengers and this is never more obvious then when we have food out on the table or counter. In the wild if a dog came across something to eat they wouldn’t look around to see if it belongs to someone else before diving in, and we shouldn’t expect them to in our kitchen. A dog who steals food is not a bad dog, they just haven’t been taught (in a way they can understand) what is and what is not acceptable. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not only is it a nuisance behaviour but it can be potentially dangerous. There are several foods that can be toxic to your dog, along with some everyday kitchen utensils that can pose a threat. I had a personal experience with a client’s pup who liked to steal towels off the table, counter and front of the stove. One day they had a blender set out to dry on a towel on the counter and their brazen little pup grabbed the corner and gave it a good tug. Fortunately, no one was hurt but the pup was so frightened he refused to enter the kitchen for several days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With a few simple lessons and some set-ups there is lots of time to have your pup on his/her best behaviour before your guests arrive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Teach ‘Leave It’</span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Step 1 - start by enticing your pup with a treat tucked away in your fist, as soon as they come up to sniff it say 'leave it' in a very matter of fact tone and wait. As soon as your pup backs off or looks away immediately say 'yes' and release the treat. Some will pick this up very quickly and some may not but as long as they aren't getting any crumbs from the treat they will eventually give up and back away. As they begin to understand the game they will jump back when they hear 'leave it' and when they do say ‘yes’ and give them the treat. Once they reach this point you can move on to the next step. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Step 2 – with your dog on leash allow some slack while holding the end. Show your pup the treat, say 'leave it' and toss the treat just out of reach. If they go for it give them a quick, gentle pop on the leash keeping them away from the treat. You may say leave it again along with each 'pop' if more than one is needed. As with step one as soon as they back away, or stop pulling, say 'yes' and immediately pick up the treat and give it to them. Once they are great at this stage you can make it more difficult by using better treats, more treats or nudging the treats closer as they are 'leaving it'. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set Ups <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Set ups are essential to changing any unwanted dog behaviour. When doing a set up leave a sample of food, maybe start with something simple like a cracker, and place it somewhere that you know your dog is likely to go for. Act as though you are busy but don’t take your eyes off the dog and at the exact moment they go for it use the leave it command with a firm tone moving quickly to block your dog from the food. If your dog jumps back or walks away praise them with an enthusiastic ‘good dog!’ and go back to pretending you are busy. Continue on with the set up for a few minutes to see if your pup will try again. If they don’t, consider it a successful session, pick up the food and go about your day. If the command and swift movement isn’t enough to deter your dog you may want in include an interrupter (next paragraph). If done correctly and often enough, your dog will learn that food anywhere but their food bowl is out of bounds. They may even begin to assume it’s a set up and think twice about going for it in the first place!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Interrupters<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An interrupter is a redirecting noise that encourages your dog to stop an undesired behaviour. Many dogs will react to a firm ‘no’ or ‘ah-ah’, but for the tougher tempered pups an interrupter may be needed. The noise should be just loud enough to grab their attention but not to scare them. Interrupters come in many forms. There are two that I use, one is homemade and one can be found at your local pet store. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Shaker can</u> – this is an empty pop can filled with pennies with tape over the opening. The more pennies the louder the sound it will make. Start with 10-15 and add more if needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>The Pet Corrector</u> – this is a small can of pressurized air that emits a loud hissing noise when you push the trigger. I have found this tool to be very effective even when working with strong tempered dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once you have taught your dog ‘leave it’ and you are confident that they fully understand the command you are ready to begin with the setups. If needed you can use an interrupter along with the ‘leave it’. The end goal is to eventually wean off of the interrupter and rely only on the voice command itself but sometimes tying the two together will give you optimal results. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div><div class="Standard"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most important element when teaching your dog to ‘leave it’ is timing. As with all training the timing of the reward or consequence is limited to 2-3 seconds. In order to be fair and sure your dog knows what is expected be aware of the timing. Lastly, if you catch your dog stealing food and you are not prepared to deal with it immediately just remove any food that’s left and plan to do a lesson later. Training is never successful when you are angry. Do lots of setup’s and your pup will be steering clear of your food in no time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="Standard"><br />
