Training Tails Inc

23/11/2024

A new study shows that core strength training and conditioning may help dogs, especially canine athletes avoid knee injuries. Here's how to do it at home.

20/11/2024

18/11/2024

I want to be clear. I am NOT discounting the serious issues we have with dog overpopulation and dog homelessness. I am very grateful to all the dedicated and hardworking people in shelters and rescues.

What I hope for is that we will change the practice of how we sterilize rescue dogs so we can prevent the unnecessary disease, suffering and heartbreak caused by the absence of s*x hormones.

O***y Sparing Spay (OSS) and vasectomy are the procedures that can be done in place of the conventional spay and neuter and based on research, they are safer and prevent a whole array of issues.

12/11/2024

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

Today is a day of honouring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in the First World War.

🇨🇦 ⛑️ 🐕

09/11/2024

Is It Necessary to Regularly Repeat Canine Core Vaccines? 🤔

A recent research into antibody titer testing indicates that vaccine-induced immunity 💉🐕 against canine parvo, distemper and adenovirus is durable, and that these tests are valuable as a measure of immunity. ✅ The results further support the use of antibody titers to assess whether a vaccine booster is needed. 👍

Head over to today’s free article (linked below) to learn more about the study findings.

04/11/2024

How to Lower Your Pet’s Exposure to Pool Chemicals 🛑

While it may be too chilly in many areas for a dip in the pool, keeping these safety tips in mind will help you and your pet stay prepared for warmer days ahead. ✅ From pre-swim prep to reducing chemical exposure and post-swim care, learn more in today’s free article, linked below. 🌊

02/11/2024

Pumpkin isn’t just for the spooky season. It’s also a year-round natural remedy for pets’ tummy troubles! 🎃👌

Remember: Always offer your pet 100% plain, pure pumpkin – NOT pumpkin pie filling.

Check out today’s free article (link in comments) to learn more benefits of adding real pumpkin to your pet’s meals.

31/10/2024

Happiest of Halloweens from our Training Tails team to yours! 🎃

Posted in the infographic below are a few pet safety tips for when (or if) you are taking your fur babies out tonight to get some candy & to have some fun! 🍭🕷️🧡

Have any questions or concerns? As always, you know where to find us. 📱 📧

30/10/2024

It's that time of year again - when people yell at strangers on the internet about proper pumpkin care and wildlife health.

Things to consider this spooky season regarding your delicious orange porch snack, aka, your decorative pumpkin:

✨ Remember: Critters will likely eat (or at least nibble on!) your carved jack-o’-lanterns. Squirrels, raccoons, deer, moose, foxes, mice and insects might feast on the tasty treat you left out near your front door. “How nice of you!” they probably think as they eat their weight in slimy pumpkin goodness.
✨ Painted pumpkins can make for an easier way to create a fun or creepy jack-o'-lantern. However, a painted pumpkin can potentially be toxic to wildlife if they eat it. If you choose to paint your pumpkin, please keep it indoors and away from any critters who might feast on its painted flesh. You can also explore nontoxic paint options made with natural ingredients when possible.
✨ In recent years, social media users have posted various “tricks” to keep a carved pumpkin from rotting so quickly. Keep in mind that letting nature take its course is always an option. Carved pumpkins are eventually going to decompose one way or another. Always follow the directions of any product you’re applying to a pumpkin for your safety and others’ (including wildlife!).

Check out the comments to see more tips on how to keep pumpkins safe for wildlife.

Graphic by USFWS

24/10/2024

Does Your Dog Have Lumps and Bumps? 🐕 Here’s What You Need to Know 👇

Lumps and bumps are common in dogs of any age and breed. They’re often benign and nothing to worry about. However, knowing the difference between a cyst and a tumor is helpful and whether a sudden, unfamiliar growth can be left alone or needs to be removed.

Today’s free article talks about the key differences between a cyst and a tumor. Click the link in the comments for access. 👇

21/10/2024

To learn more about adult blacklegged ticks and the risk they pose to you and your family, open this link (https://bit.ly/aboutBLTs), then click your region on the map and scroll down to see when these ticks are active in your area.

21/10/2024

❌ Blankets ❌ ✅ Straw ✅

We see it so much. Wonderful, well-meaning and compassionate people putting out totes to offer some shelter from the elements to outdoor cats. They will line their totes with a warm and cozy blanket or cat bed, thinking they are helping. This post cannot be shared enough.

17/10/2024

🐾There are some methods that may seem logical on the surface, but can have unintended consequences when it comes to teaching dogs what we think is ‘good’ behaviour.

One common approach I’ve noticed people do is holding their dog by the collar and asking them to sit. If the dog doesn’t respond the owner pushes their bum down forcing them to sit. While it might seem like this gives you control, it can backfire by causing stress, anxiety, and worsening your dog’s behaviour – and it may also cause discomfort or pain by forcing them with your hand into the sit position.

Let me explain why physically holding a dog in place isn’t helpful and what you can do instead...

The Problem with Physical Restraint: It Increases Stress!

