Thoughts on the Walk

Baby Prep 101

2008-09-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so my husband and I are now well into expecting our first baby of the two-legged sort. Bailey and Brandi up until this point have been "our kids". This is something that we are intending not to change. We want Bailey & Brandi to maintain their "status" in our home. I realize however, that there will be a LOT of times that the baby will need to be put first. As an example: bailey has to get off the bed because the little bean has had a bad nightmare and wants to calm down and sleep in our room.

Anywho, one thing I am nervous about is Bailey & Brandi's reaction to our new addition. Both seem to do well around little ones but it's a little different when the little one is in the house day in and day out with you. So, I've done a bit of research and here is what I've come up with:

-Start with a good base: heel, sit, come, lie down, etc, this will help to establish you as the head of the household so the pet will look to you for clues as to how to react.

-start early, even as you're trying to concieve with touching the pet in areas where a yound child might touch: paws, insides of mouth, ears (inside and out), face and tail

-give the pet their own quiet area: a kennel, laundry room, anywhere they can go for time on their own. A high shelf works well for cats.

-if you'd like to research more on your own I found recommendations for your reading list: Childproofing Your Dog, by Brian Kilcommons and Sarah Wilson, and There's a Baby in the House: Preparing Your Dog for the Arrival of Your Child, by Michael Wombacher.

-if after all the preperation you still feel a little anxiety about bringing home the new babe, consider having a dog trainer come into the home and work on certain issues. This could be espically helpful for first time parents.

Best of luck to all of you and congrats on your upcoming baby...just don't forget about your 4-legged kids.

Back to School Shopping

2008-08-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

So, maybe puppy preschool is about to start up and who wouldn't want their pup styling with all the latest and greates of puppy fashion!?! Or maybe your pup isn't heading back into school...but, why should they miss out on all the fun?!? Check out our list of latest and greatest, that we've come across that will help you throughout fall and winter enjoy time with your pup to the fullest degree!

Palisades Pack

www.ruffwear.com $99.99

The palisades pack is a great option for working your dog even harder during a regular walk or going for a nice fall hike. It has two inside walker compartments that work two folds: 1. it gives your dog their own "camelback" and 2. it cushiones the load so that it's not bumping up against your pups ribs. I've used this on Brandi, our Rotti....and it's FABULOUS!!

Everyday Leash

www.stuntpuppy.com $17.00

So a leash is a leash is a leash..right...WRONG! This is THE leash! Stunt Puppy's products are barn-none among the top! Every decision that went into this leash from the type of material to the stitch work to the buckle has been thought about and tested. Not only tested but put to test by the people that would break it if it could have been broken (some of their products have been used by iderod racers, etc!). It also has a traffic loop for those times that you need to reel in your pup! It's just great...and it's lasts FOREVER!

Stunt Runner

www.stuntpuppy.com $35.00

Fall is a great time to start running. So why not bring your dog with you!? This leash is designed to make that experience completly enjoyable! The flexi cord allows your dog and yourself to adjust the length of the leash to whatever works for you both! The waist belt is adjustable and helps to keep your hands free to enjoy your stroll. And with stunt puppy you can only expect the best quality!

Paw Plunger

www.fetchdog.com $36.00

So, I'm as ready for fall and winter as the next guy, but are you ready for the muddy paws that come with it?!? The paw plunger is super easy to use: Fill with warm water and leave in your mud room. Next time your blessed with muddy paws- instead of having to wrestle a muddy dog with a towel- try just dipping his paws (one at a time) in and out of this little contraption and then send him on his merry way!

So, thats it pet parents! Hope you all enjoy your Fall weather with your pooch!

New Product: Green Up Your Dog Walk!

2008-06-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

reusable, fold out dog water bowl: clips onto the
leash and SO CUTE!

Check it out on http://FarFetchedinc.com

They also have some other great products like their "Soggy Dog" which is a new must have of mine! Great to keep in the car for the unexpected wet spots at the dog park!!

I met Jennifer, one of the owners of the company, Far Fetched, a couple weeks ago at our PetPac meeting group. I've been meaning to blog about her stuff, because it's just so practical and so cute looking...and I'm finally just now getting to it! They sell their products (I believe) worldwide. They all make great gifts to dogs or their owners..or if you're like me...to yourself!

Welcome Home Heel!

2008-06-14T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well, perhaps it's not home...but it's an office! Heel now has office space! We are located at 4402 1/2 France Ave. in Edina. So, come on by and see us! We are sharing office space with "Scoopy Poo" [http://www.scoopypoo.net], and once we are all settled everyone will be getting an invite to come to the "office warming party".

Summer Travels Anyone?

2008-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it's the spring air.....or maybe Minnesota cabin fever coming out, but I am SO ready to travel this summer. In my family camping is a big thing. It's economic, it's fun, you're out in the sun and now we can take the "kiddo's" too. We have tried camping before, but I was always nervous to leave the dogs back at the camp site. Even though we leave them at the house, something just seemed wrong about leaving them loose in the tent. **As a quick mention, we never go camping when it's SUPER hot, usually only in spring or fall time; I wouldn't recommend leaving your pet in the elements in the dead of summer**

I've been trying to find something that is easily portable and easy to use; ET VOILA!

