Top Tier K9

08/22/2024

While doggy daycare can be a suitable option for some pets, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some statistics related to potential negatives of dog daycare:

1. **Illness and Injury:** With numerous dogs in close proximity, the risk of illness transmission increases. A study by the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that dogs attending daycare facilities had a higher prevalence of respiratory pathogens compared to those not attending daycare (Karpinski et al., 2017). Additionally, injuries may occur due to rough play or fights.
2. **Stress and Anxiety:** Some dogs may find the daycare environment stressful or overwhelming. A study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that nearly half of the dogs attending daycare exhibited signs of stress and anxiety, such as increased heart rates and cortisol levels (Bray et al., 2019).
3. **Lack of Individual Attention:** With multiple dogs to supervise, daycare staff may be unable to provide the same level of individual attention as an in-home pet sitter. In a survey by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, 95% of pet owners indicated that their pets received more personalized care with a professional pet sitter compared to other options (NAPPS, 2015).
4. **Behavioral Issues:** Dogs may learn undesirable behaviors from other dogs at daycare, such as jumping, barking, or rough play. These behaviors can persist even outside the daycare environment (PetMD, n.d.).

It's important to note that every dog is unique, and some may thrive in a daycare setting. Pet owners should carefully consider their individual pet's needs, temperament, and health when deciding between individualized care and dog daycare services.

08/21/2024

🙉 Does this sounds familiar?

Demand barking is a behavior that dogs may develop as a way to control their environment and manipulate their owners. This type of barking is often persistent and can be accompanied by other attention-seeking behaviors, such as pawing, nudging, or staring.

It’s essential to understand that demand barking is a learned behavior. Dogs that have discovered barking results in a desired outcome, such as food, attention, or playtime, may resort to this tactic to get what they want. To address demand barking, pet owners should establish clear boundaries and expectations for their dog's behavior.

Training may involve both rewards for desired behaviors and fair corrections for unwanted behaviors. Consistency, clear communication, and mutual respect are crucial in addressing demand barking and fostering a well-balanced relationship between dogs and their owners.

In persistent cases, consulting with a professional balanced dog trainer can provide additional guidance and support in addressing the issue effectively.

08/20/2024

08/20/2024

While doggy daycare can be a suitable option for some pets, there are drawbacks to consider. Further more, reactive or intact dogs aren’t typically allowed.
Outdoor Adventures are 45-60 minute woodland sniff walks tailored to each dog.

08/19/2024

There is nothing better than a full day of four-legged friends 

08/16/2024

This is a great mixture of breeds. We’ll offer 25% off training services to whomever adopts her.

08/14/2024

Boxers are such characters!

08/02/2024

🐶 Instinctive behavior: Licking is a natural instinct that starts from birth, as mothers lick their puppies to clean them and encourage their bodily functions. As puppies grow, they continue this behavior to show affection, bond with their pack, and explore their surroundings.
🐶 Signs of affection: Licking is a gesture of endearment in the dog world, indicating that they consider you a member of their family. Your dog may lick your face, hands, or feet as a way to communicate their love and strengthen your bond.
🐶 Seeking attention: Dogs quickly learn that licking their owners often leads to more attention, whether it's positive or negative. This can reinforce the behavior and encourage dogs to lick more often as a means of getting their owners to engage with them.
🐶 Relaxation and grooming: Dogs may lick as a form of self-soothing, especially when stressed or anxious. Licking can also be part of their grooming routine, as it helps keep their fur clean and free of irritants.
🐶 Taste and exploration: Dogs have a strong sense of taste and use their tongues to explore their surroundings. Licking can be a way for dogs to gather information about their environment, and they may enjoy the salty taste of human skin.

Dogs lick for a variety of reasons, and understanding these motivations can help us appreciate our canine companions and better care for their emotional and physical needs.

