Happy Healthy Pup

How much faith do you place in your pet food company?

2012-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

We put so much faith in those pretty bags with the comforting labels...

"70% PURE ANIMAL INGREDIENTS"

"EXCLUSIVE GREEN TEA ANTIOXIDANT COATING"

"...WITH APPLES, CARROTS & PEAS"

We trust these companies to do what's best for our pets, but we often forget that the majority of these pet food companies are big business. They have a bottom line to meet and a product to sell. Nature's Variety is known in most food circles as a higher-quality food and is a pretty substantial player in the pre-packaged raw market. This morning I had a chance to talk candidly with a rep from Nature's Variety. And I had a couple of hard questions to ask him.

You had a venison shortage last year, and are currently in a rabbit shortage. Why are these proteins so hard to get?
"Due to the economy, people in Europe are not eating as much venison & rabbit, which leaves us without product. It's not like we're using rabbit steaks, we're using their leftovers."

Do you still source proteins from China?
It's no secret we source meat from China, it's on our website. It is what it is.

Does this sound like a company who is dedicated to providing your dog with the most wholesome, healthy nutrition available? These are real answers from a real player in the high-end pet food market. And I'm sure that other high-end pet food companies would have similar answers to these questions.

So now I have a question for you...
Are these acceptable answers from a pet food company?

You have the ability to control the quality of food that your dog consumes. Make 2012 the year that you pledge to do more as your dog's advocate.

--
www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Fun Fact Friday: She's not fat..she's fluffy!

2011-11-11T04:39:00.001-08:00

We've all seen the photos of fat pets. Dogs that look like ottomans, they can barely walk like a normal dog, let alone run & play like one. We all know that obese & overweight pets are prone to serious health issues & diseases, right? Things such as:

Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease

Osteoarthritis

Complications with anesthesia

and a shorter life expectancy (generally two years shorter than that of healthy dogs)

Yet, this is the most common nutritional disorder in the US, with an much as 34% of our canine population suffering from it. How can that be? We love our dogs! Sometimes people refer to this as "loving them to death". But, maybe, we just don't know what constitutes an unhealthy weight for our dog.

She's not fat...She's fluffy!

When trying to address weight issues with dog owners I have heard several explanations, like..."it's mostly hair". Or..."Yeah, but she's solid!". Or even..."My vet said she looked fine". All of these can be valid points. Unfortunately I am finding, more and more, that veterinarians and pet professionals are not addressing this adequately this with their clients. Perhaps this is because it is a sensitive topic. But it doesn't need to be! Stating that your dog is overweight is not a personal attack on you, but it is a wonderful opportunity to make some changes for the better!

It's a Hand On kinda thing

I am going to tell you exactly what I tell all of my clients. Get hands on with your dog! I recommend regular massage and stretching for every dog. If you are massaging your dog everyday, you'll have a very good idea what their body feels like and be able to watch for changes.

To determine if your dog is currently at a healthy weight: Stand over her, you should be able to see a waistline and easily feel all of her ribs. Now, regardless of your breed, think of a short coated dog. When standing, I would like to be able to see the last one or two of her ribs, and when she goes around a corner, I want to be able to see all of them. That's an ideal weight for me! (There is a lovely guide from the Pet Obesity Project that details this with illustrations here.)

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is one of the easiest and most effective measures you can take to keep your companion healthy. They'll look and feel better, and you'll feel great knowing that you are taking a proactive step in their longevity & health!

**Note: If you currently have a dog who is struggling with weight issues, please check out our previous post on healthy weight loss**

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Coming Full Circle

2011-10-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

As a Holistic Animal Practitioner, Canine Nutritionist and Professional Trainer, I wear a lot of hats. I'm okay with that, I love everything about what I do and the dogs I help. I'm in a unique position, as many people fall into one of these categories, not two or even all three. And while each certainly has it's strengths, I'm beginning to notice one common weakness.. the lack of connectivity between these professions and their theories.

I believe that science-based dog training, holistic health care and species appropriate nutrition are absolutely necessary partners. Every one of these affect each other. So, how does the disconnect happen? Most of the time I don't believe it is intentional, I believe that people simply haven't made the connection yet.

I watch people who lovingly train and work their dogs using only the most up-to-date and humane training methods, but feed a poor grade dry dog food. This, in turn will affect behavior & the training process. It may also lead to health issues that will play a role in more behavior issues.

I meet people who are dedicated to feeding their dog a high-quality, freshly prepared diet, but are constantly putting chemicals in and on their dog. Vaccinations, topical treatments and internal treatments can take a major tole on the immune system. This, in turn, can lead to behavior problems and health issues later on.

I see people who work with wonderful holistic veterinarians to help keep their dog healthy & happy, but they are quick to put a prong or choke collar on and offer a 'correction' or even a "shht" in the name of training! This is probably the one that baffles me the most! The basis of most eastern medicine and holistic therapies is the energy of the animal. Nothing can be more damaging to this (and your relationship with your dog) as fear, pain and intimidation. This will certainly lead to health issues in the future as well as more, or slightly different behavior issues.

Sometimes, I think it's helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture, regardless of your goal.

- Health and nutrition affect behavior

- Behavior will affect overall health

- Training methods affect subsequent behavior and health

I think it's time to come full circle and realize that everything we do with our dogs is connected. Here's to making more conscious decisions in every aspect of your pup's life!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Fun Answer Friday: What to do about whining?!

2011-10-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

We've all seen the face...and the big eyes...you can almost hear the "Puh-LEAZE" coming through in the whines. You're dog wants something, but you're busy, and the whining is annoying you. Many dog owners have dogs that whine, beg, or instigate games when they want something. But did you know that this behavior has to be reinforced in order to continue?

Many dog owners don't realize that they intermittently or unintentionally reinforce this behavior. Example: You're hanging out, watching TV & lounging when Fluffy brings you a ball and drops it in your lap. She whines a little bit until you notice it, you smile, pick up the ball and play with her. Now you're sitting at your desk, on a deadline to get your task completed, and Fluffy comes up and drops the same ball into your lap, it worked before right? Only this time you tell her no and try to focus...then the dreaded whining begins.

Even if you ignore her, put the toy away, lead her out of the room or raise your voice in frustration, Fluffy still sees that she got your attention. Even got you a little riled up in the process...bonus!

Whine no more
So how to we get rid of the dreaded whining? Here are some tips.

