Teacher's Pet Sitting Service

09/06/2024

✨Making plans for the holidays & can't take your pets with you?

✨ Need a dog walker while you're at work?

✨ We also offer in-home overnight stays if boarding facilities are too stressful for your pets!

✨ Feel free to reach out to set up a complimentary Meet & Greet via 603-315-1764 or fill out the on-line form today!

The Teacher's Pets

09/05/2024

08/31/2024

Did you know that a lot of our dogs symptoms can be resolved with all-natural coconut oil?

08/31/2024

In-home care by a professional pet sitter is more than just a sleepover.

It involves so much more including: 1) monitoring feedings to make sure appetites are status quo 2) Resolving common sensitivities such as itchy skin 3) field trips for socialization 4) lots of walks 5) updating parents several times a day 6) performing basic home care tasks 7) establishing a relationship with dogs months in advance to ensure comfort 8) reinforce established training or trouble shoot training such as resource guarding & doorway manners

We are set apart from hobby sitters because we don't do just the bare minimum.

We have been in business since 2004 & would love to meet your pets!

We provide service for pets within 5 miles of downtown Dover, NH.

Call/text: 603-315-1764 today!

07/31/2024

Do you need weekly or occasional services due to work schedules, day trips, or vacations?

We have 20 years of experience walking dogs no matter what their age, breed, or behaviors may be in Dover NH.

Call us today to set up a complimentary Meet and Greet!

07/16/2024

5 Ways to Prevent 🪟 Reactivity 👇

1) Purchase window film 2) Move furniture away from windows 3) Use baby gates 4) Crate train 5) Keep a leash on + redirect to "place" + reward

ABC Dogs NZ

Window reactivity. Highly problematic and stressful for everyone❗This "game" is responsible for high levels of anxiety and stress to many dogs.
Barking is NOT the only sign your dog is being stressed by this repeated action, it is just that barking is far more noticeable to some people, the anxiety/stress started a long time before.
Many dogs will wait and wait and wait......finally they are "rewarded" for that fixation with a fleeting glimpse of whatever they react to.
People
Cars
Dogs
Birds
Neighbours
Cycles
Wind moving a tree....there are many individual triggers.

They may race around the house in a pattern to another window to view and react again, then when out of view, back to the original spot to wait...and wait some more.
This IS a highly damaging "game" for dogs.
Many people with anxious dogs may not actually realise their dogs do this when they are out of the house as it may not happen when you or the family are home.
You may have a highly anxious dog but are completely unsure why. Set up a camera and watch while you are gone for a few hours.
There are many ways to help this.
Baby gates.
These limit movement and are one solution (but easily jumped by larger dogs).
The "easiest" solution is window film, not a popular solution for some people. Blinds and curtains are often ineffective as dogs will position themselves to watch through/under or around them. Watch the height of chairs your dog may use to peer over the film....think about ways to prevent that, you may need to move furniture around.
Aesthetically it may not be appealing for some, or the film has to be incredibly high if the triggers are birds. Some people are reluctant to use film as a solution especially if they have a fantastic view, but make no mistake.....this very rarely gets better by itself.

It can also get a WHOLE lot worse.

Reactivity can morphs outwards and what once was a reaction to dogs passing has now involved birds also....or cars....or cars and now cyclists and people.

The film may work well for some but there is a big caution sign at the bottom of the graphic. For a small amount of dogs blocking view can be incredibly stressful and a SMALL amount of dogs can find themselves in an even MORE stressful environment.
Try the film, it can be a miracle solution but PLEASE get a trainer in if this causes other issues.
Highly stressed dogs need help quickly.
Enjoy the difference and peace...because your dog absolutely will.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

07/14/2024

Here are some of the friends who kept me busy for the past few weeks!

I wish I could post more pictures but their parents requested to keep them off social media.



Teacher's Pet Sitting Service

07/10/2024

I am so grateful for all of the connections I've made with your beloved companions!

