Spot-On Grooming

08/29/2024

Why Choosing a Breeder Who Shows Their Dogs Matters, Even for Pet Owners

When selecting a breeder, you might wonder why it’s recommended to choose one who shows their dogs, even if you have no intention of participating in dog shows yourself. Does this focus on show standards seem excessive or elitist? It’s not, and here’s why.

Dog shows are more than just competitions; they serve as a rigorous evaluation process where dogs are assessed against the breed standard. This standard includes several critical elements:

• Soundness: This refers to a dog’s overall physical and mental health, ensuring all organs and faculties are functioning harmoniously.
• Type: Breed type encompasses not just appearance but also character, bone structure, temperament, and movement, reflecting the essence of the breed.
• Gait: The quality of a dog’s movement is assessed to ensure ease and freedom from structural issues.
• Temperament: This measures a dog’s general attitude towards people and other animals, an essential trait for a well-rounded companion.

So why does this matter to you as a prospective pet owner? If you chose a Poodle, you likely did so because of their renowned qualities: their gentle nature, compatibility with children and other animals, and their ability to make exceptional therapy dogs. Good breeders strive to uphold these positive characteristics through their commitment to breed standards.

While not every puppy from a show-quality litter will be destined for the show ring, all will benefit from the breeder’s dedication to preserving the breed’s positive traits. Puppies that are not suited for the show ring but are well-bred still embody the breed’s essential qualities, making them excellent family pets.

Choosing a breeder who shows their dogs is not about snobbery or elitism; it’s about ensuring that you get a puppy who will grow into a well-rounded, healthy companion that exemplifies the breed you fell in love with. It’s about the breeder’s commitment to preserving the breed’s best traits and ensuring every puppy, regardless of its future in the show ring, starts life with the best possible foundation.

In essence, selecting a breeder who shows their dogs is a way to ensure that your future puppy will be a healthy, well-adjusted member of your family. It’s a reflection of love and respect for the breed, ensuring that all puppies have the opportunity to thrive and bring joy into their new homes.

07/18/2024

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05/04/2024

FYI. Grain free foods do not cause heart problems.
Further research indicates that it is a lack of taurine in the diet, which can be replenished with beef heart.

The lawsuit alleged that Hill’s and a group of veterinarians worked together to manipulate the FDA into examining the possibility that certain grain-free dog foods increased pets’ risk for the potentially deadly heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy.

03/28/2024

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1119333145862559

01/29/2024

We get used to seeing overweight dogs and think it is normal. But showing love with extra treats and food is killing your pet with kindness. It isn't cute, it is deadly.

01/01/2024

01/01/2024

1

11/28/2023

THIS THIS THIS!!!! Especially now that puppy mills think they can charge just as much as a well bred dog, you might as well get something that is worth all that money!

BE INFORMED…… Don’t impulse buy.

Paw It Forward’s 10 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝘽𝙤𝙬 𝙊𝙣 𝙄𝙩 🎁

Before you impulse buy a puppy for a gift, call me. Make your Decision based on rational logical choices. I will help you compartmentalize the lifestyle the puppy needs and the lifestyle you can give, to make the right decision.

1. Your bow tied fuzzy is a 10-15+ year commitment with all the expenses including training, grooming, vetting, boarding, and surgeries & recoveries. Know this.

2. The adult owner’s choices are responsible for the dog’s behavior, always. Own it. Training will help you make the right choices.

3. Crate training is a must for newly adopted or purchased puppies. It’s non-negotiable. Don’t get caught up in the fairies and rainbows experts. You’ll regret it. Get preventative training.

4. Educate yourself in canine genetics. Even hard core breeds CAN do well as pets when they come from GOOD genetics. Bad genetics is often difficult to clean up aggression, even with training.

5. Puppies do NOT need 100% free roam, lots of dogs, people and OVER socialization. They need you to make responsible choices for them. Over expose, and enjoy a dog that pays no attention to you. Train early.

6. Ask yourself ahead of time, is anyone going to be allergic? Expecting a baby? Planning on moving? Live in a no pets allowed apartment? Works long hours? Already has a dog reactive dog? Adopting an aggressive dog to “save it.” These are the “reasons” dogs are given up RIGHT AFTER THE NEW YEAR. Plan ahead.

7. Educate yourself in breed traits. There’s lots of breed information available online. Know the pros and cons for your lifestyle. For example, a border collie or cattle dog may not make a good family companion with small kids. That Cane Corso isn’t going to be stranger friendly. Choose wisely. That husky puppy? Yeah, call me. I’ve owned 6. Let me enlighten you.

