Happy Feet Dog Training

08/25/2024

Disease is one of the reasons we caution against dog parks. It’s just not worth the risk.

A dog park in Butler County is reporting an exposure of canine parvovirus.

08/15/2024

Here’s a great example of how rewarded behavior will be repeated. Rewards don’t always have to be treats. The key to effective training is finding ways to reward the behaviors we want in a manner that our dogs find more appealing than not performing the behavior. It’s also important to remember that we don’t determine the value of a reward—the dog does. A reward is only effective if the dog finds it worthwhile. If your dog doesn’t want the reward for any given behavior, it’s not sufficient in that moment and context—try something else.

08/01/2024

Had so much fun evaluating Canine Good Citizen tests yesterday!

07/22/2024

Emergencies are never planned, and they often happen at the most inconvenient times. As a responsible dog owner, you should have this list handy at all times. Sometimes Google doesn’t pull up all the options right away, and it can take precious time to find them. I have this list printed at home but I also keep it in the notes on my phone so it is always accessible. Emergency vets often get overwhelmed and have high volumes of patients, so I always recommend calling first to find out wait times and your best options. One vet might be an hour drive away from you, but if the closer vet has a six-hour wait and the farther vet only has a three-hour wait, those two hours can make a significant difference for your pet. Additionally, if your dog has eaten anything potentially toxic, call the pet poison hotline on the way to the emergency vet. They will usually ask you to call anyway, so it can save you time and possibly help move you up the line when they triage you.

24hr vets with emergency services.

BluePearl Pet Hospital
Address: 807 Camp Horne Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Hours:
Open 24 hours
Phone: (412) 366-3400

MedVet Pittsburgh
Address: 2810 Washington Rd, McMurray, PA 15317
Hours:
Open 24 hours
Phone: (724) 717-2273

Veterinary Emergency Group
Address: 6244 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Hours:
Open 24 hours
Phone: (412) 690-0511

Avets
Address: 2674 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146
Hours:
Open 24 hours
Phone: (412) 373-4200

Not open 24hrs but still offers emergency walk in services.

Rainbow Veterinary Hospital
Address: 129 PA-168, Darlington, PA 16115
Hours:
Monday 9 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–10 PM
Thursday 9 AM–10 PM
Friday 9 AM–10 PM
Saturday 10 AM–10 PM
Sunday 10 AM–10 PM
Phone: (724) 843-5443

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care
Address: 560 McNeilly Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226
Hours:
Monday 9 AM–6 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–6 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–6 PM
Thursday 9 AM–6 PM
Friday 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday 9 AM–6 PM
Sunday Closed
Phone: (412) 998-9030

MedVet Mahoning Valley
Address: 2680 W Liberty St, Girard, OH 44420
Hours:
Monday 12–10 PM
Tuesday 12–10 PM
Wednesday 12–10 PM
Thursday 12–10 PM
Friday 12–10 PM
Saturday 12–10 PM
Sunday 12–10 PM
Phone: (330) 530-8387

07/04/2024

Happy Independence Day!!!! I hope everyone and their dogs has a happy and safe holiday 🐕🇺🇸🎆

06/17/2024

Be careful this week with your pups, it’s gonna be a hot one ☀️🔥! This is a great week to focus on indoor training, swimming and enrichment games to burn off your pups energy! 🏡🦴🐩

06/04/2024

Had a great time today renewing my Pet First Aid and CPR certification! 🐾 🏥 While much of the information was a review, I'm happy to keep my certification current and ensure my knowledge and skills are as up-to-date and fresh as possible. Safety is a top priority for me, and I am committed to always doing my best to keep my clients safe.

05/20/2024

Our client creates incredibly delicious cookies! If you're interested in supporting another small business, you have the option to either pick up your ordered cookies or have them shipped if the distance to her is too far. She specializes in making cookies that resemble your beloved pets, along with a variety of other stunning designs. Additionally, she offers a selection of doggie cookies. If you would you like more information or would like to place an order you can reach out to her on Facebook messenger or from her website https://www.whiskandfrostllc.com/

I have a few dozen doodle cookies available ready to ship out! PM me if interested.

04/07/2024

Some information for those of you wondering about your pets during the eclipse that is coming up in a few days.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – With a total solar eclipse coming on April 8, pet owners may be wondering how their animals will react and if they need to take any steps to ensure their safety. M. Leanne L…

04/05/2024

🐾 Is your furry friend anxious or queasy during car rides? 🚗 Check out this insightful article by Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT, on teaching your dog to ride in the car comfortably and happily. If you aren't comfortable addressing it on your own or encounter difficulties, rest assured that this is something we can work on together in our lessons. We have successfully helped clients with similar issues in the past. Say goodbye to car ride anxiety and motion sickness with these expert tips! 🐶💼

How do you prevent dog anxiety in car rides? Teach your dog to ride in the car calmly and comfortably to make travel easier for both of you.

03/31/2024

Happy Easter 🐣! Hopefully you and your pups had a wonderful holiday together today!