</div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-14534263824698324132011-09-15T14:33:00.000-07:002011-09-15T14:33:25.669-07:00Keeping Your Dog Calm in a ThunderstormThis time of year can be pretty hectic if you live with a dog who's afraid of thunderstorms. Many dogs experience a lot of anxiety, some will seem uneasy, begin pacing or find a place hide before we even know there's a storm coming. Most of us when trying to comfort our dogs are unknowingly only adding to their anxiety. Below are a few things you can do that will help keep your dog calm during a thunderstorm:<br />
<ul><li>Play with your dog. Playing with your dog will keep them distracted while the storm takes place. Get out their favorite toy and play a game with them. Eventually, they’ll associate thunder and lightning with good things instead of bad things.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Turn on some soothing music. Soothing music can calm dogs. Keep turning the volume up as needed. Sound machines work great for calming dogs during thunderstorms.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Provide a safe spot for your dog. Make sure your dog has a safe unenclosed area to retreat to during a thunderstorm. If you notice that your dog favors a particular spot during stormy weather, make that spot as comfortable as possible for them. For some dogs it may be a small room like the bathroom, a corner of a room, behind a chair, or they may even choose their crate. You can make that area comfortable for them by placing a blanket or toy and don't try to force them out, wait for them to come out when they are ready.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Provide blankets or towels for your dog. Many dogs hide under the covers during thunderstorms. If your dog does this, make sure they have their own blanket or towel to hide under. You can put it on their bed or in their safe spot. It will help them feel a sense of security.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Give your dog a stress-relieving product. There are products out on the market today that are specifically used for calming dogs during thunderstorms. Examples of these products include: The Thundershirt, natural remedies you can find at your local pet store or anxiety medications from the vet. The Thundershirt fits your dog like a piece of tight clothing, using pressure to relieve stress during thunderstorms. If your dog is frightened of thunderstorms and doesn’t mind wearing clothing, this might be an option for you to try. There are many different natural anxiety remedies available. The one I most commonly recommend is by the brand HomeoPet called Anxiety TFLN (Thunderstorms, Fireworks, Loud Noises). Lastly there is the option of medication from your veterinarian. Although these options are safe I only recommend this as a last resort and most often only if you area worried about your dogs safety.</li>
</ul>Please remember to avoid cuddling your dog during a thunderstorm. When you do this, your not comforting them, you’re actually encouraging them to be frightened. Also, never let your dog see your anxiety. Dogs read you like an open book and if your are appearing anxious and worked up it will only encourage this behaviour in your dog.<br />
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Most importantly, always make sure your dog has shelter during stormy weather. If you have an outside dog, the best place for your dog to retreat to during stormy weather is your garage or basement. If this isn’t an option, make sure your dog has a dog house or pen to retreat to while he’s outside.Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-18420936737237662052011-08-14T17:23:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:23:17.603-07:00You can never be too prepared if your dog goes missing!<div>It’s very stressful and upsetting when your dog goes missing, but worrying won’t help get your dog home. If your dog is missing, they are likely trying to find their way back home, so act fast.<br />
.<br />
There are quite a few things you can do beforehand to make sure you’re prepared if your dog ever does go missing. The two most important things you can do is <br />
1) make sure your dog is microchipped, and <br />
2) make sure they wear an ID tag at all times. <br />
If he/she is taken to a vet’s office or animal shelter, they'll be scanned for a microchip. If your dog has this, your contact information will be revealed after the quick scan. For the ID tag, it should include your name, telephone number and email address (the dog’s name isn’t necessary). Another tip is to have a tag that says “Needs meds, please call” followed by your phone number. Even if it isn’t true, someone who might NOT be intending to return your dog might not be keen on taking a dog with health issues. “Reward if found” works well too! All dogs need to wear ID tags…a simple thing like this could help the two of you reunite if your canine buddy suddenly disappears.<br />
<br />
If your dog does happen to go missing, act quickly and follow these 10 steps to get your dog back home safely:<br />
<br />
1. Don’t panic! Think long and hard about when you last saw your dog. Look throughout your home and yard.<br />
<br />
2. Spend about 15 minutes calmly but forcefully calling and whistling for your dog. If you do it in a panicky voice, your dog may not recognize it and may not respond.<br />
<br />
3. If your dog isn’t in your home or yard, gather his leash and some treats and head out to search for him. Go door to door with a photo, asking your neighbors if they’ve seen him. It’s not unusual for a dog to hide out in a neighbor’s garden or garage.<br />
<br />
4. If your dog is microchipped, contact the company to let them know your dog is missing. Always make sure your contact information is up to date.<br />
<br />
5. Contact local vet offices and animal shelters to give them your dog’s description to see if he’s been dropped off. If your dog hasn’t been dropped off, be sure they have your contact information so they can contact you if a dog that matches your dog’s description is dropped off.<br />
<br />
