Archive for the ‘Dog Health’ Category

The Role of Exercise: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #3

Posted on: June 6th, 2023 by Asia No Comments

Dog Exercise

Exercising your furry friend is an essential aspect of responsible dog ownership that promotes physical health and mental well-being.

Regular exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight, strengthens their muscles and bones, and improves their cardiovascular health.

Additionally, it is a primal instinct of dogs to wander their territory and exercise helps to relieve stress and anxiety in dogs, which can lead to a happier and more well-behaved companion.

Understand the daily exercise requirements of your particular dog and make sure they are being met.

For instance, a high-energy working or herding breed will not be satisfied with a sedate walk around the block

To make exercising your dog more enjoyable, consider the following tips:

Mix up the Routine: Take your dog on different routes during walks to keep things interesting. Try different types of exercise, such as swimming or hiking, to keep your dog engaged.
Make it Social: Dogs are social animals and often enjoy the company of other dogs. Consider setting up playdates with other dogs or taking your dog to a dog park to run and play with other pups.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Effective dog training techniques involve positive reinforcement. Use treats and praise to encourage your dog to exercise and to reinforce good behavior.

As we dive deeper into understanding canine behavior and perspective, it’s important to also consider what may be the cause of stress and anxiety.

The next blog post will discuss stress and anxiety in dogs and how to manage it.

If you missed Part #1 and Part #2 of this series here are the links below. Enjoy!

Unraveling Mysterious Canine Behavior: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #1

Mastering Dog Socialization and Training: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #2

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

Asia Moore has been dog whispering for 40+ years, and along with K-9 Super Heroes Dog Whispering team members Jim and Boris the dog, offers insights about dog behaviour and psychology and their relationships with their humans! Many humans don’t realize that they could have a much happier life with their canine counterparts. You don’t have to live with the embarrassment of behavioral problems because with just a little dog whispering, everyone can live a happy, stress-free life together. ^..^

Unraveling Mysterious Canine Behavior: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #1

Posted on: May 23rd, 2023 by Asia 1 Comment

Don't Blame the Dog for Bad Behavior if You Don't Take the Time to Training Them

As a dog owner, you’ve no doubt often found yourself frustrated with your furry companion’s canine behavior.

Why won’t he stop barking?

Why does she keep chewing on things she shouldn’t?

Why doesn’t he listen to me?

It’s easy to jump to conclusions and blame the dog, but what if we took a step back and tried to understand things from their perspective?

After all, our canine friends have their own unique ways of communicating and interpreting the world around them.

In this article, we’ll delve into some key concepts that can help us better understand our dogs and strengthen our relationships with them.

From rewarding positive behavior to managing stress and anxiety, we’ll explore various topics that can help us become more empathetic and effective dog owners.

So, if you’re ready to gain a deeper understanding of your four-legged friend, read on!

Communication and Canine Behavior Interpretation

If I were a dog, I’d probably say, “It’s not like we can just wag our tails and expect humans to understand us, so it’s kind of funny how they expect us to understand their every command.”

Communication is key, but it’s not always easy for us dogs to interpret what humans are saying.

Instead of all that talking that humans rely on, us dogs rely heavily on energy, body language, tone of voice, and even the scent of their emotions to understand what they want from us.

As much as we want to please our owners, we also have our own canine instincts and behavior that we sometimes find challenging to suppress.

Often humans blame us when we act out, but they don’t understand that we’re not trying to be bad, it’s just our natural response to a certain situation.

That’s why it’s important for humans to try and understand things from our 4-legged perspective, to see things through our eyes and not just blame the dog.

With that being said, rewarding positive behavior is a great way to encourage us dogs to pay attention and learn more quickly the lessons humans are trying to teach.

Rewarding Positive Behavior

You can encourage good behavior in your furry friend by using rewards and positive reinforcement.

Canine behavior can be modified through consistent training, and positive feedback is an essential part of it.

You can use verbal praise, treats, or toys to communicate to your dog that they’ve done something right.

Positive reinforcement requires patience, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Where we humans often miss out is forgetting to praise our dogs when they performed the task we asked.

We are quick to scold when our dog does something we don’t like, but often forget to tell them when they actually did what we asked of them.

When your dog understands they’ll be rewarded for good behavior, they’re more likely to repeat it.

Responsible dog ownership involves more than just feeding and sheltering your pet.

It also requires proper socializing, training, and supervision in combination with consistent persistence, repetition, and much patience, while maintaining a calm, yet assertive energy.

Training is a crucial aspect of owning a dog, and it’s essential to begin schooling your dog as early as possible.

Dog owners need to understand that, in order to thrive, every dog needs to feel that they can trust and respect their humans, and this requires consistent guidance and boundaries.

This is why the importance of supervision in dog ownership can’t be overstated.

As the owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your pet behaves appropriately and that they’re not a danger to themselves or others.

In Part #2 of the “Don’t Blame the Dog” series, we discuss the importance of socialization and training in more detail.

