Why Do Cats Rub Their Faces Against Everything !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Personally, I do not own any cats in my household but as the owner of a Pet Care business we take care of a lot of cats.  Of course, one of the things you notice with cats is when they come up and start rubbing their face against you or an object in the house like walls, couches, etc.

I have always wondered why they do that.  Well, now I know why and I am sharing this information just in case you too have wondered !

Leaving Scent Marks Everywhere !
Cats have multiple scent glands on their heads. They have glands located around their mouths, chins, sides of the face, neck and ears. When a cat rubs his face on an item, he leaves his scent behind. The act of a cat rubbing his/her head on objects is called “bunting.” The height of the object determines which part of his head a cat will use to leave a scent mark on an item. Cats also tend to choose objects, such as walls, the edge of a coffee table or sofa, or even the corner of a book or box. Male cats tend to bunt on more items than female cats. Cats also tend to bunt over the scent marks left by other cats.

Cats Are Clocks !
Cats sometimes bunt to inform other cats of their presence in the vicinity. Bunting may also be a form of “time stamping,” meaning that other cats may be able to determine by the age of the marking how recently another cat was there. If the mark is somewhat fresh, they may want to leave the area soon to avoid conflict. Some cats bunt when they are anxious. Spreading their scent around may be a way of coping or making themselves feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

Cats Like The Way You Smell !
Rubbing on objects may also be a way to pick up scent. When cats bunt on their owners, they not only deposit their scents but also pick up scents from the owner. This can also be a sign of affection or greeting behavior. Cats who live in social groups often rub on each other in greeting. And rubbing on objects is one way sexually intact cats provide visual cues to other cats during mating season. Males are more interested in female bunt marks during the mating season, which indicates the female’s scent changes to entice male interest.

I now know why they do it but personally I just love it when a cat rubs his head against my hand or my face !  It's good to know they love it when we come to take care of them.

Is It Important To Train My Puppy? Yes It Is !

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

This post is very personal to me.  I recently adopted a 12 week old puppy whom I named Bandit.

Having a puppy is a lot of fun however it is also really important that you start getting the basics down to how you want your puppy to behave now and when he/she grows up.

Getting started with puppy socialization classes is a great beginning.  Also, getting him socialized with friends, family, neighbors, kids, etc., is also really important.  Behaving around people, kids and other dogs helps your puppy by understanding what is and what is not acceptable behavior.

I am currently in a puppy socialization class with Bandit.  We had our 2nd class last week and each week we work on simple things like sit, down, recall (aka come when called).  These are just some basics to help your puppy understand and focus on what you want him/her to do.

Puppies don't know how to behave so it is important that we teach them.

Here are some of the things you can expect at a puppy socialization class:

• Sit
• Down
• Recall (come when called)
• Playtime with other puppies (socialization)
• Target training

You can continue with his training after puppy class is over.  Most training facilities offer basic obedience and leash training.

Giving your new puppy the foundation to begin his life as a well behaved and confident adult doggie is worth all the time you are taking for him/her.  In return, your puppy will give you years and years of unconditional love and happiness !!!

I Got A New Puppy.. Now What?

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, Round Lake, IL

We, at Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care - Round Lake, IL, LOVE puppies.  We always get calls from new clients who now have a puppy and not sure what happens next.

This post is also very special to me as my beloved Sebastian passed away in April of this year.  He was a yellow lab and almost 15 years old.  On May 30th I adopted a puppy and he has now been with me for a little over 3 weeks.  His name is Bandit. 

Since it has been awhile since I have had a puppy in my home, I thought this blog post would help anyone who now has a new brand new little furbaby !

