DogsGoWalking.com Pet Sitting
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Thursday, February 21, 2013
We know you have this problem
Monday, October 10, 2011
Top 10 Dog Training Tips
by Kaili Williams of DogsGoWalking
1. Be Patient.
Some dogs learn quicker than others. Training is a long process, and you should give your dog the time he or she needs in order to understand. Patience is important. If your pet is not enthused about training, try again later.
2. You’re the Alpha.
It’s important to maintain a sense of hierarchy in order for your dog to respect and listen to you. This does not mean that you have to be harsh, but you have to be sure your pup knows who is boss. This understanding helps your dog to feel secure about his or her place in the home.
3. Build Routine.
Along with the above tip, build up a routine. Dogs love to have a routine and schedule, as it helps them feel secure. Plan training time, and try to stick with it. If you are training with treats, try and schedule a time between feeding so that the dog is motivated but will not have a spoiled appetite. However, keep tip #1 in mind. If your dog is not in the mood to train, do not force it.
4. Choose a reward system that works. While most dogs will be motivated by food, there are many that will be equally happy with petting or verbal praise. Take time to see your dogs reactions to these various forms of reward, and determine which will be most effective and pleasant for your dog.
5. Use Primary and Secondary Reinforcement.
When training, it is good to use two forms of reward: primary and secondary. Primary reinforcement is the more powerful reward, such as giving a treat. Secondary reinforcement is an additional reward used in conjunction with the primary reward, such as verbal praise. Giving your dog a treat while saying “good dog!” would be an example of using both primary and secondary reinforcement.
6. Treats: the smellier the better.
Dogs that are motivated by food are even more highly motivated by food that is moist or with a strong smell. Meaty or cheesy treats are a good idea. The stronger smell, the more likely your pet will be excited about it. Additionally, the strong smell becomes associated with the training lesson, and the dog will associate positive behavior with a positive smell and taste.
7. Be Kind.
Focus on positive reinforcement, rather than negative reinforcement. Positive reinforcement helps your dog feel better about the training they are learning, and therefore more motivated to learn more. Negative reinforcement has it’s place, but positive reinforcement is far more powerful and effective.
8. Good Timing.
Timing is key. Try and give your pet a reward immediately after they perform the desired behavior. This immediate association of a reward with an action helps them to learn quicker.
9. Consistency.
Once your pet has learned a new trick or behavior, continue to rehearse it. Keeping a consistent reward system helps create consistent good behavior.
10. Adapt Training Methods with your dog’s Learning.
Once your dog has learned a new behavior, keep in mind tip #9 - consistency. However, you may not want to continue to use a big reward like treats every time, especially once your dog knows the behavior well enough that it is a habit. This is where you can make the switch to your Secondary reinforcement, such as verbal praise or belly rubs. It’s polite to continue to reward your dog for good behavior, but the primary reward is unnecessary for long-term use.
Finally, it is important to let care-takers of your dog know about the behaviors known and in the process of learning. If you hire a dog walker or pet sitter, let them know your dog's known commands and routines, so that they can continue to enforce the desired behavior.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Many Benefits of Private Dog Boarding
Dog kennels are a standard option for many pet owners, but they are not the safest option. There are a variety of issues with kennels, such as improper feeding and portion control, a lack of daily exercise, lack of play, or lack of other needed care, the chance of your pet contracting contagious diseases (kennel cough being the most common) or parasites, and unclean (and therefore unsafe) environments.
While many owners may find kennels that are suited to their dogs just fine, private dog boarding and pet sitting care is a safer option. Private dog boarding residences are disease and pest free, clean, under constant supervision, full of toys and room to play, and without restrictive cages.
With private dog boarding, your dog can vacation in a familiar home environment where they will receive an abundance of love and care. They will be able to continue their familiar and necessary diet & exercise routine, as well as have the comfort of familiar toys or objects. This helps to eliminate your dog's stress from being away from you.
Private pet boarding homes are kept puppy-proof, safe and clean, and doggie guests are required to have up-to-date shots & flea and tick control (and in some cases, residences may require that your pet is spayed or neutered). Your dogs are able to roam through a puppy-proof home, and explore or play as they please. In these places, your furry kid gets to have a vacation of their own, with lots of care, socialization, and love.
Many private dog boarding pet hosts are knowledgeable animal lovers that work at home. Pet hosts will often invite you into their home so that you and your pup can evaluate if it is a proper place for your pet's needs. These introductory meetings also give you a chance to know the pet host and other pet guests, as well as for your dog to get to know a new environment, people, and dogs. Pet hosts will often have a limit of pets per home, so that they do not take in more dogs than they can properly care for. This ensures that your pet will have adequate care while you are away.
