Introducing a baby to the family dog

When bringing home a new baby, having the dogs at home sniff her scent before baby comes home. How important and how valuable is this for the animals?

 Bringing Baby Home: Is a very important day for both Human and any animal in the home. Prior to bringing your newborn home introduce the smells of the baby to your dogs. The smell of a diaper, lotion, baby powder, butt cream, formula, the baby's clothing, car seat, stroller and also introduce them to the nursery. Make a family decision if the dogs are allowed in the nursery or not. If NOT, then start giving those boundaries NOW. Not allowing them to follow you into the nursery when you walk in. Stopping them at the door and making them Sit & Stay. If the ARE allowed in the room make sure you give them direction of HOW to BEHAVE in the room. Making them enter the room calmly and have them Sit & Lay Down in one place. The goal is to make sure the dogs understand that the baby WILL be apart of the PACK. It is a MUST that all dogs accept the baby as a new pack member or there can be trouble in the future. When the baby arrives you can also help with providing the baby a form of Pack Leader mentality. YOU must let the dogs know when it is ok to be close to the baby and when its NOT ok ESPECIALLY when you are holding the baby. Once the roles are put in place and the dogs have become comfortable with the new scents, sounds and changes everything will run smooth.  

Important Note: Take the dogs for a walk with you and the baby. Have them walk beside the stroller or even behind. The nice thing is 90% of the time the protective side will come out of the dogs and they will have this sense of protecting the baby and you from any harm. Most dogs automatically HEEL right beside the stroller and walk in a calm submissive matter. If not then you can contact a local trainer to help with this process.

"Potty Train My Puppy!!!"

Please help me potty train my puppy!!!

This is the MOST common problem. You bring home your puppy and get so excited over the newness and cuteness that you may inadvertently forget to do the MAIN things to help get your puppy settled.

Potty training is one of the first things that you should get started with IMMEDIATELY! When you first bring home your puppy and are outside with them, bring treats along with verbally and physically praising them when they eliminate (relieve themselves) outside. They will start the association with "go potty outside and I receive treats".

Puppies need to eliminate every 1 to 2 hours from the ages of 6 weeks to 5 months. And depending on size and breed you will need to keep a mental note or set a timer to remind yourself to LEAD (do not carry, walk with them) your pup outside to go potty. Every time they go potty outside PRAISE them with verbal and physical praise along with a treat or two.

How to deal with accidents in the home:
First and foremost DO NOT I repeat DO NOT rub your dogs nose in the spot they had the accident. DO NOT spank or be physical with your pup. This will only teach them to find somewhere else in the home to eliminate where they cant get CAUGHT. This is usually the first reaction because as a human you express your disgust with your pup over the accident. Keep in mind they are in TRAINING and are still learning. Simply pick up the feces with a paper towel or wipe up the urine with a paper towel lead your pup outside. Place the feces and urine on the grass and say "Potty outside."  Have you pup sniff the grass and the feces and urine. This will help them understand that the grass is where they are to eliminate. Then assertively and calmly walk back in the home and close the door behind you. Your pup will try to follow, make sure they do not enter the home. Keep them outside for up to 15 minutes. Watch over them and if you witness them go potty while they are outside, go outside and praise them for doing so and allow them back in the home. Keep a mental note when they went potty and lead them back outside when the time is up so they can relieve themselves again.Puppies need to relieve themselves every 2 hours. 

Routine: 
Setting up a schedule of when to feed and when they go potty helps with having less to no accidents in the home. Medium to Extra Large Breeds should typically be on a feeding schedule. Either twice a day or once a day, you will know when they will need to relieve themselves. Taking away water by 8pm, last chance to go potty by 11pm the latest will keep your floors from accidents in the night. Have fresh water ready by 9am.

Apartment living:
Do the same ritual but keep your pup on the leash and stand outside with them until they eliminate. If they don't eliminate(due to them fully relieving themselves in the home). Make a mental note of when they had the accident and take then back outside 1 hour after the accident so they can go potty outside then praise and treat them. If you work and do not have the time to potty train during the day, crate train your pup. However you will need to have someone come in and let them relieve themselves every 2 hours outside. If need be take your pup to a reputable Doggy Day care where they can get exercise and help with potty training.


