K9 Nature Supplements is a business that makes natural supplements for dogs with mainly human grade as well as organic ingredients.

My senior lab mix Ace got to try the company’s Hip & Joint Revita Chews to potentially assist his sore joints, as well as we have a possibility for your dog to try them too!

This publish is sponsored by K9 Nature Supplements.

Leave a comment below for a possibility to win a combo pack of Hip & Joint Revita Chews as well as Nature’s Aches Away for your dog. (3 winners!) Click here.

K9 Nature Supplements Review

My thoughts on the Hip & Joint Revita Chews:

My dog Ace has been taking the Hip & Joint Revita Chews for about three weeks. He is an almost 11-year-old black lab mix as well as the joints in his back legs are sore as well as stiff. He does take Carprofen (Rimadyl) daily for managing the pain, as well as his vet always suggests glucosamine as well as fish oil supplements as well.

The Hip & Joint Revita Chews from K9 Nature Supplements contain glucosamine as well as omega-3 fatty acids. I believe these components are advantageous to my aging dog. However, I am not able to observe a remarkable difference in exactly how he feels after taking the chews since he is already taking a pain relief medication. He does like the taste as well as had no difficulty taking the chews!

K9 Nature Supplements likewise suggested Ace might take their natural pain relief product called Nature’s Aches Away along with the hip & joint chews. However, Aches Away would requirement to be utilized without Rimadyl, so we selected not to take him off his prescription medication.

There are prospective side impacts to Rimadyl, so if you’re looking for a more natural choice for pain relief, you might look into the Nature’s Aches Away for your dog. The active components in the Aches Away are fish oil, cat’s claw root extract as well as willow bark extract. (Cats claw is a plant material traditionally utilized for treating arthritis as well as more.)

What is the cost?

The Hip & Joint Revita Chews are available in jars of 60 chewable tablets for $26.99 as well as the Nature’s Aches Away is available in jars of 55 soft chews for $26.99.

Get an extra 20% off on K9 Nature Supplements with FREE shipping with code THATMUTT20 Click here.

60 chews will last my 70-pound dog 60 days since he takes one per day. smaller dogs will only requirement half a tablet each day as well as dogs larger than Ace will requirement 2 tablets.

ORDER HERE.

(Code great for one utilize per customer)

What’s unique about the product?

K9 Nature Supplements was produced by scientists who have a enthusiasm for natural as well as holistic health and wellness for dogs, according to its website. The company’s supplements are all natural as well as mainly organic. Of course, there is a time as well as location for pharmaceuticals, however K9 Nature Supplements is an advocate for holistic as well as natural healing whenever possible.

K9 Nature Supplements states it only markets products that they themselves would provide to their own dogs, ensuring the greatest quality, security as well as key benefits of each ingredient.

Its supplements are fairly priced as well as all orders shipped in the U.S. include free shipping if ordered from their website.

Pros of the Hip & Joint Revita chews:

Made in the USA with natural ingredients

Could reduce or get rid of your dog’s requirement for NSAIDs like Rimadyl

Contains 375mg glucosamine & 200mg chondroitin per tablet

Glucosamine assists repair work damaged joints

My dog likes the chewable tablets. He believes they’re treats!

One jar lasts my 70-pound dog 60 days

Works as a preventative for healthy dogs

Contains fish oil for healthier skin & coat health and wellness + heart health

Free shipping in the U.S.

Cons:

Some dogs have allergies to shellfish. Glucosamine, one of the key ingredients, is originated from shellfish. The business suggests Nature’s Aches Away (vs. the Revita chews) for dogs that have sensitives or understood allergies to joint supplements.

There are other brands that offer higher amounts of glucosamine as well as chondroitin per dose. However, K9 Nature Supplements stated it utilizes a minimalist approach where each component is scientifically researched to determine the lowest dose that will work in a dog’s body. That way, your dog is not getting as well much of any type of of the ingredients. (If you’re wondering what the very best dose is for your dog, it’s always finest to consult with a vet.)

Would I buy this product?

Yes, I would buy about three month’s worth of the Hip & Joint chews to try as a longer term trial to see if it assists my senior dog. I believe in the benefits of glucosamine for people as well as dogs, as well as I like that this product has restricted components since my dog has a great deal of allergies.

Would I suggest the product to others?

Yes, if your dog is having joint pain or stiffness or if she is prone to joint issues because of her breed, I would suggest trying this for 60 days to see if you notice a difference. It would likewise be a great concern to ask your vet (but be gotten ready for your vet to try to offer you whatever glucosamine brand she carries).

Younger dogs can likewise take the supplement as a preventative.

Use code THATMUTT20 for 20% off your order as well as free shipping. CLICK HERE.

Giveaway – Win a combo pack for your dog!

K9 Nature Supplements is providing away a combo pack of its Hip & Joint Revita Chews as well as the Nature’s Aches Away to three lucky winners in the U.S.

To enter:

Just leave a comment below so I understand your dog wants in on the drawing! must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

Three winners will be selected randomly on Friday Feb. 17 as well as revealed in Sunday’s email digest. indication up for That Mutt’s emails HERE.

Note: everybody signed up for the $7 level or higher on that Mutt’s Patreon page is immediately went into into ALL giveaways. indication up HERE.

Would your dog like to try these supplements?

Let me understand in the comments!

There’s a substantial range of intelligence from dog to dog just as there is from human to human.

We can’t do much to increase the actual intelligence of our dogs, but we can increase their awareness of themselves and how they fit into their surroundings.

All dogs can learn.

Introducing a dog to as many different environments, scenarios and obstacles as possible affects how he thinks and behaves in certain situations. A dog that has experienced more will make better choices. He will act smarter than other dogs.

A person who has traveled more or studied more than others is not necessarily smarter, but she can use her experiences to make smarter decisions. It’s the same for dogs.

For example, about a third of the dogs I walk will untangle themselves if they get their legs caught in their leashes. They menouver their bodies by stepping over their leashes, backing up and twisting around, all in the correct order. The other two-thirds of the dogs I walk will just stand there waiting for my help. Some dogs do not even seem to understand why they are stuck.