Send clear messages. First things first. If you don't like whining, don't play with Fluffy when she's whines at you while watching TV and not play with Fluffy when she whines at you while working. If she wants to play, she should ask politely by performing an easy task such as sit, down, touch.

Focus on this! If you know that she likes to bother you while working or focusing on a task, give her something else to do instead. Stuff a kong or an interactive food puzzle. Hide a chew for her to find and devour or give her a favorite toy to play with. Do this BEFORE you start on your project, not after she's harassed you, or you will reinforce that, harassing you = fun things.

Work together. Plan a little extra time and use this as a training opportunity. Give her an alternate behavior to perform instead of the whining. A perfect example is 'go to mat'. You can reinforce her for hanging out on her mat and being calm by tossing treats to her or even offering a nice yummy chew once she's on her mat & calm. (Here's a great video by kikopup on teaching 'go to a mat' and 'down on a mat' if you need help learning this).

Not what I wanted. You can also practice ignoring the whining and reinforcing any other alternate behavior Fluffy offers. If she is sitting or lying calmly next to you, offer a yummy treat or a little play time. Anytime Fluffy whines, calmly say Bummer (as in "That's not what I wanted") and ignore her. The hardest part about ignoring this behavior is that we, as humans, are not very good at it. Eventually we either give in or explode...both of which can be very reinforcing to Fluffy and can teach her that persistence is key!

One thing you might also want to consider is practicing when you're not actually working so that you're not as likely to get frustrated. Whining can be obnoxious, but if it's your attention they want or simply something to do, showing them the appropriate way to earn it will be very rewarding to the both of you!

Happy Training!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-10-19T06:24:00.000-07:00

Riley is a handsome little Cavalier. He's 2.5 years old and has never been house-trained, but he also has some reactivity on leash. Another local training company convinced his family they should attend a training class where they can 'correct' him for these things. They went once & said 'it didn't feel right, or good to be there'. That's a good feeling to follow! Instead, they called me and together we got to see how FUN training can be.

Listen to your gut - you are your dog's advocate!

Fun Fact Friday: Stop the Scratch!

2011-10-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

It's about this time of the year that I get bombarded with inquiries from people regarding their dogs troubled skin. Fall is in the air...and the fluctuating weather sure can aggravate fur coats & skin conditions.

There's a variety of skin issues that are fairly common to our four-legged friends. Dry/flaky/scratchy skin, dandruff, hot spots, acne and in more extreme cases psoriasis, & eczema. Vets will often recommend everything from an anti-inflammatory, steroids or medicated shampoos. But there are several steps you can take to help treat the actual cause of these issues and clear up skin for good.

The Skin Soothing Recipe

- A clean, grain-free, high-quality Diet

- Dairy-free, soy-free, wheat free, refrigerated Probiotic

- Soy-free, cold pressed Fish Oil supplement

- Cleavers Herb supplement (or fresh leaves)

How do these work together?

Food: well we all know that grains can be the cause of, or at the very least aggravate skin issues, so I always recommend that diet is cleaned up with a dog that suffers with skin issues.

Probiotics: very important for overall health & immunity, it's important to read the label and ensure there is no ingredients that could cause further agitation, such as wheat, soy & dairy. And does refrigeration matter? Yes! Current studies show that 100% of refrigerated probiotics are still viable at the time of consumption as apposed to 50% of those that were not refrigerated**

Fish Oil: this supplement on it's own can aid greatly in coat & skin health. We recommend a fish oil with an EPA:DHA ratio of 180:120. Dosage: 1000-2000/mg per every 20lbs

Cleavers Herb: This fabulous little herb can work wonders on the body! It is effective at cleansing toxins & waste from the lymphatic system. Skin will feel & look fabulous after Cleavers! If you can, try to find an alcohol-free tincture. Dosage: 3 dropper fulls per 20lbs twice a day.

If you find yourself needing something right away to help soothe skin while you start your new regimen, consider a soothing fur balm like this one from Pal Dog (we love this one because you can share it)!

Here's to your Pup having Happy, Healthy skin all winter long!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Holistic Canine Nutrition & Behavior Solutions

** S. Berman & D. Spicer : Safety and Reliability of Lactobacillus Supplements in Seattle, Washington (A Pilot Study) . The Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine. 2003 Volume 1 Number 2

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-09-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

PUPPY CUTENESS!!!

Some of you may have heard me talk about a good friend and client who has been waiting on a Newfie puppy for quite some time and how excited I am for her! The puppies have finally arrived, and she shared some pics with me...they were to cute not to share with you!

Adopt a Less Adoptable Week

2011-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

There have been many posts this week about why you should adopt the "less-adoptable dogs" and even some posts on specific dogs looking for homes. What I want to share with you is a happy ending.

Meet Numan G. Foreman III, but you can call him Numan...the less-adoptable. A big boy who was scheduled to be PTS because he had some serious phobias, and oh yeah, the resource guarding. Who would adopt a dog like that?

While Numan isn't perfect, the Pagel's weren't looking for perfect. They were looking for goofy, lovable and loyal. Numan was happy to provide that and much more for his new family. And with some guidance and a good measure of positive-reinforcement training, they were able to work through the other issues. You know, the ones that Numan would have died for...

The Pagel's simply can't imagine their life without Numan, and Numan can't imagine life without his non-furry family! He snuggles on the couch to watch movies, opens the back door as he pleases to come & go out of the yard and even goes on outings to Home Depot to lend a helping paw.

The point of the story is this: Every dog has something to offer. When picking a companion, focus on the traits that really matter to you.. you never know, that dog who doesn't look quite right, or has some quirky traits might just be your missing puzzle piece!

Numan's favorite non-furries

Numan Helping Out

Numan's Happy Ending

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-09-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

Saw this on a calendar.. yes I'm biased because he's wrinkly.. but he's got a good point.

Fun Answer Friday: How should I feed my athlete?

2011-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Rebecca asks: My dog and I are competing in agility trials almost every weekend. Is there anything I can add to his diet to ensure he is getting the nutrients he needs as a competing athlete?

Dogs are dogs..whether they are lounging on the couch, chasing squirrels or competing in a sport, right? The canine athlete is a special breed, competing professionally requires physical stamina as well as mental acuteness. And, there are steps we can take to ensure they are performing as well as possible!