Noz to Noz Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home

I've already set it up in the family room, so Bailey & Brandi can get use to it; Bailey, who is usually timid, is even warming up to it. The real test will be to take it out to a couple events that Heel does this summer. I want to be able to bring the pups along, but there is a LOT of "stimulation" at these sorts of events, so to have a quiet place where they can get away from the crowds of people and other dogs will be very nice. If that works well, I see a camping trip in our near future!

Update on Heel

2008-05-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you know Heel started up Dec. 2007. Our focus is to become "your answer to a happy pet" whether that means to help make your dog happier by him getting to stay at home while you're away and we help take great care of him, giving him a great mid-day walk to help relieve the homesick puppy-blues, or by giving you the name of a great groomer or new store in your area that could meet your's and your pet's needs!

We are growing quickly, which is GREAT! There is such a need out there for all people and their pets, and we love achieving our objective! We have recently expanded into new markets: Hopkins, Minnetonka, Edina, and St. Louis Park. This adds to the markets we already service: Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Chaska, Carver, Shakopee, Victoria, and Excelsior.

We are doing a bunch of events this summer, and I'd invite all of you out to come and see us. It's a great opportunity to see what else is going on in the pet community.

May 17, 2008 Shakopee Pet Fair Lions Park

May 31, 2008 Mutt Strutt Event Lake Minnewashta Dog Park

August 16-17, 2008 Renaissance Festival Shakopee Fair Grounds

Hope to see you all there!

Let Go for a WALK!

2008-03-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

The annual "Walk for the Animals" is coming up quickly! Heel has formed a team and is trying to reach a goal of $5,000! We have positioned ourselves as "The answer to a happy pet" we achieve this by providing a great service to our clients, but are now branching out to help those less fortunate.

This is the largest animal walk in the country! So, if you have the means and the heart I invite you to contribute to our goal, or better yet- join the team and come out and walk and raise funds yourself! My contribution page is listed below. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful gift.

http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/goto/Lauren.heel

Spring is HERE!!!

2008-03-12T07:49:00.001-07:00

This means more and more people will be out at the dog parks....getting rid of their Spring Fever. So, I know it can be tough....but mind your manners; this means you Spot!

Dog Park Etiquette:

Always clean up after your dog.
Dogs under 25 pounds should only use dog parks that contain small dog areas – if a small dogs slips and squeals while being chased by others, he may be perceived as a prey animal and could be attacked. Be your small dog’s advocate and keep safety first!
Train your dog! Make sure your dog will come when called, sit to put his leash on, and not jump up on strangers.
Keep moving! Though it’s fine to chat with other dog parents, it’s good to walk around so your dog does not start to guard territory from new dogs who appear. This also helps your dog keep one eye on you at all times!
Make sure your dog is safe around adults, children, and other dogs. If your dog is a danger to anyone, he should not be at the park. If your dog is possessive of toys or food, guide your dog away from the things he guards.
Supervise your children at the dog park. Children should not be allowed to run at the park, as this may cause dogs to chase and nip or even bite them. Always have your kids ask for permission before petting a strange dog.
Don’t punish someone else’s dog. If a strange dog jumps on you, turn away and ignore the dog. Do not feed strange dogs treats because they may guard food from your own dog.
Consider your dog’s personality. Just like kids, some dogs are tough bullies and others are timid. Be sure your dog is truly having fun at the dog park and not spoiling anyone else’s good time, either.
Never bring a dog in heat into the dog park. The best dog park dogs are spayed or neutered as they are less likely to roam or get into fights with others.
Make sure your dog is healthy. Be sure he is up-to-date on his vaccinations and clear of any internal or external parasites.

Things I've seen that are "interesting" (should probably not be done):
- Keeping your dog on a leash within the park, this makes the dog feel more vulnerable
-Bringing in babies, baby strollers, etc...just don't do it. Not every dog knows what a baby is...and can be too curious or too clumsy!
- Bringing more than 2 dogs...lets be honest...how can you tell where they always are?!?
- Not having control. Make sure you dog is CALM and ready to be social. If an overactive dog comes in...it can make for a bad day.
- puppies...they are cute, adorable and all that jazz...but if they haven't had all their shots...DO NOT bring them! Sorry...it's just not smart. Socialize him yes, but not at the risk of his health
-Bringing a dog thats never been on BUSY days...ease them into it. Try a weekday around 2-3 or Sunday when most people are still in church.

So there ya go. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the Spring weather!

Fido:V2

2008-03-07T10:38:00.001-08:00

Okay...so, now i've really heard it all! I just read an article about puppy cloning! First off...as far as a the human genome project; I haven't really made up my mind what I think about that. On one hand the medical progress is unfathomable...but on the other hand, it could get scary. However, on this...i think i have a pretty good idea what I think.

We already have issues with dogs being overbred and put down just because they can't find a home. Now your talking about giving a family the opportunity to recreate their old best friend?!? And talk about transference of emotions? I think already enough dogs aren't trained well enough because people tend to think of them too emotionally (IE: oh, he's a rescue....i shouldn't be too harsh on him, he's already had a rough life..which personally, i think is the worst thing to do to your dog. It doesn't make him ANY happier). But now you're talking about having a great time with dog #1 and when (godforbid) he passes because of old age, you can "recreate"him. It's still a new puppy. Without the training, without the memories...just another puppy. Sure he'll look the same, probably even have the same temperance...but seriously?

This $1400 procedure seems very interesting from the scientific prespective...but to offer it to the general public....no offense, it seems careless. Typically, I'm all about: Give people credit, let them make up their own minds...but I just don't see a positive side to this.