Go check it out…“Mastering Dog Socialization and Training: Don’t Blame the Dog – Part #2“.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

Dogs in the Workplace: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees

Posted on: May 17th, 2023 by Asia 2 Comments

As a dog lover and pet owner, the thought of being able to bring my furry friend to work with me is a dream come true.

The idea of having my loyal companion by my side throughout the workday not only brings me joy but also has numerous benefits for both myself and my workplace.

Dogs in the workplace have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason.

Studies have shown that having dogs in the office can improve employee morale, reduce stress levels, and increase productivity.

In addition, dogs can also serve as a means of socialization and help facilitate communication among colleagues.

However, as much as we love our canine companions, there are also drawbacks to having them in the workplace.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of dogs in the workplace, as well as provide tips for implementing a dog-friendly work policy and preparing your dog for the office.

Benefits of Dogs at Work

Having furry companions around can boost morale and productivity, making the office a more enjoyable and efficient environment.

Dogs at work can help reduce stress levels and promote a positive atmosphere.

A pet-friendly office attracts employees who value a healthy work-life balance and want to bring their furry friends with them.

In addition to the social and emotional benefits, there are also health benefits to having dogs at work.

Taking breaks to walk and play with dogs can increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.

However, it’s important to have a dog-friendly workplace policy to ensure the safety and health of both the employees and the dogs.

Moving on to the drawbacks of having dogs in the workplace, there are also some concerns regarding health, safety, and productivity.

Drawbacks of Dogs in the Workplace

You may feel like a fish out of water when dealing with the downsides of bringing furry friends into the office.

While there are numerous advantages to having canine companions in the workplace, there are also some disadvantages that need to be considered.

One major drawback is allergies. Not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and some may be sensitive to pet dander or fur, which can lead to serious health problems.

As such, it’s important to ensure that your pet-friendly policies take into account the sensitivities of all employees, including those with allergies.

Another issue to consider when implementing a dog-friendly work policy is security.

While dogs can provide a sense of safety and comfort in the workplace, they can also pose a risk to sensitive company data or personal belongings.

Additionally, occupational health and safety should also be taken into account.

Dogs may cause distractions or accidents that could result in injuries, which could lead to costly lawsuits.

Therefore, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of having dogs in the workplace and implement workplace policies that are sensitive to the needs and safety of all employees.

As we move into the next section about implementing a dog-friendly work policy, it’s important to keep in mind both the advantages and disadvantages of having dogs in the workplace.

By taking a holistic approach to pet-friendly policies, you can create an environment that’s safe, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone.

Implementing a Dog-Friendly Work Policy

Creating a friendly and welcoming environment for dogs in the workplace can be a great way to improve the overall work environment for staff and team members.

A pet-friendly workplace can boost morale, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase job satisfaction.

However, it’s important to implement a canine-friendly policy that takes into account the needs of both dogs and their human counterparts.

To create a successful dog-friendly work policy, it’s essential to establish clear guidelines and expectations for both dogs and their owners.

This includes setting rules for acceptable behavior, providing designated areas for dogs, and making sure that employees feel comfortable in the presence of dogs.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all dogs are properly trained, vaccinated, and socialized before they’re allowed on company premises.

By following these guidelines, companies can create a work environment that’s both welcoming to dogs and supportive of their workers.

As a result, employees are likely to feel more engaged and satisfied with their jobs, leading to increased productivity and success in the workplace.

In the next section, we’ll discuss some tips for preparing your dog for the workplace.

Tips for Preparing Your Dog for the Workplace

Get your furry friend ready to join you at work with these helpful tips that’ll have tails wagging and coworkers smiling.

Before bringing your dog to the office, you must ensure that the environment is canine-friendly.

Make sure your office has a pet-friendly policy and that your colleagues are comfortable with dogs.

You should also consider the physical condition of your dog.

Take them for a veterinary checkup to ensure they’re healthy, up-to-date on their vaccinations, and free from parasites.

Aside from physical health, you must also consider your dog’s behavior.

Properly train and socialize them to prevent any negative effects on the workplace.

A well-behaved dog can improve the well-being of the office by reducing stress levels and increasing employee morale.

If your dog is a service dog, ensure that your company is aware of its purpose and is willing to accommodate its needs.

With these tips, your furry friend will be ready to join you in the office, providing positive effects for everyone.

While bringing your dog to work can be a great experience, not all offices are dog-friendly.

In the next section, we’ll discuss alternatives for non-dog-friendly offices.

Alternatives for Non-Dog-Friendly Offices

If your furry companion can’t accompany you to the office, don’t worry, there are other alternatives for non-dog-friendly offices.

While having dogs in the workplace can bring many perks such as increased social support and protection, there are also negative aspects to consider, such as allergic reactions and work regulations.

Here are some options to consider for your pup:

Doggy daycare: This is a great option if you want your dog to socialize and exercise during the day while you’re at work. They’ll get to interact with other dogs and receive the attention they need from trained professionals.
Dog walker: If you prefer to have your dog stay at home, hiring a dog walker is a good option. They’ll take your pup for a walk during the day and give them some much-needed attention.
Family or friend: If you have a trusted family member or friend who loves dogs, you could ask them to take care of your pup during the day. This is a good option if you want your dog to stay in a familiar environment.

