Clever Critters, LLC

10/28/2024

Halloween is coming up! Have you gotten everything you need to make sure your pets have a stress-free Halloween?

This month is also National Pet Safety and Protection Month, and it's important that we make sure we protect our pets physically AND mentally. Not all pets love Halloween - often, they find it extremely stressful! It can be a frightening time for them, from costumes to scary yard decorations!

Here are some Halloween Safety Tips:
- Be Prepared: make sure they have up-to-date ID tags and microchips. Don't take your pets out after dark, and make sure all fencing is secured!

- Management: Give your pet a safe space to relax in, especially if your pet is stressed by people approaching your house.

- Enrichment: Give your dog something to help them relax, like a frozen kong, lickimat or long lasting chew.

- Consent: Don't force your pet to wear a costume if they are unhappy. Even if they let you put it on, it doesn't mean they are comfortable.

- Treats: Candy can be dangerous for dogs, especially chocolate! Make sure all candy is put out of reach.

- Vet and Trainer Support: If your pet has struggled in the past, reach out to your vet about medication to help them be less stressed. Work with a force-free trainer to prepare for next year and future holidays.

Pet Poison Hotline: (888) 426-4435

Have a safe Halloween!

10/14/2024

October is National Pet Wellness Month! Here are some examples of ways that the Clever Critters Team is improving their pets' wellness! How are you improving your pet's wellness?

08/09/2024

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month!

Did you know that allergies can exacerbate behavioral issues in our pets? Being itchy can decrease our pet’s tolerance for coping with everyday stressors. Mills 2020 suggests that up to 80% of pets struggling with behavior issues may have a pain component, which includes allergies.

Pets struggling with allergies may also struggle with:
- Reactivity
- Overarousal
- “Attention-Seeking” Behaviors
- Touch Sensitivity
- Triggers Stacking
- Limited Progress in Training

Contact your vet if you think your pet may be struggling with allergies. Track physical and behavioral changes to discuss with your vet. Ruling out and treating medical issues is the first step to working on changes in behavior.

And remember, when our pets don’t feel their best, they can’t act their best.

08/02/2024

The fourth and final blog on "Why Dogs Do What They Do" has been posted. Thank you to everyone who contributed questions, and to Sydney Warner of Clever Critters, LLC, and the good people at Honey B's Pet Sitting and Pet Care Services LLC for providing us with answers.

https://darkdogposse.com/why-dogs-do-what-they-do-part-4/

07/21/2024

07/20/2024

07/09/2024

Come see us this Sunday to learn about Enrichment!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "enrichment" for your pets? Enrichment does include puzzle toys and interactive feeders, however, this is only one small piece of the puzzle! Join us to learn how to further enrich your pets' lives.

Register here: https://clever-critters.com/public-programs/

06/19/2024

Happy Juneteenth!

06/04/2024

Your local Instinct is part of a national team of dog professionals working together to build a Kinder World for Dogs and Humans through Nature-Driven Nurture™!

05/30/2024

Do you have a dog that is overly energetic, reactive, wild, or "crazy"? Come learn how to promote a calm dog and why this skill is so vital yet so often overlooked. A calm dog is a happy dog and creates a happy relationship with their pet parents!

Register here: https://clever-critters.com/public-programs/

05/28/2024

We're also very pleased to introduce our business sponsor for May/June: Clever Critters (https://clever-critters.com/).

If you own a business and would like to sponsor an upcoming Rescue Spotlight, please contact us (https://darkdogposse.com/contact/).

05/18/2024

If you've ever had issues with your doggie companions not getting along, you'll want to check out this conversation with certified dog trainer and canine behavior consultant, Sydney Warner of Clever Critters, LLC (https://clever-critters.com/).

https://darkdogposse.com/understanding-play-versus-fight-behavior-in-dogs/

05/17/2024

Join us in congratulating Taylor on becoming a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor - Knowledge Assessed through Grisha Stewart Academy and Empowered Animals, LLC!

To become a CBATI-KA, a trainer must:
- Complete over 100 hours of coursework
- Pass a multiple-choice exam
- Complete an essay demonstrating knowledge of BAT skills

05/14/2024

Come see us this Sunday at the Peninsula SPCA to learn how to make walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog! Only 5 spots left!

This seminar is for pet parents only! Please leave your pet at home.

Register here: https://clever-critters.com/product/walks-from-struggle-bus-to-no-fuss/

04/27/2024

Don't forget to vote! You can vote every day!

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Norfolk, VA. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

04/25/2024

The struggle for loose leash manners is real! Walks can be a challenge for both ends of the leash, but both want the same outcome - to enjoy their time outside! Come join us and learn how to make walks more enjoyable for you and your dog!

Register here: https://clever-critters.com/public-programs/

04/15/2024

We're so excited to have been nominated for this! Please take a moment to vote and share!

Official 2024 Community Voting Awards Platform for Norfolk, VA. Where the community votes for their favorites every year.

04/12/2024

It's National Dog Bite Prevention Week! Do you know how to prevent a dog bite?