Dog boarding is a great option for many dogs, but not all dogs. If you have three or more dogs, a pet that is not sociable, or another form of special-needs sort of animal, you should look into pet sitting visits in your home while you are away.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Importance of Dog Exercise
By Kaili Williams from DogsGoWalking.com
Routine exercise is a vital part of your pet’s health needs. Just like their human counterparts, your pet needs regular, daily exercise in order to maintain their optimum weight and health. Regular dog walking, or other forms of active pet play, can relieve stress and destructive behavior, keep bones and joints healthy, and overall extend your pet’s quality of life.
If you would like to start an exercise routine with your pet, start slow. Just as with people, jumping right into an intense schedule can do more harm than good. You want to ensure that exercise is fun and safe for you and your pet. Start taking a daily 15 minute walk with your dog, and slowly build up time as your dog becomes comfortable with it. Within one or two weeks, you can try moving onto 30 minute dog walks, and then up to hour long dog walks. If your pet enjoys your long walks, and still seems active and energetic afterwards, you may want to move on to dog running or jogging.
Be mindful of your dogs behavior while you are exercising. Know when your dog is pushing too hard by watching for breathing trouble or signs of fatigue. Always walk your dog with a leash. If you are walking or running with your dog in the dark or low light, make sure that the both of you wear reflectors. Try to keep to natural substrates such as grass or dirt - concrete and gravel can be uncomfortable on pet paws. Check weather reports to ensure that it will be safe to walk. If it is too hot or too cold, a long walk could be harmful. Additionally, it would be wise to avoid getting caught in storms. If you are going on a long walk, make sure that you bring enough fresh water for both yourself and your dog. Finally, If your dog needs to stop and rest, make sure that you allow him or her to.
If you are in a position where you do not have the time or ability to exercise with your dog, you can always hire a dog walker or runner. Dog walkers can help to ensure that your dog will get the exercise needs he or she requires daily.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
How to Kitten-Proof your Home
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Cats: A Womans Best Friend
In summary, cats attach to humans for more than the relationship perk of receiving food. Cats build strong bonds with their owners and have complex relationships that offer social support, play, affection, and love.
If you are away from home for a period of time, consider hiring a cat sitter to visit your cat and provide their essential needs for not only food, but love and interaction while you are away.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pet Obesity within the US
How can you tell if your pet is overweight? Your pet should have an hourglass shape - there should be a visible waist without the ribs or hips protruding to the point where you can see bone. If you are uncertain, a veterinarian can help to determine your pets ideal weight.
How is this happening? Well, our pets are having the same problems that many Americans are: too many calories, and not enough exercise. Be aware of the calorie content of your pets food, as well as their treats. Additionally, be mindful of table scraps and other food that your pet may be getting into. All of those factors can quickly add up to a calorie total that is higher than necessary for daily consumption. Treats, being comparable to human-junk food, are often the biggest problem. Treats should only make up 10% (or less) of your dogs daily calories. Furthermore, treats lack essential nutrients, so too much could be impairing dog health in more ways than just packing on the pounds.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
The importance of kitten play
Monday, August 1, 2011
Winner of our $500 cash prize contest
The winner is Marien Bomwell with phtos: My BABIES received 901 votes!!! Congratulation Marien, I will contact you tomorrow to set up a time to meet you :)