Remember, while it’s tough not to have your furry friend by your side during the workday, there are still many options available to ensure they receive the care and attention they need.

It’s important to consider your dog’s needs and personality when choosing an alternative.

If you have a disability and rely on your dog for assistance, it’s important to know that there are laws in place to protect your rights.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows service animals to accompany their owners in non-dog-friendly offices.

Be sure to educate yourself on the specific regulations and requirements for service animals in the workplace.

Frequently Ask Questions

How long can I leave my dog alone while at work?

It’s recommended not to leave a dog alone for more than 6-8 hours. Consider hiring a dog walker or using doggy daycare to ensure their needs are met.

What are the problems with dogs at work?

Potential issues include allergies, distractions, conflicts between dogs, and disruptions to the work environment. Proper policies and guidelines can help address these concerns.

Are dogs happier when you work from home?

Dogs may enjoy the company and attention when their owners work from home, but individual preferences vary. Providing a structured routine and mental stimulation is important for their well-being.

What are the cons of having pets at work?

Drawbacks can include potential distractions, allergies among employees, hygiene challenges, and liability concerns. Assessing these factors and establishing clear guidelines is crucial for a successful pet-friendly workplace.

How do I introduce my dog to work?

Gradually acclimate your dog to the work environment, ensuring their comfort and safety. Introduce them to colleagues and provide a designated space with toys and their own belongings to create a positive association. Monitor their behavior and make adjustments as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having dogs in the workplace can have numerous benefits for both employees and employers, including increased productivity, reduced stress, and improved morale.

However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as allergies and distractions, before implementing a dog-friendly policy.

According to a survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital, 65% of employees who are allowed to bring their dogs to work reported feeling more loyal to their company.

This statistic highlights the positive impact that dogs can have on employee satisfaction and retention.

If you’re considering implementing a dog-friendly policy in your workplace, be sure to set clear guidelines and expectations for employees and their furry companions.

And for those who work in non-dog-friendly offices, there are still plenty of ways to incorporate the benefits of animal companionship into your workday, such as taking breaks to walk outside or scheduling a visit from a therapy dog.

At the end of the day, a little bit of canine love can go a long way in improving the overall work environment.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Asia

When Your Dog Is a Picky Eater: How to Make Mealtime Fun Again

Posted on: May 11th, 2023 by Asia

As a dog owner, it can be frustrating and concerning when your dog is a picky eater and turns its nose up at mealtime – don’t worry because you’re not alone.

Did you know that over 50% of dogs are picky eaters, and in most cases, their caring owners don’t know why?

That’s right, half of our furry friends refuse to eat their food or need coaxing to do so.

But before you start doctoring their food or free feeding, let’s dive into the truth about picky eaters and how to handle the situation without creating unhealthy habits.

As a dog lover myself, I understand the desire to spoil our pets with tasty treats and table scraps, however, the truth is that picky eating in dogs can lead to behavioral issues and even malnutrition.

In this article, I will explore the common causes of picky eating, the role of taste and smell, the importance of finding the right food for your pup and how not listening to what your dog is telling you may have contributed to picky eating.

So, if you’re ready to learn how to encourage your dog to eat without resorting to unhealthy habits, let’s dive in

Common Causes Your Dog is a Picky Eater

There are a few common causes to consider.

First, it could be a matter of smell.

Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and if their food doesn’t smell appetizing, they may not want to eat it.

Secondly, it could be a matter of taste.

Dogs, like humans, have taste preferences when it comes to their food.

They may not like the texture, flavor, or even the brand.

Finally, it could be a matter of health.

Your dog knows instinctively what they need to eat to be healthy; or
If your dog is feeling unwell, it may not feel like eating.

So, what can you do if your dog is a picky eater?

Firstly, don’t panic. Your dog will not starve themselves to death.

Secondly, ask yourself if your dog is eating the best food for their health.

Consider different types (raw, freeze-dried, dehydrated, dry kibble) brands, textures, and flavors.

Many dogs have food allergies, and your dog may know better than you that the food you are offering them is not the best for their health.

If you are already feeding a highly nutritious food, you can try adding some healthy toppers, such as cooked chicken, vegetables, or a splash of unsalted, organic bone broth.

You may be feeding too much, or giving too many treats during the day, so your dog is simply not hungry at mealtimes or prefers to wait for more treats they know will soon be coming.

Finally, try to establish a feeding routine, and if they’ve shown no interest within 20 minutes, remove the food and try again at the next feeding time.

They may be more interested in eating if they understand they have a window of opportunity.

Feeding them at the same time every day can help regulate their appetite and ensure they are hungry at mealtime.

If you are concerned that there may be underlying medical conditions causing them to refuse their food, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.

The Role of Smell and Taste in Dog Food

When a dog is first born, they rely on their sense of smell before anything else, therefore, when it comes to smell and taste, it’s easy to understand why some foods are more appealing than others.

