We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 4.5-year-old Golden Retriever named Randy.
So, we got this guy the second week of December after his 80-year-old owner passed away. We went to pick him up in Owen Sound. Annie took him for a walk and while she was with Randy, the lady started putting all his food and toys in my pickup.
We ended up taking him home, fell in love with him, and started training, as we worked on recall, as it wasn’t great. We were instrumental in helping Julian get Ruger and Julian told us about Paul. We started training with Paul to help Randy with recall.
Randy is attached to Annie at the hip; however, he can be a handful. As much as he growls, it is his way of smiling. The next picture will show you, his smile. LOL.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Helping your K9 cool off during the summer months can be lots of fun, however practicing water safety is equally important.
Whether your K9 is a seasoned swimmer or just dipping their paws, here are some safety tips to consider.
1. Not all dogs are aquatic athletes. Not all dogs are born swimmers. Some K9’s take to the water, while others may need some encouragement. We recommend starting in shallow water and let your K9 get comfortable before venturing into deeper areas. Always stay close by and be ready to lend a hand if your K9 needs help.
2. Leave collars behind. When your K9 goes for a swim, we recommend taking off your dog’s collar as the collar can get caught on plants, branches, or rocks posing a risk of injury or trapping them underwater.
3. Watch out for stagnant water. Not all water is clean to drink or play in. Avoid stagnant ponds or puddles which can harbour harmful bacteria, parasites, or toxins.
Dog owners should be specifically aware of blue-green algae, which is especially dangerous to our dogs. Stick to fresh flowing water sources like dog friendly beaches, rivers, or lakes. (Backyard pools are also safe)
4. Life jackets are a safety essential. Life jackets come in various sizes and are necessary to help keep your dog afloat. When choosing a life jacket make sure it has a handle on top to assist you and your K9 for a quick scoop out of the water, if need be.
5. Know your strength. Pulling out a wet and tired dog out of the water can be challenging. Water currents can be strong, so be prepared to assist your dog, if they need to get out of the water safely. Approach your K9 slowly and calmly to avoid startling them, therefore you can get a secure grip on the life jacket, to lift them out of the water.
6. Avoiding water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when your K9 is drinking an excessive amount of water when swimming, and this can be fatal.
It is important to be cognitive of your pup to ensure they are not consuming too much water while swimming. To avoid this, take frequent breaks from their swimming to have your K9 rest and refuel.
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