From the dog’s perspective, being held by the collar restricts their ability to make choices, particularly in situations they find stressful. Dogs naturally find ways to feel safe, and one of their primary coping strategies is to increase distance AWAY from something that feels like a threat. When you take away that option by physically restraining them, it can trigger stress and discomfort.

Imagine feeling cornered with no way to move – this is what many dogs experience when held tightly. The more restricted they feel, the higher their stress levels can become.

🔴Loss of Control Fuels Anxiety and Reactivity...

Just like humans, dogs feel more secure when they have control over their interactions. When a dog loses that control—especially in the presence of a trigger, like a strange person or another dog—it can lead to heightened anxiety.

This anxiety can manifest as reactivity, such as barking, growling, or lunging. What looks like 'bad behaviour' to us is often a dog’s way of expressing that they feel overwhelmed and unsafe.
In these moments, holding your dog still adds fuel to the fire. They’re already stressed, and now they have no way to escape the situation. This makes them more likely to react aggressively or develop a pattern of reactivity in the future.

🔴The Impact of Blocking Natural Coping Behaviours...

Dogs have their own natural coping strategies, including moving or looking away from the trigger (avoidance), sniffing the ground, yawning, shake-off, pacing, or licking their lips to self-soothe. These actions help them regulate their emotions and feel safer. But when we stop them from engaging in these behaviours by holding them by the collar, we remove the tools they need to manage their stress.

This sense of being trapped can escalate fear or frustration, leading to an even stronger reaction. If a dog feels they have no way out, their behaviour can quickly spiral, creating more long-term issues.

🔴Adding to Their Vulnerability...

When you hold a dog in place physically, you increase their sense of vulnerability. They now have two things to worry about—the trigger they were already reacting to and the fact that they can’t move. Even dogs with a generally friendly temperament can start feeling defensive when restrained, especially if they’ve had negative experiences in the past.

This is why some dogs may bark, snap, or lunge even more intensely when held by the collar. Their behaviour isn’t about disobedience—it’s a desperate attempt to protect themselves from what feels like a threatening situation.

🟢Positive Alternatives of What to Do Instead…

Rather than relying on physical restraint and forcing a sit give your dog distance AWAY from the trigger. Allowing them space helps de-escalate a potentially tense situation and helps them feel safer, reducing the chances of a reactive response.

Gradually expose your dog to their triggers from a comfortable distance—far enough that they notice the trigger but don’t react. This isn’t about your dog focusing on you; instead, you want them to visually engage with the trigger and calmly process it. When they stay relaxed while observing, reward them to build positive associations. Over time, this helps reduce their reactivity.

A well-fitted ‘Y’ shaped harness with a handle allows you to guide your dog gently without restricting their movement. It’s a safer and more comfortable alternative to holding their collar - which also puts pressure on the oesophagus and trachea.
helping
Training your dog isn’t about control—it’s about teaching them how to navigate the world with confidence and helping your dog develop the coping skills they are missing. Physical restraint, such as holding them by the collar, may seem like a quick fix, but it can actually undermine your training efforts and your dog’s trust in you.

If you're having difficulty managing a highly reactive dog, seek out a qualified force-free trainer in your area who uses science-based methods.

15/10/2024

15/10/2024

Dental scalings are not required if your pet's teeth are kept healthy and clean naturally.

KIBBLE DOES NOT CLEAN TEETH - I DARE YOU TO EAT DRY CEREAL DAILY AND SEE IF IT DOES!

Bones are considered nature's toothbrush. They allow your dog or cat to tear, rip, and bite using all their carnivorous traits to clean their teeth. The meat on bones will act as a floss to clean in between teeth, and the bones will be abrasive enough to scrub the tooth surface of plaque.

NO COOKED BONES NO MATTER WHAT. These have the ability to splinter and cause impactions or, worse, perforations.

Start small with chicken wing tips as pictured. They can be swallowed safely by adult dogs and cats, so don't freak out if that happens. Larger dogs will not chew these, so for them, you can start with necks.

Do not go from wingtip on day 1, then wings on day 2, etc, as you will cause dental damage. They need to have their jaw strength built up over time to handle more complex bones. So stick with the 1 type of bone for a few days before progressing further.

My raw meaty bones online course has been created with you in mind. To help you start introducing bones the right way so you can become confident in serving bones. Comment BONES for the course link.

__________________________
I'm V, a pet nutrition coach helping parents learn more about how to feed their pets for better health and wellness. Based in RSA, but working globally. I work with kibble, cooked, raw, and hybrid diets.

🌎 Online consultations via Zoom
💻 Online courses via Thinkific
📝 Recipe formulations
🥩 Home cooked food guidance

07/10/2024

4 Ways You May Be Stealing Your Pup’s Joy During Walks 🐕🚶

Walks are one of the most important activities we share with our furry best friends. 🐶 Dogs need and love walks, gaining both mental and physical benefits. 🧠❤️ While some dogs can be difficult to walk, some pet parents might unknowingly make common mistakes that can dampen the experience. 👎

Check out the link below to learn how to make your walks more enjoyable for your pup. 🐶