Ruff2walk

Dog Separation anxiety after CoVid As we get our lives in order some us are going back to the office. Our furry friends have been accustomed to having us home. Your pet may display separation anxiety. Here are some steps you can take to ease your pup back into old routines.... Social distance from your dog: If your dog is constantly by your side, begin restoring a sense of independence. Encourage them to spend more time in their own bed, outside in a fenced yard by themselves, or in their crate while you perform a task that draws your attention away from them. When your dog settles down and relaxes, wait a couple of minutes and then praise them and give them a treat. Work up to longer distances and periods of absence: Start by going into another room and leaving your dog alone for a few minutes. Gradually increase the amount of time your dog is left alone, while also working up to going outside without them. If your local restrictions or guidelines allow it, go on walks or long drives around the neighborhood without your dog to get them accustomed to you leaving home again. Ease back into your routine: A few days before you have to return to work outside the home, start getting up at the time you normally would and go through your normal morning routine, even leaving the house for a little while at the time you would normally leave for work. That way it won’t be as big a deal to your dog to see you go when the actual day arrives for your return to the outside world. Provide plenty of exercise: Give yourself enough time before you need to leave for the day to take your dog for a walk or engage in at least 15 minutes of vigorous play. This exercise will help your dog burn off excess energy and help them stay relaxed and calm throughout the day. Provide interactive toys: Puzzle toys and chew toys can help prevent your dog from getting bored and can also help comfort and distract them from other possible anxiety triggers, such as strange noises or activities happening outside. Don’t be anxious for your dog: Dogs pick up on your mood and take their cue from you about how they should feel about new situations. The more you stay relaxed and behave like everything is normal, the more likely your dog will be to follow your lead and accept it when it’s time for you to go. Whether or not your dog was prone to separation anxiety before, easing them back into old routines will likely prevent them from developing it when you return to your life outside the home. Take it slow and ease into the transition. Reassurance and patience is the key. Lots of hugs help too!

Recently, I was out for a riding along a major road and I was horrified to see a Labrador Retriever jump through the back window of a moving car and get partially dragged by his leash. Thankfully traffic stopped and the owners stopped the car quickly. Witnessing a dog jump through a window of a moving car was obviously upsetting for me, but most of all it was a big reminder for me about how important it is for dogs to be properly restrained when in cars, and to be taught safe...Continue reading

Here is an interesting article from AKC regarding grass eating. Is it good for your dog? What does it mean? Why Does My Dog Eat Grass? ... Have you ever taken your dog out for a potty break and turned your back, only to discover them chomping on a large mouthful of grass? While you might panic and think about the vomit you’ll be cleaning off the carpet later on, this behavior is not always cause for alarm. But why do they do it and how do you know when it is actually a problem? Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Some dog owners and veterinarians assume that grass eating is a form of pica, or eating strange items, sometimes caused by a diet deficiency. Many diet deficiencies are rooted in missing vitamins, nutrients, or minerals that are absent from daily intake. For example, it could be your dog’s way of getting more fiber, which helps them pass gas and stools, and also assists other bodily functions. But if a dog’s diet is complete and balanced, eating grass may not be related to a deficiency at allit might actually be instinct. Dogs’ digestive systems, dietary needs, and cravings have evolved to fit the lifestyle of domesticated dogs. While canines in the wild weren’t getting their primary source of nutrients from grass, eating an entire animal provided an optimal diet, especially if the animal’s diet consisted of various plants. Dogs are omnivores and naturally crave the act of eating grass as part of their genetic makeup, dating back to when they hunted their own prey. Of course, they might also just enjoy the taste and texture of grass in their mouths, especially when new grass is emerging for the first time during spring. Is Eating Grass Bad For Dogs? The consumption of grass can be a sign that your dog is attempting to relieve an upset stomach and some pups do vomit soon after eating it. That said, fewer than 25 percent of dogs actually vomit from eating grass and only 10 percent show signs of illness prior to eating grass, meaning most are not likely eating it because they’re sick. But while it’s not typically harmful for dogs, eating grass can cause intestinal parasites that are easily picked up from animal droppings and stool. It’s also important to note that the herbicides and pesticides sprayed on your lawn can be harmful to your pup. When Should You Take Action? If you notice them eating grass more frequently or excessively, be alert of potential underlying illnesses that your dog is attempting to self-treat. Also look for vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, decrease in appetite, blood in stool, lethargy, or lip licking.

A lot of us are getting into the XMas spirit early. Some of us have already put up our trees! Just a quick reminder of how we need to protect our furry friends! Be Careful with Seasonal Plants and Decorations Oh, Christmas Tree: Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree waterwhich may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upsetfrom spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding gro...Continue reading

It’s that time of year again!

How to teach your dog to roll over * Ask your dog to perform a down command * Kneel beside your dog and hold a small, yummy treat to the side of their head near their nose. * Move your hand from their nose toward their shoulder, luring them to roll flat on their side.... * Try this a few times and praise and treat each time they follow the treat and lie flat on their side with their head on the floor. * Now give the movement a name Roll over work on the command a short time each day. I prefer hand signals. You can refer to the command verbally and do the hand signal at the same time. After a while the dog will associate the hand signal with being treated. Works every time! See more

This is my new walking client Olive. She is a cute little terrier mix. This little girl is always happy!