Puppy Communication Training.

09/10/2024

03/10/2024

I tell my students to make sure what you think you are teaching your dog, is what the dog is learning
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/YHEJ7NzY22Bm26wS/

Cartoon by Mark Stivers.

10/01/2024

This wonderful facility is available if you want to run your dog in Upper Hutt
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068922878364

Secure private dog park in Upper Hutt. Available to book for up to 3 dogs per 50 minute session.

30/01/2023

Our next Puppy Preschool course starts on Monday 13th February. Register by clicking this link. It will take you away from Facebook to a Google form. Just click on OK when the message comes up
https://forms.gle/ooimF5sGr83RnLFz5

20/01/2023

👇 ~ Parker, A Survivor

01/12/2022

💯

28/07/2022

The Dog's Creed

Credit: Hey Buddy Comics

17/04/2022

THE MOST DANGEROUS PET CHEW EVER: RAWHIDE!

How can one of the most popular chew sticks on the planet be so dangerous for your pets, you ask? I mean, most dogs chew on rawhide for hours on end, and not only does it keep them busy, but they seem to last forever.

Well if you understood what it took to make this toxic “raw” leather stick, you would quickly understand what the problem is.

Aside from the horror stories circulating all over social media these days, of pets needing emergency surgery after consuming rawhide, the majority of pet parents today, especially the newbies, believe that this chew is some sort of dried up meat stick. Let me debunk that myth right away!

A rawhide stick is not the by-product of the beef industry nor is it made of dehydrated meat. Rather, rawhide is the by-product of the “Leather Industry”, so theoretically it is a leather chew. Sounds awesome, right?

“Producing rawhide begins with the splitting of an animal hide, usually from cattle. The top grain is generally tanned and made into leather products, while the inner portion, in its “raw” state, goes to the dogs.” TheBark.com

So, how does this leather, which is conveniently rolled up into pretty shapes, actually get made into those rawhide chews?

Follow along my friends and I will enlighten you on how this hide travels through a leathery process where it transforms from hide to a not-so beautiful, colorful, chew stick. Here is a paraphrased tutorial that was explained by the whole dog journal several years back:

STEP 1: Normally, cattle hides are shipped from slaughterhouses to tanneries for processing. These hides are then treated with a chemical bath to help “preserve” the product during transport to help prevent spoilage.

(No one wants to purchase a black, spoiled rawhide stick!)

Once at the tannery: the hides are soaked and treated with either an ash-lye solution or a highly toxic recipe of sodium sulphide liming. This process will help strip the hair and fat that maybe attached to the hides themselves.

(No, no one wants to see a hairy hide…)

Next on this glorious journey, these hides are then treated with chemicals that help “puff” the hide, making it easier to split into layers.

The outer layer of the hide is used for goods like car seats, clothing, shoes, purses, etc. But, it’s the inner layer that is needed to make the rawhide. (Oh and other things like gelatin, cosmetics, and glue as well!)

STEP 2: Now that we have the inner layer of the hide, it’s time to go to the post-tannery stage! Hides are washed and whitened using a solution of hydrogen peroxide and/or bleach; this will also help remove the smell of the rotten or putrid leather. Bonus!
(Research also shows that other chemicals maybe used here to help the whitening process if the bleach isn’t strong enough.)

STEP 3: Now it’s time to make these whitened sheets of this “leathery by-product” look delicious! So, here is where the artistic painting process comes in.

“Basted, smoked, and decoratively tinted products might be any color (or odor) underneath the coating of (often artificial) dyes and flavors. They can even be painted with a coating of titanium oxide to make them appear white and pretty on the pet store shelves.” - whole-dog-journal.com

“…the Material Safety Data Sheet reveals a toxic confection containing the carcinogen FD&C Red 40, along with preservatives like sodium benzoate. But tracking the effects of chemical exposure is nearly impossible when it’s a matter of slow, low-dose poisoning.”– thebark.com

Ok, now that these hides have been painted, it’s time for the final process.

STEP 4: Getting it to last forever!

Because the FDA does not consider these chews to be food, really it’s a free for all when it comes to the manufacturers of these leather strips, and the products they may want to add to these chews, to get them to last forever. Any sort of glue can be added here to get these bad boys to never come apart.

When tested: Lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium salts, formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals have been detected in raw hides. So it’s safe to say that any sort of glues can be used as well!

Finally, it’s time to package and attach all the glorious marketing labels to the product.

Check out the fine print warning that’s attached with some of these rawhides:
“Choking or blockages. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. Sometimes, abdominal surgery is needed to remove them from the stomach or intestines. If it isn’t resolved, a blockage can lead to death.“

(Oh, how lovely…)

And there it is! It’s now ready to be shipped to store shelves where it can be purchased for our loving animal companions.

How do proactive veterinarians feel about these chews?