While it’s frustrating when your dog turns their nose up at their usual food, it’s important to understand that there may be simple reasons for this.

If your dog has always been a picky eater, it may simply be a matter of taste preference.

Are you feeding dry kibble? Did you taste it yourself?

Most of these types of food have a minimal smell and little taste.

Consider that if first the food has little enticing smell, and then the taste is also less than appealing, what’s in the food bowl is offering very little incentive unless the dog is really hungry.

In other words, if you want them to enjoy eating their food, it’s important to find the food that your dog finds appealing.

However, always keeps in mind that if your dog has suddenly become a picky eater, and has refused their food for more than 2 or 3 days, this could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Finding the Right Food for Your Pup

It’s essential to discover the ideal food for your furry friend to ensure they’re getting the proper nutrition they need.

If your dog is all of a sudden being a picky eater, it’s crucial to evaluate its current diet.

Perhaps it’s time to switch things up and find a new type of food that will entice them.

Here are three things to consider when finding the right food for your picky pup:

1. Age: If you have a young puppy who’s a picky eater, it could be a sign of a more significant problem.

A six-month-old puppy that has become a picky eater may need to see a vet to rule out any underlying health concerns.

2. Size: What to feed a picky small dog may differ from what you would feed a larger breed dog.

Small dogs or older dogs may need smaller pieces of kibble or softer food to help them chew and digest their meals.

3. Ingredients: When looking for new food for your furry friend, it’s essential to read the label and really understand the ingredients.

Dogs may have allergies or preferences for certain flavors, so it’s crucial to find a food that works for them.

Tips for Encouraging Your Dog to Eat

Encouraging a pup to eat can be a tricky task, but there are ways to make mealtime more enticing and enjoyable for them.

If your dog is being a picky eater all of a sudden or has always been one, there are a few things you can try.

First, consider changing their diet.

Look for high-quality dog food that is made with real meat and doesn’t contain fillers or artificial preservatives.

Consider a raw food diet that is naturally what they would eat in the wild and has been proven to extend the life of our fur friends.

You can also try adding some wet food or a topper to dry food to make it more appetizing.

If your puppy is a picky eater, try feeding them smaller meals more often throughout the day.

This can help them maintain their weight and keep their energy levels up.

You can also try hand-feeding them their meals to get them more excited about eating.

Another trick is to feed them in a separate room away from the distractions of other pets or people.

And if your picky eater needs to gain weight, consider adding healthy supplements to their meals, such as canned pumpkin or boiled chicken.

If your dog’s picky eating habits persist or are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to take them to the vet for an exam.

More often than not, a dog becomes a picky eater simply because they do not like the food you have chosen to feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change up my dog’s food to avoid picky eating habits?

I’ve learned that once you find the right food for your dog, no matter their size, so long as you are not over-feeding or giving too many treats and they are receiving adequate exercise throughout their day, they will no longer be picky eaters.

Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, so focus on finding a high-quality food that your dog enjoys and stick with it.

Remember that dogs won’t starve themselves, and a little competition or hand-feeding can often improve their appetite.

Should I be concerned if my dog regularly skips meals?

As a dog owner, I’ve often wondered if I should be concerned when my furry friend skips meals.

Relax, because dogs won’t let themselves starve, even if they’re picky eaters.

As humans, we tend to fall into the trap of treating our pets like small children who need to eat three meals a day to grow big and strong, but that’s not the case in the dog world.

In fact, free feeding (leaving food out all day as you would for a cat) is not natural for a dog and can actually create behavioral issues.

Hand feeding is another way to show your dog that you are really in control of their food.

If your dog is a picky eater and regularly skips meals, don’t worry too much and trust that they won’t let themselves starve.

Are there any specific breeds that are more prone to picky eating?

I’ve always been curious about whether there are certain breeds that are more prone to picky eating.

While it seems that smaller breeds may be more discerning about their food than others, ultimately any dog can become a picky eater.

Often, we are helping to create a picky eater by free feeding, rather than setting regular food times, feeding too many treats throughout the day, not providing enough daily exercise, or not choosing the right food for our dog.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped you to understand why dogs may become picky eaters.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly doctoring their food or worrying they aren’t getting enough nutrients, when the truth is often as simple as the dog telling us that they don’t like the food in their bowl, by refusing to eat it.

While they won’t starve themselves to death if there is nothing offered that they actually want to eat (like people) dogs know what they like.

By understanding the common causes of picky eating, such as smell and taste preferences, and finding the right food for your pup, you can encourage them to eat without resorting to unhealthy habits.

With a little patience and understanding of what your dog is trying to tell you when they refuse the food you are offering, you can help them develop healthy eating habits for a happy, long life.

– Asia
Dog Whispering for 40+ years
© K-9SuperHeroesDogWhispering.com Since 2008

Resource: Newsweek

Asia

Are You Making Your Dog Fat?

Posted on: February 26th, 2013 by Asia

Is your dog fat? Unfortunately, many of our beloved pets are, like their human counterparts, unhealthily overweight.

