Posts Tagged ‘dog walking’
101 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained
I bought this book in late September. I love it. I’m sharing some of it with you here. You can also download a preview of the eBook [ here ] — xox Aunty Vanessa
101 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained
by Sarah McMullen [ BUY NOW ]
In 101 Ways to Keep your Dog Entertained Sarah McMullen shows you how to enrich your dogs life & prevent and solve behaviour problems by starting at home. Sarah’s informative & light hearted style guides you step by step…..giving you the keys to help prevent serious problems like separation anxiety, and solving many destructive and unacceptable behaviour problems.
Full of practical, innovative suggestions that will benefit both you and your dog
Discover…
- Over 101 ways to keep your dog entertained
- Valuable information for home alone dogs
- Welfare and safety considerations
- Low cost ideas
- Ideas for interactive entertainment
- Training and health care ideas & instruction
- The best toys & items you can buy
- And much more!
101 Ways to Keep your Dog Entertained is a MUST HAVE for Every Dog Owner!
YOUR DOG WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT!
Here’s a sample:
LOW COST IDEAS
Empty Ice-cream Containers
You may wish to hide a treat underneath. You can also use them with a lid and treats inside. Place some treats inside and attach the lid. See how long it takes them to work it out!
Have you bought this eBook ? What did you think of it ?
Have you tried the Empty Ice Cream Container idea ? What was your experience ?
Search 101 Ways in the search box to the right to find more ideas from this marvellous eBook !
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts | 
Tags: 101 Ways, animal safety, dog issues, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, eBook, Entertained, free, fun, gold coast, important issues, Keep Your Dog, pet sitting, preview, sample, Sarah McMullen | 
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Five reasons why being a pet sitter/dog walker is the best job on the Gold Coast
Tess (Left) + Kimba (Right) | Photo by Vanessa | © Gold Coast Pet Sitting - All rights reserved
From Vanessa (The Owner):
1 – My clients (the dogs) always have a positive attitude !
2 – Plenty of the pet parents have commented on my slender frame – this is because my “job” keeps me fit ! At the same time, do not underestimate my strength.
3 – I love making Marnie jealous !
4 – I’m a forever student amongst the animals. Animals are the best teachers and listeners in the world.
5 – My love for all the animals in my care and life is endless and it is returned ten-fold.
Connor (Left) + Tosh (Right) | Photo by Francy | © Gold Coast Pet Sitting - All rights reserved
From Francy:
1 – It’s not work, it’s going out for a play with my four-legged friends
2 – A dog’s tail wag is not fake and wider than any human’s smile !
3 – Your “customers” are always happy to see you
4 – Because walking, running, playing and laughing keeps you very healthy
5 – As a professional pet sitter I get to “hang out” with a great variety of all kinds of animals and also discover some great hidden walks, lakes and forests on the Gold Coast !
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: cat sitting, cats, dog minding, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, fun, gold coast, pet sitting, vanessa |
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Things to consider when looking for a dog sitter
As a founding member of the Gold Coast Network of Professional Pet Carers, I’ve noticed the business of dog sitting has grown considerably! Dog sitters make sure that your beloved pet is walked and fed properly while you are away or at work. Dog sitters are also known as pet carers, pet sitting, dog minders or dog walkers.
If you’re trying to figure out what to look for in a professional dog sitter, consider the following:
- What is your budget ?
Whilst using a friend, family member, neighbourhood kid and so forth is the obvious affordable option as they will do it for free I can assure you as a professional pet carer who has “job shared” with family friends or relatives or neighbours, the saying “you get what you pay for” (or in this case do not pay) is true. These people have their own lives and usually their own animals thus may not put the needs of your animal(s) at the top of their list or even miss visits because they know you have employed the services of a professional dog sitter.
At the same time, using someone who is obviously doing this for some extra side cash or a paying hobby (thus not charging the same price as professional services like us at Gold Coast Pet Sitting) isn’t always the next best option. No doubt they have a passion/love for animals (and may have plenty of their own) or else they would not have opted to do this for some extra cash or a paying hobby! Please be very aware that these people are doing this around their current life and jobs. They will most likely be doing it all by themselves without a support network behind them or even procedures/systems in place for all the situations that can arise or just not have the same professionalism. Since they are not a full time business (only a paying hobby or extra side income), their own lives will come first. Even the vet nurse working at your vet who is offering dog walking or pet sitting isn’t the best option. This vet nurse has to be available for any last minute emergencies at her current workplace first and foremost thus may work long hours. If you work long hours that are emotionally and physically draining (“on your feet”), you know you are not always going to be operating at your best at the end of the day.
