Ok, so maybe you have been a dog owner all your life or maybe you are just about to pick up your very first puppy. No matter how much or how little experience you have we could all use some amazing tips in our pet parenting tool belt, right?! If you are looking to lay a positive puppy foundation, build a stronger bond with your dog, and keep your pet happy and healthy year-round, look no further! It’s time to dive into 5 tips that will change your life as a pet parent!
1. First things first: Puppies
Let’s start at the very beginning, shall we? Have you ever had a dog who wouldn’t let you clip their nails or even brush behind their ears? You are not alone; this is far more common than you might think. When you first get a new puppy there are certain things you can introduce to them right off the bat to avoid potential difficulties in the future. As a pup much of their fear, like a baby, has not developed yet. The window of opportunity to familiarize them with things that have the potential to become frightening to them is smaller than you might think. We suggest starting the introduction process as soon as your fur baby arrives and maintaining consistency throughout puppyhood. Below is a list of activities to use as a starting point along with suggested timing. Every household is different so add or take away based on what makes the most sense for you and your new family member.
Nail clipping: multiple times a week, even if you just pretend it will get them used to the clippers, the sounds, and the feeling of you touching their paws.
Brushing: daily, use a few different types of brushes on any given week to alter the feel, this will help them to feel more comfortable when they go to the groomer, who uses a different brush than they are “used to”.
Bathing: weekly, they may not always need it and it may be best not to shampoo every week (to keep their skin from drying out) but it is important that they practice getting in the tub/shower/clam shell and all the actions that go along with getting a bath. This will make you and your groomer’s life much easier in the future.
2. The Great Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a super food for our pups! It is no secret that every dog experiences diarrhea at some point in their lives. If your dog is having tummy trouble and producing soft/runny stool, try giving them a scoop of pumpkin. Pumpkin is rich in fiber which helps to ease digestion, absorbs water, and supplies energy to stimulate positive function of the intestines. Fiber is a prebiotic which helps to promote beneficial bacteria and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. Mix a scoop of pumpkin in your pets’ food or give it on its own the next time they have an upset tummy. Keep a can of plain pumpkin in your pantry just for your furry friend.
Dog and their owner watching the sunset
3. Parting is such sweet sorrow
Let’s face it, many of us haven’t been away from our pets for more than a few hours here and there for the last year! The more we are around our pets, the more difficult departures can be on them. When we go from spending all day every day together to leaving for long periods of time it disrupts our pet’s routine and comfort level. Separation anxiety takes hold in so many of our furry friends but there are things we can actively to do ease their nervousness.
Practice your “exit routine” without the exit Go about your normal routine before leaving the house and then DON’T. It will make the “real thing” far less hyper for your pet.
Leave on the TV or Radio The human element and sound will offer them comfort.
Stay calm It can be difficult to remain at ease when we know how upset our pet gets when we leave. They will feel that energy so be sure to take a few deep breaths and remain calm when you go to depart.
Pawsitive association Our recommendation is a frozen peanut butter filled Kong. Any special treat or new toy to keep them happy and busy as you head out the door will do!
Exercise daily A tired pup is a happy pup.
Dog drinking water from a bowl
4. H20
Did you know that your dog should drink 1 ounce of water per day for every pound of body weight? For large breed dogs that means over 100oz of water EVERY DAY! It may come as a surprise, but dogs are made up of 80% water, as opposed to the human 55-60%. This means it is 20-25% more likely for a pet to become dehydrated. Yikes! In order to prevent dehydration, it is important to know what this looks like in our pets.
Loss of appetite
Reduced energy levels
Lethargy
Heavy panting
Sunken eyes
Dry mouth/gums
Loss of skin elasticity
If you pet experiences any of these symptoms try to entice them with a fresh bowl of water. Whenever possible monitor your pet’s water intake. It is not always easy to measure exactly how much our pet is drinking on a daily basis but see our list below to help promote water consumption.
Keep water bowls clean.
Use more than one water dish.
Frozen treats
Get a drinking fountain.
Add water to your pet’s food.
As always, our goal as a pet parent is to have the happiest and healthiest pets possible. Knowing the signs of dehydration and tips for how to keep your pet hydrated will keep your fur baby living their best life all year long!
A kid giving his dog a hug
5. Hug your dog!
Our pups associate touch with feelings of happiness and belonging. When we give a hug our bodies (both human and canine) release oxytocin, a feel-good chemical, which has a significant positive impact on the body. Something as simple as a hug can strengthen the bond between man and man’s best friend. It has been proven that a dog who feels safe and secure not only physically but emotionally is much less likely to exhibit destructive behaviors within their environment ex. chewing on furniture or using the bathroom in the house. Give a hug and you will build their confidence, strengthen your bond, and live in harmony.
