Switching your dog’s food abruptly can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased appetite. Any time you decide to change your dog’s food, you should transition to the new diet gradually in order to give your dog’s system time to adjust to the change. Ideally, these transitions should happen over 5-7 days. During this transition, you will gradually incorporate more and more of the new food by mixing it with your dog’s current diet. For most dogs, a good diet transition will look like this:
Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.
Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.
Day 7: 100% new diet.
Some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal diseases may need an even longer transition period. The key to a good diet transition is monitoring your dog’s individual response. If, at any point during the diet transition, your dog displays concerning signs such as changes in appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should proceed more slowly. And if you have transitioned gradually and your dog is still experiencing stomach upset, it is best to consult with your veterinarian. In some cases, it may be necessary to choose a different diet.
The Proof is in the Poop!
The best way to monitor your dog’s digestive health is to pay attention to the quality of the stool. While minor variations in stool color and consistency are normal, any major changes can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. A great way to evaluate your dog’s stool is to use a Fecal Scoring Chart. An ideal fecal score is 3–4. Lower numbers may indicate dehydration or constipation, while higher numbers are indicative of gastrointestinal upset, which can be due to a variety of factors. If your dog’s stool is consistently outside of the normal range, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian regarding your dog’s digestive health.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Monday, July 26th, 2021 Comments Off on How to change your dog’s food.
New Class Session for Puppies and Adult Dogs Both Locations FL and PA
AKC STAR Puppy – one hour class for six weeks Class covers all of the basic training commands, loose leash walking, teaching come when called, and more! For dogs under one year of age.
AKC CGC – Canine Good Citizen Class, provides all of the instruction you will need for your dog to be a good neighbor dog, obedient, and life long companion. For dogs who have passed their AKC STAR Puppy or One year of age.
AKC – Trick Dog Beginners to Advance – one hour class for 4 weeks prepares your team for their next level of AKC Trick D0g.
Classes start soon please to check our calendar tab at the top of our website for location, times, and pricing.
“All you need is love and a dog.”
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Monday, July 5th, 2021 Comments Off on New Class Session for Puppies and Adult Dogs Both Locations FL and PA
The value of eye contact with a dog.
Take a good look at your dog.
Eye contact is often the first things learned in basic obedience classes because it helps dogs focus. In the world at large, eye contact can be seen as a challenge, but in loving relationships, it’s a sign of trust and love. Think about your own eye contact habits; if you’re nervous or intimidated by another person, you might have trouble looking them in the eye, but if you trust them and want to show respect, you’ll meet their gaze.
It’s very similar for dogs.
Look command is a request for a dog to make eye contact with you.
Eye contact isn’t just a sign of a strong bond between a dog and her person, it’s also a way to create and improve that bond. According to Japanese researchers, dogs who gaze at their owners show elevated levels of oxytocin (aka the love hormone), and the owners experience raised oxytocin levels, as well (source). In other words, gazing at each other starts a feedback cycle of love and attachment. That’s right: you can increase your bond and your happiness levels by gazing into each other’s eyes.
Eye contact isn’t just a sign of a strong bond between a dog and her person, it’s also a way to create and improve that bond.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Saturday, March 20th, 2021 Comments Off on The value of eye contact with a dog.
Breeding Season For Wildlife ( Coyotes)
It’s breeding season coyotes are more active.
Coyote breeding typically peaks in late February and early March, the gestation period averages 58 to 63 days. Male coyotes can become more aggressive during this time of year, the long and short of it all is that coyotes always pose a risk to your dog (and other small pets).
Coyotes are generally monogamous and maintain pair bonds that can last for several years. The breeding season runs from late December through March, and pups are born in the early spring. … The den is abandoned after the pups are weaned but may be used from year to year.
Unneutered male dogs can be lured away by the scent of a female coyote in her ovulation cycle. Keep a vigilant watch over your male dogs intact.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 Comments Off on Breeding Season For Wildlife ( Coyotes)
“Come! COME!!! Come! Come! Come! Please come!”
A dog refusing to come to you can be very scary!
This is a two week class that can save your dog’s life. Thursday at our Hernando location at 2 pm.
The first class we teach the commands. We provide you 3 different commands to call your dog to you.
We also review a “leave it” command, which assist in getting your dog to move away from a distraction.
This class is a life saver!
“Come! COME!!! Come! Come! Come! Please come!”