Cold Weather:
In times of cold weather do the same ritual. But only leave your pup outside for up to 15 minutes and stand with them outside as well. If its too cold purchase puppy pads and place them in the garage or laundry room for them to get the feel on NOT eliminating near bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms or kitchens. This will help to give them the sense they must go elsewhere to potty. Treat them when they use the puppy pads.

This is a task that can NOT be ignored. It must be done in order to keep your carpets and floors clean along with keeping your sanity from having a puppy.

 **Reminder: Every dog and household is different. What may work for others may not necessarily work for you and your dog. If you are having continuous problems, find a local trainer in your area that can help you and your family.**

Diggin' Dog

Dogs digging........ 

It's a very common thing for canines to dig especially for hunting/retriever breeds such as ALL Retriever breeds, Hounds, Beagles, Pointers, Spaniels, Terriers, etc. It's in their DNA to dig. Its their JOB to hunt, find and retrieve to satisfy their pack leader, YOU.

If you don't have a working breed then other reasons play into WHY they are digging. Boredom, Cooling or Warming, the scent of fertilizer, making a den, escaping, storing food or items (hoarding), and the biggest one ATTENTION.

To first solve this dilemma you must observe your dog digging. How, where, when, and what.

HOW is your dog digging? Is it in one place like under the fence or in the middle of the yard? It is in multiple places 5 to 20 inches apart from each hole?

WHERE is your dog digging?

WHEN are they digging?

WHAT are they digging for?

First answer those questions then you can move on to finding a solution to solve it.

The one thing that will always work with ANY breed and size is EXERCISE!!!! Go for a walk!!! And make it a good walk. 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on size/breed. Make the walk a job for them to accomplish. Purchase a doggy back pack and have them carry bottles of water or their treats or snacks. This will give them the feeling of having to complete a job you are asking them to fulfill and they will be highly rewarded.

Any other questions feel free to ask


**Reminder: Every dog and household is different. What may work for others may not necessarily work for you and your dog. If you are having continuous problems, find a local trainer in your area that can help you and your family.**

Best Dog Foods

**Reminder: Every dog and household is different. What may work for others may not necessarily work for you and your dog. If you are having continuous problems, find a local trainer in your area that can help you and your family.**

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What is the best food I can feed my dog?

I am a firm believer in a Natural Food diet. Make sure the first 5 ingredients are the true protein. Stay away from Wheat, Corn and Soy. Those cheap fillers are the main cause for skin problems, bloating and your dog still being hungry after a full meal.

List of Natural Dog Foods:

Blue Buffalo

Natural Balance

Merrick

Solid Gold

Taste Of The Wild

Halo

Wellness

FROMM

Bravo

Acana

Innova

Nature's Variety

Pure Vita

Canidae

Bad human foods for dogs...

What human foods are bad for my dog?

If you like to share your food with your dog, there's nothing wrong with that. Its nice to make them "feel" apart of the family. However some foods are very harmful to your four-legged beggars.

Foods NOT to give you dog and WHY: 

• Avocado - The leaves, seeds, fruit, and bark contain persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

• Bones from fish, Poultry, or other meat sources - Can cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system.

• Chocolate, Coffee, Tea, and other caffeine - Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous systems.

• Grapes, Raisins and Currants -  Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. There have been no problems associated with grape seed extract.

• Macadamia nuts - Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle.

• Milk and other dairy products - SOME adult dogs and cats may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products. 

• Mushrooms - Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

• Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) - Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs. Garlic is less toxic than onions.

 Here are some healthier alternatives:

• Bananas without the peel

• Apples without the skin

• Carrots

• Unsweetened Natural Peanut Butter (small amounts)

Always remember EVERYTHING is moderation.

Barktober Photo Contest!!!

That's right!!! Its Barktober and Buddy's Ktichen Dog Treatz is hosting a Photo Contest.

Photo Contest: You and Your Dawgy!!!

How to Enter

1. Find or take a photo of you and your dog. You can be dressed up for Halloween or not. Your dog can be in costume it doesn't matter. The cuter the photo the more "LIKES" you can get. It can be you or your kids but a human MUST be in the photo with your dog.
2. Send that photo to - buddyskitchendogtreatz@gmail.com
3. Look for your photo on our  Fan Page Album
4. SHARE your photo from that album with friends and family to get the most "LIKES" 
5. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook Page WINS!!! 
6. Contest ends Halloween Night

**CONTEST RULES: https://www.facebook.com/notes/buddys-kitchen-dog-treatz/photo-contest/337459436354335

Why Should I Train My Dog???

