THE DOG BLOG

World's most famous dog

2006-07-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Check out "Catie" the Ambassador of the Fairmont Hotel in Boston, Mass.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/07/24/travel.trip.hotel.dog.ap/index.html

Training Collars

2006-04-24T06:35:00.000-07:00

A lot of my clients have asked me what type of collar works best for training a dog to walk next to you and not pull. There are two styles that I recommend and which one is best really depends upon your own tastes.

When selecting a training collar, there is size to consider, not only of the dog, but of the owner as well. For instance, if you have a dog over 100lbs that is a strong puller, and you are a smaller person who finds it very difficult to control your dog, the best collar for you might be one which gives you the most control with the least amount of effort.

The two styles of collar that I recommend are the Gentle Leader and the Nylon Training Collar.

The Gentle Leader wraps around your dogs snout and behind his ears and then connects under his neck. When pulling, most dogs will notice their head being twisted back and they will quickly decide that this is not an enjoyable experience. Many dog owners find this to be the most humane dog restraint available. There is some training required for using this device.

The Nylon Training Collar is also a more humane dog restraint. Gone are the traditional chains and spikes and they are replaced by a simple nylon cord that loops through itself and you clip on to the loose end. When your dog pulls you give a quick snap and let loose again. The trick here is to have the collar as high up on your dog's neck as possible. Using this style of collar does require some training and for that I recommend purchasing a book or instructional video from the Monks of New Skete.

So there you are. Two styles of training collars which work well for most dogs out there. Of course, there are always exceptions so these are only recommendations and not hard fast rules.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Happiness is working for yourself

2006-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article on the benefits of working for yourself. It is always hardest to take that first step, but for those who can and are willing, self-employment can bring about a greater happiness.

This is Money

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Fire Ant Control

2006-04-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the fire ant mounds cropping up? You may wonder if there are any safe alternatives to poisoning them.

After a little research I learned that Diatomaceous earth will not kill fire ants, but the ants still do not like it much. A little DE dusted on your skin and clothing, will repel the ants and prevent their stings. This does become ineffective when wet, but it can make agriculture and greenhouse work safer and more pleasant, without harming the environment or exposing workers to toxins.

Here are a couple of non-toxic alternatives to ridding your yard of fire ants.

To kill fire ants without resorting to costly and poisonous chemicals, simply melt 1/2 bar of lye soap in 5 gallons of water. Pour in a circle around the mound to prevent ants from escaping, then stir them up and drench thoroughly. This will kill the ants instantly without polluting your lawn or garden, and is totally safe for vegetable gardens and pets.

Alternatively, pouring a pail of boiling hot water down an ant hill will effectively kill off most fire ant colonies.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

BioBags to the Rescue!

2006-03-23T14:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a good tip on how to do a little something to help protect the environment. - Get yourself some BioBags.

Unlike imitation polyethylene plastic bags that “degrade” into small pieces of plastic, BioBags are compostable dog waste bags which will completely biodegrade into rich compost in a matter of days. These dog waste/poop bags are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute, meet ASTM standards and are made entirely from renewable resources.

Eco-Products sells BioBag dog waste bags at prices that are competitive with plastic bags. Now there’s truly no reason to be using plastic!

Alternatively you can pick up BioBags at your local Whole Foods.

The next step is to convince the city of Austin to begin using BioBags in place of the polyethylene plastic bags which are in use today in many of our local parks.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk 2006

2006-03-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk happens Saturday, April 8th. You can register at the following link.

http://www.servicedogs.org/news/dogwalk2006.htm

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

No Kill Solutions is Coming to Austin

2006-03-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

The SPCA of Greater Austin is hosting a two-day seminar on eliminating homeless pet and feral cat euthanasia here in Austin. The event happens March 25 & 26 and will feature guest speaker, Nathan Winograd of No Kill Solutions.

For more information, contact the SPCA or No Kill Solutions and remember...if you are in the market for a pet, why not adopt?

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

This Week's Rant - Treats at the Dog Park

2006-02-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

I have come across some rather poor etiquette in Austin's leash-free parks. I speak of those humans who bring treats to the park and who willingly give said treats to dogs that do not belong to them.

I feel I must speak up for those of us affected by this poor behavior. Please allow me to explain why this is such a bad idea.

Many dog owners and dog trainers bring their dogs to leash-free parks to practice recalls (come) in an effort to perfect the dog's ability to obey commands in the presence of distractions. Some of these dogs may be beginners who get easily distracted. If one of these dogs in training sees someone handing out free food, they will more than likely run over for a bite and here is where the problem comes in. If fed, the dog in training may not respond to the owner or trainer at all and in some cases, may run off with the new party leaving the owner or trainer to give chase.

