When she started canine rehab therapy in 2023 vs now!
She started struggling to stand up and lay down comfortably as well as was unbalanced when even walking... but now she can do more than ever before as an Adventure Dog!
Way to go Team Penny!!! (Her parents who rescued her and work with her daily are the heroes of Penny's story)
This week we are celebrating Orbit’s improvement in his right hind limb🥳
Orbit started our rehab program with a cold and mostly lifeless back right leg. Its function was minimal, and his other limbs had to compensate while also struggling in their different ways❤️🩹
Now Orbit can rely less on his overworked back left leg and front limbs as he is gaining stability & function!
Thankful for canine rehab therapy and dedicated pet parents like Orbit has🐾💙
What is Canine Rehab Therapy?
Updated this video with some familiar faces as we are working on revamping our canine rehabilitation page on the website soon!
It's great to learn some basics about animal behavior, but how can these help in real life?
Depending on the animal, certain situations can induce a stress-response beyond what is appropriate for the situation.
We can work with our canine companions to help them cope better through these situations and reduce fearful, aggressive or other unwanted responses.
Learn about three different approaches, to help animal companions cope:
-Habituation
-Desensitization
-Counter-conditioning
This video was over a year ago where Kalina was used to getting PEMF therapy after she got home from work, but then her kitty sister (who at the time really stressed her out when close) wanted to play with the PEMF mat while their dad started playing electric guitar (a little much for Kalina's noise sensitivity). The desensitization was going well with peanut butter reinforcement until Kitts got a little too crazy, so we moved farther from both stressors and continued working on calm relaxed behaviors.
Check out our free Learning Portal for more info!
Tug of War is a fantastic game to strengthen your bond, but safety first! Here's a guide to to help everyone have good time:
1️⃣ Choose the Right Toy: Pick a sturdy, dog-friendly tug toy. Avoid items that can splinter or harm your pup's mouth.
2️⃣Size Matters: Be sure the toy is an appropriate size for your dog. It should be big enough to grip without accidentally nipping your fingers.
3️⃣ Set Ground Rules: Teach your pup a solid "drop it" or "release" command. This is helps the game stay fun instead of getting out of hand.
4️⃣ Start Slow: Introduce the tug toy slowly. Allow your dog to approach, sniff, and show interest before initiating play.
5️⃣ Win Some, Lose Some: This is how dogs should appropriately play with each other. No dog should win all the time or the other would lose interest... or worse get frustrated. Don't let your ego get in the way of a good time!
6️⃣ Teach & Reward: Encourage your pup to tug, but reinforce breaks for them to release the toy. Use treats and positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.
7️⃣ Keep it Light: Use gentle, controlled movements. Avoid jerking or pulling too hard to prevent injury.
8️⃣ Pause for Check-ins: Periodically interrupt the game to check your dog's body language. If they seem overly excited or aggressive, take a break.
9️⃣ Mix in Commands: Incorporate behaviors they know like "sit" or "wait" during the game. This adds mental stimulation and reinforces positive behaviors.
🔟 End on a Positive Note: Finish the game while your pup is still engaged and having fun. This ensures they associate tug of war with a positive experience.
Remember, every dog is unique, so adjust these tips based on your pup's personality and energy level. Happy tugging! 🐾💙 #DogPlaytime #TugOfWarFun #SafetyFirst #CanineEnrichment
Today's example challenge for physical enrichment is to explore new places!
Engage your dog’s body through various physical activities. Targeted therapeutic exercise, structured digging, and exploring can be excellent options, especially for dogs recovering from physical or emotional trauma.
Adjust the intensity of these activities based on your dog’s capabilities, ensuring a balance between stimulation and safety.
Where will you and your canine companion explore today?
Hint: Even indoor exploration to a dog friendly store can be physical enrichment. Just be sure you are following rules and not pushing your pup past their comfort zone.
Who's excited for Day 2 Enrichment Challenge-> The Muffin Tin Game?!
This game adds both sensory and food as you are creating a fun new game!
This is another MUST BE SUPERVISED enrichment activity... and please deep clean the muffin pan before using again😅
If this just isn't the game for you and your pup, no worries! Comment below and I'll share a different option👍
I'd love to hear what you put in your pup's tin and how it went! Even better, you can send me a pic or video to share with everyone🐾💙
Ready for the first Canine Enrichment Challenge activity?!