1. Create a Place:  Before your puppy comes home, make sure you have an area picked out where he/she will "live".  Common choices include the kitchen, laundry room, or den. This allows your puppy to have a limited area to explore, and a place to feel safe and at home and it provides you with a limited area to clean up after your puppy.  Also make sure the area is safe.  No wires or anything else he/she can chew or eat on that could hurt him.
2. Crates: Crate training is a powerful method of working with a puppy, but it is not required. If you have to leave the puppy during the day this is the best bet to keep your puppy safe.  Just like you would NEVER leave a 2 year old home alone and running around, it is the same with a puppy. Wire crates are often used because the dog can easily see everything around them so they don't get the feeling of punishment and reinforcing the feeling of security and are easy to keep clean. Puppies are used to being confined and look at their crate as their home (den). This is their own space and should not be 'invaded' when they want to be alone.  Crates SHOULD NEVER be used as punishment. This is their little home where they should feel safe and should never be treated as a punishment.
3. Bedding:  Purchase bedding and any other supplies to let your dog sleep comfortably. Dogs, and especially puppies, suffer stress just like humans. Coming home to a new place is liable to make your puppy tired, and you'll be glad of how much he may sleep.
4. Potty breaks during the day.  If you work a fulltime job, it is really important that you find someone to let your new puppy out mid-day.  Puppies can only hold their bladders for a certain amount of time.  Usually for 1 month of age = 1 hour they can hold their bladder.  If you cannot find a friend or family member to help out during the day, hiring a dog walker is a wonderful option. Make sure a leash is used each time so the puppy gets used to being on a leash.
5. Potty training: Potty training your puppy is very important.  Making sure you take them out to the same place each time while they are learning.  If you have a family or friend or dog walker during the day, make sure you show them where that "special" place is that the new puppy goes.  Again, make sure a leash is used each time so the puppy gets used to using a leash.  Even if you have a fenced in backyard, using a leash early will allow the puppy to become used to it.
6. Chewing and Toys:  Getting the right types of toys for puppies is very important.  Puppies have new teeth and they like to chew.  Some excellent choices are ropes, kongs, "teething" rings.  DO NOT give your puppy rawhides.  Rawhides can damage intestines and cause severe damage.  Even as an older dog, they should never have rawhides.  Other bones like natural antlers are a much better choice.
7. Collars and Leashes:  Make sure you buy collars and leashes that fit your new puppy.  As they grow, you will need to "update".  Leashes should not be "long" leashes.  You want to make sure your puppy is close to you when you start walking him or her.  Regular leashes give you control over your environment when walking.  DO NOT EVER buy retractable leashes.  They are dangerous as they can cause injuries and loss of control if anything should happen to your puppy during your walk.
8. Food and Treats: Make sure you purchase a good QUALITY puppy food. Do not be fooled by a dog food's brand, reputation or claims on the packet. Many, many commercial dog foods are made from questionable ingredients. It may say chicken, but, do you really know what parts of the chicken are in it? Talk to your vet or pet food supplier, or do your own research on the Internet. 
9. Training:  Getting a puppy into a puppy class is a great idea.  Your puppy will learn basic obedience and commands.  It is not a bad idea to continue that training once they "graduate" from puppy class.  It is your responsibility as a pet parent to raise your puppy to become a great dog.

Getting a puppy is exciting and fun.  Your new puppy will give you years and years of happiness and contentment and they will love you unconditionally for the rest of their lives.  Make sure you do the same for them. 

Bandit and I are getting along splendidly and I love him with all my heart and soul.  

Dog Friendly Beaches In Chicago !

By: Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, Round Lake, IL

Woo Hoo !  We are FINALLY getting into late Spring and moving into Summer.  What an excellent time to find out where the dog friendly beaches are in the Chicagoland area.

I am sure there are lots of doggies out there that would love to get into the water this Spring/Summer.

Don't forget.. some local Forest Preserves have dog parks that include swimming lakes so check those out also if the Chicago beaches are too far to travel.

Below is a list of dog friendly beaches, however, it is always a good idea to check and make sure you don't need any special permits or pay any other fees associated with using these areas.  Also make sure you follow the rules once you are there.


Montrose Beach Harbor
4400 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL, US
Hours: Daylight Hours
Cost: $5 tag fee

There is an off-leash dog beach at the NW Corner of Montrose Beach. Entrance is where the old boat dock area was. Look for steel walls and dogs coming and going to find the entrance. Free Parking all along the street. Weekends can be crazy with tons of dogs in and out of the water. Make sure you watch your dog, and others, as some owners don't always pay enough attention to their dogs. Beach is pretty clean, and most owners are very good about picking up after their dogs. Make sure you bring your own pick-up bags as none are supplied.

Evanston Dog Beach (Members Only)

Sheriden Road and Church Street
Evanston, IL, US 60201
847.448.4311
parks@cityofevanston.org 

Hours: 7 am to 8 pm, April - November
Cost: A pass is $60 per dog owned by an Evanston resident; nonresident passes are $120 per dog 

Evanston's Dog Beach is located just north of the Church Street launch facility, where Church St. meets the lake. The dog beach is open from 7 am to 8 pm, May through October, weather permitting. No dog is permitted on the beach without a dog beach pass.