The dogs that know how to untangle themselves are not necessarily the breeds usually credited for being smarter (German shepherds, border collies, Australian shepherds, etc.). Instead, they are the dogs who have experienced more with their owners. Their owners consistently reward them for thinking!

The dogs that “get out more” are very aware of themselves and their relation to their environments and to me. They are able to avoid getting tangled in their leashes in the first place. They also avoid bumping into my legs or cutting me off. They make eye contact. They do not react aggressively or excitedly to passing runners or dogs. They might show a lot of interest, but they do not freak out. Basically, they’ve seen it all before.

If a dog rarely gets out of his house and yard, he won’t have much of an understanding on how to act or what to expect beyond those boundaries. He’ll be full of energy and excitement, for one thing, and he’ll probably pull on the leash, knock things over and react to something as unexciting as a person pushing a stroller.

The dog might need help figuring out how to step over a fallen log, jump down from a ledge or walk through an automatic door.

If this sounds like your dog, don’t worry. It’s never too late to increase his awareness.

How can I increase my dog’s awareness?

The easiest way to do this is to bring him out and about in the “real world” as typically as you can.

Bring your dog to new places

I’ve taken Ace to countless places, and it’s paid off. Mostly, he doesn’t act like a freak if we check out somewhere new.

Ace has gone for walks in many different neighborhoods and parks around town. He’s visited all the pet friendly stores in our area. He’s gone on camping and backpacking adventures, carried his own doggy backpack and slept in a tent. He’s attended fairs, garage sales and fundraisers. He’s gone to softball tournaments, marathons and rugby games (along with rugby parties).

Ace goes to picnics and trips to the lake and bike rides. He goes for boat rides, jumps off the dock and swims. He participated in a 5-mile race complete with live bands, a gunshot at the start of the race and people screaming. He’s taken several agility and obedience classes. He’s been around guns and fireworks. He climbs on playground equipment. He’s visited nursing homes, churches and schools. I’ve left him at different boarding kennels and dog daycares and with various pals and family members.

All of the above are everyday scenarios your dog could also take part in. It’s not too hard to come up with places to bring your dog, even if it’s as simple as walking him in a new neighborhood every day. You are guaranteed to come across something new.

Train your dog for agility or create your own obstacles

Dogs love agility! They love the challenges of climbing, crawling and jumping at fast speeds. Ace loves agility, but he also loves playing on playground equipment, walking across beams and logs and jumping over random obstacles I put together at home.

Some dogs will be hesitant to climb on different obstacles because they’ve been told “no” every time they try to get on the furniture. So teach your dog that it’s ok to climb when he gets permission. use commands like “up” or “chair” or “climb.” Reward your dog for making small attempts. If he puts one paw up, tell him how good he is and give him a treat. Do that a few times and then keep challenging him to go a bit further. two paws, three paws.

Make sure to also teach the word “off” to use when you do not want your dog jumping on you or climbing on the furniture. For Ace, “off” means “keep all four paws on the ground.”

Pretty soon you’ll have a dog that can climb onto a bar stool or sit at the piano!

Set upmental challenges for your dog

Have you ever heard of those exercises to test your dog’s intelligence? One trick is to put a blanket over your dog’s head and see if he can figure out how to get out. Some dogs will get out instantly. Others will take a few seconds. Some dogs will just stand there waiting for help because they’ve been conditioned not to think for themselves.

Don’t use exercises like this to judge your dog’s intelligence. Instead, use them to test your dog’s awareness. If he can’t figure out how to get a blanket off his head, then encourage him to figure it out himself and reward him when he does. treat it like he’s won an Olympic gold medal! The next time you throw a blanket over his head, he won’t be so confused.

There are all kinds of mental challenges you can set up for your dog. I put treats under cups and hide them around the house for Ace to find. He has to use his nose to find the treats and then knock over the cups with his paws or nose. sometimes I hide the treats under rugs or above his head, like on a bookshelf or on top of a scratching post. You’d be surprised how many dogs don’t seem to understand the concept of looking up.

Teach your dog commands for directions like “back up” or “turn”

Ace loves to “back up”! and it’s really increased his awareness. He has to be aware of what’s around him so he doesn’t back right into a table or a wall. He will now “back up” while turning corners, and we are working on backing up the stairs (see video below). This is good exercise for him because he uses his muscles differently. It also encourages him to think about himself in a different way.

To teach your dog to back up, start by rewarding him for very small successes. say “back up” and then walk directly into him so he automatically takes a step back. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. build your distance slowly over time.

The “turn” command comes in handy when we are out biking. I haven’t taken the time to teach Ace “right” or “left,” but when I say “turn,” he knows we will be switching directions so he pays very close attention to where he is in relation to my bike.

Dogs make associations based on past experiences

Just because a dog knows how to lie down on command at home doesn’t mean he will lie down on command at the dog park. But, if a dog’s owner practices commands with him in many areas and situations, the dog will soon catch on.

For example, I taught Ace commands such as “climb it,” “crawl” and “jump” during agility practice. but now they come in handy when I want to tell my dog the safest way to get from point A to point B – from the dock to a boat, for example. My dog is an awkward klutz, but he has learned how to control his body and how to balance himself when needed.

As another example, last weekend we were visiting some friends, and Ace was in their kitchen showing off his begging skills. Josh gave him the command “out!” which means “Get your butt out of the kitchen!” Ace understood this and walked out of the kitchen to the place where the linoleum met the carpet and lied down. He knew what to do even though he’s never been in our friends’ apartment before.

The point is, our dogs are capable of much more than we give them credit for. It’s our job to take the time to teach them and to lead them. A smart dog can do really stupid things if he’s not aware of how he fits into an environment. A border collie might be “smart enough” to break out of his gated yard, but he might also be “dumb enough” to run right into a automobile if he’s unaware of how he fits into his environment beyond the backyard.

My mutt is by no means a genius when it comes to dogs. After all, he might be part dane! but he still has a vocabulary of at least 70 words, and he knows how to “behave” in a variety of situations. He knows how to pay attention and how to re-group. and yes, he knows how to maneuver his body in order to untangle himself from his leash.

