Cold weather is upon us, and you need to take care of your dog in a different manner than you do when it is warm outside.  Here are the top three tips on what to do with your dog during the cold weather months.

Limit Off Leash Time

According to the ASPCA, allowing your dog to go off leash in snow or ice can be fatal.  Dogs lose scent in snowstorms and become easily lost.  Be cautious taking your dog outside when the weather is unstable.  Also, update your dog’s contact information on the identification tag.  Winter is the time when more dogs get lost.  Having the updated information is the best preventive measure you, as a loving dog owner can take.

Be Sensitive Towards Puppies

Younger dogs are most susceptible to illnesses, colds, and problems caused from cold weather than their adult counterparts.  If you are trying to housetrain a puppy during these months, you may wish to opt for paper-training.  It would provide a warm, safe environment for your puppy during these harsh months.

Prevent Ingestion of Toxic Chemicals

During winter months, there is salt and antifreeze stuck to the snow and ice found on the ground.  To ensure your dog does not digest these damaging chemicals, wipe down your dog’s stomach and legs when entering from outside.  A dog could lick his paws, and paw pads putting him in danger immediately.  If a dog ingests any of these items, then the results could be fatal.

Keep your dog safe during the winter months by implementing these winter tips.

For more dog care tips, talk to Florida dog training and a k9 obedience professional today.

I cannot believe it is that time of the year again.  It is time to decide what to buy everyone on my holiday gift list.  This joyous process seems to become more taxing as the years pass.  I try to be creative, but this year I literally ran out of ideas.  I needed inspiration quick.  I turned to the internet for answers.  I researched online the best gifts for dog lovers, and came up with my own top three holiday gift ideas.  I am here to share these holiday shopping tips with you.

Inspirational Dog Stories

There are many books featuring true stories about dog owners rescued by their own pets.  It is remarkable to hear first-hand accounts about how a dog saved its owner from a tragic fire or accident.  It emphasizes the bond shared between a human and dog.  Any loving dog owner would appreciate this present.

Dog Car Safety Gadgets

Dog owners constantly worry about how to keep their pup safe in a moving vehicle.  It is a valid issue, and now there are many gadgets available to address this problem.  There are dog seat belt harnesses for all dog sizes.  Essentially, it keeps your dog buckled-up, safe, and in place while you are driving.  It makes the vehicle safer for you and your pet.

Handmade Presents

If you need to keep the cost down to a minimum and prefer a personal touch, then why not make a cross-stitch dog pattern piece and turn it into a pillow for the person to always keep.  This is an affordable, sentimental gift for someone to cherish.

There are many options for the dog lovers on your list.  If you need additional ideas, ask one of our Florida dog training or k9 obedience instructors today.  A gift certificate to one of our classes is the better route to go.

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When I used to leave my dog in the car, he never barked.  He would sit still, lie down, and relax in the backseat until it is time to exit the vehicle.  Lately though, it has been a different story.  My dog barks nonstop in an unruly fashion.  It is frightful to passer-bys and unnecessary.  Thus, it is time to start implementing positive reinforcement dog training techniques to solve this problem.  These tips will keep your dog relaxed, calm, and quiet until it is time to exit the car.

Walk Out and Ignore

The Florida dog training tip I used was the ‘walk away and repeat’ method. This is how it went…I would drive my dog to a specific location, and exit the car solo.  I would walk away still remaining within hearing distance, but far enough to prove to my dog that I am not near the automobile.  Usually, around 15 feet is suitable for this technique.  Then, I stop. I stand with my back to the car and wait until my dog stops barking.  If my dog continues to bark, I do not react.  I hold my ground with my back to the car ignoring my dog.  If my dog stops barking, I turn around and walk towards the car.  I continue this method until my dog stops barking.  Once my dog is peaceful and silent, I walk the entire distance to the car and let my dog out.

This method even works when I take my dog to the dog park.

To find out more dog training tips, talk to a k9 obedience instructor today!

Learning that someone has cancer triggers a frightening turn of events.  You do not know what to do, how to handle the situation and thoughts become jumbled turning you into one big mess.  Now, picture if this happens to your dog.  It is confusing, sad, and a ball of mixed emotions occurs. Your dog cannot express vocally that he/she is in pain.  You are unsure of what to do or if it is even happening.  Here are a few symptoms to look out for.

Dog Cancer Symptoms

Look out for some of these symptoms, and take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

• Swelling
• Lumps
• Dark, black, tar-looking stools
• Little or no appetite
• Trouble eliminating waste
• Struggle breathing

If your dog has any of these symptoms, it does not automatically mean your canine has cancer.  However, these are serious symptoms of fatal conditions, including cancer.  If you detect any of these signs have your pup thoroughly examined by a professional right away.

Dog Breeds with High Cancer Risks

There are certain dog breeds that have an increased risk of attaining cancer over others.  These breeds are large and giant breed dogs, such as Saint Bernard’s and Great Danes.  Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and Boston Terriers are also known to develop cancer cells.  Pay close attention to your dog’s health and behavior to be certain your dog is not falling ill.

How to Manage Cancer in Dogs

There are different types of cancer treatments recommended for dogs.  Chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy are the most common, but not every dog owner chooses these options.  Some believe in the quality of life.  In these situations, dog owners select pain management therapy rather than these harsh treatments ensuring your dog is comfortable and not in pain.

No matter what route you go with regarding cancer treatment, pay attention to the signs.  Early detection is the key to removing any cancerous tumors before it spreads throughout the dog’s body.

To find out more, talk to a Florida dog obedience training instructor or enroll in a k9 Acumassage session.  These experts will direct you to solid veterinarians in the area, and provide ample emotional support as you and your dog go through this devastating process.