Belmont Harbor Beach

US 41 & W Belmont Ave
Chicago, IL, US  

Belmont Harbor has a small fenced in beach for dogs.

Moraine Dog Beach and Park

2501 Sheridan Rd
Highland Park, IL, US
(847) 579-4087

To visit Moraine Dog Beach & Park you must register at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, with proof of license and rabies vaccination.  

Winnetka Dog Beach

N Sheridan Rd and Fuller Ln
Winnekta, IL, US 60093

Pet owners rave about this off-leash dog beach, which is fenced in with a hose for washing off your pet. No human swimming permitted.

So get out there and have some fun this summer with your doggie !  So ready for Summer to get here.

Did You Find A Bunny Nest In Your Yard?

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

This is a new post for me as I usually stick with topics about animals we care for in my pet sitting business, like cats and dogs.  However, just recently I was able to observe a bunny nest in the front of my house.

This got me doing some research as I watched the mommy Bunny give birth right under the bush in front of my house and then watched as she fed them and raised them.

She had 5 baby bunnies and all but 1 of them have left the area.  We still have one baby bunny left who does not seem to want to move on.  We named him Sherman.  We hope it's a boy since we like that name. LOL !

There are many sources of information on wild bunnies on the internet so if you have questions about your newfound family members, get on the internet so you can understand what exactly is going on.  I think it is fascinating.

So here is what I have learned so if you happen to come across a bunny nest this is just some information to help with your newfound family. 

1. A female rabbit will dig a hole for her babies.  This can actually be smack in the middle of your yard or in our case she chose a bush in the front of the house.  She will use materials from your yard and line it with some of her own fur by biting her fur off of her body.
2. Once she gives birth she will cover up the hole and leave.  She is NOT abandoning her babies.  She is doing this to protect them.  She stays away from the nest so predators do not follow her and know where they are.
3. She will return to the nest only once or twice per day to feed her babies.  Her milk is super rich with a lot of nutrients so the babies can survive with only 1 or 2 feedings per day.  Feeding is usually done in the very early hours of dawn or at dusk.  Again, she does this to protect them from predators.  She will then cover up the babies in the hole and disappear for the day to eat for herself. 
4. She will continue to do this until they are about 3 weeks old.  Once they get to about 4 weeks old they will start moving out of the nest on their own just to explore.  They do not go very far and the Adult bunny will continue to come back and feed them and then leave again.
5. Once the babies are about 5 weeks old they will start moving farther and farther away from the nest but do not leave the nest at this time.
6. Baby bunnies will stick around the home nest for about 6-8 weeks then they will move on, however, in our case our one bunny has decided he seems to like it here and has stuck around eating and growing.

Other fun facts:

• Adult bunnies will start mating at 6 months old.
• Adult bunnies breed from February to September.
• Adult bunnies will start to mate again 30 days after the birth of their babies.  The mortality rate of baby bunnies is low so constant reproduction helps maintain the species.
• Adult bunnies do not abandon their babies.  They only feed their babies once or twice a day for about 5 minutes.  The rich milk sustains the babies for 24 hours.
• Adult bunnies will not abandon their babies if humans touch them.  This is a myth.

Personally, I have really enjoyed the experience of watching the whole process from Mommy Bunny building her nest to giving birth and to raising her babies.

I am really enjoying "Sherman" who decided to stick around for a while.  He seems to like it here and we like having him here.

Top 10 Restaurants in Chicago That Allow Dogs

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

We are finally getting some nice warm weather here in Northern Illinois.  Each year Bring Fido lists the places in Chicago that allow dogs at their Restaurants.

Of course, there are rules when bringing your dog to a restaurant so make sure you call ahead or read about the restaurant before bringing your dog.

There are 140 restaurants in Chicago that allow dogs.  To see the entire list go to:  http://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/chicago_il_us/

Here are the top 10 most popular restaurants in Chicago that allow dogs.

Bad Dog Tavern & Grill, Chicago, IL, US

Bad Dog Tavern & Grill in Chicago is dog friendly and serves up tasty food in a fun atmosphere.