If this sounds like your dog’s current recall, you may have a “poisoned cue.” This generally happens unintentionally and occurs when the cue either has an unclear meaning or takes on a negative association for the dog, so they ignore it. The easiest way to poison a cue is to overuse it by repeating the word over and over without your dog responding.
Come join our Recall Class and improve your dog’s recall performance.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 Comments Off on “Come! COME!!! Come! Come! Come! Please come!”
New Airline Laws on Service and Emotional Support Animals
ACAA is now requiring documentation of training
Helpful air travel reminders
Service animals must be properly harnessed or leashed and remain under the direct control of you or the dog handler at all times.
The animal must behave properly in public and should follow directions from its owner.
Dog must be a minimum age of 4 months for acceptance on United.
The animal is required to be seated in the floor space directly in front of your seat.
The animal should not extend into the aisles.
If you’re traveling with an animal in cabin to any international destination (or some domestic locations, such as but not limited to Guam or Hawaii, where local regulations may require it), United may require you to bring an up-to-date copy of your animal’s vaccination certificate with you on your trip. We recommend that you have a copy on hand during travel.
You will not be able travel within 30 days of your animal’s rabies vaccination.
Rule on ESA Traveling by Air with Service Animals
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system.
The Department received more than 15,000 comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking. The final rule announced today addresses concerns raised by individuals with disabilities, airlines, flight attendants, airports, other aviation transportation stakeholders, and other members of the public, regarding service animals on aircraft.
The final rule:
Defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability;
No longer considers an emotional support animal to be a service animal;
Requires airlines to treat psychiatric service animals the same as other service animals;
Allows airlines to require forms developed by DOT attesting to a service animal’s health, behavior and training, and if taking a long flight attesting that the service animal can either not relieve itself, or can relieve itself in a sanitary manner;
Allows airlines to require individuals traveling with a service animal to provide the DOT service animal form(s) up to 48 hours in advance of the date of travel if the passenger’s reservation was made prior to that time;
Prohibits airlines from requiring passengers with a disability who are traveling with a service animal to physically check-in at the airport instead of using the online check-in process;
Allows airlines to require a person with a disability seeking to travel with a service animal to provide the DOT service animal form(s) at the passenger’s departure gate on the date of travel;
Allows airlines to limit the number of service animals traveling with a single passenger with a disability to two service animals;
Allows airlines to require a service animal to fit within its handler’s foot space on the aircraft;
Allows airlines to require that service animals be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times in the airport and on the aircraft;
Continues to allow airlines to refuse transportation to service animals that exhibit aggressive behavior and that pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others; and
Continues to prohibit airlines from refusing to transport a service animal solely based on breed.
Final Rule Link: https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-12/Service%20Animal%20Final%20Rule.pdf
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Monday, February 1st, 2021 Comments Off on New Airline Laws on Service and Emotional Support Animals
January is National Dog Training Month
January is National Dog Training Month
Schedule your private or group lesson to celebrate!
Private Lessons are by appointment call 904-352-7631. We serve Citrus County.
Next available Group Lessons are coming up January 28th at Bark Central in Inverness
9:30 am AKC STAR Puppy – Bark Central
10:30 am AKC CGC Canine Good Citizen – Bark Central
January 28th – Hernando Location
3 pm AKC STAR Puppy- Hernando
4 pm AKC CGC Canine Good Citizen – Hernando
All classes are one hour in length and for 6 weeks.
Private or Group Lessons 904-352-7631 Serving Citrus County
Call us today if you have any further questions: 904-352-7631
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Monday, January 11th, 2021 Comments Off on January is National Dog Training Month
How much exercise does your dog breed truly need?
Here is a quick guide. I find that most behavior problems can be solved by offering the dog more exercise. Go to AKC.org to find out what group your dog belongs to if you are not sure. A Tired Dog equals a Happy Dog Owner.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Sunday, December 27th, 2020 Comments Off on How much exercise does your dog breed truly need?
Happy Holidays From Far Fetched Tales Dog Training
A Well Trained Dog equals a Happy Dog Owner
Merry Christmas,
Gift Certificates are available for
Pet Sitting
Dog Walking
Daily Pet Care
or
Dog Training Private or Group Lessons
Contact us today! 904-352-7631
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Monday, November 23rd, 2020 Comments Off on Happy Holidays From Far Fetched Tales Dog Training
AKC Virtual Manners
Virtual Home Manners Reviews by Far Fetched Tales Dog Training
If you have trained your puppy or adult dog at home and would like to earn the AKC’s Virtual Home Manners titles to demonstrate your accomplishments, this is the place for you! Virtual Home Manners Reviews by Far Fetched Tales Dog Training
What is Virtual Home Manners?