Here is world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker's take on the matter:

“The name ‘rawhide’ is technically incorrect. A more accurate name would be processed-hide, because the skin isn’t raw at all. But the term “rawhide” has stuck.

Rawhide chews start out hard, but as your dog works the chew it becomes softer, and eventually he can unknot the knots on each end and the chew takes on the consistency of a slimy piece of taffy or bubble gum. And by that time your dog cannot stop working it -- it becomes almost addictive.

At this point, there’s no longer any dental benefit to the chew because it has turned soft and gooey, and, in fact, it has become a choking and intestinal obstruction hazard.“

P.S. Ready for the jaw dropper?

An investigation by Humane Society International stated in their report, “In a particularly grisly twist, the skins of brutally slaughtered dogs in Thailand are mixed with other bits of skin to produce rawhide chew toys for pet dogs. Manufacturers told investigators that these chew toys are regularly exported to and sold in U.S. stores.” – dogingtonpost.com

Rodney Habib Pet Health Site

"An educated, informed and well-researched community of pet owners can only put more pressure on the pet food industry to be better! When pet owners know better, they will only do better!"

04/04/2022

27/03/2022

Neglecting Canine Heartworms Can Be Fatal... https://www.dogtipsfordoglovers.com/2022/01/neglecting-canine-heartworms-can-be.html

09/03/2022

As training success depends on regular attendance, our group classes are on hold until the latest Covid outbreak peaks.

Our one one-one-lessons in your own home are still available at $40 for the first lesson and $30 for any additional sessions. Usually, 2-3 sessions are all that is needed for a puppy under 17 week, older dogs take a few more.
Free travel between Levin and Otaki, ask for a quote outside this area.

27/02/2022

Credit To Artist🌿💗

15/02/2022

credit: https://www.facebook.com/RedandHowling/

12/02/2022

😊❤️😆

06/02/2022

A dog's prime learning period is from 6 to 17 weeks. After this time the learning part of the puppy brain closes down. You can still train an older dog, but it is slower and some fear responses and lack of social ability may remain.
It is so much easier to train them when they are in their learning state. BUT this is the same time as the vaccination period when your dog should not be mixing with others, and not everyone can get to the specialised puppy courses. For this reason Judy offers training in the safety of your own home.
Check the Services tab above for options for both young and older puppies

02/02/2022

To find out more about our head to www.drivingdogs.co.nzDogs this smart deserve a home.Every year, the SPCA need to find homes for thousands of ...

30/12/2021

Are you welcoming a new puppy to your family over the holiday season? Correct training in the formative period of 7 to 16 weeks old is essential if you want a well-adjusted companion in the future.
Private lessons are available in your own home, plus group lessons are available, the next intake is 10th Jan. Click on the link below for more details and to book your spot. The link will take you away from Facebook to a Google form

$90 for 5 weekly 45 minute sessions starting Monday 10th January 2022. Held at the Scout Hall Haruatai Park, Mill Road, Otaki As the hall is shared with other users a vaccination pass is required

28/10/2021

With Guy Fawkes coming up, you may want to consider getting your pets ready for what can be a stressful and frightening time.

The tips below will help on the night of Guy Fawkes - tired pets with full tummies are more relaxed and sleepy!

For extra peace of mind, you could look into Thundershirts, Adaptil or Feliway products.

Thundershirts are a firm fitting jacket that apply gentle, constant calming pressure, similar to swaddling an infant child. For best results the shirt needs to be fitted at least 15 minutes before the fireworks start.

Adaptil collars and Feliway spray are a synthetic version of the calming pheromones (the 'feel good' smell) which the mother emits to her puppies, and cats rub all over you when they smooch you with their faces. It is said to have the same calming effect on adult pets in times of distress!

If your pet struggles with fear and anxiety outside of Guy Fawkes night, it's best to pop into the clinic to have a chat with us about more long-term solutions 💙

20/10/2021

Worth knowing, these videos show how to extract a ball that is choking a dog
https://fb.watch/8M97nVrzvP/

17/10/2021

😆
Artwork: "off the mark" comic by Mark Parisi

14/10/2021

Due to Labour weekend interrupting our planned 5 week Puppy Pre-school class, the start date has moved from the 18th Oct to 1st November. Some spaces are still available, so enroll now to learn the skills to make your puppy a great member of your family. The link to the enrolment form will take you away from FB but this is quite safe. For some reason the title still shows 18th Oct, but start date is 1st November

$90 for 5 weekly 45 minute sessions starting Monday 1st November. Held at the Scout Hall Haruatai Park, Mill Road, Otaki This course will go ahead with appropriate precautions at Covid Level 1 or 2

06/10/2021

Everybody snoozing 😴🐶❤️

Because of COVID and being in level 4&3 lockdowns for the last 2.5wks this beautiful litter hasn’t had the normal variety of human interaction I like to give them before they head off to their new families.