6. Post flyers all over your neighborhood and city. You can post flyers at places such as animal shelters, vet offices, pet shops, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, grocery stores, etc. Make sure to include your dog’s name on the flyer, as well as any important information. The contact information should include your name, telephone number and email address. A photo of your dog will also be helpful.<br />
<br />
7. If your dog is enrolled in a healthcare plan, contact the insurance company to let them know your dog has gone missing. They may be able to provide financial assistance (pay for flyers, reward, etc.) to help get your dog home.<br />
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8. Put an old t-shirt on the outside of your home. More than likely your dog is still nearby and if he recognizes a familiar scent, it’ll be much easier for him to find his way back. If it’s recently rained or snowed, your dog may become lost. The smell of a family member’s t-shirt may help put your dog on the right track and lead him back home.<br />
<br />
9. Place a ‘lost dog’ ad in the newspaper as soon as your dog goes missing. Check the column daily to see if anyone has found your dog. Also, there are many websites where you can place a ‘lost dog’ ad.<br />
<br />
10. Offer a reward. Most dog lovers will return a dog without wanting anything in return. However, a reward is a great motivator for people to look for your dog. When offering a reward, beware of scammers. Some people will call and claim they have found your dog, but they haven’t and they plan to rob you when the two of you meet because they know you’ll have the reward money. So, even if the description they give you sounds exactly like your dog, never meet anyone alone or at their home. Always take someone with you and meet in a public place.<br />
<br />
Although most of us will likely never need to worry about this, it's better to be safe than sorry. Be prepared!</div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-24617795298910931882011-04-14T12:30:00.000-07:002011-04-14T12:30:42.158-07:00Quick Housetraining Checklist<ul><li><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your puppy should be let out for a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">washroom break</b> immediately after he/she is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">let out of the crate</b>, had something to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">eat or drink</b>, woken up from a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">nap</b>, finished with a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">play session</b> or done <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">chewing on a bone</b>.</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">A pup should be given the opportunity to relieve themselves outside regularly while the are awake and enjoying time to roam in the house (every half hour is recommended</span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">Watch your pup when you let them out to do their business to be sure they did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they don’t do anything keep an extra watchful eye until their next outing </span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you catch your pup having an accident in the house, abruptly lead them outside to finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">DO NOT</b> punish the dog!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will not teach them to go outside but rather make them afraid to go in front of you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you find an accident and the dog is no where near it, clean it up and go about your day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dragging the dog to it and ‘rubbing his nose in it’ will not help in the housetraining process and only makes you look a little crazy to the dog.<u></u></span></span></li>
</ul>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-84877611567226293292011-04-14T12:27:00.000-07:002011-04-14T12:27:01.611-07:00Housetraining Basics<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Puppy season is here! So now that your puppy's home first things first lets get them doing thier business outside...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Puppies will want to pee and poop wherever they have done so before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your job is to make sure your puppy learns to prefer the outdoors – not your carpets!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever you are unable to supervise your puppy with 100% attention, you need to place him/her in either a short term or long term confinement area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To choose the appropriate confinement area, you need to know how long your puppy can wait between opportunities to do his/her business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A puppy can generally hold it for as many hours as their age in months plus one during the day, and 1.5 times that length overnight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, take the age of your pup in months, add one, and that is how many hours they can hold it during the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Multiply that by 1.5 and that is how many hours they can hold for overnight.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Daytime holding limit: # of months for age + 1 hour (eg. 3 month old pup = 4 daytime hours)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Overnight holding limit: 1 ½ times the daytime limit (eg. 3 month old pup can hold for [1.5 x 4 hours] = 6 hours overnight)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">So, your pup can be placed in a short-term confinement area such as a crate for this length of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of the crate is to keep your pup out of trouble while you are unable to supervise them. It will also help you predict when he/she will have to go so you can take him/her straight outdoors and give a reward for doing it in the right place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crate should be big enough to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably, not so big there that is room for both a bedroom and a bathroom!