Dogs and Children

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Help your dogs and children build safe and lasting bonds.

We are so excited to host two special workshops, presented by A Dog’s Life GR, to help you build a foundation for great relationships between your dogs and children. 

Nikki Koning KPA-CTP, FPPE West MI’s only licensed Family Paws Parent Educator will be presenting two different workshops geared towards dogs, infants, and toddlers, at our Ada daycare location. If you are interested in one, or both workshops, please register here.

Event Details

Dogs and Storks

“Whether you’re currently expecting, have recently given birth, or are planning to expand your family soon, welcoming a baby home is an exciting and busy time. This 90 minute workshop will give you the tools and information needed to help the transition go smoothly while building a strong and loving bond between your dog and baby.”

Dogs and Toddlers

“Toddlers are busy, noisy and curious bundles of love! This important developmental stage can be confusing for your dog. In this 90 minute workshop, we’ll help you address challenges with fun and practical solutions that set the stage for lasting harmony.”

Please note that while we love dogs, these events are human-friendly only and dogs will not be permitted to attend. We will have snacks and samples from Furniture City Creamery and Beer City Dog Biscuits, as well as goodie bags with more exciting things to bring home.

Cost is $35 per person or $65 for two people. If you would like to register for our Dog’s & Storks Workshop on February 24 as well, the cost for both is $65 per person or $125 for two people just be sure to select the correct option when registering. Register today at A Dog’s Life GR.

If you are unable to attend, but would like to be notified of any future events, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Your Dog Needs Rest At Daycare

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People aren’t the only ones who need rest, your dog needs rest too! Doggie daycare is meant to alleviate boredom, and provide a good source of exercise and safe socialization for your dog but rest and recovery play a significant role in their overall health and happiness when your pup goes home with you after a day of play. Keep on reading to find out why it’s important your dog rests at daycare.

First, it’s important to know that “rest” doesn’t necessarily equate to “sleep.”

 

Mental stimulation for dogs is just as important as physical exercise, as it alleviates boredom and provides an outlet for dogs during “down time.” Dogs that do not get the appropriate amount of mental stimulation will find their own ways to occupy their time. 

It’s also important to remember that dogs were developed for a purpose. Being aware of a dogs breed (or what breeds they are mixed with) will give you a clue as to how much mental stimulation they need to be fulfilled when it comes to mental exercise. 

At Nature of the Dog, we prioritize mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. This means that during your dog’s rest time (typically around lunchtime for us), they also have the opportunity to work with Kongs stuffed with healthy treats, work on some basic obedience, and interact one on one with staff. Taking a break from physical exercise and romping around with other dogs in a play group gives your pup the opportunity to work the other parts of their body for a completely stimulating experience.

Allowing your dog to rest at daycare also ensures they stay physically healthy.

 

Your dog needs rest at daycare because it allows their muscles to relax, preventing injuries. Many working dog handlers utilize rest days, or active rest days in their dog’s schedule because “working out produces micro-tears to the muscles and soft tissues. It is AFTER the workout that your dog’s body will repair and rebuild the muscles.” (source)  And while doggie daycare is a different beast than the routine of a working dog, the idea behind physical fitness is the same. 

The amount of physical exercise needed is also different for each dog. Dogs that are older, have health problems, or dogs that are overstimulated easily may require less, or different types of physical activity than running or playing. For dogs like this, this is typically where we will utilize our large, fenced in yard so that dogs that have these limitations can still be outside, roaming off leash in a safe environment. The difference is that they aren’t running laps around the yard, or jumping and playing with other dogs. Instead, they are sniffing around the trees, watching the ducks, and enjoying a mentally stimulating environment.

We make it a top priority to always put your dog’s safety and wellbeing above all else at Nature of the Dog, so it’s common your pup will spend the lunch period in a large kennel for some R&R and enrichment. Would you like your dog to have a completely enriching experience at daycare? Contact us today to learn more about our service and schedule a meet and greet.

