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To Walk or Not to Walk?

12/2/2020

We know it’s cold out there! The cold affects not only us, but our furry friends as well.

So, this begs the question:
To walk or not to walk?

Let’s start with some considerations:

Know Your Dog’s Limits: Tolerance to cold can vary based on coat, body fat, activity level, and health. You will likely need to shorten walks in very cold weather.
Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Do not overfeed them!

TO WALK (Be Prepared): Don’t push it! 15 - 20 minutes in the freezing cold is plenty!

Keep Nails Trimmed: Properly trimmed nails will increase traction!
Protect Paws: The cold weather can cause cracked paws and bleeding from ice, salt, snow, etc. You can use boots on their paws for extra protection or petroleum jelly. Just make sure if those paws are bare or have jelly, that you wash or wipe them off well when you come back inside as they may pick up deicers, antifreeze or other toxic chemicals.
Coats and Backpacks: If your dog has a shorter coat, consider an actual coat for extra warmth, but make sure it isn’t movement restricting. In addition, to get a bit more out of that shorter walk, add some weight. Put a backpack on your pup to get the most out of your walk and alleviate pent up energy.
Prevent Pulling: Make sure to use your tools and collars to prevent any pulling if your dog is still training to heel. Pulling is especially dangerous for both you and “Fido” if there is the potential for ice.

NO WALK: How to get indoor exercise!

Indoor Games: Hide-and-seek! You can play by hiding a treat or toy, but the best version is hiding yourself! Begin by throwing a treat or toy away from you and then go hide and tell your dog to “come.”
Indoor Obedience: Practice basic and/or advanced obedience indoors!
Classes: Go to class! Obedience, agility, swimming, etc. Classes allow for socialization and exercise.
Treadmills: There are treadmills specifically designed for dogs, but you can use human ones as well, as long as you are careful to supervise your pup.
Scent Work: Create an indoor obstacle course to make your dog work for their meal, with the food in a box or puzzle toy at the end.

WATCH FOR SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA AND FROSTBITE:
Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have hypothermia or frostbite. Watch for increased whining, burrowing, shivering, weakness, anxiety or a significant slowing down/stopping of movement.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Broken Nail?

11/2/2020

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A common injury for our 4-legged friends, a lost or broken nail can be a painful and scary thing. Your dog has living tissue (the quick) inside of its nails and if that gets exposed, it can be extremely painful, bleed severely and even lead to infection.

The number one way to help prevent these types of injuries from happening, is to keep your dog’s nails properly trimmed. The goal is to keep their nails as short as possible, without hitting the quick. You can learn to do this yourself (oftentimes, your Veterinarian or Veterinary Technician can show you proper techniques) or you can take your dog to the groomer regularly.

Accidents happen, however. So, what can we do to help our dog if this injury occurs?

Stay Calm - Remember, your pet gets its cues from you. Staying calm and centered will help mitigate some of your dog’s fear and sense of vulnerability.
Safely Restrain Your Pup - Even the sweetest dog can bite when in pain as self-preservation instincts kick in. Make sure your pet is safely secured and calm. A muzzle can be a great tool here as well.
Get Bleeding Under Control - Wrap your pet’s foot in gauze or a towel and apply gentle pressure for 5 - 10 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you can use cauterizing powder, a styptic pencil or powder or a silver nitrate stick on the nail. If none of these options are available, you can use some household items, such as a bar of soap, baking soda, flour, cornstarch or tea leaves packed against the nail for a couple of minutes.
Check For Broken Pieces That Are Still Attached - If you can safely and easily remove these with clippers, this will help the nail heal with a good foundation for regrowth. Depending on the severity, this part is often best handled by your Veterinarian. Super glue can help stabilize the nail as you transport your dog to your Vet’s office.
Watch For Infection - The risk for infection with this type of injury is extremely high, especially the closer the break is to the nail bed. Here, again, your Veterinarian is best suited for cleaning and treating this wound as well as prescribing antibiotics or powders to prevent or fight infection. If you choose not to go in immediately, monitor your dog closely. If its limping persists for more than two days, it may be a sign of infection and you will need to see your Veterinarian.
Keep Your Pet’s Foot Bandaged And Clean - Whether you visit your Veterinarian or attempt to treat your dog at home, its foot will need to be kept clean and well bandaged to prevent contamination while it heals.
Monitor Your Pet’s Pain - As mentioned before, this type of injury can be extremely painful. Monitor your pet, as pain medication may be necessary for a few days to keep your dog calm and more comfortable while it heals.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Do's and Don'ts of Dog Greetings

10/13/2020

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Let’s face it, dog greetings can be a tricky thing. One of people’s chief concerns with their dog is their dog’s behavior on leash, especially around other dogs.