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Puppies will naturally have the urge to eliminate after a nap, a meal, a drink, exercise, excitement, or time spent in confinement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give you puppy the opportunity to do her business outdoors at these times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When your puppy does her business in the right place attach a command such as ‘hurry up’ or ‘go potty’ and offer a special treat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will speed up her housetraining.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Punishing a pup for soiling in the house after it had happened is counter productive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you wait more that a few seconds after your pup has eliminated to express your disapproval, he/she will not know why they are being punished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you catch your pup about to pee or poop in the wrong place, clap your hands and say ‘Ah-ah, Outside!’ and swiftly scoop him/her up to the outdoors to continue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not hold a grudge; it will not help with housetraining.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">If you would like your pup to poop promptly when you take him/her out, teach them that a prompt poop is the ticket to a walk around the block or play time in the backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will encourage your pup to poop quickly when you let them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do the opposite by taking your pup for a walk only when he/she takes too long to go, and heading back home as soon as he/she does go, you are teaching your pup to delay pooping!</span></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-69808826280041218152011-03-01T16:48:00.000-08:002011-03-01T16:48:36.832-08:00The Puppy Checklist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">A list of some must haves for anyone with a new pup. These toys and bones will help keep your pup busy and out of trouble and the extra yummy treats will have them begging to learn.</span></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gRJ9sXtQTCM/TW1zwBxWYgI/AAAAAAAAAB4/eW07fwx1Nx4/s1600/Kong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gRJ9sXtQTCM/TW1zwBxWYgI/AAAAAAAAAB4/eW07fwx1Nx4/s200/Kong.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Kong</b> (Classic) - can be filled with a mixture of wet and dry dog food </span></span></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">or other healthy snacks</span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cCN2vccWnes/TW10pLAIYJI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9CXG-Hg8sGY/s1600/Goodie+Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cCN2vccWnes/TW10pLAIYJI/AAAAAAAAAB8/9CXG-Hg8sGY/s200/Goodie+Bone.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Kong</strong> (goodie bone) - can be stuffed with large crunchie treats</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ij9K9mzaJRE/TW13f7CsUQI/AAAAAAAAACE/ImilG31fuf0/s1600/Tricky+Treats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ij9K9mzaJRE/TW13f7CsUQI/AAAAAAAAACE/ImilG31fuf0/s200/Tricky+Treats.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Tricky Treats </b>– can be filled with kibble or small treats for hours of challenging fun</span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5zrl3Y27P0/TW14B4GqLqI/AAAAAAAAACM/ASSHfDfFOfs/s1600/Megalast+Bone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q5zrl3Y27P0/TW14B4GqLqI/AAAAAAAAACM/ASSHfDfFOfs/s1600/Megalast+Bone.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Megalast Bone </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">–</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">much like the goodie bone this toy can be stuffed with all kinds of treats (comes in three sizes)</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fC_bZpJcvTs/TW14oMl1JII/AAAAAAAAACQ/9SYtT-BUShs/s1600/Fleecy+Cleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fC_bZpJcvTs/TW14oMl1JII/AAAAAAAAACQ/9SYtT-BUShs/s200/Fleecy+Cleans.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Fleecy Cleans –</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> a rope toy that's safe and durable for puppies to play with</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v1ez5zSZLtM/TW14ywzpa4I/AAAAAAAAACU/NCXh0b3MI2U/s1600/Marrow+Bone.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v1ez5zSZLtM/TW14ywzpa4I/AAAAAAAAACU/NCXh0b3MI2U/s200/Marrow+Bone.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Marrow Bone </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">– a safe bone for puppies to chew that can by stuffed with food (look for bones that are pre-cleaned of marrow and meat for young pups)</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div align="left" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UK53Ghja6mw/TW16e2yzHFI/AAAAAAAAACY/UycDfhS4KuU/s1600/Antler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UK53Ghja6mw/TW16e2yzHFI/AAAAAAAAACY/UycDfhS4KuU/s200/Antler.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Elk Antler –</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> a safe delicious chew with no odours, no stickiness and no staining </span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WM_qbmNQFzg/TW164PpUlUI/AAAAAAAAACc/ywa-H45eYo8/s1600/Nylabone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WM_qbmNQFzg/TW164PpUlUI/AAAAAAAAACc/ywa-H45eYo8/s1600/Nylabone.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Nylabone </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">– these bones are safe for puppies to chew, just be sure to get the right size for your dog</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tpPQLT908rY/TW165wTI-cI/AAAAAAAAACg/c-k7kd2m7mk/s1600/Purebites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tpPQLT908rY/TW165wTI-cI/AAAAAAAAACg/c-k7kd2m7mk/s1600/Purebites.