One such event happened to me just this past week. I was with a dog who has a great deal of energy and who loves to run and play with other dogs. This dog feels it necessary to run up and meet every dog within sight and to play with them if reciprocated. At one point, a hiker walked by with two new dogs and the dog in my care ran over to say hello. The hiker fed her dogs and mine some treats and kept on walking at the same time. I kept a watchful eye on the proceedings and quickly realized that my dog was going to follow the hiker and not pay attention to me at all. As I began to call for my dog, the hiker began jogging without paying attention to what was going on. I had another dog in my care at the time and had to round him up before I could give chase. What transpired was a chase of more than half an hour that was frustrating to say the least.

When the hiker finally returned to the park entrance, she acted oblivious and didn't see the harm in what she had done. I asked her why she didn't stop running when she realized my dog was following her and she said it wasn't her fault that my dog followed her. For the benefit of all, I told her that if she must bring treats to a leash-free park, please do myself and all the other dog owners a favor...please do not feed any dog other than your own. Let's hope that she got the message so that this doesn't happen to another unsuspecting dog owner.

Coming next week..."Rant on Aggressive Dogs at Dog Parks"

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

The Year of the Dog!

2006-01-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

January 29, 2006 kicks off the Year of the Dog!

Celebrate man's best friend by treating your pal to a very special treat or toy and top it off with a day at the park. You know your dog deserves it.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

5 FREE DOG WALKS

2006-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

You heard it right folks. Austin Dog Walker is having a drawing this month for 5 free dog walks. Simply go to our website - www.austindogwalker.com - and register for your chance to win.

All entries must be received by February 15th. Drawing to be held on March 1st.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Fleas, ticks, mosquitos

2006-01-18T18:15:00.000-08:00

It already feels like Spring in south Texas which means that lawn pests are soon to be upon us once again. You probably use Frontline on your pet to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitos at bay, but what about ridding your lawn of these pests altogether?

You wouldn't want to use any chemicals that might make your pets or your family ill but as I have said before, there is an alternative to pesticides that actually works - Diatomaceous Earth. It looks like very fine dirt - almost sand-like - and you sprinkle it around. It's perfectly harmless to you and your pets, but does terrible things to bugs.

Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating target pests. When insects get some on them, the diatoms cut through their waxy exoskeleton which in turn leads to massive body fluidloss. They will literally die of dehydration and you and your pets can remain safe and secure. And the bonus is that DE is much less expensive than any of the pesticides out there.

Keep the birds, butterflies, and your pets safe. Don't use pesticides when there is a safe, and less expensive alternative. You can pick up Diatomaceous Earth from just about any organic gardening supply like the Natural Gardener.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Separation anxiety tip of the month

2005-12-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

This one comes from Dodie Manor, behavior consultant at Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital. The following excerpt was published in the 4th quarter 2005 newsletter distributed by Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.

"Try to avoid giving [your dog] attention on demand. When a dog gets what it wants every time it nudges or whines, it is more likely to be anxious when it's alone and can't get the social attention it wants.

You can give your dog attention but it should be on your terms. Give no rewards (attention) when [your dog] demands it [nor when it] follows you around the house.

[Instead] give rewards for down stays or when the dog is relaxing in another area of the house away from you. This helps to remove the attachment to you and [provides] reinforcement for independence instead".

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Breed-specific bans

2005-11-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

The Boston Globe reported on July 6th, 2005 that "more than 200 pit bulls have been plucked from the municipal animal shelter and euthanized as the city [of Denver] cracks down on the sometimes-dangerous breed".

"The misdemeanor penalty for harboring an illegal pit bull in Denver is a fine of up to $1,000 and a year in jail".

Rather than to target the "bad apples" the city of Denver has chosen to ban the lot and has even sent animal control officers out to the homes of registered pit bull owners to confiscate them. This action has sparked an underground railroad to transport pit bulls out of the city and save them from execution.

Read the entire article here

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Looking for a home

2005-11-21T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hi! My name is "Freeway". I have lived the first year and a half of my life in a 5 x 10 pen on the entrance ramp to MOPAC, where I had to eat, drink, sleep, and potty all in the same place. I was really lonely there, and didn't even have any toys to play with, but one day all my dreams came true and I was set free!

After many many months of trying, these kind
people finally conviced my owner to set me free, and I am soo happy to be outta there! They have been temporarily fostering me till I can find a
permanent home, and teaching me all kinds of tricks like sitting, walking on a leash. I'm soo smart though and so eager to please. I love to fetch, and I love other dogs but I especially love people, and I know you will love me too if you give me the chance.

I've got to make up for lost time! Please let me know if you'd like to meet me, I'm such a sweet girl, I know
you will love me. And while I'd go home with anyone, apparently I have to run it by my foster parents first. But they will tell you ALL about me;
like how I love tennis balls, fetching, treats, eating, licking, running...did I mention tennis balls?