03/17/2024

03/12/2024

Food enrichment presents a fantastic opportunity to provide mental stimulation for your pup while also satisfying their natural instincts to forage and hunt for food. Here are some different ideas for food enrichment that you can experiment with to keep your dog entertained and fulfilled:

⌛Slow Feeders: Incorporate a slow feeder bowl into your dog's mealtime routine to prevent rapid eating and aid in digestion. These bowls feature obstacles or patterns that require your dog to eat more slowly, promoting healthier eating habits and preventing issues like bloat. By adding this element, you ensure not only mental stimulation but also better digestive health for your furry friend.

🐾 Snuffle Mats: Hide your dog's food or treats inside a snuffle mat, which is a mat made of fleece or other soft materials with lots of knots and crevices. Your dog will have to sniff and search through the mat to find their meal, engaging their natural sniffing and foraging instincts.

🌟 Treat Dispensing Toys: Load treat-dispensing toys like Kongs, West Paw, or other brand treat dispensing toys or dog puzzles with your pup's favorite treats or kibble. Your dog will have to work its brain to get the food out, providing a fun and rewarding challenge.

🥶 Frozen Treats: Whip up a mix of dog-friendly ingredients and kibble, pour it into ice cube trays or silicone molds, and pop it in the freezer. Your dog will have a blast licking and chewing their way through the icy puzzle, staying cool, as well as mentally and physically engaged!

🐶 Scatter Feeding: Instead of feeding your dog from a bowl, scatter their food or treats around the yard, around a room, or your whole home. Your dog will enjoy hunting for their food utilizing the natural instinct to forage, providing mental and physical stimulation.

Alternate between the different options to keep things fresh and exciting for your pup!

If you have a multi-dog household, separate them with barriers or in different rooms so they can each solve their puzzles at their own pace without feeling rushed or like their food could be stolen.

03/08/2024

My fortune cookie knows what’s up 🥠.
Have you practiced with your pup today?

03/04/2024

🐾 Artificial Sweetener Warnings for Dog Owners! 🐾

It's easy to be tempted by their adorable faces to share your snack with your dog. However it's crucial to remember that some artificial sweeteners, like Xylitol, can be toxic, while others may lead to digestive problems. Before indulging your furry friend with a treat, always take a moment to make sure you know what you are giving them is safe.

🚫 Beware of Xylitol: For the most part, the only artificial sweetener that is truly toxic to your dog is xylitol. I personally believe xylitol is extra dangerous because it is being added to things that we generally consider safe for our dogs, Like some ice creams, yogurts, and peanut butters.

Xylitol Dangers: Anything with xylitol in it is an absolutely do not feed this to your dog type food because even in small doses xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure, and death.

Other artificial sweeteners typically just cause gastrointestinal upset. It can be very tempting to share your snacks with your pups, but before you do, you should always check the labels to make sure you know what you are giving them, especially if you tend to buy sugar-free products. They are the most likely to contain artificial sweeteners.

Foods containing other artificial sweeteners may be perceived as safer options for your dog, but they are generally not regarded as healthy choices. However, if your dog happens to consume a small amount, it should be fine.

Moral of the Story: Always check the labels before you give it to your pup. Check out the article linked below for the full list of artificial sweeteners and their side effects. It's an article that was written for the AKC by veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, CVO.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/artificial-sweetener-safety-for-dogs/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_org&utm_campaign=20240303_posting&fbclid=IwAR2k7BdD2K2DSsBFAbFDgUno1IQes2s2zeFbvCtyd_IxbsYtAd6NPSWQ4aA

Feel free to share to spread awareness among fellow dog owners! 🐶💬

02/23/2024

🐾 Hey there, pet parents! 🐾

As much as I love sharing my knowledge and experience, I want to clarify that I'm not a veterinarian. However, I do receive plenty of questions about anesthesia, and I'm always happy to help where I can.

It's crucial to remember that your vet is your ultimate source of guidance when it comes to your furry friend's health. So, while I'm here to offer insights, I always recommend discussing any concerns or questions with your veterinarian directly.

For those seeking more information, the AKC has a great article on anesthesia that's definitely worth a read. Additionally, you can find fantastic resources on the American Veterinary Medical Association's website, which is linked in the aforementioned article.

Remember, knowledge is power, and you can never be too informed about your pet's well-being. Stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep those fur babies happy and healthy! 🐶

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-to-know-about-anesthesia/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_org&utm_campaign=20240211_posting&fbclid=IwAR2WsAFw7kJIDymvO3_c4L0AyflMkAO3iuCWxwgKhUSHNV8QUNYgZ4WyKAM_aem_AQn-5jgrk5LiEuEwaeX4vXu6x3IueVvMsXHmC-3zyAoLtY67zM3voZk7WhqThrHsDek

There's a risk involved any time your dog is under anesthesia for surgery. Here's what you need to know about potential dog anesthesia complications.

02/19/2024

Advocate for your puppy 🫵