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Purebites </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">–</span><b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">a delicious, healthy training treat for dogs of any age</span></span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJK7RIa5QCg/TW167OoQbZI/AAAAAAAAACk/fv0XC3lhcO4/s1600/Mini+Naturals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJK7RIa5QCg/TW167OoQbZI/AAAAAAAAACk/fv0XC3lhcO4/s200/Mini+Naturals.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Zukes Mini Naturals</b> – a yummy bite sized semi-soft treat perfect for training</span></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Try freezing any toys/bones that can be stuffed with wet/canned food to make them last twice as long! </span></div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.94in;"></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-31806283840139979442011-02-22T14:04:00.000-08:002011-02-22T14:06:34.138-08:00Know what your dog is thinking!Sorry it's been sooo long since my last post...I'm back to regular posting so keep checking back :-)<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-size: large;"><u>How to read your dog’s body language</u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Is your dog trying to tell you something?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dogs communicate to each other in large part through body language. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Understanding this language can not only help you understand your own dog but will also allow you to better predict what other dogs are thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s an overview of the general signs and signals to watch for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Confident Dog</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">A confident dog stands tall with their head held high and ears perked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their mouth may be open but relaxed, their tail is relaxed as well and may have a gentle sway or curl to it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This dog is safe to approach.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Playful/Happy Dog </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">In a happy or playful mood your dog will show similar signs of a confident dog along with their tail wagging excitedly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When trying to engage play, dogs will very often display something called a ‘play bow’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A play bow is when a dog stretches their front legs forward along the ground with their back end up in the air most likely wiggling along with the tail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a sure sign they want to play!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Submissive Dog</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">A submissive dog shows signs by holding their head low, ears are held flat toward the head and their tail is held low or tucked underneath them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some dogs will roll on their backs and sometimes even let out a little piddle, this is called a ‘submissive pee’ (not to be confused with housetraining issues!). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A submissive dog will often sniff the ground as if they are distracted or don’t even notice you are there; this is a way to avoid conflict and let you know that he/she doesn’t want any trouble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A submissive dog is usually safe to approach but be gentle as they are likely more nervous then you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Fearful/Fearful Aggressive Dog</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">A fearful dog will not usually look you in the eyes and will often have their tail tucked between their legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will approach you, if at all, with caution and a tense look, head down and ears pinned back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You should use caution when approaching a dog in this state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than approaching directly it is safest to be patient and allow a fearful or submissive dog to approach you on their own time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fearful dog is often underestimated and can be the most dangerous where bites are concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A fearful aggressive dog will have many of the same characteristics but may also bark, bare it’s teeth and lunge toward you, backing away right after a lunge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not approach a dog in this state even if the owner tells you ‘he/she’s just scared’.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">A Dominant/Dominant Aggressive Dog</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">A dominant dog is an over confident dog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will try to assert themselves over other dogs and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be the first to approach you and demand attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These dogs are often called ‘jealous’ as they always want attention over everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A dominant aggressive dog is very easy to spot, they will stand firm and look you straight in the eyes with ears pinned back and tail straight up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are often leaning forward and threatening by showing their teeth and possibly letting out a growl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This type of dog should never be approached.