In what ways do you increase your dog’s awareness?

winter running tips for dogs (and their humans)

In this article:
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1.
Winter running tips for dogs (and their humans)

2.
When is it too cold to run with a dog? winter running with dogs

3.
Can my dog run if it’s below 10 degrees?

4.
How to know if it’s too cold to run with your dog

5.
Dog running gear – winter running with dogs

6.
Dog coats – Does my dog need a coat in the winter?

7.
how to get my dog used to wearing a coat

8.
What kind of coat is best for my dog?

9.
Does my dog need boots in the winter?

10.
Does a dog’s feet get cold in the snow?

11.
How to prevent snow and ice buildup between a dog’s toes

12.
Pawz dog boots for winter running with dogs

13.
Protect a dog’s paws from chemical de-icing material

14.
Musher’s secret – winter running with dogs

15.
Noxgear LED harness

16.
LED collars for dogs

17.
How far should I run with a dog in the cold?

18.
How long can dogs run in the snow?

19.
Other tips for winter running with dogs in the cold:

20.
When should professional dog walkers cancel their appointments due to the cold?

21.
How do you decide when it’s too cold for your dog?

This post includes all of my tips for winter running with dogs. I grew up in Minnesota, and I spent 12 years in North Dakota where I owned a dog walking business. Let’s just say I’m used to cold weather!

I took dogs on running sessions in all weather through my business. sometimes it was -20 degrees Fahrenheit, and we still ran. No big deal. just another day! Over the years, I covered more than 5,000 miles with dogs at my side.

And so, this post includes my tips for running with a dog in the winter. I’ll start by listing some of the most common questions I receive about winter running with dogs.

This post may contain affiliate links. That Mutt may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post.

When is it too cold to run with a dog? winter running with dogs

For the most part, runners are a tough bunch. They aren’t scared off by the cold. Some runners are up before dawn, running 8 or 10 miles before work. but I still get this question – When is it too cold for a dog?

That is a tough question. What do you mean by “too cold”?

(Here I am in my creeper face mask before we all had to wear masks.)

If you mean the current temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit and you’re wondering if your dog might get a little chilly, he’ll probably be fine as long as you’re going out for an hour or less.

I didn’t even bother to put coats on the dogs in Fargo unless it was below 10 degrees F or so. Anything above that in January was a heatwave! 

Can my dog run if it’s below 10 degrees?

This depends on the dog (and the human). obviously Midwestern dogs have adapted to the cold just like their owners have adapted. When it doesn’t get above zero for 10 days at at a time, you just kind of deal with it.

On the other hand, 10 degrees is going to feel very cold for dogs in other parts of the country, just as it will feel cold to their humans.

What I learned from years of running in the cold is that as long as you keep running (vs. walking), nearly all dogs are fine for a 30-minute run even when it gets down to 10 degrees or so.

I definitely ran with dogs when it was colder than that, but once it dips below 10 degrees I start looking at the individual dog in front of me. You also don’t want to be out for more than 20 or 30 minutes in the extreme cold, but a quick run around the block is fine.

In Montana, we even have a winter half marathon for dogs and many dogs still race if it’s one of those brutally cold days. check out the Snow Joke half Marathon!

How to know if it’s too cold to run with your dog

Ask yourself these questions about winter running with your dog:

How old is the dog? Puppies and seniors tend to get colder quicker, plus they may not be the best candidates for running anyway.
How long are you going to be running? A half-hour should be fine in most temps unless it’s below 0.
How much fur does this dog have? obviously a Boston terrier is going to have a harder time than an American Eskimo dog or a husky bred for actual sled dog racing!
How much body fat does the dog have? Lean, muscular dogs tend to start shivering sooner than dogs with more “width.”
How much energy does the dog have? usually when a dog is a bundle of energy, she’s going to do ok in the cold for at least short periods. Her heart rate will be up from the excitement of getting out, and her body will warm up from the workout.
Is this dog used to the cold? obviously a Minnesota dog will be used to the cold compared to a dog that recently moved to a cold climate.
Does the dog need a coat? (more on that below)
Does the dog have sensitive paws? Does he need booties?
When in doubt, skip the run or leave the dog home.

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Dog running gear – winter running with dogs

One thing that also helps is to use a hands-free dog leash because it’s harder to hold a leash (and poop bags) when you’re wearing gloves or mittens!

I’m going to go over:

Dog coats
Dog boots
“Musher’s Secret”
Reflective & LED collars

Dog coats – Does my dog need a coat in the winter?

Your dog probably doesn’t need a coat while running as long as it’s 20 degrees or warmer. Of course, if you notice your dog frequently shivering or if you frequently plan to be out for more than 45 minutes, a coat might be a good idea. EVERY dog IS DIFFERENT.

I usually did not put a coat on my black lab mix Ace, but I do put a vest on my weimaraner these days.

We live in Montana, and my weim has such short hair and very little body fat. Plus, we frequently go on training runs that are several hours in the mountains as we train for ultra marathons. So yes, a coat is very valuable for our current dog!

Just know that most dog sweaters and fleeces are cute as far as a fashion statement, but they don’t do a whole lot as far as warmth. I recommend Ruff Wear’s dog coats or a hunting vest. More on both options below.

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How to get my dog used to wearing a coat

Remember that it’s unnatural and uncomfortable for most dogs to wear a coat. A coat makes some dogs feel very submissive since the material is placed over them.

This was definitely the case with my lab mix Ace (RIP). I knew he would much rather be cold than wear his coat. When I put his vest on him, his whole body posture changed. He cowered and held himself lower to the ground.

If you buy a coat for your dog, don’t make fun of him when he wears it. Instead, give him treats and praise and head out for a walk or something fun! tell him what a good boy he is in his stylish jacket! All the other dogs will be jealous!

In the book inside of a Dog, Alexandra Horowitz wrote how dogs generally don’t need to wear coats (they have their own!).

“Both dogs and wolves have, clearly, their own coats permanently affixed,” she wrote. “One coat is enough: when it rains, wolves may seek shelter, but they do not cover themselves with natural materials.”

She went on to describe how a coat presses against the back, chest and even the head of a dog, an uncomfortable feeling to them.

“There are occasions when wolves get pressed upon the back or head: it is when they are being dominated by another wolf, or scolded by an older wolf or relative.”

