Posts Tagged ‘gold coast’

Dogs doing what they do best. "You chase me then I'll chase you" (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Off lead dog parks are becoming more and more popular, with dedicated parks Australia-wide. These parks offer a great way for your dog to exercise, meet other dogs and generally have fun. It’s also a good way for you to meet other dog lovers.

But there are some rules that should be adhered to when visiting dog parks to ensure the safety of both the dogs and their owners.

The information below was has been taken from the ACT government’s brochure, Dog Park Etiquette.

• Keep your dog under effective control and if it becomes aggressive leave.

• Walking rather than sitting in one place will encourage dogs to see the park as a neutral space and reduce territorial behaviours.

• Parks are not suitable for all dogs. Dogs that are aggressive or overly shy should not be taken into the enclosure.

• If your dog is not well socialised with other dogs you will need to teach your dog how to behave appropriately at the park.

• Don’t come into the enclosure if it is already crowded.

• Bring plenty of bags and clean up after your dog which will help to keep the park clean and useable.

• Dogs should be under the care of a person at least 16 years old, who must be fully responsible for the dog. Children under the age of 14 should not enter without an adult.

• Smoking is not allowed in the enclosure – cigarette butts are dangerous for dogs.

ABOUT OUR GUEST BLOG AUTHOR

Jane Keighley is Director of Jake Public Relations and has been PR Consultant to Aussie Pooch Mobile for the past five years.

Aussie Pooch Mobile is a franchised mobile hydrobathing service for the family dog that has been operating since 1991. The Aussie Pooch Mobile currently services approximately 20,000 customers everymonth throughout Australia. The company also services customers in New Zealand, The USA, New Caledonia, The United Kingdom, and Malaysia under the name of The Pooch Mobile. Find out more about their services at www.aussiepm.com.au

The Pooch Mobile (Photo credit: waynerad)

While we’ve always known it, now science says so too. There are a multitude of benefits from having a dog.

Good for the Heart

Studies show that heart attack patients who have dogs survive longer than those without. In fact, The American Journal of Cardiology says that dog owners are eight times more likely to survive one year after a heart attack than those who don’t own a dog.

Patting Pays Off

Another US study found that when an owner patted their dog, levels of feel-good hormones rose in both – which is associated with a reduction of depression and stress-related conditions. Other studies show that patting a pet can reduce blood pressure, not just for the owner but for the pet too.

Alleviate Allergies

“The old thinking was that if your family had a pet, the children were more likely to become allergic to the pet. And if you came from an allergy-prone family, pets should be avoided,” says researcher James E. Gern, MD, a pediatrician at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

However, a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with ‘furred animals’ – whether it’s a pet cat or dog, or on a farm and exposed to large animals – will in fact have less risk of allergies and asthma.

His studies found that if a dog lived in the home, babies were less likely to show evidence of pet allergies – 19% vs 33%. They were also less likely to have eczema, a common allergy skin condition that causes red patches and itching. In addition, they had higher levels of some immune system chemicals – a sign of stronger immune system activation.

Dogs for the Aged

Studies conducted by the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine have found that Alzheimer’s patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is a dog in the home.

Mood booster

Many people who are vulnerable to depression or anxiety suffer less if they have a dog than do those living without dogs. The benefit is especially pronounced whenpeople are strongly attached to their dogs.

ABOUT THE GUEST BLOG AUTHOR
Jane Keighley is Director of Jake Public Relations and has been PR Consultant to Aussie Pooch Mobile for the past five years.

Aussie Pooch Mobile is a franchised mobile hydrobathing service for the family dog that has been operating since 1991. The Aussie Pooch Mobile currently services approximately 20,000 customers everymonth throughout Australia. The company also services customers in New Zealand, The USA, New Caledonia, The United Kingdom, and Malaysia under the name of The Pooch Mobile. Find out more about their services at www.aussiepm.com.au

Image via Wikipedia

CPR, First Aid and Pet Care Course

NOW available on the Gold Coast !

Related articles

• First aid (absolutepetcare.wordpress.com)

Contact person: Ali Barclay
0423 694 534 | ali@wagthedog.net.au
Gold Coast, Queensland

Dr Bruce Syme BVSc. (Hons), Founder of ‘Vets All Natural’, will be coming to the Gold Coast on Friday 20th April to give a talk on natural nutrition and supplements for animals and your pet.

Joining him on the stage will be Dr Elaine Cebuliak, Holistic Veterinarian from Animal Wellness in Brisbane, talking about alternative therapies for animals and your pet. In addition to Dr Cebuliak, Dr Ross Perry, world famous avian veterinarian will be taking the stage as well as Dr Casey Conroy, who transferred her skills from being a practising veterinarian to becoming an accredited dietician and nutritionist.