8. Drop the “my puppy must love everything and everyone” expectations. Most dogs are selective. It’s normal.

9. Steer clear of MOST free roam only high volume, low staffed daycares. They will expect your puppy to never defend itself, never growl, never nip and love everyone and everything. This sets up dogs to bully, be pushy or be bullied as the “norm.” It’s a breeding ground for dog reactivity and poor behavior.

10. The leash is your friend. YOU are responsible for controlling movement. What you allow to happen wlll happen. Bad behavior is YOUR choice to allow. Read that again.

Research! Adopt safe adoptable dogs or invest in a good reputable breeder and good training now to save you a lot of money and heartache later. I’m here to help 🐾

Jeannie Oakley, Paw It Forward, LLC
Free consultations: 518-522-5668

Photo credit and an amazing resource Bailing Out Benji. Show time some love.

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our 4 & 2 legged patrons‼️🐾🦃🐾🍗🐾

11/05/2023

PSA: We adopted our dog, Rowdy, from the shelter 5 years ago. He was already an adult dog, so we estimate he is about 11 or 12 years old at this point. I love this dog. He is the sweetest soul and my BFF. For the past week or so he hasn’t been acting like himself. He licked a raw spot on his foot. He was panting constantly. He was pacing. Sunday morning, the pacing and panting got so bad, and I was REALLY nervous that there was something seriously wrong with him. For 45 minutes, he panted like crazy and constantly paced back and forth. He was keeping his tail tucked down all the time. His ears were pinned back. He would not settle down and he wouldn’t eat. We tried everything. I ended up giving him a trazadone that he takes sometimes when he goes to the groomer. It seemed to take a little bit of the edge off, but not much. He still wouldn’t eat and still wouldn’t settle. I took off work on Monday so I could take him to the vet. We did bloodwork and x-rays. Knowing he is a senior dog, I was trying to prepare myself for the worst case scenario. I was glad to see his bloodwork was great except for some elevated liver enzymes. The x-rays showed he was a little backed up but no major issues. He got an anti-nausea injection and some Gabapentin to help with some tenderness in his back and to hopefully help keep him calm. When we got home, he was ok for a little bit, but eventually started pacing and panting again. We walked around the neighborhood for a long time and he used the bathroom a lot. He seemed pretty happy about that and was in good spirits until we got home and he refused to come back in the house. Every time I took him out that evening, he would hunker down like he didn’t want to come back in the house. When my vet called and I gave her the update, she suggested there may be some new electronic device in the house that was emitting a high frequency noise that is hurting his ears. We had just put new smart outlets in the house about a week ago. His pacing and panting were worse when the lamps were on, so I unplugged all the smart outlets. He stopped panting, stopped pacing, and ate his food. His tail was even up and wagging again. When I plugged the smart outlets all back in and asked Alexa to turn on the lamps, he immediately started panting and pacing again. My husband used an app to test the frequency of the smart outlets. It was off the charts. We've left the outlets unplugged for two days and have confirmed that it is definitely the smart outlets that are causing his stress and discomfort. He's back to being a totally normal dog now. I really thought this was the end for Rowdy based on the way he was acting. I am so thankful for Dr. Newell at BoonesCreek AnimalHospital for figuring out this simple solution. If your pets are exhibiting similar symptoms, you may want to consider checking your electronics first. I cannot express how relieved I am that he is ok now. 😭♥️🐶

05/27/2023

This is why we are VERY reluctant to shave double coated breeds. Proper maintenance of the coat, and weight of the dog will keep it cool in the summer heat, even with "all that hair".

Post Clipping Alopecia or PCA is defined as loss of proper coat growth due to clipping/shaving with clippers. There are a few things you need to know regarding PCA.

1. Who is most at risk of PCA? Fur bearing breeds are extremely susceptible to PCA. This includes any breed whose coat grows to a genetically predetermined length and stops. Nordic breeds are even more prone to PCA. Geriatrics, even those with hair, are also very susceptible to PCA.

2. What causes PCA? There is no definitive answer at this point, but there are two scientific theories from recent research. The first has to do with vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the skin. When the coat is shaved, even in warm weather, the skin reacts by constricting blood vessels that feed the follicles in the skin. Once these vessels constrict the follicles no longer proliferate leading to PCA.
The second theory has to do with the growth cycle. When the coat is shaved, the growth cycle becomes disrupted due to the skin sealing itself with oils from sebaceous and apocrine glands. This traps clipped hairs beneath the epidermis preventing them from shedding out leading to improper growth as well as skin diseases.

