Rendez Doodles & Moyen Poodles

09/18/2025

09/18/2025

Did you know you don’t always need to reward your dog every single time they do something right? In fact, once your puppy has learned a behavior, mixing up when and how you reward can actually make that behavior stronger, more persistent, and harder to “untrain.”

This concept is called intermittent reinforcement. Instead of offering a treat or praise every single time, you reward sometimes, in an unpredictable way.

Why it works:
Stronger behavior – unpredictability motivates dogs more.
Increased persistence – they’ll keep trying, wondering when the next reward will come.
Resistance to extinction – behaviors last longer, even if rewards don’t always show up.

You see this principle in action every day—think slot machines or checking social media for likes. The possibility of a reward keeps us coming back.

How to use it in training:
Start with consistent rewards while teaching new skills.
Once your puppy really understands, begin to mix it up—sometimes a treat, sometimes a game, sometimes praise.
Keep it fun and unpredictable, so your dog stays engaged and motivated.

💡 Trainer Tip: Don’t fade out rewards too soon. Make sure your pup is reliable before switching to intermittent reinforcement.

Happy Training,
🐾 Amy & Team

P.S. Want more training help? Check out our online puppy school:

Learn more about all the great resources included with the BAXTER & Bella online puppy school and how easy it is to train your puppy from the convenience of home in order to achieve better animal ownership and experience the very best in canine companionship!

09/07/2025

Accidents happen—especially with puppies! While it can feel frustrating, remember that every mistake is a learning opportunity. With the right clean-up and consistency, you’ll be back on track in no time. Here’s how:

✨ Crate Accidents
If your puppy goes potty in their crate:
Scoop and wipe out what you can with paper towels.
Spray with an enzyme cleaner and let it sit for at least five minutes away from your puppy.
Rinse thoroughly with water and towel dry.
Wait until the crate is completely dry before letting your puppy back in.

✨ House Accidents
If the accident happens inside your home:
Wipe up as much as you can.
Spray with an enzyme cleaner to remove odors (this prevents your puppy from wanting to return to that spot).
If on carpet, vacuum after cleaning before allowing your puppy to return to the area.

✨ Home Remedy Option
No enzyme cleaner handy? Try this:
Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part lukewarm water.
After soaking up the mess with paper towels or newspaper, pour the solution on the spot.
Sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for 5 minutes, then vacuum it up.

✨ Preventing Accidents
Of course, prevention is always easier than clean-up! Here’s what works best:
Take your puppy outside often—set a timer to remind you.
Track potty times on our Housetraining Chart so you can predict their needs.
Limit free space to one room until your puppy proves they can keep it clean. Gradually add more space as they succeed.
Supervise like a hawk when your puppy is awake! If you catch them starting to go, quickly take them outside to finish.
Celebrate and reward every successful potty outside so they learn it’s the best choice. 🎉

Consistency, supervision, and patience will help your puppy succeed faster—and your home stay cleaner!

Happy Training,
🐾 Amy & Team

09/05/2025

1. Core Philosophy of the Integrative Approach

The integrative approach to veterinary care blends traditional medicine with complementary therapies to create a more balanced, holistic treatment plan for pets. By incorporating options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, cold laser therapy, nutritional support, and herbal remedies, pet owners can often reduce their reliance on conventional medications. This philosophy emphasizes supporting the body’s natural healing ability while avoiding the overuse of drugs that may cause side effects or long-term harm.

A key foundation of this approach is proper nutrition, as pets thrive on whole, fresh, and organic ingredients while avoiding harmful additives and toxins. Beyond diet, minimizing vaccines and medications is another central principle. Similarly, long-term medication use can strain the liver and kidneys, potentially creating new health problems.

Taken together, this philosophy focuses on prevention, balance, and supporting long-term wellness by reducing toxic burdens on the body.

07/28/2025

https://pawtree.com/karlaspets/petprofile/createprofilenew

Create a profile and see recommendations for your pet.

07/25/2025

A CHIA SEED SECRET

When you add water or any liquid to Chia seeds, they form into a gel.

That glob of gel water formed by Chia seeds results from H2O molecules layering one upon another.

There’s a special name for this kind of water; structured water.

Structured water is considered by some experts to be the fourth phase of water. This phase of water exists in between solid and liquid phase.

This fourth phase of water is found both in nature, and, importantly, within our very own CELLS and, of course, in our pet’s cells.

Chia seeds are full of fiber, which is why they can absorb up to 10 to 12 times their weight in water. These seeds act as a sponge for water. The interesting this is that they transform the water into structured water.

A little bit of Chia seeds in some juice helps prevent dehydration in we humans.

Throwing a teaspoon of soaked Chia Seeds into your dogs’ bowls will do the same for them during these hot summer months.


Interestingly, cucumber seeds also contain gel water.
[Note that not every seed contains gel water.]

If you did not get the recent newsletter explaining how Chia Seeds have active Omega 3’s in them while common fish and krill oils do not, send us a line and we'll send it over to you.



WATERMELON IS GOOD FOR HYDRATION, CONTAINING IMPORTANT ELECTROLYTES
AND, OF COURSE, WATER!

IMPORTANTLY, MOST DOGS LIKE WATERMELON

Is Watermelon A Good Source of Electrolytes for Dogs?
Yep, watermelon is good for hydration. But did you know that it’s also one of the top foods containing healthy electrolytes.
As a friendly reminder, electrolytes are specific minerals — including Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Sodium, and Potassium — that carry electrical charges. Electrolytes are necessary for everything from regulating chemical reactions, maintaining the balance of fluids in cells and throughout the whole body, and supporting adequate hydration.
According to the USDA, a single cup (approximately 150 grams) of diced watermelon packs:
10.5 mg of Calcium
15.2 mg of Magnesium
170 mg of Potassium
16.7 mg of Phosphorus
Watermelon is the gift that keeps on giving. According to a 2022 study published in the journal Nutrients, folks who consumed watermelon had a 5% higher intake of the electrolytes Magnesium and Potassium, as well as Vitamin A and dietary fiber.

