Westside Paws

04/11/2024

Westside Paws will be CLOSED on Tuesday, 5th of November. We'll be back to pampering your furry friends on Wednesday, 6th of November.

04/11/2024

Crate Training: A Good Start to Welcoming Your New Furry Friend

You've just brought home a new furry friend! While it's exciting, remember to balance their needs with your daily routine.

Why Crate Training Matters

A crate isn't a prison; it's a safe haven. Crate training offers numerous benefits:
• Safety: Prevents accidents and injuries.
• Security: Provides a calm, familiar space.
• Housetraining: Encourages potty training.
• Behaviour: Reduces destructive behaviours.

Crate Training Tips

To make crate training a positive experience:
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour with treats and praise.
• Gradual Introduction: Start with short periods and gradually increase time.
• Comfortable Environment: Provide soft bedding and favourite toys.
• Consistent Routine: Establish a regular crate schedule.
• Avoid Punishment: Never use the crate as punishment.

Choosing the Right Crate
• Size: Choose a crate that's just big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Material: Consider hard-sided crates for durability and portability, or soft-sided crates for convenience.

Remember:
• Patience is Key: Don't expect instant results.
• Consistency is Crucial: Stick to the routine.
• Positive Associations: Make the crate a happy place.

By following these tips, you can successfully crate train your dog and create a harmonious home for both you and your furry companion.

03/11/2024

💛🐾 It’s Yellow Week, Westside Paws crew! 🐾💛

Here’s what we’re diving into this week:

🔄 Go Around, Side Sit
⬆️⬇️ Stand, Drop, Rollover
🤝 What is Socialisation?
🐕 Understanding Canine Body Language – Check out the attachments and videos!
🤲 Handling & Desensitisation – Conditioning and lots of touching!
🌍 Environmental Enrichment

Let’s keep training fun and productive! Access Yellow Week here:
👉 www.westsidepaws.com.au/yellow

Keep up the awesome work! 🐾💛

01/11/2024

31/10/2024

Heads up! 🐾

Westside Paws will be temporarily closed from the 12th to the 27th of November. Both our shop and training activities will be on hold during this period, so it's a good time to stock up on your doggie goodies now!

Stay tuned for updates!

31/10/2024

Halloween can be a spooky and exciting time for humans, but it can also be a stressful experience for our furry friends. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe and happy during the festivities:

1. Create a Safe Space:
Designate a quiet room where your dog can retreat from the noise and commotion.
Make sure the room is comfortable with their favorite bed, blanket, and toys.

2. Minimise Stressors:
Keep your dog away from the front door to avoid startling them with unexpected knocks and rings.
Consider using calming aids like pheromone sprays or calming treats.
Play soft music or white noise to mask external sounds.

3. Avoid Risky Treats:
Keep Halloween candy and other human treats out of reach. Chocolate, in particular, can be toxic to dogs.
Stick to their regular diet and avoid giving them table scraps.

4. Be Cautious with Costumes:
If you decide to dress up your dog, ensure the costume is comfortable, well-fitting, and doesn't restrict their movement or vision.
Monitor them closely to make sure they're not stressed or uncomfortable.

5. Watch for Signs of Stress:
Pay attention to your dog's behaviour. Signs of stress may include excessive barking, panting, trembling, or hiding.
If you notice any signs of distress, remove them from the situation and provide a calm environment.

6. Keep Them Safe Outdoors:
Take your dog out for their walk well before the trick or treaters come out.
Have a safe place away from the front of the house.
Keep your eyes open for any dangerous decorations or dropped treats that they might ingest.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your furry friend has a safe and happy Halloween.

31/10/2024

Pawsitively Exciting News! 🐾

We're heading to the Cherry Lake Market this Sunday, 3 November, from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Pop down and claim your Swappa Subscription Treats! We also have Roo tails up for grabs at only $6 each!

See you there!

30/10/2024

For all those puppy clients that want to further their training get into Mundy Dogs rookies class!

27/10/2024

Don't miss out on this Halloween spooky deal! Enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50 until 31 October only.

