Family Dogs with Gail

05/11/2024

31/10/2024

It's not too late to help your dog get ready for a stress-free halloween!

Great question! If your dog gets spooked by you or your family being dressed up in a costume, that’s ok!

Set them up with a tasty goody in a success station away from the festivities. Everyone will be less stressed. It is quite normal for changes in appearance to spook dogs. Especially young pups who might be going through a fear period.

Sudden changes in appearance of even familiar people can be very frightening to your dog or pup. Many times people laugh and make fun of it.

❤️Please respect it and know that you need to advocate for your dog.
👻Please accept them for where they are at and allow them grace and space.
🤫 A quiet place away from all the spooky activity is ideal for them with a yummy safe treat. . . .

25/10/2024

What do you want your dog to do instead of the behavior you do not like?

09/10/2024

Meal prep. Contrary to what many believe (shhhh do not tell your dog) food stuffed toys like Kong, toppl, lick mats etc, do not have to be filled with high fat foods.
Simply use your pet’s kibble with water and let it swell in the toy and feed fresh or frozen.
Mix kibble with some canned food.
Add pumpkin and or green beans to increase the fiber for those pups that are on the fuller figure size.
This is a great option for those pets on special diets and or need to be occupied while their people are busy doing other things.
What healthy things do you stuff your food puzzles with?

04/10/2024

04/10/2024

Running children can create high excitement in dogs. Dogs and children must be supervised at all times, especially when many exciting activities are going on. I often hear about a child being bitten by the family dog while playing in the backyard. We encourage structured activities that are parent-guided vs. free play, where things can become unpredictable for both the child and the dog. Structured games such as hide and seek, parent-guided fetch or freeze tag are great options.

All dogs can bite, even in a playful way. Set your child and dog up for success by providing structured activities when outside together.

30/09/2024

Chirag Patel shares some great tips for getting a reliable recall around distractions.

In this informative video, we delve into the fascinating reasons behind why your dog responds quickly and enthusiastically when you call them. Contrary to po...

29/09/2024

15/09/2024

One of our educators Ryan Cartlidge of the Animal Training Academy created a great meme demonstrating the very important concept of "Dog and baby on the scene, a parent in between." Sometimes it does feel like you need to be a superhero when managing and juggling all the "things." Supervision is key and being in between your dog and baby is an important aspect of safety. Thank you Ryan Cartlidge from Animal Training Academy for this great visual!

02/07/2024

Sometimes using two types of success stations together can lead to the safest option, which is totally ok! Don't think you're taking a step backward or not succeeding. This is a helpful option and is especially true as babies become mobile and curious. Preventing a child from approaching a dog in their success station is important, and a combined option may be most helpful.

👉For example, you may find it helpful to put up a gate in a doorway so your mobile baby cannot directly approach your dog resting in their crate. Combinations can help create “buffers,” so your dog and baby are not coming into direct access to one another through a barrier.

Illustrations by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin