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  • How to Cope with the Loss of Your Dog

    Your Dog is Family

    When illness or an incurable disease strikes a family member, it becomes a heart-wrenching situation.  It is nearly impossible to bear and the best way to get through it is by strength and support of your loved ones.  If your dog is handed the same tragic fate, then the way to heal is through the exact steps as with humans.  You need lots of love and support from those around you.  It is tough.  It takes everything out of you to get through the process, but, unfortunately, there is no easy fix to overcoming such a loss.  Experts do agree on a few steps easing you through the grieving process in a healthy manner.

    Plan Ahead

    This sounds horrible, but the more prepared you are for the loss of your pet, the further time you will have to grieve.  It is overwhelming to have your pup become suddenly ill and there is no plan in place.  As a responsible, loving owner, you should discuss and agree upon required action.  By doing so, you will not feel the burden of everything happening at once.  It permits focus on the loss rather than internal confusion on what needs to be handled next.

    Use Available Resources

    There are many books dealing with the loss of dogs.  There are experts able to guide you through the grieving process.  The Internet offers many coping techniques.  Utilize these tools around you.  Talk to your friends or family members who have lost pets.   Find out what worked for them.  Reach out to healthy outlets enabling you to be strong and come out okay at the end of this process.

    Grieving the loss of your dog is different for each person.  But there are universal emotions we feel when going through losing a loved one.  Humans experience denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance.  It is normal.  But do not think you have to do it alone.  Talk to your Florida dog training experts.  Ask what word of advice they are able to provide.  Do not be afraid to lean on them.  Most likely, they have helped others, if not themselves, through identical circumstances.

  • How to Choose a Dog Groomer

    Time to Bathe Your Dog: Find a Professional Groomer

    Finding the time to bathe and groom your own dog is a chore in itself.  Of course, you enjoy bonding with your dog through various experiences, but if you do not have the space or equipment to bathe your dog properly, it becomes a difficult task to accomplish.  To resolve this issue, seek out a professional groomer in your area.  But before choosing a person to hand over your precious pup, go through a mental checklist ensuring the groomer is a reputable, caring, and successful groomer.

    Visit the Facility or Dog Spa

    A professional groomer should not have qualms towards offering a tour of the facility or allow you to watch a grooming session.  There is no reason for any secrecy.  Thus, visit the facility.  Check for cleanliness.  Examine if the staff handles the dogs with care.  Make sure the staff is gentle with each dog.  Verify the holding location of where dogs wait before and after the session.  The area should be safe and dog friendly.

    Groomers Ask Questions

    A professional groomer needs to ask specific questions prior to the appointment.   If not, then be leery and search for another grooming facility.  Standard questions groomers ask include inquiring about vaccination records, allergies, likes and dislikes regarding bath time and emergency contact information.  This is a minimal list of what groomers ask of new clients.

    Finding the right dog groomer is a daunting task.   You do not want to pick the wrong person.  Thus, ask your professional Florida dog training facility today.  The expert staff will be able to guide you in the correct direction alleviating some of the stress to finding the perfect groomer for your pup.

  • Dog Obesity: More Common Than You Think

    How to Gauge a Healthy Dog Weight

    Dogs are susceptible to being overweight just as much as humans and paying attention to your dog’s waistline is vital to your dog living a healthy life.  But how do you measure if your dog is gaining too much weight?  What signs should you look for?  How do you prevent your dog from becoming obese?  Here are a few tips to help uncover if your dog is obese and how to stop your dog from obtaining a weight issue.

    Measure Your Dog’s Waistline, Without a Measuring Tape

    You may keep the measuring tape use for yourself.  There are easier ways to check if your dog is overweight.  One way is to feel your dog’s ribs.  If you cannot feel or see your dog’s ribs, then your dog is probably overweight.  Another sign of obesity is if your dog’s stomach droops low from the chest rather than folding up.  Obesity may be the cause.  Take your dog to a professional to confirm your initial evaluation.  If your dog is obese, it is time to make changes in your dog’s behavior and diet.

    Exercise Your Dog

    If your dog is beginning to show signs of weight gain, start engaging your dog in agility classes.  Take your dog on frequent walks and/or runs.  Record how much activity your dog has had and how to increase the physical aspect of your dog’s daily life.  The more you put into assisting your dog, the better life your pup will live.

    If you are unsure on how to assist your dog to overcome heaviness or what effective methods work, talk to Florida dog training professional.  He/she will guide you in the right direction enabling you and your pup to live a vigorous life.

  • How Puppies Learn Not to Bite

    Why do Puppies Bite?

    Puppies naturally use their mouth to chew, play, and explore different objects, including your shoes.  But how do you teach a puppy not to bite?  How do dogs learn to control what is called, mouthy behavior?  It is part of the natural process of a puppy growing up to discover not to bite and it starts with learning from socializing with other dogs and people.