So, we’ve compiled a list of some Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Greetings:

DO: Make sure your dog is in a calm, submissive place before starting your walk.
DO NOT: Leash up your dog until it is calmly sitting and waiting to be walked.
DO: Make sure that your energy is calm and assertive before beginning your walk.
DO NOT: Anticipate the worst. Your dog looks to you for cues and your energy communicates the type of behavior you are looking to receive from your dog.

DO: Find a neutral place to introduce dogs so that neither is likely to feel territorial.
DO NOT: Avoid other people and dogs on your walk: This avoidance communicates danger to worry about and a need to step up and protect.
DO: Keep the lead loose.
DO NOT: Pull. Tension on the leash tells your dog that you are fearful or anxious and that they should be too.
DO: Allow the dogs to cross paths with plenty of distance between them, so they can smell where the other has walked.
DO NOT: Let the dogs meet face to face as that can lead to fights. In the dog world, the initial greeting is side to side.
DO: Watch the body language of the dogs as they pass and meet.
DO NOT: Panic or Yell. Remember, our dogs mirror our own state of energy.

If you are unsure or are struggling with these things, it’s okay! We are here to help! Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment so that we can help you better understand the do’s and don’ts of dog greetings, what to watch for and how to handle various situations.

BONUS: With Halloween just around the corner, we’ve got some extra Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind!

DO: Be Careful With Costumes - Costumes on your pet can cause undue stress. Make sure they are not limiting in any way, that they fit well and don’t have spare things dangling that could be a choking hazard. Consider a festive bandana if your pet seems stressed.
DO NOT: Leave Decorations and Pets Unattended - Small pieces can be choking hazards if your pet decides to play with them and jack-o-lantern flames can cause fires.
DO: Keep Your Pet Away From Candy - Chocolate and Xylitol can be extremely toxic to pets. Make sure to keep those sweets well out of reach of your 4 legged friends.
DO NOT: Allow your pet to roam the room during peak trick-or-treating hours. The high number of strangers and unfamiliar sights and sounds can cause undue stress for your pet and a higher likelihood of your fur friend bolting through the door.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Secret Pain

9/4/2020

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Did you know that many dogs will mask their pain?

Consider it a self-preservation instinct. Dogs will hide their pain to appear in control of the situation and to hide signs of weakness.

How can you tell if your dog is in pain? Here are some signs to look for:

Increased vocalizations
- Listen for excessive whining, snarling, whimpering, howling or yelping.
Heavy panting or altered breathing
- Heavy panting without having exercised is something to take note of. Additionally, shallow breathing could indicate difficulty or pain in taking a breath.
Difficulty in resting or sleeping
- If your dog is lying in a strange position or restless, it could be having a hard time sitting or lying down. On the other hand, excessive sleeping could point to a body trying to heal or extreme pain from trying to move.
Non-Stop Grooming
- Dogs will excessively lick an open wound, but with internal pain, they will continue to lick the area in an attempt to fix an unseen wound. They also self-soothe through the act of licking/grooming. Watch for excessive self-grooming.
Body Language
- Watch for stiffness, limping, restlessness, rigidity, trembling, shaking or squinting.
Changes in Eating and Drinking Habits
- Loss of appetite and changes in water consumption are common signs.
Behavioral Changes
- Some dogs may become extremely needy, in an effort to get you to notice that something is wrong or seek comfort. While others may hide or avoid you, worried that you may hurt them. (A protective instinct). Aversion can turn aggressive, from ears back, growling and even biting out of pain and fear.

If you dog isn’t being aggressive, you can gently and firmly feel around your dog’s body to try and locate the source of the pain, but beware, your four legged friend may instinctively bite if you touch a sore spot.

As always, make sure to consult your Veterinarian for diagnosis of your pet’s injury and treatment help.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Seasonal Safety Tips

8/3/2020

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Enjoying the Summer?!