Tips for feeding the canine athlete:
~ Make sure you are feeding a nutrient dense, highly-digestible diet. I recommend a protein content of 32% plus. As your athlete ages, make sure to add digestive enzymes as nutrient absorption is an essential foundation.
~ Supplement with a high-grade fish oil supplement. This should be a cold-pressed oil that has an EPA:DHA ratio of 180:120. 2000mg per 20lbs during competition season. Half that during the 'off season'.
~ Fresh, filtered water is essential. There are plenty of water bottle options now that filter water, so there's no reason you can't provide this on the road or at competition.
~ On competition days, feed one small, light meal approximately two hours before an event, and feed the second larger meal in the evening after all events are done for the day.
~ The last supplement that is important for your athlete is a carbohydrate containing supplement for right after a performance. Although protein is often the focus of supplementation for athletes, glucose repletion is essential for muscle repair and necessary to reduce fatigue and maintain mental stability. (We really like Glyco-gen Energy Bones).

While there are many supplements out there for working dogs, these are the essential needs that we like to see addressed for every working dog. Competing with a canine athlete is a rewarding experience that allows you to bond with your companion on a whole new level. Pay them back by ensuring they are getting what they need!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-08-31T09:15:00.001-07:00

A friend sent me this card!! It was to cute NOT to share!!

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-08-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you know that I lost my very handsome Neapolitan and mascot dog, Eros, last year. We had been inseparable for all of his 11yrs. It goes without saying that I miss him desperately. I had some of his ashes made into a diamond pendant and I did this shortly after his passing....

It is his actually paw print. So, my question to you.

How did you, or will you, memorialize your beloved pets?

The Follow us or Friend us Giveaway!!

2011-08-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

We love making new friends! And we're giving you a chance to win something fun...just for becoming our friend through Facebook & Twitter!

At Happy Healthy Pup we are dedicated to helping you have the best companion possible. We believe in a multi-faceted approach that includes a species appropriate diet, science-based training & holistic therapies. But how can you do this with your own pup? We want to help you get started!

The Follow us or Friend us Giveaway is here!

Two lucky winners will receive:

- A 30min. mini-consult with Anna Bettina. Ask any behavior or nutrition questions you might have & get simple, straight-forward answers!

- A custom 4 oz. Aromatherapy Blend made especially for your pup. Based on information from the mini-consult, we use organic, therapeutic grade essential oils to create

your own special blend.

- A fun, interactive food toy! The Halo is a non-toxic, rubber toy that attaches to a water bottle to provide hours of fun for your pup!

- And a bag of Lamb Lung treats! These all-natural treats are made in the USA, nutritious & delicious, you can feel good about giving these.

The total value of each giveaway is over $90 and it's easy to enter! All you have to do is:

'Like' us on Facebook or

'Follow' us on Twitter

...even better, if you do both you'll get two entries!

We'll pick a random winner on August 20th and another on August 30th.

Whether you have a fearful Fido, a Spot that won't stop scratching or a rambunctious Rover, this is the perfect opportunity to get expert advice & learn how to incorporate holistic therapies into your dog's life for a Happy Healthy Pup!

See you on Facebook & Twitter!

Check out the Halo in action!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

The Rules

General rules: Open only to U.S. residents, ages 18 and above. No purchase necessary. Only one comment per person per post is eligible to be counted. We reserve the right to eliminate any entries that seem to disregard these rules. Contest winners will be picked on midnight EST August 19th and August 29th from all current US followers of @HappyHealthyPup on Twitter, fans of Happy Healthy Pup on Facebook and comments on this blog post. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Winners are responsible for submitting correct street mailing address in order to receive prize. Prizes are nontransferable and may not be redeemed for cash. All decisions are final. We reserves the right to announce entrant’s names. We will not sell, trade or give to any other party the e-mail, names and/or addresses gathered in the contest. ONLY winners should submit mailing addresses, upon request. Winners: Winners are chosen by a drawing using random.org. Winner’s name will be announced through Twitter and Facebook on August 20th 2011 & August 30th 2011.

Fun Answer Friday: Got any good treat recipes?

2011-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

Sophie asks: Do you have any wheat-free dog cookie recipes?

Awww.... the dog days of summer. Long days of fetch in the park...swimming in the lake...and the smell of liver dehydrating in the kitchen. Oh, that's just my house?

D.I.Y. Dog Delicacies

As more & more people become more educated about what's *really* in dog food & dog treats, they are taking the initiative to make their own. What a great way to ensure that you know exactly what's in your pup's treat!

Jerky Treats

- Chicken, Turkey, Salmon or other choice of meat.

This is a fairly loose recipe. After a batch or two, you'll know what works best for you.

Slice meat into thin strips and place on greased cookie sheet. Place in oven. Turn oven to 180 & leave door to oven slightly ajar and leave them overnight. If needed, turn over in morning & leave in oven for a couple more hours. Treats will resemble jerky when ready.

We recently saw this next recipe in Modern Dog magazine & we love that you can make them any size you want - great for training treats!

Peanut Butter & Oat Drops

- 4 cups rolled oats

- 2 Tbsp ground flax seed

- 2 medium very ripe bananas

- 1/2 cup natural (no sugar or shortening added) peanut butter

- 1/2 cup water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together oats, flax seed, bananas, and peanut butter in an electric mixer. Add water and mix well. Drop 1/2 teaspoon-sized drops onto greased cookie sheet or roll out and cut with a cookie cutter (let dough stand for a few minutes before rolling; it’s sticky initially). Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. The drops last longer and are delightfully crunchy if they are placed in a dehydrator for several hours after baking to remove all moisture. This can also be done in a low temperature (170 degrees) oven.

This next recipe is our secret weapon in training treats! Guaranteed your dog will go ga-ga for it!

Sardine Smackaroos

- 1 cup flax seed meal

- 1 can sardines, drained

- 1/3 cup parmesan or romano cheese finely grated

- 1/4 cup filtered/distilled water

Preheat oven to 400.Puree sardines well in a food processor or blender. Pour into mixing bowl & add water, then slowly stir in cheese and finally the flax seed meal. Plop onto greased baking sheet & roll out to no more than a 1/2" thickness. Bake for 10-15min or until the mixture is somewhat firm. Cool briefly and then cut into desired size with a pizza cutter.

Hope these recipes provide you with some incentive! There is nothing quite like making a healthy, homemade treat for your pup and watching them enjoy it! Have Fun & enjoy your summer!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

I am a Vegetarian..My dog is not.