Of course, there are always exceptions. Some dogs love the coats we put on them. They may associate the coat with a walk or with affection from us. Others just learn to put up with it, as they put up with so many other obnoxious things from us – hugs, for example.

What kind of coat is best for my dog?

If you do invest in a dog coat for warmth (vs. a fashion statement), I recommend you go to a sporting goods store that carries winter gear for hunting breeds.

I bought an Avery camouflage hunting vest for my dog Ace in 2008 and now Remy wears it so it’s lasted over 12 years!!

Dog hunting vests may not be the style you’re looking for, but ours does keep Remy’s core warm when necessary. It’s made for Labs to wear while duck hunting, so it’s no joke. Remy wears it while we run in the mountains, and Ace used to wear it on our cold-weather camping trips when we were not moving around as much.

If you want something more stylish, we love the dog coats from RuffWear, and they come in different colors.

Below is a picture of Remy wearing Ruffwear’s “Powder Hound” jacket. It’s adorable and fits him well.

Does my dog need boots in the winter?

For winter running with dogs, your dog most likely will not need boots unless it’s below 15 degrees or if you’re going to be out for a few hours. Dogs’ feet are actually very tough and as long as you’re moving,  your dog’s feet will probably be OK.

Does a dog’s feet get cold in the snow?

So much depends on the dog. My weimaraner’s paws get cold when it’s below 15 degrees or so. I bought some Muttluks dog boots for my dog and they are terrific quality and stay on well if you get the right size (measure!). There are a few varieties and I prefer the fleece lined Muttluks.

If your dog is holding up his paws when out in the cold, then that is an obvious sign that his feet are cold and he might also benefit from dog booties.

See my Muttluks dog boots review.

Remy wearing his Muttluks dog boots

How to prevent snow and ice buildup between a dog’s toes

It’s much more common for dogs to need boots to prevent snow and ice buildup between the toes than protection from the cold. For winter running with dogs, this is very common with medium-haired and long-haired breeds. The snow sticks to their fur and can easily freeze.

The longer the dog is out, the more snow builds between their toes and this can be very painful! The snow keeps getting packed tightly until it becomes a frozen ice chunk stuck to the poor dog’s foot.

A thin pair of dog boots is enough protection to keep the snow and ice from gathering between your dog’s toes. The lighter the boots, the better. Remember, they’re not necessarily for warmth. and dogs really don’t like to have anything on their feet. See the Pawz boots below!

Pawz dog boots for winter running with dogs

I’m linking to a brand called Pawz dog boots because this is a product I’ve found very effective for some of my dog running clients.

These boots are not designed to keep a dog’s paws warm. They are designed to protect paws from chemicals and rough surfaces, and they’re pretty durable.

The boots are very thin, like a sock, but they’re made of natural rubber and are therefore waterproof. They are meant to be disposable, so the dog wears each pair maybe 5 or 6 times and then you throw them away.

You get 12 boots in a pack, so they last awhile, and each can be worn several times. They’re 100 percent biodegradable, according to the company. and they’re also terrific for dogs that tend to shuffle their feet and wear down their paw pads.

Protect a dog’s paws from chemical de-icing material

I also recommend a light pair of boots for your dog if your running route has unavoidable portions of streets or sidewalks with chemical de-icing materials or salt.

This can obviously irritate a dog’s paws, and it’s not all that terrific for him to be licking off his feet afterwards, either.

Again, go with the lightest pair possible. You could use the Pawz dog boots above or if you need something for warmth, too, then go with the Muttluks.

Most dogs won’t need protection against jagged or potentially sharp ice on the road, but if this is a concern for you, that might be another reason to consider a thin pair of dog boots.

Musher’s secret – winter running with dogs

Musher’s secret is a natural wax you can rub onto your dog’s paws to protect the paws from the elements. This is a unique product because you can use it in the summer too, to protect against hot sand or sharp rocks.

I have not used Musher’s secret for my own dogs but others have recommended it to me. It creates a barrier that also keeps snow and ice from building up on the fur between your dog’s toes.

If you’ve used Musher’s Secret, let me know if it worked for you in the comments.

Noxgear LED harness

You may want to consider using a reflective or LED harness for your dog while running in the darker winter months.

There are many options to choose from su

Alright men … huge statement on our end! We are moving from San Diego to Montana! open spaces, right here we come!

I am thrilled for much more chances for the outside adventures I online for – path running, camping as well as hiking! however with much more outside activities comes … much more ticks. ideally fewer fleas, however no question there will be much more ticks as well as much more mosquitoes.

Since we are relocating, it’s a great time to reevaluate what my canine as well as my feline requirement for security against fleas, ticks as well as heartworm.

It’s never a “one size fits all” situation, as well as I believed this may be a great time to remind you to reevaluate what your pets requirement for security as well as to ask your vet any type of concerns you have.

This publish is sponsored by Ceva animal Health, the maker of Vectra® 3D for Dogs, a monthly, topical flea as well as tick preventive.

Does my canine requirement flea, tick as well as heartworm prevention?

We ought to all think about what our dogs as well as cats requirement for flea as well as tick security as we go with different modifications in life.

Here’s a short video (1 min) we made about why we’re reevaluating what Remy as well as Scout requirement for flea & tick prevention:

Moving

Obviously moving to a new region is a huge reason to believe about what type of parasite security your pet may requirement because of different kinds of weather condition as well as what type of “pests” flourish as a result.

For example, heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes. While this is something to be conscious of in many of the United States, it’s far much more typical for dogs to get heartworms in the South vs. the Pacific Northwest. You can view the map of documented situations of heartworm in dogs for the U.S. in 2016 here.

Vectra® 3D is not a heartworm preventive however in addition to protecting dogs from fleas as well as ticks, it likewise protects dogs from mosquitoes before they bite your dog. discover much more about Vectra® 3D here.

Moving, locally

Even if you relocation within your own county, there may be much more fleas in some areas within the exact same region than others. San Diego region in California covers a big area, as well as fleas are much much more of a nuisance in some parts of the region vs. others. So even if you’re not moving extremely far, your animals may end up needing extra protection.

Or, if you relocation from a house with hardwood floors to a house with mainly carpets, sadly there might be a higher possibility for fleas to multiply by laying their eggs in the carpet! Yuck. discovered that the difficult way.