    Playtime Teaches Puppies Proper Biting Behavior

    If you watch two puppies play they wrestle, chase, and nip at one another.  It is endearing to watch, but if you pay close attention there are dog rules to the socializing.  For instance, no pup bites another pup too hard causing harm during play.  If it does occur, a dog will signify to lower the strength of the bite via a yelp.  It is a sign for the other dog to pay attention and decrease the aggressive behavior.  Afterwards, dogs naturally separate.  Take a breather.  Then find their way back to fooling around with one another.  This encounter is a lesson on how a human may teach a pup not to bite.

    How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bite

    With the pup scenario above, a bitten pup yelps alarming the other dog to stop with the biting practices.  When you are playing with your own dog, utilize the same technique during playtime.

    For instance, every time you play with your pup, and the pup bites your skin too hard, yelp.  Make a noise.  Stop play.  Then, resume play after a few moments.  Repeat the exact action until your dog learns this behavior is not acceptable.  The dog will interpret the halt in play as he/she did something wrong.  The method works.  Your dog learns quickly.  It is solely a matter of remaining consistent on your part.

    To learn more about how to teach your puppy not to bite with positive reinforcement check out puppy preschool and puppy kindergarten classes today.

  • Dog Poison Tip #2

    Common Household Products Damage Your Dog’s Health

    There are items around or in households that may be lethal to your dog’s health.  Being cautious and aware of what these items are is the first step to protecting your dog’s wellbeing.  For this reason, we are continuing the “Dog Poison” series with this entry.  Here are a few more items to put on your list.  These items need to be stored away properly far from your dog’s reach.

    Remove Cleaning Products

    If a human ingests a cleaning product, it causes damage.  Thus, why would it would be any different when it comes to your puppy?  Keep all household cleaning products in safekeeping, where your pets will not be able to encounter them.  Remember, some cleaners emit toxic vapors putting your dog in danger.  Check your cleaning labels before using anything in the house.  Make sure it is safe for your pet before applying on furniture and floors.

    Check Pesticide Safety

    Pesticides may be fatal on your dog.  Be careful when using any sort of pesticide product.  You need to ask a professional or talk to your vet first.  Find out what pesticide is safe to use around pets.  It is better to be sure you utilize a safe product than one that may cause serious illnesses in your precious pup.

    These are only a few hazardous products putting your dog’s health at-risk.  To find out more information about what products are safe ask a professional.  Talk to experts in k9 training.  Enroll in a Florida dog obedience training class today.  An experienced instructor will provide ample information on what products are proper to use around pets and what items should be disposed of immediately

  • Check Out Twitter for Adoptable Pets

    “Tweet” about Adoptable Pets

    If you want to help spread the word about an adoptable pet, then check out TwitteraCritter.com.  It is a tool to share the news about pets up for adoption. It is a way to help even if you are not in a position to adopt a pet.

    How TwitteraCritter Works

    First, you must have a Twitter account.  Then go to TwitteraCritter.  Scroll down to the bottom of the page.  Fill out your zip code and choose what type of animal you are looking for in the appropriate spaces.  Search through the results until you find an animal you wish to help.  Once you do, click on the animal’s picture.  The information on the pet will appear including gender, age, and breed.  On the pet’s profile page, there will be a Twitter button stating, “Tweet Me.”

    Click on the “Tweet Me” button and that’s it.  You now have added direct link to the adoptable pet on your Twitter feed.  It allows your Twitter followers to see what adoptable pets are available.

    Show Support for Animal Shelters via Twitter

    This is a great way to be actively involved in helping animal shelters.  It is simple to use.  It reaches numerous people via one method.   And it shows substantial support towards pet adoption encouraging effective results.

    If you are someone who adopted a dog, bring your new pup to Florida dog training classes.  We will teach you and your dog how to communicate in a positive manner encouraging a happy, healthy, loving home.

  • How to Teach Your Dog to Play Tug-of-War

    Benefits of Playing Tug-of-War

    Playing tug-of-war with your dog is an immense exercise teaching your dog to play nicely, listen to you during times of excitement, and allow your dog to release canine instinct of pulling and tugging in a fun atmosphere.  The first thing you need to do is get a suitable toy.

    Appropriate Tug-of-War Toy

    Find a toy that is soft, comfortable and easy to hold.  Do not get anything that will snag in the dog’s teeth or snap out easily.  Some experts suggest using toys made from bungee material.  There are also toys with handles.  Choose one that is suitable for you and your pup.

    How to Teach Your Dog to “Drop It”

    This part matters significantly when playing the game tug-of-war.  It teaches your dog the “give” or “drop it” command.  It helps your pup understand these commands while having fun.  One way to get your pup to understand to release the toy is by using treats.