- Does your dog sitter have an Australian Business Number, Company Number and/or Registered Business Name ?
This along with the next point below is the huge point of difference between someone doing this as a hobby or extra income versus a professional dog sitter. Leaving the care of your beloved animals should be approached just like you would if you were to hire any contractor such as a plumber or electrician. This shows that the person has determined they want to be different and more professional than the “kid next door”.
Just a note in regards to registered business names: after the first year of having the business name it costs the owner of the name to acquire a current certificate from the Office of Fair Trading. Not all business owners will opt to purchase this certificate + instead will give you their current business name number instead. If you really want to do your research, you’ll have to invest up to $50 to get a “business name extract” from the Office of Fair Trading to receive further details (such as when the business name is due for renewal, if it is a current business name, and so forth.
You can check to see if a business name is currently registered by clicking here and you can check if someone’s ABN is in fact their own ABN by clicking here. It is illegal for someone to use an ABN that is NOT in their own name.
- Does the dog sitter have their own public liability insurance ? Can they show you a copy of the certificate of insurance ?
Do not just take their word that they are insured. Organisations such as Australian and New Zealand Pet Sitting Organisation will only list businesses who have shown proof of insurance – ask for the same proof when you meet them! It is easy for anyone to “say” they are insured. This insurance will also help with your peace of mind. This person is taking the responsibility of the care of your home and property (which includes your animals as they are legally considered property) seriously. This point alone can separate a lot of people because insurance is costly and some people are not planning to do this for that long.
- Trust Google versus the Yellow Pages
If the business fails to show within the first or second page of your organic (not paid) search results on Google please do not bother with them as a business. Anyone can be listed in the Yellow Pages – it doesn’t take any skill, effort or investment to have a basic listing. Not just anyone can be listed and show up on the first or second page of organic (not paid – ignore the yellow paid listings) search results on Google. This takes an investment by a person whether their own time, effort and/or skill or hiring someone else to do so. This also reflects on the quality of the business too.
When searching for professional pet carers to join the Gold Coast Network of Professional Pet Carers, I did use the Yellow Pages online to contact people. The difference between the quality of professionalism with the people I found via Google and the people listed within the Yellow Page astounded me ! It still does to this day.
Along the same lines, check that the website you are visiting is up-to-date!
- Find an independent website to search for reviews and check references
I encourage this even with my own business. Anyone can create a testimonials page!
Gold Coast Pet Sitting purposefully became a member of the Ask Erni directory of businesses because it is independent. The team behind Ask Erni will interview businesses (as they did me) to ensure they are a good fit for the directory. This ensures you, as the consumer, are only given quality business listing within this resource.
Do not trust reviews you see on Google Maps as these can be created by anyone with an email account. There is no real verification in these reviews.
I hope the above has been of assistance in helping you to find the best dog sitter for you.
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: cat sitting, cats, dog minding, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast, house sitting, pet sitting, vanessa |
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Apartment-friendly Pets for Everyone
By Ebrown
Many people feel that they are limited in their choices for the pets they can own when it comes to apartment living. The pet shouldn’t be too large, noisy, smelly, annoying, etc. However, people with this idea are not thinking outside of the box. Come on people! Expand that mind and just think about all of the small furry (and not-so-furry) creatures that could bring fun and joy to your life.
First, one of my favorite animals for apartment living is the classic kitty cat. I am partial to cats because I like my independence, which is something they cherish also. That’s not to say dogs aren’t wonderful – they are super fun to cuddle with and make you feel happier when you’re sad. However, cats have an advantage on dogs for apartment living as they are generally smaller, make less noise, and don’t have to be let out to do their business. Another plus for cats: you can leave for a whole day and not worry that they’re going to starve or pee all over your carpet.
Now bear with me on this one: I love rats. I know, it sounds nasty, but from every rat owner I’ve ever listened to, they are amazing pets! Despite the reputation of being dirty animals, rats are actually quite clean and affectionate pets. They are social animals, so having two of them (preferably the same sex) will keep them happy and provide you with entertainment! Rats are a little larger than mice, so they are easier to hold and with human interaction, they are sure to be a friendly critter.
