Solve your dog's behavior problems, develop a stronger relationship and bond and create your leadership role within your pack!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
New Years and our Pets!
Make sure your pet has his ID collar with appropriate contact information. This will help ensure a safe return of your pet if found. Also, consider microchipping your pet. We now have the ability to "track" our pets whereabouts and this can be very helpful in finding your lost pet.
Have up to date photos of your pets. You may need these to update an online pet search profile or print posters.
In the home, ensure your pet has a "safe haven". With many guests in the home your pet may become anxious, give them a quiet area where they can rest and detox from the commotion.
Keep an eye on your alcoholic beverages. Dogs can become very thirsty when they are in an anxious state and are liable to lap up anything. Alcohol has proven hazardous to pets at higher amounts.
We can't all avoid the fireworks or gunfire, but we can try to lessen the noise. Secure a spot for your pet away from windows where he can avoid the 12 am celebration. Turn on music to soothe them or distract from the loud erratic noise.
Lastly, if a quiet room is not available, then let's face the loud demons with a positive attitude. Get the really good "Kryptonite" out. Once the fireworks or commotion has begun give him his favorite treat, play a game with him for distraction, start training, or allow them to retreat to their favorite place. We want to associate the noise with positivity to avoid any further anxiety or problem behaviors.
These tips will help to keep your pet safe during the new year roll around. Our pets are our family, celebrate and enjoy them, just don't forget to protect them;) Happy New Year from Back in the Pack!!!
DJF
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Holiday Reminders
As the years go by our pups seem to be the youngest members of our families. We tend to overlook that with toddlers running around or tending to guests. Your pups are sure to get themselves in trouble, whether with boredom, lack of exercise, or appetite.
The Christmas Tree: If you are one of the millions who take in a live tree this year, remember that tree water can be toxic if added chemicals are put in the water. Many add aspirin to the water to keep the tree vibrant, and while some vets may advise Aspirin in small amounts, larger amounts can be hazardous. Keep the tree holder covered or a watchful eye on the water.
Ornaments and decor: Many use glass ornaments to decorate. Try using plastic this year. While they can still be digested they are less likely to cause internal injury than glass and will not break and shatter when stepped on. Tinsel and metallic mixed garland can be another problem and can cause gastric blockage if ingested in both children and pets. So be aware of your placement if you decide to use it.
Use plastic for decorative plants this year. I enjoy a lovely poinsettia and a doorway mistletoe just as much as anyone, but take note that the leaves and stem of the poinsettia are very toxic. The berries of the mistletoe are toxic as well. Go plastic!
Moving on to food:
Oh the joy of Aunt Martha's fruit cake! Remember to check gifts for digestibles. The nose knows!!! You may return home with your presents destroyed and a rush to the emergency care vet not knowing exactly what your pet may have ingested.
We also cook a little more during this time of year. Remember some foods are not safe for out pets. Chocolates should be inaccessible, and foods with heavy garlic and onion should not be left for counter surfers. Both are toxic to pets in larger quantities. Keep those garbage cans locked away or lids shut as well, there seems to be a bit more trash diving during this season.
Onward to outdoors!:
Okay, so it's not quite Christmas without a little snow. Ice melting products can cause damage to your pet's padded paws (say that 3 times fast! :-). There are pet safe ice melters out there, and they are a little less damaging to your walkways than salt as well.
Many of our pets have nice heavy coats, but some breeds lack this. If you have a dog with no undercoat or short fur, don't forget to bundle them up. They get cold, just like we do.
Last up, house guests and entertaining: Not everyone has pets who are used to meeting large crowds, screaming children, or rambunctious pet cousins. Don't forget proper introductions, gradual socialization, or providing a safe haven for your pet to go if he is overwhelmed.
Keep the daily routine consistent. Pets love normality. If we alter their routine you are sure to see a few mischievous behaviors this holiday. Regular walks, feedings, playtimes, and attention need to stay in our daily plan to keep these behaviors at bay.
We all want our holidays to pass with ease, fun and unforgettable memories. Why not make that a little easier and a bit less stressful this year, if that's possible. Back in the Pack wishes all a safe, happy holiday and blessed New Year to come!!!
Dari, Sean and the BiTP family
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pack Walk Nov 2011
Sirius- working on leash excitability
Marco-working on socializing and leash pulling
Turbo- working on socializing and leash excitability
Lily- working on socializing with both humans and other dogs
Bear- working on socializing and leash pulling
The dogs did great, and the owners did wonderful. Sean and I spent time with each of them focusing on their particular problematic behavior discussing and demonstrating proper instruction and follow thru. It was a great day in November, unseasonably warm and the dogs were happy to be out hiking. We came across many bikers and hikers, which gave us ample opportunity to demonstrate leadership with the dogs.
Great job everyone, and looking forward to our next Pack Walk in December!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sometimes They Train Us
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Home 4 the Holidays
It's November and the holidays are upon us. Today we supported VA German Shepherd Rescue at the Home for the Holidays event in Reston Town Center. There were a multitude of vendors, shelters and rescues, trainers, and boarding facilities at the outdoor festival. My white Shepherd pack (August, Kiba, and Lily) accompanied me today.
There were so many breeds represented at the event it was even the most controversial, all on their top game as ambassadors of their breed. We had the pleasure of meeting many potential adopters for August, and welcoming in new volunteers into the rescue.
These are my favorite events. A family friendly festival, jam packed with lots of hugs and kisses. Here are a few of the photos taken at the event, more can be seen on our Facebook page Adopt today!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Halloween Hounds
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Fox 5 News Interview
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Spring is Here and So is the Fever!
1. Lock Down!
Make sure your gate is locked in your yard. As you are doing more lawn work, coming and going from your yard is expected. Ensure your gate is locked or latched to prevent runaways.
2. Tag Your It!
Keep a collar with identification and your contact info on your dog at all times while he is outdoors. As an extra precaution have your dog microchipped and update his photo and info online. There are many different online services that will help to recover your pet if he gets lost.
3. Refresher Course
Train train train. Make sure your pet is well trained and obedient. I know it's easier to say than do, but it's very important to ensure the safety of your pet outdoors. Many dogs are under socialized. When they see another dog even on leash they react poorly. Your dog could break his or her leash or collar and escape to greet another dog or chase another furry. Recall and socialization are the most important when outside with your pet.
4. Shield Them!
Make sure to keep your vaccinations up to date as well as monthly preventatives. It's high flea and tick season with the warm weather approaching. Also I have found that many do not keep the Bordatella UTD since the dogs were primarily indoors. Dog parks are breeding grounds for this along with multiple intestinal parasites. Keep your pets healthy as they make new friends.
5. Don't Eat That!
Tis the season of barbecues! I have seen many family barbecues with off leash pets raiding garbage cans, picking up discarded scraps and licking plates. Be careful your dog does not ingest bones or trash. Keep him leashed and safely with you, or in a playpen when you can not watch him.
6. Not In My Garden!
Lawn work and gardening are in full swing. Also ensure he doesn't eat any poisonous plants while out and about. Some flowers and plants seem very appetizing to your pets. Visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/ for a list of household and garden plants that are hazardous to your pet.
Dari and Sean
Www.backinthepack.com