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Introducing the New Dog, What’s the Rush?

What’s the Rush?

Terie Hansen

As the saying goes “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. The same applies when introducing a new dog/puppy to your current dog(s). My best advice? Go slowly through the process. And it IS a process. Let’s face it, it could go either way if you just put them together to see what happens. Which is what most people do. It could turn out just fine in the short term, but in the long run it could be building towards a fight.

Taking it slowly means, for the first few days to a week just allowing the dogs to exist around each other. Not interacting and certainly not playing. Have a separate crate/area where, at least the new dog is confined for sleeping, meals and down time (preferably for several weeks) and when you need a break from supervising/working your dogs. Walk the dogs together (preferably you and another person each with a dog). Having the dogs hold a command such as place or down around one another. Having them on leashes that are tied to doors so that they can’t make contact. Working each dog through obedience commands while the other looks on.

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Dog Food, You Can Get Better For Less

Dog Food, You Can Get Better For Less

puppy chow

Don’t be fooled by fancy photos, read the label and compare!

Unless you have been living under a rock you have noticed things are heating up in the pet food industry. Everywhere you look there’s an ad for pet food. Beneful, Friskies, Purina, Blue Buffalo etc. How do you decide what to feed your dog? What’s best? Are you paying more but getting less? [Read more…]

Pet Suffocation, Snack Bag Dangers

Suffocation by Snack Bags, Is Your Pet at Risk?

Recently a pet sitter of ours arrived at a client’s home for their daily dog walk only to find that sadly the dog had passed away. She found the dog at the base of the stairs with a potato chip bag stuck firmly on his head. She started Cpr immediately but it was too late. Cause of death, suffocation by the snack bag.

When a pet sticks their head in a bag or box to get the food, their pet suffocationbreathing creates a vacuum and the bag tightens until they can’t get it off and they suffocate.

Imagine the horror. Imagine how the sitter felt, as she has known this dog for years. This however, is nothing compared to what the owner felt when our pet sitter called to inform her of what had happened. Utter devastation are the only words to describe this situation. [Read more…]

Is Your Dog at Risk for Deadly Bloat?

Bloat, otherwise known as Gastric Dilation and Volvulus can happen Bloat in dogswhen a dog’s stomach swells up and/or twists because it is filled with food, fluid or gas. The swelling creates pressure on the surrounding internal area. This can result in difficulty breathing, tears in the stomach wall and loss of blood flow to the heart and stomach. The twisting or “torsion” also cuts off critical blood flow to the heart and body by trapping it in the stomach both of which can send your dog into shock.
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New Years Resolutions for You and Your Pet

Is Your Dog or Cat Overweight ?

Resolve to Change it and they will live longer, healthier, happier lives.

 

an overweight dog would benefit from more physical activityOver 50% of U. S. pets are overweight . This can lead to a shorter lifespan, health problems as they age and difficulty walking with extra weight bearing down on their joints. Here are some simple ways to keep your dog or cat’s weight in check or help them to lose weight.

Measure your pet’s food at every meal. Look at the feeding guidelines of your pet’s food. They usually go by age and weight. This is a starting point only. Depending on overweight cat need to be on a feeding routinehow much daily activity your dog or cat gets you may need to add a little or subtract a little.

Feeding Routines are important!  Most cats and dogs will benefit by a twice a day feeding routine. Even cats can learn to eat when the food goes down. Leave the food down for 15 minutes only. If you pet is not actively eating after 15 minutes take the food up and don’t put it down till the next meal time. At each meal you feed them ½ of their daily your dog or cat can get overweight if you don't measure their food portions daily.requirement. If they don’t eat it all just add to it at the next feeding time to make a serving.

Do not be alarmed if your pet skips a few meals to start. When they get hungry enough they will eat. During the initial transition it is best to stay away from treats in between as these just add empty calories to your dog or cat’s diet and keep them from being hungry enough to eat the food which carries important nutrients.

Add activities to your pet’s daily routine.

A nice daily walk around the block with a daily walk would help your overweight dog burn calories.your dog or a 15 minute play session with your cat chasing a teaser will burn calories that will add up over a years time.

Make this new year the healthiest yet for you and your pet and you’ll enjoy many happy years together.

 

Terie Hansen, Professional Dog Trainer, Dog Walker, Pet Sitter & Owner at Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care-may be reached at 404-422-9832  www.gooddogcoaching.com

Good Dog Coaching & Pet Care specializes in professional dog walking, pet sitting and dog training.