Suggestions on how to keep your dog safe on the 4th of July

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

Have a safe 4th of July

1. Keep Dog Secured – Best to keep the dog indoors.

2. Wear Proper ID

3. Create a Safe Haven – Set up crate in a quiet space away from windows — such as a basement or a larger closet — so that they can’t hear or see fireworks. Use a crate if that’s where your dog feels safe, and make sure to provide your pup with familiar toys and treats

4. Play White Noise-You can try leaving a fan, TV, or radio on to help mask the sounds of the fireworks.

5. Comfort Your Dog- Try your best to remain calm and reassuring to help your canine companion.

6. Walk Them Before the Fireworks Start-Head out for your long walk before the sun sets to increase the chances that you’ll avoid the sounds. When you do go out, you’ll want to ensure your dog is secure on a leash before your walk. Double-check the fit of your dog’s collar and leash.

7. Desensitize Your Dog to the Sounds of Fireworks -Try playing sounds of fireworks (softly) so your dog is used to hearing them. Try pairing a video of the sounds of fireworks with a treat your dog likes.Play sounds of fireworks-volume low enough that your dog can notice it, but does not show signs of stress like panting, pacing, leaving the area or trying to hide. Keep the dog below threshold.  Increase the volume gradually, varying the source of the sound, and using different recordings.

8. Talk to Your Vet-If your pet’s anxiety is severe, consider booking an appointment with your vet well in advance of July 4 for medications. 

9. Consider Hiring a Trainer-If fear is negatively impacting your pup’s life, consider enlisting the expertise of a trainer, to desensitize your dog to fireworks or other fears gradually.

June is Dog Anxiety Recognition Month

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

Be afraid…..be very afraid

June – Dog Anxiety Awareness Month

Social Anxiety

Noise Anxiety – Fact 67% of dogs have at least one noise level which makes them anxious.

Separation Anxiety

Vet Office Visit Anxiety

While genetics do play a big part in whether or not your dog has anxiety. Some dogs are just more prone to having anxiety. And while you can’t change your dog’s genes, you can alleviate the symptoms of how those genes are expressed.

Whenever I learn of a dog with anxiety, it’s best to begin with additional exercise and mental stimulation. This is often a simple fix for anxiety. When in an anxiety situation, it’s always best to first try to divert your dog’s attention to a favorite toy, move the dog to a less stimulating environment, exercise the dog by taking the dog for a walk. Do not try to comfort the dog with your touch and voice, this normally backfires and only rewards the dog with your attention for such behavior. Teach your dog confidence. Anytime you are usure about your dog’s anxiety, contact an animal behaviorist or your vet. Call us at Far Fetched Tales Dog Training if your dog is experiencing anxiety.

Training methods only work if this happens!

Posted byPamela Wiltgen
A successful training method works if it helps dogs and others can replicate it.
 
Many people want the method to solve their issues, but sometimes first, the handlers mindset needs to change; the right system with the wrong mindset won’t do it.
 
The mindset that fosters developing a partnership with your dog includes:
 
-More intuitive communication and less pressure.
 
-More setting your dog up to succeed and less correction.
 
-More patience and less rushing (of the training).
 
-Letting go of expectations of what you want your dog to become and accepting him for who he is.

Lots of classes to select from or schedule your private 

session by calling for an appointment for at home 

dog training.   Cell 970-640-2202

“ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE AND A DOG. “

Sign up at any of our locations, Bark Central Dog Park – Inverness,

Hernando, Or YOUR FRONT DOOR for a Private Lesson. 

AKC Trick Dog photo
AKC Trick Dog photo

Dog Training Gift Certificates for the Holidays!

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

Dog Training Gift Certificates make a wonderful Holiday Gift for any fur kids, Mom or Dad.  

One Hour Private Lesson $90 

Three hour Private Lesson $210 ( One hour per week for three weeks) 

Group Lessons are $150

Well trained dog equals a happy dog owner! 

We also offer pet sitting for our clientele, contact us for a quote.  

Citrus County Florida Call Pamela’s:  Cell 970-640-2202

Candy is meant to attract, and it does.  Keep your dog safe this Halloween!

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

Keep the trick-or-treat candy away from your dog.  Candy is meant to attract, and it does.  Candy is not good for dogs, and some candies can actually be lethal. Many Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol that can be poisonous to dogs. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar as well as a subsequent loss of coordination and seizures. 

                      Some common candy dangers for pets include:

  • Wrappers, string, and sticks that accompany candy may cause a blockage that requires medical attention.
  • Fatty chocolate and candies can also predispose dogs to pancreatitis.
  • Raisins can cause death in dogs, and many nuts are also dangerous if ingested.
  • Chocolate — especially baking or dark chocolate — can be dangerous and even lethal for dogs. Symptoms of chocolate pensioning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures.

The toxic component of chocolate is theobromine. Humans easily metabolize theobromine, but dogs process it much more slowly allowing it to build up to toxic levels in their system. A large dog can consume more chocolate than a small dog before suffering ill effects. A small amount of chocolate will probably only give your dog an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. With large amounts, theobromine can produce muscle tremors, seizures, an irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding or a heart attack. The onset of theobromine poisoning is usually marked by severe hyperactivity.

The usual treatment for theobromine poisoning is to induce vomiting within two hours of ingestion. If you are worried or suspect that your dog may have eaten a large quantity of chocolate and they are showing any of the signs listed above, call your veterinarian immediately. If you have a small dog that has eaten a box of chocolates, you need to call and go to your veterinarian right away. Do not wait. However, should your dog get ahold of a piece or two, it is most probably not cause for alarm. 

Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors arriving at the door, and too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for your pets. All but the most social dogs should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog doesn’t dart outside. Always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.  If your dog should escape and become lost, having the proper identification will increase the chances that they will be returned to you. Make sure the information is up-to-date, even if your pet has an embedded microchip.

October is ADOPT A DOG Month

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

Once you adopt a dog please contact us to assist you with your new dog meeting other pets, like an older dog, maybe your cat. 

Training your newly adopted dog can sometimes be a challenge, let us help you with making this new home environment an easy process. 

Private lessons at your home, just might be the best possible solution.   A well trained dog equals a happy dog owner.

How to change your dog’s food.

Posted byPamela Wiltgen
How to Change Your Dog’s Food
 
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.

New Class Session for Puppies and Adult Dogs Both Locations FL and PA

Posted byPamela Wiltgen

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.” 

AKC STAR Puppy