Jordan Dog Training

26/01/2025

https://jordandogtraining.com.au/advice-great-family-dog/

A great family dog is a wonderful thing, but it doesn't happen by accident. Justin Jordan reveals some tips on how to train your dog into the role of family member.

25/01/2025

Just sharing the love of some of last weeks puppy school graduates.

22/01/2025

Why Do Dogs Shake Their Heads When Picking Up a Toy?

Ever noticed your dog grabbing their favourite toy and giving it a dramatic shake? It’s a behaviour that might seem amusing, but it’s deeply rooted in instinct and communication!

In the wild, shaking prey was a survival tactic, designed to disable or kill. While our dogs are far from their wild ancestors, this instinct remains. When your pup picks up and shakes a toy, they’re often just tapping into their natural behaviours, mimicking what their ancestors did.

But it’s not just about instincts—head-shaking can also be a sign of excitement and playfulness. It’s your dog’s way of saying, “I’m having so much fun!”

However, if your dog is excessively shaking their head without toys or showing signs of discomfort, it could point to an ear issue or irritation. Always keep an eye on their overall behaviour and check with your vet if something seems off.

Does your dog have a quirky toy-shaking habit? Share their antics below! We’d love to hear all about it.

20/01/2025

Red Dog, another trip to Warwick today.

He is a country dog at heart.

19/01/2025

Yup!

18/01/2025

15/01/2025

Share a photo.

What’s a Sploot?

Red Dog—one of our amazing helpers at Puppy School—in the perfect sploot after class tonight

A sploot is when a dog stretches their back legs out behind them while lying down, giving off ultimate relaxed vibes. While any dog can sploot, it’s often seen in flexible pups who love to stretch out. Some dogs prefer a ‘half sploot’ with one leg tucked under, while others, like Red Dog, go all out with the full stretch!

Splooting can be a sign of healthy hips and good flexibility, but not all dogs do it—and that’s completely fine! What matters most is that they’re comfortable and moving freely.

Does your dog love to sploot?

Show us in the comments below—we’d love to see your photos!

13/01/2025

Vets Warn of a Rise in Tick Risk: Protect Your Pets Now

With southeast Queensland facing its worst paralysis tick season in nearly a decade, veterinarians and Jordan Dog Training are urging pet owners to stay alert and take preventive measures to protect their pets. The recent combination of high humidity and warm temperatures has created ideal conditions for ticks to thrive, turning even suburban areas into hotspots for these dangerous parasites.

Why Ticks Are a Threat—Even in Suburbia
You don’t need to live in the bush for ticks to pose a danger. Many suburban backyards are prime habitats for paralysis ticks, thanks to visits from wildlife such as possums, scrub turkeys, bandicoots, and blue-tongue lizards. These animals can carry ticks into your yard, where they can latch onto your pets.

Ticks aren’t just a nuisance; they are potentially fatal. Paralysis ticks inject a toxin that can cause progressive paralysis, respiratory distress, and even death if untreated. Unfortunately, the risk is growing, with Petbarn’s PetWatch classifying nearly every suburb in southeast Queensland as under “extreme” risk.

What Does a Tick Look Like?
Ticks may be small, but they’re highly dangerous. Paralysis ticks are typically grey, light brown, or bluish in colour and range from the size of a pinhead to a small pea when fully engorged. Because of their small size, they can be easy to miss, so regular checks are crucial.

Signs of Tick Paralysis to Watch For
Early detection is critical. If your pet displays any of the following symptoms, seek veterinary attention immediately:

Weakness, especially in the hind legs
Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or excessive panting
Vomiting or gagging
Change in voice (barking or meowing may sound different)
Loss of coordination, wobbliness, or inability to stand
Excessive drooling or lethargy
Paralysis or collapse in severe cases
These symptoms can develop over several hours or days after a tick bite, so it's essential to remain vigilant, even if your pet appears well initially.

