Welcome Waggin' Pet Services

21/12/2019

Happy Holidays everyone!

15/08/2019

is this weekend! With many adoption fees waived, you may be tempted to choose with your heart and not your head. Here are some tips for . 😍🐶 We're happy to evaluate your potential furry family member before you adopt! Tonight's blog post will explain in more detail how to choose a dog. THIS IS A QUICK TIPS CHEAT SHEET NOT A COMPLETE GUIDE. TONIGHT'S BLOG POST WILL ADDRESS THE NUANCES OF BEHAVIORS OFTEN SEEN IN SHELTERS! https://www.behaviorunited.com/blog/2019/8/15/clear-the-shelters-2019

29/06/2019

19/04/2019

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter weekend!

As we head into the Easter weekend, please remember that chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Make sure all chocolate is out of your dogs’ reach. Really the best way to keep your dog safe from chocolate poisoning is to give all your chocolate - especially the dark stuff - to your dog trainer for proper disposal.

10/04/2019

Enough dice, throw this!

01/04/2019

Happy April 1st everyone!

12/03/2019

Wonderful tips for new rescues and young puppies!

Almost every day we hear of tragic cases where newly adopted dogs have slipped their collars or harnesses resulting in them being lost, injured and sometimes killed on the roads.

Many frightened dogs can easily escape both a collar and a standard harness in seconds. People often report being shocked how quickly and violently a fearful dog can struggle their way out of a harness when terrified. It can take just a few seconds for a dog to pull back and thrash their way free.

Loud noises, being approached by off lead dogs or strange people, taking a dog into busy areas before they are ready and attempting to go though narrow doorways are just some of the common causes of dogs slipping their collars or harnesses.
Some dogs will try to escape their harness or collar to chase wildlife, cats, bikes or other dogs.

~ What can we do to stop a dog escaping a collar or harness?

Choosing a harness with an extra belly strap (see photos) will stop a fearful dog from backing out and escaping their harness. It really does work!

The oldest and most well known of the non slip / escape proof harnesses is the Ruffwear Webmaster, but there are several other brands new to the market.

All the harnesses listed below have an extra strap near the lower ribcage that prevents the dog from backing out.

If you’re thinking “My dog won’t wear a harness or doesn’t need one.” Please scroll down to our Harness Frequently Asked Questions below.

Whatever equipment you use to keep your dog safe, please also be aware that a determined / fearful dog can chew through a lead or harness straps in seconds. Keep your eyes on your dog, take things gently and be patient while you are getting to know each other.

*Note: It’s worth shopping around when purchasing a new harness as prices vary a lot between retailers.

1️⃣ Ruffwear Webmaster.
As well as having the all important extra belly strap, the Ruffwear Webmaster has a soft handle on top which can help to steady senior dogs and help them up stairs, into a car etc. With 5 points of adjustment they are great for dogs of all shapes and sizes and they are also useful for tri paw dogs.
http://www.ruffwear.co.uk/web-master-harness-ss17

2️⃣ Haqihana Double H harness. This harness can be fitted without the dog needing to lift a paw. https://themuttyprofessor.co.uk/product/haqihana-double-h-harness/

3️⃣ Indi Dog Houdini Harness. This harness can be fitted without the dog needing to lift a paw. (Other sizes are available).

https://indi-dog.co.uk/dog-harnesses/sized-adjustable-dog-puppy-harness?product_id=925

4️⃣ Trixie Stay Harness (low cost option).
https://www.trixie.de/heimtierbedarf/en/shop/new-ites/2310000/?page=2&sort_by=special&card=146804&listpage=2

5️⃣ Hurtta Trail Harness
https://www.hyperdrug.co.uk/Hurtta-Outdoors-Trail-Harness--Raven/Productinfo/HURTTATRS/75CM/

