Bone Worx, LLC

11/02/2024

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween!!

10/14/2024

Let Go of the Past: Focus on Your Dog’s Present

Imagine if every introduction we received was tied to a tragic event from our past. It would shape how others perceive us, focusing on our wounds rather than who we are today. This is exactly what happens when we continually highlight our dog’s rescue story. While our furry friends embrace the present, we often cling to their past for them. 🐾

Dogs seek to live their best lives now, yet we remain fixated on their history. This mindset can lead to pity, not the rehabilitation and fulfillment they deserve.

Structure, routine, and relationships are essential for dogs, especially those with a difficult past.

If you were facing a tough time, would you prefer your friends to help you move forward or pity you? Let’s give our dogs the same respect. Provide them with the tools to thrive today, not just sympathy for yesterday. 💪

Looking to strengthen your bond with your dog? Start by focusing on the present and what you can build together. 🐶❤️

10/10/2024

I love this idea!

10/09/2024

Bone Worx, LLC has been named a 2024 Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave business. The annual awards program recognizes local businesses loved by neighbors. Selected by the volume of neighbor ‘Faves’ and recommendations on the platform from the past year, the Neighborhood Faves Awards recognize the most beloved local businesses on Nextdoor.

10/08/2024

I have a client looking for a Bassett Hound puppy by Christmas. Client is in the Beaverton area and may drive if the pick up is out of the area.
Please message me with any leads.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Thank you!!

10/07/2024

Did you know that 67% of dog owners have experienced leash reactivity with their dogs? And did you know that 80% of those cases involve medium to large breeds? Meet Leo, our newest member of the Bone Worx family, who fits right into that statistic. He's a two-year-old Boxer-Great Pyrenees rescue with a heart as big as his impressive 105 lbs frame!

Leo's journey hasn't been simple. Like many dogs, he has his quirks. Imagine having a powerful prey drive developed from surviving who knows how long on his own. It's a big challenge indeed, but it's nothing that we can't handle. 🐶

I am thrilled that Leo's guardians have reached out to me, seeking guidance on managing his leash reactivity and prey drive. After our productive meeting earlier this week, we've crafted a custom training plan. All essentials are ready, and training kicks off tomorrow!

Stay tuned for updates on Leo's progress. Let's give him a warm welcome and cheer him on as he embarks on this pawsitive journey! 🎉

10/07/2024

I had the chance to drop-in and check on Mando and Murphy. Dinner and some roomping in the back yard. These two are such loving dogs. ❤️

10/06/2024

Well, we are ready for the rain. Ramona gets a digging pit for inside. The outside sand pit is closed for the Summer. It is time to dust off the enrichment toys and prepare for more inside play.

10/04/2024

Achieving the Impossible: Jorja's Journey to Off-Leash Freedom

You have a dog, Jorja, full of exuberant energy, a powerhouse of a Boxer with a heart of gold. For almost two years, you and Jorja have dedicated yourselves to refining leash skills and mastering overall behavioral training. You have invested countless hours, patience, and perseverance into reaching an almost unimaginable goal—achieving "off-leash" walking status. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, but today, you stand victorious. This milestone is more than just a win; it's a testament to your unwavering dedication.

The Challenge

Training a large, energetic dog like Jorja is no small feat. Her powerful Boxer puppy energy can be challenging, and there were many days when you felt like giving up. Yet, each time you threw in the towel, you picked it back up, determined to start afresh the next day.

You committed to a training goal with your dog. You didn't rely on quick fixes or expect miracles overnight. You leaned into the training, heart, and soul because it's not just about "I" and "me" but about "we" and "us."

The Commitment

It takes dedication, consistency, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. It's about making those small, sometimes uncomfortable changes to achieve something greater.

Not everyone is willing to make those changes. Some guardians hesitate, unwilling to alter their routines or expectations. But you? You embraced the challenge. You committed to your dog's success and worked on it every single day. Because you understand that the more you practice, the better your bond and your dog's behavior will become.

The Victory

Today, you and Jorja have reached that coveted "off-leash" walking status. It's a moment of triumph, a reward for all those early mornings and late nights of training. And it's a journey that sets an example for new dog guardians everywhere.