2011-08-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

I had guests over to my house one night, everyone was milling around, chatting when one guest went to the freezer to get more ice. He returned with a perplexed look on his face and said "You said you were a Vegetarian...but your freezer is full of meat!"

I'm a vegetarian...my dog is not.

Dogs are Carnivores

Recently, there seems to be a large spike in vegetarian and even vegan dog foods. This is extremely unsettling to me as a nutritionist and as a trainer. Many pet food companies, veterinarians & canine experts are leading people to believe that dogs are omnivores, and as such, can survive quite well on a vegetarian or vegan diet much like humans who choose to eat this way. This statement is not only wrong, it has the potential to cause long-term harm to your pup. Vegetarian/Vegan dog foods are full of supplements and synthetic vitamins to try and make up for nutrients that are missing from the food itself. I think we all know that the best way to get our vitamins/minerals and essential nutrients is from whole fresh foods...this is just as true for your dog! Fresh, whole food for your dog means feeding a species appropriate raw diet including raw meaty bones & organs.

(Read more about the Myth of Dogs as Omnivores)

I am a Vegetarian

I have been a vegetarian for many years. And even before I excluded meat all together from my diet, I didn't consume much of it. I've never had a rack of ribs, and never eaten a steak. I made this conscious decision for myself. But what about your dog? As your dog's guardian, you make this decision for them. Many vegetarians have chosen this diet because they refuse to support the horrific practice of factory farming and the egregious suffering of animals raised for human consumption. So it would make sense that many vegetarians carry these same values over to their dog food purchases. I applaud the idea.

Thriving? Meh..

I have met many vegetarian & vegan fed dogs. Often the owners are very quick to point out all the benefits they have seen since switching to this diet. I can honestly say that I have never met a vegetarian/vegan fed dog that looked as if they were thriving. Shiny coats, sparkling eyes, spunk in their step? Hardly. Often I see dull coat, skin & eyes, itching, and more. While many owners claim that their dogs do much better on this diet...it begs the question...much better than what? Quite possibly the diet they were on previously, but better than a species appropriate raw diet, no.

You feed what?

While I will always advocate a prey model diet for your dog, I understand that many people cannot make this diet a reality for a variety of reasons. Whatever choice you make for your dog, you have the power to make one you can feel good about! Whether you feed a dry dog food, freeze-dried raw, dehydrated or wet food, take the time to investigate the company. Things to look for:

- Where does the meat come from? Many companies process their treats & food in USA with meat from China. Always check the fine print!

- How was the meat-raised? Look for specific phrases like cage-free, free-range, organic, minimally-processed, hormone & antibiotic free. Words like 'naural' and 'healthy' don't cut it.

- Where was the food processed & how? A high-quality food should be processed in a high-quality facility to maintain it's integrity. Not sure about where to find this info? The store or boutique you purchase your food from should be able to give you this information. You can also call the pet food company and ask them directly about their manufacturing processes. Questions to ask: Do they outsource the manufacturing? Does the manufacturing plant process any other foods?

Happy Healthy Pup

Choosing a high-quality food that uses humane processes to raise & farm it's animals for your pet's consumption will not only ensure you feel better about the choice you have made on behalf of your carnivore, it will also be a healthier option for them! Here's to making conscious food decisions for a Happy Healthy Pup!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-07-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

Meet Graddy the JRT & Sammy the Yorkie.

They have a bit of a..well..barking problem. They bark: in the morning, in the evening, outside, inside, in the hallway, at the doors, at mealtimes, in the windows, at their parents, at all visitors & oh..the Progressive Insurance lady on TV? Yeah, they bark at her too.

They've just signed up for 5 days of Day Training. The bark stops here!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Fun Answer Friday: How can I help my aggressive dog?

2011-07-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Sami asks: My dog is aggressive towards men. It is so embarrassing to even try to walk her, people comment on her behavior all the time. We have just hired a positive dog trainer to help us, but I'm afraid there's no hope. Should we be doing something more? And will my dog always be this way or will training fix her?

Aggression is a hard behavior to deal with. Not only are both the dog and owner frustrated, but there is a liability factor and an overwhelming guilt and/or embarrassment factor on behalf of the owner as well. It seems that society likes to deem owners 'bad' or somehow 'unfit' if they don't have a dog who can romp around a dog park full of inappropriately behaving puppy hooligans & well-meaning, but ill-advised puppy owners (hmmm.. can you tell I'm not a fan of dog parks?).

So first off, let me say this: Good for you! You recognized your dog needed the help of a professional & you hired one.

Why Me?

Many of the aggressive dog owners I meet feel embarrassed. And I'm here to tell you, don't be. Aggression is a natural emotion, and it's used readily in the animal kingdom. Even by human animals! Have you ever gotten road rage...yelled at another driver or maybe even flipped them off?? Have you ever raised your voice to someone when something went wrong...airline made you miss your flight, customer service not so helpful, or a package that arrived broken?? It's completely natural to show aggression...what's not natural is the expectation that your dog is never, ever allowed to show it.

Cool & Collected

Ok great.. aggression is natural, but it's not safe & it's really scary. True. The reason I share this is because I want you to feel differently next time you take your dog out (Your trainer will show you how to manage the situation for now & also set up a behavior modification plan to get you going). When you go out, instead of feeling apologetic or nervous, you should feel confident! Your dog is acting like, well, a dog! And you are already taking action to ensure she becomes a better behaved member of society. There's no shame in crossing a street or turning around to avoid a potential problem. So walk with your shoulders a bit higher & a smile on your face. You are not a bad dog owner...in fact...you are a great dog owner!

Is training enough?

Training is an invaluable tool for any dog, regardless of their background or behavior. And through the help of a positive reinforcement, science-based trainer you can drastically alter behavior and even eliminate the aggression altogether. But this relies very much on behalf of the owner and their dedication. So, is training enough? Sometimes, yes. Is there anything more you can do? Absolutely! There are many alternative therapies that can drastically help a dog with aggression issues!

Supplements: Finding a calming supplement (flower essence, herbs, etc) that can be given before or during training sessions can drastically improve your dog's reactions, comfort level and allow you to work at different thresholds and with more control. I also recommend fish-oil to any dog on a behavior modification plan as it has been shown to improve memory & brain function (opt for a cold-water fish that has been cold-pressed).