Harry Caray's Tavern Navy Pier, Chicago, IL, US

Harry Caray's Tavern boasts a licensed dog friendly patio on beautiful Navy Pier. They will serve your canine companion a souvenir water bowl and a treat while you enjoy a Holy Cow! 

Cody's Public House, Chicago, IL, US

Cody's Public House has great service and is dog friendly, with a large outdoor area in back, darts and pool.

O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe, Chicago, IL, US

O'Brien's Riverwalk Cafe features Continental cuisine in a casual, elegant atmosphere with outdoor seating available for pups.

Big Star, Chicago, IL, US

Big Star serves fancy tacos in a cool atmosphere, with a walk-up window that allows you to bring your pup.

Wrightwood Tap, Chicago, IL, US

The Wrightwood tap is a great dog friendly neighborhood place with a chilled bar that keeps your beer cold.

90 Miles Cuban Cafe, Chicago, IL, US

This Cuban spot offers delicious authentic cuisine that is a steal for the price. Dine on the patio, and your pet is welcome to join you.

Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern, Chicago, IL, US

Archie's Iowa & Rockwell Tavern is a dog friendly bar with pool table, juke box, friendly staff and a projector for the Cubs games.

Dunlays on Clark, Chicago, IL, US

When you just want to relax with friends, the appetizers and drinks are a major draw for patrons. Dine on the patio and Fido can join you.

Corner Bakery Cafe, Chicago, IL, US

Corner Bakery Cafe offers fresh baked breads, sandwiches, salads, soups and pastries, and allows dogs to dine at outside tables.

So head on out this summer with your friends and your dog !!

Teaching Your Dog To Swim !

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

It is coming up on that time of year here in Northern Illinois.  Summer !  Yay !  We had a pretty rough winter again this year.  Seriously cold so we are all excited to see flowers blooming, grass turning greener, leaves on the trees and yes even swimming soon !!!

When my dog Sebastian was younger he loved to go swimming.  I do remember, however, the first time he swam, he was a little scared of it and not sure of himself.

Here are some tips to teach your dog how to swim:

Safety Comes First:
Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean she’ll be a natural swimmer. In fact, some breeds -- the bulldog, for example -- cannot swim at all and will sink right to the bottom if tossed in the water without a flotation device holding them above water.

Dogs that are lightweight, have short legs, or will be spending time out on the boat in deep waters with you should be outfitted with their own life vest or jacket. Too much noise and activity can be distracting. Begin with a quiet area of the lake, river or pool, and keep your dog leashed at all times in case she gets into trouble -- and to keep her from swimming too far out. The leash should not come off until she is able to swim unassisted and is consistently returning to you when called back.

Never leave a dog unattended in the water, not even for a minute. And please don’t throw your dog into the water for her first swim. It’ll only frighten her to the point that she’ll never want to swim again.

Start Out Very Slowly:
When teaching your dog to swim, it’s best to start in a shallow area where you can walk beside your pet. Put on the flotation vest if needed, attach the leash, and walk slowly into the water, letting her get used to having wet feet.

If your pet is reluctant, bring a toy or a few training treats to coax her in farther. Use a positive tone of voice and lots of verbal praise when she enters the water. Gradually take her into deeper water until she must start paddling to stay afloat. At this point, you can use an arm to provide support under your dog’s belly if she appears to need the extra support. This gives her the incentive to paddle her rear legs along with the front legs.

You don’t want your dog to use only her front legs to swim, as she will tire more quickly and splash around. Keep supporting her until she seems comfortable in the water and is using all four limbs to swim. If at any point she appears to be panicking, back up into the shallow water and let her calm down before trying again.

Good Dog!!!
When the lesson is over, it's time to get your dog out of the pool or boat. Take your time showing her the proper and safe way to exit the boat or pool so she can find her own way out the next time. A good final rinse with fresh water will help get rid of any residual chemicals or algae that might be clinging to her haircoat. Finally, give her lots of verbal and physical praise after the lesson, and maybe an extra treat. This will help your dog to associate fun and positive times with the experience of swimming.

Also, if you are out boating with friends and family it is ALWAYS good idea to put a "life jacket" on your dog while in the boat.  Dogs can fall overboard and can tire quickly while you turn the boat around and get back to them.

Keep your pets safe and everyone will have a "swimmingly" good time!