Usually they would be handled by my boys friends and their families, clients from my other job (I do beauty treatments from home as well) our neighbours and Dave’s grown up sons.

Socialisation is key to having a well rounded adult dog. Soooo when you get your pup here’s how to safely socialise them while undergoing their vaccination program. Up to 16 wks of age is when all the brain connections are happening.

It’s super important they see life outside what they have known for the last 8 weeks. You have an 8 week opportunity to give them as much variety as you can.
1). Take them for walks from the safety of a back pack worn at your front. Head popped out through the top. They need to see & hear new environments, people and animals.
2). Take them to a park and beach, but carry them from the car - take a blanket to sit on with them on it. Keep them on a lead and don’t let off blanket. Parvovirus can live in the ground for 4yrs, so you don’t want them sniffing/licking ground outside of your property. You can walk along the beach on the tide line where the sand is wet with your pup on a lead.
3). If COVID levels allow us, take them to your dog friendly cafe hangouts, just carry them and sit them on your knee. (Beware you will be mobbed by admirers!). Good chance for pup to be pat by strangers. Educate them not to rush at your pup or to race there hand straight to the top of their head. My Rosie’s pet hate, they can’t see where the hand is going so are vulnerable to this stranger!
4). Important to see other animals. Other dogs, ask if they have been vaccinated. Get friends with vaccinated dogs to come to your place. Be careful with bigger dogs, puppies are like toddlers and don’t move as quick so easily stood on and hurt.
5). Keep up the grooming sessions! First baths/showers, regular brushing, use hairdryer even when it’s not bath time.

Lastly for our new Auckland families, don’t stress if you can’t get to do these things! Just enjoy your new fur baby first & foremost. Socialisation can be done in older dogs, just be mindful it can take a bit longer if they show signs of stress or anxiety about a situation. You will be their pack leader and they will pickup on your vibes! I can recommend Mark Vette - Animal Behaviourist for great training & guidance on your puppy-dog journey.

Not to much longer now families! Long post over and out 🐶❤️

03/10/2021

Our next Puppy Preschool Class starts 18th October. Afternoon or evening options available. Full details are in the link below. It will take you away from FB which is OK

$90 for 5 weekly 45 minute sessions starting Monday 18th October. Held at the Scout Hall Haruatai Park, Mill Road, Otaki

22/09/2021

12/09/2021

Quality dog toys, dog supplies and raw feeding products in beautiful Hawkes Bay, NZ -- our products have been LAB-TESTED by our own large pack of Labradors.

03/09/2021

Some tricks to teach while you have time on your hands!

30/08/2021

😆
offthemark.com

30/08/2021

26/08/2021

22/08/2021

Teaching a dog tricks is a great way to pass the time during lockdown. This link explains things well, but stay away from the links just in case!
I have clickers available in my shop if you need them

Dogs provide us with hours of entertainment, a shoulder to cry on and endless love and affection. No matter how bad your day was, coming home to a jumping, licking excited ball of fur will lift your mood and make you forget your troubles instantly.

21/08/2021

Taken from Ghosts, Mysteries, Facts & Trivia

SUCH A HERO

Smoky was found in a foxhole in New Guinea in Feb 1944. The American thought she must have been a Japanese soldier's dog, but when he took her to a POW camp, they found out she didn't understand commands in Japanese or English. The soldier sold Smoky to Cpl. William Wynne of Cleveland OH for 2 dollars Australian.
Over the next two years Wynne carried Smoky in his backpack, fought in the jungles of Rock Island and New Guinea, flew 12 air/sea rescue, She survived 150 air raids on New Guinea and made it through a typhoon at Okinawa, made a combat jump in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon, in a parachute made for her. She would warn G.I's of incoming artillery and was dubbed the "angel from a foxhole."
Early in retaking the Philippines combat engineers were setting up a telegraph line to an airfield. The joints collapsed filling them in with sand. Cpl. Wynne knew that Smoky could climb through the pipe with a new line and that is what she did. Smoky's work saved approximately 250 ground crewmen from having to move around and keep operational 40 fighters and reconnaissance planes, while a construction detail dug up the taxiway, placing the men and the planes in danger from enemy bombings. What would have been a dangerous three-day digging task to place the wire was instead completed in minutes.
In her downtime, she performed tricks with the Special Services to improve the morale of the troops and visited hospitals in Australia and Korea. Visiting with the sick and wounded, she became the first recorded "therapy dog".
After the war, she became a sensation back in the states, had a live TV show, and often visited Veterans hospitals. Smoky's work as a therapy dog continued for 12 years. Wynne had Smokey 14 years before she passed away. He buried her in a 30 caliber ammo box in Rocky River Reservation, Ohio.
Smoky, the smallest war hero weighing in at 4 lbs even and standing 7 inches tall.