Massage: Massage helps create more body awareness for your dog! We use t-touch massage to put 'calm' behavior on cue and also as a nice relaxing bonding session with your dog. For aggressive dog, try this: when alone in a quiet place, take the flat part of two fingertips & rub slow, soft deliberate circles all over your dogs face. Speak in a calm quiet tone and encourage your dog to relax. You might be surprised how much they enjoy it! More about t-touch here.

Aromatherapy: Yes, it smells great, but it helps alter behavior as well! Try a calming blend with oils like Lavender, Ylang-Ylang, Chamomile or (our favorite) Neroli. We have our own calming blend that we make or you can find one at a local holistic store (make sure to ask if it is safe for pets). Spritz on beds, collars, or even a bandanna your dog can wear when training, just make sure to let it dry before placing it on your dog. You can also use oils like Clary Sage which can help calm but can also help improve memory for learning dogs!

Food: Last, but certainly not least, food. Make sure your carnivore is on an appropriate diet. The less processed, the better! Inappropriate foods can cause gastrointestinal upset and food-related allergy symptoms (hair loss, scratching, etc), which can all make your dog uncomfortable and add to the aggressive behavior. We will always recommend a species-appropriate raw diet. But if you're not ready to make that leap, look into freeze-dried, frozen & dehydrated foods that are considerably less processed than kibble.

You are your dog's advocate.

Remember: There's a lot of help available to you and ultimately, you know what's best for your dog. Don't feel embarrassed, do feel empowered! Happy Training!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-07-20T08:15:00.001-07:00

Why we LOVE Lavender!

2011-07-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Recently we posted on our Facebook page that every dog home should have a bottle of therapeutic grade Lavender essential oil on hand. Why do we love it so much? There are tons of uses for this very versatile oil, not to mention, how good it smells! We received a few questions about uses, so we thought we'd post some of our favorite recipes here & how to use them! Once you try them, we're sure you'll love lavender too! Enjoy!

Clean your act up!

Disinfect & clean will this smell-good combo! Great for spritzing on counters, dog beds, collars (remove from your pup first) and anything else that smells 'doggy'.

6 drops Lemon EO

4 drops Orange EO

4 drops Lavender EO

4 drops Bergamot EO

2oz. distilled water

Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle (glass or steel preferred). Shake well before every use. Store away from heat & light & never spray on your pup's face.

Chill Pill

This is my Favorite! You can spritz it right on your pup. Even better...spritz on your hands & massage onto your dog. I also use it on myself, sheets & in the air when I'm stressed. Smells absolutely magical.

10 drops Lavender EO

6 drops Neroli EO

4 drops Sandalwood EO

2oz. organic jojoba oil

Combine all ingredients in a small spray bottle (glass preferred) & shake well. Make sure to store away from heat & light.

Bug Repellent

We stole this one from Herbs for Health. But we love it & it's easy to make. This is not only effective & safe for your pup, it's also great for you!

1/2 teaspoon citronella EO

1/2 teaspoon eucalyptus EO

1/2 teaspoon lavender EO

4oz. distilled witch hazel

Mix ingredients in small spray bottle. Shake well. Spray onto exposed skin, avoiding eyes and mucous membranes. Reapply every 2 hours, or as needed. (Note: We love adding a few drops of Lemongrass to this blend! Add as much or as little as you like!)

Experiment with the oils to find a blend that is appealing to you! Here's to a delicious smelling home & chemical-free canine! And don't forget to join us on Facebook if you haven't already so we can hear what you want to know more about!

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Fast Answer Friday: How can I lose some weight?

2011-07-15T06:10:00.000-07:00

Miss Zoe the black lab (pictured here) asks a great question about weight loss: Can you tell my Mom, on a nutritional level, what she should be doing? It's mid summer and I still am unable to fit into my two-piece. Lots of love and licks, ZoeZoe

Weight management is something many pet owners struggle with. An estimated 43 million dogs in the US are overweight or obese*. That's a staggering amount! Especially when you consider that dogs who keep a healthy weight live 15% longer than their overweight counterparts**,that's nearly two additional years! So, how do we help them keep a healthy weight?

First things first - Get a clean bill of health from the vet. Before starting any weight loss regimen it's important that your pup gets a thorough exam as well as blood, thyroid & urine tests to rule out any medical conditions for the extra weight and ensure your pup is healthy. Often, your vet can give also give you an ideal weight to achieve.

Detox - Detox - Detox - So, you have a clean bill of health, an idea of how much weight your dog needs to lose and you're ready to get started. So, is it all about feeding less? Not quite. To get started on a healthy weight loss regimen we recommend detoxing your pup. A high-quality detox will help flush toxins as well as improve organ function. Both of these things will aid in weight loss, increase metabolism and help your pup feel better overall! The detox can be done in conjunction with food restriction & exercise. One detox we love is:

Animal Essentials Detox Blend

Food Restriction - Keep in mind: your pup needs to lose weight slowly (taking weight off too fast can cause discomfort as well as lead to medical issues). We generally recommend decreasing food by approximately 20% to start. You can slowly take this percentage up to as much as 40% as your pup becomes accustomed to the amounts. Make sure that you are feeding a food that contains high-quality protein to ensure your dog feels full & satisfied.

Sounds simple, right? This is where people struggle the most. Some owners will cut back the amounts at mealtime but give into their dog's pleading looks later or offer high-calorie treats throughout the day. Our best advice: Keep a food journal! Writing down everything your pup eats will help keep you honest about what your pup is really consuming and also give you an idea of where you can cut back. You might notice that your pup is getting treats at the bank, the coffee shop, the pet store, and during a training session. Skipping those extra treats can help cut back on calories as well as choosing a low-calorie training treat (Many people love Zuke's training treats. We recommend cutting each treat in half, that makes them just 1.5 calories each)! As part of a food journal, I recommend tracking weekly weigh-ins at the vet to help you map weight loss progress.

Supplements - There is one supplement we readily recommend for dogs on a diet. It is high in essential vitamins & minerals and can also help restore an active and healthy metabolism in dogs. That supplement is organic kelp. We love this one:

Animal Essentials Organic Kelp

Exercise - Yes, weight loss is the same for pups as it is for humans. Less calories in - more calories out. If your pup is a couch potato, try getting them out & about for just 5 extra minutes a day...then you can take it to ten or even fifteen extra minutes. Play fetch or frisbee, engage in a good game of tug - even better, fetch and tug! Walk around the block an extra time or stay at the park a bit longer. Many cities also offer exercise classes for you and your dog: Hiking groups, walking groups & even Doga. Making small changes will be easier on your pup and you might find that you enjoy those few extra minutes as well!