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to love them for 20 years!

07/08/2024

Yes, it's possible to resolve behaviors with a leash! Some Minor Dog Training

07/07/2024

I highly recommend The Everyday Trainer!

07/04/2024

5 FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

1. Yard Time: Stay WITH your dogs on a standard leash or a long line to do their business EVEN if they have an electric collar on and EVEN if you have an electronic or standard fenced-in yard.

2. Please do not use a retractable leash in the yard or on the street because they can malfunction, wrap around dogs or people, + if the handle drops, it will frighten dogs while they run away.

3. Neighborhood Time: Take a calm walk before the fireworks begin.

4. Celebration Time: Please do not take the risk of taking your dog to the fireworks show.

5. Inside Time: To keep dogs from nervously going to the windows + doors keep a leash on them indoors so you can redirect them back to a dog bed, etc.

Crate them or give them another safe space such as an open closet or under a table.

Give them a safe chew bone or Kong filled with their favorite ingredients.

Turn on relaxing music, the TV, air conditioner, or a sound machine to drown out the fireworks show.

Keep calm so that they will follow your lead.


Teacher's Pet Sitting Service

07/02/2024

It's always a pleasure to visit these friends 2x a day along with their bearded dragon brother, Bane, + their shy cat sister, Roz!

06/25/2024

06/20/2024

Do we take care of guinea pigs? Yes! We can't wait to meet Nunchuck + Ruffle tomorrow!

06/19/2024

10 HOT WEATHER TIPS FOR DOG OWNERS

1. Keep dogs off the pavement.

2. Have water available at all times.

3. Never leave dogs in a hot car alone EVEN if the air conditioner is on + EVEN if you will be in the store for "a few minutes." Leave them home instead!

4. Keep the home cool: pull down the shades, keep the a/c + fans running. Buy a dehumidifier if necessary.

5. Prep lick mats, Kongs, West Paw Toppl's, etc, + store in the freezer for cool + calming activities throughout the day.

6. This is an excellent opportunity to brush up on leash walking skills INSIDE our home (as well as other skills such as 'place' + crate training) to set dogs up for success.

7. Schedule walks early in the morning + late in the evening. Midday, keep outdoor time brief + in the shade.

8. Find cool dog friendly places to visit such as The Fox Run Mall, lakes, Home Depot, Wentworth Greenhouse, etc.

9. Purchase a kiddie pool.

10. Catch up on beauty sleep! Dogs need between 12-18 hours of sleep to be their best selves.

06/16/2024

How lovely it was to meet Thumper the bunny along w/his bird, guinea pig, + snake siblings today!

06/14/2024

It was love at first sight at a Siamese cat family Meet + Greet yesterday!

05/30/2024

Did you know that cow ears are beneficial for gum + teeth, joints, mental + behavioral stimulation, arthritis, + so much more?

Cow Ears for Dogs: To know it read the full article. In the vast world of dog treats, cow ears have emerged as a popular option for pet owners.

05/27/2024

CRATES ARE FOR SAFETY + NOT FOR PUNISHMENT.

They're also for management.

Dogs cannot jump all over us, other dogs, and cats if they're in a crate.

They will not be able to eat dangerous things in the home, destroy important items, etc, if they're safe in a crate until we get home.

Crates set dogs up for success.

Say It Once Dog Training

05/27/2024

HOW CAN WE STOP DOGS FROM BARKING AT DOORS, ETC?

That was asked of Rosie's mom so we had our 1st training session to review a plan.

Rosie was always looking for something to do + had a hard time settling her anxious mind.

With the help of a leash (initially) she settled on her blanket + in her crate within an hour of my arrival + got the sleep she needed.

I also reviewed a plan to help her through separation anxiety.

I also highly recommended placing the crate in a low traffic, cozy area with a sound machine or radio nearby to help curb anxiety.

