Crockett's Critter Care

11/19/2024

Congratulations to Alyssa. Our local shelter's own Alyssa has received a prestigious award from the state for her outstanding efforts in drastically lowering the euthanasia rate at what was once a high-kill shelter. Her dedication and vision have truly made a difference for so many animals in need.

I had the pleasure of meeting Alyssa during a shelter fundraiser where I was demonstrating ACE Free Work. Her upbeat spirit and tireless commitment to animal welfare were inspiring. She's a shining example of what it means to turn compassion into action.

Let's celebrate Alyssa and her incredible work for our community.

Alyssa Merget, with the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center, was recognized as shelter personnel of the year in North Carolina for her transformative work at the shelter.

11/02/2024

Crockett's Critter Care: Built on Relationships, Not Just Numbers

When I started Crockett’s Critter Care, I never aimed to expand rapidly or rely on tech apps to choose clients. My focus has always been to serve pets and their families personally. By growing at a manageable pace, training a dedicated staff, and staying true to my passion for pet care, we’ve been able to focus on quality every step of the way.

Through hurricanes, a pandemic, and more, we’ve stuck together as a community. Our dedication and investment in training and education enable us to learn new skills that truly help our client's pets—especially those with challenges others might avoid.

With certifications like Fear Free Certified Professional, ACE Free Work Trainer, Canine Reactivity Specialist, and training in Pet First Aid and CPR, we aim to offer top-notch care to our clients. And while many businesses grow fast only to sell out, my heart remains here, serving our community.

Thank you for being part of our journey and trusting us with your pets! Our first 15 years have been amazing!

10/20/2024

Leveling Up: I am excited to share that I’ve completed the Master Course in Dog Aggression with Michael Shikashio, an expert in the field and an incredible communicator. This course has been a fantastic complement to my ongoing Canine Reactivity studies, and I’m grateful for the deeper understanding I’ve gained. I was pleased to find that I was well-prepared to absorb the concepts he teaches, especially in recognizing when reactivity can lead to more serious aggression.

The course emphasized additional layers of safety and management to prevent bites, which is crucial for aggression cases. Reflecting on my clients' journeys, I’m confident that reactivity training was the right approach in 99% of cases. However, there was one instance where I felt it was best to recommend a veterinary behaviorist for more comprehensive support.

Continuing to invest in my education ensures I’m providing the best care possible for your pets. Stay tuned for more updates as I apply these insights in my training sessions!

Certificate attached

10/08/2024

Today. I am excited to share that I have officially received my ACE Trainer Certificate and this beautiful Blue Ribbon.

For those unfamiliar, ACE Free Work is an amazing approach that allows dogs (and other pets) to explore, engage, and build confidence in a safe, structured environment. While ACE Free Work is widely practiced in England, it is still relatively new here in the United States. I am thrilled to be one of the early ACE Certified Trainers and to bring its incredible benefits to more pets and their families.

This technique has been life-changing for many dogs I've worked with, especially those with reactivity or trauma. I can't wait to continue integrating it into my work and sharing its magic with even more pets.

Stay tuned for some stories of dogs that evoked wonder as I looked at them in a new way for the first time.

Check out my Certificate and Blue Ribbon below. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey!

10/01/2024

I love that our local Synergy Integrative Specialty Hospital is working with other local groups to help pets impacted by Hurricane Helene. If you are looking to get involved, here are trusted local people making a difference.

09/23/2024

Exciting Takeaways from the 2024 Pet Sitters International Conference!
I had an amazing time in Niagara Falls at this year’s PSI 2024 Conference! The event was packed with valuable insights on keeping our pets safe, spotting potential liability risks in clients' homes, and understanding the subtle signs of dog and cat body language.
The marketing ideas were a game-changer! I’m excited to bring you new online courses focused on calming reactive dogs, ACE Free Work, and Loose Leash Walking. What other topics would you like to see?
My goals for 2024 include: further study in aggressive dog issues, dog ethology, and continued education in pet sitting, dog walking, and training. My training focuses on helping pet owners who have dogs that display reactivity understand and appreciate their reactive dogs.
As always, connecting with my fellow pet sitters and growing in our mission to provide the best care for your pets was wonderful.
Stay tuned for more updates—and maybe a sneak peek at what's coming next!

09/18/2024

I am thrilled to announce that I have officially become an ACE FREE WORK TRAINER. After almost two years of dedicated learning, hands-on experience, and working with some incredible dogs and their families, I have earned my certification in this transformative approach to pet care and training.

ACE Free Work has been a game-changer, helping dogs of all types including those with reactivity or emotional trauma, to find calmness and confidence. I am eager to integrate these techniques into my pet-sitting, dog-walking, and training services, enhancing the well-being of every animal I work with.

Thank you to my clients and their amazing pets for your trust and support along this journey! Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to share the benefits of ACE Free Work through future sessions, blogs, and events.

Here's to a more peaceful, enriched experience for all of our pets.

09/10/2024

OZZIE, the TEMPERAMENTAL TERRIER

Ozzie is a smart, discerning little guy who likes to call the shots. He's got his preferences - clear skies, cool temperatures, and plenty of interesting sniffs to keep him entertained. Treats? Yes, please. Wet paws? Absolutely not. Loud noises? They send him pulling back toward the house.

Our walks reflect his changing moods, whether it's the weather, time of day, or our direction. Ozzie's top priorities? Comfort, safety, and a dash of amusement.

This morning, our walk was slow and methodical. With every sniff and mark, I felt like I was in Ozzie's masterclass. His lesson for the day? Take your time, prioritize self-care, and stay mindful of your surroundings. Avoid discomfort and seek peace when you can.

What did your pet teach you today?