If your dog is fat, chances are that you could lose a few pounds yourself because a fat dog doesn’t just happen from over-feeding – it’s also because of under-exercising.

Are You Making Your Dog Fat?

Chances are that if your dog is overweight, it means that you’re not giving your best friend enough daily exercise.

Have you taken into consideration the real exercise needs of your dog? Is your best friend naturally energetic, are they a working class of dog, or a breed that requires little exercise to stay healthy?

All dogs are amazing athletes who need to move to be healthy. Interestingly enough, we humans also need to move to be healthy which means for all us dog lovers, that we already have everything we need to shed some excess poundage.

Your dog is there, ready and waiting to go walking and help you both accomplish a healthy weight.

How Can You Tell if Fido is Fat?

There’s a simple test you can do to determine whether your dog is overweight and whether he or she needs to shed a few pounds.

All you need to do is feel around their ribs and spine. If you are unable to easily locate both with only a thin layer of fat between the skin and bones, you have an overweight dog.

Fat Like Us Humans

Sadly, our dogs are following in our footsteps as humanity rushes down that unhealthy path of being overweight or obese.

Make sure you know what your dog’s optimal weight will be once he or she reaches maturity, and check their weight regularly, because, for a dog, just 15% above that ideal weight means your dog is not just fat, it’s obese.

Anything up to a 15% increase means your dog is overweight, and sadly, according to a 2011 study, more than half of our best friends (53%) are overweight or obese.

Of course, this is a direct reflection on how little we humans are getting out there to exercise with our dogs because generally speaking, if Fido or Fifi is overweight, so are you.

Is It Genetic?

While some dog breeds do tend to gain weight more easily, this just means that these breeds require much more exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight, and humans should take this into consideration when deciding to share their homes with these breeds.

Simply because a certain breed may have tendencies to gain weight more quickly than others, is not a good excuse for allowing this to happen because you are ultimately responsible for making your dog fat.

Which Breeds Can Be Prone to Obesity?

While we know that some breeds are known for being typically slim, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Greyhounds, Whippets, and German Shepherds, there are other breeds that can be prone to obesity, including Cairn Terriers, Bulldogs, Dachshunds, Scottish Terriers, Spaniels, Beagles, Basset Hounds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Shar-Peis, Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Newfoundlands, and St. Bernards.

If you share your home with one of the breeds that may have a tendency to be overweight or obese, you need to get out there and exercise with your best friend that much more often and/or strenuously.

You’ll both be healthier for it.

Are You Overindulging Your Dog?

Many owners, for many reasons, may be overindulging their dogs by over-feeding them at meal times, or more likely with treats, snacks, or sharing unhealthy people’s food and these habits have created many a fat dog.

You’ve heard the saying, “Food is love” and many people over-feed their dogs because they believe that it makes them happy.

Unfortunately, many of our fur friends just don’t have any natural portion control, are very practiced and fixated on food and appear to be “starved” all the time, and will literally eat themselves to death if you let them.

Are You Feeding the Right Portions?

It’s important to make sure that you know the correct serving size of food for your dog so that he or she does not become overweight in the first place, or if this has already happened, to know how to exercise the right portion control to help your best friend shed the extra poundage.

You need to take into consideration your dog’s age and metabolism, and how much your dog is exercising, not just what it says to feed on the label, because feeding the suggested amount when your dog doesn’t get proper or enough exercise will make your dog fat.

Obesity-Related Problems

Just as being obese can seriously affect our human health, obesity can seriously affect our dog’s health in many the same ways.

When your dog is overweight, he or she could suffer from diabetes mellitus, joint damage, bone and ligament damage, heart disease, high blood pressure, eye problems, difficulty breathing, decreased stamina, decreased liver function, digestive disorders, skin and coat problems, increased risk of cancer, reproductive problems and surgical and anesthetic risk.

Just as being overweight and/or obese will shorten our human lives, there is absolutely no doubt that obesity can and will have adverse effects on your best friend’s quality and length of life.

What Causes Dog Obesity?

Of course, just like us humans, the primary causes of a fat dog are simply feeding them too much food and/or the wrong kind of food, combined with a sedentary lifestyle without the exercise they need to be healthy.

If your dog is taking in more calories than he or she is burning up through their daily exercise, they will be overweight.

Something we humans tend to forget as our dogs grow older is that, like us humans, they usually become less active, which means that we need to pay attention and adjust their food intake appropriately so that they can live out their more senior years not as a fat dog, but as a healthy older dog.

Also, when your dog is spayed or neutered, this will also affect its metabolism by slowing it down, which means that it then will require fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Get Moving – Be Healthy

If you’ve been noticing that your best fur friend is getting a little chunky, take a good look at yourself and how sedentary your lifestyle may have become because a fat dog usually means a fat human.

Don’t be cruel to your best friend by shortening their life because you may have allowed him or her to be an unhealthy weight.

You have a dog, which means you have the perfect excuse for keeping both yourself and your dog healthy and fit. Get out there and get moving.