Struggling with your dog? Contact me at 603-315-1764 to discuss your specific needs + to set up an in-home training session.

05/27/2024

ANXIOUS DOGS NEED DIRECTION.

If dogs are pacing, barking, or following us nervously throughout the house they need a JOB.

And that job is to do nothing but SETTLE on a dog bed, raised cot, etc.

Dogs need LOTS of sleep + they will not get it if they are in a hypervigilant state of mind.

05/25/2024

Find your new BFF at the Pope Memorial Humane Society NH event at Aubuchon Hardware TODAY, 5/25!

05/13/2024

10 TYPES OF DOGS WHO BENEFIT FROM A MID-DAY WALK.

Which type of dog do you have?

I wrote this in 2013 and my recommendations remain consistent to this day!

A blog about a Dover, NH, professional pet sitter and classroom teacher, April, as she introduces you to her 4-legged clients and her pets every day!

05/02/2024

7 STEPS TO BUILD FRIENDSHIPS BETWEEN DOGS

1) Randomly: Harry + I met Georgia the dachshund mix by chance in November on a trail + they were immediately compatible!

2) By Recommendation: Georgia got a new brother named Oscar (she knew him for years) + she recommended him to Harry so of course he likes him!

3) Briefly: Our visits last anywhere from 5 - 30 minutes. They play, sniff, and sit around. Simple.

4) Openly: Freedom to roam without gates + fences is more comfortable than in an enclosure (dog parks + daycares) where there's not much of a chance to create space when needed.

5) Casually: No phone numbers were exchanged. It's just a 'given' that if the dogs see Harry + want to come out to play + hang out, they do.

6) Calmly: High pitched voices, baby talk, + excessive petting can lead to over arousal which could result in nipping + dominant behaviors.

7) Leashing: It is easier to redirect dogs when needed when a leash is trailing behind them.

Forming friendships between dogs isn't as complicated as many people make it out to be. It's a case of "when you know, you just know." It's instinctual + the energy just feels right. If it doesn't, then you simply don't force it.

04/28/2024

Dogs don't NEED to meet BUT if we choose to let them, here are the guidelines. 👇

Awww they want to meet, look at their wagging tails ⚠️
A wagging tail is never a good indicator of your dogs emotional state.
It can simply mean their emotional state has changed, apart from happiness and joy, that can also include changing into a fearful, anxious, angry, confused state. Tail wags are not a good indicator when deciding your dogs (or another dogs) emotions.
I know this is controversial for some to hear but very few dogs are truly dog social....many are highly selective.
They may only like their own breed.
They may only like female dogs....small brown dogs...or curly coated dogs.
They may have their own unique preference.
They have (and are ALLOWED) their own social preference....just as we have our own social preferences.

Or they may just dislike any other dog outside their/your family and friends.

Encouraging dogs to meet a dog walking down the street (even with the best of intentions) can cause some serious issues. If your dog pulls you down the road at the mere glimpse of another dog, your dog is likely in a highly aroused emotional state. Allowing them to meet others in that state is habit forming and rewarding....so they WILL repeat it.
Other dogs can respond badly to over aroused dogs.

Why not just let two dogs meet ?
There can be lifelong consequences to "just letting them meet"
Reactivity and/or aggression.
Anxiety and stress
Injury.
A lessening of the strong bond they may have with you as they can no longer trust your judgement.
Why not take a bit of time and lessen the chance of these serious (and sometimes life altering) issues occur in the first place.

So.... meeting any strange or unknown dogs on a walk, JUST because there is another dog there is something I highly discourage.

However....
There are some circumstances where you may have to introduce dogs. So these are a few tips which have been written about before (separately) in graphics but I have squeezed them together for a clearer reference.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is only concentrating on their own dogs emotional state and not watching the rising stress in the other dog involved....
These cause those "Out of the blue" reactions....

They weren't out of the blue, they were just missed.