We all know about the concerns with our dogs in the heat, but here are a few other things to watch out for this summer, to help keep your pet safe:

Sunburn - Yep, you read that right. Dogs get sunburns too! Light colored and thin coated dogs are at a higher risk. If you are going to have your pet out for long periods in the sun, consider applying a waterproof, pet-safe sunscreen, especially on the tips of the ears, nose, around the mouth and back.
Pad Burns - Those little paws are tough, but don’t quite hold up to hot surfaces like asphalt, concrete, metal and sand. If you can’t handle your hand pressed against the surface for 30 seconds, neither can your dog. Avoid the heat of the day and check the ground before you go out for those walks.
Fires - Whether campfires or barbecues, keep an eye on your four-legged friends around the fire or keep them on a short leash. They may be inclined to grab a stick from the fire pit or try to lick the barbecue. Avoid those burns!
Parasites - These little critters are out in full force! Keep your pet healthy and talk to your veterinarian about necessary protection from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and their ilk to help avoid nasty diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease.
Getting Lost - Whether traveling to different cities or camping, unfamiliar surroundings are a risk for losing your dogs. Keep an eye on them, especially when off-leash and make sure your contact information is up to date on their collar at least. If your dog is microchipped, make sure that is up to date as well.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Can you handle the heat?

7/1/2020

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Are you ready for the heat?

With hot weather on the way, let’s take a moment to consider options for keeping your dog safe in the summer heat. We all know not to leave a dog in a hot car, but what else do we need to think about?

HYDRATION - Our dogs can get dehydrated quickly in the heat. Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times.

EXERCISE - Our dogs still need to get exercise, but the asphalt can get hot quickly and their pads can blister and burn. Make sure to get those walks in during the early morning or late evening on those hot days.

INDOOR COOLING - Keep your dogs indoors when it’s extremely hot out, if possible. If you don’t have air-conditioning, consider a fan on the floor that they can lay in front of. You can even put ice in front of the fan for cooler temperatures.

OUTDOOR COOLING - Make sure that your dog has access to shade. Dog houses can actually trap in more heat, so something like shade from a tree is preferable. If you have a kiddie pool, now is the time to pull it out for your pup! You can also consider a wet towel on the ground for your dog to lie on, or a gentle mister or sprinkler. Dogs cool from the bottom up, so access to water on the paws and stomach is ideal. You can also set aside a shady area in your yard where your dog can dig to find cooler earth to lie in.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Dog Fights

6/5/2020

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Let’s face it, dog fights can and do happen.

It doesn’t mean your dog is a bad dog, but there can be some extreme consequences to dog fights. All too often, our instinct is to jump in and stop the fight. It’s a great instinct and can serve you well, however, if we are not careful about the way we get involved, we can quickly become the victim of the attack ourselves.

So what can you do?

1 - Try to stop the fight before it even happens!
Make sure to observe the body language of dogs. They don’t usually go straight to fighting, but give each other warning signs first. If those signs are ignored, then the fight can escalate quickly. These signs can be verbal, with low grumbling and growling or more physical, with stiffness of body, facial tension, freezing, direct staring, snarling and baring teeth. If you see any of these signs, step in quickly with a strong verbal correction to de-escalate the situation.

2 - If you have missed the window for prevention and the fight has begun, stay calm.

If you have an object around that will help make a loud noise, you can attempt to throw it or bang it in an effort to cause enough distraction to stop the fight.

If you have access to water, use it. It can be a spray from a hose, a glass of water or a squirt bottle with water and vinegar. You are looking to break the concentration.
If you have access to a blanket or jacket, throw this over the dog with the most intensity. Again, you are looking to break the focus of the fight.
If you have a leash available, you can loop it under the dog’s belly, as a sling, to help you pull up on the back legs like a wheelbarrow. This can help disengage the dogs.
If you have someone else available to help, you can each grab the back legs of either dog and yank them away from each other. Be aware though, there is a possibility, if they are still super focused on the attack, that they can turn and bite at you, so leashes can be helpful here to avoid getting your hands in the mix.
If you have nothing to use to break the focus, you can attempt to make a quick jab at the ribs of the aggressor, which will force the dog to open its mouth and let go of the other dog. This is about timing, so make sure to watch for a safe moment and act quickly.

DO NOT reach your hands into the mix by trying to grab at collars to yank dogs off of each other. Invariably, you will get attacked in the process. DO NOT put yourself in between the dogs. Make sure to stay behind the dog to attempt your intervention and avoid redirection of attack.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Dry vs Wet?

5/5/2020

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There is a plethora of information and marketing out there regarding what to feed your beloved 4-legged family member. What do you really need to know to make your decision?

