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Moving with a Pet: How to Find the Right Home When You Have a Dog

On June 11, 2019 / Article / Leave a comment

Moving with pets can be a big change for everyone, and it can bring about anxiety for both you and your favorite animal. Making sure your pet is safe, happy, and healthy during the entire process will take some work, and he still may have trouble settling in once you get to the new house, especially if he’s an older dog. Finding the right home for all your needs is important, but it’s also crucial to make sure his needs are taken care of as well. A good-sized yard, fencing, and animal-friendly neighbors are all good aspects to look for.

You’ll also have to think about how to help your pet get acclimated to your new place, and how to make sure it’s safe for him before he arrives. No matter how old he is, there may be dangers lurking at a new home, such as toxic plants in the backyard, steep stairs, or slick floors. It’s a good idea to walk through your home before bringing your pet to make sure there are no potential issues and to clean and deodorize, especially if there were pets living there before.

Here are a few things to consider when you’re house hunting with pets.

House Hunting

Looking for a new home is often complicated. There are many factors to consider, including cost, location, the amount and size of the rooms, and whether it’s safe for you and your family. When you have a pet, it’s important to also think about what his needs will be and whether the homes you look at will meet them. The size of the yard is a common factor that home buyers look at, as well as whether it’s fenced, but there’s also the location to think about. If your dog is very active, you might want to look for a home that’s close to a park or beach where he can run freely. You should also think about how close it is to a vet that has 24-hour emergency services.

As tempting as it may be to bring your pet along when looking for your dream home, it’s best to leave him behind. Not only could his presence distract you from the task at hand, but he also may not be welcome by homeowners. Once you find a house you like and the buying process is finalized, take your pet over and allow him to walk through if at all possible.

Moving Day

Planning for the move is also a crucial part of house hunting. If you find a home you love that’s in a new city or state, you’ll need to think about moving day and how to keep your pet safe and happy. A long trip can be difficult for some dogs, especially if they have anxiety issues, and even a local move can take a toll on a pet who doesn’t like being cooped up in the car. Plan for his comfort by planning for several stops during a long trip, or ask a trusted friend to look after him during the move. This will ensure his safety while all the activity is going on.

You’ll also want to think about cleaning up the old place to make sure it looks and smells great. Whether you rent or own, it’s important to make sure you don’t leave behind any stains or odors from your pet. Consider hiring a cleaning service to come in and make the interior gleam; keep in mind that the average cost to have this done in Vista is between $118 and $244.

If possible, go through the new home — inside and outside, before and after you move in — to look for possible safety hazards that will affect your pet. Once in your new home, you’ll want to return to a very structured program until your pet is used to your new environment. For a week or two, direct your dog’s every move. If you can, place his bowls and bedding (you can find great dog beds at online retailers such as Chewy starting at around $20 and up) in spots that are similar to where they were in the former house to avoid confusion.

Moving with pets can be a big task, but if you’re able to plan well ahead of time, things will go smoothly. Make a list of things that need to be done and check them off as you go. Don’t forget the details, such as changing your dog’s ID tags to update them with your new information. With these steps, you can ensure the move is one that will benefit everyone!

Doggy First Aid Kit – Be Prepared

On May 30, 2019 / Article / Leave a comment

Accidents happen. Consider a doggy first aid kit to be prepared in the event of an emergency. When your pet is injured, you won’t have time to rummage around in a frantic search for something to help him. First aid has to be right away. For this reason, it’s a very good idea to set aside a box containing your dog’s own medicines and the equipment you will need in case of emergency.

His medicine chest should include the following:

Milk of magnesia to serve as a laxative.
Adhesive tape and bandages for dressing wounds.
Activated charcoal as a poison antidote.
Antiseptics, such as Merthiolate, metaphen or peroxide for cleansing wounds, and Neosporin ointment to prevent infection.
A rectal thermometer and Vaseline or K-Y lubricant.
Hydrogen peroxide, mustard powder or salt for emetics.
Burn medicines contained in aerosol sprays, as prescribed by your veterinarian. Aromatic spirits of ammonia for shock treatment.
Blunt-ended scissors for cutting hair away from wounds.
Benadryl to control swelling and inflammation.

Safety First

Most accidents, after all, are the result of neglect. By far the greatest cause of serious injury and death in dogs, for example, is the automobile. It takes only one moment of neglect, one moment off the leash or out of the fenced yard, to cause this tragedy.

An ounce of prevention will work its proverbial magic if you will only observe a few simple safety rules for your pup. Here, then, are some guidelines for accident prevention.