By investing the time and showing dedication, you've not only improved Jorja's behavior but also strengthened your bond. You've proven that with persistence, even the seemingly impossible can be achieved.

Now, it's your turn. Embrace the journey, and soon, you'll be celebrating your own amazing achievements like Jorja and her guardian.

10/04/2024

Ramona the Brave has grown up fast! She is just two and a half years old and sassy. She’s figured out all the enrichment toys, where to stash loose socks she “finds,” and how to disappear when it's time to put on her harness. She goes 100 mph, hits a wall, and is out. She gets up and does it all over again. What would life be like if there weren't any dogs? ❤️

10/04/2024

10/02/2024

The next time you’re in your dog’s mouth (you do brush his or her teeth, right?) notice the bump on the roof of his mouth just behind the two front middle teeth? It’s called the ‘incisive papilla,” and near the center of it is a hole that leads to a duct that leads to the “Jacobson’s organ.” The Jacobson’s organ is a very cool thing. Put in “See Spot Run” terms, it allows your dog to literally taste the air by combining taste and smell.

Dogs use their Jacobson’s organ to experience sexual markers (pheromones) left behind by other dogs via urine, or when coming across the scent of a female in season. While dogs don’t have a Flehmen response seen in many other animals (throwing back the head, and raising or curling the upper lip which helps open the entry slits into Jacobson’s Organ), dogs will “chatter their teeth” instead. A dog might hold his mouth in a quasi-open position that looks a little like a grin, or he might even lick the air. And you thought he was just happy to see you.

One theory holds that the Jacobson’s Organ could account for a dog’s ability to identify and recognize other animals and people. It’s also believed that it’s this organ that enhances a newborn’s ability to find its mother.

10/02/2024

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09/25/2024

If I missed you last month, I hope I find you today.

I’ve received many requests from people who want to be added to the Bone Worx newsletter. If you’d like to join me on a humorous and educational journey, send me your email address, and I’ll add you to the list.

I can never do things seriously; I’m serious. 🤣

09/24/2024

Do Coyotes Attack Dogs?

In the grand scheme of things, coyotes are the ultimate opportunists. They’re like the scavenger hunt champions of the animal world, always on the lookout for their next meal. Their diet varies from small mammals to fruits and, occasionally, pets.

In the wild hierarchy, coyotes have street smarts. They’re savvy, stealthy, and surprisingly adaptable. Our canine buddies, on the other hand, prefer belly rubs and gourmet kibble over fending off wild predators. They view the world with a blend of curiosity and territorial pride.

Now, the question here is, can dogs be a part of the occasional pet buffet of coyotes?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. But before you start building a protected castle for your doggy, you must understand the what’s, why’s, and how’s of this.

The coyote is the American Jackal, the prairie wolf, or the brush wolf. It belongs to the dog family and is like a small, lighter wolf version. It can be found throughout the United States and Canada. These animals are nocturnal and come with highly efficient hunting skills. They usually go for carrion, birds, rabbits, small deer, prairie dogs (and other small rodents), and snakes. They are carnivorous creatures but may also resort to eating fruits and vegetables in the absence of meat.

Will Coyotes Attack Dogs?

While humans are usually safe from coyotes as they have an intrinsic fear of us, dogs, especially small ones, are prone to coyote attacks. From April to August, coyotes begin to have their puppies. This calls for active hunts to provide for their young ones. You may even see more coyote attacks on small pets during winter. They even tend to move towards human settlements in search of prey. And our pets often get on their list.

Coyotes are attracted to and can mate with unspayed or unneutered domestic dogs as well. Even unspayed female dogs in season will attract male coyotes and unneutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. There have been cases of male dogs being lured by the female coyote’s scent and killed by male coyotes. Your dog’s f***s can also attract these predators into your yard.

In a city, coyotes are more likely to encounter small pets like cats and dogs as compared to rodents and rabbits. Unattended dogs are highly at risk here. Coyotes can jump fences depending on the height and easily enter backyards. They might also view your dog as prey at the park or in other settings. And the attacks may not just end with a few scratches on your dog. They will most likely kill the dog and eat them.

Don’t start worrying just yet. We’ve got a solution for you to avoid coyote attacks on your beloved pets.

How Do Coyotes Bite Marks on Dogs Look Like?