Virtual Home Manners (VHM) is the answer when you want to train your dog at home. When you get a puppy or new adult dog, Virtual Home Manners can get you started on practical skills before you attend a training class.
The evaluation of a dog’s ability to perform ten home manners skills will be done by a video recording. Two levels of Home Manners will be offered – Virtual Home Manners Puppy (VHMP) and Virtual Home Manners Adult (VHMA). Dogs that pass the tests will be awarded these titles.
The Virtual Home Manners tests assess ten skills that well-mannered pet dogs need in the home setting. The skills relate to the dog owner having control over the dog, being able to walk the dog (which is one of the most frequently cited activities that owners want to do with their dogs) and developing a bond with the dog during playtime.
The Virtual Home Manners tests are evaluated online by CGC Evaluators in the same manner that is currently used for Virtual Tricks. There is not an in-person VHM testing process. Virtual Home Manners is natural lead-in for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) in-person training.
How Virtual Home Manners Works
To earn the Virtual Home Manners titles, follow these easy steps:
Dog owners will video their dogs performing the required skills (on the VHM checklists).
A link to the video will be sent to an Approved AKC CGC Evaluator. Zoom and other live formats may also be used for evaluating Virtual Home Manners. To contact our evaluator, by email at trainerpamela@gmail.com or call our Hernando, FL office at 904-352-7631.
After watching the video, if the dog passes, the Evaluator will send the combined Checklist/Video Verification Form to the dog owner. The Evaluator will also send a copy of this form to AKC.
The dog owner will send to AKC: 1) the Checklist/Video Verification, and 2) the Virtual Home Manners Title Application form along with a fee of $25.00.
Filed under: News & Events by Pamela Wiltgen Tuesday, October 20th, 2020 Comments Off on AKC Virtual Manners
Private Lesson Customer:
Pamela,
I cannot believe Banjo is the same dog! I’m so glad I made the decision for you to come to the house for a private lesson! We have been practicing our homework, and when we went for a walk today, he didn’t even look at the dog he normally wants to attack! They walked by and his owner told me that this is the best she has ever seen him! This was his first walk where we came across another dog since you were here on Thursday, that’s only 3 days ago! We were so …
Private Lesson
Labradoodle Puppy Training
Thank you for helping us out with our problem child! So glad we contacted you!
Citrus Hills
Citrus Hills
Our private training session today was so much fun and helpful thank you again! We’re really looking forward to seeing how Holly’s inner spirit and agility continues to develop with your help and guidance.
Fernandina, FL
Holly, Australian Shepard
Simply amazed of how quickly our German Shepherd puppy of 12 weeks responded to your training methods!
Hernando
Hernando
Pamela is a Top-Notch professional with a lifetime of experience handling and training animals and competing in both equine and canine sports. Ten years ago I met Pamela when searching for an Agility trainer in NE FL and have taken multiple classes with her in both Agility & Obedience. I have referred her several times to help friends and rescue organizations with problem dogs and to teach local classes. Pamela is one of the very few individuals whom I would trust to care for my crazy, high-driv…
Pet Sitting or Dog Training Top Notch Professional-Citrus County
Luna and I learned so much! Thanks for teaching us. We are looking forward to future classes!
AKC Puppy Luna - Citrus Hills, Hernando Florida
Fantastic!!! We saw great results after just the first visit. Pamela didn’t even wait until she came to our house to begin helping us. Our puppy was showing some aggressive behavior and possessiveness. She called us to set up a time to meet and gave some short term help until she could get to us. You will be amazed with the personal, professional training she will give you. She not only helps train your dog, she trains you to be a better trainer. She customizes her training to each person who ha…
Cooper - King Charles Spaniel
This is great, thank you! Loved the class! It was awesome. Mac and I had a blast!
Lisa and Mac
Agility Class
It was a great class yesterday!
Karen
Hernando, FL
Great puppy class! Hernando FL
Pamela is AWESOME! I would definately recommend her, she’s very, very good at what she does, and even after the first visit we saw definitive, positive changes in our dog.
