Audubon Animal Medical Center

02/20/2024

Our winter/spring orchids are blooming and we have some unique and beautiful ones this year. Thanks to Ms. Ann for her amazing green thumb & coaxing the little ones to finally bloom!

02/20/2024

HOW DO I STOP THE BARK, BARK, BARKING 101.

PART ONE - CHOOSE WISELY
If you have a dog, you have a dog who barks.

Barking is an inherent trait of domestics dogs that serves a purpose when communicating with the world around them.

WHY DO DOGS BARK?
There are many reasons why dogs bark, including:

- To greet people or other pets (social barking)
- To protect their possessions or property (territorial barking)
- To show excitement
- To get your attention when they’re bored (aka attention
seeking)
- To warn of danger, such as an intruder
- To tell you they’re hungry, thirsty, or in need of exercise
- To be released from confinement (example: being confined
to a room when someone comes to repair something in your
home)

These are generally short-lived instances of barking that are specific to a certain occurrence or event.

THE TENDENCY TO BARK IS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL AND BREED SPECIFIC TRAIT.

One of the best ways to control nuisance barking in your dog from the get-go is to select a dog who isn't prone to barking.

CHOOSE WISELY, SOME BREEDS BARK MORE THAN OTHERS.

People will often buy a breed of dog notorious for barking at everything that moves and then lament the consequences of this mistake.

THE BREEDS MOST PRONE TO CHRONIC BARKING INCLUDE:

- Yorkshire Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
- West Highland White Terrier
- Fox Terrier
- Beagle

Followed closely by these breeds:

- Chihuahua
- Silky Terrier
- Pekinese
- Miniature Poodle
- Toy Poodle

'SILENT DOGS'

There are a few breeds of dogs that have a low tendency for barking under any circumstances. If you live in an apartment or have neighbors close-by, you may want to consider these 'silent dogs'.

Basenji
This ancient breed is a favorite for people who want a non-barking dog. After all, the Basenji is the only dog unable to bark. However, a Basenji can’t be considered “silent.” Many of them yodel and, although they don’t bark, they don’t have a problem getting their point across.

Greyhound
Bred to run silently after swift prey, the Greyhound is a surprisingly good alternative for apartment living. Although a large breed of dog and famously fast, they actually like to be couch potatoes. Many are available for rescue from the racetrack so you can save a life and keep a quiet home.

French Bulldog
This mini bulldog is growing in popularity as a small, quiet dog breed, and is an excellent alternative for people who want to live in a small, bark-free space. Besides being friendly, they know they are cute and don’t have to keep reminding you.

Chinook
If you want to do dog sports but don’t fancy having a canine cheerleader as a partner, the Chinook may be a good choice for you. They are known for not being excessively vocal but do require lots of physical activity.

Bullmastiff
If a big dog is more your style, consider a quiet, calm Bullmastiff for a companion. Warning: they are handsome and imposing, and tend to draw attention when out in public, so they may not be the best choice for introverts.

BARKING WITH A PURPOSE: There are several breeds of dogs who will bark to communicate, but a not prone to incessant, non-stop barking behavior.

BELOW IS A LIST OF BREEDS LEAST LIKELY TO BARK INAPPROPRIATELY:

- Bloodhood
- Golden Retriever
- Newfoundland
- Akita
- Rottweiler
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Austrlian Shepherd
- Great Dane
- Old English Sheepdog
- Alaskan Malamute

These large breed dogs tend to bark selectively (when it's appropriate dog behavior) and are generally easier to train to quiet behavior.

HOWEVER, THE URGE TO BARK IS ALSO A INDIVIDUAL TRAIT WHICH WILL SHOW ITSELF IN A PUPPY EARLY IN DEVELOPMENT.

A PUPPY WHO LOVES TO BARK WILL MOST LIKELY GROW UP TO BE A DOG WHO LOVES TO BARK, so when choosing a new puppy, it is important to pay attention to behavior such as barking.

All puppies bark, especially during their early development, however, incessant barking at a littermate or inanimate object could signal a chronic barker as an adult.

Also, if you see puppies who bark in fear, or show aggression while barking, you should exercise extreme caution in choosing this puppy to be your new family member.

Before you get a dog, carefully consider a breed's tendency toward excessive barking, and remember, don't choose a dog with a strong predisposition to bark unless you are prepared to exert the energy necessary to hold the behavior in check.

02/19/2024

FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH: Do My Teeth Look OK?