6️⃣ Ferplas ERGOTREKKING
http://www.ferplast.com/gb/ergotrekking.html

7️⃣ Mountain Paws Dog Hiking Harness.
https://www.mountainpaws.co.uk/products/dog-leads/dog-hiking-harness

8️⃣ Wolters Soft & Safe harness
https://www.hundeshop.de/marken/wolters/wolters-no-escape-soft-safe-hundegeschirr-schwarz.html

9️⃣ Anny.X Safety Harness
https://annyx-shop.de/Geschirr-Safety

🔟 Camiro, Germany based, custom made harnesses for Tripods / Safety Harness. They deliver to EU and worldwide.
https://www.camiro-heimtierzubehoer.de/Fuehrgeschirre/Geschirr-fuer-Dreibeiner-Sicherheitsgeschirr::762.html

1️⃣1️⃣ PerrosLife, Double H harness, based in Italy. International delivery available via DPD.
https://www.perroslife.com/shop/it/pettorine/98-pettorina-antifuga-e-antitorsione-bushka.html

1️⃣2️⃣ Ruffwear Flagline, new from Ruffwear, similar to the Ruffwear Webmaster but more lightweight .
https://ruffwear.co.uk/collections/dog-harnesses/products/dog-harness-flagline

We can personally recommend the Ruffwear Webmaster which we have used for many years with our own rescued dogs and while transporting nervous dogs.

We have no affiliation with any of the above companies and welcome your feedback on any of the above or suggestions for other non slip harnesses.

< Harness FAQs >

~ If my dog’s regular harness is properly fitted, how will she manage to escape?

Dogs trying to escape will commonly extend their legs forward, crouch and lower their head and back out of the majority of dog harnesses. People often report being shocked how quickly and violently a fearful dog can struggle their way out of a harness when terrified. It can take just a few seconds for a dog to pull back and thrash their way free.
Many dogs can easily back out of most collars. All this can happen VERY quickly.

~ Why is this especially relevant for rescued ex street dogs?

Many dogs living on the streets have suffered abuse. Some will have had rope tied tightly around their necks or legs, others will have been caught by dog catchers with catch poles. This can result in injury, trauma and a long term sensitivity to anything that tightens around the dog’s neck.

If you think we are over reacting or making a fuss about nothing please search YouTube for “Dog catchers Romania” and you will see how dogs are brutally caught with catch poles, terrorised, lifted in the air by their necks, slammed into cages, vehicles and even forced into sacks. These dogs are literally fighting for their lives and sustain horrible injuries.
*If you do watch these videos please make sure the volume is on mute if you have dogs with you to avoid causing them distress.*

~ What if my dog is too scared to wear a harness?

Please take your time when introducing any new equipment to your dog. Let her investigate the harness, be gentle and do not use force. If your dog is very nervous of being handled please get advice from a behaviourist* who will be able to assist you to work with your dog to help her feel comfortable wearing her new harness.

*Please note: In many countries (including the UK) the dog training industry is unregulated, so do check the qualifications and ethics of anyone you employ to work with your dog.
Look for a dog professional who uses kind, force free methods and uses positive reinforcement. Run a mile if they mention pack leaders, dominance or call themselves a dog whisperer!

~ How do I manage to walk my newly adopted fearful dog in the meantime while I’m helping her to feel comfortable with her new harness?

If your dog is very fearful please don’t force her to go for walks if public places are overwhelming for her. Give her time and take things at her pace. Walks are something you can work towards very gradually.
In the meantime search the group below for fun activities you can play with your dog at home and in your garden.
Snuffle mats, interactive games and scent work can be great fun for your dog, stimulate her mentally and help to build her confidence.
You don’t need to spend lots of money on expensive toys, there are lots of DIY low cost options. https://www.facebook.com/groups/canineenrichment/
We also highly recommend ‘Sprinkles’ https://www.dog-games.co.uk/sprinkles-tm/

~ What if non slip harnesses aren’t available where I live or I can’t afford one?