Each and every one of the above speakers is considered an expert in their field and this is an unique opportunity to hear them speak all together at a Gold Coast venue.

DATE: FRIDAY 20TH APRIL
LOCATION: BURLEIGH WATERS, COMMUNITY CENTRE
TIME: 11:00 AM – 04:00 PM
TICKET PRICE: $40.00 (refreshments included)

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKET SALES, PLEASE CONTACT:
http://www.wagthedog.net.au/dr-bruce

All attendees are guaranteed free entry into the prize draw being held on the day; prizes include Vet’s All Natural products, and an Aussie Pooch Mobile hamper.

A percentage of all tickets sales will be donated to one of two not-for-profit organisations chosen by the sponsors of this event.

Related articles

• Knowing When Your Puppy is Ready for Training (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Things To Consider Before Breeding Your Dog by Damien Andrews (applies to cats too!) (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Meet the Gold Coast’s Best Personal Travel Manager at The Gold Coast’s Newest Home and Lifestyle Event ! (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• How To Prevent Pet Urine Stains | Guest Blog Post by Gold Coast Carpet Cleaning (goldcoastpets.com.au)

BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 11: A police dog lies during a training at a police dog training base on July 11, 2011 in Beijing, China. The Police Dog Training Base was opened to a media visit to show the dogs skills to the public. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Understanding how training your puppy is important you must be aware of the importance of getting your dog formal dog training, be that one that you do at home or one from a renowned training ground like dog training on Gold Coast with Dogs By Katja.

Knowing how dog training is a step by step process taken to teach your pet the proper behaviour and skills that can make him one of the most ideal pets you could ever have. Although dog training can be done at home, you can choose to submit your pet to a formal set-up where various training takes place. The appropriate response to command and coping skills for stressful environments can be among the things that a dog can be trained for in a formal set-up.

There are some dog owners who are hesitant and are in doubt when it comes to the perfect time to start training their puppies, some think that training them too early will not bring out the results as expected or that it might not be healthy for their pet. It’s a notion worth correcting. Just like a child, it pays to start training and teaching them early on.  Especially with dogs, the moment they are born, the learning and adaptation process already takes place. It’s something they do by instinct. Given the time that they pass through weaning from their biological mothers and are now ready for adoption, you can start training them little by little making the entire process a gradual yet less strenuous one.

Here are some tips that you can follow as a guide when you start contemplating about training your puppy:

#1: Start Early. A puppy’s learning process takes place right after birth and is at its peak in the first four months. Training is best done the moment you take them home. When they acquire good habits early, they are those that turn out to be well behaved dogs.

#2: Allow Early Socialisation. Keep your puppy as comfortable with people as much as possible and do it the most in the first four months. Take them on walks and keep them around people, the positive experience they get gives them that certain level of comfort with humans.

#3: Promote Physical and Mental Stimulation. Enhance your puppy’s interest for new things and learning from exposing them to new environment, do not keep them overly isolated at home or caged. Take them on puppy walks and make them enjoy games, this way you get to have a mentally and physically fit puppy – a healthy one.

#4: Hand Feed Them. This promotes comfort with human contact. Getting them used to being hand fed, makes them more comfortable with people around and lessens chances of aggressiveness when people try to get near them while feeding.

#5: Address the Biting and Chewing. Being a puppy, your pet will definitely go through biting and chewing on things, be keen to replace this with the right toy that you have for them to chew on. This is also the time when you can enforce the importance of a “no” when you tell them that chewing on something isn’t right, take it away and replace it with the correct toy or training equipment.

#6: Determine the Best Time to Train. Training is best done when your puppy hasn’t had meals yet. This makes them responsive to puppy treats that you have prepared, this being your reward to every right response they do to a command. A puppy with a full tummy has the tendency of being unresponsive, tired and sleepy.

#7: The Proper Housetraining. Understand your puppy’s body language. Make it a habit to take them outside the house 45 minutes after drinking water or after they eat, it is after this duration of time that they tend to eliminate. After every outdoor elimination praise and reward your puppy associating outdoor elimination to a positive experience.

#8: Reward and Punishment. Understand that puppy’s learn at a different pace. For every obeyed command, reward them. This promotes a happy and fun puppy during the learning process. In correcting mistakes, divert to physical harshness or yelling, it sooner or later will grow an aggressive dog. A firm or stern voice is more appropriate when your puppy is behaving rather than yelling.

After having learned these simple steps, you now understand how important it is to have the right attitude towards training your puppy. It’s something not achievable in just one day; it takes some time, a gradual process. Consider taking your puppy to  dog training on Gold Coast with Dogs By Katja  and learn with your puppy the proper skills of being a good pet owner along the way.