There you have it, 5 tips that will enhance you and your pup’s life far beyond what you can imagine. Everyone needs a few tricks for those challenging circumstances, to keep your pet operating smoothly and cultivate a loving bond. Now you can feel like an expert in your own home and share these amazing tips with all your pet parent pals. Do you have an amazing pet parenting tip that has worked for you? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Well, 2020, you have been REAL, but we can’t say that we are sorry to see you go… Thanks for the tough lessons but now it’s time to level up and set ourselves and (most importantly) our dogs up for success in 2021! Getting intentional about how you can improve your dog’s quality of life, increase their day to day enjoyment, and strengthen your relationship is what it’s all about as we head into the New Year. So how the heck do you set resolutions for your dog you ask? Not to worry! We have broken down 5 pawesome New Year’s resolutions for your dog and given you ways to follow through to make them happen all year long.
1. Exercise 5 Times A Week
Whether your pup could stand to lose a few pounds, or you just want to improve their overall health increasing the amount of exercise your dog receives is the way to go! Exercise outside of the home provides mental stimulation, helps to maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory system, and makes them a happier more well-rounded pup. Tired of the same old walking routine with your dog? Try spicing up your exercise schedule with one of these:
Go for a hike
Bring them along on a leisurely bike ride
Head to the beach for a swim
Play Fetch
Give skating a try (Inline skating, rollerblading, or skateboarding)
Dog getting an annual vet exam
2. Schedule Annual Physical
Our pets can’t talk (well not in English anyway) to let us know that their teeth are bothering them or that their hips are aching. Fortunately, having your pet seen for an annual exam helps to identify those hard to detect issues and so much more. In a nose to tail exam a vet will be able to detect small problems before they escalate and become serious issues. When health issues are caught early they are often easier to resolve, less expensive, and allow your pet to avoid any intense pain that may have come with late detection. Everything from eyes and skin to vital organs such as the kidneys, liver, and heart will be checked at their appointment. Aside from the full physical exam there are also a few other perks to having your pet seen by a veterinarian.
Nail clipping by a pro (you may have to ask)
Up to date on Rabies and other vaccines (required for a License)
Set up on heartworm prevention
Updated flea and tick treatment for the year
Microchipping (discuss your options)
Having an annual physical is the way to go. Keep your pet’s health first and schedule their appointment with your local vet today.
3. More Playdates, Please!
Socialization for our pups is a key component to a happy life. Just because our dog gets to see us every day (sometimes all day) does not mean they are being fulfilled socially. Playtime with other dogs is important to giving them a well-rounded personality and life. Playdates are more than great exercise; they teach our pups how to behave in public, providing far more mental stimulation than just snuggling on the couch every night. Socialization will boost your dog’s confidence with each new interaction. Enjoy having people over? By exposing them to other people, places, and dogs they will be better behaved when you have parties or friends and family over to the house. Here are 5 examples of playdates for your pup:
Go for a walk with a human friend
Doggy Daycare!
Meet up with a friend and their dog on the beach or at a local trail (click here or here to find dog-friendly trails in Plymouth, MA)
Hit the dog park
Enjoy dinner at an outdoor, pet friendly restaurant
All this socialization will make your dog well adjusted for most any situation.
Group dog training
4. Join A Class/ Activity Group
We all enjoy learning a new skill or joining a hobby group like a book club or knitting group. Why not give your dog the same opportunity to expand their abilities or practice something they enjoy in a group setting? Many dogs enjoy the challenge of training not to mention the bonding time gained. Experts also recommend a training refresher course every 2 years. Here are 3 pawesome opportunities to develop a new skill or enjoy some of their favorite activities in 2021.
Enroll in a weekly hiking group. Just Around the Corner offers group hiking up to 5 days a week Monday-Friday in Plymouth, MA. Now accepting new hiking clients.
Obedience training. Whatever their skill level in the training department there is a class that can help your dog grow and thrive.
Swim class. If your dog enjoys the water have them attend a class that allows them to enjoy it in the best way for them such as dock diving, water rescue training, or swim lessons.
5. Increase Bonding
We all have those relationships in our lives that we work to make a priority day in and day out. The relationship with our pets is one that should go at the top of that list. Much like a spouse, when the bond of a dog and their owner is strong the whole household runs smoother, am I right? Try these 7 tips to grow your bond and strengthen the relationship you have with your pet.
Remain Calm: Breathe, speak softly, avoid sharp movements and yelling.
Do things together: Go for a walk downtown, grab an ice cream, take a drive.
Communicate Clearly: Give directions they understand and only give one command at a time.
Special treatment: add some extra love to their food with something delicious and dog safe.
Learn more about them: Take note of what they like/dislike, activities they enjoy, and where they feel most comfortable.