Any thoughts from the readers?

A must have for every pet owner:

2008-03-05T06:49:00.000-08:00

Hi there..okay, recommendation du jour: Kids N Pets. I came across this product at Target. And between reading the bottle, the price and yes, i'll admit it...the design I bought it on a whim. A couple days later I came home to a pet that had cut their claws and had bled all over my near white carpet! Grabbing the bottle, with the hope that my "on a whim" purchase would prove itself.

Since then it has been my "GO-TO" product. It has gotten out everything that it promises...blood, red wine, pet messes, husband messes...everything! The only place that I've found that sells it is Target, but you can refer to thier website for more retailers: http://kidsnpetsbrand.com/index.htm

We've won a Battle against Ignorance....keep up, we've still got a war!

2008-03-03T06:20:00.000-08:00

So, the BSL legislature was put to a vote this past week and it was shot down with Nay's! It's not over yet; I would suggest you refer to www.arottalove.org to see what YOU can do to make sure this bill doesn't get tweeked and re-submitted.

Even once this whole ordeal is over with it's up to us to make sure that we are responsible dog owners and help educated those that aren't. No matter the breed of your pup you need to make sure that he or she is a happy, safe, well-adjusted dog.

"Green" Cat

2008-02-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

Ok. So, we're all (hopefully) looking for ways to get greener. Incase you're looking at your four legged friend and wondering...hmmm...how can I green up my pet. Tomorrow I'll talk about dogs...but I figured I would give a little attention to our feline friends!

Swheat Scoop:
http://www.swheatscoop.com
This litter is completly free of clay, chemicals, fragrances AND it's biodegradable.

Pet Health Insurance...well worth it or another scheme?

2008-02-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Recently, I've gotten a request to write about Pet Health Insurance...friend or foe? Well, I've done my research and here is what I found:

Pet Insurance started in Europe, where about 25% of all pets are insured. Here in the US, less than 1% of family pets are insured.

I think if you do your research, pet insurance can be a great thing to have for your best friend. However, the best time to look into insurance is not when you're IN the vet's office or when your pet is already sick; try to be pro-active and look at it like just another business decision. With all the articles that I've read the general recommendation was to go with VPI Pet Insurance (http://www.petinsurance.com); they've been around for about 20 years and their plans are pretty comprehensive.

Even their most basic plans cover expenses for accidents, illnesses, and routine preventive care, including office visits, lab fees, X-rays, surgeries, diagnostic testing, prescriptions, hospitalization and much more. I calculated with their free quote and for my two pups it would cost about $75/month (for the two of them) and that is with their highest plan, which even covers Urinalysis or ERD (kidney test) (which is great because Brandi gets bladder infections quite easily), dental cleaning and spaying or neutering. All covered with a $50 deductible. It doesn't cover pre-existing conditions, but defines pre-existing conditions as those that happened at least 6 months ago or longer, and can be proven to have been cured with medications. It does have a (shorter) list of things not covered, which I would suggest you check out and maybe even talk over with your vet as to how big of a deal that could be for your specific pet.

I will say this: pet insurance is a business; they are in it to make money. Your primary thing to look for is that they have OTHER concerns as well. I'll never forget when my husband and I were in-between moves; I took Bailey to a "Big Box" Pet store that also had a vet clinic because I hadn’t had time to find "THE” vet. Within 5 minutes into our visit the vet was trying to sell me on insurance, and it was more than just: "Hey, we also offer this service, take this pamphlet home and check it out"; she was literally expecting me to sign up right there and then. Their plan only covered one blood work a year, which works fine IF your dog is only needing a heartworm test. Personally, I would only get insurance to help me plan for the unexpected. I consider heartworm tests as an expected cost; and thus something that I had already agreed to be able to afford when we got our dog. Vaccinations, getting the dog "fixed", immunizations, heartworm meds, etc. - none of these are cheap, but they are something that at least with us we have planned on being able to afford when we decided to get our dog. It is nice though that some plans will even cover these typical items, but there should be more BULK to the plan than the typical ho-hum's of pet care.

Recently, my grandmother's dog, Prissy, has become very sick with Renal Failure (story to follow). She went to this same store (different location) and they told her, after they had diagnosed the dog, to take out their insurance and everything would be easy, affordable, and they could take care of her "baby". Under this distress, my grandmother took out the insurance under what I think she would agree was an emotional situation, not paying close attention to what the plan entailed. She was just concerned with her baby, and the fact that she could more easily afford the monthly payments than the almost $700 bill that she had just racked up; never mind the fact that the vet knowingly had her take out a policy that technically she wasn’t eligible for since it was a pre-existing condition. She, in my mind, was preyed upon; and my grandmother is someone I consider to be very smart. Now, just about a month later, Prissy is back at the vet. Renal Failure, as I'll write about later, is a very long disease, but the health insurance plan that she has taken out only covers the one blood test a year! This is obviously, what I would consider an example of what NOT to sign up for.

I think that if you follow the simple rules listed above you will find yourself pretty happy with the policy you take out. Chances are, if your pet has at least one major medical event in it's life the policy will pay for itself and you'll be relieved that you took it out. But as always, this is just my humble opinion.

One Shot, Two Shots, Three Shots....FOUR!

