Unique Canine, LLC

16/12/2024

🎄🎁 Last-Minute Christmas Ideas! 🎁🎄

Hey everyone! As the holiday season is in full swing, I know how hectic it can get. If you’re in need of any last-minute Christmas gift ideas for your furry friends, feel free to ask!

Also, I’d like to bring your attention to a great cause. You can support a junior Handler and her service dog by making a donation or purchasing a shirt/hoodie. Every little bit helps them as they strive for their goals! Check it out here: [Rallying for Ralph](https://www.bonfire.com/rallying-for-ralph/).

Donate here: https://www.dogsonduty.org/donate?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3EuI3AqA8ssoxzJphCa079pkJw6z2sgWa_VEQAlN0V8SmrnOAok5t2tLU_aem_7J3EG9wV05OGiiCi2Ktxkg

Let’s spread some holiday cheer together! 🌟❤️

04/12/2024

WHAT?!?!?
Pics with Santa, come bring the pups for a holiday pic and make a donation to Dogs On Duty

Guess what I heard????
Santa will be available for pictures Sunday 12/15 from 12-2pm at Vital Performance Chiropractic 6049 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. We are asking for a $20 donation to go towards the working dogs.

03/12/2024

Such a great way to show support on

11/11/2024

03/11/2024

Training service dogs for light pressure therapy involves several steps to ensure they can effectively provide comfort to their handlers. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. **Selection of the Dog**: Suitable breeds are chosen based on temperament, size, and trainability. Common breeds include Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers.

2. **Basic Obedience Training**: Dogs begin with foundational obedience commands such as sit, stay, down, and come. This establishes a strong bond and communication between the dog and handler.

3. **Socialization**: Dogs are exposed to various environments, people, and other animals to build confidence and ensure they can remain calm in different settings.

4. **Recognizing Signs of Distress**: Trainers teach dogs to recognize cues from their handlers, such as signs of anxiety or stress. This can include changes in posture, breathing, or body language.

5. **Introducing Light Pressure**: Dogs are gradually conditioned to apply gentle pressure. This may involve encouraging them to lie down and lean against the handler or using a weighted vest during practice sessions to simulate pressure.

6. **Positive Reinforcement**: Trainers use treats, praise, and rewards to reinforce the desired behavior. This encourages the dog to understand that applying pressure in response to the handler's distress is a positive action.

7. **Real-Life Scenarios**: Dogs are trained in various settings to ensure they can perform the therapy effectively in real-life situations. This includes public places where distractions may be present.

8. **Handler Training**: Handlers are also trained on how to communicate effectively with their service dog and how to properly initiate and utilize light pressure therapy when needed.

01/11/2024

Please help Dogs On Duty support working dogs by attending the Trivia Night coming up on 11/10/24.

Brady is sad because we have only sold 10% of our tickets for our Trivia Night, if we don't sell more by this Sunday 11/3 we will be forced to cancel the event.

Please consider going,
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-night-a-night-at-the-movies-tickets-1028183904737

01/11/2024

Happy Halloween from some of friends.

29/10/2024

**Celebrating Halloween with Your Dog: What’s Safe and What’s Not!**

Halloween is a thrilling time of year filled with spooky decorations, fun costumes, and plenty of treats. If you’re a dog owner, incorporating your furry friend into the festivities can make it even more special. However, it’s crucial to keep their health and safety in mind, especially when it comes to what they can and cannot.

# # # What’s Safe for Your Dog?

- **Pumpkin**: Plain cooked pumpkin is great for your pup. It’s healthy and can help with digestion.

- **Sweet Potatoes**: Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes are also dog-friendly and packed with nutrients.

- **Apple Slices**: Remove the seeds and core, and your dog can enjoy this crunchy treat.

- **Peanut Butter**: Check that it’s xylitol-free, and your dog may enjoy a spoonful or two!

- **Carob Treats**: Carob is a safe chocolate substitute for dogs. Look for dog treats made with carob during Halloween.

# # # What’s Not Safe for Your Dog?

- **Chocolate**: This is a big no-no! Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.

- **Candy with Xylitol**: This sugar substitute is extremely toxic to dogs and can lead to liver failure.

- **Grapes and Raisins**: Even a small amount can be poisonous to dogs, leading to kidney failure.

- **Onions and Garlic**: These can damage your dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.

- **Heavy Cream and Butter**: Rich dairy products can upset your dog’s stomach and lead to digestive issues.

# # # Tips for a Safe Halloween

- **Keep Candy Out of Reach**: Ensure that your candy bowl is placed where your dog can’t reach it. Consider keeping your dog in a separate room during peak trick-or-treating hours to avoid any temptation.

- **Educate Guests**: If you’re having friends over, remind them not to share their treats with your dog; they may not realize which foods are harmful.

16/10/2024

**Understanding Dog Socialization: It’s More Than Just Interaction**

# # # What Does Socialization Really Mean?

At its core, socialization is about a dog becoming comfortable in different environments. This includes being around various people and animals, as well as experiencing different sounds, smells, and situations without fear or anxiety. Proper socialization helps dogs build confidence, which is crucial for their overall behavior and temperament.