Dental health is a very important part of your pet’s overall health, and dental problems can cause, or be caused by, other health problems.

Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian to check for early signs of a problem and to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.

Have your pet’s teeth checked sooner if you observe any of the following problems:

-bad breath
-broken or loose teeth
-extra teeth or retained baby teeth
-teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
-abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the
mouth
-reduced appetite or refusal to eat
-pain in or around the mouth
-bleeding from the mouth
-swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

Some pets become irritable when they have dental problems, and any changes in your pet’s behavior should prompt a visit to your veterinarian.

ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN EVALUATING YOUR PET'S MOUTH. A PAINFUL AREA MAY CAUSE YOUR PET TO BITE.

Call Audubon (502-361-2611) or Cherokee (502-451-2442) to schedule an oral exam for your pet.

02/19/2024

Call us for a list of local training resources. As pet-owners, it's important that we all do our part for safety.

🧒🤝🐶 Being a responsible pet owner requires commitment and one part of that commitment is ensuring your pet is properly socialized and trained. You can find other aspects of responsible pet ownership ➡️ http://bit.ly/2GwK58h

02/19/2024

A happy ending to this rescue:)

Happy Tails! 🐾

Nearly Naked Nate was adopted before the winter holidays, and as you can see from his photo, he's nearly naked no more!

Sweet Nate is now called Sparky! He fits in just perfectly with his adoring family, including his older Beagle brother. Sparky is a playful pup who loves going on long walks every day. He gets pretty excited every time that he sees a deer; his herding instincts really kick in, and he "goes nuts" with barking just to make sure the deer knows who's boss, according to his dad. 🦌

Sparky's family loves that he's an active, fun, and happy boy. He also loves to crawl on his dad's lap for snuggles. Sparky's dad tells us that Sparky is "definitely a keeper." 🥰

Congratulations, Nate (Sparky) & Family! Wishing you the happiest ever after! 🧡

02/15/2024

TIS THE SEASON FOR LOVE..........EIGHT SURE SIGNS THAT YOUR CAT LOVES YOU

Yes, cats can be aloof, but the true cat lover knows how to read the signs of love.

1. FOLLOWS YOU AROUND
This is a clear sign your cat likes you — or at least knows you are the source of their food. Cats who receive lots of affection from their humans associate them with positive interactions and may follow them from room to room (including the bathroom) in pursuit of more.

2. SLEEPS NEAR OR WITH YOU
If your cat hops into bed with you every night and snuggles against you, it’s a clear sign they enjoy physical closeness. Even cats who are nervous around humans or don’t enjoy physical affection will often sleep near their people, since they may feel safest when their human is lying down and don’t pose as much of a threat.

3. SLOW BLINKING
Though eye contact can sometimes be read as a threat, happy cats will make steady eye contact with lowered lids and squeeze their eyes shut to express contentment. Try “slow blinking” back at your cat to return the gesture.

4. KNEADING
This behavior has many names: “making biscuits,” “kneading bread” and “happy paws” are just a few. Cats will flex and push their paws alternately against soft surfaces — including your skin — when they are especially happy. The behavior is carried over from kittenhood, when kittens knead their mothers’ abdomens to stimulate milk flow.

5. MEOWING, PURRING & TRILLING
Did you know that cats only meow to communicate with humans? Cats have little need to communicate with each other verbally, but many cats learn that meowing at humans triggers a response, whether that’s food, treats, a pat or an open door.

Anyone who spends time with a cat knows they’re anything but quiet. Cats make a range of other noises, including purring (a rhythmic throat rumbling), trilling (a high-pitched chirp) or chattering (usually when they’re watching prey). Meowing, purring and trilling are special signs of your cat’s connection to you — they’re trying to tell you they like you! Be aware, however, that cats may purr to soothe themselves when they are stressed or sick, so pay attention to context.

6. SHOWING THEIR BELLY
Their stomach is a cat’s most vulnerable spot, so if they’re comfortable exposing their belly around you, that means they feel safe. Sometimes, if they’re feeling frisky, a cat might roll over and expose its belly during playtime (the classic “cat trap” maneuver) — but be careful of their claws!

7. TAIL TIP TWITCHING & WRAPPING TAIL AROUND YOU
Cat tail behavior is a language unto itself. The way a cat holds its tail can tell you a lot about its mood in any given situation. If a cat runs toward you or weaves around you with a high, twitching tail, it generally means they’re very happy to see you. They may also wave their tail back and forth in wide, curving motions as an extra show of excitement.

