How to stop your dog biting the leash while walking

By: Laurie Brzostowski

 

At Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care in Round Lake we walk A LOT of dogs.  A couple of our pet clients are really hard on a leash. They bite the leash, they tug on the leash and all of that takes away from focusing on the actual walk.  Here is some information to help if you have dogs that bite or tug on a leash.

Dogs can have a hard time controlling their excitement during walks and sometimes act out towards the leash.  The main reasons for leash biting include excitement, frustration, or boredom.  Quick behavioural correction is they key to changing unwanted leash biting habits.

1.  Begin the walk in a calm manner

Excited dogs are more likely to get distracted and start biting the leash.  Try to keep the preparation for a walk calm and controlled.  Ask your dog to ‘sit and wait’ and do not make a big deal of bringing out the leash.  Speak in soft, soothing tones. 

If dog starts to bite the leash, you should immediately remove the leash from the vicinity.  Wait several minutes until your dog has calmed down before approaching with the leash again.  This exercise should be repeated until your dog accepts the leash in a calm manner.  Dogs will quickly learn that leash biting prolongs walk time.

2.  Redirect your dog’s attention

Another technique is to redirect your dog’s attention onto something else when they bite the leash.  The best way is with a basic obedience command such as ‘sit’.   Provide positive reinforcement for each successful command to keep them focused on you instead of their leash.

Some dog’s will feel calmer if they have an object to carry during walking.  If this is the case, it can be helpful to provide a stick or toy for them to carry instead of the leash.

3.  Deter your dog from biting the leash

Directly hitting or punishing your dog may cause them to associate the punishment with you personally.  Indirect punishment tactics, however, can work well in some cases.  Indirect punishment refers to the use of a deterrent such as a spray bottle of water or shaking a can of stones (for dogs that don’t like the noise) whenever your dog bites the leash.

Another option is to make the leash undesirable for your dog.  Consider trailing a different type of leash, such as chain, which generally does not feel comfortable in a dog’s mouth.  A bitter tasting chewing deterrent can also be applied to the leash.

Walk time can be frustrating when you have a dog that bites the leash.  Though once the behaviour has been successfully corrected, you can look forward to many stress free and enjoyable walks with your dog.

PRESS RELEASE: Snaggle Foot Round Lake Adds Monthly Dog Walking Packages

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake Illinois has added Monthly Dog Walking Packages.

Round Lake Beach, IL,  March 15, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Today, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care, an Award Winning pet care provider in Round Lake, Illinois, announced today they are adding Monthly Dog Walking Packages to their outstanding menu of pet services they provide pet owners in the Lake County Illinois area.

"As a dog owner, I know how important it is to make sure that my animals are well cared for and adding Monthly Dog Walking Packages provides clients with affordable options for mid-day dog walks," says Laurie Brzostowski, owner of the Round Lake Beach franchise.

Pointing to the extended work hours, longer commutes and more business travel with which pet parents are struggling due to a challenged economy, Brzostowski holds great significance in being able to provide services which she believes help people relax and not worry as much about their beloved family members.

That attention features one-on-one interaction with a true pet lover, cheerful walks, long belly rubs, and superior care from a bonded and insured professional trained in animal first aid and CPR. The company's comprehensive offering of services and thoughtfully designed customer service embodies the commitment to extraordinary service.

You can give your puppy that extra potty break she needs, ensure that your pet gets their medicine in your absence, order a Snaggle Foot pet taxi, even arrange for plant care and mail retrieval, and then take care of the bill conveniently from your computer.

"Our pets are family members and I want to make sure that pet owners know that we care for their pets as much as we do ours."


You can read the online version of this press release at: http://www.pr.com/press-release/662571

Snaggle Foot Round Lake Adds Monthly Dog Walking Packages

By: Laurie Brzostowski

EXTRA EXTRA Read All About It !!!

We have some very exciting news to share with all of you!

Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake is now adding Monthly Dog Walking Packages to our AWESOME menu of outstanding services we provide pet owners in the Lake County Illinois area.

These packages are structured for daily dog walking clients who consistently book anywhere from 3 visits per week up to 5 visits per week every single week.

These "prepaid packages" are now ready for purchase. There are a couple of rules attached to these packages and everything will be explained when you sign up.

If you are looking to hire an award winning pet care provider in your area for your dog walking needs, this is "right up your alley". Just give us a call at (847) 886-4648 or email us (Laurie@snagglefoot.com) to learn more.

If you are a current client and want to get "on board", just email me and we can get you set up and go over any details or questions you may have.

If you want to see the "package" details, please go to: http://roundlake.snagglefoot.com/services/dog-walking/

We are very excited to add these types of packages so we can continue to provide the very best pet care services to all of our current and future clients.

3 Tips to Manage Arthritis in Aging Pets

By: Laurie Brzostowski

Written By: Stacey Kalinnikova 

Arthritis due to degeneration of joints is a common condition in older pets.  Signs of arthritis include stiffness, difficulty with stairs or jumping, decreased flexibility, abnormal gait, lameness, and visible joint swelling.  Pets may also exhibit behavioural changes such as reluctance to play or exercise, and cats may develop aversion to their litter box.

Treatment for arthritis includes medications to control inflammation and pain, supplements for joint health, and complementary therapies.

Here are 3 tips to help manage arthritis at home: 

1.  Increase comfort 

Making daily life more comfortable for your arthritic pet can be easy to do.  Provide a well-padded sleeping area that is warm and free from drafts (cold can exacerbate arthritic pain).  Place food and water bowls at a manageable height on a non-slip surface.

If you live in a multi-story house, stairs can cause problems for arthritic pets.  Aim to keep your pet’s bed and food dishes on the same floor, ideally near the area where the family spends most of their time.  Ramps can help pets that have difficulty with stairs or getting up onto furniture.  They should be sturdy and non-slip. 

2.  Provide the right diet 

Animals with excess weight can suffer from added strain and compression of the joints.  The right diet and ideal body condition can do wonders for joint and overall health.  Talk to your veterinary team to formulate a controlled weight loss plan.

Older pets can benefit from specifically formulated ‘senior’ pet foods or diets formulated for arthritic control.  Such diets are made with lower calories and often contain added glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids for joint health. 

3.  Physiotherapy 

Arthritic pets can benefit from physiotherapy in the home.  Muscle massages help to stimulate blood flow, range of motion exercises are beneficial to alleviate stiffness, and warm compresses help soothe sore joints.  Appropriate physical therapy techniques for massage and joint motion should be demonstrated by your veterinary care team.

Low impact exercise can help arthritic pets to maintain motility.  Exercises should be low-weight bearing and controlled such as swimming and short walks on the leash for dogs.

A whole-body care plan can significantly improve the quality of life in your aging and arthritic pet.  Speak to your veterinarian before implementing any drastic exercise and diet changes or attempting physiotherapy.