2008-02-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Anyone with a pet knows that they need to have immunizations, but have you ever wondered what all those shots are for? Below are a couple of quick definitions for each of the 'common' shots. Not all are required, and some depend on where you live. There are a lot of people out there trying to cut back on vaccinations and go for a more holisitic approach (articles to follow), but I believe these are still the most basic steps to a healthy puppy.

DHLPPC: This is a combo vaccination that covers numerous diseases with one injection. But what do all those letters stand for?

D = Distemper: Distemper is a nasty virus that is highly contagious, occurs world wide, and at one time was the leading cause of death in puppies. Young puppies are more susceptible to the virus then adult dogs. You may see signs of an upper respiratory infection with a high fever, the dog may also have neurological signs. This disease is often fatal.

H = Hepatitis or Adenovirus-2: This is spread by contact with the urine and feces of infected animals. The virus causes liver and kidney damage, animals that survive may have chronic illness. Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea.

L = Leptospirosis: This disease affects the liver and kidneys and is deadly. Animals with this disease are contagious to other animals and humans. A positive dog should be isolated and the caregiver should wear protective clothing and gloves. The disease is spread through contact with urine of infected animals. Dogs with leptospirosis may show signs of lethargy, dehydration, jaundice, and fever.

P = Parainfluenza: This is a virus that causes an upper respiratory infection. Dogs usually contract the disease through contact with nasal secretions of infected dogs.

P = Parvovirus: This virus attacks the intestinal tract and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is highly contagious, dogs contract the virus through contact with an infected animals stools. Without treatment dogs become dehydrated and weak and often die. This virus is very common and puppies who are not properly vaccinated are often afflicted. Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers seem to be at greater risk for parvo.

C = Corona virus: This virus attacks the intestinal system similar to parvovirus. Infected dogs suffer from vomiting and diarrhea and dehydration. Keep your pet vaccinated and your yard clean to protect your pet.

Bordetella:

This is an upper respiratory infection also known as kennel cough. This infection is usually not fatal but is hard to get rid of. The infection can spread quickly through boarding and grooming facilities and any place dogs congregate. The vaccination can be in the form of a nasal spray or injection. The injection form will need a booster in one month. Your veterinarian can help you decide if this vaccination is necessary for your dog. I would suggest it to anyone who takes their dog out of the house: boarding, grooming, dog parks, puppy play groups, training classes, even up to the local pet store. It is HIGHLY contagious!

Lyme Disease:

This is a tick born illness. If you live in a wooded area and have a large number of positive Lyme disease cases in your area you should consider this vaccine for your dogs. The deer tick must stay attached to your dog for one to two days in order to transmit the illness, so checking your dog daily for ticks will help prevent Lyme disease, also use a good tick preventative like Frontline and Preventic Tick Collars.

Symptoms include but are not limited to: fever, swollen lymph nodes, and loss of appetite. Talk to your veterinarian if you think your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan & Illinois are some of the highest ranking states with reported incidents.

Giardia:

Giardia is a parasite that lives in the intestines and can be passed into the environment through the stools of infected animals. Dogs become infected with giardia by drinking contaminated water, I've been told by a vet that this can also be passed if your pet eats goose poo. Humans can also be infected. At risk dogs would be those who live primarily outdoors, hunting dogs, or dogs who may come in contact with ponds or creeks. This vaccine needs boosted 3 weeks after the initial dose then given annually.

Rabies:

Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system and is always fatal. There is no known cure for rabies, to confirm a case the brain tissue must be examined. In the United States raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes are the main wild animal hosts for the illness. Symptoms generally include behavior change, difficulty swallowing, hypersalivation, depression - stupor, and hind limp paralysis.

The disease is spread through the saliva of infected animals and can be transmitted through a bite or an open wound. Vaccinated pets who are exposed to rabies should be re-vaccinated and observed for 90 days, un-vaccinated pets exposed to rabies should be euthanized or kept isolated for 6 months. Keep all pets current on their rabies vaccinations - this will protect humans and animals.

So, there ya go! Happy Vaccinations! I promise the one moment of whimpering while getting these shots will lead to a happier, healthier pup.

Backyards are a great place for playing NOT for breeding

2008-02-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

I've always been told that "Backyard Breeding" is B-A-D. But never have I come face to face with it. Until the other day....

First off, let me define backyard breeding:

Source: Animal Advocates Society: http://www.animaladvocates.com
Breeds only one dog at a time; May breed their dog just once, but for the purpose of making little money; May repeat-breed the same dog; May dispose of one dog and obtain another (more lucrative) to breed; Often keeps the dog and pups in a yard, garage, shed, basement, closet, or pen; May sell puppies as young as four weeks, with no vaccinations, and for as little as $50, although some backyard breeders sell pups of more desirable breeds for several hundred dollars each. Often breeds the pups that end up being killed in pounds when they are abandoned as unwanted adults: cross breeds of German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Huskies, Pit-bulls, and other large breed dogs.

A backyard breeder does not include the family or person that breeds the family dog once and keeps the pups in the house with them, making sure the pups are well-socialized and healthy, does not give away or sell the pups until they are 10-12 weeks old, and carefully screens prospective adopters, making several home visits and refusing a pup to unsuitable people.

So, the other day I got a phone call from a potential client who wanted me to come by and stay with their Pit-bull mix that had just given birth to a litter of puppies. After our conversation I wanted to explode!

There were so many alarms going off in my head!