09/01/2024

PET OWNERS BE AWARE OF THESE DOG AND CAT FOOD RECALLS
Pet owners are being warned about two dog foods: B & B brand pet products, made in NJ, are not registered for sale in NC. They were not properly inspected where they were made. The products to avoid include B&B Hi-Pro, B&B Nutro, B&B Special Order, B&B Premium, B&B Super, B&B Super Treats, and B&B X-Factor. The products are sold frozen in a silver foil stand-up pouch with a white and black ink printed label. Do not feed this to your pets.

Viva Raw, LLC, has voluntarily recalled certain dog and cat food products due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. The recall was issued for Lot 21244, which was shipped to all 50 states.

We are being advised to discard these products in a secure container and keep them away from wildlife. Check your supply and clean and disinfect any areas where they were stored, any surfaces that may have been touched, and dog: water bowls, bedding, and toys Clean and sanitize and, of course, wash your hands.

I hope everyone has heard this news already. It is a good idea, if you are not already doing this, to keep the brand product information so you can check batch numbers following a recall or food alert.

Send a message to learn more

08/24/2024

I had a fantastic time today at the Bark to School fundraiser hosted by A Dog's Dream. I had the pleasure of meeting the new owner, Chrystal, the talented event photographer, Hannah, and the coordinator from Craven Pamlico Animal Services Center, Elizabeth. I also had a chance to tour the facility, chat with Hannah about some exciting future collaborations, and discuss getting involved in the shelter's upcoming fundraiser in September. I love how our community comes together to support one another and put the animals first! So many adorable pets were available for adoption. Great day for a great cause!

08/13/2024

Introduction: I had been attending training classes for years with several of my dogs—Duke, a found hound; Dallas, a Lab Chow mix; and Savannah, a Walker Hound.These classes were geared towards preparing for the show ring, focusing on obedience and rally. Under the capable guidance of our trainer, the students did well in competitions. Although I never intended to show my dogs, I loved learning about them and spending time with people who shared my passion.

When it came time to get my next dog, I knew exactly what I wanted—a German Shepherd puppy. My plan was to start early with puppy classes and continue through advanced obedience, envisioning a well-trained, obedient companion.

The Beginning: One of my classmates, an ethical breeder of German Shepherds, had a new litter of puppies. Her dogs were known for good health, excellent lineage, and superior showmanship. I was thrilled to bring Davy, as I called my pup, into my home and heart. We started off strong. I envisioned him maturing into the most amazing dog I had ever owned. He was smart, and when he looked at me with those beautiful eyes and cocked head, it was as if he was asking, “What’s next?”

My Hopes Dashed: However, Davy’s behavior was anything but smooth sailing. He exhibited tendencies to bark and lunge at other dogs, cats, and squirrels—on walks, from the yard, and even inside the house. He became embarrassing and destructive. My once adorable puppy turned into a 60-pound adult dog that I could only walk when no one else was around. His window antics led to noisy outbursts and chewed-up windowsills. Traditional training classes did nothing to resolve our issues. At the age of five, Davy was asked not to return to class following a vocal altercation with a newly attending Dachshund. The experience left me grappling with a range of emotions—from embarrassment to guilt and shame.

The Turning Point: Determined to find a solution, I embarked on a quest to understand the difference between obedience and behavior modification. I learned that while obedience training focuses on tasks like sit, down, stay, wait, and come, behavior modification addresses how dogs feel and react to the world around them. While Davy was capable of being a Blue Ribbon Champion in the ring, his behavior made that impossible.

Our turning point came when I took the time to truly understand his reactions and changed my approach with a new perspective. This was when life with Davy shifted from being hard and frustrating to becoming easier and more fulfilling.

Challenges and Joys: No longer do I have to check if the coast is clear to take him for a walk. We now regularly visit our neighborhood parks, where he can sniff, enjoy some parkour, and get exercise. We walk quietly in the neighborhood, even passing dogs behind fences without incident. My worries about others judging me as a clueless dog owner or labeling Davy as difficult have been replaced with comments like, “Wow, Davy is not the same dog,” and “You’re doing a wonderful job with him.”

Acceptance and Unconditional Love:Davy is nine years old now, and our journey has evolved into a beautiful partnership with an unbreakable bond.

Conclusion: Davy is “that dog”—the one who taught me more than I could have learned from any other dog. Our experience has shifted my focus to include both obedience and behavior modification in my training. My goal is to provide solutions in my community for pet owners who have dogs like Davy. My journey with Davy has inspired me to become a Canine Reactivity Specialist so that I can help others whose dogs need more than traditional training classes. If my success with Davy can help you and your dog, then this journey has been worth every challenge.‍

08/12/2024

Angus loves to go to the park on a beautiful summer day. Angus is a proud graduate of our reactive dog training program.

08/12/2024

We're thrilled to introduce our newest pet care team member, Nora! She brings a deep love of animals and an eagerness to learn more about them. We're delighted to have her on board and can't wait for you and your pets to meet her.

08/11/2024

Does your puppy need entertainment? Our staff is trained in enrichment activities. We can take care of your puppy when you can't.

08/10/2024

Our team loves to see our client's pets, relaxed and happy during our visits. Meet comfy Gandalf.

08/08/2024

Fergie needs a good home. Please, consider sharing to increase her chances of getting one.

08/05/2024

At Crockett's Critter Care, we treat your pets like family! From walking and playing to medicating and light grooming, we ensure every pet feels loved and cared for. Whether it's feeding time, turning on their favorite TV show (hello, Grey's Anatomy fans!) or PBS Radio, cuddling up for some quality snuggle time, or rewarding them with treats - we've got it all covered. We've been making pet friends since 2009.

07/11/2024

Ozzie walks in his neighborhood frequently. He always finds something to get excited about. What's in there, Ozzie?