Keep Your Dog Confined When He’s Outdoors

If your yard is fenced, make sure there are no holes he can wriggle through, that the gate latches firmly and that family and visitors are warned to close it securely. If the yard is not fenced, then you should construct some kind of run or play area for a puppy. It need not be large; even a playpen, placed in a shady spot in the garden, will work as a temporary measure. Put in a weighted pan of water and a few toys to amuse puppy when he’s alone.

For a permanent run, enclose an area with sturdy metal fencing at least 6-feet high (dogs are amazingly adept at climbing). A run 6-feet wide and 20- to 30-feet long is large enough for almost all breeds. Cover the surface with a porous material, such as sand or gravel; plain earth holds the dampness and is unsanitary.

A Word About Hydration

Choose a location that provides both sun and shade, keep the run clean and always provide water.
Keeping your dog hydrated is absolutely critical…especially as we approach the hotter, Summer months. Our friends at The Pet Supply Guy came up with a doggy water calculator to help you determine the exact amount your beloved fur baby should be getting each day based on his/her size.

Make sure there are no garden poisons or pesticides within puppy’s reach. Clear the yard of broken glass, stones, small pebbles, or any other objects that he might swallow.

Never Unleash Puppy When You Are Walking Him on a Public Street

In one unleashed instant he might dash into the path of an oncoming car. If he rides in the car with you, always attach his leash to his collar before you open the door; he might bolt head-on into the tragic.

Keep Puppy Confined to His Crate or Playpen When He’s Alone in the House

If he’s getting too old for this kind of treatment, put him in a room that has been carefully puppy-proofed: light cords disconnected, all swallowable objects removed, nothing to chew on but his own safe toys. And keep an eye on him when he has the run of the house.

Make sure all household poisons such as cleaning agents and human medicines are out of reach. He’s not actually looking for trouble, but he does have a way of finding it.

Thanks for reading and becoming better prepared for a puppy emergency! Contact Dogman Mark Castillero for any questions you may have at protraindog@gmail.com

Earning an Income by Caring for Man’s Best Friend

On May 28, 2019 / Article / Leave a comment

Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash

Dogs require around an hour of exercise every day to keep them fit, happy and healthy. But the average dog walk is just 43 minutes and many dogs don’t get walked at all. A busy lifestyle is one of the biggest excuses used, along with the weather. Dog walking and sitting services are becoming more common as they ensure dog’s needs are met and it’s also a great way to earn money, either as a sole or additional income. While you don’t need any qualifications, having a good understanding of canine behavior, needs and some training tricks will go a long way to making your job easier and more enjoyable.

Why People Need a Dog Walker or Sitter

Becoming a dog walker or sitter can be as easy as doing a leaflet drop in your local community or using an app to connect you with local dog owners. According to Rover, 57% of dog owners admit to skipping walks, with excuses varying from the weather to a busy day at work. Two-thirds say they feel guilty for missing walks and believe their dogs look sad when they miss them, which is why they are happy to pay for a dog walker. Elderly or disabled people often need dog walkers as they can physically struggle to meet their dogs exercise needs but enjoy the companionship. Dog sitting services keep dogs in their own home, which avoids them going to kennels while their family is away. This can help to reduce anxiety and stress.

Making Money as a Dog Walker

Depending on the location, around $20 per walk is the going rate for dog walkers. It’s possible to take more than one dog out at a time and you can choose how much you want to work each day. Walking five dogs a day for five days a week is $500, which works out as $26,000 a year. The pros of being a dog walker include how flexible it is, you get to spend time with lots of dogs and it’s a great way to keep fit, but you should be prepared to face most types of weather. Many pet parents will want you to be available during their standard working week, so it will be better for your pocket if you can do this to ensure consistency for owner and dog.

Being a House Sitter

Being entrusted by a homeowner while they’re away comes with many responsibilities, such as cleaning and gardening, along with caring for pets. House sitting pays around $50 an hour, depending on location, and usually lasts for several days at a time, such as over the weekend. It pays well! Some people even pet sit one house to another and have no fixed abode, making their outgoings lower, so they can save more money. This is a good way for people to earn money while they travel as pet sitters are needed across all of America. There are many apps and websites that can match sitters with owners for a suitable caretaking job, making the process a lot smoother.

It’s easy to be put off dog walking and sitting if the dog isn’t well trained, such as they pull on the lead or are prone to accidents. Being knowledgeable on training methods for common problems can go a long way to making your job easier and more enjoyable, which will reflect in the dog. This is a good way to get repeat clientele as it will give owner’s confidence in your abilities and they’ll be happy to use your services.

