Neighborhood Dog Walker

04/07/2024

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

The 4th of July can cause some serious safety issues for dogs. Here's a guide on how to keep your dog safe during the holiday.

03/07/2024

22/06/2024

This moose is just lucky there's a fence protecting him from this Chihuahua.

19/06/2024

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-paws-hot-pavement/

Scorching pavement is damaging to dog paws, and especially puppies. So how hot is too hot for a dog's sensitive paw pads?

30/05/2024

If you can't find your cat on June 4th, it could be because it's national Hug Your Cat Day!

11/05/2024

Happy Mother's Day!

06/05/2024

06/05/2024

22/04/2024

Happy and safe Passover!

06/04/2024

04/04/2024

16/03/2024

March madness!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1617769025657868

13/03/2024

This is very sad, but it happens. Know who your groomer is. Some groomers will tell you not to return to pick-up your pet until they call you because your dog gets so excited when they see you. If I send my dog to a groomer, I do an early "surprise" pick-up once in awhile. I want to see by whom and how my dog is being handled. Also, I would only bring my dog to groom shops where the dog and grooming station is not behind a wall. After a groom, check your dog for nicks and cuts. Check the inner ears and paw pads. If a nail was cut too short and the quick was hit, you may see a yellow powder on the nail used to stop the bleeding. Is your dog shaking when you bring him/her to the shop? Is he/she refusing to walk through the doorway to the shop? Read your dog's body language. You know your dog better than anyone.

A North Fort Myers woman is accused of beating and tossing cats and dogs as she groomed them at her Sarasota business.

27/02/2024

Cat hair counts too. Just love a pet and life is better!

30/12/2023

Happy 2024!

24/12/2023

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all.

08/12/2023

Blessings to all.

19/11/2023

Happy Thanksgiving. The Neighborhood Dog Walker is blessed with the best pet clients!

11/11/2023

Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you for your service.

11/11/2023

Be positive, consistent and patient.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE YOUR DOG’S LEADER
By: Renée Erdman

IT MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK!
If you’re a dog person you’ve likely hear the term ‘Leadership’ more than once. We’re told as dog guardians that we need to be the "leader of the pack" and let our dogs know who runs the show. But, being a true “Leader” when it comes to our dogs may be very different than what you’ve been led to believe.

1. BE CONSISTENT & GET ON THE SAME PAGE
Often times we make one set of rules for our dogs but then change our mind about when we follow through or not. Unfortunately, dogs can’t read our minds and understand when it’s ok to be on the couch and when it’s not. They are constantly trying to put together patterns because we are so inconsistent. Make it easier for your dog by remaining true to what you ask them to do, such as not rewarding jumping up by giving attention or sitting before leaving for walks out the front door. If you have multiple family members, this is where a family meeting would be a great idea so everyone can agree on what the rules are and how important it is so that your dog isn’t confused. Are dogs not allowed on the couch? Then everyone needs to be on the same page. Not allowed food from the table so your dog doesn’t beg? Get on the same page.

2. BE A CLEAR COMMUNICATOR
Dogs do not understand our verbal communication very well. As mentioned above, we are very inconsistent, and when it comes to talking to them, we often use different tones of voice, we use longer sentences sometimes, and then other times we only use one word! But, we expect them to understand what we are saying… all the time! Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way. That’s why it’s very important when you are training basic obedience skills that you:

don’t repeat your verbal cues
use the same verbal cue consistently
use a marker word like “yes!” when they get it right, and reward consistently
use a happy tone, your dog will pay much more attention and be happier to comply
3. BE KIND
“Be the leader you would follow” ~ unknown
The days of using a firm hand and the “alpha” theory have long been denounced as having a negative impact on our companion animals; there is no need. Being kind is not a sign of weakness. And being kind does not mean being permissive of everything, either. What it does mean is that if you are not happy with certain behaviors from your dog, then make the effort to teach them what you would like them to do INSTEAD. And REWARD them for it! Nuisance behaviours such as jumping up, pulling on lead, barking for attention and more can all be changed by teaching them something to do in place of that behaviour and using rewards to let them know when they get it right. Points 1 and 2 will help you get there! Punishing after the fact often won’t change the behaviour, and many times can make it worse. Keep in mind that dogs are not humans and the way we communicate with them will often times not mean what we had intended!

Honing your communication skills will show a deeper understanding and a better connection with your dog, and THAT is what makes a true leader.