FitnFurry is Excited About a New Dog Sport!

There is a new, exciting, detection-style dog sport called Nose Work! It was developed by professional detection trainers in Southern California and is now sweeping the country. There are opportunities to enter competitions in scentwork after you learn it or you and your dog can just do it for fun! It develops their natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It is a great way for your dog to have fun, build confidence and burn lots of mental and physical energy.

The primary goal of this class is fun. Even if your dog has had little experience playing with toys, with several repetitions of this class they can be transformed. It will give them a good foundation in “find it games” and play in general. Anytime you participate in activities with your pet it helps to strengthen your bond and respect for each other as well.

All dogs work one at a time and will be crated when it’s not their turn. You will start by  setting up cardboard boxes in different arrangements, using the same one to hold the toy or food that you would like them to find. It’s a great class for dogs that need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but may have a hard time in class with other dogs. They will have an opportunity to build confidence in new environments, and working around obstacles without the stress of interactions with other dogs.

There are  training classes in Nose Work popping up all over the nation. If you think you  might be interested you can check with your local pet care facility and see if they are offering it yet. You and your dog will love it!

FitnFurry says Enjoy The Holiday Season With Your Pets!

We think of  our pets as a part of the family so when the Holidays come around it’s great to be able to include them in the fun.  Keep in mind that during this busy time there are things we should share with our furry friends and things that are better off left to their humans.  Here are a few ideas to keep them safe and enjoy their company in the hustle and bustle of the season.

It’s the time of year for parties which means lots of food and drinks and people.  There are foods that are perfectly fine for humans but can be very dangerous for your pets.  To avoid any unwanted trips to the vet  stay away from rich foods which can cause pancreatitis or other illnesses.  If you are going to give them some turkey,  make sure you take off the skin and don’t give them any gravy or mashed potatoes.  Also, never give them sweets, chocolate or caffeine.  If you keep extra dog treats around for the Holidays they will be just as happy with those and you won’t have to worry about them getting sick.

There are also decorations and plants that can be harmful to your pets this time of year.  You may already know that poinsettias are poisoness to pets but so are azaleas, philodendrun and cranberries.  They can also get sick from drinking Christmas tree water, especially  if you treat the water to preserve the tree.  You can try spraying the area with a citrus scent to keep them out of harms way.  Ornaments and lights  can also be tempting toys for your pet so it’s best to try to keep them out of reach if possible.  Also, If you wrap candy or chocolate as gifts do not put them under the tree or leave any baked goods on counter tops where they may be too tempting.

There are some great ways  to include your pets in the Holiday fun that are easy and inexpensive.  You can take them on nice walks to enjoy the festive lights and decorations in your neighborhood.  You can have fun dressing them in holiday sweaters and collars or get their picture with Santa!  You may even want to give them their own stocking  with some special dog treats or toys so they have something to keep them busy while you are eating and opening presents. 

This is the perfect time to get them spruced up at the groomers so you can show them off to friends and family when they come to visit.  You can even have the groomers dye their fur to look more festive for the season!

How ever you choose to celebrate the season don’t forget to include your pets and do what you can to keep them safe and healthy.  After all, they are a part of the family and absolutely love  any and all attention no matter what time of year.  Enjoy the holidays and stay safe!

FitnFurry Answers the Question “How Important is Training For My Dog?”

Training is the best way to keep your pet safe and establish a healthy relationship between you and your dog. There are so many factors involved with caring for a pet and if you start training at a young age you can save yourself a lot of worries in the future.  Training can make walking your dog more enjoyable, taking them to the dog park safer and  having people over to your house a lot less hectic.

Whenever you start basic obedience training the most important thing you can do is BE CONSISTENT  . Dogs are creatures of habit and any training you do must be re-enforced  regularly in order to stick. So this means you are being trained as much as your dog is.  It’s very hard to resist your cute, adorable, furry baby when he tries  to get up on the couch or bed with you or when he gnaws on your hands but habits like this could mean disaster as he/she gets older. Your dog is happiest when he knows what you want from him so when you train him it helps to strengthen your bond and gives him a way to make you proud.

When you walk a well-trained dog on a leash, YOU are in control at all times and not being dragged down the street. If  you come across another dog you do not have to worry about your dogs reaction. You can enjoy the fresh air together and get some healthy exercise without dreading a misbehaving dog.

When you take your dog anywhere off leash whether it be the beach, a dog park or even  your front yard, basic commands like come, stay or heel can save their life.  You don’t want your dog to chase things unexpectedly or take off in front of a car.

It can be a pleasure having people over to your house when your dogs are well behaved. They won’t jump all over company or try to get out of the house and take off when people are coming and going. Without the proper training some dogs become so territorial that they won’t even let anyone in your home without going crazy.The peace of mind of having a well- mannered pup makes entertaining much more enjoyable.

