A reminder to "be there" for your pet.......

Yes, sad but it does happen, even with the best of dogs; dog bites and bad behavior can happen to any dog on any day! Ask any owner and they will tell you they have the best dog in the world....and from their perspective, it is probably true that their pet is super well behaved. . .for them. But that doesn't mean every day will be a good day and therefore, owners be aware!




Many pets that are well behaved at home and for their owners are different dogs all together when brought out into the real world or when a visitor is brought into their home. They may be fearful of new things, loud noises, they may be hungry or tempted to follow their nose rather than sit, they may be feeling playful but are too aggressive for another dog to handle or they could be protective of their owner and their home if someone comes to visit and doesn't get a proper introduction.



Many of those above reasons for dog bites or agressive dog behavior can be avoided simply by paying attentioin to what your dog tells you. Is his tail curled down between his legs as you take him somewhere new.....he may be saying that he's feeling insecure and a bit bit fearful...you need to know this as you proceed...say, into PetCo. Is his hair standing on end as you bring a visiting dog into your home? Your pet may be saying that he doesn't want company he doesn't know in his house..... Left ignored, these signs can be a recipe for a problem...a fight or a bite that could easily be avoided.



I am asking that owners take a look and be aware of what their dog is telling them. Especially if you are taking your pet somewhere new, to a different location or to meet new people or animals. We take for granted that our pets are good for us as owners. However, it is our job as their owners to be aware of their needs and be in control of our pets as we go places. Oh and likewise for all pet owners at large....Be aware of common courtesy. For instance, going to a park? Unless it is specifcally an off leash park, it is EXPECTED that your pet will be leashed. Many places allow pets but generally speaking there are many non-pet owners there as well. Some people are afraid of dogs and will not be pleased to have an over exuberant pup trying to endear himself. Leashes keep your pet safe and other people safe. They allow us to have more control of our animals. They are not the full solution...owners must keep their pets at a reasonable distance from passers by until they know the other people are ok with a sniff and a hello. It's perfectly ok to say....my dog is having an off day, please do not pet him. It's ok to ask the other dog owner as they approach - is your dog friendly? Cause remember, even good dogs can have bad days. You just want to be in control...



Love your dog by being aware. Our pets really want to be told how to behave, it ismuch easier for them to receive a command. In the absence of our telling what we want them to do, they will follow their instincts. Terriers seek out vermin...one day the neighbors cat may be the target with lack of direction.....shepherds are herding dogs....they may nip at small children because they are trying to herd them back into a group...the dog thinks he's doing his 'job' ....retrievers are hunting companions...the are mouthy/nippy by nature because they retrieve with their mouths....as the owners of such wonderful breeds it is our responsibility to be aware of our pets needs to keep them safe.



Exercise and activity always keeps boredom at bay! A tired dog is a happy dog! So please, as we head into late spring and early summer, please take some time to re-focus on the needs of your pet. If you haven't made time for them in your routine & schedule, maybe some help from us in the walk department will be what you need. At any rate, your furry pal needs you to be alert and in tune with them. Let this be your spring resolution! Thanks so much! Prevention is always best!
 
Thank you to all our clients and friends and thank you for your commitment as owners to your pets!

Spring brings lots of new...and puppies too!

Hey all!


So excited for the spring weather and the newness that comes along with it...trees budding, grass growing...and puppies being born! It is a great thing to add a puppy to your family. They are an addition of unconditional love, a wonderful way to bond with your kids and teach them responsibility too.

It is work to get a puppy...everyone forgets how much work they require in the first couple of months. Very true...but it is also easy to be a successful puppy trainer withour going to training school! The key to your success is easy ~ repetition and consistency!


First things first...get that pup on a regular schedule for eating, sleeping and doing his business....and that is all you should focus on for the first couple of weeks. Find a nd use a key word, like "potty" or "outside" and use it EVERY time you go out to take care of business.....which is pretty much every time you go out with a pup that's 8 to 12 weeks old. MAke sure you take him out first thing in the morning and last thing at night...set your pup up for success! It's better to praise the good work he does than have to correct bad habits because you didn't play your part.


Next...start having regular, 10-15 minute training sessions. Use training treats to help reinforce when any desireable behavior is acheived! Lots of verbal praise and a good scratching of the ears is also helpful!


We offer a Puppy 101 session to interested clients. I'll come and help you establish a schedule and routine. Give you helpful tips and some basic training methods to get you off to a good start with your pup. If you are interested, give us a call, we're happy to help you out!


Whatever you do, just be sure to GET OUT THERE! HAVE FUN! Run, walk, play with your pup as often as you can....puppies have TONS of energy and need to burn that off to help them be well behaved. There's a reason we say, "A tired dog is a happy dog with happy owners!"
 
~ Happy tails and trails
Debbi and the Griffindales, Roy, Jack & Lola

Spring Walk Reminders!

Pawesome Pals Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services

Hi everyone....


Just a quick word about your spring walks....be prepared! So we are racing right back into flea and tick seasons...oh joy! Get your pet protected! Buy now while you can get ahead of them!


So in the spring months lots of parks are newly busy with eager pawrents taking their pals out for walks. Try to remember some courtesies for your fellow pawrents and their pets. For instance, if you have a jumpy dog, please say so before someone approaches and gets 2 paws in the face. Got a growler? Please do the polite thing and step out of the flow of traffic for smaller or calmer pets to pass. Just remember, you know your dog is great but there are differnt strokes for different folks....and lets not forget that we often walk in places where there are non-dog owners walking (perish the thought!) but we must be courteous and allow them to enjoy the park without feeling any distress because of our furry friends' presence. Don't forget water, water, water...for you and your pet....stay well hydrated! and Lastly...safety! DO not wear headphones, be alert and mindful of your surroundings, always have your pet leashed and if you are walking in a park please do a few things; tell someone where you are going to be and for how long, bring a whistle, and always carry a freshly charged cell phone! Oh yeah, a couple extra dog treats won't hurt either! After all that....HAVE FUN! HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!