Related articles

• Things To Consider Before Breeding Your Dog by Damien Andrews (applies to cats too!) (goldcoastpets.com.au)

Gold Coast (Photo credit: semuthutan)

Michelle Kingston, one of the Gold Coast’s BEST Personal Travel Managers will be at the Gold Coast Home and Lifestyle Expo on Saturday 24^th, from open to  close (8.30am to 5pm) ONLY.  She will have catalogues and brochures, and a fabulous hamper to give away.

What IS a Personal Travel Manager ?  Stop by Michelle’s stand on Saturday to be introduced to what it is Michelle does best !

In a nutshell, you will enjoy the convenience and security of having your own Personal Travel Manager who understands your unique travel requirements whether you are travelling for business or pleasure.

The Gold Coast Home Show and Lifestyle Expo – which will focus on all things for the home and outdoor living, plus health, fitness and wellbeing. Visitors to the event can expect quality homewares and furniture, giftware, alternative energy, kitchenware, blinds and furnishings, renovation ideas and concepts, home improvements, outdoor living, fitness, finance, pools, spas and many more products to enhance our lifestyles. View a great range of products and services all in the one location.

You can catch the Hot Tomato 1029ers on site from 10am with heaps of giveaways, plus there’s going to be balloons, face painting, onsite food courts, free entertainment and much more!

Gold Coast Home Show and Lifestyle Expo
GOLD COAST CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th March 2012

OPEN HOURS: Saturday 8.30am – 5pm, Sunday 8.30am – 4pm
COST: Adults $8, Seniors $6, Children Free with an adult
Parking: Parking is available at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre

How ? Easy… A profession dog behaviourist or trainer can save you money….

• By providing guidance through the process of choosing and finding the right dog for you and your family.

• Helping you in the purchase of dog supplies.

• Show you how to avoid or stop your dog’s behavioral issues.

• A well-trained dog will come when called and not escape. This will save you a lot of undue stress !

To save money and to be happier, Always consider using a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. Contact us for recommendations to some of the best trainers and behaviourists on the Gold Coast !

Related articles

• Ask the Dog Trainer-Dog Dental Care is Important (tcpalm.com)
• Precisely How Leading Dog Trainers Take Care Of Pet Dogs (animaltopics.com)

As I always like to network with my fellow professional pet carers on the Gold Coast, I was surfing the listings on the Gold Coast Gumtree Pet Services category.  Noticed a new company had sprung up (there seems to be a new pet care type of business every week) …   I was intrigued by their Gumtree advert.

Went to their website to find out more information as what intrigued me was their claim:

‘Sit My House’ Initial House Check Up and ‘Sit My House’ Call Me’ Program – we can assure you that we offer a service that no other pet sitting company does.

Here’s the thing:  this is a false claim.  I would question their research methodology to come to this conclusion.

Why?

Gold Coast Pet Sitting has been been offering this service and will continue to offer a similar service for many years to come…   except …. we have many years worth of experience to knonw that not every person “likes” their neighbours or vice versa.

Gold Coast Pet Sitting never presumes to “know” your situation better than you.

Thus we won’t be leaving “call me” cards on your neighbour’s doors unless you specifically tell us we can inform the neighbours.  We actually are happy to give you extra business cards with our names and phone numbers upon them for you to give to your neighbours if your neighbours need to call us direct.  If your neighbours even need to know the makes and rego of our cars, we are happy to provide these details as well (which we have for many clients).

I personally have also been on the “call” list for the security company for a few clients.

Another unknown fact is that I personally am trained in home safety/security through a course that was put together with the assistance of Five Star Security Training.  This is a course I can assure you is unique and has not been created by anyone else as it has been developed specifically for pet carers.  It’s BECAUSE I’m a single lone female that I created this course: for my own safety as well as the security/safety of the home of the client.

There are a lot of “little” things as well as “big” things that we do as part of our overnight house sitting services to make them incredible value for money …. that we do not scream from the mountain tops about because I believe in being humble and also tailoring each service to the clients’ needs.

Other articles we have published you may find interesting….

• Pet Sitting with Car Magnets = Bad Idea on the Gold Coast ! (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Need A Lift? Gold Coast Pet Sitting Does A Pet Taxi (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Very Important Medical Info for Gold Coast People (goldcoastpets.com.au)

Pet taxi is just one of the many services that Gold Coast Pet Sitting provides to Gold Coast residents as well as many Gold Coast Boarding Kennels and Cattery clients.

We love doing pet taxi’s for clients and can do them one way or round trip.

Currently, the owner Aunty Vanessa as well as Aunty Katja are available to provide safe, secure, loving pet taxi services.