Shop now and use the code SPOOKYSHIP at checkout to treat your furry friend to something special: www.westsidepaws.com.au/shop

27/10/2024

❤️🐾 It’s Red Week, Westside Paws fam! 🐾❤️

Here’s what we’re focusing on this week:

👇 Drop/Down Position
🎯 Touch & Target Training
📛 Name Recognition
🎁 Give Article & Preventing Resource Guarding
🦮 Harnesses & Leads
👀 Watch

Jump in and start training your pup now! Access Red Week here:
👉 www.westsidepaws.com.au/red

Let’s keep those paws moving! 🐾🔥

26/10/2024

🎉 FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50! 🎉

Did you know Westside Paws has a little online, and physical shop? 🐾

Open Mondays 930-5pm and most other days by appointment.
13 Butler Road, Altona North - just behind Bunnings.

We stock all the fun things for your furry friends, from Christmas advent calendars 🎄 to natural dog treats, leads, harnesses, toys, LickiMats, Kongs... and the list goes on! 🦴🐕

Check out our range and grab something special for your pup! If you have any questions, feel free to DM me. 😊

🛒 Shop now and enjoy FREE shipping with code SPOOKYSHIP 🛒

Offer ends 31st October – don't miss out! 👻

23/10/2024

The gorgeous Thor for attention

A lovely student from Point Cook is conducting research about dog parks for her school assignment. She asked me to share this on her behalf as she doesn't have social media.

Please consider filling it in.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMCJCjnsyX-YQ6_9oDN541Pv8lIAn8Wz-BmSnPZN5V9HWRlw/viewform?usp=sf_link

22/10/2024

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your family? 🐶❤️

Before you bring home a new pup, it's important to carefully consider several factors to ensure a happy and harmonious home. Read on and have a grasp of some useful tips.

Ready to take the plunge? Let's find the perfect match for your family!

22/10/2024

It's a beautiful sunny day outside! ☀️ But remember, the exceptionally warmer weather can be challenging for our furry friends.

Here are some important tips:

- Avoid walking in direct sun: The heat can be especially dangerous for dogs with squishy faces, senior dogs, puppies, and those with heart conditions. Test the pavement temperature with your hand before allowing your pet to walk on it.
- Find shady spots to hang out: Seek out shade whenever possible, especially during the hottest parts of the day. This could include sitting under trees, in the shade of buildings, or using a portable shade structure.
- Provide water: Leave a bowl of water out for birds and a stick for insects to land on for a drink.
- Don't play ball: Vigorous activity can quickly lead to heatstroke in dogs, especially those with short snouts, such as bulldogs or pugs.
- Use cooling mats or towels: Place these in your pet's resting areas to help them stay cool.
- Never leave pets in the car: Even for a short period of time, cars can heat up quickly, especially on hot days.
- Keep an eye out for snakes: They are out in full force now with the warmer weather.

Let's look after all the animals in this warm weather. Together, we can make a difference! 🐾❤️

21/10/2024

Good day everyone!

Westside Paws is open for business today from 1-5pm, so feel free to pop by and grab anything you need from the shop.

Also, don't forget to sign up for our social sessions! We've got some exciting things planned for this week!

Tonight at 6 pm
Thursday, 24 October at 5 pm
Saturday, 26 October at 1:30 pm

Sign up here: https://www.westsidepaws.com.au/puppysocialsession

See you!

20/10/2024

💙🐾 It’s Blue Week, Westside Paws family! 🐾💙

We’ve got an awesome lineup of topics for you and your dogs to dive into:

🤝 Shake Hands & Chin
🧘‍♂️ Impulse Control
🎾 Toys
👋 Generalising Cues & Hand Signals/Removing the Lure
👦🐕 Kids & Dogs
🚫 Leave It
💔 Separation Training
🏠 Crate Training

Let’s get started! Log in now and work through Blue Week at your own pace:
👉 www.westsidepaws.com.au/blue

Can’t wait to see the progress! 🐾💙

20/10/2024

So much fun!

20/10/2024

🌟 Hey clients, friends and family alike 🌟

This week I’m taking on a challenge to walk 50km in support of Destiny Rescue, an incredible organisation that rescues children from human trafficking.

If you’ve got a couple of dollars to spare, I’d be so grateful for your support. Even donating your coffee money for the week could make a huge difference and help get kids out of terrible situations.