# # # Exposure Over Interaction

1. **Presence Over Play**: Socialization does not require dogs to engage in interactive play with other dogs or people. Instead, it involves simply being present in those situations. For example, a dog can benefit from being outside of a dog park without playing with other dogs. Watching other dogs interact can help them learn social cues and appropriate behaviors.

2. **Leisurely Exploration**: Taking your dog for a walk in a busy area or visiting a pet friendly cafe can provide valuable socialization. They can observe various stimuli - the hustle of busy streets, the sounds of different vehicles, and the sight of people in motion - all while remaining calm and composed. This kind of exposure helps them adjust to a variety of environments without the pressure to interact.

3. **Mild Exposure to New Things**: Introducing your dog to new experiences can be incredibly beneficial. This includes seeing strangers, encountering different types of animals, or listening to unique sounds like sirens or construction noises. Each of these exposures can help desensitize them and reduce the likelihood of fearful or aggressive responses in the future.

# # # Benefits of Non-Interactive Socialization

- **Confidence Building**: Exposure to different environments and situations builds a dog’s confidence. A confident dog is more likely to react positively to new circumstances rather than retreating in fear or showing aggression.

- **Behavioral Improvement**: Dogs that are well-socialized are typically more relaxed and easier to manage. They’re less likely to exhibit behavioral issues related to anxiety or fear because they are accustomed to various stimuli.

- **Adaptability**: A well-socialized dog can adapt more easily to changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or traveling. This flexibility makes it easier for them to handle the unexpected.

# # # Socialization Tips

1. **Start Early**: The ideal time to socialize your dog is during their critical socialization period, which is roughly between 3 and 14 weeks of age once vaccinations are completed. However, it’s never too late to introduce exposure to new experiences.

2. **Go Slow**: Introduce new environments and experiences gradually. Overwhelming your dog with too much too soon can lead to anxiety.

3. **Positive Reinforcement**: Make sure to reward your dog with treats and praise when they remain calm in new situations. This reinforces positive behavior and encourages them to remain relaxed in the future.

4. **Observe Their Comfort Levels**: Pay attention to your dog’s body language. If they seem overwhelmed, it’s best to take a step back and allow them some space before reintroducing them to the situation.

# # # Conclusion

Socialization for dogs is a vital part of their upbringing and development. It’s not solely about playtime with other canines; it’s about exposure to the world and everything it has to offer. By understanding this broader concept of socialization, we can help our furry friends grow into well-adjusted, confident companions. Remember, the goal is to ensure that our dogs can navigate the world with ease and enjoyment, fostering a lifetime of happy experiences.

14/10/2024

Service dogs are trained to assist handlers with specific medical conditions, and individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) often experience blood flow issues that can lead to fainting or dizziness when they stand up.

When a service dog props up their handler's legs during a POTS episode, it helps for several reasons:

1. **Improved Blood Flow**: By elevating the legs, the dog helps return blood to the upper body more effectively, which can alleviate symptoms like dizziness or faintness.

2. **Stability Support**: The dog’s support can provide stability for the handler, helping them maintain balance in an unsteady condition.

3. **Safety**: This action can prevent falls, reducing the risk of injury when the handler is feeling weak or unsteady.

4. **Emotional Support**: The presence and actions of a service dog can provide comfort and reduce anxiety during episodes.

Overall, service dogs play a crucial role in managing the symptoms of POTS, enhancing the quality of life for their handlers.

08/10/2024

Training a service dog for back blocking involves several key steps:

1. **Basic Obedience Training**: The dog must first learn foundational commands like sit, stay, come, and down. This establishes good behavior and responsiveness to the handler.

2. **Desensitization**: The dog should be exposed to various environments and situations, including crowds and loud noises, to remain calm and focused during back blocking tasks.

3. **Targeting**: The dog may need to learn to recognize and move to specific locations behind the handler on cue, creating a blocking position.

4. **Positioning**: Training involves teaching the dog to stand or sit closely behind the handler and maintain that position. This includes learning how to adjust its position based on the handler's movements.

5. **Duration**: The dog must learn to stay in the blocking position for an extended period, ensuring the handler can move confidently without worrying about the dog leaving its post.

6. **Distraction Training**: The dog needs to be able to maintain its position even in the presence of distractions, helping the handler feel secure regardless of the environment.

7. **Handler Cues**: Training should include specific cues from the handler to signal the dog to block, reinforcing the task as a response to their needs.

All of this training helps ensure that the service dog can effectively perform the back blocking task to support its handler in situations where they may feel anxious or unsafe.

04/10/2024

Who wants to help this service dog team?

Grab your limited edition Rallying for Ralph merchandise before the campaign closes. Featuring Tahiti Blue Premium Unisex Tees, professionally printed in the USA.

15/09/2024

How many working dogs do you see?

08/09/2024

The new puppies will be at this event practicing their climb command, come by and say hi!

If you need a puppy fix come out and see us at Kayak with a Vet today, we’ll have the new puppies in training out there.

05/09/2024

Look at our sweet lab babies working hard today! ❤️

26/08/2024

It’s National Dog Day, let’s see those pups!!