Whiskers University – Project 616

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We were invited to help Whiskers University with their Project 616 dogs. We feel very honored to be helping by walking the dogs each week. During our walks, if the dogs have a bit more energy to burn, we will jog with them.  Our walks allow the dogs to get outside to smell new smells and be social. We also practice recall so they learn to come by name, and it also helps give them some mental exercise. At the end of the walks, both their bodies, and their minds have had a good workout!

Project 616 is such a great program because it’s taking 6 dogs, from 1 shelter, for 6 weeks, to rehabilitate the dogs, teach them manners, and get them socialized and ready to be adopted out. These dogs are currently ready for adoption, and trust me, they have been in great hands!  The Whiskers University staff are amazing, they have cared for these dogs so well, teaching them obedience and just loving them. These trainers really care about the dogs they work with, it’s very obvious as soon as you watch them in action, or just have a conversation with them. Very fun to be around, and we are so happy to be helping out! Visit their website for adoption information!  http://www.project616.com/

dog care pet care dog sitter pet sitter grand raids michigan mi  dog walkers dog walking rates grand rapids  certified dog walking company

Natural Tick Repellent

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  dog walking company

Going camping with your dog and need a natural tick repellent? Try Rose Geranium Essential Oil to repel ticks!

Use by itself, or try this recipe:
2 Tbsp. Almond Oil
15-25 drops Rose Geranium essential oil

Dab a few drops on your skin or clothing, and in between your dog’s shoulder blades.

More here: http://bit.ly/1jEYfEk
Image adapted from Kate Wares.

What To Do When Your Dog’s Food is Recalled

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What To Do When Your Dog’s Food is Recalled

Written on 06/09/2014 by in Lifestyle w/ Dog, Recalls
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dogfoodallergyDiscovering that Fido’s food has been involved in a recall can be pretty scary. Pet foods are usually taken out due to possible contamination or presence of foreign objects in the products. Your dog can get ill, or even worse, die, from eating a tainted item for consumption. So what should you do if have given your pooch a recalled food or treat?

Recalls generally refer to actions taken by a firm in order to remove a certain product from the market. Recalls may be effected according to a firm’s own initiative, conducted as per Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) request, or operated through an FDA order under some form of statutory authority.

Important Steps to Take:

1. Check the product in question. The moment you hear about a recall of dog food involving a company whose products you fed your pooch, you have to do some in-depth but quick research. The best source of detailed information is through the FDA’s website (fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm) where updated recalls are announced. Look into the product you have in possession and check the brand, package size, variety and lot numbers. This way, you can compare the one you have on hand with the recalled food, and then determine whether or not the ones you have been feeding your pooch is truly involved in the recall.

2. Stop feeding the recalled food immediately. Once you have confirmed that you do have the product recently recalled, do not feed any more of it to Fido and just buy another product to give your pooch for now. Remember that suddenly switching your dog’s food may cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Normally, switching your dog’s food is a slow, methodical process. However, in the event of a recall, don’t take the time to gradually switch. Instead, try mixing canned pumpkin (look for plain pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling) into the new food to help ease the quick transition to a new food.

3. Check your pooch for any unusual symptoms. The extent of urgency at this point has to be according to the reason for the recall. If it’s due to the discovery of Salmonella on the product in question, and you observe that your pet hasn’t shown diarrhea since consuming the food, then there is very little cause of concern as most dogs can deal with a little brush of such bacteria. But if the recall was because of a more serious problem like aflatoxin (a toxin produced by fungus) or a fatal excess of possibly poisonous nutrient like copper, then you might want to call your vet to schedule your dog for an exam. Be aware that some unusual symptoms may result in switching to a new food and may not be related to the recalled food.

4. Call the manufacturing company. While it could be very difficult to get through the food maker’s toll free number, try to persist and carry on. If you can leave a message, speak clearly and slowly as you give your name and contact information. Keep the food package near you so you can confirm the brand, size, variety, and lot number to the representative if you are lucky to speak with one. Inform the company how much recalled products you bought, how much you have left, and what condition your dog is currently in. Ask them what they will do next and what you ought to do with the recalled food you have left over.