07/29/2024

📸Never miss a moment of your pet's day with our Pet Report Cards. After each care visit, you'll receive a information about your pet's activities, mood, and any adorable moments. 🐾

🗓Schedule your pet sitting/dog walking with TTK9 today and experience the joy of staying connected with your furry friend even when you're apart. 🐩

07/29/2024

🐾🏡 Personalized Care for your Four-legged Family Member

With TTK9, your pet stays comfortable and relaxed in the familiar surroundings of their own home while you're away. We provide personalized care, playtime, and companionship right in your living room.
Limited availability for summer. Contact us today.☎️⛱

07/25/2024

07/24/2024

🐾 Are you looking for a fun and enriching way to keep your pup happy and healthy? Schedule your dog for an Outdoor Adventure today! 🌿🐕

07/22/2024

I’d say it was a great day for an Outdoor Adventure with a Shiba Inu!

This service is excellent for dogs who aren’t doggy daycare candidates and like to get outdoors. Your dog gets increased freedom to explore by being attached to a long line instead of a normal leash.

Do you think your dog would enjoy an adventure? Reach out today!

07/16/2024

You asked and we listened!

📣We have updated our services to meet your needs!📣
Follow the link to complete our Service Interest Form for training, dog walking, or pet sitting.

We're excited to be able to offer all of this to you and your furry friends!

https://forms.gle/tkGyGu2UgsjwEnjT6

05/06/2024

Over the weekend, I noticed two medium sized dogs at a local ice cream stand that I couldn’t figure out the breed of. At first, I thought they were mixed breeds but then I noticed one appeared much older than the other and it was clear they were intentionally (and well) bred. I approached the owners to ask about the breed and was told a name I had never heard of before. This doesn’t happen often so I immediately began researching this new-to-me-breed while enjoying my Mint Chocolate Chip. 🍦
While explaining the entire story to my 15 year old son, as I was describing why I knew the dogs were not mutts, he began mocking me and told me I am SUCH a nerd. He held his pinky high, changed his voice and said “its posture, and perfectly placed markings suggested it was pure bred.”😆
Dogs have been very close to the center of my world for as long as I can remember. It’s not often I can’t identify a breed and it’s even more rare I come across a breed I’ve never heard of.

Have you heard of the Entlebucher Mountain Dog?🐶

Per wikipedia….
It’s a medium-sized herding dog and the smallest of the four regional breeds that constitute the Sennenhund dog type. The name Sennenhund refers to people called Senn, herders in the Swiss Alps. Entlebuch is a region in the canton of Lucerne in Switzerland. The breed is also known in English as the Entelbuch Mountain Dog, Entelbucher Cattle Dog, and similar combinations.

As with all large, active working dogs, this breed should be well socialized early in life with other dogs and people, and be provided with regular activity and training. Temperament of individual dogs may vary. The Standard says that the breed is "good-natured and devoted towards people familiar to him, slightly suspicious of strangers."

05/02/2024

Booking your dog's training program has never been easier!

We're thrilled to introduce our new booking system, making it simple and convenient for you to schedule your way towards your pup's confidence and socialization.

Just click the link below to access our booking page and secure your call with us:

📅 https://cal.com/toptierk9 📅

01/04/2024

I can't help you with this one but I feel your pain.

01/02/2024

Message us to discuss your challenges and goals.

12/19/2023

🐾 Cultivating Canine Confidence Through Socialization! 🌟

🐶 Let's dive into the importance of proper socialization and confidence-building for our pups!

🐕 Why is socialization crucial?
Proper socialization helps your dog become a well-adjusted, happy, and confident companion. From meeting new friends to exploring different places, it sets the foundation for a positive experience.
It involves exposing your dog to a variety of people, environments, and situations to help them develop positive behaviors and coping mechanisms 🎾🏞️

🐾 Common Issues With a Dog That's NOT Properly Socialized:

🙉 Reactivity: most people describe this as their dog "protecting them"
🏠 Separation Anxiety: destructive behavior while you're away
📢 Excessive Barking: barking or "woofing" at every little noise, always on alert
🐕‍🦺Leash Reactivity: lunging during walks, barking at people and dogs
🐾 Excessive appeasement: an over-the-top effort to communicate submission, friendliness, or a desire to avoid conflict

🔍 Seeking Solutions?
If you notice persistent behavioral quirks, I'm here to help! Let's work together to create a personalized plan for your dog's unique needs. 🧡

12/01/2023

Join us for our final pack walk of the year! Meet new friends, get your steps in, enjoy nature, and ask questions.

