Is Your Dog Getting Enough R & R?

From Petsway.com - No doubt you’ve heard of the term “R&R”—as in “I just need some rest and relaxation.” And who doesn’t need a little R&R these days? We work too hard, sometimes we play too hard, and often it’s debatable whether we’re any better for it.

Well, your dog needs a little "R&R" in her life, too. I don’t mean rest and relaxation here, although it certainly is true that dogs do need those things to function properly. What I’m really referring to is “Recognize and Reward.” More specifically, your dog needs to be recognized and rewarded for good behavior. Read more...

Why Hire a Daily Dog Walker?

It’s easy to see the need to hire a dog walker or pet sitter while you and your family go on vacation. Of course, someone needs to be around to feed and let the dog out, grab the mail and check on the house. But what about when you’re not on vacation and just at work? Why then would you want to hire a daily dog walker? There are lots of great reasons to hire a daily dog walker, but here are just a few:

1. You have a new puppy! – Congratulations! There’s nothing more exciting than getting a new puppy. Expect to be the most popular, or should I say “pup-ular,” person in your family and gang of friends for a bit. Everyone will want to come see the new puppy. But what about when all the excitement ends? Where is everyone when a mid-day potty break is in order, or your pup has pent up energy from being is his crate for 9-10 hours? Read more...

Product Review: The Walky Dog Plus!

Many of our clients express interest in working out with their dogs, or including their dogs in even more activities besides the normal walk around the neighborhood. You may have seen a certain celebrity TV dog trainer biking with dogs by just holding the leash in his hand. I would never have  considered biking with my dog like this for fear hurting myself and my dog, nor do I recommend it to anyone.

Alas, a training peer had recommended the Walky Dog Plus! bike attachment several years ago, and I purchased one. (See manufacturer's video here.) However, I only recently had the opportunity to take it for a spin. A few features I found beneficial were:

• Hands-free Attachment - the Walky Dog attaches under the seat so that your hands are free to safely control the bike. It's rigid and so it keeps your dog at a safe distance from the bike at all times.
• Height Adjustable - During testing, we tested both a Corgi and a German Shorthair Pointer (two completely different heights!) and the Walky Dog was able to accommodate both easily.
• Padded Thigh Bar - the attachment bar has grey-colored padding just behind where your thigh might hit it. Although it's not a big deal if you hit your leg on the attachment, you don't have to worry about it because there's comfy padding there to support you.

• Get your dog cleared by your veterinarian before starting this type of exercise
• Be attentive to your dog's feet by always checking paw pads before and after
• Acclimate your dog to walking next to the bike before going for a ride
• Start slowly to see where your dog's limits are
• Always keep yourself and your dog properly hydrated
• Take the normal biking precautions, like wearing a helmet and following all the local biking rules and regulations

Charitable Feature: Pet Rescue Network

Pet Rescue Network is comprised of dedicated and experienced volunteers determined to positively impact the lives of animals in need in St. Louis and surrounding rural communities. Many PRN volunteers have 10 to 15 years experience in animal rescue activities and they strive to meet both the medical and psychological needs of animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

Recently, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Pet Rescue Network. Upon placing a pet in an adoptive home, they take impressive care to ensure animals will go to pet parents who will provide for that animal’s ongoing needs, including positive training, walking and veterinary services. PRN relies solely on a network of foster families, and they are always in need of great foster homes, as well as volunteers for various things like professional photography and organizing fundraising events. They place around 190 pets each year and the animals currently available for adoption can be seen here on their website. Check them out!