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your dog acts this way toward you or others contact a professional to help you with this immediately.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-CA">An Anxious Dog</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Often when a dog whimpers or whines they are feeling anxious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A common sign of an anxious dog is a ‘stress yawn’; this is when a dog whines or whimpers in the middle of a yawn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some dogs will do this for something as simple as needing to go out for a bathroom break but it can also be a warning signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An anxious dog can very easily become nervous or fearful and it may be a very clear signal of your dog feeling uncomfortable. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A common example of this behaviour is when a dog becomes overwhelmed by many children surrounding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your dog lets out a ‘stress yawn’ it’s best to cut the visit short, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Understanding what your dog is saying can be very useful information and give you a greater chance of avoiding dangerous situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dog park is a great place to observe these signals in action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many dog bites could be avoided if we only knew how to recognize these signs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take some time to familiarize yourself and share your knowledge to help keep everyone safe.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80GocHZMRmE/TWQyg-QThVI/AAAAAAAAAB0/x0Ts5iBex6s/s1600/Oaks%252C+Pluto+%2526+Charlee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-80GocHZMRmE/TWQyg-QThVI/AAAAAAAAAB0/x0Ts5iBex6s/s320/Oaks%252C+Pluto+%2526+Charlee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span lang="EN-CA">Oaklee, Pluto & Charlee looking quite relaxed after a great run in the snow! </span></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-63776319905037700092010-12-16T20:54:00.000-08:002010-12-16T20:54:36.781-08:00Winter Proofing Your Pup!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><u>Bundle up for walks </u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Most dogs love the snow but some need a little help to keep warm on the super cold days when out on a hike. Short haired breeds like Greyhounds, Boxers or </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chihuahuas as well as many other small breeds could wear a coat to keep them comfortable. Go for a sporty water resistant type coat to keep your pup warm and dry in the snow, sleet and rain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Don't forget the paws</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Winter weather can be tough on paws of all breeds. Not only the cold but the salt and and ice can make the pads dry and sore. There are a few options to keep your pups paws on good shape:</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Booties. You can find dog booties in all shapes and sized at your local pet stores. You can have the staff help you find the right style and size for your pup. Make sure to find a good snug fit to prevent loosing one in the snow. Practice getting your pup used to them in the house. Use treats and games to slowly get him/her used to walking in them. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pawz. These are a great alternative to the old standard booties. They are sold as 'the world's only disposable and reusable, waterproof dog boot'. They are made of rubber like a balloon and fit on like a sock. Most dogs don't mind the feel of them at all as they can still feel the ground beneath them. It keeps the paws dry and protected from the salt as well. Check out this site for more info <a href="http://pawzdogboots.com/">http://pawzdogboots.com/</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Paw Balms. These are a blend of natural or synthetic oils and waxes you can apply to the bottom of your pups paws before a walk. It helps prevent irritation from salt and also helps prevent snow clumping up in between the pads causing discomfort. Be sure to wipe paws clean after each walk as it can sometimes leave a waxy film on your floors. There are many different types available at your local pet store. Here is a link to one of my favourites <a href="http://www.drmaggie.ca/products_paw_protector.html">http://www.drmaggie.ca/products_paw_protector.html</a></span></li>
</ul><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u><strong>Cold weather danger</strong></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Most dog owners are familiar with the dangers of antifreeze but it never hurts to be reminded. Be diligent of spills or any containers that may be laying around this time of year as it is said to taste sweet and dogs will often be drawn to it. If you suspect your pup has gotten into some antifreeze take them to the vet immediately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><strong><u>Dry Skin</u></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Much like us, dogs get dry skin this time of year due to indoor heating and freezing outdoor temps. If your dog is itching and scratching and you have eliminated the possibility of fleas there are several things you can do to help. Feed a high quality food preferably with fish or fish oil in it. Use a moisturizing oatmeal based shampoo but avoid too many baths as this will only dry the skin out more. You can also add a supplement like fish or flax seed oils to their food as long as they eat it up right away, you don't want oils sitting around on kibble that's left out all day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Following these tips will help your pup enjoy all that the winter season has to offer!</span>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-42516523812454170662010-11-25T09:55:00.000-08:002010-11-25T09:55:23.074-08:00What is normal dog behaviour?