Votes Name Title
3 Jeff Stefaniak Peanut
0 Vlad Novet
0 jiselle prentice
3 Rutledge Samuel
0 Mindee Larsen
15 Marietta Losada Orion the Giant Schnauzer
3 karen fossett babies
0 Deanna Masters
11 Melissa Wilson Misha & Maddie
3 Nicole Gundersen In the Life of Lilly and friends
17 Bari Felissa Rozzo Del-Ray Sunshine
3 Joan Leonard I LOVE FB
9 Hailey Suarez Stitch
3 Deann Sturgill Peek-A-BOO
6 Carolyn Barnett Poagie
3 Dave Reist Amazing Terra
7 Graziella Ferraz Lord Shiva
0 paola elorza
3 DEANNA DESMOND Gracy May
2 Richard Restivo Jax
2 Dana Ortiz Haylee :)
2 Deborah Slater Our Loves!
0 Steve Hulse
3 Liz Morera Chatran, the curious kitten.
0 Marvely
16 Diane Israel PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
2 Jennifer Ford Happy Cinco de Mayo!
9 Chantel Grant Chantel's feather and fur babies!
30 Bill Scheidhauer Rascal Soaks in the Sun
2 Tony and Ann Clymer Rex and YaYa at the Beach
31 Stephanie Novoa Unlikely Brothers
6 sarah rentschler my grand-daughter jasmine and bella. who's walking who
9 Ashley Lippincott Sir Hensley Gustopher
2 tyler mazzaferro The Bella Boo
0 Mirta Maltes
2 dayna slingland Two of my cute kitties
2 Kim Todd My Mocha Latte
0 Angela Corbit
5 marissa kouser Adventures of Tito
5 TERRI BANKS SIR THORTON
2 Amber Azevedo playful
2 Laurie Colton Tired
24 Stacey Kroleski Joey and Luna
385 Karen Schneider Phil the Donkey
0 Sindy Conover
13 marvely correa Adorable pets
3 katalin bard Samuel
2 Gabrielle MacMillan Chaos
13 Heather Kendall Emma
2 Jennifer Del Borrello Luna the boxer
3 Sam Sheffler Teddy-Bear!
70 Jennifer Heider Alice & Reggie
0 Juanita Galindo
34 Kaili Williams My Puppy Pals
3 Victoria Garcia Victoria's lovable babies
901 Marien Bomwell My BABIES
9 Stephanie Epperson Its a dogs world, we just live in it : )
5 Ina Beaber "SCOOTER READING HIS E-MAIL From DogsGoWalking
2 Susan Lerner Lerner Pups
2 Bonnie Para Here's Looking At You
2 Stephanie Gardner snuggling time
3 Diana Rodriguez "it's my Birthday"
2 laura christopher Wednesday
3 Brooke Neiman Our Dog
2 Geri Bassett Sasha Bassett
3 Michele Grant In Loving Memory of Charles
232 Kat Brown ♥Jada♥
2 Kara Taylor Simply Me
2 Kent penigar Uh..nope! Um not coming out. Nope nope.
2 christine ynastrilla Dexter
3 Brooke Geerlings Caj
8 Carrie Armstrong Sable & Steely
0 Ashlee Quintero
2 Mica Jones Kiimmbo
326 Jonathan Gutierrez Tyson von Paugh
3 Susan Rosemarin Leah Halloween 2010
2 Linda Martyn We'e so cute...Please Vote for us!!
5 Carlos Gutierrez My name is Lupe =)
0 Natalie Romeo
2 Rachel Munyon My Uncles pool at his Dog sitting Ranch
3 Joanna Santiago They call me Mac
3 Hope LaMonica collie love
11 tabea Snow here I come
2 Joan Geiser Me and My Shadow
9 Mike Seidel Ozzy Loves Zoe
4 Jesse Hoek Jack!
4 Jennifer Gayler Chazzy
15 Ayenny Orovio Little Blue
2 Lina Roldan Betsy Morales
6 Patricia Ferrro Bailey and The Wieners
107 Andrew Gibson Buster
0 Elin Trousdale
0 Monica Abay
2 Meghan Krank Floppy Dog and the Relaxations
2 Carmen Navarro China
7 Fernando E Guzman Lula
2 Richelle Mortensen Pet Photo
2 yeny guerra rocky
2 Kristi King My boys
109 Jaclyn Namer You Talking to me Cuz
50 Heather Setter Bailey Ann
20 Andrew Murray Formal Bama
351 Perry Burk Doesnt everyone own a Lynx?
3 Abbie Hollenbach Baya sitting pretty
4 Matthew Galuzzi Brooklyn the Beagle
4 Ashley Bodden Quirky Kingston
75 Shari Lederer Bentley
17 Ana Calzadilla Could he be any smaller yet cuter?
4 Brittany Foley Oakley Snoozing to Pandora Music
2 jay ehrlich Puppy Love
6 Kelsey Rose Hendrix Zeus the Dragon Warrior :)
87 I think I taw a putty tat I think I taw a putty tat
2 Barbara Williams Handsome Bailey
94 Adrian Patino Pan the pookie cat!
0 Carlos M Gutierrez
4 Jacqueline Szinke My dogs
2 BARBARA ORELLANA Valentina
8 sheena swehla Bella
2 Carolina Cohen Chiche
2 Jenna Wessels Apollo
7 Chelsea Kaiya
218 Rachel Lasseter My Pekichin, Mushi!
0 Jeff Femenia
4 Glorymar Rosa Linda
0 Michelle Kim Rigney
4 tabitha adams little lady
0 Yarittza Almora
0 GABRIELLA FIGUEIRA
0 Amalia Heichelbech
157 lis prado Abby, our Tiny Maltese with a Big Personality
3 estela altamirano Diva
8 Sarah Brezil My Angels
18 Jessica Orzeck Gamble
0 Kim Carlona
3 carol richart Katie
4 Day Longsomboon "FAI"
133 David Seltzer Maggie May
10 jennifer huston tinkie
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Byan's days may be limited
I volunteer at Broward Animal Control and there is a very handsome and very gentle bulldog mix name Bryan who has been at the shelter for a couple months. I heard a rather sad rumor that needs to find a home soon, very soon, or else his days at the shelter may be limited.
