Caissie Canine Instruction: Holiday Hazards

We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 16-week-old German Shepherd named Goose.

At almost 16 weeks old, Goose is an energy filled confident little puppy.

 He loves all people and dogs alike, and his favourite activity is chasing blowing leaves and playing zoomies with his dad!!!

                                K9 CORNER WITH THE CHIEF

I was asked by one of our clients to write on Dog Parks. This one is for you and thank you for the request.

The best dog park is the outdoor areas right in front of you in your own neighbourhood. This can be a park, school grounds, church grounds, factory land or conservation area. Anywhere there is open land.

 Yes, we live in an on-leash bylaw society, however if you train and live with your dog with a high-level of recall, you merely call your dog back to you and leash up your K9 upon any human or dog sightings.

The second-best opportunity is dog parks or trails that are NOT enclosed. Many humans that bring their dogs here have a social animal and they can recall their dog, if needed. It is a great way to exercise your dog and where new friendships can be made.

If you see a human with a dog on leash in this environment, this may be a red flag. Do NOT let your dog off leash run up to the new dog entering the dog park.

It is possible that this human may not have any recall with this dog, and the dog may not be social and could be reactive.

Respect this human and dog and keep your distance and continue along your own path.

I do not recommend enclosed dog parks, unless you are alone with your dog or you know the other dogs in the park and have met them and their owners beforehand. Enclosed dog parks can be a recipe for disaster to encourage dog fights and/or human arguments.

Another alarming fact from statistics in North America show a significant number of dog deaths and/or injuries occur in enclosed dog parks. Very sad.

I have witnessed some dog owners that attend these dogs’ parks do not always have a strong recall. This makes their dogs a liability and can result into problems.

Furthermore, some dog parks are not sanitized due to the limited space for the dogs to relieve themselves. The municipalities do not supervise the park or clean up.

We recommend invest in training and live your best on and off leash life with a social dog with no reactivity, and fantastic recall. This will enhance your pack bond.

Should you need any assistance, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.

Remember every day is a training day.

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

Holiday hazards at Christmas time are very much like the Thanksgiving hazards when it comes to the foods that are available and served at this time of the year. We have talked about toxic foods, such as grapes, onions, turkey bones, chocolate and alcohol.

However, at Christmas time you must be mindful of the decorations. Tinsel, ribbon and string can cause choking and intestinal blockages.

Ornaments made of glass can break and cause cuts. Also, electrical cords maybe chewed, leading to electric shock or burns. Batteries are sometimes chewed as well.

Toxic plants at this time of the year are Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Holly, Lilies, and Pine needles.

Please be mindful of these hazards beforehand, as this can be a busy time of the year for many of us, and these hazards may be overlooked.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season.