On the flip side, a few pets I am NOT fond of (although I hear they make good apartment pets):
• Snakes (not because they’re “scary”, but because they eat my friend mouse and just lie there for the most part)
• Fish (they do not provide me with enough entertainment)
• Birds (so loud and messy, way too annoying for me)
• Ferrets (although they can be quite funny to watch, I’ve had personal bad experiences with one evil ferret…and they smell disgusting!)
So there you have it. My suggestions for some fun critters to liven up your life. Let us know what type of animals you have found to make awesome pets, send pictures of your sweet cuddle bugs in, or disagree and argue me with the animals I have chosen!
Article Source: Articles Engine
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: apartments, cat boarding, cat sitting, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, fun, gold coast, pet sitting, pets, units |
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The Dangers of Being TOO Consistent with Your Dog – Dog Training Tips
Have you been told how important it is to be consistent with your new dog? To feed and walk them at similar times every day? This is popular advice and it is excellent for a new dog that you have adopted that needs to learn that he or she is safe in it’s new home, but following a predictable schedule with your dog can actually contribute to increasing anxiety rather than the reverse!
For most people once their dog is comfortable in the home (which generally takes a few weeks) it is important to vary the dog’s schedule including feeding times, exercise times and alone time. You may have already learned how important this is by trying to change something in your dog’s life that you have inadvertently been too predictable about. Say for example needing to fast your dog for a meal for a veterinary procedure or test. Your dog may pace and whine and paw at you, wondering “why oh why” is the food not coming on schedule!? Which brings me to the importance of varying feeding times and even what you feed (which is another topic). I even recommend skipping a meal on your dog every so often (say, once per month). It is especially good to do when your dog has a bit of an upset tummy.
It’s okay to skip a day of physical exercise too (maybe once per week). You may want to give more chewies, food-dispensing toys or spend time training tricks that day if your dog is high energy.
It is also important to make sure your dog experiences different environments, people and dogs so that he continues to feel safe when he visits them. Generally, people know to do lots of socialization with puppies but then we forget about our adult dogs. If we don’t keep up with socialization our adult dogs will eventually become less comfortable in these situations, so it is a good idea to get off the beaten path as much as you can. Remember to take it slow with a dog who is worried and use lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior.
What about training? Professional trainers know how important it is to avoid being predictable in training. If you always feed your dog a dry biscuit when he comes when you call, he may decide that running free at park trumps a dry biscuit and decide not to come to you, but if [your dog] never knows when you might spring that nice juicy piece of hotdog on him he may be more likely to come. Similarly, if you always call your dog to you after asking him to “stay”, your dog is not likely to anticipate you calling him and be less likely to stay put. So you can vary that with coming back to him to give him his treat.
Does your dog always sleep in your bed? If so you may want to get your dog used to sleeping in another spot just in case you do not want him or her there at some point. Keeping your dog flexible about sleeping spots will help to prevent anxiety when you want to change the arrangement. Can your dog sleep in a crate if needed? This is a great skill for a dog to have since he or she may need it one day for veterinary care or travel. Click here to brush up on your crate training skills.
How about your schedule? Are you away and home for the same amount of time each day? Perhaps your dog gets anxious if you are late coming home? Try to add some variety to that as well if possible.
The idea is to add enough variety into the schedule so the dog things “oh, this is no big deal” when things don’t go as they usually do. If your dog is getting very upset about adding variety into his or her schedule that means you will need to take baby steps in the changes you make.
Our little dog Ollie loves to spend every waking moment with us and since I work from home he can almost do that. So for him, it is important to make sure he has enough practice being alone since there will be times (say, when we are on vacation or go to a special event) that he will have to be on his own. When I noticed Ollie was becoming “overbonded” and getting anxious when alone, I decided no more constant lap time, some time gated away from us and sleeping in a different room from us was in order. I do my best to make it fun and easy for him by giving him yummy chew toys that he doesn’t get at other times.
If your dog gets extremely anxious when you try to vary his schedule in this way to the point you feel “locked – in” to the dog’s schedule and unable to alter it due to your life’s needs, you may want to contact a positive trainer or a veterinary behaviorist for help.