Join us ⬇️
https://square.link/u/6ULUppIU

🐾Sign up to be a TTK9 Fit Dog Club Member and these walks are included in your subscription
➡ https://square.link/u/S74zLmX2

11/30/2023

Regardless of whether you give your dog rawhides or not, your dog needs to chew, which means that it is up to you to find a safe, healthy treat for your dog to chew on. Here is a list from a veterinary clinic of some rawhide alternatives for dogs:

#1. CARROTS
While baby carrots can make a great, healthy dog treat on the go, large, full-size carrots can be a wonderful choice when your dog needs to chew. Carrots are not only nutrient-rich, they are also low in calories, which makes them a great choice, even for dogs who could stand to lose a pound or two.

#2. PEGETABLES
You can find Pegetables in most pet stores, and they are dental dog chews that are made from some of the best veggies for your dog, including peas, sweet potatoes and carrots. These treats are corn, grain and gluten free, and they are easy to digest. They can also help to freshen your dog’s breath and clean their teeth.

#3. BULLY STICKS
Bully sticks are a favorite among my dog owners because they don’t contain any chemical additives or preservatives. Bully sticks can also last a long time, but one downside is that many of them have a strong odor.

#4. ANTLERS
Antlers from either deer or elk are good sources of zinc, calcium, potassium and manganese, and they aren’t stinky or greasy like many other dog chews. However, there is a downside to antlers. They are incredibly hard, and if your dog chews too aggressively, they could end up fracturing a tooth. Elk antlers are a little safer than deer antlers, but regardless of which antlers you choose, watch your dog closely when they chew them.

#5. SALMON SKIN BONES
Salmon skin bones are exactly what they sound like, bones made of salmon skin! These bones are great for dogs who have allergies or sensitivities to other proteins, as well as for dogs who are picky about vegetables. These treats are wonderful for your dog’s coat, but don’t leave your dog alone with one. They are jerky, and if your dog swallows a piece instead of chewing it, it could create a choking hazard.

As you can see, there are many rawhide alternatives available for dogs, but it’s important to note that there’s no such thing as a perfectly safe treat for chewing.

11/29/2023

From the Morthland Animal Clinic:
Rawhide chews are not christmas gifts; they are unplanned ER vet visits just waiting to happen!
They are terrible for dogs but stores sell them because people keep buying them. Rawhide are harmful from processing with irritating chemicals, the small choking hazard pieces, the swallowed piece sits in the stomach and irritates your dogs stomach for months or forms a complete blockage from a big piece or several smaller pieces clumping together in the dogs intestines.
Canine intestinal blockage or foreign body surgery costs about 2-3k in this area to treat an obstruction. That $7 candy cane rawhide doesn't look so cute now, does it?
These are the most common rawhide risks:
Contamination. As with pet toys, rawhide chews can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals. And, as with other pet (or human) foods, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is possible. Even humans can be at risk when coming into contact with these bacteria on rawhide treats.
Digestive irritation. Some dogs are simply sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their manufacture processes. This can cause problems, including diarrhea and vomiting.
Choking or blockages. Rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. In fact, this is a much bigger risk than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. Depending on its size and where it is located, a local vet may be able to remove these pieces fairly easily through the throat. But sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn’t resolved, a blockage can lead to death.
It doesn't take much. Similar to the way small pieces of hair clog a drain, the small pieces of rawhide can clump and block your dog similar to the various items pictured in the first photo below. This is usually a hard thing to diagnose because rawhide is skin. Xrays don't show skin very well so usually a contrast study with barium is needed. Typically a barium study runs $500-900 in this area. Once the blockage is found then the surgery or endoscopic retrieval can be done. The best case scenario is your dog is puking and pooping out the pieces and this can be painful it there's a pointed piece that injures the tissues on its way out.
Please save your dog some pain and yourself hours waiting at an emergency clinic and thousands of dollars.
Don't buy rawhide.

11/28/2023

If it’s difficult for you to understand, relate it to children…and stopping them from hitting puberty.