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Jumat, 31 Oktober 2014
Time for a new plan
Jenny is once again going through some itchy spells. She sometimes gets hives and sometimes these weird little sores on her belly. It got bad right before the trials so I put her on some Temeril-P. It is a low dose steroid and NOT something I want to use long term. But I needed to give her some relief from the itching and the benedryl wasnt enough so I admit I caved to a fast solution. Once she got better I weaned her off it and she was good for about a week. Then she went swimming so I gave her a bath afterwards and that seemed to make her itchy again. It is fustrating. I hate feeling helpless when she is uncomfortable. *
She is better overall right now but not 100%. To keep her busy, and in theory her mind off itching, I got her some extra recreational bones. (photo above) Because they are so big I remove most of the marrow to prevent a diarrhea blowout. Marrow is yummy but rich for some dogs. It does seem to be working though because she has been itching less when shes not distracted by her chewing the bones.
*Because of her issues I am going back to a full raw diet with her to see if that helps. I am fortunate to have a full freezer full of deer meat that my husband saved from meat cutting season just for the dogs. I have been lazy lately and had backslid to feeding kibble full time. It was grain free in case the grain was a trigger for her itching due to her being allergic to grain mites per her allergy testing.
*The first batch is thawing now. My plan this time is to mix it up with the stuff I add (like calcium because it is bone free, pre-biotics, fish oil, etc.) and pre-freeze it into the amounts that each dog needs per meal. Then I can take each days out to thaw in the am and go from there. I thought this might help in the long run. A few days of prep work that should make it easier in the long run. Especially for days when the kids or husband end up feeding the dogs. This is one reason I like Primal brand raw so much. It comes in ready to go nuggets or patties. If I could afford it Id probably just feed those. Have I mentioned I am lazy?? In my defense I do have TWO jobs on top of kids and all that a busy life brings to the table.
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I also signed up to a Natural Healthcare for Dogs e-mail discussion list so I can get some feedback, ideas and hand holding as needed. I second guess myself a lot so having like minded people to bounce things off is helpful. Im also thinking about a visit to a Holistic vet to get their input. I just need to research the two nearest me to see which one I should go to. Both are about 45 minutes away from me. (in opposite directions ironically) While I do like my vets, I work for them so I know them well, I think it never hurts to get a second (or third) opinion when things arent working the way you would like. We do differ on the raw feeding debate and have come to a respectful understanding to disagree on the subject. I feel like I am at a point of nothing ventured nothing gained.
*Wish us luck.
Selasa, 09 September 2014
New bed
Today He and She getted they new bed off Hes friends truck and putted it in we bedroom!
It do not be brand new.
It do be the bed they do had in Peterborough and now they do wanted that bed at home because they do not sleeped at Peterborough now.
SO we do had they nother bed in we room but do you knowed what?
Kali do not LIKED that bed!!
She do getted up on that bed but she do not wanted to jumped DOWN!!
She do standed on that bed and whines and whines until She do come to her and THEN she do jumped down.
She is so silly, huh?!
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It do not be brand new.
It do be the bed they do had in Peterborough and now they do wanted that bed at home because they do not sleeped at Peterborough now.
SO we do had they nother bed in we room but do you knowed what?
Kali do not LIKED that bed!!
She do getted up on that bed but she do not wanted to jumped DOWN!!
She do standed on that bed and whines and whines until She do come to her and THEN she do jumped down.
She is so silly, huh?!
Sabtu, 19 Juli 2014
Preparing For A New Baby
In case you havent heard yet, my husband and I are expecting our first child in June. Its a wild and crazy time for us, but this journey doesnt just involve the two of us. It also involves our dogs and cats (otherwise known as our "first born"). Things may get stressful for us, but at least we know exactly whats happening. Cody and Lollie, however, may end up having a much harder time of things. So, for all those who are facing the same predicament, here are some tips.
Hans and I are lucky in that both Cody and Lollie have spent a lot of time with small children, and their life is in constant upheaval (ah, the life of a business owner). But if your dog hasnt gotten used to kids yet, and youre considering children in the near future, dont wait to get started. Dont assume everything will be fine because your dog loves you. Start getting her used to the new situation now. Dont wait for the baby to come home, and dont wait until your pregnant. Plan ahead a little. Oh, and have fun!!!
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1) Train your dog.
Obedience training can definitely be an asset when bringing a new baby into the home. Imagine taking your dog on a walk. Now imagine it with a stroller and diaper bag. Scary thought, huh? Teaching your dog basic commands such as down, off, stay, and heel will make life much easier once the baby’s in the home.
2) Keep your dog off furniture.
At the very least, teach your dog to ask permission (sit, down, etc.) before jumping up. This is important if your child is on your bed. Your dog could jump up and not even realize the child is there, causing at the least a scratch and the worst serious damage.
3) Consider Crate Training
Crate training is less for the baby’s safety and more for the dog’s. The crate provides a quiet, secure, area where your dog can sleep or relax undisturbed. It is also important to teach your children (and their friends) that the crate is your dog’s quiet area…like a meditation room.
4) Start Socializing.
Get your dog used to children. Children cry and scream and run around. They smell funny and make funny noises. They don’t pet, they smack. They often pull on ears and tails, climb on, and chase. They stick their fingers in eyes and ears and food bowls. They come along with very odd accessories like diapers and strollers and cribs. They get cool “dog” toys that the dog can’t have. Oh, and they get all of Mom’s and Dad’s attention. Get your dog used to all of these. Try walking him with a stroller. Hold a baby doll. Any sort of baby-item that uses batteries or electricity should be turned on at some point. Take your dog to play grounds (the younger the dog the better). Record the sound of a baby crying and play it on a nightly basis for your dog (you might get used to it too). Oh, and don’t forget that your dog’s schedule will change. Prepare your dog for early-morning feedings. Throw off his eating and walking schedule. Basically, let your dog know that all the changes are not necessarily due to the new baby.