Article Source: [source] Articles Engine
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Separation Anxiety in Dogs – Practice What You Want
Author: Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
If you have serious separation anxiety…
Serious separation anxiety is indicated by a dog who does major property damage (chews holes through walls), injures himself in his anxiety (scratches or rubs paws or nose raw in digging or chewing), or stresses himself to the point of exhaustion during your absence. While stop-gap measures, like keeping the dog with you or with another person, will help while you train, you will need to spend a lot of time teaching this type of dog that he can survive being alone.
Start by making sure your dog is getting enough exercise, including mental exercise (usually satisfied with some training and the chance to interact with other dogs or explore new places). Before you can retrain your dog (and it may take weeks or longer), arrange for the dog to not be alone – get a pet sitter, join a doggy daycare, or leave your dog with a professional dog minder (at your home).
Practice What You Want
Get your dog used to being confined to a pen or room where you will eventually leave him, even when you’re home. Give him chew toys or some other interactive toy to occupy himself with while you quietly remain near by and ignore him. If your dog abandons the toy to try to demand your attention, quietly get him interested in the toy again, and quietly praise him for playing with it. Go back to ignoring him for a very brief period, and then intermittently, quietly praise or reward him for it. Practice this quiet confinement for a little while, then quietly open the door or gate and go about your business, allowing the dog to leave that area as well. This will be your dog’s “safety zone”. Do NOT leave your dog in this area when you must actually leave – for now.
Throughout your time together, do not give in to your dog’s demands for your attention. If he comes to you whining, pawing, barking, jumping, jumping into your lap, or rubbing up against your hand, quietly turn away from him (you can stand up a little slowly to softly dump a small dog out of your lap). Wait until your dog is doing something else that is acceptable (not demanding your attention), and then call him over for some attention. Remember, if your dog can get your attention on demand any time you are home, it will be an even sharper contrast when you are gone.
Some research has suggested that this process of no longer allowing your dog on your lap or your furniture, no longer allowing him to sleep in your room, no longer giving treats “for free”, and no longer allowing your dog to follow you throughout the house (using doors, baby gates, “stay” commands, etc.) may be vital for some separation anxiety cases. You may want to try a “Nothing In Life is Free” program (see here and here).
Next, pick a day (or two) when you can practice desensitization without having to actually leave – a weekend is a pretty good time to start.
Desensitize Your Dog To Your Getting-Ready-To-Go Cues
Figure out what begins your dog’s anxiety. Is it when you put on your work shoes? Brush your hair? Pick up your keys? Find the earliest item in your getting-ready-to-go sequence that makes your dog anxious. Then practice doing that action, over and over again, until your dog is no longer anxious about it. For example, put on your work shoes, then take them off, then put them on again, over and over. You don’t need to talk to your dog or do anything else special. Act just like you do every morning when you put on those shoes. When your dog is no longer anxious when you put on your shoes, move to the next step in your normal morning sequence; perhaps brushing your hair. (Note that if your dog’s anxiety does not decrease after several repetitions, you are probably not working on the first item in your getting-ready-to-go sequence, and you’ll need to back up).
Repeat this exercise several times a day (5-10 times if possible), starting each sequence at a time when the dog is relaxed. Do NOT repeat the exercise if your dog seems MORE anxious when you start, or if he can’t settle down in between repetitions, or if he follows and watches you MORE between exercises.
You will have to spend a LOT of time with the early items in your getting-ready-to-go sequence, but as your dog learns to deal with this sort of thing, it will get easier. Opening up the front door (presumably the last item in your getting-ready-to-go sequence) will take fewer repetitions than the first item (putting on work shoes, in this example).
Practice Short-Enough Absences
When you’ve worked through your whole getting-ready-to-go sequence and your dog is no longer anxious, you’re ready for your first absence session. Up to now, your dog with separation anxiety has associated absences with intense anxiety. The dog has to now learn to associate absences with a lack of anxiety, or calmness. You and the dog will practice being apart from each other for very short lengths of time – the time that your dog can handle – and you will gradually practice longer and longer lengths.
So you’ve gone through your whole getting-ready-to-go sequence, and your dog is not yet anxious (if your dog is anxious, you are not ready to do any absences. Go over repeating the sequence items until your dog is calm about them). Now you’re ready for your first very short absence. First you’re going to want to give your dog some signal that this is just a “practice session”. This could involve asking the dog to stay in a different area (such as the pen or room you practiced in), leaving a radio on, even spraying a certain scent in the air. This becomes a “practice cue” or a “safety cue”.