I've been volunteering for about a year and I've met many, many dogs. Bryan is a very kind soul who would be a great companion for someone. He came into the shelter as a stray, so no one knows his background. The staff guesses he's around 3 1/2 years old.
Bryan looks like a tough guy, but he's actually kind of a big lap dog and likes to have his belly rubbed. He's also very smart, easy to train and pays attention when you talk to him.
If you know of anyone who is looking for an adult dog to add to their family, would you please pass along the information about Bryan?
He's at Broward County Animal Care, 1870 SW 39th St, Fort Lauderdale. His number is A1419697. I'm attaching a photo of him, but he is much more handsome in person. :-)
Florida dog bite law
Read more: http://dogsgowalking.com/pet-article/Dog-bite-law-in-Florida/16
Monday, June 7, 2010
Holiday fireworks and your pets.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Summer Vacation
Summer is here! That means travel for many of you. That long awaited summer vacation, your shoulders just sink at the thought. Before can you think of reasons as to why you can't go, let your pets not be one of them.
Most of you are familiar with our service and that was the first thing on your checklist after you selected your dates :). Maybe some of you haven't discovered the awesomeness of having us around. Either way, we're here. We love catching up with our pals and making new friends.
Some tips to help prepare your pet for their vacation with us:
1. Call your pet sitter to confirm your travel dates.
2. Stock up on pet food, paper towels, kitty litter, medications ect., enough to last for the duration of the trip and consider possible delays.
3. Make sure pets have their ID tags on.
4. Your emergency contact information
5. Call your vet and let them know your pet sitter will be caring for your pet and to extend medical care in case of emergency.
6. If boarding with us, up to date flea protection and clean bill of health.
7. Note any recent changes you've made to your pet's diet.
8. Secure all doors and windows.
9. Don't forget their favorite toys.
Call your pet sitter today to schedule your travel dates or for a free consultaion.
http://www.dogsgowalking.com/ "trusted care when you can't be there".
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Paco & Lucho - Pet Sitting by Nydia in Kendall
Meet Paco and Lucho, two English Bulldogs that I had the pleasure of pet sitting this weekend among many others. Their parents found our pet sitting service and were able to enjoy their Memorial Day weekend far away from home with little worry. While Mommy and Daddy were relaxing and enjoying their vacation Paco and Lucho were enjoying their home with cool A/C and scheduled playtime with me. English Bulldogs, due to the structure of their face and nose may have breathing problems and very intolerant to heat. Paco however, loved to play outside no matter how hot it was. I was surprised at his energy and agility. On our visits, Lucho enjoyed getting his belly rubbed and playing tug while Paco enjoyed our walks and pestering Lucho.
It was a fun and busy Memorial Day weekend. If you missed out on a mini vacation because you didn't have anyone to watch your pet, call Dogsgowalking, we're here so you don't have to be.
Nydia from Dogsgowalking
www.DogsGoWalking.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
West Palm Beach Pet Sitting - Ms Canine America hopeful
Each day she sets off to do her part and meets with new and interesting felines. Just earlier this month she convinced Lil Girl in from Asia that sharing toys is the right thing to do, especially when so many don't even have one to play with. Carmella (Maine coon) warmly greets her with a quick nose smooch to start things right before attending the summit on pet healthcare reform.
After all this she is tuckered out and lays down for a quick "cat nap". After all she's only a puppy!
visit our website at: www.dogsgowalking.com
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Maddie - pet sitting in Kendall
Pet sitting in Miami FL - Misha
Read more about Misha's pet sitter Nydia
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Dog beach, Dog park visits with your pet sitter
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Peanut Stefaniak
For example, I’m not sure exactly how all those animals managed to get inside our television set, but I do keep a vigilant eye on them, never hesitating to issue a stern warning bark to remind them to keep to their side of the screen! I know that mommy and daddy can sleep more soundly due to my new found barking powers! Check out my mom here
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Spike, my little fuzzy bear
How is your tail chewing? Thank you for giving up on that silly chewing your tail while you were here.