<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 9pt;">So your dog is nipping at your hands, barking at the kids, digging in the backyard, chasing everything that moves and jumping up on guests. Congratulations, you have a puppy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are all examples of 100% normal puppy behaviour; it is our job to teach them that it is not acceptable in the human world.</span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 9pt;">For the first 8-10 weeks your puppy lives every minute with his/her littler mates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Throughout this time they learn from their mom and each other what is acceptable behaviour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This play is significantly rougher than what we would call acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the pup is brought into our home, although the surroundings are completely different, their understanding of “play” stays the same. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are after all, to them just giant sized litter mates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often unknowingly encourage these undesirable behaviours by playing games like tug-of-war (if you let them initiate the game and win), or chasing your pup and/or letting your puppy chase you (or your kids) around and nip at your pant legs. Rough games like wrestling and allowing them to nip at you only encourages these unpleasant behaviours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These games can also blur the lines of who is leader in the new family pack.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 9pt;">Fetch and hide-n-seek are better games to play that most pups find just as much fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To play a good game of hide-n-seek requires two people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While one is playing with the pup or giving them a treat the other person should sneak away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the person hiding is out of the pup’s sight call him/her and encourage them along using whistles and silly noises to find where they are hiding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a great game to encourage your dog to always be aware of where you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Tug is okay to play if you make sure you start and end the game. Use one tug toy only that is kept out of reach when you are not playing. This way you aren't allowing them to boss you into playing whenever they want with whatever they want. Be sure to have some treats with you so you can encourage your dog to 'drop it' and when you are done playing say 'all done' and put the toy away until next time. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 9pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 9pt;">Be sure that you are very consistent in teaching your puppy what is acceptable and what is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your pup is corrected for jumping when company comes over, but rewarded when you get home by being picked up from a jump they will never learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> C</span>onsistency is the key,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> d</span>desired behaviours should be rewarded and undesirable ones ignored or redirected. Keep these tips in mind and don't hesitate to call in some extra help if your pups a little much to handle at times.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TO6ihGD8KMI/AAAAAAAAABg/lSdUmi148PU/s1600/026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TO6ihGD8KMI/AAAAAAAAABg/lSdUmi148PU/s320/026.jpg" width="239" /></a></div> Play time!Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-88925416322464279442010-11-11T18:29:00.000-08:002010-11-11T18:29:06.398-08:00Give 'em Something to Chew On!<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Dogs need to chew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Chew toys should be safe, appealing, and virtually indestructible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here are some of my favourite things to keep your pup busy and out of trouble!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Toys such as the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kong</b> (rubber hollow chew toy) or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Goodie Ship </b>(rubber chew toy with holes) can be filled with a mixture of wet and dry dog food or other healthy treats. Try<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> freezing these to make them last twice as long. </span>The<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Nylabone</b> (solid nylon toy) can be soaked in broth to make it home attractive if your pup’s not too fond of it on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my favourite toys on the market to keep your dog busy and out of trouble is called the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tricky Treat Ball</b>. This is a treat dispensing ball that can be filled with kibble and /or treats (Charlee Bear treats work well) to keep your pup occupied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some pups need a little help figuring out just how to get the treats out but will be playing on their own in no time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dogs need jobs so making them work for their food keeps their minds engaged.