Hardwood floors are the method to go when you have pets, if you ask me!

If you’re having an problem with fleas in your home, one choice for protecting your canine is Vectra® 3D for Dogs. This product kill fleas of all life stages before they bite your dog.

Weather changes, even if you don’t move

When we resided in North Dakota, I generally did not requirement to concern about fleas as well as ticks for my canine Ace. I just never saw them because, well…

Ace in Fargo, N.D.

Then … we had a extremely moderate winter season around 2012 where it was unusually warm for that area without any snow.

Well, that summertime I saw rather a few ticks on my canine (and on me! ahh!) even though our activities did not change. The winter season just hadn’t been as brutal.

Another note on weather, if you relocation from a chillier region to a warmer region you may requirement to think about year-round security for your pets. I know, not fun. discovered that the difficult method too.

Changes in activities

Obviously, if you pick up a new activity with your canine like path running, hiking, hunting or camping, you’re going to likely see a few much more “pests.”

I never saw a tick in San Diego up until I just recently started doing a sport called canicross with my young dog, Remy. This is a running sport where your canine is tethered to you as well as pulls you while running. It’s awesome! It’s the ideal sport for Remy.

However, when we started checking out much more as well as much more tracks with canicross, sure enough, the ticks discovered us! I didn’t even believe there were ticks in San Diego! Wrong!

And like I stated earlier, I generally did not requirement to concern about ticks when we resided in North Dakota. Yet, a few ofmy buddies in my own community would discover ticks on their dogs since they did a great deal much more hiking than we did.

It just goes to show that each canine is different depending upon your lifestyle.

If you are searching for a flea as well as tick preventive, Vectra® 3D for Dogs is one choice that is efficient as well as simple to apply. discover much more here.

Travel and/or boarding

If you travel with your dog, you’ll want to make sure he’s secured based on where you’re headed. Heartworm is a much higher danger in the South, Midwest as well as east than it is the Pacific Northwest. Fleas are much much more typical in the South, too. Oh, the joys!

And even if you board your canine or cat, you may requirement to think about flea security just since he’s going to be in a area with a great deal of other dogs around. My pup Remy has come house from the boarding kennel with fleas. Oh, lucky us!

Adding new animals or fostering

If you add a new pet to your family, you’ll requirement to think about what type of security they will need. That goes for temporarily fostering an animal, too. You don’t want your foster canine or feline to transfer fleas to your existing pets.

My foster canine Lana as well as my senior canine Ace, 2015

We foster dogs as well as cats directly from the shelter or “pound” on occasion, as well as I always request that the animal is treated with flea prevention before I pick them up. I just don’t want to offer with the added hassle of fleas. Fostering a canine is sufficient work on its own.

You can purchase Vectra® 3D for Dogs with your veterinarian.

In summary, there is no “one size fits all” plan

Each pet is going to have distinct needs depending upon where you online as well as the activities you do.

Even in the exact same household, one of your dogs may go hunting while the other is a pampered, indoor pup. as well as even then, they may both requirement protection. Heck, fleas can even go into your house on YOU.

The exact same is true for cats. perhaps you have one feline that stays inside your home as well as one that lives in the barn. perhaps they both requirement flea prevention or perhaps not. It just depends!

If you’re not sure about your area or the area you’re headed, it’s finest to talk with a regional vet. people who work at regional animal shelters or canine training or boarding facilities would likewise be quite knowledgeable.

More information on Vectra® 3D for Dogs

As I stated earlier, one choice for topical flea as well as tick prevention is a product called Vectra® 3D for Dogs. This product kills as well as repels fleas, ticks as well as mosquitoes before they bite your dog. It likewise kills as well as repels biting flies as well as mites (excluding Mange Mites).

Benefits of Vectra® 3D for Dogs

Kills fleas as well as ticks beforethey bite the dog
Kills as well as repels mosquitoes before they bite
Can act as a “double defense” against heartworm (carried by mosquitoes)
Prevents all flea stages from developing
Repels biting flies, sand flies as well as mites (excluding Mange Mites)
Easy to apply with its patented application tip
Waterproof as well as quick drying
Protects for 1 month

NOTE: Vectra® 3D is NOT risk-free for cats.

Are you thinking about trying Vectra® 3D for your dog?

Let me understand in the comments!

Here is a video we made with much more information about Vectra 3D:

Related posts:

Review of Vectra® 3D for dogs

Easy. adopt an adult pet dog who’s already potty trained! That’s what I did the first time around anyway!

OK, but seriously. It’s absolutely affordable to adopt a puppy if you live in an apartment. It’s not about where you live. It’s about how much time you can commit to that pet.

Potty training a puppy in an apartment or condo does have a few challenges though.

Mainly, it’s often a long ways to the potty area, so it’s harder to get your puppy outside quickly.

It takes a lot a lot more time to regularly let the puppy outside when you live on, say, the 20th floor. It’s not like you can just open the door and plop the puppy down on the grass. That being said, you can still make it work.

Tips for potty training a puppy in an apartment

1. Potty train the puppy in an apartment or condo the same way you would potty train a puppy in a house.

You can read the details about that here, but the basics are:

– let the puppy out often (like, every 45 minutes when he’s not in a kennel).

– Supervise in any way times when he’s not in a kennel by keeping him on a leash. a lot more on that here.

– use a kennel or gated area when you can’t supervise.

2. carry the puppy to the potty area.

If you live in an apartment, it makes sense to carry your puppy down the hall and down the stairs for the first couple of weeks to stop the puppy from going potty on the way outside.

I asked professional pet dog trainer Jill Morstad about this, and she said:

“Yes, the very young puppy will do best if the owner snaps the leash on and then carries the pup from the apartment or condo to the outside door.

“Even though I live in a ranch house—no stairs except to the basement—I’ll open the crate door and snap the leash on ideal there, then scoop up the young pup and carry them through the kitchen to the back door.”

She said a puppy won’t be able to “hold it” while you go from indoors to outdoors until they’re a few weeks “older and wiser.”

3. skip the indoor potty pads or newspapers.