Many people recommend keeping a portion of the recalled food in an airtight bag or container in the freezer until you’re sure your dog is not affected by the food. In the event of a dispute or serious illness, you may need to send the food to be analyzed. If you are concerned about long-term effects of feeding a recalled food, keep the original packaging, take photographs, and keep a detailed log of your dog’s health.

5. Follow through. If your pooch has gotten ill after eating the recalled food, follow through. Keep in mind that the manufacturing company has a legal obligation to give an account to any adverse effects brought about by their products. Don’t hesitate to file a report with the FDA. Just keep all records of Fido’s on-going health issues and keep all your vet receipts. Stay in touch with the food maker till you have been fully reimbursed for the food as well as for the vet bills you have had to pay. In addition to supporting your own case, your follow through could be helpful in protecting other dogs from facing the same illness.

Recalls happen often, suddenly, and without warning. While they are not always life-threatening for your dog, ALL recalls should be taken seriously.

Taken from http://dogingtonpost.com/what-to-do-when-your-dogs-food-is-recalled/#.U6Hca0DD2So

5 Reasons to Hire a Dog Walker

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1. Your Dog’s Health Depends on You.

A dog needs regular opportunities to run, play, and elevate its heart rate. If a dog doesn’t have daily exercise it is more prone to developing arthritis, heart disease, and other illnesses that can eventually become life threatening.

2.    Dogs Need Mental Exercise Too.

A walk provides both physical and mental stimulation, as your dog explores new sights, sounds, and smells. This mental exercise drains your dog’s energy and helps curtail any behavior issues at home.

3.    Avoiding Feelings of Guilt.

By giving your dog exactly what it needs to flourish you are fulfilling your responsibilities as an owner and caregiver. When dogs are unable to get outside and explore they get bored and stir-crazy. A dog walker can help break up the monotony of being inside alone all day.

4.    Peace of Mind.

By hiring a dog walker you can rest assured that your canine companion is in the hands of a competent professional who understands your dog’s basic needs and knows how to keep your dog safe. Establishing a weekly routine helps build trust and sets your dog at ease.

5.    Balanced Lives.

A dog walker can help bring balance to a busy workweek while also bringing balance to your dog. It’s a wonderful thing to come home to a relaxed, obedient, and well-balanced dog.
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Walking your dog is important, and here’s an App to help!

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This article taken from Victoria Swanson’s blog (Good Little Dog) really helps you understand the importance of walking your dog. Dogs love it, but they NEED it too!  Victoria also introduces a new App that encourages you to get outside with your dog, and earn money for your local shelter while doing it! Read below, or click here to get to her blog!

New WoofTrax App ‘Walk for a Dog’ Promotes Canine Exercise and Donates to Shelters for Each Mile You Walk!

By Erin Froehlich More Blogs by This Author

“Staff from Waitrose in Ely helps out dog walking at Poplar Farm Kennels.” Photo Credit: Ely-News

Yeah. I know. It’s a struggle. You’ve got to find time, you’ve got to find energy, and likely, it’s not exactly your favorite thing to do. But if you ask a vet, trainer, or shelter care worker what their single biggest dog care issue is, the true importance of overcoming that struggle really becomes clear. What one factor contributes to obesity, diabetes, troubled mobility, and behavioral issues in dogs? I’m guessing you have your suspicions, so go ahead and say it with me – too little walk time.

According to trainer Victoria Swanson her “most common struggle is the excuses. Drives me nuts! I have actually told clients before that if they weren’t willing to take the time to walk, they really should have gotten a cat – yes, I can be blunt sometimes, but I almost feel like I can’t be strict enough here. Walking isn’t just important from a physical aspect for your dog, but from a mental one too!”

The trouble is, while most dog owners are otherwise very attentive, too many opt out of exercise for themselves and of course then, by default, their dogs are opted out too. It’s sad, because while I sympathize, carving out the time and summoning the will to walk your dog each day is so, so, beneficial for both dogs and their owners.