Ideal weight - A healthy weight for every dog is going to be different. But ideally you should be able to see a 'waist' and easily feel all of their ribs (that's feel.. not see). If you have been keeping a food journal, it will be easy for you to see how much food is required to maintain this ideal weight once you've achieved it.

We've tried it all - From time to time, I hear from a client who has received a clean bill of health from their vet for their pup, limited food intake, increased exercise and still can't get weight off. Now what?

- Be sure to make sure everyone in the house is on board. If your children or spouse are feeding extra treats or food to your pup, this could easily sabotage a weight loss regimen!

- Write it down. I know I've stressed the importance of a food journal already. But our lives are crazy, and we can often forget throughout the day just how many treats/chews/food our dog has consumed. Jot a note on your smartphone if you need to, just keep track!

- Stretching and Massage. Both of these can help increase blood flow throughout the body, making organs function more efficiently as well as just getting things moving!

- Be patient...don't expect instant results! It will take some time, so stick to it!

Okay...we know this wasn't exactly a 'fast answer', but we hope it helps you! Working on a weight loss regimen might require a bit more work on your part, but the results will be worth it!

Good Luck!

(If you have tried everything and your pup is still struggling with weight, consider hiring a nutritionist to help you create a custom weight loss regimen. Contact us for more details!)

*Association of Pet Obesity Prevention

**Purina Pet Institute

Wordless Woof Wednesday

2011-07-06T05:12:00.000-07:00

These pretty girls are all in rescue & need a home. Contact ildragoneo@aol.com

Fast answer Friday: Answers to your questions!

2011-07-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Laurie Asks: Is it true that dogs like consistency, such as feeding and walking at the same time each day? Or is it good to mix it up so they don't have expectations?

You often hear that dogs like a 'schedule' and that it important to feed meals at the same time. But really, this depends on your dog! We actually encourage dog owners to 'mix it up'! If you always do the same things at the same time with your dog, they might not be able to adjust if the schedule changes!

A dog that always eats at 8pm will most likely get sick, or even throw up bile, if his meal isn't ready to eat at 8pm.

Dogs that eat meals at the same time everyday start producing bile, acid and digestive enzymes several minutes before a meal in anticipation. If food isn't presented in a timely manner it can cause stomach upset & if it's to acidic the dog will usually throw it up. Dogs that eat meals at slightly different times each day produce these enzymes as they need them.

A dog that always eliminates on a morning walk might not eliminate elsewhere if he misses his morning walk.

Sometimes dogs will hold their urine or bowel movements out of confusion when a routine is changed and sometimes they will hold it until they get back into their routine. A dog that hasn't eliminated properly or is holding it can develop urinary track infections or risk other infections since the body is not properly eliminating waste.

A dog that has a schedule often doesn't want to defer from that schedule.

There is a convenience factor as well to having a dog that doesn't live by a schedule. Having a dog that insists you get up at 6am everyday sounds like a good idea until you stay out late the night before or you want to sleep in on the weekend (we're speaking from experience here. For almost 11yrs our Neapolitan pictured here, Eros, got us up at 6am. Everyday. For 11 years.)

Now some dogs do need a specific schedule, most of the time for medical reasons. But for the most part we like to keep our dog's on their toes - food, walks, play time, training time, down time, chew time and more are all going to come, my dogs just don't know when!

Happy Training!

Happy Wordless Woof Wednesday!

2011-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

Our newest client. Cute, little Spike the American Bulldog.

Fast answer Friday: Answers to your questions!

2011-06-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

Kathy Asks: If my dog doesn't eat his breakfast until suppertime, do I still give him supper?

Thanks for the question Kathy. Many people are confused about meals for their pets.

One thing you should always keep in mind when feeding your dog is that their digestive system is completely different from ours. We need a few small meals throughout the day to sustain us and keep us from feeling hungry, your dog does not.

Many adult dogs prefer to eat just once during the day, and in fact, this is healthier for them. As a general rule of thumb, I

recommend that puppies up until 6mos of age eat 3 meals, puppies up until 18-24mos of age eat two meals a day and from there adult dogs eat one meal a day. It is okay to feed two meals a day to your adult dog, but I would make one meal smaller than the other.

While timing of the meals is not vitally important, making sure that food is presented to your dog and removed after a certain period of time is. Mealtime for an adult dog should last no longer than 15minutes. After this time frame, pick up whatever portion your dog has not consumed. The next meal does not need to be larger than normal. Keeping to a time fram will ensure your dog values the food that is placed before them.

So, to answer your question Kathy, no, you do not need to feed an additional meal. If he never finished breakfast, you can present his breakfast again for dinner. Happy Feeding!

Fast answer Friday: Answers to your questions!

2011-06-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

Shelly asks: We adopted a 3yr old dog from the shelter. We don't really like the name he came with and we're not even sure he knows it. Is he to old to have his name changed?

If there is one thing you can be sure of.. it's this.. It's never to late to teach an old dog new tricks!

Including changing their name! Pictured here is my little girl Dora. She was called Nala for several year

s before I adopted her, and I simply didn't think it fit her, so I changed it. Within just a few days she was happily responding to her new name and did so until she passed away of old age. She loved her new name!

I often work with people who have adopted their canine companion, and I find they are reluctant to change the name their companion came with. Most people assume that changing a name is to confusing and hard for the new dog to learn.

This is simply not true! In fact, I highly encourage a name change! New home, new life... new name!

Here's a simple way to train your new dog to their new name:

- In a quieter area of the house, call the new name & then offer your dog a small, tasty treat. Repeat this often!

- Your dog is now learning that this new name has a positive (and yummy) association!

- Now try calling the name out in the yard, or in an area with a few more distractions, when they respond, reward with a treat!

- Pretty soon your dog will be responding quickly & happily to their new name, once you're sure they have it, you can phase the food reward out if you'd like.

Fast answer Friday: Answers to your questions!

2011-06-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

We will be starting a new post every friday that gives quick answers to all your questions!

Whether it's about nutrition, training or holistic therapies. We will give you the straight facts and a fast answer! Our questions this week are regarding nutrition...

Barbi asks: What did dogs eat before bagged kibble?