I’m really against indoor puppy potty pads, fake lawn and those types of products. You can read a lot more about my opinion on that here.

Sure, there are always exceptions, but ultimately if you do not want your future adult pet dog going potty in the apartment or condo then it’s best to avoid training your puppy to go potty in your apartment.

Morstad is not in favor of puppy pads or “paper breaking” either.

“A pet dog learns by association, and if you allow him to do his tasks in the house—even on pads or on newspaper—you are in effect teaching the pet dog to potty in the house.”

She said any healthy pup eight weeks of age or older can go outside, even in cold weather.

“You take him out just long enough to do his duties.”

A few additional ideas:

Ignore all accidents. Just get him out quicker next time.
Use highly valued food rewards every single time your puppy goes potty outside. Like, real chicken or bits of hamburger or steak.
Don’t be lazy. Laziness is probably the main issue with potty training problems.

That’s about all there is to it! For a lot more info, you may want to read my post on potty training an adult pet dog here.

Now I want to hear from you.

Have you ever potty trained a puppy in an apartment? What did you do?

Related posts:

Should I get a puppy in an apartment?

Living with a hyper pet dog in an apartment

one of the most challenging decisions a pet dog owner could face is whether or not to euthanize an aggressive dog.

I’m talking about killing a pet dog in buy to stop harm to others – pets, children, elderly parents, a spouse, neighbors, strangers.

I have long believed no pet dog of mine will ever come before the safety of any person, but of course unless I’m faced with such a decision I can’t be sure what I would do.

And that’s the thing.

How can I possibly judge someone else for making a decision I know so little about?

I re-shared an old post of mine recently where I’d written about language and how we must be careful with phrases such as:

“Blame the one on the other end of the leash.”

Or, “There are no bad dogs, just bad owners.”

Sometimes these statements may be true. a lot more often, they’re not. You can read the full post here.

My foster dog, Barkley

I fostered a small pet dog with severe aggression issues awhile back.

He was turned into the rescue because his owner could not manage Barkley’s outbursts. He had been going after another family member. read about Barkley here.

In my house, this 15-pound pet dog would get upset and lunge for my throat. He would launch himself towards my face.

After these “episodes” he would pant and tremble, often urinate, seemingly terrified and confused about what had happened.

He was a nice, little pet dog 99 percent of the time, but the other 1 percent was something damaged and frightening, even in a small package.

I often regret my decision of not encouraging euthanasia for that dog. had he been larger, there would’ve been no question, but I think the rescue and I did make a mistake.

Of course, these situations are judgement calls and we can only do the best we can.

Rescue groups and foster homes are not always right. Neither are pet dog owners, trainers or vets. See the essay, “The wrong Dog.”

Is it wrong to kill a pet dog humans have ‘failed’ on?

On Facebook, someone left multiple comments on my post. She said it’s wrong to kill a pet dog for aggression because humans have “failed” that dog.

This is her belief; it’s not mine.

Yes, people do “fail” on dogs all the time.

Usually this does not result in aggression. often it does.

For me, once a pet dog seriously injures someone, the question is no longer just about what is causing the aggression.

The questions become:

Can my dog live safely in society?

Who can safely care for my dog if I have to travel?

Will my dog harm another person?

Is there hope for improvement?

How is this affecting my dog’s quality of life?

How is this affecting MY quality of life?

Is my pet dog getting worse?

Yes, people make mistakes. We fail to recognize the early alerting signs. Often, we’re simply in denial about the animals we love so much.

It’s never simple.

Sometimes the aggression is caused by a physical issue, a mental illness, pain, confusion, trauma as a puppy, an unexplainable instinct.

It’s true, there are no “bad” dogs but dogs are capable of exceptionally damaging behavior.

Dogs can do bad things.

When we neglect that, we do a disservice to all dogs and the people who love them.

I want to share this quote from an anonymous commenter on my blog post who goes by the name “A.”

“I made a decision it was time … for her to have a peaceful, dignified passing and for us to no longer live in concern of her. I love her …”

All I wish for people and dogs is peace.

Have any of you ever found yourself judging another pet dog owner’s decision about an aggressive dog?

Further reading:

When to euthanize an aggressive pet dog – ThatMutt.com

New York Times essay “The wrong Dog” – summary on ThatMutt.com

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pet dog walking or pet dog running is as much a chore for me as it is any individual else. I’m often worn out or it’s cold or snowing or whatever. and walking is often boring.

But guess what? If I’m bored, my pet dog just might find me a bit boring.

Here’s an example of the walk Ace and I took Sunday night that was far from boring. We incorporated exercise, training and play:

1. started out through the front door as usual.

2. Went left instead of ideal (We always go right).

3. walked down a busier street, through a different parking lot and approached the park from a new angle.

4. put Ace in a sit, unclipped his leash and sent him to pick up a plastic bottle using the command “Get it!”

5. serviced heeling off leash around the park while Ace carried his prize.

6. serviced teaching Ace “hold” and “give,” possibly for use during future pheasant hunting.

7. Doggie shower room break.

8. put Ace in a sit and walked 20 yards or so to the Dumpster and back.

9. released Ace, sent him to get the bottle again.

10. serviced sit-stays with a lot of distance (20 to 30 yards), dropping the bottle between us, doing a combined “Get it!” with a recall.

11. walked to playground.

12. practiced some calm “agility” by sending Ace over the swings, up the ladders and down the slides.

13. put Ace in a heel-sit and then sent him after the bottle 20 yards out or so.

14. examined “hold” and “give.”

15. practiced a lot more off-leash heeling all the way home while Ace carried his bottle.

16. had Ace “drop” the bottle into our recycling bin. What a good citizen!

17. put Ace in a sit at the door and then released him. good boy!

Total walk time was about 30 minutes. Ace came home tired, and I felt like the coolest owner/trainer ever with the best pet dog in the world. Beats the normal walk. He even got to do some retrieving, and I didn’t throw a single object. He did not slip into an obsessive state of mind once.

Post an example of a fun walk with your pet dog below. Ace and I will give it a try!

I’m impressed that my high-energy, quickly distracted weimaraner is truly great at the “stay” command. Well, at least by my “Remy” standards. He has an intense drive for work, so when he’s been provided the right type of difficulty he becomes incredibly focused.