Sam, a friend of mine who rescued an Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler mix about a year ago, whole-heartedly agrees. “I’m so supportive of people getting out and walking with their dogs. Not only is it beneficial in the exercise sense, but also in the sense of creating that bond that so many owners lack with their dogs. “As a passionate shelter advocate, she says it saddens her the way too little exercise can sabotage a dog’s chances. “Sometimes people surrender their dogs because of ‘bad behavior’ when all they have to do is get out and walk with their dog!”

Sam herself is true to her cause. I’m constantly seeing photos of her and Hit Girl walking, running, and hiking through the woods somewhere. In fact, it’s Sam who recently turned me on to this great new app that actually works to support two of her favorite causes. To encourage people to walk their dogs more often, “Walk for a Dog” helps owners track their mileage AND benefits shelters at the same time. For each mile you walk, a donation to a shelter of your choice is made!

Sam out for a walk with Hit Girl and a friend’s dog, Levi.

‘Walk for a Dog’

Says WoofTrax CEO Doug Hexter on their app, “The idea came from a desire to help animals and to try do it in an interesting and novel way… we began to think ‘Well, gee! How do we incentivize people to really want to go and walk more?’ because we realized – and it’s in the press – how lots of dogs are overweight and it’s good for dogs to exercise and of course their humans as well.”

He, alongside partner Bill Helman and primary developer Mark Wheeler, started with a simple app similar to many of the running apps out there, but with the added ability to enter information about your dogs and keep track of how far each dog had walked. It worked well, but they felt there was something missing. How could they not just track walks, but also encourage them?

“We said ‘what incentive can we do? A mobile app is great, but you know, is that enough?’” They contemplated a points system as many websites and apps are doing these days, but decided they needed something more tangible. That’s when Hexter had the idea – a donation to shelters for each mile they walk!

He laughed at the ambitiousness of the undertaking as he spoke about it, “… now the last year has been spent trying to realize that – raising capital and building the technology platform – because it’s easy to donate to one national organization, but to divide all that money between thousands of animal shelters is a technology challenge! Now, I think we have that covered.”

“I Want EVERYONE Involved”

I was lucky enough to get to chat with Mr. Hexter personally last week, and could instantly hear in the enthusiasm with which he spoke about the project just how passionately he believes in what they’re doing.

“So, do you have dogs of your own at home?” I asked.

“Yes, I do. I have a rescued fox hound and black lab. In fact, Cassie, my foxhound hound –a foxhound mix actually – is a poster dog on our new Android app’s “Walk for Cassie” feature. We put that in there so if you are currently between dogs, or you don’t currently have a dog, but you love dogs… you can walk for Cassie who sort of represents shelter dogs everywhere. Think of her as your virtual dog.”

The “Walk for Cassie” feature (for now exclusive to Android, but soon to be released for their original iPhone version of the app) speaks to real heart of WoofTrax’s cause. While their website encourages users without a dog of their own to help out a local shelter and walk a dog there instead (LOVE that idea!), they’d still rather you walk alone than not at all. Says Hexter “We expect that users will put their dog in there if they’re walking, but if they’re just walking and they don’t have a dog, or their dog’s too old to walk, but they love dogs and they want to contribute their local animal shelter, that’s okay too.”

It’s the same reason that when I asked about the 25 cent per mile figure, he explained that they don’t actually donate based solely on miles walked. “I don’t want to disincentive – pardon the way I say this – a little old lady in Florida walking her Pekingese. Her walk counts just as much as some 25 year old woman walking 3 miles a day with her Great Dane…. we have a proprietary algorithm where we weigh the number of users, the number of walks, and the miles – all the components of that count towards donations to the shelters. The 25 cent figure came out when we sent out our first round of checks in January to shelters and the total averaged 25 cents a mile. I’m not trying to make it complicated, but the reason I’m not strictly using a mileage-based formula is that I want everyone involved.”

And get involved they have.