When seated or lying next to their human, a cat may wrap its tail around their person’s closest body part in a show of warmth and affection.

8. HEADBUTTING & RUBBING AGAINST YOU
Apart from a show of physical closeness, cats like to rub their faces and heads on people and objects they wish to claim as their own. Cats have scent glands in their foreheads, lips and cheeks that only other cats can smell, so they are essentially marking whatever they rub against as their property. When they rub against their owners, they may also be picking up your scent in a show of “scent-sharing,” a common behavior among cats who are close.

02/14/2024

LOVE IS IN THE AIR - SIX SURE SIGNS YOUR DOG LOVES YOU.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and while we love our humans, we really, REALLY love our pets.

I must admit, the unconditional love given by my dogs makes up for the furniture-chewing, cat-chasing, garden-digging and non-stop shedding - MOST OF THE TIME:)

We know you love your dog, but here are a few sure signs you are worshiped in return:

IT MUST BE LOVE IF:

- SHE LEANS AGAINST YOU FOR COMFORT OR 'JUST BECAUSE". Your pet may lean against you because she feels anxious, wants something, wants to cuddle or is looking for some extra comfort or security. Whatever the reason, leaning against you makes your dog feel safe and secure, and it’s a way of showing her love.

- SHE YAWNS WITH YOU. Or shows other empathetic behavior. Our pets cans often sense our moods, even subtle behavior like sighs and yawns. Try taking a deep restful breath sometime when your snuggling on the couch. Your dog is likely to respond in kind.

- SHE IS JOYOUS ON YOUR RETURN. Whether you're gone for five days, or five minutes, if she goes into a frenzy when you return, it's a sure sign of love.

- SHE GIVES YOU 'THAT LOOK'. When dogs lock eyes with each other, it's often considered rude or aggressive. And yet, when dogs stare at their favorite humans, it's usually out of love, not war. When you look into your pup's eyes and she gazes back with relaxed eyes showing little to no white, it usually means she's happy and comfortable.

- SHE 'SHADOWS' YOU. When your dog seems to follow you wherever you go, it's just her social nature rearing its head. Humans are social beings, too, but we have more of a tendency to balance our social lives with a certain amount of solitude for peace and quiet. It doesn't really occur to your dog to seek out "alone time." It doesn't cross her mind to want to be apart from you. Her devotion means that wherever you are, that's where she wants to be. (I can attest to this as the two big 'play rooms' remain empty while all six dogs try to sit on my lap at the same time:)

- SHE 'MARKS YOUR TERRITORY' As part of your pack, your dog wants to keep you safe. One way she does this is by marking the boundaries of your territory. This is her way of keeping strange and stray dogs and perhaps predators away from her favorite human.

These are just some of the ways our dogs show they love us. Remember - to your pets, you are their whole life. They depend on you for food,shelter, health care and socializing.

PLEASE GIVE YOUR SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBERS SOME SPECIAL TIME EVERYDAY.

02/13/2024

IT'S MARDI GRAS, Y'ALL!!

The Evolution of the Mardi Gras Bead Dog.

DId you know.................?

Up until the 1960's New Orleans Mardi Gras parade krewes threw glass beads. In the mid 1960's plastic beads replaced glass beads as the throw of choice. Often, when beads were thrown from floats they became tangled and broken.

Children enjoyed sorting through the tangled beads. Soon, they discovered when the beads were twisted in various directions they could create different animals.

The most popular, and the easiest to make, was the bead dog.

Various school clubs, including Cub Scouts and Brownie Troops, and children's fundraising groups began making the little bead dogs and selling them for fundraising activities.

In 2008, Haydel's Bakery commissioned local New Orleans artist, Philip Weddle, who created his rendering of the old time bead dog trinket.

Today, a full-sized Mardi Gras Bead Dog mascot greets Haydel's Bakery customers daily.

In the spirit of this New Orleans tradition, Haydel's donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Mardi Gras Bead Dog merchandise to a charitable organization each year.

02/12/2024

WHAT A GAME!! CONGRATULATIONS TEAM RUFF - PUPPY BOWL 2024 CHAMPIONS!!

Team Ruff won the Lombarky Trophy in the 2024 Puppy Bowl, winning 72-69 over Team Fluff. Cookie, a Siberian husky and American pit bull terrier mix from Dayton, scored the game's final touchdown.

The 20th annual Puppy Bowl featured puppies on Team Ruff and Team Fluff competing in a mutt-size football stadium for the Wayfair Lombarky Trophy.