I try not to be one of those "preachy" people, with anything, but especially with dogs. To most people they do the best they know how (same with kids) they don't do anything wrong deliberately. So if they can get more information (if they want it) from me that’s great. If not...I'm sure you'll still be just fine. But this is the first time I wanted to step onto my soapbox to shout my opinion. After being insulted by him telling me that my qualifications were "cutsie" but not worth the money, and then having him ask me...do you know a high school kid that could just come by? I simply corrected him very politely stating:

"I'm sorry sir, but my qualifications are not “cutsie”, they are professional qualifications that to many of my clients, justify my pricing. I would suggest that you look elsewhere for help with your new litter."

What bothered me more was he then came back saying "well, it's not the price, between the three of them I've easily got over $6,000 that I'm going to be getting when I sell them." just proving to me where his mind was.

As I think this gentleman found out, having puppies might sound like a fun, profitable idea, but it's a lot of work. And for 99% of people: should not be done. Personally, I think that in order to breed dogs you should pass some sort of test and be given permission. To help solve this epidemic of great dogs left in not such great places, like a pound.

What do you think?

Weekend Warrior!

2008-02-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

So, this past weekend I had the pleasure of getting to attend the annual Pet Expo here in the twin citites! It was a two day event that was filled with other pet professionals getting out together and making contact with the dog lovers of the twin cities area. There was everything from dog bakeries to pooper scooping services, to dog clothing and everything inbetween. Here are some of the interesting things that I found:

ScoopyPoo: Doggy Doo Pick-up Services - they were SUPER friendly, well priced, and being an ex-graphic designer, i loved their marketing and identity. Check them out! http://www.scoopypoo.net/

Breed Specific Legislation Groups: this is something that I've talked about here before, but they had some really scary stats that I haden't found myself. It got me thinking, which got me mad and scared of whats happening here in Minnesota. But I think the best thing to do it try to fight it. Check them both out!
http://arottaloveplus.org/
http://groups.google.com/group/bslwatch-mn
some scary stats:
Italy practices BSL. They started with 13 breeds. 4 years later they are up to 92!!! Including Corgis and Border Collies!! And it still has made no substantial difference in incidences!

Most of the 2007 bites reported in the local press involved dogs with a prior bite history, or had been declared dangerous. In those cases CURRENT laws were NOT being inforced!

BOTH the CDC and AVMA (american veterinary medical assoc.) agree that their studies concluded that several enviromental factors are what is responsible for shaping a dog's aggression, and there is no scientific basis for declaring one breed more likely to be aggressive than another.

Just Dogs Gourmet: located at the Mall of america, they make these ADORABLE little bon-bons. I bought a few, and my two dogs LOVE food and treats, but they have NEVER been so in love with anything I've made or brought home. They LOVED them. I'll definetly be back! They don't have a website, which is a bit of a bummer, but they are located in Macy's Court (1st.floor) in Mall of America.

Pet Central: Cherri Moon, who use to run TC Dogs, just merged with the Star Tribune to create Pet Central. She's now able to put out more information than ever before and is upping her web presence. Congrats! I'm loving it, personally! Also, she has a dog blog, that I'm going to be keeping in my favorites folder called "The Dish".
http://www.startribune.com/pet_central

There were lots of other vendors there that I found really interesting. Hopefully, if you weren't able to come this year you'll be there next. It's a full day of dog gone fun!

To Crate...or NOT to Crate.....

2008-02-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

So you've got a new addition to your family and you're hearing all sorts of ways to housebreak and set limits, and everything that comes with the whole 'new puppy' thing. Someone suggests that you crate your new baby...okay, you go out and buy a crate, bring it home, set it up...and your new loveable pup HATES it...NOW WHAT?!?!

Crating a dog can be a GREAT way to introduce your puppy to your home. It will help with some of the above mentioned tasks, and it can even be a positive space for your pup IF you follow a couple of pretty simple rules.

1.) Introductions are best made slowly: The worst thing to do would be to come home, grab puppy and put him in the crate, shut the door, and go out to lunch. I usually suggest that you put the crate in a common area of the home, such as a family room, leave the door open and put his favorite toys, bedding or blankets in there (something with HIS scent on it to let him know it's his); maybe even some treats. Let him check it out in his own time; I promise he will. Sometimes it helps to feed them inside their crate. Ultimately, whatever you do, make it a super positive experience!

2.) Start with nothing and work your way up ... Usually, your first tendency is to put a blanket or bedding in the crate and cram it full of toys when you go to leave the puppy in there for the first time. I always say toys are probably okay (if the puppy can't destroy them; I.e. soft plush toys can easily turn into a choking hazard while your out shopping for groceries), but wait on the bedding; chances are the puppy will tear it up or mess on it. However, to be honest, if they do mess it's best that they feel as uncomfortable from it as possible - to help them STOP. So, wait until your pup is used to the crate and probably housebroken before you introduce the bedding into the crate.

3.) Start with small trips: grab the mail or go for a walk around the neighborhood, while leaving the puppy in the crate. Give him or her enough time to calm down but not so much time that they start to think they will be stuck here forever! Dog's don't have a great sense of time so if you take the 15 minute walk it won't literally feel like 15 minutes to them.

4.) Don't be a "Softie": When they start to whimper, say the first night in the kennel, and you're upstairs trying to get to sleep, the worst thing to do is to go down and rescue them from their kennel. I personally think this can lead to separation anxiety later on, if done often enough. The dog learns that if they cry and fuss, you'll come back, and eventually when you don't because you have a long day at the office, this will lead to destruction.