Great question! Dogs existed as our companions for thousands of years before 'dog food' was invented. And what did they eat? Mostly dogs survived off of our scraps and leftovers. This varied greatly depending on their environment, most dogs received scraps from the butchering of animals for our food, scavenged for whole small animals, eggs, etc. It has also been said that dogs belonging to royalty were prepared very special meals with seasonings and supplements especially for them!

The very first dog food biscuit showed up around 1860, and it's creator mistakingly watched dogs scavenging for animal & grain leftovers in naval shipyards and assumed that these leftovers were a nutritionally sound diet.

His product contained wheat, beet root, vegetables and beef blood. Many more companies followed suit creating a processed food that could easily be fed to your dog. Some of these contained more animal product than others. But as the depression hit and animal products became more expensive, grains, cereals and fillers quickly became the base of many dog foods. After WWII this was an easy way to profit on the leftovers of grain processing and also provided a convenience to dog owners. Because of this, processed dog food soared in popularity, but so did the diseases and ailments that we often see today in our dogs.

In the past decade or so, owners have realized that health and behavior are directly linked to their pet's diets and the industry has been forced to make some drastic changes. Consumers really do have the power to promote change! So, what did dogs eat before dog food? Raw, whole foods. The same thing that is still best for them today!

Laurie asks: What's the best thing we can do for our dog's diet now, while they are still young that will benefit them when they get older?

(Laurie's cute pup Zia is the dog pictured here).

What a great question!! At Happy Healthy Pup, we are all about prevention, not

just treating the problem when it arises!! And Appropriate Nutrition will both play a huge role in the overall health & well-being of your pup!

This going to sound very simple. But, here's my answer: Make informed decisions. And this shouldn't just be limited to nutrition. Let me briefly address these, and then we'll get back to the nutrition issue (sorry this is the trainer in me)!

You have LOTS of decisions to make as a new puppy owner, here are the ones I believe, along with nutrition, are most crucial:

~ Vaccination schedules. All owners should be educated regarding vaccinations, what to give, when to give them and why this is important. Nowadays puppies are extremely over-vaccinated, and putting their tiny, fragile immune systems through this early on can effect their overall health and well-being & behavior later on. This also includes making an informed decision about a puppy preschool facility, as your puppy will be going here before all of their vaccinations are complete.

~ Puppy Preschool. All puppies should attend a puppy preschool regardless of size or potential role in life. An appropriate puppy preschool will set a solid foundation for your puppy, ensuring they understand such things as bite inhibition and appropriate play styles as well as desensitization to handling, noise and strange objects. This is the most important thing you will do in your puppy's life, and you only have a short window to do it in.

So... now back to nutrition!

Being informed does not mean you have to be an expert! But, do you know what your are putting into your dog? Learn to read labels... did you know that the majority of puppy 'training' treats found at grocery stores & big box pet stores are full of corn syrup? Do you really want to be feeding those to your pup at all? Especially in large amounts? Look for ingredients you recognize and natural preservatives such as vitamin e & rosemary. Look for meat based foods & treats and stay away from corn, wheat and soy.

Finally, here are our personal recommendations for creating a Happy Healthy Puppy...

Food: We will always recommended a species appropriate raw diet. For those who are unable to feed raw, we recommend a high-quality grain free food.

Water: Puppies are into anything & everything! And stress, environmental change, training, and vaccinations can take a toll on their bodies. Providing filtered water in a fountain will help encourage them to drink an appropriate amount and also help their bodies filter toxins out. This becomes even more important as they age.

Supplements: A puppy eating a healthy diet shouldn't need a bunch of supplements. But, one supplement we always recommend for puppies is Fish Oil. You should be giving 1000mg per 20lbs of body weight a day of a cold-water, cold pressed fish oil. Fish Oil aids in cellular growth, brain function and an overall feeling of well-being.

So, are there specific things we can do nutrition wise that will have a positive impact throughout your puppy's life. Absolutely! And don't worry.. if you didn't make these choices when your dog was a puppy - it is NEVER to late to start!!

Those are our questions for today - thanks Ladies! Have questions of your own? Comment here or Contact Us on our website to let us know what you would like the answer too!

Anna Bettina

www.HappyHealthyPup.com

Heirarchy of Humane Behavior Practices

2009-03-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

So, Fido's a little Fiesty? Or Spot won't Settle?

It's hard sometimes knowing what to do to help your pet. Wish there was a road map to follow? Something to give you specific instructions on modifying behavior for good? You're in luck!
Renowned Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Susan Friedman has published just that. This pyramid tells you exactly what steps to take in order to modify your pet's behavior, and create a happier & healthier pet. Of course, this road map isn't new, educated Animal Trainers and Professional Behaviorists have always followed this hierarchy.

Hierarchy of Behavior-Change Procedures
for Humane and Effective Practice

So, how does it work?
Easy. You start at the top, and follow each step down until the behavior is modified. This means, that each step in itself can help or even modify your pet's behavior altogether.
I.E. A pet that is struggling with aggressive behavior should be looked at for thyroid issues, seizures, eyesight and hearing issues, as well as full blood panels & urine analysis. It is not uncommon to find that an aggressive animal is ill & actually in need medical attention, not behavior modification. When you have an animal in this situation, usually once the health issues has been cleared up, then the aggression subsides as well.

Let's walk through a few of these steps:
Medical, Nutritional, Physical - All of these can affect behavior in a profound way with our animals, yet this is something that is often overlooked when you have a pet struggling with inappropriate behavior. It's always best to ensure that you are feeding a healthy, appropriate diet, as well as having a clean bill of health from your veterinarian before starting any type of behavior modification.

Antecedent Arrangements - I once had a client ask me for help. Every morning, she would put her lunch and briefcase in the car, and then also put her dog in the car to be taken to daycare. The problem she wanted help with was; while she walked back to the house to lock it up, her dog would eat her lunch. The antecedent arrangement here would be that she not put her lunch in the car with her unsupervised dog, she could set it on her car, or even carry it last to the car before leaving. She could also restrain her dog so that her dog was not loose in the car with her lunch. I call this 'setting your dog up for success' - we need to give them every chance possible to do the right thing!

Positive Reinforcement - This is the practice of reinforcing behavior that we want to happen again. Example: Your dog sits calmly, you praise and reward with a treat or toy. Now your dog is learning that if he sits quietly, he will be get something he desires. This encourages him to perform the behavior again.