"Obedience training is one of the most important aspects of raising a dog. In fact, a well trained dog is by far a happier dog! Why? Because a trained dog requires fewer restrictions. The more reliable the dog, the more freedom he is given.

For example, many stores and businesses that normally won't allow dogs on their premises will make an exception for a puppy or a dog that will heel nicely by his owner's side, or will do a sit-stay or down-stay without hesitation.

And when company arrives in your home, there's no need to banish a well-behaved dog to another room for fear that he will be a royal nuisance. Moreover, because a well-mannered, obedience-trained dog is both appreciated and welcome, he receives more attention and interaction from family members, visitors, and passers-by, than does the ill-mannered dog.

You As Your Dog's Leader
Training serves to strengthen the bond between a dog and his owner. It builds communication, understanding, and mutual respect, and subtly but effectively demonstrates to your dog that you're the leader of the pack (commonly referred to as the "Alpha"). And if your dog doesn't respect you as his leader, you may both be in big trouble, particularly if he's a bit rowdy or dominant by nature.

Training May Save Your Dog's Life
Obedience training also gives the dog owner the voice control necessary to prevent numerous potential tragedies. For instance, should a dog slips out of his collar in the middle of a congested traffic intersection, he can be safely heeled across the street, then given a sit command to facilitate putting his collar back on. Or should someone accidentally leave the front door open, and you spot your dog leaving, he can be safely called back to you using the recall command.
Not only will obedience training help your dog to become more responsive, but because it enables you to have immediate control over your dog's behavior, in an emergency situation obedience training may save your dog's life. In fact, it can ultimately save the lives of many dogs, because far fewer dogs would end up in animal shelters if their owners would simply take the time to train them.
And for those dogs who do need homes, a trained dog is far easier to adopt out to a new home than an untrained one.
Statistics also show that puppies which receive early socialization, obedience, and temperament training (aggression prevention training) are far less likely to end up being destroyed by the time they turn three years of age than those that do not receive this early training.

The Consequences Of An Untrained Dog
Without proper training, many dogs are likely to misbehave. And when owners allow their dogs to misbehave, everyone suffers: The owner, because he or she lives with a dog, the dog, because everyone's down on him for misbehaving; the dog's owner's neighbors, because living next to a difficult dog is no one's idea of fun; and ultimately every dog owner, because each incidence where a dog creates a nuisance increases anti-dog sentiment, and contributes to the likelihood that tough legal restrictions will be placed on all dogs.

Obedience Training Benefits Everyone
A well-behaved, obedience trained dog is a pleasure to own because he can go virtually anywhere without being a risk or nuisance to others. And don't we all want a dog who exhibits appropriate behavior in a crowd, good manners when we have guests in our home, is reliable around children, and who doesn't threaten other dogs or passers-by?" 
~ Robin Kovary

Hip Dysplasia Problems and How To Deal

Recently a client of mine informed me that their GSD, Mandy, was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia. What makes this case particularly difficult is that Mandy is ONLY 6 months old. On our last training session which was the review for her test coming this week, I got to see first hand how she was limping and her hip out of joint. I did some research for the best home remedies and found great medications, food and treats along with how to exercise a dog that suffers from Hip Dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that, in its more severe form, can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. It is a genetic (polygenic) trait that is affected by environmental factors. 

Please watch Dr. Q quickly explain how to exercise a dog with Hip Dysplasia

Vitamins:
1800 Pet Meds- Make sure that if your Vet suggest a certain amount of Glucosamine, match that with the vitamins you can provide. My childhood dog, Pooh Bear, thrived on Synovi G3. They smell horrible but apparently are very tasty. Pooh Bear started taking them at age 5 to keep her joints lubricated. She never suffered from Hip Dysplasia and she moved around just fine for 15 years.

Foods:
All Natural Foods automatically include Glucosamine along with other ingredients to help keep the joints lubricated, in their Senior foods. Most Senior foods start at age 7 and up.

Treats:
All Natural treats that include Glucosamine are below

• Blue Buffalo - Jolly Joints
• Zuke's Hip Action 
• Dogswell Happy Hips
• Loving Pets Gourmet Carrot & Chicken Dog Treat Wrap
  
  

For My 30th Birthday 2013!!!!