What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick on your pet:

Act immediately. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upwards with steady, even pressure.
Avoid twisting or squeezing the tick’s body, as this can release more toxins into your pet’s bloodstream.
Save the tick in a sealed bag or container for identification by your vet.
Seek veterinary attention immediately. Even if you successfully remove the tick, symptoms of paralysis can still develop after its removal.
Preventing Tick Bites: Key Tips
Prevention is always better than cure. Protect your pet by taking the following steps:

Tick Prevention Treatments: Use vet-recommended products like tick collars, spot-on treatments, or oral chews. Discuss the best options with your vet to ensure they're suitable for your pet.
Daily Checks: Inspect your pet’s body every day, especially if they’ve been outdoors. Focus on areas like around the ears, under the collar, between the toes, in the groin area, and under the tail.
Keep Your Yard Tidy: Trim overgrown vegetation, mow your lawn regularly, and remove leaf litter and debris where ticks may hide.
Avoid High-Risk Areas: During peak tick season, avoid walking your dog in bushland or long grass, especially in known tick hotspots.
Groom Regularly: Regular grooming not only keeps your pet looking good but also makes it easier to spot ticks.
At Jordan Dog Training, we encourage all pet owners to be proactive about their pet’s health and well-being, which includes staying on top of tick prevention.

Why Consult Your Vet?
Every pet is different, and so is their risk level. Jordan Dog Training recommends consulting your veterinarian for tailored advice on the best tick prevention products and strategies for your pet’s lifestyle. Your vet can also educate you on how to remove ticks safely and recognise the early signs of tick paralysis.

Don’t Delay: Ticks Can Be Deadly
Paralysis ticks are a life-threatening risk to pets, and the key to saving your pet’s life is prevention and quick action. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a tick or notice any signs of tick paralysis, don’t wait—contact your vet immediately.

11/01/2025

Jade Plant: A Hidden Danger for Dogs

The Jade plant (Crassula ovata), also known as the money plant or lucky plant, is a common household and garden plant in Australia. While it’s loved for its beauty and easy maintenance, it poses a significant risk to our dogs.

Why is the Jade Plant Dangerous?
The Jade plant is toxic to dogs if ingested. The exact toxin in the plant isn’t well-identified, but even a small amount can lead to distressing symptoms.

Symptoms of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs:
If your dog eats part of a Jade plant, you might notice:
• Vomiting
• Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Coordination issues
• Diarrhoea

What Should You Do?
If you suspect your dog has nibbled on a Jade plant:
1. Remove any plant material from their mouth.
2. Contact your vet immediately.
3. Monitor your dog closely for any worsening symptoms.

Prevention is Key
• Avoid having Jade plants in areas where your dog can reach them.
• If you do have Jade plants, place them out of reach or use pet-safe barriers.
• Educate visitors and family members about the plant’s toxicity.

Safe Alternatives
If you’re looking for dog-friendly plants, consider options like Boston ferns, Spider plants, or Areca palms, which are non-toxic and still bring greenery to your home.

Disclaimer:
This information is not veterinary advice. Always consult your pet’s vet for professional guidance specific to your dog’s health and safety.

By staying informed and proactive, you can help ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and safe in your home and garden.

11/01/2025

When we stop in at Samford Emergency Vet, Red insists on waiting in style!

Does your dog strut into the clinic like they own the place, or do they act like they’re auditioning for the lead role in The Great Escape?
We know every dog handles vet visits differently, and we’d love to hear all about it!

Share your photos or stories here, and let us know which clinic you visit – you might even give someone a new favourite vet recommendation!

Dog & Puppy Training, Puppy Schools and can help with Barking or Problem Dogs. Puppy Schools, Obedie

11/01/2025

What are you doing with your dogs on this rainy weekend, Share a photo.

10/01/2025

https://jordandogtraining.com.au/twenty-things-to-consider-before-you-decide-to-have-a-dog-join-your-family/