5.) NEVER, and I mean NEVER use the kennel as a time out when the puppy is bad. Puppies will get on your nerves, they will get into trouble and at least ONCE you're going to need a time out from them. I would suggest putting them into the kitchen or bathroom with a baby gate up. Or asking someone to take them for a walk while you cool down. But like I said, you need to keep the kennel a positive space.

Eventually, your pup will settle down nicely and will even come to like their kennel. It's like their own space. My rotti will still go to hers when she needs a quiet, safe place. She will even willingly run into it, almost happily, when we tell her to "kennel up", and she's not some weirdo "Stepford dog". It's perfectly achievable with the above rules.

Good Luck, and congratulations on the New Additions!!

Nothin' Says Lovin' Like A Good Cookie!

2008-02-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Growing up I have always loved baking for those that I love. So, why not apply this to my pups?!? I found a great recipe and just in the nick of time for Valentines Day! These are great...well, at least my two didn't complain. Although, my two are such food hounds, I'm not sure they would. hehe! So, I wanted to share the recipe with all of you:

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour, 1.25 cups shredded cheddar cheese, .25 cups of vegetable oil, a dash of garlic powder, water
DIRECTIONS: mix all ingredients together, except the water, in your food processor until it resembles a coarse corn meal. Add water slowly until it forms a ball of dough. ( I always pour and then wait a lil' while for the ball to form, so you don't end up with mushy dough). Use a rolling pin to roll out your dough to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into any shape, using a cookie cutter. Bake at 400 degrees for about 10 mins. Depending on the shape. Then I just sprinkled a bit of extra cheddar cheese ontop of the cookies for looks.

Hope your pups enjoy these as much as mine did. And Happy Valentines Day to you and yours!

Visiting the Vet.......makes for a LONG day!

2008-02-08T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hi All! So today I was making my rounds at the vet's offices in my area. I typically do this once a month to make sure everyone is fully stocked with my business cards in case their clients ask for a dog walker.

Anyways, back to the point; I got a good view at what a challenge it is sometimes to make a vet's visit a positive experience. The best idea is to make this a habit from the very begining; ideally when they are puppies. However, if the dog is a rescue and you didn't have the luxury of starting when they were little, just remember that dogs live in the moment so changing their perception is an achievable result.

First off, if you're able to, make sure your dog has been properly exercised; a good walk can help any dog feel more calm. Secondly, bring plenty of treats to praise your dog's good behavior.
I've always found that working with your dog in the vet's office will help them concentrate more on you rather than the other dogs and smells around them. Remember, the dogs are going to be smelling and reading other dog's signs and feelings as well as yours; it's tough to overcome other anxious energy, so be patient. But, having your dog focus on you and your treats will definetly help.

Also, it is a good idea to make random stops by the vet's office with your dog to show that not every trip results in a needle prick or a temperature reading.

Most of all, just maintain the positive energy that your dog will need from you; don't feed into their nervous energy. Giving them lots of loving or treats when they are nervous and anxious is only going to feed and reward them for acting nervous, despite your trying to help them feel better.

SUPER TUESDAY (doggie style!) (pt.2)

2008-02-05T15:31:00.001-08:00

I found this on a blog from the Baltimore sun and thought it was fitting for the day. And it wasen't leaning one way or the other, so i thought i would repost it for my readers...good stuff! What would our candidates translate into if they were dogs???

John McCain would be a Pug!

Description: Decidedly square and cobby, with free, self-assured, jaunty gait and a perpetual expression of confused defiance on their wrinkly faces.

Mitt Romney would be a smooth fox terrier!

Description: A lively and active mid-sized terrier with deep-set eyes, long sloping shoulders and a narrow head. Their coats are dense and abundant. They are known for their longevity and were originally used for fox hunting and vermin-killing.

Baltimore Sun Post: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/features/mutts/blog/2008/02/the_dog_lovers_guide_to_the_pr.html

SUPER TUESDAY (doggie style!)

2008-02-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I saw this on another website...and thought it was fitting for today! If our candidates were dogs what breed would they be? Democrats first:

Hillary Clinton would be a labradoodle.

Description: The Labradoodle is a newer breed that combines the often ostentatious Labrador with the more reserved – at times even aloof – poodle.

As it has not yet been recognized by the American Kennel Club, there are no breed standards as far as appearance.

Barack Obama would be a Great Dane!

Description: A large and muscular breed, with a long rectangular head, a short coat and an appearance of being very noble and dignified.

They can be fawn, black, blue, brindle or a combination of black and white in color.

Even YOUR dog can't chew through this baby!

2008-02-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hi All...okay, this is my new favorite dog toy. It's even better than the "Kong"! Our pup chewed through the toughest of the Kongs in like 5 mins; this she has had for MONTHS and there isn't even a rip in it, which is suprising considering that it's made of a more flexible plastic than the Kong. With or without the cookie inserts it'll be your dogs new favorite toy! Petsmart used to carry these, but our local store just discontinued it...you can order it easily at dog.com, priced between $9-$18 (plus cookie insert).

Question Day!

2008-02-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Dog Walker,
Our puppy is 4 months old. She is recovering from a bladder infection but is still messing in her "area". We have built her an indoor run, in our basement approx. 7ft. x10ft. How do i let her know that it's not okay for her to mess down there? She will make it through the night without a mess, so I know that she is capable of holding it. Thanks!