There are many who are living out of their RV’s now…and it’s no surprise that you can earn a decent wage while helping walk or sit Fido. Check out the amazing tips on Full-Time RV’ing with your Canine here.

Why Summer Is Ideal For Dog Obedience Training

On May 27, 2019 / Article, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Training, Service Dog, Summer Dog Training / Leave a comment

The summer season is just around the corner! For dog enthusiasts, it is an opportunity to train their pooch for new skills. Though dog obedience training can be done anytime of year, many consider Summer as the most ideal time to do it. Of course, some would argue otherwise, but here are some of the reasons why this season is the best for that.

More time for outdoor activities. Having more outdoor activities means there’s a lot of skills that your dog can learn not only for mental skills but for psychomotor improvements. The weather is ideal to take your dog to a morning walk and to let him learn commands to improve on behavior issues.

For dog improved socialization. Some breeds are “naturally” territorial and this can cause some headache to their owners, knowing that their dog attacking other dogs – and even human they find unfamiliar – are not far from reality. But this can be improved by taking your dog outside in order to be familiar with the “outside world.” Taking him out for a walk in the park allows him to meet other dogs and people. Also, there are obedience training programs such as a dog boot camp offered by some dog training facilities (like ProTrain) during summer. It is a good training ground wherein your dog can learn a wide array of skills for better behavior and improved obedience.

Tone down dog aggression. As your dear canine learns more skills from a summer dog obedience training and as he gets more exposed to people, you can expect a better dog behavior and a much improved obedience – a sure way to tone down aggression.

Some tips to keep your canine in good condition during summer

While the summer season is widely considered as an ideal time to take your dog outside, it does mean that he is spared from possible health issues. Your dog can still be vulnerable to exhaustion, dehydration, and over fatigue. With that said, it is important to consider the following dog summer care tips:

Never leave your dog inside your car as a closed car tends to have an inside temperature higher than outside, which can cause stress to your dog.
When you are out for a walk with your dog, do it in the early morning and/or evening; taking your dog for a walk when the sun is high and the atmosphere is hot and humid can make your dog exhausted.
Check out whether or not the pavement you see at the park is hot. If it is, leave and take the cooler area instead.
Offer plenty of water and shade. To avoid dehydration, have a container of water come in handy.

For expert summer dog obedience training, contact us at ProTrain today.

Call us at 1-877-BAD DOGS.

The Importance of Training a Black German Shepherd from a Puppy

On May 8, 2019 / Article / Leave a comment

The Black German Shepherd is similar to typically colored ones in many ways, but the gene mutation that causes their coloring can result in them growing an inch or two bigger and therefore they’ll weigh 10 to 20 pounds more than a regular GSD. This extra size makes training essential so that you will train your Black German Shepherd, particularly from a puppy when they’re smaller and will learn quicker. The good news is that they’re an intelligent breed that’s eager to please, which makes training fairly easy.

Start Young

Old dogs can learn new tricks, but puppies certainly do pick up things quicker, which is why training should always start as young as possible. Black German Shepherds will quickly grow into their grand size, so establishing yourself as the alpha dog early on will help you to have control over them as they become bigger and more powerful. Understanding obedience at a young age will make it easier for them to learn tricks as they get older because they’ll be used to listening to you, especially if there’s a tasty reward involved.

Don’t Struggle Alone

If you’re new to training dogs or you’re not quite sure where to start with your Black German Shepherd, it’s best to ask for help rather than struggle and end up with an untrained and disobedient dog. If you get your dog as a pup, take them to a certified trainer as soon as possible. This will usually make the whole process shorter, easier and cheaper, which is better for both you and your dog. Begin with getting help for house training, such as toileting and not chewing things they shouldn’t, and follow onto obedience training. If you’ve adopted your Black German Shepherd at an older age and need some help with training, a professional can help to get them out of bad habits and into good ones, making their transition to a new home a smooth and happy one.

Let Your Black German Shepherd Socialize

It’s important for all dogs to socialize with other people, dogs, and animals. Doing this from a pup will help them to learn appropriate ways to behave, which can make their training easier. People who bring a puppy into a home that already has a dog often find it’s easier to train the pup as they’ll copy the older dog who is already trained. Introduce your Black German Shepherd to as many different people and animals as possible so that they learn not to be scared of others, but also not to intimidate others when they get to a big size. Socialization is harder as your Shepherd ages and will often require the help of a trainer.

Training a Black German Shepherd doesn’t differ too much from training a normal colored German Shepherd, but their additional size and weight do mean it’s of paramount importance to train them from an early age. When in doubt, always consult with a professional trainer who can help your Black German Shepherd to settle into their life with you as stress-free as possible.

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