Asia

The Flexi-Leash Fiasco

Posted on: January 29th, 2013 by Asia

Many people are huge advocates of the cumbersome flexi, retractable, extendable, or cord leash concept and have happily laid out anywhere from $15. to $50. or more, depending on the size they required, to purchase one of these dog walking devices for their favourite canine counterpart, and why not, after all, they seem to be just the thing for a great walk, or are they?

What the flexi-leash offers is (on average) a free range of 16 to 26 feet for the fur friend so that they can get plenty of exercise sniffing about and exploring while remaining safely attached to their human. Isn’t this great – or is it?

Unfortunately, while many people have been lulled into believing that they are doing a great service to their dog by purchasing one of these leads, exactly the opposite is actually true.

How can this be, you ask because this leash comes highly recommended at so many pet stores and all my friends use one.

While it’s certainly true that the flexi-leash can be purchased at just about every pet store outlet known to man and dog, and yes, they appear to be enormously popular because you see a lot of them around, the fact remains that the use of these devices are causing far more harm than the perceived good they offer to the dog at the other end.

Teaches Bad Manners

For starters, a well-behaved dog must be a follower, which means that at no time during the walk should your dog be romping 20 feet ahead of you, or lagging 20 feet behind you.

The walk is the time when your dog needs to be concentrating on following its leader and this is impossible with a flexi-leash arrangement.

Teaches Your Dog Not to Listen

Secondly, every dog must be safe and listen to its leader (you) so that they don’t find themselves suddenly in trouble, and this just can’t happen when the dog is so far away.

When you allow your dog to reel out on the flexi-leash, he or she is no longer paying attention to the leader, but instead may be so totally engrossed in smells, sights, and sounds that they might even forget you’re there at all.

Dogs can move at a speed much faster than the average human has adequate time to react.

I’ve seen it happen many times when a dog who is 20 feet or more in front of its owner is suddenly startled by another dog, becomes nervous or afraid and before you’re able to reel them back, a fight has already broken out.

Hazardous to Humans

Thirdly, the flexi-leash is a hazard to humans, both small and tall because often they are not seen and because of this they create dangerous tripping hazards, and if you’ve ever been wearing shorts and run into a flexi-leash, you will know the pain of that nasty rope burn.

I know someone whose daughter was tripped by the flexi-leash, fell down the stairs, and broke her toe and this is mild compared to other more serious accidents that have been caused by these devices.

Teaches Pulling

Fourthly, putting a flexi-leash on your dog encourages the dog to pull and be in charge of the walk, which is both painful for the human as well as potentially dangerous if your dog feels that it needs to protect the follower and decides to attack another dog, person or animal.

Dangerous for Dogs

Fifthly, there are many sights and sounds outside, and when your dog is so far away you might be distracted and not notice quickly enough that he or she has just spied a squirrel crossing the road and chased it out into traffic until it’s too late and your beloved best friend has just been struck by a vehicle.

False Sense of Security

Sixthly, the flexi-leash provides the human with a false sense of security that can quickly create an embarrassing situation as simply being attached to their dog becomes a substitute for not paying attention to what their dog is doing.

If you’re not watching, you can be certain that most dogs will be engaging in self-rewarding behavior which can then lead to the dog teaching itself to act inappropriately in most public situations.

Leash Laws

Seventh, we have leash laws that require that we have our dogs under control, which is just not possible when the dog is already 20 feet or more in front of you.

Difficult to Hold Onto

And finally, my eighth peeve is the actual handle of the flexi-leash which is not only cumbersome to hold, but can also become a weapon in itself that has the potential to cause much harm and pain.

For instance, I was sitting on a grassy hill with my dog one summer afternoon when a couple of children came by with their little dog who was attached to a flexi-leash.

They accidentally dropped the handle which snapped back while the dog ran and I received the full weight of the handle against the side of my head.

Thank goodness it wasn’t my eye and I only had a headache for the rest of the day.

So let’s recap in bullet form what we’ve learned about the potential hazards of the flexi-leash.

it places your dog in the wrong walking position
it teaches your dog to pull and be in charge on the walk
it teaches your dog not to listen to you
it places your dog in danger of approaching dogs
it places your dog in danger of traffic
it’s a tripping hazard to humans
it provides a false sense of security
it doesn’t fully comply with leash laws
the handle is cumbersome and can be a weapon

Bottom line, if you truly care about the safety of yourself, your dog, and those around you, dump the flexi-leash and get yourself a simple 4 or 6-foot leash that fits comfortably in your hand, keep your dog beside you when walking, and avoid all the potentially flexible problems.

Flexi® is a registered trademark with Flexi USA INC.

Asia

Dog Poop Bombs

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Asia

Now that I’ve got your attention – don’t worry…I’m not about to tell you a story about some evil-intentioned human blowing up dogs, although what I am going to chat about in this article certainly could have its own devastating effects.

What I am going to talk about is a problem that is part of all dog ownership and depending on the size of your dog can be a small, medium, or large problem.

Yes, whether we’re talking about dog feces, doggy do-do, doggy poo, scumber (the fancier name), doggy 2’s, or just that plain, old four-letter word – s-h-IT…whatever you call IT, if you have a dog, and you’re not out there picking IT up every day, you may be guilty of creating a problem far worse than you may be aware of.

Do You Pick Up?

As conscientious dog people, we’ve all seen the little or not-so-little dog poop bombs when out walking, and we’ve all most likely silently cursed those who just left it there for us to get all over our shoes.

However, for those of us who are lucky enough to have a lovely backyard for our favourite fur friend to romp about in, this is likely the first place that Fido or Fifi runs to every morning when first waking up, while we’re busy putting on the coffee pot or getting our kids ready for school, or ourselves together for the start of our day.

So, out runs our best friend(s), and what do they do when they get out in the yard and rip around for a few minutes? Yes, that’s right…they leave you a nice doggy poop bomb, water the grass or shrubs, etc., and back they race inside for their breakfast or hopefully a nice walk with you.

What a wonderful life and what could be easier…but wait…this wonderful and easy life is what could be creating a serious problem, because if you’re not being vigilant about taking the time to get out there and pick up the doggy poop bombs every single day, you ARE guilty of creating a health hazard in your own back yard that can eventually have far-reaching hazardous consequences.

For instance, you might not be aware that over two decades ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated pet waste as a dangerous pollutant, right next to oil spills and toxic chemicals.

Why Are Dog Poop Bombs so Dangerous?

Even though you may not live near water, if you don’t pick up your yard every day, unscooped dog poop bombs from your yard will be carried by overland water flow which is then washed into storm drains, ending up in far away streams, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, and if you do live near a water source, this problem is far worse.

Parasitic Infection

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that pet waste can and does spread parasites including hookworm, ringworm, tapeworm, and Salmonella.

For those of us living on Vancouver Island, where it rains a lot, the problem is even more quickly spread, because when infected dog poop comes into contact with your lawn, the dog poop will eventually seem to wash away or “disappear”, however, the hazardous parasite eggs can linger for years!

When a human or animal comes into contact with that soil through everyday activities like walking barefoot, gardening or playing, they risk infection from those eggs, even years after the dog poop bomb is no longer visible.

Do you think your dog cares about where it romps when it’s out in your backyard, or carefully makes sure that it doesn’t accidentally walk through some old dog poop bombs? Wishful thinking.

Consequences of Infection

You may not be aware that as much as we love our favourite fur friends, their waste is teaming with E. Coli and other harmful bacteria including fecal coliform bacteria, which causes serious kidney disorders, intestinal illness, cramps, and diarrhea in humans and when you don’t religiously pick up, you subject your children and yourself to infection.

Just 1 Gram

A very shocking statistic you may not be aware of is that there are 23 million fecal coliform bacteria in a single gram of pet waste!

As well, dog poop bombs often contain roundworm larvae, which can cause blindness. If a human ingests a roundworm larva, it can migrate through the body causing disease to the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, or eyes. This means that when we humans (especially children) touch the soil, dog toys, or anything that has been in contact with dog feces and then touch their mouths, they can become infected.

Consider that if your dog is running about in your yard that has many dog poop bombs that were just left to naturally dissolve, they could be coming back into your home with this on their feet, then pawing you, your bed, their toys, your children’s toys and then you or your children touch your mouth and become infected.

Even a group of teens or adults playing Frisbee or touch football in an open area where someone hasn’t been picking up after their dogs could be putting themselves in danger. Parasitic infections can make humans extremely sick, and for pregnant women, can pose serious harm to their unborn child.

Further, leaving a yard full of dog poop bombs will also attract rodents, such as rats and mice who can spread Salmonella through their droppings and bring with them other diseases, including murine typhus, infectious jaundice, Weil’s Disease, and rat-bite fever.

What About the Condition of Your Lawn?

Besides all the other toxic and smelly health issues dog poop left on lawns can create, dog feces release nitrogen into the soil and can literally ruin your nice, green lawn. While small amounts of feces and urine create dark green patches of grass and noticeably taller grass, large amounts of feces left on the lawn for a long period of time will kill the grass by smothering it as well as leaving “burn” marks on the grass that creates ugly brown spots.

Pick Up Every Day

I think by now you must be really starting to understand that dog poop bombs don’t just “wash away” or disappear and if you’re not disposing of your dog’s waste every day, whether your dog is leaving it’s smelly calling card out in a public park, on the side of a street, or in your own back yard, you’re putting yourself, your family, your dog, your water supply and your environment at risk.

Asia

Are You Really a Rescued Dog?

Posted on: January 28th, 2013 by Asia

I was recently chatting with a local dog walker/sitter who told me the most shocking statistic about her business is that “…90% of the dogs I work with are rescued dogs with serious issues…many are aggressive…”

Curious, I asked why she didn’t suggest to the owners that they engage a professional for a dog whispering session so that they could learn through dog psychology all about how they can help their dogs regain balance and become the happy companions they were meant to be.

She replied, “I have suggested it to many, offered to take them myself but if they say no, that’s where it stops.”