Reader,
First off if you haven't already done so, I would have her back into the vet once she is done with her medication. From my own experiences, with our pup, bladder infections can be tricky to get rid of. If she's all clear then I think you need to reduce her "freedom space". As nice as I'm sure that indoor run is you might want to start to kennel her in a smaller area. If she becomes uncomfortable when she messes she will learn to stop. Then you'll most likely be able to ease her back into the run. Hope that helps!

**I always ask people to seek at least 3 different sources for your pet questions so that you can make your own informed decision.**

I'll miss ya ol' Buddy!

2008-01-31T07:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I lost a great friend. I've always had dogs in my home, in fact only one year in my life did I not have a dog and that was my first year of marriage with my husband and I'm not sure how I did that. Every dog has been special in his or her own way. But there is one dog that has significantly impacted my life. He came into our home on a whim; his was an accidental litter that was being handed out in front of the police station that my mom worked at. She grabbed the biggest one out of the box and brought him home to my sister and me. I was 13 and had the attitude to prove it. At first I couldn't stand him (I was 13) he didn't listen, he would nipp at our toes trying to eat our socks and grabbing a big toe with it. He would get into everything! I didn't expect him to last 6 months because I figured either mom would get feed up with him, or one of the MANY things that he got into would kill him.

One day I just changed, I looked at him as a challenge. I remember it VERY vividly, I was home alone, I went into the panty to grab a snack and he jumped up I looked at him and said, "you gotta earn it!" And in a few hours I had taught him to sit, lie down, and speak; with the help of a box of Cheerio’s. He gave me a sense of pride and confidence that any 13-year-old girl could use. He was my best friend. I had worked with dogs before, but ones that were already trained. They already knew how to heel and I would take them for a walk; that sort of thing. But with Cuervo, my new best friend, I became his pack leader. I was the only one that he would listen to; I understood him and I think he understood me.

He still got into everything. He was basically my family’s version of "Marley". He would eat anything, he LOVED bitter apple, whole chickens freshly baked and left to cool on countertops, a door (yes, literally, chewed out a "doggie door" from our bathroom door because he wanted to drink out of the toilet), a minivan bench seat; and that’s just his finest accomplishments. But despite all of that he was still an ambassador of his breed. When he was with his family he was a happy and mellow fella that would make anyone his friend (especially if he thought you'd throw him a treat or two).

There are so many anecdotes that I wish I could share to somehow share the joy of his life but instead I'll just thank him for making such a profound difference in my life; he is the reason that I do what I'm doing and why I'm not just another person who likes dogs but have made them a HUGE part of my life.

I'll miss you buddy but thank you for teaching me so much. You are a great dog.

Stop picking on man's best friend!

2008-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

With it being the start of February tomorrow I thought this might be an appropriate time to mention a horrible law that is being taken to the State Hill this upcoming month. Lawmaker, John Lesch (Rep.) is seeking to ban what he calls the "bully" breeds here in Minnesota. This list includes five different breeds of dogs: the Pit Bull, the Akita, the Rottweiler, the Chow Chow, and wolf hybrids. He cites a Center for Disease Control (2000) report identifying these breeds as some of the most aggressive, despite it being widely known that their reports are notorious for having errors. I think of this law much the same as gun control: the people who don't respect the law DON'T RESPECT THE LAW! Just because the breed is banned the irresponsible people will STILL get the dogs and act irresponsible with them. How about instead of picking on these dogs who are the victims we pick on their owners. Give larger punishments for those that don't take the ownership of their pet to the proper level. None of these dogs have it engrained in their DNA to go out and bite a child! But they need to be raised properly.

In all my years of working with dogs I've only ever been bitten once ... and he was a Cocker-Spaniel! In the last neighborhood I lived in it was a well known fact to stay away from one particular dog: the Dalmatian at the end of the street. These aren't bad breeds; these dogs had bad owners! Not necessarily evil people who don't care, but people who didn't know how to handle their dogs.

"According to the Tribune, Fry says the number of reported dog bites has actually decreased in recent years. Further, Fry said, a pit bull does not belong to a specific breed. He said the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier all have physical characteristics of the so-called pit bull, and are often identified as pit bulls."

Lesch's reasoning for all of this is: "well, you don't see a band of golden retrievers running down the street on the news". As a citizen I'm appalled that we are now basing lawmaking decisions on news reports; no offense to the news people...but they are more likely to report on the big bad scary rotti than the happy-go-lucky golden retriever.

Bottom Line: this is discrimination and an obvious signal to Lesch's ignorance when it comes to dogs and their breeding. How about instead of passing a law that won't be able to be enforced we give the authorities stronger means to enforce the laws already on the books and get rid of the bad owners! Anyone have Cesar's number? Maybe he can talk some sense into Lesch!

Have a Question?

2008-01-29T14:52:00.000-08:00

I want to remind my readers that if you have a question to go ahead and feel free to ask it. Not to think that my word is "Gold" but it's another good source. I always encourage people to find three different sources and then form their own opinion. I'll have Fridays be answer days, so email me or post a question on the blog before Friday morning and I'll get to as many as possible.

New Readers

2008-01-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

As a side note, I noticed that we've got two new readers. Welcome CJ and Lori! Nice to see that someone is reading and finding any of this useful!:) Look forward to hearing from you both more.