Come meet me,
Freeway

CONTACT INFORMATION
Sean Keith 512.242.4560
Sean_keith@gsdm.com

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

13,000 pets euthanized in Austin last year!

2005-11-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't picked up the latest issue of the Austin Chronicle, you are in for a surprise. The November 18, 2005 issue states that nearly 13,000 animals were euthanized at the Town Lake Animal Center in 2004 alone.

With the influx of rescued animals from Louisiana and southeast Texas this year, this number is sure to grow in 2005.

What can you do to help?

Instead of buying a dog from a breeder, why not adopt one from a shelter instead?
If you already own a pet, have it spade or neutered.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Dig Here?!

2005-11-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

In Walk that Dog! (11/11/2005), I said that one way to keep your dog from digging is to get out and exercise with your dog. This may or may not work however, depending upon the actual "reason" for the digging.

Some digging behaviors can be attributed to lack of attention, but in some cases, your dog may be digging for perfectly valid reasons. Dogs often dig to create a cool spot to lie in and sometimes they just dig because they like to do it.

There is a great article in the November 2005 issue of Your Dog magazine, where it is suggested for you to create an area for your dog to dig in and then teach the dog to only dig in that spot. You teach your dog to dig in the spot your create by digging with your dog and even burying some of his toys for him to dig up.

Later, if your dog digs in a location you don't want for him to, don't make a big deal about it. Rather, go over to the spot you want your dog to dig in and start digging. In other words, use positive reinforcement instead of negative.

Happy Digging!

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

SPCA Critter Art Benefit

2005-11-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Dog Lovers -

The local SPCA of Greater Austin is sponsoring an art show on December 2nd at the Art on 5th. A $20 donation at the door goes to the SPCA so that it can keep doing great things for animals and the community.

Austin Dog Walker is one of many sponsoring the event. Check out the SPCA Critter Art Benefit website to view some of the art that will be on display and to read about the artists themselves. See you there!

SPCA Critter Art Benefit

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Walk that dog!

2005-11-11T05:49:00.000-08:00

Seek out a dog trainer?...a lot of people do it. An unruly, out-of-control dog can cause frustration on the part of both animal and human. A dog that is constantly jumping up on you and your guests, digging holes in the yard, chewing on walls, chewing on furniture...is trying to tell you something.

But before you run to a dog trainer to solve the problem for you, ask yourself what is the underlying cause of your dog's behavior? Do you pay enough attention to your dog or do you just put him outside in the backyard to work out his frustrations?

How often do you walk your dog? How often do your socialize your dog with other dogs and people? How often do you pay attention to your dog?
If the answers to these questions is "not very often" or "not enough", then taking your dog to a trainer may not solve the problem in the long run. The trainer provides temporary attention to your dog which is really all the dog is looking for. Once back in the home, ignoring your dog will only cause it to revert to undesirable ways.

The answer?...training is always a good idea, but after the trainer is gone and it's just you and the dog take this tip to heart - exercise your dog!

Exercise is not only good for your dog, but for you as well. Take your dog for a run or walk every day. Play with your dog. What a great excuse to get out and exercise! Once a day is all that is needed and if you can't make it that often I know a great dog walker who can help out!

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Austin Dog Walker hits the road

2005-11-10T09:11:00.000-08:00

.

ADW is here to promote a safe, happy, and healthy lifestyle for your dog. Dogs are social creatures who need activity, attention, and interaction with others to maintain their health and happiness. An hour in the park 3 or 4 days a week does wonders for the health and stability of your dog. Come check us out at www.austindogwalker.com and see what we have to offer. You'll be glad you did.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!

Pet-a-cide?

2005-11-10T06:53:00.000-08:00

Pet-a-cide? You wouldn't intentionally poison your pet, but the pesticides we use on our lawn to treat pests can also make our children and pets sick.

If you have a lawn, then you probably have experienced unwanted pests. Ants, fleas, cockroaches, scorpions, silverfish and the like. There is a safe way for you to get rid of these pests without using pesticides that can harm you, your family, your pets, and the environment.

The answer?..Diatomaceous Earth, and you can pick it up from just about any organic gardening supply or online. Diatomaceous earth works by dehydrating target pests. When insects get some on them, the diatoms cut through their waxy exoskeleton which in turn leads to massive body fluidloss. They will literally die of dehydration and you and your pets can remain safe and secure. And the bonus is that DE is much less expensive than any of the pesticides out there.

Keep the birds, butterflies, and your pets safe. Don't use pesticides when there is a safe, and less expensive alternative.

Austin Dog Walker - A Helping Hand for a Healthy, Happy Dog!