Hans and I are lucky in that both Cody and Lollie have spent a lot of time with small children, and their life is in constant upheaval (ah, the life of a business owner). But if your dog hasnt gotten used to kids yet, and youre considering children in the near future, dont wait to get started. Dont assume everything will be fine because your dog loves you. Start getting her used to the new situation now. Dont wait for the baby to come home, and dont wait until your pregnant. Plan ahead a little. Oh, and have fun!!!
Jumat, 18 Juli 2014
Cool new stuff and some updates
Check out the awesome new bed I picked up at the Loyal Biscuit for Jenny.
It is actually a Molly Mutt dog duvet. You buy the cover and stuff it with whatever you have lying around, old clothes ripped blankets, whatever works for you. Then zip it up and Ta Da! A new bed.
I love it.
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It is actually a Molly Mutt dog duvet. You buy the cover and stuff it with whatever you have lying around, old clothes ripped blankets, whatever works for you. Then zip it up and Ta Da! A new bed.I love it. *
On another note Jennys skin is in a holding pattern. We are using some homeopathic remedies to keep the itching at bay. (Topically: colloidal oatmeal rinses, and a lavender and olive oil rub) We are still working on the right blend of her other remedy. I started a blog of her skin photos to make it easier for me to remember what we are doing each day and to keep more accurate track of her progress. My memory isnt always the best so this works well. It is also helpful for her homeopathic vet to be able to see what is happening with her. Anyone interested can check it out here, Jennys Skin Blog.
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On another note Jennys skin is in a holding pattern. We are using some homeopathic remedies to keep the itching at bay. (Topically: colloidal oatmeal rinses, and a lavender and olive oil rub) We are still working on the right blend of her other remedy. I started a blog of her skin photos to make it easier for me to remember what we are doing each day and to keep more accurate track of her progress. My memory isnt always the best so this works well. It is also helpful for her homeopathic vet to be able to see what is happening with her. Anyone interested can check it out here, Jennys Skin Blog.
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Ive also started the trainers discussion group on facebook I mentioned before. It is called The Positive K9 Network. It is open for all dog trainers who are interested in learning more about positive training methods, even those who are currently using traditional training methods. I felt there was a gap for people looking to crossover into positive training and I wanted to do something to fill that gap. Yes it is a group to promote positive methods, but it is also a group to help educate trainers without judgement. We all started somewhere and we always have more to learn. The groups motto is "Evolution through Education". It is open to professional trainers and dog owners who compete in dog sports/obedience. If you are an average owner with questions about basic training or behavior this isnt the group for you. (but keep looking because there are groups for that out there) To join simply look us up and put in a request. My goal is for the group to be a resource for all trainers looking to improve their training skills (myself included!) and to help interested traditional trainers cross over out of force training methods. So far we have a great group of people in the team. Fingers crossed for our continued success.
Selasa, 10 Juni 2014
New year new plans
Happy New Year! OK so I am a few days late. No excuses, just been busy like everyone else. Ive been reading on other blogs of resolutions and plans for the next year. Im not big on resolutions. I find it just makes me feel icky if I dont stick with them. No one likes that. *
I do have plans. One is to unveil a super cool trick with Jenny. Im not saying what it is but youll like it. (Ive only been planning to do this trick for 2 years so dont hold your breath. I dont want to be responsible for anyone passing out.) Id like to video our progress along the way then post it all at once when she learns the whole trick. Im also going to keep going with our Rally trialing. Maybe not until spring though. I hate driving in snow if I dont have to. Jenny has also just started a new medication for her skin. Special thanks to Julie (a reader) for this link in Bark about it. It had been recommended by another pug person to try but my vet was hesitant until I sent her the link to the article. Fingers crossed it does the trick. Her tail seems to be healing ok so far.
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My other planned event is to do the Idita-walk with Jack this year. I mentioned it last year then lost my motivation before it even started and never signed up. This year Ive already paid my entry fee so no excuses. It starts February 1st so you still have time to join in if you are interested. Id like to walk with Jack to get him out more. Being an "easy keeper" he tends to get taken for granted at times. The squeaky wheel gets the grease certainly applies to our Jenny. I signed just myself up though so I can take either dog or use the treadmill on days the weather is uncooperative. Just getting out and exercising daily will help with the dogs because the better you feel the more energy you have to do stuff, like more doggy outings and training. I could stand to lose a few pounds and certainly need work on my stamina. Jack makes the perfect winter walking partner. To get in the mood for the Idita-walk I will also be reading The Lance Mackey story. It was recommended by a friend. (For those looking to read about the Iditarod dog sled race I can also highly recommend Winterdance by Gary Paulsen. It is one of my all time favorite dog books.)
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Today I took the first dog over to the prison to kick off this years K-9 Corrections program. We had a short hiatus during the holidays. I gotta say it was much needed for me to recharge my batteries. Saturday I am taking the second dog over for the other set of handlers. I have 3 new guys this time around so its like training a whole new team. Todays sweetie is a red bone hound (possibly a mix) named Jenny. Unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera when I took her over. Ill be sure to grab some photos on Saturday. She is super cute and very young.
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Saturday January 15th I will be at The Loyal Biscuit Co. to help them celebrate their first year under new ownership. I am offering FREE training advice for anyone interested from 10:00 til 2:00. If youre in the area come on by and say hello.
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So thats all Ive planned for now relating to dogs. What do you all have planned for your dogs?
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(The footprints are my boot print next to Jacks paw print. Yeah they are that big!)
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