Look to the Family Tree

2008-01-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I find FACINATING about dogs is their links into their "ancestral shoes" and how easily it comes to them. Why it's easier to teach a lab to play fetch versus a bulldog. Labs of course came from Newfoundland and were a breed made from small water dogs and the Newfoundland breed to come up with the "st. johns water dog" which is a proto-type for the Lab of today. They were bred for retrieving in and out of the water. Whereas Bull dogs were bred first in the British Isles and bred for dog fighting; thus more interested in staying alive than in retrieving the ball.

I always tell my clients when they are looking for ways to eliminate their dog's excess energy to look to his or her family tree. I have a Rottweiler-Lab mix. Brandi, maintains more Rotti traits than she does her Lab traits, except she LOVES to chase the ball. Rotti's were originally bred to herd cattle for the Roman empire; they are the most basic working dog. I've found the best way to work with Brandi and her energy is to make her work. It makes her happy and tires her out like nothing else.

If you compare this to people we're nearly as predictable as dogs are. My ancestors were farmers in Wales, yet, I can't grow a tomato bush to save my life.

So, my question, how like or unlike is your dog to their heritage? And do you think your own heritage has influenced your life?

Now that I think about it, my ancestors probably had animals on their farm and I have a skill: working with animals, perhaps a stretch, but thats all I've got! Let me know!

Minnesota Neccessity

2008-01-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hi All, Since today it's 44F and by Tuesday night we're suppose to drop 80 degrees with windchill I thought this might be a good opportunity to make this recommendation. These dog booties pictured here are by RuffWear. They are AWESOME! By far the best I've even seen or used. They have a rubber sole with tread JUST like our own tennis shoes. They can be used in any season, which helps to justify the cost. They are $60 for a set of 4 but you can reorder a single bootie incase you ever lose one. You can find these easily at
http://www.ruffwear.com

Check them out, try them out and let me know what you think!

Pick up your poo!

2008-01-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

I just have to vent..so forgive me. Even before I started Heel I was always picking up my pouches poo...I think it's just gross and irresponsible not to. My husband and I have just moved into a new home that we bought in Novemeber and I'm astonished that people don't walk their dogs and even more astonished that they don't pick up their poo!! Some people will even shovel a square in their "mini-yard" (we live in a townhouse) for the dog to relieve himself and then not pick it up. Seems like less work to just take the dog out. Now, I realize that there are some times that with living in Minnesota it would be unsafe to take the dog for a "proper" walk.....but that time spans no more than a few weeks in Jan. It does not last from November to March. I just feel so frusterated for the dogs. I'm almost willing to go over and offer to walk their dogs for them for free because i feel so bad for all the dogs on my street! O.k. I'm done:)

Be the Pack Leader

2008-01-24T09:49:00.001-08:00

The latest book that I've been reading is by the "Dog Whisperer":Cesar Millan. I've already found it very interesting! I'm about 3/4 done with it and it goes over everything from training, to tools, to being centered and everything in between. Thus far the bits that I've found most interesting is talking about detering techniques.

QUESTION: Say, Fido is chewing on a pair of shoes there are several ways to fix this, pick your answer:
A) Grandma's rolled up newspaper
B.) the bottle with pebbles in it, shaking it to make noise and distract him.
C.)throwing something in the direction of the dog (not to hurt him but to distract him)
D.) using your energy and mimicking what would happen to the dog out in nature.

Obviously the rolled up newspaper isn't an ideal choice, you should NEVER hit a dog. Out in nature a dog is never swatted at and having this happen can seriously impact the trust and respect that you need to have from your dog.

Using the bottle with pebbles AND throwing something in the direction of the dog is going to make for a nervous and imbalanced dog. These sorts of things never happen out in nature.

D is the correct choice. Even though it's your cute little baby puppy who is chewing on something you should still go over to him in an authoritative way (NOT intimidating, there is a difference). Remove the item from the dogs mouth. When he is persitent about taking the item back you take your hand and form it into a "claw" and quickly grab and release the dogs neck. This mimicks the way that the dogs mother would correct him. It should not hurt him but simply get his attention in a natural way.

I think it's best put by saying: Yes, these are your babies, but somehow people don't "parent" them. If your toddler were to go and start chewing on a small toy that you know could be a choking hazard think how you would approach that (shaking a bottle with pebbles seems a little silly now huh?). Sure you wouldn't pretend to form a claw and bite the baby but you would use methods that in human language would convey the problem and solution. Just do the same for your dog..use HIS language to convey problem and solution.

Anyways, thats what I think. You can find this book anywhere a selection of books are sold. Thank you Cesar...keep up the great work!

Birth of a Blog

2008-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I'd like to introduce myself, I own a company called Heel Dog Walking & Pet Sitting in Minnesota. Basically my days consist of walking dogs, which i think is the best job in the world! But in between ball throws and pooping scooping it gives me time to think and mull over a bit of things. So, i decided to start the blog to keep a "public diary" of it all. So, I hope you all enjoy!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Today on the "today" show I listened to an article of petsmarts handlings of their pet part of their pet store. Primarily the birds, gerbils, rabbits, etc that you see for sale in these stores. It made my blood boil!!! They even had footage of one man fixing a rabbit using clorox wipes to steralize and with him not being in a sterile enviroment...not even wearing gloves. Live animals being thrown into the trash bin. Unstable animals.

I hope this bring more attention to animal rights! It's so sad. So, there you go...it's a quicky, but thats the thought of the day.