These services are gaining in popularity !

Clients who use this service use it becasue:

• They are too busy to pick up or drop off.
• Work is in the opposite direction of where they need their pet picked up or dropped off.
• They have appointments and can’t pick up or drop off to the vet or groomers.
• They can’t lift their pet into the car or are not comfortable driving with them.

Don’t be shy! Contact us today !

*We also provide pet taxi services for many Gold Coast Boarding Kennels and Cattery clients.

Related articles

• Yes – We “sit” Horses ! @ Gold Coast Pet Sitting (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Win 2 Nights for 2 People At Limpinwood Lodge (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Which is YOUR Favourite Top 10 Dog Beaches on the Gold Coast ? (goldcoastpets.com.au)

Today’s blog post is courtesy of Danielle C. from Protecting Max in Dallas, Texas. Danielle is an ex-pat (Aussie) and co-founder of Association Of Pet Sitting Excellence (which I’m an active member).  The following applies to us here in Australia not just the USA. 

We get many inquiries for pet sitting services each week from pet owners and we regularly follow up with potential clients that tell us that they found a friend or neighbor that can care for the pets for this trip.

As a professional pet sitting service your friends, family or neighbors are our biggest competition.  They are there ready to help you out and care for your pets so that you don’t have to pay a service while you travel.

And don’t get us wrong we understand that owning pets can get expensive especially when you travel.  And we certainly don’t question the ability of your friends and neighbors to care for your pets – most have pets of their own.  But what happens if something goes wrong while friends and neighbors are caring for your pets.  Will you be covered?

What many pet owners don’t realize is that when you hire a professional pet care service you are really  paying for peace of mind and protection of your pets and your home.

When you hire a professional to care for your pets your pets and home are protected in three ways:

A professional pet sitting company carries liability insurance.

Pet sitting liability insurance is there for protecting you, the pet owner.  It covers your pets, and  your home and it’s contents.  If your pet is injured during your vacation then the insurance will cover all their vet bills.  If your sitter loses your keys the insurance will pay to install new locks on your home.  If the person caring for your pets leaves the water on and your house floods then the damage will be paid for by their insurance.

Of course these are all worse case scenarios and at Protecting Max in our 7 years caring for pets we have never had any of these incidents happen and we have not had to make a claim on our liability insurance.  We always take every precaution to avoid injury to your pets or damage to your home.  But if the worst does happen then you will be covered.

A professional pet care company has a back up plan

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your pets if your friend or neighbor had a life threatening emergency?  They may be in a car accident or have a sudden family emergency .  What will happen if they can’t be there to care for your pets?  Will anyone else know that they were acting as the caregivers for your pets?  Will anyone notice if your pets go without care ?

When we sign on to be your professional pet sitter we always have a back up plan.  If one of our pet sitters is injured or hospitalized then we step in to take over their jobs or assign them to another pet sitter.  Your pets will never be without care.

A note from Gold Coast Pet Sitting:   This also applies if you plan to use your friends or family to board your pets at their home. What happens if they find it is all “too much” ?  Or they have some other form of emergency where minding your pet is now an inconvenience ? Just because they adore their own pets does not (unfortunately) always translate into love for other peoples’ pets.  Case in point … we had a client recently who whilst she adored her own pets caused terrible anxiety in her friend’s dog whom she was minding due to lack of dog behaviour/psychology knowledge (her actions caused her friend’s dog to become anxious).  We were scheduled to help with walks and in the end she ended up dumping the dog back at its home (most likely not telling the friend I’m guessing).  In the end, the dog was much better off being at home (no anxiety) instead of with our client.  

A professional pet sitter knows what do do in a pet emergency

If one of your pets has a health emergency while in the care of your friends an neighbors will they be prepared and be able to act quickly?  Will they know how to give CPR or bandage a wound that is bleeding profusely?

All of our pet sitters are trained in pet first aid, know the symptoms of illness in your pets, and know who to react quickly to protect the health of your pets.  I teach pet CPR and rescue skills during my regular first aid classes which all of our pet carers attend.  They will be able to take the proper action to safegaurd your pets and they know the location of the nearest pet emergency hospital and are willing to take the time to get your pet there to be assessed by a veterinarian if required.

Most importantly when you hire a professional pet carer -  the care of your pets is our job and we take this responsibility very seriously.   Other priorities or emergencies will not stand in the way of us caring for your pets.

You can trust that we will do everything in our power to protect the safety and wellness of your pets at all times.  You can always contact us to check on your pets during your travels too and we’ll be happy to call you or text you with updates.

So next time you are traveling make sure to value the peace of mind that you will get from hiring a professional pet sitter to care for your pets.  We’ll love them like our own and offer you triple protection!