3. PCA is unpredictable. There is no way to tell if a particular canine will acquire PCA if you shave. Often there is no issue, but on the third or fifth or even the tenth time, it can happen.

4. Are there actual health risks posed by PCA? The short answer is yes. Again, diseases such as Alopecia X, Black Skin Disease, Furunculosis, and other skin diseases often accompany PCA.
Once the coat has been clipped, the body now strains to properly regulate body temperature. Because dogs do not sweat, a properly maintained coat keeps a canine both cool and warm. This strain to cool the body puts a strain on internal organs.

5. Can there be other causes? Yes. Heath problems such as Diabetes, Cushing's diseases, and Addison's disease should be ruled out. Pets who are known to have these health problems should not be shaved if at all possible.

6. Do felines get PCA? The short answer here is yes. While there is minimal research for canines there is even less for felines. Hair coated breeds such as Persians, Himalayans and others are not affected as often as true fur bearing breeds. While felines seem to be less affected by PCA than canines it can happen.

While there are situations such as severely matted or pelted coats that must be shaved for health health purposes, shaving because you think a pet is hot or shedding too much is simply not in the best interest of the pet. A professional groomers responsibility extends to protecting and promoting a healthy coat. A properly maintained coat will help regulate body temperature and prevent shedding.

Join us at the IAPEG where cutting edge education in the best interest of the pet is our top priority.
Get your membership here > https://theiapeg.com/membership-1

04/24/2023

Fur and hair. While these twos words are often used synonymously they are in fact very different from each other. Fur grows to a genetically predetermined length then stops. Hair on the other hand, grows until it naturally breaks or is trimmed with scissors or clippers.

Most domestic felines are fur bearing. This does not mean they all have the same length, each has their own length determined by genetics. However, there are breeds such as Persians and Himalayans whose coats do contain hair that naturally breaks.

There are various textures among hair bearing canines from the straight coat of a Yorkshire Terrier to the ever curly coat of a Poodle.

There is a huge variety of fur bearing canines. Some with very sleek coats such as the very popular French Bulldog to fur that is several inches long such as the German Shepherd Dog. Again, it's not the length that makes the determination.

Combination coats include those with fur in some areas and hair in others. This is not a reference to the mixed coats such as doodles and many other mixed breeds. Canine combination coats include breeds such as the Afghan Hound as well as both English and American Cocker Spaniels. Feline combination coats include the Maine C**n and the Norwegian Forest Cat.

04/16/2023

Please take note!!!

We would like to preface this post with the fact the IAPEG and it's members love dogs. All dogs. Big dogs and small dogs. Fluffy dogs and sleek ones. We love pure breeds and we love mixed breeds.

The 'doodle craze' began after a breeder attempted a litter of mixed breed pups that were smart and hypoallergenic. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but that's another discussion. He was in no way trying to create a new breed. News traveled quickly and before you know it, they were all the rage as pets. Very expensive pets. They became something of a status symbol as they wear price tags in the thousands and cost more than a sound, well developed, carefully chosen pure breed.

As professional groomers, we see the fallout with many of these pets and there are a few things you need to know:

1. Doodles are not a breed. They are (insert breed here) mixed with poodle. Golden doodle, labradoodle, maltipoo, pomapoo, yorkie poo, no matter the title, doodles are in fact mixed breed dogs. Being a pure breed of dog mean predictability...size, colors, skull shapes, temperament...any and all genetics are predictable for that specific breed. This is not possible with doodles.

2. There is a misconception that if you mix another breed with a poodle, you get the best of both breeds. This is simply not true. The truth is you have no idea what you will get. You are not getting the best of the breeds because responsible, ethical breeders do not allow their dogs to participate in mixed breeding.

3. As professional groomers, we hear misnomers from pet owners whose pup is a year old and has never been groomed. This is a nightmare for both the dog and the groomer. The truth is, any doodle will need professional grooming. They should start as early as possible just like any other dog. This seems to be a selling point for doodle breeders telling buyers they are low maintenance. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

4. Doodles often have very difficult coats to work with. Doodles with these coats will be more expensive. With most doodles you have a fur bearing breed (Labrador Retriever) mixed with a hair bearing breed (Poodle). This causes many doodles coats to be difficult with a mixture of the two. Some have fur as guard coat and hair as undercoat and some have hair as a guard coat with fur as the undercoat. Either way, more work and time means your professional groomer must be properly compensated or it will lead to number five.