Coyotes typically hunt from behind. They stalk their prey for some time and attack at a time when they feel the prey is most vulnerable.

If your dog has been prey to a coyote attack, you may see bite marks and blood on their body. The areas of the dog’s body most prone to attack are the neck and the throat. They will leave punctured wounds that are deep and severe. You may see blood on the dog’s body and/or missing fur from the attacked part.

But these signs are possible even in case of an attack by a large domestic dog or even a cat. To differentiate a coyote bite from others, you must look for wounds that are larger, deeper and seem more severe. You may also see drag marks and other signs of struggle here.

What to do if a Coyote Attacks Your Dog?

If you see any of the above-mentioned signs on your dog or if you yourself witness a coyote attacking your dog, you must straight away run to a vet. The vet may start by cleaning the wound and then administering a few antibiotics. A rabies vaccine booster dose may also be needed in case the vet feels so.

Do Coyotes Attack Dogs in the Daytime?

Coyotes are typically nocturnal animals, meaning that they are active during the night. So, it’s not very common for them to attack dogs during the day. However, food scarcity, pup protection during the breeding season, fear of human encroachment, etc. can have them active in the daytime as well. This can make them potentially aggressive, leading to attacks on our pets.

How to Prevent Coyote Attacks on Dogs?

It is not very difficult to prevent coyote attacks on your dog, especially, given the fact that coyotes are afraid of humans. Here are some ways you can protect your dog:

Fence your yard – This may not ensure complete protection from coyotes as they can jump or dig if they want but will at least reduce the chances of an attack. You can even go for coyote rollers on your fence.

Be watchful – When walking your dog, always keep an eye on your dog. If you live in a coyote-prone area, avoid walking your dog off-leash. Even if your dog is playing in your yard, keep an eye.

Brighten up your yard at night – Coyotes usually avoid bright lights. You must even carry a torch for a night walk. In case of an encounter, you can scare the coyote off with the light.

Clean up – Do not leave any food bowls, even empty ones, outside for long as they smell of food. Seal your garbage cans properly. As we mentioned above, a lack of meat will make coyotes reach out for other foods.

Avoid bushes during walks – Coyotes tend to hide and attack. If your house has underbrush or bushes, seal them. Avoid such areas during walks as well.

And the most important thing to remember is to be big and loud. Do not make any coyote feel comfortable around you. If you see a coyote, make loud noises, throw pebbles or do anything that scares them off. Do not try to feed anything to them.

09/19/2024

Size Differences and Predatory Behavior in Dogs

Everyone knows that dogs like chasing balls, cats, sticks, and frisbees, but not everyone knows why. Dogs are descended from wolves, which are predators. Many dogs have therefore inherited, to some degree, instincts to hunt. Activities like chasing moving objects, stalking, and grabbing and shaking stuffed animals are all examples of these instincts.

Wolves are all about the same size and have lived in the same social group for their entire lives. Dogs, on the other hand, have been selectively bred to achieve a staggering variety of sizes and also regularly meet dogs that are new to them. Selective breeding has also exaggerated different aspects of predatory behavior. This is why border collies herd sheep, pointers point, terriers love killing small animals, and so many dogs love chasing and retrieving. Problems arise when predatory behavior is directed at other dogs.

Predatory Drift

Even dogs not usually into hunting-type activities may have predatory reflexes triggered if the situation is close enough to a predator-prey interaction. A good example is when one dog flees from another. The rapidly retreating animal looks like prey.

Another example is when a doggy argument occurs, and one dog panics and begins to vocalize or struggle like a prey animal. A predatory reflex in the other dog may then kick in. When this happens, it's called predatory drift - what began as a social interaction drifted into a predator-prey interaction. Predatory drift frequently results in serious injuries or death to the struggling and panicking dog. This is because the prey-killing reflex is a much more serious kind of bite - often involving a grab and shake - than that which occurs in a regular dogfight.

The risk of predatory drift is significantly increased when there is a significant size difference between the two dogs arguing. For this reason, all interactions between very large and very small dogs should be closely supervised, especially if there is reason to expect any arguing. The risk still increases if the smaller dog is prone to panic and/or the larger dog has demonstrated predatory propensities.