Walk out the door, shut it behind you, lock it, and then turn around, unlock it, and come back in. Don’t make a fuss over the dog. Repeat. When your dog is not anxious, lengthen your absence to 2 seconds. Repeat until your dog is not anxious. Lengthen your absences to 3 seconds, with occasional 1-second absences. Repeat until your dog is not anxious. Continue with this process, gradually increasing the length of time you are gone. Every once in a while practice a shorter session – you don’t want the dog to learn that each absence will be longer, as this might make him more anxious. Gradually increase the average length of time of your absence until the dog is alone for longer than your normal absence. (although some researchers write that two hours is a benchmark, after which the dog may be able to handle significantly longer time.) Yes, that means you will NOT be able to really leave the dog alone in the “safety zone” for longer than you’ve successfully practiced. Keep your dog in the old place where you had him wait, and/or hire a dog sitter, etc.
It might help to set up some cues that the dog will not be alone for longer than he can handle, in other words, that this is just a practice session. Do you normally leave the radio or TV on when you’re home? If you do, the silence when you’re gone is a good indicator that the dog is alone. During this training, set up a cue that says “this is just a practice”, such as the sound of the radio or a Mozart CD that you leave on “repeat” on the CD player. When you really do leave, you will continue to play this same cue – the dog will always believe that this is just a practice session.
Note: Some medications, such as the tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone and benzodiazepines (possibly clomipramine hydrochloride, “Clomicalm” or amitryptalline), may help your dog get over his anxiety. These MUST be prescribed by a knowledgeable veterinarian. However, some of these may take a few weeks to take effect, so you will need to make sure the medications are in effect before you try to use them in combination with the desensitization. The medications will not work in the long-term without the desensitization/counter-conditioning work – the process of teaching the dog how to deal with being left alone.
Another thing you might want to consider is a product which is a sort of doggy “plug-in” called “Comfort Zone with DAP”, which releases a chemical which is supposed to be a dog comforting hormone. It often helps to calm stressed or exited dogs down. Ask your veterinarian for more information. For some “anxious dogs” it seems to really help take the edge off of their anxiety or intensity. Some researchers suggest that it may be as effective as clomipramine.
Homeopathic remedies like the Bach Flower Essence mix “Rescue Remedy”, may also help calm a very anxious dog during training. You should talk to your vet (traditional or holistic) about using these items to help.
This is an outline of the steps that you must go through to help your dog deal with separation anxiety. The process takes a long time – weeks or months – and you may find that an experienced dog trainer or behaviorist can help the process go more smoothly and more quickly.
Stacy’s Wag’N'Train in San Jose, CA (USA) will teach you how to communicate your rules to your dog while enhancing the relationship between you and your four-footed “family member”. We’ll help you learn how your dog learns and how you can take advantage of all the good things you provide to get the behavior you want.
WEBSITE: http://www.wagntrain.com/
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: animal safety, cat sitting, cats, dog issues, dog minding, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast, house sitting, pet sitting, separation anxiety, Stacy Braslau-Schneck |
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Separation Anxiety in Dogs – here are some things you can do to help.
Author: Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
Much of what is called “separation anxiety” is really boredom, or the dog discovering the chance to engage in his favorite “hobbies” safely. If your dog spends every second that you’re home glued to your side, including sleeping times, and any destruction you find happens within the first 20 minutes of your absence (use a video camera to watch, or come back within a short time period) then it’s possible that you have a true case of separation anxiety. If your dog can spend the night away from you, and is comfortable being somewhat separated from you while you’re home, you probably do not really have separation anxiety – you are more likely to be dealing with boredom or just inappropriate chewing, barking, digging, etc.
Vinny (blonde) and Simon (black) showing how a tired dog is a happy dog | Photo taken by Vanessa | © Gold Coast Pet Sitting
Here are some things you can do to help.
Try to make your arrivals and departures very boring and low-key. Don’t make a big fuss over saying hello and goodbye. Be very casual and up-beat.
Try to make interactions with your dog on your terms, not his. You pet him, treat him, or play with him when you want, and not when he asks for it.
Get your dog used to your getting-ready-to-leave cues, like picking up keys and jacket. Go through these actions repeatedly during the time when you’re staying home, without actually leaving. If your dog has already learned to associate his fears with your departure cues, it will take a lot of repetitions before the dog will get it.