There are some budget options in our list, for example the Trixie ‘Stay’ harness and the Indi Dog Houdini Harness aren’t too expensive.
If you only have access to a standard collar or harness please double up where possible. Have your dog wear a harness attached to a lead AND a collar attached to another lead. Take extra care not to take your dog into areas where she might feel overwhelmed and be likely to panic and bolt.

~ What else should I be aware of when purchasing a harness?

Whatever harness you purchase please make sure it’s comfortable for your dog. Measure her carefully before you purchase to ensure a good fit and look for a good clearance so the straps aren’t rubbing under your dog’s front legs.

Similarly ensure the belly strap isn’t pressing on your dog’s soft abdomen (it should gently rest on the lower rib cage) and make sure it’s not too close to your male dog’s p***s.
Check to make sure fabric, stitching and catches are either carefully padded or constructed in a way that won’t rub or cause discomfort.

Lastly, watch out for unscrupulous retailers who market their harnesses as escape proof or non slip when they aren’t at all. Shocking but it does happen. Remember it’s the extra belly strap that makes these harnesses non slip.

~ What about special ‘no pull‘ harnesses, shock collars, prong collars, spray collars, choke chains, half checks and slip leads?

Anything that tightens or pinches your dog or causes a shock or fear is likely to cause pain and distress, especially if your dog has suffered previous trauma and abuse.
Aim for equipment that is both safe and comfortable for your dog.
Please see the links below for more reasons why a comfortable harness is important for your dog’s health and wellbeing.

~ I love my dog’s harness and it’s not on your list!?

We agree there are lots of other great harnesses out there! This list is a resource for non slip harnesses only. Some newly adopted dogs start out on a non slip harness for safety reasons then switch to other harnesses at a later date when they’ve gained confidence.

There are lots of rescued dogs out there who happily and safely walk on regular harnesses, this list is for the fearful dogs who need a non slip harness to keep them safe.

~ Finally, if you are wondering why a harness is better for your dog’s health than a collar, please read the following article and check out this short YouTube video.

https://dogmantics.com/is-it-harmful-to-attach-a-leash-to-your-dogs-neck-2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPuf_nhUmE0&index=34&list=FLhidFqxn6UbgK8CmBpni4_Q

(Special thanks to Tempo and Karam for modelling for us).

© Caring for Rescued ex Street Dogs 2017

25/02/2019

A reminder to check your yards and fences for wind damage and debris before letting your pets out in the morning. Stay safe and warm everyone!

02/02/2019

22/12/2018

Happy Holidays everyone!

29/11/2018

Help out Ontarian vets!

TAKE PART IN A NEW SURVEY: OVC researchers are recruiting pet owners to participate in a survey exploring attitudes and personal behaviours of their own nutrition and their pet’s nutrition and the support provided by health care providers, both human and veterinary professionals. Survey takes about 20 minutes. Please take part and share.https://uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4YhBfOU8X61njtb

08/11/2018

Love knows no boundaries.....

31/10/2018

Happy Halloween everyone! Have wonderful and safe evening https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tips

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1.

28/10/2018

Catch!

10/10/2018

Two group walk vacancies are still available! Contact us if your dog needs daily walks during the work week.

21/09/2018

Have a great weekend, everyone!

20/09/2018

We strive to be flexible and accommodating to all your pet care requests!

I might have to try this out 😂😂😂

31/08/2018

Wonderful information and visuals! Not all bites are created equal . Be sure to read the text with each photo

01/07/2018

Happy Canada Day everyone! remember to stay hydrated!

27/05/2018

Sometimes all we need is a little support

20/05/2018

Thank you to our new and established clients for visiting us on facebook! For some mysterious technological reason, I am not able to access new messages in facebook's inbox. To ensure a prompt response, please contact us via email or cell phone - [email protected] or 647 532 8255. Looking forward to hearing from you !