Happy Dog Owner
Axl is a very headstrong Bully. We had gone to another dog obedience class & just gave up. We signed up with Pamela’s class & have seen such a change in Axl-her methods of training seemed to just ‘click’. He can walk by the cats without chasing them, is much calmer-we couldn’t be happier! Thanks Pamela!
Happy AKC Puppy Client
Thank you for a great puppy class. We both enjoyed class yesterday. Thank you. Alyse
AKC STAR PUPPY - Inverness
We are so happy with the care for our Lab and for the excellent dog training she is undergoing. I would highly recommend Far Fetched Tales for the training and care of my dog.
Shannon L.
I wanted to let you know what a pleasure it has been to work with you in the dog training of our cocker spaniel. Cocker spaniels are not known for their ease of training but your taking the individual time that you took with Mrs. Beasley made all the difference and Mrs. Beasley is doing so well with her commands so much more than I ever imagined possible.
Thanks again
Sandy C.
Puppy Class Student
Pamela is the best. Patient, firm and respectful of you puppy’s/dog and an excellent trainer. We have had private lessons with Pamela for our GSD puppy and have seen drastic changes in his behavior. We wanted to train him right this time (after having 3 unruly dogs in the past) and have him be social and obedient and Pamela gave us the tools to work with. Immediately when she comes through your door she starts the training and her reward based training goes into motion. Our dear puppy Cody…
Beverly Hills, FL
There is so much to say. Pamela is wonderful with animals. She managed to even train him a bit while he was in her care. She would take care of our pup for up to a week or so or sometimes just for a long weekend. When he would ever see her again he would whimper couldn’t wait to get to her door. I would highly recommend her for any pet. She is awesome…
Hernando/Citrus County
Lori
Pet Sitting - Citrus Hills
Just wanted to give a hearty recommendation on an excellent dog trainer we have been working with. Our new golden retriever puppy (Emma) was pretty much out of control so we asked Pamela Wiltgen of “Far Fetched Tales Dog Training” to help. Over the course of 3 one hour sessions, she immediately established a dog-whisperer-like” relationship with Emma and taught us techniques to use. The result is a very big improvement in behavior and an arsenal of techniques and tools we now routinely use.
…
Dog Training - Citrus Hills
Just a note to say thank you again for our first obedience class. Expected some sits etc. Never expected such a thorough analysis of my relationship with my dog. Right on – too controlling and not enough fun. Working on homework and thinking of puzzles. She’s asking me to play again already.
Catherine of Orange Park, FL
Obedience Training
Thanks so much for teaching Jake and I all his new tricks. I would love to catch up with some more training; we both enjoyed it very much. Maggie K.
Agility Student
We can never thank you enough for all you have done to help us with Chewie. You have gone above and beyond, and we are so grateful!
Thank you!
Melissa, Dave, Emma, and our lab puppy Chewie
St. John's Melissa and Chewie
There are not enough words to describe how AMAZING Pam is!!! I can’t even begin to describe how happy, amazed and in shock I am with how well my dog has improved after just ONE session! I think everyone should use her. Thank you so much Pam!!! Kayla of Citrus County.
Private Lesson Homosassa
The tips Pamela taught me have done wonders for my Micah, and I have continued the lessons at home ever since. I feel more and more comfortable taking him on walks without a leash (because she drove home the importance of release words and call signs). Thanks again.
Casey
Pam,
Just a quick note to compliment you on your training methods.
I’ve been doing this a long time and have both experienced a number of trainers and have trained beginners classes myself, although its obvious I’ve forgotten a lot!
The three things I especially have noticed is your ability to identify a specific point in the dogs behavior and go back to reinforce that point. IE missing the first jump in a sequence. You change the training goal to ‘first jump’ rather that trying to …
Agility Student's Comments About Dog Training
We have been your agility students for approximately seven months, and have learned a great deal from you. Brady is young German Shepard and extremely energetic. He shows a great deal of interest in other dogs and is easily distracted. I have seen him mature and develop concentration skills which I believe is the result of your patience. You never appear frustrated with either of us as we both make “amateur” mistakes in agility. I too have learned a great deal from you. Your personal interact…
Agility Student Remarks on Dog Training
What a Far Fetched Tales Client has to say:
I used “here” with “leave it” and Maggie didn’t run into the mud around the pond today. 🙂 I want to say thanks for all your hard work with us! Marni and Maggie
Far Fetched Tales Dog Training, Jacksonville, FL
