Little Step Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

08/27/2024

🐈‍⬛🐈🐱 I thought it was fitting to post this wonderful review now since I'm having another "cats week".

4 cats of every colour this week. 1 with daily medication who is extremely cute (and who still seems to tolerate me! lol).

And that's not counting the kitties who briefly pop out to say "hi" at my regular dog walking clients.

I can't think of a better way to finish off a busy August and head into a busy September than with extra kitty demands. 💕

08/26/2024

Happy National Dog Day 2024!
Comment a photo of your dog 🐶

08/25/2024

Goofing around with my new camel friend.🐪 Emsdale Agricultural Society

08/23/2024

MAR is looking for placements for two barn/feral cats. Placement require include a heated barn or garage. If you can help, please email us at [email protected]. Please share with your community and let's get these cats a space to call their home. ❤

08/22/2024

ESSENTIAL ENRICHMENT

Imagine being kept in the same space each and every day. You know every blade of grass, every scent, every brick, every piece of fence. You have no books to read, no TV to watch, no one to talk to, no interaction with the outside world and absolutely nothing to do.

Would this situation begin to affect your behaviour and influence your emotional, mental or physical state? What about our dogs?

Many dogs live in this type of environment and yet we wonder why they develop behaviour problems, bark excessively, destroy the garden, become over excited, over aroused or maybe just shut down or sleep all day having completely lost interest in the world.

Many behaviour problems are caused by boredom, a lack of mental and physical stimulation or being confined to the same space every day.

Providing enrichment for dogs is so important for their wellbeing and really doesn’t require that much effort from us.

There are so many simple ways to provide enrichment. An online search for DIY enrichment ideas will provide lots of ideas.

Older dogs may enjoy a ride in the car, sitting at a window watching the world go by, bringing the outside in – sticks, cones, grass etc. from different areas placed in a box for them to rummage through and smell, dinner in the park, or even just playing some doggie music will make a difference.

“Chronic inescapable boredom can be extremely aversive, and under-stimulation can harm neural, cognitive and behavioral flexibility.” - A biological perspective on animal boredom and suggestions for its scientific investigation by Charlotte Burn - The Royal Veterinary College

Here are some links for enrichment ideas -
Enrichment ideas by Laura Gendron
https://missbehaviortraining.com/blog/diyenrichment

DIY boredom busting toys by Luke Balsam
https://wunderdogmagazine.com/care/awesome-diy-dog-toys-our-dog-trainer-made-some-boredom-busting-toys-and-you-can-too/

Link to a free introduction on ACE free work by Sarah Fisher -
https://animalcentrededucation.teachable.com/p/watch-this-space

08/21/2024

🗓 Overnight Stays are fully booked until the end of October 2024.

📍 Drop-in pet care and dog walking spots are still available.

📲 226-747-7381
📧 [email protected]

08/21/2024

Exploring and cooling off last week with this little man. 😍

It might feel like fall right now, but the hot days will be back before we know it! ☀️🍂

08/18/2024

Fluffy, Sleepy & Cozy - A Trilogy by McSweeny 🐱

Presented to you on this rainy Sunday. ☔️

08/14/2024

It's a girls/sisters week. All the boops for these cuties! 🥰😍😘

08/12/2024

Other duties as assigned = feeding and naming the garage kitties who show up at client homes 😂

Dori had some strong mewing opinions about my food service at first, but she quickly became a repeat customer. 😍

08/08/2024

Na na na na na na na na bat dog! 🦇🐕

08/06/2024

🐈‍⬛ The performance anxiety and imposter syndrome when you're being supervised by a black kitty is real. Lol

Am I actually supposed to be here?
Is my shoe untied?

😂🤣

08/04/2024

08/03/2024

☀️ Happy long weekend!

💤 Archie says, "Have fun and enjoy your favourite napping spots!"

07/31/2024

Hank says make sure you get my good side in the photo! 📸

07/27/2024

📍Openings in Sprucedale!

🗓 Monday & Thursday afternoons

🐶 $25 for 1 hour solo dog walks

Limited spots are available.

📲 226-747-7381
📧 [email protected]

07/24/2024

My Pearl. 😘

🐴 Yes, I will happily look after your horses while you are away, too.

🐴 OEF insured.

Cheers,
Avril

07/23/2024

Cash really wanted me to follow the chip truck sign on our trail walk. 😂🍟

07/22/2024

😎🌞🐶🥰

07/19/2024

Oh yes! 😂 www.haresandgrace.com 🇬🇧

07/19/2024

McSweeny says it's important to change your perspective every once in a while! 😍🥰🐱

07/17/2024

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

07/16/2024

Little Bear says some steps are bigger than others, and we all need a boost sometimes. Don't forget to ask for help when you need it! ❤️🐻

Don't worry, I got you Bear! 🥰

07/13/2024

Black and gold for days! 💕🐕🐈‍⬛☀️

07/09/2024

Hard to get a photo of this girl. She's black and moves fast! She seems to be getting less shy, but I'm also not new to her anymore. Oh, my heart. ❤️

07/07/2024

07/06/2024

Harley says don't let the rain get you down. The sun will be back before you know it! 🏍🌞

06/29/2024

🌈 Celebrating Pride Month? 🌈

While you’re out enjoying the festivities, Little Step Pet Care has got your back! We’re a proud LGBTQ+ ally in Burk's Falls, offering licensed and insured pet services. Don’t let your furry friend miss out on the fun!

We provide:
🐾 Drop-in pet care
🐕 Dog walks
🚜 Farm chores
🌙 Overnight stays

Your pet's happiness is our priority! 🌟

📲 Contact us at 226-747-7381
📧 Email us at [email protected]

06/28/2024

Happy long weekend! Stay safe, have fun, relax, and explore with your fur babies! 😎☀️

06/27/2024

❤️

Embracing love till the end. 💜
Here are steps to help prepare for pet euthanasia, ensuring a peaceful farewell for your cherished companion and yourself.