K9 Potential

24/12/2024

‘‘Twas the night before Christmas, Keira sat quiet as a mouse… to wish you all a very merry Christmas.

17/12/2024

I have just had to say my final goodbye to my dear beloved Shadow. This is not my first brush with grief, gosh, at my age, it would be unlikely. But the loss of a dog is hard. To be honest, I find it harder than losing a human. I don’t understand why that is maybe it's the animal's vulnerability, as in they rely on us for life really, and maybe we feel we let them down by not getting them through an illness.
He (Shadow) was not an easy dog. Life was structured around him pretty much, all dogs like routine, but he was next level. He had maybe PTSD and generalised anxiety. Came to me as a foster (at 6 months) as I was a trainer, and well, we are suckers for a challenge. This is perhaps what made him so affectionate to those close to him, so trusting, so loyal. So, as long as life carried on much the same as Groundhog Day, then all was fine. What now… doing the same brings on tears, but I have the other dog to consider, and I have to maintain her routine and try and be happy about it. After all, she deserves that.
Shadow went downhill quickly. To the vet Friday for an overnight stay and again on Monday.
His symptoms were increasing lameness, then no weight bearing on the left back leg (he had surgery in September), intermittent high temperature, a minor cough, and general lethargy. Then, it progressed to voice change, complete loss of appetite, and having to be carried out to go to the toilet, no voluntary walking. First, they tried pain relief and antibiotics, then Steroids (He had immune-mediated polyarthritis) and pain relief, at least his appetite came back, and this gave hope. But alas, false it was. There was some improvement, but not long. As of then, he was dropping condition and weight like nothing, by now, down to just over 16 kg from over 18kg, he was always a lean dog. This was hard to witness, stoking fur-covered bones, even on his head. To top it all, we had his last night when we had masses of rain; this was his PTSD trigger. He hardly slept nor did we. We were losing him, and now he was suffering. It's so hard to make that call, but it had to be done. What's nice now is that you can have a home ‘end of life’. For a dog like Shadow in particular that's such a relief and minimal stress, just be here with us and go to sleep, and now he is with all the other beloved pets, running free.
Some of you reading this will have lost pets and this may bring up your feelings of loss and grief again. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is no time limit on grief, it may be years and hearing about another loss will bring up your grief, this is normal, allow yourself a moment to remember, but try to remember the good times you had as well.
Now the healing begins my heart and sore my shoulder.

17/12/2024

A few of you here have your own assistance dog. This is a blog written by Veronica Sanchez, Tips to prepare for health fluctuations. Which, of course, we can all have too.

People with disabilities can have health changes that make training their service dog difficult. They may experience a health flare-up or require hospitalization. Situations like this can throw off even the best-laid training plans. While there is no way to predict and prepare for every circumstance...

14/11/2024

Just made another video for YouTube
If you have a dog on limited movement then this is for you. Or you can use as step one 1️⃣ of precision heeling
,

Teach a dog to easily and quickly get into a Heel position, using mats or platforms. Can be good for entertaining your dog if they are on restricted movement...

14/11/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fmiUVEG83KW7SJ7j/?mibextid=WC7FNe

THEORY THURSDAY - dog body language

Understanding how dogs are feeling by interpreting their body language is essential for us when living and training with them. PPGA member Mel Ritterman of Cooper and Kids penned this article with some great tips on "reading dog".
https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Understanding-Dog-Body-Language

While you're there check out the left-hand nav for other great resources for pet owners :)

12/11/2024

Anyone after this little cutie

https://www.facebook.com/share/uegb8ouFQwZ3gxb9/?mibextid=WC7FNe

💙 Perry 💙

I am 1 year old

Perry is located in Bracken Ridge, QLD

Kid Friendly – older children (8+ years)
Dog Friendly – Yes
Cat Friendly – untested
Toilet Trained – Yes

Find out more about me here:
https://www.savour-life.com.au/adopt-a-dog/search-now/view/85415 💙

19/10/2024

Nice looking dog

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/NjeV2iz55M2XvkGr/?mibextid=WC7FNe

*Taking Adoption Inquiries*

Honey

Located: Carbrook, QLD
Breed: Possibly Jack Russell Terrier cross Cattle Dog
Colour: White and Tan
DOB: Approx. 10/06/2024
S*x: Female
Dog Friendly: Yes
Cat Friendly: Slow introductions
Child Friendly: Yes
Medical issue: NA
Entry to Rescue: 10/10/24
Vet Work: Microchipped, Desexing, Vaccinations, Worming and Flea Treated
Adoption Fee: $595

Meet Honey, a spirited 4-month-old pup bursting with energy and curiosity! This intelligent little lady is a quick learner, eager to soak up every bit of training you throw her way. Honey loves to play and explore, making her the perfect companion for an active family. While she’s still figuring out her relationship with cats, she’s incredibly friendly and great with kids. If you’re looking for a playful and loving addition to your home, Honey is ready to embark on new adventures with you!

*Adopting a puppy can require extra dedication, patience, and love. It's essential to remember that puppies need ongoing training and socialization to grow into well-adjusted dogs*

If you would like to meet Honey please email the rescue at [email protected] or pm the Silver Lining Pet Rescue Inc page.

BIN 0000510317158

17/10/2024

Currently up . North Queensland
Seeing Assistance Dogs

15/10/2024

TAIL

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/YtfhGezjHXCdcUVx/?mibextid=N9fs7i

09/10/2024

Let them sniff

In this video, we explore the fascinating world of a dog's sense of smell and explain why sniffing is so essential for your pup. From why dogs sniff butts an...

04/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/9mRyTHXG8aXR3yMj/?mibextid=WC7FNe

04/10/2024

Open for business
Check out our new vests

01/10/2024

Some tips for dog owners

Want to build a stronger bond with your dog and create a happier, calmer home environment life for them? You're in the right place! In this video, we reveal ...

30/09/2024

Two books to recommend

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/HhGpoaYw8ApBsjH9/?mibextid=WC7FNe

27/09/2024

Wow

Roni Sagi & Rhythm are performing a routine that's all about self-acceptance! Roni and her dancing dog Rhythm perform to "Scars To Your Beautiful" by Alessia...

27/09/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY
Have you fallen victim to an attack of the furry land shark?

Puppy biting is a normal behaviour. So why do they do it and what can we do?

🐶Biting is a normal part of playing with their siblings and to them a lot of fun. When we play with our puppy, they will grab at us to get us to play. Teach them how to play with us appropriately by redirecting to a toy like a soft tug toy.

🐶Puppies learn about their environment by putting everything in their mouth
Provide management such as pens/barriers to prevent access to unsuitable things like your shoes, the power cords, your un**es...... Also give them suitable options to chew and play with (think toilet rolls with dried treats to rip up, chews, frozen treats and treat dispensers)

🐶Make sure they get enough sleep. Often tired puppies tend to bite and mouth more than puppies who get enough down time. Set up a designate area for your puppy where they can rest and play. Puppy pens are great for this.

🐶Avoid Rough housing (grabbing, holding their mouth or playing with our hands) is not the best way to interact with our puppies. This just encourages biting and mouthing. We can play tug with a squeaky toy or a tug toy but this should not be our main game. Teaching tricks, such as shake or roll over, basic obedience, playing hide and seek or bring a toy back might be more appropriate.

🐶Should your puppy bite you – by definition any teeth on skin – stop the interaction, ask for a calm behaviour and redirect to something they are allowed to chew.
With patience and persistence, your puppy will understand that mouthing or biting will stop the game but keeping their teeth to themselves will get them the playtime they enjoy.