5. There are many professional groomers who are simply not accepting doodles as clients anymore. Misinformed owners are price shocked when they've been lied to by a breeder. Your professional groomer is tired of arguing and explaining just to be properly compensated when there are so many other clients who know what to expect and respect our professional practices.
Because doodles are not the best representatives of their breeds they are often not the most well behaved pets either. Many are high strung, a bit neurotic, and/or have some type of behavior problem.

If you do in fact choose to own a doodle, speak with your professional groomer beforehand so you'll know what to expect. And please respect your professional groomers advice. Their job is to keep your pet on a regular schedule. Depending on the coat...remember these are mixed breed dogs and therefore not predictable before birth...most will need a schedule of 4-6 weeks.

03/13/2023

The severely matted pet. Professional groomers see these cases more often than we would like. They can be heartbreaking because we understand the pain and disease that often accompany these cases. Here are a few things to understand about matted coats:

1. Severely matted coats cannot simply be 'brushed out'. Yes, a few matts that are not matted to skin can be brushed out, but sever matting means shaving. There is not an option to 'leave the coat fluffy' because clipper blades must pass under matts not through them. This often means a very short shave.
2. When the coat is severely matted, often referred to as pelted, the coat cannot properly regulate body temperature. Both canines and felines use thermoregulation to keep the body cool or warm depending on the weather. This means the body struggles much harder to maintain normal temperature.
3. Matted coats are almost always accompanied by some type of skin disease. Matting holds excess moisture and bacteria and/or fungus near the skin. As the natural microbiome is decreased, the skin becomes susceptible to infection from these diseases.
4. Matted coats are painful and that's a fact. The extra weight pulls on the skin causing discomfort. When matting is present around legs, ears, or tail, proper movement can become impeded and painful. This is why we term this 'neglectful abuse'. This type of matting does not occur overnight.

If your pet's coat has gotten out of control, contact your professional groomer NOW. The longer you wait, the worse it will be and the more the pet suffers.

10/24/2021

Okay, so this is a word that gets an awful lot of play in the training world, and it’s definition has come to mean an awful lot of things. Many of which, are incredibly counter-productive, if not downright dangerous.

So let’s see if we can’t clarify a few things.

Socialization isn’t:
-About letting your dog freely interact with dogs at the dog park, day care, or with friends dogs.
-About allowing your dog to meet other dogs on-leash.
-About allowing all manner of people, in all manner of mental/emotional states interact/pet/pressure your dog.
-About exposing your dog to the sights and sounds of cars, buses, motorcycles, bikes, skateboards, joggers...and allowing them to freak out, panic, aggress, hide, bark etc.
-About exposing your dog to the sights and sounds of dogs, cats, and other animals, and allowing them to freak out, aggress, lunge, bark, growl etc.

Socialization is:
-About teaching your dog the proper responses to dogs. What is and isn’t appropriate behavior, and correcting the unwanted when it appears.
-About teaching your dog to walk by the barking, lunging dog(s) on walks and ignore them, completely. Correcting if necessary to achieve this result.
-About advocating for your dog and ensuring people aren’t allowed to pressure your dog, by touching, crouching down, attempting “kisses” etc. That means being a big boy or girl, and stopping others from engaging in unwanted, uninvited interactions.
-About exposing your dog to all manner of daily life “things” and ensuring a proper response. If aggression/arousal is present, it’s corrected, if fear/arousal is present (and causes an overreaction/fleeing etc.) it’s corrected. Ask your dog to learn to ignore and not care about these “life” distractions/concerns/temptations. Teach them to listen to the training, not the world around them.
-About teaching your dog to leave other creatures alone. The cat, the bird, the cow, the goat, the other dog, is simply none of their business. If they decide those things are their business, it’s your job to correct and clarify what is and isn’t their business for them.

Socialization has become a ridiculously simplified, dumbed down, all-encompassing idea. Free interaction and exposure have been presented as a panacea, the magic gateway to a balanced dog. That’s a whole lot of B.S. you’ve been sold, by a lot of people full of B.S. 🙂

Socialization is all about teaching your dog how to behave and exist in the world...properly. People have a belief that only interactions create a well socialized dog. They don’t understand that existence is almost always preferable, and more valuable than actual interaction. Yes exposure is critical, but exposure without 100% clear guidance, and corrections for poor choices, isn’t socialization, it’s chaos, and it’s not teaching your dog what’s right, what’s wrong, and that you’ll keep them safe, so they don’t have to.

A well socialized dog isn’t fazed by the world around them. And that doesn’t come from simple exposure and interactions without guidance. Ironically, that’s precisely how you create anti-social dogs.

Think on that for a minute.