“Handicapped dogs got to enjoy the life outside the cage too.” Volunteers walk dogs for Animals Without Limits international, non-profit foundation dedicated to assisting animals in crisis situations. Photo Credit: Animals Without Limits

Great Strides

Despite a lack of any real advertising around the app yet (they have been waiting for the release of their Android version to begin any of that I’m told), word-of-mouth growth spurred by excited users has involvement of both users and shelters growing exponentially. According to Hexter, WoofTrax has already went from 87 actively involved shelters in January to 500 shelters this month – and since the release of “Walk for a Dog” android? Growth is accelerating even faster! In fact, their website’s counter, he says, has become woefully out of date as they’ve been focusing on the new Android capabilities and will be updated soon. They’ve grown a lot since it was last touched. According to him, that 39,365 miles walked figure is actually about 20,000 miles short right now!

Beyond the statistics though, as you might imagine, the WoofTrax team has been getting loads of positive personal stories about the app. “… users are saying it makes them want to walk with their dog longer or has created a deeper bond. Some people have even said ‘I’ve been on the fence about going out to get a dog…’ and they went out and adopted one just so they could use the app! They had been thinking about it anyway, but…anyhow. It’s great… a lot of folks have no clue that they’re even around and all the sudden, because they start using the app, they actually begin to think ‘Oh, there is an animal shelter in my community. Maybe I’ll get involved. If I want to get a dog, I’ll go there.’”

For her part, my friend Sam says, “There are some times where I can be lazy, like driving to the dog park instead of walking. It’s only like as mile and half away, but it can be so easy to just hop in the car. The incentive of knowing that I could have possibly contributed to a chew toy that this breed needs to have is a great motivator!”

Sam out on a pack walk at the dog park. Pictured her with a friend’s dog, Cinnamon.

Okay. This is all really, really awesome! But as a cat lady, I had to ask him – “What about cats?”

“Cats are covered in the sense that we donate to your local animal shelter. If you’re a Pit Bull rescue, no, you’re probably not dealing with cats, if you are donating to a shelter, they have cats too and money is not segregated to dogs. Every mile you walk your dog, you are helping dogs, cats and any other animals in that shelters.  You can even use the app to walk your cat if you want! I’m a cat lover too.” Hexter assured me.

All in all, the future for WoofTrax and their “Walk for a Dog” app is looking really bright. Plans are in the works to expand the app  for use in Canada next, and then throughout Europe and South America, and also to add new fund-matching (or like) functionality so interested users can donate money as well as time to the cause.

“Right now, animal shelters have to beg and plead for donations from corporation and from individuals. And when those checks are written out, it’s with the kindness of their hearts, but there’s no real great feedback for the donors beyond the goodwill… Our goal is to create a new breed, if you will, of fundraising. If we can do that, we hope to be able to save animals, to increase awareness of shelters and adoptions to help fight the puppy mill problem, and to build a closer relationship between people and their shelters.

We still have one paw tied behind our back.”

Want to Help?

Here’s how it works: download the app for your iPhone or Android. Enter a little info about your dog (or dogs) OR if you don’t have a dog of your own, but you have Android and still want to help, choose their “Walk for Cassie” option.

Once you’re set up, slap a leash on Fido, press “start” and hit the road. For every mile you walk together, a donation will be made to your selected shelter or to a random shelter if you’re not sure which to choose. Hexter stresses that there’s no reason you need to wait to find a shelter to use “Walk for a Dog.” They’ll just pick a random shelter in need for you and if you want, you can pick a specific shelter later once you’ve learned more about those around you. The important thing is to get walking.

After your walks, shout it loud and proud! Sharing with your friends online is another great, simple to make a larger impact, get more people using “Walk for a Dog”, and more donations going out to shelters in need.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about WoofTrax and the “Walk for a Dog” app HERE!

Looking for a Local Shelter?

Please take advantage of the great online resources the Humane Society has a listed here!

Need Some Help Getting your Dog to Walk Nicely?

Trainer Victoria Swanson shares her secrets from early puppy training, to managing problem adult walkers, to challenging good walkers with a doggy backpack.

Thinking of Adopting?

 Victoria Swanson has tips on adult dog adoption and choosing the best dog for you.

Want to Keep Updated on WoofTrax’s “Walk for a Dog” app?