Puppy Bowl was created in 2004 to raise awareness about abandoned pets and dog adoption. This year, a record 131 adoptable puppies from 73 shelters nationwide battled for the coveted title out on the field Sunday afternoon.

(Referee Dan Schachner pictured with participants of the annual Puppy Bowl.)
AP

02/09/2024

IT'S FEEL GOOD FRIDAY, AND NATIONAL PIZZA DAY!

Who doesn't go for a hot, melty slice of pizza? - anytime, any day.

And, YES - of course there are dog-friendly pizza recipes you can share with your precious pooches.......

You can find several options online but we like this veggie-filled version from BrownieBites:

A healthy and cheesy recipe for creating a pizza for dogs that your most special furry family members will love!

02/08/2024

DOES YOUR CAT HARASS YOU AT YOUR DESK?

Why do cats want to push everything off your desk when you're working?

Cats are curious creatures, highly attracted by rapid movement. The constant tapping on a keyboard and shuffling of papers is just more than they can resist.

Part of the appeal may be linked to play-related behavior and the other part may be an expression of exploratory behavior.

Some cats have learned that they can get our attention through this behavior. Sometimes the louder the bang, the quicker the owner’s response time.

Sometimes watching the object fall and chasing after it on the floor is rewarding to the cat all by itself.

While this can seem like big fun to your cat, it can be bothersome for you and can sometimes even be dangerous for the cat. For example, if a cat knocks over a glass object, he can injure his paws when he jumps on the floor and lands on or walks through the glass shards.

How to Redirect the Action

If this behavior is a problem in your household, how can you stop your cat from doing this?

One quick option is to apply double-sided sticky tape to the desk, table or shelf. When your cat jumps on the table, his paws will stick a little to the tape and that sensation can deter most cats from jumping back on the table.

If you can prevent your cat from jumping on the table/counter/desk you will be more successful in stopping the problem.

Using clicker training to teach your cat fun activities and behavior can be very rewarding and will help keep him mentally engaged and out of trouble.

Another way to redirect your cat is to give him a job. Use multiple puzzle toys and have him work for some of his food. Keep in mind that cats in the wild may spend 40 to 60 percent of their time hunting for food.

02/07/2024

ARE 'BAD TEETH' KILLING YOUR DOG?

February is Pet Dental Health Month and all pet owners should understand the consequences of poor dental hygiene in dogs and cats.

Gum and Periodontal disease in dogs has been linked to the occurrence of canine heart disease.

If your dog has bad breath, licks his teeth, coughs or shows other symptoms of periodontal disease, call 502-361-2611 to schedule an oral exam ASAP.

A study, conducted by Dr. Larry Glickman at Purdue, examined the records of nearly 60,000 dogs with some stage of periodontal disease and about 60,000 without, and revealed a correlation between infected teeth and gums, and heart maladies.

"Our data show a clear statistical link between gum disease and heart disease in dogs," says Glickman.

Gum disease starts with plaque which is not removed from your dog’s teeth and gums.

Whenever your pup eats, bits of food and bacteria collect around the gum line and form plaque. If this plaque isn’t removed, within a few days it hardens into tartar, which adheres to your dog’s teeth.

Tartar irritates the gums and results in inflammation, called gingivitis. Your dog’s gums will turn from a healthy pink color to red, and you may notice some bad breath.

If the tartar isn’t removed it will accumulate under your dog’s gums, eventually pulling the gums away from the teeth and creating small open spaces, or pockets, which are collection points for even more bacteria.

If the problem progresses to this point, your dog has developed irreversible periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause pain, abscess, infection, loose teeth and even bone loss.

If your pup’s immune system doesn’t kill off the bacteria circulating in her blood, it can reach her heart and infect it. The Purdue study points to a strong correlation between gum disease and endocarditis, an inflammation (infection) of the heart’s valves or inner lining.

02/06/2024

WHEN WILL MY PUPPY LOSE HIS BABY TEETH?

February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and dental health starts when they're babies.

Like humans, dogs also gradually lose their baby teeth.

Puppies, like new-born babies, are born without teeth. Canines will not grow their first baby teeth till they reach about six to eight weeks of age.

Dogs normally grow as many as 28 teeth, which are commonly referred to as the baby teeth or the deciduous teeth. The first few teeth that eventually fall out are the incisors, next are the premolars, and then the canines. Remember that puppies do not have molars, just the premolar teeth.

When puppies are between three to seven months old, their deciduous baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth.