Today I want to focus a bit more on the “place” command. It’s essentially the exact same as “stay” however it’s a method to tell your dog to “stay on this exact, specific thing.” With advanced training, you can even send your dog to that “place” from a distance.

That “thing” might be a dog bed, a rug, a blanket or whatever. most people like to select something that’s quickly transportable like a towel or a mat. In our case, a great example is our portable dog cot from Carlson Pet Products, the sponsor of this post.

Carlson portable dog Cot for mentor your dog “place”

Why should you teach the “place” command?

The “place” command is handy for when you requirement your dog to stay in one spot. For example, when you have guests at the door, you might tell your dog “place” as well as he would understand to go to his bed or mat. Or perhaps you’re just focused on something as well as you requirement your dog to leave you alone for 5 minutes.

One of the benefits of mentor “place” in addition to the more general “stay” command is you can take your dog’s bed or mat with you when you’re traveling. having that physical product assists your dog stay calm in different areas since that “place” is already part of his training routine/habit. Of course, it takes great deals of method as well as reinforcement over time.

The finest example I have that is similar is when I state “kennel” my dog instantaneously drops what he’s doing as well as makes a beeline for his kennel without thinking! He’s like a looney tunes character “spinning his tires” so quick he’s virtually running in location on our difficult floors.

He understands he’ll get fed in his kennel or he’ll get a bully stick or at the extremely least a treat. So he goes there when asked. Every. Single. Time. No concerns asked. It’s by far his most trustworthy command, as well as as I compose this I’m realizing exactly how helpful it would be to get to this level with his “place” command as well.

In this post, I wished to show you a couple examples of exactly how the “place” command can are available in handy during your outside adventures with your dog. For more info, see my publish on exactly how to teach your dog the location command.

And right here is a short (1 min) video we made on mentor this command:

Using the “place” command during household picnics

When everybody is enjoying their food as well as you don’t want your dog right there prepared to snatch potato salad off Grandma’s plate, you can tell your dog “place.”

We brought our dogs to a household reunion last summer, which included a great deal of household meals outdoors. I had to tether Remy to a fence so he wouldn’t bother anyone as well as he ended up barking as well as making a scene.

Teaching your dog “place” is much easier since when you reach that level of training the “place” is almost like a reward on its own. When your dog is trained to go to his “place” he understands to expect a treat.

Even if you still have to put a leash on your dog or tether him, having that “place” will assist him comprehend he is expected to wait in one spot. If you’ve worked on “place” lots as well as lots of times, it should ultimately ended up being a positive experience for your dog where he anticipates a reward.

Using the “place” command during camping

Although camping is really a ton of work, I always keep in mind the relaxing moments the most. sitting around the campfire, sticking my feet in the creek, reading in a hammock.

Therefore, having a “place” for my hyped-up weimaraner to just chill assists ME relax. I get more pleasure out of camping with my bit gray maniac.

More importantly, sometimes you just requirement to keep your dog out of the method while you’re setting up your tent, making food or building a fire.

The Carlson pet cot is remarkable when you don’t have to hike far to your campsite. It’s a excellent choice for providing your dog a “place” while you do what you requirement to do.

Last summertime we camped in an area understood to have rattlesnakes. When we very first shown up at the site, we didn’t want Remy running around like a free-for-all right startling any type of snakes. as well as yes, we did see a rattler immediately!

We needed to keep Remy still as well as in one area while we got our site situated. We didn’t have our Carlson cot along for that trip, however this would’ve been a perfect situation where we could’ve utilized it to show Remy where we needed him to be.

Plus, the Carlson portable dog Cot is nice for camping in general since it keeps your dog off the chilly ground for sleeping. You might location your dog’s bed or sleeping bag on top of the cot if you wanted.

The “place” command assists me get photos!

I like having a “place” for my dog to assist him stay still for photos.

Teaching a trustworthy “stay” command in general is important, however mentor your dog “place” as in “stay on this specific thing” is likewise helpful. like I showed my “kennel” example, the “place” itself can almost ended up being like a reward for your dog if you strengthen it enough.

So, utilizing a portable cot for your “place” command can be practical for getting outside pictures of your dog. For my hyper dog, having a “place” truly assists him stay still as well as focused while I obsessively take Instagram photos… since he understands the treats will be coming!

More about the Carlson Pet products portable dog Cots

We have a big portable dog cot from Carlson Pet products that is 48” L x 26” W x 9” H. It is sturdy however lightweight as well as folds up into a fraction of its size. The cot reminds me of a portable camping chair, only shorter. It takes 1 second to set up as well as includes its own bring bag for travel.

ORDER A portable dog COT HERE

The cots are available in green, red, gray or tan as well as they are available in 2 sizes. The little size is 26”L x 26” W x 9” H.

Please share this publish if it will assist somebody you know!

-Lindsay

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I’m sure everybuddy understands by now that the 4th of July is just a few days away. If you didn’t know, you may requirement to invest in a calendar. as well as you understand what that means, right? Fireworks! If you are as well afraid to enjoy the festivities, you may be excused.  however if you want to strap on your Thundershirt as well as watch, I will show you whatever you requirement to know.  Oh by the way, using a elegant sparkler hat like mine is optional.

First I would like to demonstrate the appropriate fireworks-viewing posture. just crane your head as far back as it will go. See? It’s easy! It is customary to state “Oooooh!” as well as “AAaaahhhh!” when you enjoy the display.

It is possible that your view will be blocked. Please try to be polite. just kindly ask them to step out of your way.  Do not state “HEY, down in front!” right here is an example you may follow:

If that doesn’t work, you can try providing the difficult Look. If you still cannot see, you need to resort to using  your claws.

Remember you need to be thoughtful of others, too. I was anxious that my huge ears or my sparkler hat may block  somebody else’s view. To fix this dilemma, I just tucked my ears inside my cap as well as hunkered down a bit.

Finally, keep in mind that fireworks can be bright. If you don’t want to wear your sun glasses at night, you can spread your toes as well as utilize your paw as a shield.

I hope you all have a safe, sane as well as polite self-reliance Day holiday!

ideas for Cats

The story of how I embraced my very first pet dog subjects a common flaw in the U.S. shelter/rescue system – a lack of communication.