They’re on your favorite social networking sites! Show your support and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Tick Season

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It’s tick season again and we’ve already spotted two!  Thankfully they weren’t on our dogs…just crawling up our pant legs, yikes! That got us asking, “what are some good safe remedies that help keep ticks away from our pets?” This article has some great ideas that are worth trying this season. Let us know if you try any of them, or if you have tried them, whether they’ve worked!

Article taken from: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/natural-solutions-tick-season/

NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR TICK SEASON

tick1More and more dogs owners are looking for natural alternatives for tick prevention. Although ticks can be a concern in the warmer months, dog owners also have to consider the effects that chemical tick treatments have on their dog’s digestive tract, internal organs and overall health, both short and long term. If you are concerned about the impact these chemicals have on your dog, then read on – there are a few ways to treat tick bites with all natural products.

Dietary Tick Preventatives

 

  • Garlic – Garlic given as a dietary supplement makes the dog less appealing to ticks too. The smell is excreted through the skin and repels both ticks and fleas. However, garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. If you use garlic as your tick prevention, use it sparingly.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to your dog’s blood, making it less appealing to ticks and fleas. Add 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar to the dog’s food or water bowl as a preventative.

Topical/External Tick Preventatives

 

  • Herbal flea and tick powder – There are several herbal flea and tick powders and sprays on the market utilizing various herbal combinations to prevent ticks. You can easily make your own powder at home with just three ingredients. Find the recipe here.
  • Herbal flea/tick collars – There are several herbal flea and tick collars on the market, but you can also make your own at home. Mix 2 tablespoons almond oil with Rose Geranium Oil or Palo Santo. Dab a few drops on your dog’s neck area before heading out. Alternately, you could place the essential oil directly on his collar. Reapply the essential oil to the collar weekly.
  • Tick Shampoo – Mix several drops of Palo Santo with your favorite organic lavender shampoo. Let the suds sit on your dog for twenty minutes before rinsing. This will kill any existing ticks or prevent new ones.
  • Citrus repellent – Cut a lemon into quarters and put into a pint jar. Cover with boiling water and let steep overnight. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray all over the dog, especially behind the ears, around the head, at the base of the tail and in the arm pits.

Environmental Tick Preventatives

 

  • Nematodes – Beneficial nematodes are a microscopic, worm-like organism that live in soil. They feed on tick larvae so break their life cycle and kill off the parasite.
  • Diatomaceous earth – Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic powder consisting of ground fossils, marine life and fresh water organisms. While non-toxic to humans and animals, this powder is lethal to ticks and fleas.

Use Several All Natural Tick Prevention Products Together

 

When looking at the all natural tick prevention products, keep in mind that these products will be most effective if used in combination with each other. A dietary solution, combined with a topical and an environmental product, provides broad-spectrum protection while avoiding the complications that introducing chemicals into the dog’s system and surroundings can bring.

Preventing ticks doesn’t need to be a chemical based treatment. There a many all natural methods of prevention so your dog can live a healthy, chemical free life.

Titre Testing: Does Your Dog Really Need to be Revaccinated?

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Titre testing allows you to give as few vaccines as possible, while also ensuring that your dogs are protected from life-threatening viral diseases

“The last 15 years have seen a major shift in the thinking surrounding the vaccination of our dogs. Whereas vets used to give dogs yearly vaccine boosters against the “Big 3” viral diseases (distemper, parvo, and infectious hepatitis) by course, it is now increasingly common to use titre testing to check whether revaccination is necessary, thereby avoiding possible adverse reactions ranging from mild (fever) to severe (allergic reaction, arthritis, autoimmune haemolytic anaemia).

Titre testing is a process in which a small sample of blood is taken from your dog and checked for circulating antibodies, the presence of which indicates that the dog is immune, and a booster or revaccination with core vaccines is not required. Two new in-practice titre-testing kits are now available which will allow your vet to do a titre test very quickly without sending the blood sample to a laboratory, saving you money!

For more details please visit: How to Avoid Over-vaccination, or visit the supplier’s websites at aventix.ca (Canadian Residents) or vaccicheck.com (US Residents)”

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