We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 8-month-old French Bulldog named Frankie.
Frankie is energetic, fun loving and a force to be reckoned with. This little one has no fear and is the first one out the door when another dog barks in the backyard.
She loves her 2.5-year-old sister Charlie, and they are inseparable, although she takes whatever Charlie has and runs with it. She is a true Bully and takes advantage of her sister. She makes up with that in cuddles. She is so affectionate. Caissie Canine is making her a better sister as head strong as she is!!!
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K9 CORNER WITH THE CHIEF
Dogs are amazing animals and are the ultimate companion. However, many dogs have a variety of anxieties, fears, and/or triggers. For this reason, it is imperative to be the loyal pack leader for your dog. Many dogs feel more comfortable to have a pack leader to follow. This provides them more stability and calm energy.
Each minute, each hour, and each day that you spend with your K9 will be an opportunity to enhance your relationship and build confidence in your dog.
Ideally, you want to build your dog’s trust, knowing that you would never place your dog in any situation that makes them nervous.
Whether your K9 is in a new environment, vehicle, building or meeting a new person or animal, you must allow time and distance to encourage your dog to adjust and relax. Once you see any physical, behavioural, or verbal indications of relaxation then praise your dog. ALWAYS praise good behaviour.
Always allow your dog to decide if he/she wants to enter a new location or meet a new person or dog. If there are signs of hesitation, then do not force them, simply move on. Remember dogs have an amazing ability to scent fear and your state of mind. To help you become the best leader, stay focused and concentrate on your own breathing, thoughts, and commands.
You should be firm, when needed, with timely verbal reprimands when reactivity is displayed by your dog. NEVER scream or yell at your dog. This will only elevate the anxiety in you and your K9.
This is your way of reminding your K9 that you are in-charge, and it is NOT necessary for your dog to protect itself. Your goal is too able to be in any environment and around any dog or person and your dog is not reactive. This will be a direct result of your daily training, leadership, and love.
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Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Tree sap can be produced year-round, however the most sap will occur during the spring and early summer. It is highly adhesive and can get tangled in our pet’s fur and paws. When your dog gets sap on their fur and paws the sap can also collect little pebbles, debris, and pine needles, making it more challenging to remove.
Fortunately, using common household items, the sap and debris can easily be removed. If the sap has hardened already, you can use a hair dryer on low to warm up and loosen the sap. Remember to test the hair dryer on your hand first to ensure it is warm heat and not HOT.
To start, we recommend for you to use olive oil or mineral oil to help loosen the sap as you massage it into your K9’s fur. Let the oil “set” for a few minutes then use a wide tooth comb and your fingers to slowly work the sap out of your K9’s fur.
You can use a paper towel or warm water to wipe away any oily residue as you go. Remember the “oil” that you use must be safe to ingest as your K9 will try to lick the oily substance on their own, when you are finished.
For stubborn patches you can try to trim your K9’s fur slightly, however, not to close to their skin.
Once the sap is removed, we recommend doing a final cleanse with warm water and dog-friendly shampoo. (Might have to do this twice to get rid of the oil)
If the sap is bad or stubborn to get at, such as in or around the paws, we recommend taking your K9 to your groomer.