Well the time has come again, however this time it means so much more. 

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!! 

My favorite holiday of the year, well other than Thanksgiving. 

A friend of mine, decided this year for her birthday she wanted to "Pay It Forward". She asked for her friends and family have joined her and the response has been great. Many have "donated to cancer organizations, children of fallen soldiers, dog shelters, paid for random people to get drinks or food, helped friends with groceries & medical bills and more." Her birthday wish has inspired me to do my own birthday wish. 

For my Dirty 30 I want to ask all my friends and family to donate $5.00 to the list of Rescue Organizations below. Many of them have a very big importance to me since as a Professional Dog Trainer I have worked closely with them myself to help guide dogs to their FURever homes. You can choose to donate to more than one but I ask that everyone PLEASE donate to at least ONE Organization. Every one of your donations help with Vet bills, travel expenses, food, training, medication, and overall care of the animals they have in their care. This birthday wish  means more to me this year since I have grown so much in my business and working different dogs and learning so much about how a rescue organization works and how much effort there is that has to be put in to keep every animal they come in contact with alive and placed in homes.

So for my 30th birthday April 30th, Please choose one, two or more organizations to donate $5.00.This is a great idea also cause this year I'm not near my friends and family to celebrate but I feel this way they can still be apart of my birthday wish.

New Leash On Life - Santa Clarita, CA

http://www.newleash.org/donation

Barks Of Love - Fullerton, CA

http://www.barksoflove.org/

G.R.A.S.P.  (Greece Residence Assisting Stray Pets) - Greece, NY

http://www.graspinc.org/donations/donate-funds.html

Paws and Purrs Rescue - Henrietta, NY

http://www.pawsandpurrsrescue.org/donate/

Scottville Animal Pet Adoptions - Scottville, NY

http://www.petadoption.cc/

Pitty Love - Rochester, NY

http://www.pittyloverescue.org/donate/

Much Love Animal Rescue - Los Angeles, CA

http://www.muchlove.org/donate/

The Pongo Fund - Oregon
 http://www.thepongofund.org/contact/donation-page/

The Mia Foundation
http://www.themiafoundation.com/How-you-can-help.html

Reiki for Pets by Ruth

Reiki by Ruth writes about the benefits and use of Reiki. 

Sometimes our pets are anxious, aggressive, or otherwise stressed (obsessive licking or scratching are quite common) and we don't know why. Or maybe you do know, but have run out of solutions for correcting the behavior. Training can help A LOT for dogs, but sometimes they seem to just be stuck and you and the trainer can't get them to move ahead.

Reiki can be a huge help to dogs (and all animals, really) in this instance. Reiki is a form of Japanese energy work. It works on the chakra and energy systems prevalent in Eastern Medicine. All living things are made up of energy. Everyone has energy pathways running through their bodies that can become blocked due to stress or illness. Frequently physical illness is caused by stress.

Reiki has worked wonders on pets adopted from shelters. Changing families is an enormous stress even if all the homes are loving. Unfortunately sometimes the dog may have been in a bad situation. It's frequently not going to be possible to find out an adopted or stray pet's full history, but Reiki energy doesn't need to know the information. The energy goes where it is needed in the body on its own.

It seems on the surface that our pets have very short memories, but in fact, some incidents will stick with them for life. There is a dog I worked with  named Kody. He was very carefree as a puppy. When he was a couple years old, a family friend came over to his house and teased him. He got spooked. After that he was never quite the same. He became fearful of this person in particular and even just men in general. He'd bark aggressively when anyone came over and he began peeing on the floor when men approached him.

I went to Kody's house and sat down on the floor near him. He loved attention and eagerly came over to see what I was up to. I let him know that everything was ok and no one wanted to hurt him. I placed my hands out facing him so that he could feel the Reiki energy. After he relaxed I was able to place my hands directly on his back. Reiki practitioners pass energy to the client through their hands. In many cases the dog will fall asleep during a treatment in what many practitioners refer to as a 'reiki nap'. Kody was considerably more relaxed when I left his house that day. I went back periodically to give him more treatments and his relaxation lasted longer and longer with each treatment.

If you would like to try Reiki for your pets or you know they would highly benefit from the relaxation, contact Ruth.

She is available on weekends and weekday evenings.