07/08/2025

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, which means chewing is completely normal—and necessary! But without proper outlets, that chewing can quickly turn into destruction. (Goodbye shoes and furniture!) The solution? Chew toys.

Chewing helps puppies soothe teething pain, burn energy, and self-soothe when they’re feeling bored or anxious. For older dogs, it keeps their jaws strong and their teeth cleaner. The key is having the right things for them to chew on.

✅ A few tips for chew toy success:
Keep a variety of textures and materials on hand (rubber, rope, nylon, etc.)
Rotate toys every few days to keep things interesting
Always supervise playtime to make sure toys stay safe and intact
Use food-based chews (like stuffed Kongs, WestPaw Toppls or Freezbones) to increase mental stimulation

Have you heard of the Freezbone? This clever tool is one of our favorites! The Freezbone is designed to hold soft treats like peanut butter, yogurt, or canned dog food, and then be frozen to create a long-lasting, soothing chew. It’s especially perfect for teething puppies or hot summer days. Freezing the treat slows your pup down and provides a calming outlet that keeps them busy (and quiet!) while you get things done. We love it as a crate-time activity, post-training wind-down, or a way to help your dog relax while guests are over.

Chew toys aren’t just “extras”—they’re an essential part of your training toolkit. By giving your dog a constructive way to chew, you’re meeting their needs, protecting your belongings, and setting them up for success.

Here’s to happy chewing and calm, content pups!

Happy Training,
Amy & the BAXTER & Bella Team 🐶

P.S. Want to try a Freezbone for your dog? Use code BAXTERANDBELLA to save. Yes we are affiliates with them, but truly, our dogs LOVE these!

07/07/2025

Meet Butler! 🐾

He’d never brag about it, but Butler’s the kind of guy who loves doing good for others. We like to imagine him running a lemonade stand and donating the profits to help shelter pets—because that’s just the kind of sweetheart he is! 🍋🐾

Butler came to us after his last home turned out not to be the right fit, but he didn’t let that get him down. You might’ve spotted him out and about with his awesome foster family or making friends over at Pet Rendezvous (he loves the staff there!).

As much as he enjoys his adventures, Butler is ready for something more permanent—a home to call his very own. Could you be the one to give this good guy the fresh start he deserves?

Thanks to Four Your Paws Only, all adult dog adoption fees are 50% off—including Butler’s—through June 30th!

💙 Want to learn more about Butler? Visit: https://www.conwayhumane.org/animals/butler/

📞 Ready to meet him or chat with our adoption staff? Call us at (603) 447-5955 or stop by between 12–4 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.

07/07/2025

☀️HOT PAVEMENT WARNING☀️

Yes, even on warm days, in certain conditions, pavements can become hot enough to cause pain, discomfort and even burn your dog’s paws. Although you may think your dog’s paw pads are quite tough, it’s important to remember that they are still made of skin and can be just as sensitive as the bottom of your feet.

On sunny days, pavements can often be deceptively hot and will usually be much warmer than the air outside. Dark and dense pavements easily absorb heat from the sun and are good at keeping hold of it and releasing it slowly. Natural surfaces, including grass, tend to be much cooler, as plants release water to help cool themselves down.

🔸HOW TO CHECK🔸
The best way to tell if a pavement is too hot for your dog to walk on is to place the back of your hand on the pavement for seven seconds. If it’s too painful for your hand, then it’s too painful for your dog’s paws.

If you notice that your dog is limping, looking uncomfortable or whimpering, then look at the bottom of their paws and check the temperature of the pavement with the back of your hand. If your dog’s paws look red, swollen or blistered then it’s important that you quickly take them off the hot pavement and contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.

03/07/2025

What do you have to say about this?

I'm gearing up to write a very long and informative article about fleas and ticks, their life cycle and prevention.

I often tell this story: You discover you have cockroaches and do not want an exterminator to spray everywhere. A lightbulb goes off and you get old sponges that were too good to throw away from your laundry room storage. You soak half a dozen of them in cockroach killing poison and set them around the kitchen, using rubber gloves. The cockroaches walk on them and die.

Well, that's what we are doing with our dogs and cats.

WE ARE MAKING THEM INTO POISON SOAKED SPONGES!

Whether it is a collar, spot-on or oral product. The poisons soak into the TISSUES, going into all all of the organs, and circulating through the body every minute of every day. So if a flea bites right above the tail, for example, it gets the blood from your pet's capillary and dies right then and there because the chemical insecticide/poison is in their blood.

Here's what I want to know. Who of you has used the scaler energy or herbal pendants that are attached to the collar and what kinds of results have you seen?

Here are a few I found on the web. I have no idea how they work. The costs range from 50 dollars to over 200 dollars.


FurLife [has essential oils]

Pawtecht.Programmed frequency in silicon balls in a pendant

FleasGone Tag- works for fleas and ticks- 237 dollars. Says it works for 15 years and money back guarantee
2 year is 80 bucks
Fleasgone.com scaler waves
https://gooddogpeople.com/products/catandogs-chemical-free-nanotechnology-anti-flea-tick-dog-pendant

I am sure there are more.

So, if you have any experience with these or other products, just reply to this email and let me know.

Thanks a bunch.

The game is to create a safer and healthier playing field for our pets.






Dr. Deva Khalsa
Natural Veterinary Solutions

Deva Khalsa VMD

DeservingPets, 1560 S Myrtle Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA

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