Give your dog more exercise. A tired dog is a good dog! A dog can sleep most of the day if he’s tired enough. Most young dogs could use 20-100 minutes of full-speed running per day. Increase your dog’s exercise. Don’t forget mental exercise, like training, exploring new places, encountering new smells, and social interaction with other dogs. Taking your dog to a park where he can run and play with others may be crucial. (Gold Coast Pet Sitting offers morning, midday and afternoon dog walks as well as “doggie adventures”.)
Give your dog something to do while you’re gone! What does your dog do all day- wait around for you to come home? Give your dog a hobby. Jean Donaldson calls the solution to a lot of dog problems “work-to-eat” programs. Stuff a Kong or a hollow prepared bone, fill up a Buster Cube or Roll-A-Treat, scatter the dog’s food in the grass or hide several chew treats around the house. A dog that is working for goodies is not barking or chewing, and a dog that is eating is not as stressed!
Don’t draw attention to forbidden objects just before leaving – in other words, don’t straighten up or point out the items that you don’t want the dog to chew. Your dog might misinterpret your attention and give those objects his attention just because of it. In a similar way, punishing your dog afterwards for destruction he’s done will probably not help – it will not reduce your dog’s anxiety, show him a better way to deal with it, or give him an alternative behavior. He might not even connect the punishment with the action he did to cause the destruction. (Don’t confuse a dog’s “appeasement display”, developed to stop threats of aggression, with a “guilty look” that implies a promise that your dog won’t do it again. See the Body Language pages for more information.)
Consider crating your dog. Some dogs are more comfortable when confined to a small “den”. Make sure your dog can “hold it” for as long as you need him to, and provide plenty of exercise so that his main activity in the crate is sleeping. You might just want to consider leaving your dog in one room (rather than giving him the run of the house), and maybe leaving a radio on and an article of clothing that smells like you in the next room. Warning: Some dogs are a lot less comfortable confined to a crate when alone. Make sure your dog is comfortable and secure.
Consider taking your dog to doggie daycare or have a dog sitter keep your dog company at your home (or to work or on errands with you), so that he is not actually alone, while you train your dog to deal with being alone. Remember, dogs are pack animals that want to be with others; being a “lone wolf” can be dangerous in the wild, as well as lonely. Note that for many dogs who have bonded strongly with people, having another dog (or other pet) around will not be sufficient.
Tomorrow Stacy will reveal an outline of the steps that you must go through to help your dog deal with separation anxiety (without destroying your home!) …. STAY TUNED !
Author: Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
Stacy’s Wag’N'Train in San Jose, CA (USA) will teach you how to communicate your rules to your dog while enhancing the relationship between you and your four-footed “family member”. We’ll help you learn how your dog learns and how you can take advantage of all the good things you provide to get the behavior you want.
WEBSITE: http://www.wagntrain.com/
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: animal safety, cat sitting, cats, dog issues, dog minding, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast, house sitting, pet sitting, separation anxiety, Stacy Braslau-Schneck |
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Separation Anxiety: help your dog survive being alone, without destroying your home!
Author: Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
Much of what is called “separation anxiety” is really boredom, or the dog discovering the chance to engage in his favorite “hobbies” safely. If your dog spends every second that you’re home glued to your side, including sleeping times, and any destruction you find happens within the first 20 minutes of your absence (use a video camera to watch, or come back within a short time period) then it’s possible that you have a true case of separation anxiety. If your dog can spend the night away from you, and is comfortable being somewhat separated from you while you’re home, you probably do not really have separation anxiety – you are more likely to be dealing with boredom or just inappropriate chewing, barking, digging, etc.
It is likely to be separation anxiety if:
- The dog chews on a variety of things, but chewing is often focused on items that smell most like you (or a particular person in your house) such as recently discarded clothes, including underwear or socks, or favorite chairs; and /or escape routes (doors or windows). The dog only chews these items when you’re gone. (If your dog chews on a few goodies, like the couch, or chews on things even when you’re around, you have a houseproofing problem – see the other training tips for advice).
- The dog tries to stay close to the things that smell most of you (chewed stuff will still be warm when you get home)
- The dog pees or poops inappropriately, sometimes in many locations.