Nancy

05/05/2018

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole - Roger Caras

21/04/2018

Wonderful programme!

Nightmare Pets SOS S01E01

06/04/2018

Friday funny

28/03/2018

23/03/2018

Happy Puppy Day everyone! (photo courtesy Karen Riggin)

17/02/2018

Saturday's food for thought!

The phrase is everywhere. It’s in adoptable pet bios on Petfinder: “Great with kids but doesn’t like to share his food, so he needs an owner who will take him to training classes.…

15/01/2018

What do you do if your dog is attacked or a fight starts in an off leash park ?

(Caveat: I'm basing the following on 20 years of experience as a dogwalker/trainer - most of it spent in off leash parks - education (practical and 'book learnin' ") on dog body language and behaviour as well as a lifetime of fascination with all things canine. One person's opinion, all the same.)

- be forearmed. Learn what appropriate and inappropriate play looks like, what signs of stress, fear and bullying/intimidating behaviour look like in dogs of all sizes. Closely monitor your dogs' play (put that phone away!), and be ready to calmly interrupt and redirect play time that seems to be getting too intense. Most dogparks are large enough that you can move your dog away from dogs that may be problematic, but be prepared to leave the park immediately if you think things may escalate. A nice relaxing leash walk with your pup may be the order of the day.

- in the event of an unprovoked attack (not posturing, an actual attack): separate the attacker by any means necessary. If your dog is smaller, picking him/her up may be the solution, but be aware that in doing so you may make yourself the target if the attacking dog continues to approach (as happened in the recent thread) Scream, shout, keep moving so that your back is always to the offending dog (and your little dog is held in front of you, safely separated).. If picking up your dog isn't an option, grabbing the tail or hind legs of the attacker and pulling them straight backwards **may** be a solution - the wheelbarrow method - but be aware that any contact with the attacking dog puts you at risk of the aggression being redirected towards yourself. This is extremely common if someone tries to grab for the dog's collar.

It is of course easier to prevent an attack than to stop it once it starts. I have had good success with body blocks, moving confidently and steadily into the offending dog's space (while keeping my charges behind me) while issuing firm, loud cues "Go HOME. SIT. DOWN. " and the like. (this is again risky to your own safety). I would only do this if the dog is obsessively targeting a dog I was with - not recommended for any dog showing aggression towards people.

-after the fact (hopefully both dogs are now contained): breathe! check your dog thoroughly for injuries. Once that is complete, get the contact information from the other owner. (Bystanders or friends can be getting this while you check your dog.) If the other owner is uncooperative, and you can safely do so, use your smartphone to get photos or video of the other owner. If that's not possible, follow them at a safe distance and see if they go to a vehicle that you can get the license from, or a specific address. If your dog needs immediate medical attention,ask a bystander to get this info for you or attempt to trace the owner. Find out the dog's vaccination status, if possible. (ESPECIALLY if skin was broken on dog or human)

If you cannot get information on the scene, post a description or photo of the owner and the dog on social media, as well as at the park, and it may be worth while going back at the same approximate time to that area to see if you can spot them - we're creatures of habit and many dog owners exercise their dogs at the same time and same place every day.

Be sure to report the incident to 311 and/or the police non-emergency number. Take your dog to the vet right away, even if there are no visible injuries - there may be damage you cannot see. If you yourself need medical attention, finding out if the dog is up to date on rabies is vitally important.

In twenty years in the industry, I have seen less than a dozen serious injuries at the park.. 95% of inter-dog conflict is posturing and noise, which doesn't escalate beyond that, and is forgotten once the dogs are seperated and given a bit of distance or removed from the park.

However, most of the worst conflicts I have seen involve large disparities in size, possessiveness over toys and treats, and targeting of a specific breed or type (dogs that don't like great danes, or think little dogs are squeak toys, or who loathe intact males, etc, etc).

As stated above, all of this is my opinion and experience - take from it what you will.