🔵Micro meetings are essential.
🔵Parallel walks are a must.
🔵Avoid face to face.
🔵Keep your voices light and happy.
🔵DON'T make a dog sit or lie down.
🔵Tension creates more tension so keep those leads loose.
🔵NEUTRAL territory....not your yard, your house or even your immediate area around your house....go somewhere else.

Biggest tip though (as mentioned) watch the body language of both dogs.....IGNORE the tail wags and watch the whole body and all the little tell tale signs given.

If it doesn't feel right...it likely isn't.
Trust your own intuition.

ALWAYS advocate for your own dog no matter how "friendly" you are told the other dog is.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

04/23/2024

Tifferet says that relaxing visits from a trusted friend is the cat's meow! 💕

04/20/2024

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN OVERNIGHT CARE?

1) Because my dog comes with me it is a priority that he joins me at the Meet + Greet to ensure that he will be comfortable + the same applies for your pets.

2) If the meeting is a success, several weekly visits must be scheduled before the vacation begins in order to grow a relationship between the pets to decide if booking will be a good fit.

3) During the visits we are able to assess:

A) Behavior - What is their history with other dogs and/or people + what is the best game plan? Are there seniors with special needs? If there are cats, how do they feel about an unfamiliar dog in the home? If there is a puppy, what training methods are used + what are they still working on? Are they fearful of thunder, fireworks, etc?

B) Sleep arrangements - Where does everyone sleep? Do they need a sound machine, etc, to help them sleep?

C) Do dogs have separation anxiety + if so how long can they be left at home or are they unable to be left alone at all?

Overnight care is NOT a guaranteed 24/7 service. Pet sitters often need to leave to do other visits + will be away for up to 3-5 hours at various times of the day.

D) Meals - What is the menu? Where do they eat? How is their appetite? Is resource guarding something to watch out for?

Overnight care is fun for pet sitters but it is not a "watch TV all day" vacation arrangement because we are managing behaviors, prepping meals, setting up med/walk/play schedules, cleaning, + performing home care tasks, + updating clients throughout the day for their peace of mind.

04/18/2024

Think like a 🐕 + improve their life by 🚫 doing the following 👇

04/13/2024

Have you heard of the Forever Dog Life book yet?

Pet Food Politics: Which Group Are You?

The number of arguments and dedicated online groups surrounding homemade pet food theories and feeding approaches is mind-boggling, including:

🥬raw vs cooked ingredients
🍖using whole foods vs supplements to meet micronutrient requirements 🍚don’t bother with micronutrient details, feed whatever you have in the kitchen
🥗it’s time to make pets vegan
🍗never feed pets any antioxidants

The ongoing food debates are enough to exhaust anyone reading the comments, so what if we start with what science has already proven:

🐾 The less adulteration of food ingredients, the healthier and more nutritious the food will be
🐾 puppies and kittens have different nutritional requirements than adult animals
🐾 not all mammals tolerate raw food diets (and disrupted microbiomes can benefit from specific foods that help the gut)
🐾 dogs and cats require specific vitamins and minerals to be provided in adequate amounts for long-term health and well-being
🐾 when people guess at meeting minimum nutritional requirements, they usually guess wrong
🐾 different sources of vitamins and minerals have varying rates of absorption and assimilation
🐾 wild prey, domestically raised wild prey, pastured meats and factory farm meats have very different nutritional profiles that can’t be considered nutritionally equal
🐾 the animals in our homes are unique individuals, and do best when nutritional approaches are customized to best meet their needs.

We wrote our upcoming recipe book, The Forever Dog LIFE, with these foundational principles in mind, knowing many of you have argued with your vet or spent hours in private groups, to only feel bewildered, with no clear answers.

So we’ve provided a recipe book with the maximum amount of flexibility, so you can customize the recipes for what best meets your animals’ specific needs, including raw and cooked ingredients (or a blend of both), recipes with whole foods and supplements, and recipes for different activity levels and life stages. ForeverDogLife.com