Today we are building a sensory obstacle course to build your dog's confidence on different surfaces and around new smells.
Enrichment activities challenge dogs to navigate new experiences and overcome obstacles. This not only boosts their confidence but also helps in overcoming fears or anxieties, promoting a more resilient and self-assured demeanor.
Check out this video as an example🐾
Remember that every dog is an individual, so what may be a safe and fun course for this pup may not be the exact right course for your canine companion.
Have questions? Put them in the comments below for Dr. Emily to help with!
Take a pic or video and let us know how your Day 1 Activity went!
It's the first Tulsa Rehab Pack Pride post of 2024!
Words cannot express how thankful I am for every pet parent who has been so understanding this last week with me being sick and not able to see their kiddos.
I have missed every single one and loved getting updates from families. Thank you🐾💙
Today's shout out is to Brodie and his family! (can't forget his brother Blue who is a big helper too, haha)
It has been incredible to watch this team help Brodie go from Survivor Dog to Adventure dog in 2023, and I'm so excited to continue working with Brodie as an Adventure Dog!
This week help us welcome Ella to the Tulsa Animal Rehab Pack!
She is recovering from IVDD surgery from a few months ago and working towards avoiding surgery for a possible second compromised vertebral disc. She and her family are already working really hard to learn new ways to help her regain strength and coordination safely!
Way to go Ella. Keep up the great work, and welcome to the pack!
Happy Saturday!
This week we are celebrating Rocky's graduation from his rehabilitation program🥳
Look at him showing off his spins!!!
Help me congratulate Penny on graduating this week🥳
Penny went from a struggling family member to part of the pack! Now she can tag along with her dog friends better at home instead of watching (and barking) from the sidelines!
Way to go Penny!!! Welcome to the Adventure Dog Program where we will keep working on the progress you have made!
Did you know that swimming can be extra beneficial for some amputees?!
It helps with balance and strengthening as well as can build confidence!
Some pups may benefit from a pool noodle, float coat/life jacket or human support.
Always focus on safety. Have questions? Ask!
🐾 For Day 3 of the Firework Prep Challenge-> Boost your dog's confidence with this fun activity! 🎉
Empower your noise sensitive dog to gain confidence by making their own sounds that earn them positive reinforcement. One way to do this is by playing the "knock it" game.
Step 1: Set up an empty bottle on a carpeted surface and observe your dog's response. If they show interest or approach the bottle, give them a mark and reward. Watch for other behaviors they offer.
Step 2: Does your dog make contact with the bottle? Do they try pushing it with their nose or paw to knock it over? When they succeed, give them a big mark and reward. You can introduce more bottles and tall boxes to the game.
Step 3: Once your dog becomes proficient and enjoys the game, challenge them by placing the items on a harder surface. As they knock them over, the noise will increase. Remember to reward them generously and make it a joyful experience.
🌟 Level up tip: Fill some bottles partially with water to make them harder to knock over. You can also add objects inside the boxes and bottles that produce more noise.
⏰ How fast can your dog knock over all the items? Share your furry friend's progress below! 🐶💨
Note: Any behavior reinforced is more likely to occur. It's just science. So if this is a behavior that you think will cause more problems in your household than help things...well then please just don't do it. Every dog is an individual and should be treated as such🐾💙
Tulsa Animal Rehab Pack Pride
So much inspiring progress from all the
pups in our pack this week🐾🩵
This week’s special shout out is to Stallone for doing
so well not chewing his brace and acclimating as well
as possible to it after the first fitting last week!
This is the Paladin brace from OrthoPets: Orthotics and Prosthetics for Animals for their study!
He is heavier than they typically include in the
study, but they are really working with us to help him
out, and in turn, they are learning how this brace can
help bigger dogs with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL/ACL) tears that have to be conservatively managed.
While we very much are hoping this brace and study
will help Stallone’s own recovery, he is helping create a
better future for other dogs out there like him!!!
Way to go Stallone, and thank you to his family who
have also done an incredible job already as active
participants in this study as well. Keep up the great
work👏👏👏