    Treats are a necessary item to keep on-hand when teaching commands.  This is how it works with “drop it.”  While you two are playing tug-of-war, say the command, “Drop it,” and let go of the pull on the toy.  Keep holding the toy but do not place any tension on it.  Now, this is where the treats come in.  With your other hand, place a treat in front of your pup’s nose.  Do not give it to your dog.  Just place it in front of the nose.  The dog will drop the toy to focus on smelling the treat.  Once the dog drops the toy, reward your dog with the treat and lots of positive reinforcement.  Then, repeat the same action again until your dog understands “drop it” command.

    This is only one tip on how to play tug-of-war with your dog.  To find out more about the benefits and teaching your dog these healthy, interactive, physical activities with positive reinforcement check out Florida dog obedience training or k9 training today.

  • How to Choose an Ideal Dog Park

    What is a Dog Park?

    Dog parks are a safe, happy, friendly place created for dogs to socialize, exercise, and roam freely off a leash.  A well-designed dog park is a positive environment to take your pup.  It encourages physical activity, bonding, and interacting with other dogs and people.  These are all factors you wish to incorporate into your dog’s life to make your pup live a healthy and joyful life.  However, you need to make sure the dog park has certain elements before selecting to take your dog into this new environment.

    Check out the Space

    Dog parks should have plenty of space for your pup to roam freely.  A dog park built with distance, wide openings, and many areas to run may be the perfect location for you and your dog.  If there is not enough room, then be cautious.  Overcrowding influences bad behavior with dogs.  For example, if it is overcrowded, tension arises within dogs resulting in possible fights.  Thus, make sure the dog park has lots of room for your dog to run around without worry.

    Examine the Fencing

    The fencing in a dog park should be secure.  A reputable dog park would not have holes where dogs are able to escape.  Furthermore, make sure there is an entry area where you are able to enter with your dog before stepping into the dog park.  Generally, this is a double-gated area preventing other dogs from sneaking out while you are walking in.

    Dog parks also need to supply water, shade, and a designated section for small dogs only.  Dog parks are an excellent place to bond with your dog and allow your dog to bond with others.  You just need to be sure your dog is up-to-date on k9 training and Florida dog training. For both of these classes would be able to teach you how to handle unexpected situations.

  • Dog Poison Tip #1

    Watch Out for Dog Poisons

    Many ordinary, household items, if ingested by your dog, may cause your pet to turn fatally ill.  You need to be careful of what you leave laying around the house, and keep things out of your pup’s reach.  Here are a few items to keep stored away and inaccessible to your dog.

    Human Food

    When the whole family is sitting around the dining room table, and you have not taught your dog to exit the room during dinnertime, you leave your dog at risk.  For you leave your dog available to eat scraps off the dining room floor.  By doing so, your dog may be in danger.  For example, if someone at the table is eating chocolate brownies for dessert and your dog eats up the leftover chocolate left on the floor, then you may be putting your pup’s life in danger.  Chocolate is the number one killer of dogs.   It causes excessive diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal heart palpitations, and seizures.  You should teach your dog how to sit in his/her own spot during human mealtime preventing your dog from ingesting table scraps.

    Human Drugs

    Human medications may cause your dog to die.  You need to keep all medicines off countertops and away in high shelves unreachable to your pup.  If you do not take these precautions, your dog may ingest whatever liquid, pills, tablets left in plain sight without knowing the risk involved.  You are the responsible, loving pet owner.  Therefore, ensure your actions reflect this and provide your dog with a healthy and happy environment.

    Pet owners across the world, would love to keep their pets around as long as possible.  Thus, be responsible and do the right thing.  Keep the human food and medications away from your dog ensuring your dog’s health remains intact, not faltering due to the presence of these harmful elements.

    To find out more about what household items may harm your dog; check out Florida dog training classes and puppy preschool today.

  • How to Identify Positive Play between Dogs

    When Dogs Play Nice

    When your dog is socializing with other pups, it is important to understand what cheerful play between two pups is and when it is time to step in.

    What is Upbeat Play?

    Some inexperienced dog owners have difficult knowing when two dogs are having fun interacting. Here are a few traits allowing further comprehension regarding what is all in good fun.

    Watch Body Language

    When dogs are in a playful mood, their bodies are in a relaxed state.  They tend to jump around with each other taking turns playing various games, such as chasing one another around and wrestling.  It is harmless play, as long as you notice the dogs are taking natural breaks in-between games.  For example, if two dogs are chasing one another, stop to drink, resume with playtime, stop again for a breather, resume with wrestling, pattern repeated, then it is safe to notate it is solely amusement.  The breaks are a means for dogs to lower the heightened level of excitement preventing it from growing into aggressive behavior.  It is something a dog initiates on its own.  However, if the dogs do not stop and pause in-between sessions, then this could translate to a negative situation escalating quickly.  This is when you intervene immediately before something tragic happens.

    It is difficult to control a negative situation between two dogs unless you have the proper training.  Florida dog training professionals are available to help you ensure your dog is not involved in such terrible situations.  Florida dog obedience training prevents the risk of this occurring to your precious pup.