KNOW YOUR PET
- Start asking yourself questions to help you decide what is best for your pet’s specific needs: Does your dog drink enough water throughout the day? How is your dog’s sense of smell? Do they need encouragement to eat? Are they a picky eater? Have they lost teeth or have dental problems? How big is your dog? Do they have any allergies? Is your dog overweight?
  - The answers to questions like these will help guide you to the type of food that may be best for your pup.

MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS GETTING THEIR NUTRITIONAL NEEDS MET
- Regardless of the type of food you decide to feed your dog, you need to make sure that they get adequate amounts of the following: Water, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, and yes, carbs.*

KNOW WHAT LOOK FOR AND WHAT TO AVOID
- Read the labels!
  - Make sure your food lists a protein source within the first 3 ingredients. If your dog doesn’t have allergies and you choose a food with grain, make sure it uses a whole grain, not a cheaper by-product.
  - Avoid artificial colors, sweeteners and preservatives.
  - Look for a food with the AAFCO label, which means the food has met specifications and conducted trials proving complete and balanced nutrition.

*As always, consult your Veterinarian if you are unsure of your dog’s specific needs, so that you can make sure you are choosing the best option for prolonged health.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Can You Handle the Itch?

4/21/2020

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5 facts about allergies and your dog:

Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system mistaking non-harmful environmental substances as threats.
Common allergies include fleas, dust mites, trees, grasses, flowers, molds, pollens, beef, chicken, fish and soy.
Telltale signs of reaction include incessant itching, scratching and licking around the feet, armpits, belly, face and ears. Symptoms can also include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, discharge and digestive issues.
German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers have shown to be more susceptible to allergy issues, but allergies span across all breeds and geographies. Most allergies start showing up as early as 6 months with the majority showing up by 1-2 years.
Current treatment options include: Flea Meds, Corticosteroids, Antihistamines, Cyclosporine, Allergy vaccines, shampoos, hyposensitization or desensitization therapy, and elimination diets, depending on the type of allergy.

Allergy symptoms can be confused with other issues. Therefore, do not attempt to self diagnose your pup. Make sure to take your dog in to your Veterinarian for professional treatment.

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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"Sick as a Dog"

3/2/2020

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Sick as a dog?

We’ve all heard the expression “sick as a dog,” dating back to the early 1700’s, when dogs were not considered pets and were left to live and die as the laws of nature dictated.

Thankfully, we live in a different time! Today, dogs are part of the family and are lovingly tended to. In appreciation of that, we compiled some information to help you recognize, monitor, treat and/or seek professional help when your dog is sick:

Watch for signs and symptoms of Illness: Pay attention to your dog’s body language! Much like being in pain, dogs will try to hide the fact that they are sick as a self preservation instinct. However, the signs will be there.

For less severe symptoms: (Symptoms can worsen quickly, so make sure to monitor your pet). Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs lasting more than one to two days:

Drooling or bad breath
Excessive/inappropriate urination, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting
Increased water consumption or poor appetite
Excessive sleeping or attitude changes
Disinterest in normal activities and lethargy
Stiffness, lameness, or weakness
Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or excessive panting
Sores, lumps, or shaking of the head
Dry or itchy skin, dull, dry or flaky coat
Dry, red, or cloudy eyes
Congestion or nasal discharge
Displays pain (whimpering and/or resistance to touch in a certain area)

At home care for less severe issues:

Make sure your dog has access to water.
Withhold food and treats for up to 24 hours if your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea.
Introduce a bland diet for 1-2 days, such as chicken and white rice.
Limit your play time and exercise. Your dog needs plenty of rest to recover.
Keep your dog inside as it may have trouble regulating its temperature.
Provide a comfortable bed and blankets where you can easily monitor your pup.
Keep your sick dog away from other dogs.

For more severe symptoms: Immediately contact your veterinarian or go to an emergency clinic if you observe any of the following signs:

Pale, white or blue gums
Extremely bloated abdomen or labored breathing
Collapse, unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
Dizziness, imbalance, circling or inability to walk
Severe pain (loud, excessive crying, aggression when touched or intense body guarding)
Body temperature under 99F or over 104F
Sudden, extreme change in mental state, cognition or seizures

** This important blog post was written by our Lead Trainer: Mark Dunlap

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Virginia Dunlap

Virginia has been involved with dogs for a great many years both in breeding and training.

Virginia is currently retired but still keeps a finger on the pulse of things in the training world. Her particular area of interest has always been dog behavior.

She is constantly updating her knowledge to keep abreast of current methods. However, that being said, she has noted that rewards, steady corrections and lots of love and enthusiasm usually work the best!

Virginia Dunlap

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