First the incisors fall out, followed by premolars and molars.

WATCH FOR BABY TEETH WHICH DO NOT GET DISPLACED, OR ARE UNABLE TO FALL OUT ON THEIR OWN. THERE ARE TIMES WHEN YOUR VET MAY NEED TO EXCISE THE BABY TOOTH IN QUESTION.

The teething process in puppies tends to continue on and off for several months. Typically, the emerging tooth will fore the baby tooth out of its socket and the old tooth will naturally fall out.

This period is usually uncomfortable and can be painful. New teeth erupting put pressure on the gums as they pierce through causing an uncomfortable sensation

Puppies get cranky when they are teething. Expect your puppy to drool, be reluctant to eat at times and to look for objects to mouth in hopes of getting some relief.
This is a good time to provide your puppy with age-appropriate chew toys.

Look for toys labeled safe for puppies under 6 months as adult chew toys may be too hard and risk damaging your puppy’s teeth.

For more information on great teething toys like KONGS, call us at 502-361-2611 (Audubon) or 502-451-2442 (Cherokee)

02/05/2024

PROTECT YOUR DOG'S HEALTH - KEEP HIS TEETH CLEAN.

February is pet dental health month, but healthy gums are critical for your pet all-year-long.

Just like in human, plaque builds up in your dog's (and cat's) mouth, starting along the gum line. In turn, plaque leads to gingivitis.

The most common form of gingivitis, and the most common form of periodontal disease overall, is in response to plaque (also called bacterial biofilms) attached to tooth surfaces, aka - plaque-induced gingivitis.

Bacterial infection results in erosion of the gums, teeth and bone, causing chronic pain and tooth and bone loss.

Gum disease increases the risk of heart, kidney and liver disease in dogs and is preventable if dental hygiene measures are taken throughout life.

Symptoms are often noted in older dogs with advanced periodontal disease, though over 80 percent of dogs have early stages of gum disease by age three.

Periodontal disease (or gum disease) is the weakening and eventual loss of the supporting structures of the teeth.

Gum disease can cause significant harm to a dogs mouth, including eroded gums, bad breath, missing teeth, bone loss, and chronic pain.

Of serious concern are chronic gum infections which may spread internally and become 'systemic'.

Plaque-induced sepsis in dogs. (bacteremia and septicemia) occurs when the persistent presence of bacterial organisms in a dog's mouth enter the bloodstream and become systemic, meaning that it has spread throughout the body.

Also referred to as blood poisoning, septicemia is a serious condition which requires immediate treatment and antibiotics.

Do not take your dog's bad breath and rotten teeth lightly.

02/02/2024

ITS FEEL-GOOD FRIDAY, and GROUNDHOG DAY - THANKS PHIL!!

Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow! So we will have an early spring!

Phil's been used for weather predictions for more than 130 years. According to the legend, if Phil sees his shadow on Feb. 2, he predicts six additional weeks of winter.

More often than not, Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, a sign of more winter.

But if he doesn't see his shadow, he predicts an early spring.

BRING IT ON!!

Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs. When alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. When angry, they chatter teeth, hiss, squeal and growl.

02/01/2024

FEBRUARY IS PET DENTAL HEALTH MONTH-KEEP THEIR PEARLY WHITES PEARLY WHITE..

Keeping your Pets teeth clean is one of the best ways to prolong a happy, healthy life.

That canine bad breath might be telling that something serious is occurring. Gum disease in dogs has been linked to the occurrence of canine heart disease. If your dog has stinky breath, bring him or her in for an oral exam. 502-361-2611

Research on the gum disease-heart disease connection in dogs is the result of similar studies with humans. People with periodontal disease are twice as likely to have coronary artery disease and other heart conditions, than people with healthy gums.
This is an especially important area of study in dogs because 75 percent of canine companions have gum disease by the time they reach middle age.

How Your Dog Gets Gum Disease

Gum disease starts with plaque which is not removed from your dog’s teeth and gums.

Whenever your pup eats, bits of food and bacteria collect around the gum line and form plaque. If this plaque isn’t removed, within a few days it hardens into tartar, which adheres to your dog’s teeth.

Tartar irritates the gums and results in inflammation, called gingivitis. Your dog’s gums will turn from a healthy pink color to red, and you may notice some bad breath.

If the tartar isn’t removed it will accumulate under your dog’s gums, eventually pulling the gums away from the teeth and creating small open spaces, or pockets, which are collection points for even more bacteria.