- The dog barks continuously during the day, perhaps after a build-up of whining. The barking is not on-off-on-off. (For other kinds of barking, see the Barking Training Tip.)
- The dog always shows these behaviors when left alone, even for short periods (30 minutes or less).
- The dog is wild to greet you, and is still stressed, anxious and clingy when you first arrive home. The dog does not appear “guilty” over destroyed items.
- Destruction begins soon after you leave; or possibly again shortly before you come home.
- The dog cannot be isolated from you at any time, even in a different room with the door closed.
- The dog sleeps with you. (This does not mean that all dogs who sleep with their owners will get separation anxiety. It does mean that dogs that survive being apart from you at night can survive it during the day, too).
- Sometimes, the dog can be left alone in a car (for any length of time) or other unusual location, without showing anxiety or destructiveness.
- Sometimes the dog can be left with anyone; sometimes it is one particular person whose absence triggers the anxiety or issues.
- The dog gets increasingly distressed as you prepare to leave.
- The dog is constantly following you and demanding your attention when you are home.
Tomorrow Stacy will reveal some things you can do to help your pet overcome separation anxiety (without destroying your home!) …. STAY TUNED !
Author: Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
Stacy’s Wag’N'Train in San Jose, CA (USA) will teach you how to communicate your rules to your dog while enhancing the relationship between you and your four-footed “family member”. We’ll help you learn how your dog learns and how you can take advantage of all the good things you provide to get the behavior you want.
WEBSITE: http://www.wagntrain.com/
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: cat sitting, cats, dog issues, dog sitters, dog toys, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast, house sitting, pet sitting, separation anxiety, Stacy Braslau-Schneck |
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10 Tips For Walking Your Dog
Connor + Tosh being walked by Francy | Photo taken by Francy | © Gold Coast Pet Sitting
- Do not feed your dog before you walk them. The activity may upset their stomachs’ and they may vomit on the walk. Feeding them after the walk completes the dogs’ need to feel like they are earning their food.
- When getting ready for the morning walk, call the dog(s) to you, do not go to them. This is one way to show them you are in charge.
- Always make sure that you leave the house in front of your pet. This sets the tone in your mind, and the dog(s), that you are the one in control and they should follow, not lead.
- When the dog leaves the house do not allow them to charge out the door. This shows that they are out of your control. If they do, take them back into the house, make them sit in front of the doorway, and wait for your command to come out of the house.
- Do not let your dog walk you. You should always keep your dog walking beside you or behind you, where possible. This allows you as the walker to be in control of the walk not the dog.
- Avoid using extended or retractable leashes, because they allow your dog to walk too far away from you to have proper control over the dog.
- If you have trouble controlling your dog when people or other dogs come near you, consult your dog trainer as to which collar is most appropriate for you. DO NOT USE A PINCH OR PRONG COLLAR as they are illegal to use and sell within Australia. There are numerous collars on the market. Choosing the one that works best for you and your dog will make it a happier experience. Check with your dog trainer. There are good trainers. If you are looking for a trainer contact us and we can refer you to a few.
- If you are having problems with dogs fighting: Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, recommends walking them together as a pack and correcting them as you are walking for any unwanted behaviors.
- Do not take treats with you. This tells the dog he does not have to behave when there is no treat available. They can tell when you have treats on you.
- Make sure to walk your dog daily as this keeps them more mentally stable. They get some needed exercise and interaction with you. (http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/dogwalk.htm).
Personal note from Vanessa – I have used Tip #8 myself when two dogs from the same household are not getting along with great success. Also, as a professional dog walker, I will advise my team-mates to (where possible) avoid using retractable leashes as per Tip #6.
If you find that you are unable to offer the adequate amount of mental as well as physical exercise for your dog(s) – please contact Gold Coast Pet Sitting ! Our Dog Walkers will help assist you in keeping your dog(s) sane and happy as our motto is: A tired dog equals a happy dog, owner and neighbourhood !
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: animal health, dog adventure, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast |
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Protected: PetTech PetSaver™ in Brisbane
This information has been provided to you from Vanessa, the owner of Gold Coast Pet Sitting.
For more information please go to http://www.goldcoastpets.com.au
Posted in Blog Posts |
Tags: animal safety, cat boarding, cats, cpr, dog minding, dog sitters, dog walkers, dog walking, dogs, gold coast, house sitting, important issues, pet first aid, vanessa |
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