Educate yourself: Spend some time learning more about your dog’s breed(s) to know the best ways to exercise, groom and take care of them.
Dog paw and human hand
Pets are part of the family and we believe in treating them like family. Take some time to choose and set a few of our 5 New Year’s resolutions for your dog. Not only will these resolutions benefit your pup they will positively impact your entire household. When every member of the family is at their best and being appreciated for all they bring to the table 2021 cannot be anything but great!
Ensure that your pets are taken care of this holiday season with Just Around the Corner. Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Life is certainly different these days and our furry companions have been there for us every step of the way. What would we do without them?! With everything that is on your plate let Just Around the Corner ensure your dog gets the exercise, socialization, and enjoyment they deserve through our group dog hiking program. Whether you are working from home, hitting the office, navigating the wild world of virtual schooling, or some combination of these you can take “exercise and socialize the dog” off your to-do list. Instead enjoy your happy, tuckered out, pup without ever leaving the house.
Four reasons to enroll your dog in a hiking program
1. Exercise
Our group hiking program is an hour-long hike spent fully committed to exploring the beautiful trails Plymouth, Ma has to offer. (learn more about trails in Plymouth in our blogs about hiking trails here and here) Keeping a steady pace is sure to give your dog the exercise they long for. The dogs experience both physical and mental exertion from the endless new scents to the ever-changing terrain. Exercise is a crucial component to any dog’s life no matter their age and can even increase their life span. These are just a few of the jaw dropping benefits of exercise.
Benefits of exercise
Positive for overall health
Reduce the risks of heart disease, nasty infections, and even depression
Keep obesity at bay
Stimulate healthy joints, for ultimately fewer visits to the vet
Improve behavioral problems
Lessen chewing and other “bored” behaviors
Build confidence
Group of 4 dogs out for a hike with JAC dog walker in Plymouth, MA
2. Socialization
Socialization is a wonderful way to build your dog’s confidence. Meeting a new person and building trust with them will expand your dog’s “social circle” which lessens fears and apprehension they may be carrying. Likewise, while hiking they will meet the other dogs in their group allowing them to hang out and play in ways that might not be appropriate at home. Once they have been matched with a group of dogs this will become their “hiking family” week after week. This can help to lessen the alpha dog mentality they may have, making them a happier more well-rounded pup.
3. Car Ride
Is anyone else’s dog OBSESSED with riding in the car? For many of our furry friends the car ride to and from their daily hike is the best part of the group hiking experience. The journey to pick up each of their four-legged pals is like Christmas morning! “Who will we pick up next and where will we go?”, they wonder! The excitement builds until everyone has been picked up and they head to their trail of the day. Imagine your dog feeling so fancy as they are chauffeured around town before landing at the trail of their doggy dreams. Then they hit the ground running with a few of their closest friends! Sounds like doggy heaven to us. We end the hike, of course, with a car ride to return the dogs home safe, sound, and ready for a nap!
JAC mascot, Quinn, ready for his first group dog hike in Plymouth, MA
4. Time Saver
Are you managing working from home, visits to the office, and remote learning, never mind the duties that come along with running a household and keeping everyone under your roof happy and healthy? There simply aren’t enough hours in the day to give the family dog the exercise and socialization outside of the home they deserve. JAC is here to ease the stress of one more thing on your to-do list. Enjoy the happy, tuckered out, post-hike pup and the peace of mind of knowing your dog received the exercise they needed without the stress of squeezing it in.
How the JAC Hiking Program Works
All hiking groups are not the same, and each one has its own way to enroll a new dog. Just Around the Corner takes extreme care and attention to match each of our clients with the perfect group for their dog. These are the 5 simple steps you can expect in our enrolling process:
Phone Intake: Discuss your dog, their characteristics, temperament, and other prequalifying questions.
Meet & Greet For new clients and clients who will need to meet a new Dog Hiker.
Schedule 2-3 one hour long solo walks with the hiker only.
Match with the group that best works for your dog’s temperament and physical ability.
Start your dog’s group hiking. Enroll 1-5 days a week based on your preference, same days each week.
*Due to COVID-19 we are currently keeping the groups small, 2-3 dogs per group
JAC employee with a dog hiking group in Plymouth, MA
Ready to sign your dog up for hiking?
Does hiking sounds like it would ease some of the stress of your daily life while making a positive and healthy choice for your pup? Could your dog use more exercise daily/weekly? If your dog exhibits the following traits group hiking might be just the thing for your them:
Leash trained
Friendly with other dogs
Free of any significant health risks
Rides in the car with ease
If you are ready for your dog to experience the exercise and socialization they desire while saving time, then it is time to enroll your four legged friend. Call 508-245-1389 to start your dog’s group hiking intake today!
Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
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