By now - you should be starting to get the idea - Make sure your dog is healthy and thinking clearly, set them up for success and reward behaviors you want to have happen again. I think it's important to note, that I rarely have to go past these steps. If done correctly, behavior can be easily modified with these first three steps! But let's examine a couple more:

Differential Reinforcement - This is the practice of rewarding one behavior over another. Example: Your dog jumps on you when you get home, instead of saying hi, you ask your dog for a sit, when he does this, you offer praise, attention, a treat or a toy. Now he is learning that it is more desirable to sit instead of jump, earning what he wants sooner.

Extinction - This is the practice of completely ignoring behaviors until they become extinct. This often requires great patience and is good for very persistent dogs. Once the behavior stops working for them altogether, they will move on to trying other behaviors, until one is reinforced. Example: Your dog keeps jumping when you ask him to sit, so you completely ignore him, after awhile he will calm down and sit, then you praise and reward.

There is so much to keep in mind when you are trying to modify your dogs' behavior. Be sure to stay calm and be patient during the process, although training can sometimes take awhile. If done properly, you will have a happy & healthy companion for life!

*Happy Training*

Creating a Calm Canine

2009-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of the things I get asked endlessly: How do I get my dog to calm down?!

There are many things than can lead to hyperactivity in your pup. Did you know that as natural predators, dogs should sleep an average of 20 or so hours a day? We'll discuss some of the things that might be working against your pup as well as simple things you can do to help create a calm canine!

~ Food.
The food you feed your companion can actually be causing them to act out-of-control! Think of hyperactivity as a allergy - certain foods can cause this allergy to flare up. Corn (and all it's by-products) are the #1 culprit here. Corn always causes hyperactivity and can even cause skin irritations as well as other allergies. Dry dog foods high in grains can also cause this. Look for foods that are free of corn, and limit other grains to one wholesome source.

~ Lack of Exercise.
Many of us lead hectic lives. We get up early and race through our day, by the time we get home: we're exhausted and our pup is ready to go! Don't consider your work done until your pup has been exercised. Make sure they get their walk, or a nice long game of fetch. After some physical exercise, try some brain work to ensure you wear them out! (See our post on interactive toys)

~ Constant Chaos.
Many of us don't give our dogs the kind of 'down-time' they need. Take time to give your pup some calm attention, engage in a bonding experience such as meditation, massage or Doga (Yoga with your dog). Breath deeply while you're with your pup, notice how their breathing slows as well. Take this time to just 'be in the moment' with your pup. If your pup is excited at first, simply remain calm and ignore them until they calm down. Once they are calm - try putting this on cue. At our house - we use the cue 'calm'. We've practiced being calm so much, that when I ask my dogs to 'calm', they do just that. Handy for the dog that's easily excitable!

~ Encourage Calm Energy.
Sometimes it's nice to have a holistic remedy to help you on your calm journey. Flower Essences and Aromatherapy products can be extremely useful for this. We offer a couple of remedies that will help your pup replace the anxiety and excitability with calm energy. You can find those at out store:
www.HappyHealthyPup.etsy.com

We hope you find these suggestions useful, we wish for every pup to experience calm energy.

*smooches to the pooches*

What I've learned from Dr. Temple Grandin

2009-01-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are not familiar with Temple Grandin. She is autistic, and has done pioneering work for the autistic community, but also realized that her autistic abilities allowed her to better understand the animals. She is a renowned animal scientist. And I had the opportunity to hear her speak. The energy was amazing.. people were overflowing everywhere, the SLC Library auditorium, which generally seems large, seemed minuscule by the throngs of people. I loved it.

*Animals have feelings. Their feelings are the key to their emotional and physical well-being.*
I loved hearing this out loud! Just loved it!
After all, this is what my life work is based around. The fact that animals feel, and their emotional well-being is important. Temple speaks in her book about the importance of the emotions of animals, and also addresses the fact that their emotions directly effect their behavior. Beautiful & oh so true! I see it everyday!

*Animals Think in Pictures*
For most of us that work with animals in behavior modification, we completely understand this. She spoke specifically of fear and used the example of a horse that was scared of black hats. Any other color hat was fine - black was not. She found out that, during a procedure with the horse, someone splashed alcohol in her eye. The horse was looking at a person wearing a black hat. That is the photograph her mind took when she was scared. Ouch = Black Hats. This is true for any animal that has a bad experience... I could list hundreds of examples here, because I see them everyday. Dogs that are pinched, shocked, forced or physically manipulated. Their fear, anxiety and pain are real - and most often make an association.

*Flooding is not fixing*
I loved that she was able to make this point to the audience in attendance. There is a very common mindset locally, that you should just make the animal 'do it', that they need to 'get over it' or be forced in order to 'suck it up'. This couldn't be more wrong. Fear is a real emotion for an animal, and whether or not we see the threat - they do. Flooding is a psychological term for basically 'forcing'. She actually used the example of Cesar Milan - noted an episode where he forced a dog to walk across a slippery surface that the dog was afraid of. She literally gasped as she said it - it struck her as that inappropriate and cruel. Stating that more often than not - the fear worsens instead of getting better.

There was much, much more. And, if you have the chance to read any of her books - I highly recommend them.

One other thing I took away that evening is - never underestimate the power of friends. I loved seeing the others trainers I work with there, as well as rescue people, therapy animal people & other friends. What a wonderful opportunity to bring us all together!

*smooches to the pooches*

Keep their mind happy too...

2008-12-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

We all know the importance of physical exercise for our pups. But, did you know that your canine companion needs to exercise their brain as well?

Interactive toys and games help your canine stay mentally alert, but they can also help with destructive behaviors such as separation anxiety, boredom & hyperactivity. There as several great toys on the market now such as...

The TREAT STIK

BUSY BUDDY & other great toys from Premier

Nina Ottosson Tornado game

Canine Genius Plush Toy

These are just a few of the toys available to help stimulate your pup's curiosity and thinking skills. But you don't need a fancy or even expensive toy to keep your pup happy... Here's an idea from a good friend of ours, called the Muffin Pan Game.. simple, easy and you can make it at home!

Happy Training & Playing!
*smooches to the pooches*

Welcome!

2008-12-23T15:41:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our blog!

We are just getting started, but are looking forward to answering your questions and posting information that will be helpful for you. Don't hesitate to leave us a comment and let us know what's on your mind!

*smooches to the pooches*