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 11pt;">Bones are great if you know which ones are safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Natural <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">uncooked butcher’s bones</b> (smoked is ok but cooked are more likely to splinter) can be messy but are considered safe for most chewers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marrow bones</b> are the strongest; most dogs can’t get through the actual bone just all the good stuff in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These can then be reused to stuff with food and/or treats and freeze much like you would do with a Kong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some other options are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bully Sticks </b>(most pet stores will know what you are referring to by that name) and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">natural pressed rawhide sticks</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to stay away from bleached rawhide as well as the type with knots on the ends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS'; font-size: 11pt;">It's always best to monitor your pup when chewing on any type of bones just in case he/she decides to bite off more then they can chew!</span></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-52677407868583305732010-11-03T13:15:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:15:33.288-07:00Yummy Carob Treats!<b>Ingredients:</b> <br />
1 cup peanut butter <br />
2 eggs, slightly beaten <br />
1 cup milk <br />
2 cups whole wheat flour <br />
1 tbsp. baking powder <br />
1 cup carob chips <br />
<b></b> <br />
<b>Directions:</b> <br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. <br />
<br />
Beat eggs with peanut butter, then add milk and combine well. <br />
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In separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder. <br />
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Combine the dry mixture with the peanut butter mixture. Mix well. <br />
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Stir in carob chips. <br />
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Drop by rounded teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet, leaving about 1" in between cookies. <br />
<br />
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until biscuits look just barely "dry" in the middle and are baked through. <br />
The biscuits will naturally harden as they cool. <br />
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Let cool before removing from cookie sheetSheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-85419510888860892672010-11-03T09:57:00.000-07:002010-11-03T09:57:27.041-07:00Dogs & Chocolate...Scary Stuff!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Now that Halloween has past, some of us have a lot of candy hanging around the house. This is a better time than ever to remind pet owners of the danger of chocolate to your pets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The Facts...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chocolate contains a caffeine related substance called theobromine which can sicken or kill animals. Dogs are most often affected by this due to their sweet tooth and a nose that leads them right to it. In many cases chocolate is more likely to give a dog nothing more than a sick stomach but if ingested in high enough levels it can be fatal. The type of chocolate, the size of the animal, and the amount of chocolate ingested are all factors in how dangerous it can be. Unsweetened baker's chocolate contains 8 - 10 times more theobromine than milk chocolate and white chocolate has very little therefore is least toxic. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Overall it's safest to keep chocolate clear from anywhere your pooch may find it. Carob is a perfectly safe alternative and most dogs love it too. If you are making some homemade treats and want to make them extra special add some carob chips to the batch, your dog will love you for it!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TNGQ7Ek-z0I/AAAAAAAAABc/TFBnSS0Z8Kc/s1600/Atticus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TNGQ7Ek-z0I/AAAAAAAAABc/TFBnSS0Z8Kc/s320/Atticus.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Our Friend Atticus</span>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-81714823526896059032010-10-21T22:23:00.000-07:002010-10-21T22:23:48.640-07:00He popped the question :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEfo1fY7-I/AAAAAAAAABY/kGK4sEJyW6A/s1600/095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEfo1fY7-I/AAAAAAAAABY/kGK4sEJyW6A/s320/095.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-37668792640384845252010-10-21T21:57:00.000-07:002010-10-21T21:57:54.709-07:00Meet the Fam!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEXMgEF-mI/AAAAAAAAAA4/L7XFzxZIQfY/s1600/P1040377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEXMgEF-mI/AAAAAAAAAA4/L7XFzxZIQfY/s320/P1040377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Matt & I</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEXsRonV3I/AAAAAAAAAA8/9uyD1N_ugig/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEXsRonV3I/AAAAAAAAAA8/9uyD1N_ugig/s320/069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Charlee</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYFBWb6CI/AAAAAAAAABE/LCN0BBDdJSQ/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYFBWb6CI/AAAAAAAAABE/LCN0BBDdJSQ/s320/059.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">C.J.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYd41m8gI/AAAAAAAAABM/RR2oQ4iWJVk/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYd41m8gI/AAAAAAAAABM/RR2oQ4iWJVk/s320/015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Sierra</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYz3-X1AI/AAAAAAAAABU/gDhXLTe1Hfw/s1600/Photo_102008_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PMnlmiHONgE/TMEYz3-X1AI/AAAAAAAAABU/gDhXLTe1Hfw/s320/Photo_102008_005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">JuneBug</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6674373618479730725.post-36714626204916956312010-10-20T21:39:00.001-07:002010-10-21T21:22:44.549-07:00Welcome!Welcome to my new blog Thanks for stopping by! Check in often for great tips on dog training, pics of my pets, and all things dog related.Sheenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13837155404952407543noreply@blogger.com0