Let’s make an impact together! 💛

You can donate here: https://www.treadontrafficking.com.au/jazz-judge

Thanks so much for any help you can give! 🙏

Tread On Trafficking: Bringing hope and freedom to trafficked and exploited children, one step at a time.

18/10/2024

Westside Paws Halloween Tip: Keep Treats Out of Reach

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can be tempted by the sweet scent of Halloween candy. To prevent accidental poisoning, ensure all treats are stored in a secure location out of reach of your furry friend. Consider using airtight containers or placing treats in high cabinets.

FACT: A larger portion of a dog's brain is dedicated to processing smells, enabling them to interpret and analyse scents with incredible precision.

Remember, a little prevention can go a long way in keeping your pet safe and healthy during the Halloween season.

18/10/2024

Stormy Weather Tips for Dogs: Here are some tips to help your dog feel safe and comfortable during stormy weather:

- Create a safe space: Provide a quiet, secure space for your dog to retreat to, such as a crate or a small room.
- Play calming music: Classical or soft music can help soothe your dog's nerves.
- Provide a comforting toy: A favourite toy or chew can help distract your dog and provide comfort. Introduce chewing a bully stick or licking a licki mat.
- Introduce Essential Oils:
Essential Oils provide extra calm and comfort for dogs during bad weather. DoTerra Frankincense works wonders and smells pleasant.
- Stay calm yourself: Dogs can sense our emotions, so it's important to remain calm and reassuring.

Remember, every dog reacts differently to storms. Be patient and understanding and do what works best for your furry friend.

15/10/2024

Considering a raw food diet for your furry friend? 🐶🥩Before making the switch, it's important to understand the key factors for a successful transition:

- Consult a Pet Nutritionist: If you are out of your depth and feel like you need to understand more before you change - They can help you create a personalised diet plan that meets your dog's specific nutritional needs, considering factors like age, breed, and activity level. A professional can ensure your dog receives the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals whether that be via pre-made food or setting a plan for you to make it yourself.

- Prepare your dog's gut: A healthy digestive system is crucial for absorbing nutrients from a raw diet. Consider incorporating probiotics or digestive enzymes into their routine to support gut health and minimise discomfort during the transition. We recommend starting this 2 weeks prior to your change to avoid diarrhea and tummy upsets.

- Transition gradually: Abrupt changes in diet can upset your dog's digestive system. Introduce raw food slowly over a period of 2 weeks, gradually increasing the portion size while decreasing the amount of their previous food. This allows their body to adjust and adapt to the new nutrients and digestive processes.

- Prioritise quality and balance: Not all raw foods are created equal. Avoid supermarket options and opt for reputable sources that prioritise the quality and freshness of ingredients. A balanced raw diet should include a variety of meats, organs, bones, and vegetables to provide your dog with a complete range of essential nutrients.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. It's important to monitor your dog's health and adjust the diet as needed.

15/10/2024

Countdown to Christmas with Westside Paws' "Laila and Me" Advent Calendar! 🐶🎄

Spoil your furry friend with 24 days of delicious, 100% Australian-sourced pet treat samples. Discover a variety of flavors and textures that will keep your pup's tail wagging all season long. Get yours here: https://www.westsidepaws.com.au/shop/p/lailaandmeadventcalendar

Pre-order now and make this Christmas extra special for your four-legged friend. Free local pickup available the first week of November! Standard shipping only $15 within Australia.

14/10/2024

A healthy gut is crucial for a smooth transition to raw diet. CanineCeuticals' Gut Health products can help your dog enjoy all the benefits of raw food without the digestive upset.

Why is a healthy gut important?

- Better nutrient absorption: A healthy gut helps your dog's body absorb essential nutrients from their food, promoting overall health and well-being.
- Stronger immune system: The gut is a major part of the immune system. A healthy gut helps your dog fight off infections and diseases.
- Improved digestion: A healthy gut can help prevent digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.

CanineCeuticals' Gut Health products are specially formulated to support your dog's digestive health and promote a smooth transition to a raw diet.

Visit https://canineceuticals.com.au/?ref=westsidepaws&utm_af= and
use the code WSPAWS for a discount! 🐾