To get a lot more dogs adopted, one of the most crucial aspects is to swiftly as well as politely respond to adopters’ questions. as well often, those concerns are ignored.

So here’s my story:

I embraced my pet dog Ace in 2007.

I was available to the breed of pet dog I would get, however I understood I wished to embrace a pet dog vs. go to a breeder. It was crucial to me to assist a pet dog in need.

At that time, I had no concept that some shelters will turn down adopters who don’t have a fenced yard. I likewise didn’t understand working full time is sometimes a red flag.

Still, the process of trying to embrace a pet dog was not a unfavorable experience for me. I keep in mind believing the whole process seemed odd, however I provided the adoption organizations the benefit of the doubt.

I was your typical 20-something who worked full time, rented an apartment, had grown up with dogs as well as was lastly prepared to adopt.

I didn’t have an “in” with any type of of the adoption groups like I do today. I was not a volunteer, as well as I was not included in the regional pet dog neighborhood yet since I didn’t have a dog.

Looking for the ideal dog

I was extremely accountable about selecting the ideal dog. I understood precisely what I might as well as might not handle.

I didn’t care about breed, size or gender, however my future pet dog had to be feline friendly, potty trained, kennel trained, quiet, low to medium energy as well as still able to go running.

In buy to discover the ideal pet dog for my lifestyle, I started out by checking out the dogs at my regional humane society (after I had stalked them on the internet for months). This was a little shelter that might hold as much as about 15 dogs.

The worker there enabled me to take a couple of the dogs out of their cages as well as into an outside play area. This was nice, nevertheless she seemed hectic as well as irritated that I was asking questions, as well as she did not understand if the dogs were potty trained or feline friendly.

I was particularly thinking about two six-month-old black lab mixes as well as was told they were most likely not potty trained.

I then asked about a peaceful husky mix however was told huskies can’t go to houses with cats.

OK, no huge deal.

I made a decision none of the dogs at that shelter were a great match. This didn’t bother me, since I understood there were actually countless others out there.

Waiting to hear back

So the next thing I did was phone call a regional rescue group, which seemed to be the only rescue in my area at that time.

Since the rescue did not have an actual shelter (the dogs were in foster homes), I couldn’t go to a facility to satisfy them. I called the number on the web site since there was no email address listed.

I never got a phone call back.

OK. moving on.

Next, I emailed a couple of humane societies from close-by towns. By “nearby,” I indicate one was 100 miles away as well as the other was 200 miles away, however it wouldn’t be a huge offer to drive out to them for the ideal dog. I resided in North Dakota.

The very first shelter never responded.

Thanks to gmail’s archives, I am able to look up the message I sent back in 2007.

In it, I innocently describe that I online 200 miles away as well as would like to get some info about the dogs before making the drive. I told them I resided in an apartment or condo as well as had a cat. I likewise stated I organized to take the pet dog running for an hour every day.

No response.

OK. Onto the next.

This humane society did email me back, as well as when I asked about a specific husky mix, they really provided me the phone number to the dog’s previous owner as well as told me to speak to her if I desired information.

I was uneasy calling this person, however considering that the shelter motivated me to do so, I did. I wished to get as much information about the pet dog before driving 100 miles to the shelter.

I will never fail to remember that heartbreaking experience of this dog’s former owner – a total complete stranger to me – crying on the phone about exactly how her landlord only enabled two dogs as well as she had been required to select which of her three to provide up.

“If you might please discover it in your heart to embrace Hallie …” she said, crying.

The next day, I got a nasty email from the shelter director asking exactly how attempt I phone call the dog’s previous owner?

This shocked me, obviously, however I still didn’t hold it against anyone. I just figured it was a miscommunication, as well as I really even apologized.

Since “Hallie” did not noise like a great in shape for me, I asked the shelter if they might please email me if they occurred to find across a pet dog that may be a much better fit.

Again, I never heard anything back.

And I still did not location judgment on any type of of these groups! This goes to show that adopters are normally quite forgiving as well as understanding, however come on!

How I lastly discovered my dog

The last thing I did was go back to the regional rescue group’s site (the one that never called me back). I browsed with its dogs again. This time, they had what was called a “curtesy” listing.

A black lab mix named Junior was provided as a “curtesy” which indicated his present owner still had him however was trying to re-home him. The rescue was enabling her to promote the pet dog on its site, as well as her personal phone number was provided as a contact.

“Junior’s” description stated he was feline friendly, pet dog friendly, extremely mellow, potty trained, kennel trained, 1 year old as well as neutered.

Perfect!

I really was not as well thinking about a “boring” black lab mix, however whatever. He sounded like a great match.

Thank God I made that phone call since I ended up with the world’s finest dog.

“Junior’s” owner at the time responded to all of my concerns patiently as well as in excellent detail. She was the very first person to truly do so.

I keep in mind I asked if “Junior” would like to go running, as well as she said, “He would like that!”

I asked about everything, whether he was peaceful in his kennel, exactly how he was with other dogs, exactly how much energy he had.

When I jokingly stated all Labs are high energy (just to test her response), she told me, “No, he’s not like that at all.”

So, about two weeks later I made the 60-mile drive to the little farming town of Ada, Minn., as well as satisfied my future dog, now understood as Ace.

A failure to communicate

Looking back, I now recognize all those adoption groups missed the mark.

I did discover the best dog, however my “perfect” pet dog occurred to be from the only person who took the time to response my questions.

Had any type of of the adoption organizations taken the exact same amount of time to assist me, I assurance you I would’ve found my “perfect” pet dog from them as I was plenty excited to get a dog.

I don’t understand what the issue was. perhaps they didn’t like that I resided in an apartment. perhaps all the volunteers were as well hectic to get back to me. perhaps I needed to be a lot more patient, to phone call five or six times instead of one or two.

In my case, it worked out fine as well as I was still able to assist a pet dog in need. however exactly how lots of others would end up going to a breeder, a classified ad or the regional pet shop?

I believe a lot of people genuinely want to embrace a dog, however it needs to be much easier for them to do so.

What do you people think?

If you embraced your dog, did you have a positive experience getting with the adoption process?