Rescued Dogs Need to Regain Balance

Then I have to ask the question, “From the dog’s point of view, what’s the difference between living in a rescue facility or living in a home with a human who is just providing a different “kennel” when the human is not willing to address previous behavior issues?”

Rescuing a dog can present itself like a two-sided coin where one side or the other often lies hidden. Oftentimes the hidden side requires the assistance of a professional that can teach humans how to understand the dog.

On the one side, the human feels good about providing a dog with a new home because this act of compassion imbues the human with improved self-worth, and a sense of righteousness from doing a good deed for a creature less fortunate. Indeed wonderful human characteristics, but does this help the dog regain balance?

Are the Dog’s Needs Really Being Met?

However, the other side of this coin, and the one that is often forgotten or not immediately recognized or acknowledged by the human, is whether rescuing the dog was more for addressing human needs because if the rescued dog’s needs are not also being met, which includes being aware of and eliminating previous unstable behavior concerns so that the dog can become a stable, happy member of its new human pack, the “rescue” can be very one-sided.

Oftentimes a human will rescue a dog from the SPCA or local facility because they feel sorry for it being “locked up” and facing possible euthanasia or because of breed-specific persecution or because it looked dejected and sad or because it was frightened, or perhaps it reminded the person of a childhood pet, or the human was feeling lonely or sad…or any number of other human emotions.

What Are Good Reasons?

Although all of these above reasons are what makes us caring humans, none of these are good reasons for rescuing a dog. Good reasons would be because the human is willing to really provide for all aspects of their new 4-legged companions’ needs, which are dependent upon firstly addressing any behavioral issues that are already present or may arise in their future.

Dogs live much more in the moment than we humans, and once the humans understand what their particular dog requires in order to get back in balance, they will both be on the road to recovery and a loving, fulfilling relationship.

Unfortunately, what awaits many rescued dogs in their new home can be even more heartbreaking when the human, although kind and well-meaning, is not capable (because of personal circumstances, work commitments, health, lifestyle, age, etc.), of giving the dog what it really needs to be happy and so, the newly “rescued” dog ends up being further frustrated and unfulfilled.

Is a dog really rescued when the only thing that’s changed for them is the size, shape or colour of their four walls?

A Kennel is a Kennel

A kennel is a kennel is a kennel in any dog’s mind. They don’t care how large or beautiful your home may be, because, in their mind, it’s still their kennel when they’re left in it without you being there to provide the companionship and direction they need.

When you’re gone, they’re still locked up, they’re still left alone, they’re still frustrated, they’re still frightened, fearful, nervous, anxious, or aggressive because they still aren’t having their needs fulfilled which means they’re still unbalanced and unhappy.

To really rescue and rehabilitate a dog takes time, never-ending patience, and unwavering commitment. Yes, it can be hard work because it demands firstly, an understanding of what’s required in a particular dog’s circumstances, and a skill set and understanding of dog psychology that most humans can learn, but don’t naturally come by.

Taking the time and effort to learn what your dog needs to be a well-balanced member of your family is priceless because a happy relationship with your dog reaps untold positive rewards that many of us don’t even realize and that simply can never be measured.

The very definition of the word “rescue” tells us that to rescue means “to bring (someone or something) out of danger – to deliver or save.”

Understanding What’s Required

Therefore, when a human rescues a dog but doesn’t follow up with learning how to bring the dog back into balance and harmony with itself and its surroundings, they have not brought this dog out of danger or saved it from anything other than possible euthanasia.

It’s a very sad situation indeed when canine guardians (humans) are not willing to make the effort to learn what they need to do so that these rescued dogs can become well-balanced and happy companions.

Are rescue facilities doing these dogs any favours if they are not following up and/or recommending professional help as a matter of course for humans who don’t yet understand what dogs really need in order to be happy and well-balanced members of their new human pack?

Do You Really Have the Time?

Unfortunately, many humans throughout their busy days just don’t have the time necessary or inclination required to invest in the consistent effort necessary to do what’s right for the dog and believe that a bowl of food with access to a yard will fulfill all of their dog’s needs. Our dogs require and deserve so much more from us humans.

Many a rescued dog doesn’t get their needs met, or their problems addressed, and as they pass from owner to owner, become even more unbalanced because the humans they happened to come into contact with, although well-meaning, didn’t understand what they needed to do to really help them.

Sadly, many rescued dogs, even after finding a new forever home, are still left to fend for themselves as best they can within an alien, human society that doesn’t truly understand what they need to be happy.

When these dogs are “rescued”, will their humans be doing all they can to ensure that the dog’s needs are being met, or will these dogs simply have to endure a life of instability?

Dear Dog – My wish for you is that you are, in every sense of the word, truly a rescued dog.

Asia

CPR for Dogs

Posted on: January 22nd, 2013 by Asia

Nobody wants to ever be put in a situation where the life of their precious pet is at risk, however, accidents do happen, and knowing a little bit about how to help save your beloved pet is time well spent.

Please familiarize yourself with the simple American Red Cross emergency techniques outlined below so that you may be able to help save a life.

Asia