If the problem progresses to this point, your dog has developed irreversible periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause pain, abscess, infection, loose teeth and even bone loss.

How quickly plaque, tartar and gum disease develop in your dog’s mouth depends on a number of factors including his age, overall health, diet, breed, genetics, and the care his teeth receive from both you and your veterinarian.

01/31/2024

DOWN BOY!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and a well-trained dog makes life easier on everyone.

Dogs are always learning, and most dogs learn quickly. The tricky part is that we humans are sometimes teaching them the wrong thing.

As mentioned in our 'Puppy 101' post, it is never too early to start basic training with your puppy. However, even old dogs can learn new tricks with patience, persistence and consistency.

Teaching your dog to 'Go' in a specific place creates a win-win for you and your pet.

For starters, always accompany your puppy outside during his potty breaks.

Walk to the area you have designated as the potty spot and give him a little time to go.

Once he has marked the spot, praise him warmly and head back in the house.

01/30/2024

WHAT ARE THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT BEHAVIORS YOUR DOG SHOULD LEARN?

January is Train Your Dog Month. While dogs have different aptitudes for training by breed, there are some critical behaviors that all dogs can and should learn.

5 essential commands you can teach your dog:

Sit - This is one of the easiest dog obedience commands to teach, so it’s a good one to start with.

Come - This command can help keep a dog out of trouble, bringing him back to you if you lose grip on the leash or accidentally leave the front door open.

Down - This can be one of the more difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why? Because the position is a submissive posture. You can help by keeping training positive and relaxed, particularly with fearful or anxious dogs.

Stay - Before attempting this one, make sure your dog is an expert at the “Sit” command.

Leave it - This can help keep your dog safe when his curiosity gets the better of him, like if he smells something intriguing but possibly dangerous on the ground! The goal is to teach your pup that he gets something even better for ignoring the other item.

These five simple commands keep your dog safer and improve your communication with him. It’s well worth the investment of your time and effort. Remember, the process takes time, so only start a dog obedience training session if you’re in the right mindset to practice calm-assertive energy and patience.

Ready to learn more? Get training steps at Cesar's Way: https://www.cesarsway.com/…/5-essential-commands-you-can-te…

01/29/2024

JANUARY IS NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR DOG MONTH

It's National Train Your Dog Month, and January is a good time to spend some quality time indoors teaching your pet the Dos and Don'ts of good social behavior.

While most of us will not be winning blue ribbons at the next dog obedience show, all dogs can be taught the basics of good manners and safety.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BEHAVIORS TO TEACH YOUR DOG?

Here are some essential commands that you can learn and practice with your dog:

COME: Perhaps the most important behavior you can teach, this command can help keep your dog out of trouble by bringing him back to you if you lose control of your leash or accidentally open the front door.

SIT: It is the easiest way to teach a dog how to obey orders, so it’s a good start.

DOWN: This can be one of the most difficult commands in dog obedience training. Why is it? Because this action is submissive. You can help by keep training active and relaxed, especially for dogs that are sacred and anxious.

STAY: You need to be sure your dog is an expert at “sit” command before you teach your dog this command.

LEAVE IT: This command can help keep your dog safe when his curiosity gets better if he smells appealing to something. However, it can be dangerous on the ground. The point of doing so is to let your puppy know that it will get a better reward if it ignores something else.

BE QUIET: when you have visitor, your dog may bark loudly which makes your friend feel uncomfortable. The purpose of this command is to let your puppy know that the person in front of you is safe and that he is still in a relaxed environment.

GET IN YOUR CRATE: My dogs love their crates. It is their safe place, and when we load up for a trip, they know the crate means fun is on the horizon (unless we sneak in a trip to the vet.) Making the crate a positive experience makes life so much easier for both you and your dog.

01/26/2024

IT'S FEEL GOOD FRIDAY - TIME TO HEAD FOR THE ROCKIES!!

On this day in history, January 26th 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, is established.

Rocky Mountain National Park is located within the Front Range of Colorado and covers 265,769 acres (358 square miles) of wilderness. The park was established in 1915 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Rocky Mountain National Park Act.

Throughout Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) you can find moose, bears, elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, coyotes, marmots, pikas, and numerous birds - including 5 endangered species.

It turns out the park is prime moose habitat, with the animals particularly favoring the meadows and willow thickets of the lush Kawuneeche Valley. Today, the animals continue to thrive throughout the park.

IMAGE: Bull Moose, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. (Tim Speer / Getty Images / iStock)