Having a dog is a long term commitment and a lot of responsibility. As cute and loving as they are, they can also be challenging and maddening, especially if they are not trained. When you take the time to create structure, teach commands  and give your dog boundaries it feeds their desire to please you. It makes them more relaxed when they know what you want from them.. so teach them. Give them positive re-enforcement when they do good and don’t tolerate bad behavior. This means you can’t be lazy and confuse them because sometimes they get away with it and sometimes they don’t. There are reputable trainers and pet facilities that can help you. Train your dog, they will love you for it and your life will be a lot easier in the long run.

You’re Going On Vacation but What About Me? Can I Go to FitnFurry?

It’s the time of year when we are making plans to get out of town to celebrate with friends and family but what about our furry family members that can’t always come along for the ride?  The main thing to remember is that you have options.

If taking  your pets with you is not an option you can find a reputable in-home caregiver to come and feed and walk your  pets while you are away. Make sure they are bonded and insured and most of all make sure you feel comfortable with having someone come into your home and that your pets will get the care they need.

Another option is leaving your pet with a professional caregiver.  Boarding facilities can be a reliable choice when you are away.  Most places are reasonably priced and well equipped to give the necessary care your pet needs.  It is always a good idea  to check out a few different options  and find one that is the best fit for you and your pet.  Places are popping up all over the country that are not your standard “kennels”.  There are all inclusive pet resorts that can offer training and grooming while they are boarding so you can go on your vacation and when you pick up your furry friend they will be well mannered and looking great!

If you are home for the holidays you may still want to board your pets for a day or two or drop them off for some doggie daycare.  With the hustle and bustle of the season people may be coming and going more than usual which increases the chances of having a lost pet.  Also, there are many poisonous things for your pet to get into such as poinsettia plants, christmas tree water or turkey bones.  When our schedules get hectic our animals sometimes suffer so why not drop them off for some doggie playtime while you’re doing your shopping or entertaining.  Make the holidays fun for everyone including your furry family members!

FitnFurry Looks at Leash Aggression in Dogs

There is almost nothing worse than having an uneasy feeling when another dog comes to meet your dog. If you have a dog that has displayed aggression towards other dogs or even people when it’s on a leash it’s important to know what you can do to manage the situation.

There are many reasons that dogs become aggressive and they should be individually assessed by an experienced trainer before starting any “treatment”.  Once a dog displays this behavior it usually means something has already happened to cause them to react this way.  It could be something as simple as the dynamics changing within your household, a dog or human moving in or out, or a traumatic event like being attacked by another dog. The key is how we react to the behavior and understanding  that we may not be able to completely resolve the issue but we can manage it and not make it worse.

One of the most important things is to know your dog’s body language and how to respond to signals.  They need to feel that you are in complete control at all times.  If you are nervous, tense or fearful they will pick up on that and be much more prone to react adversely.  Putting them in situations where they succeed and using positive reinforcement as much as possible can help break bad behaviors.  Be careful using harsh corrections with your dog as they can back-fire, making matters worse.  Try to avoid using prong collars or choke chains because they may associate the pain and this may cause more aggression.  Gentle leaders or martingale collars are more effective.  It takes a lot of effort on your part to recondition your dog and still you must never assume that your dog will not have setbacks.

One thing you can try is finding a spot about 25 feet from where other dogs will be walking by and sit with your dog with some very tasty treats like pieces of hot dog or tasty meat.  Every time another dog comes into view make eye contact with your dog and start feeding the treats and praising. When the other dog is far enough away or out of sight, stop the feeding and praise. You should do this for about 30 minutes several times a week until you notice a change in the behavior.  Eventually you can start to  walk your dog at a distance and repeating the same rewards. The goal is to have your dog completely focused on you and what you want them to do whenever they see another dog.  You want to create a new response. Once you start seeing the desired results you should keep up with this exercise as often as possible. You can give treats a little less every time but keep up with the praise.  If you are consistent you should see results in as little as a few weeks.

Leash aggression can usually be controlled through proper techniques. It is important to be consistant with training remaining in control at all times. Remember, your dog picks up on how you are feeling so try not to get nervous or overreact when you see other dogs coming. Be calm and give praise whenever possible. If you need help, seek advice from a reputable animal behaviorist. The goal is to enjoy your pet and the time you have together.

Last Chance to Donate to the “No Fleas” Flea Market at FitnFurry!

Getting Excited!

There is only one week left to donate items! The excitement is catching on as many of you have brought in your donations. Great stuff is beginning to come in daily; don’t miss out on the fun and prizes! Make sure your friends and neighbors know about this event; they may have some things they’d like to donate too and you’ll benefit from bringing them in!

What We’ve Received so Far:

Toys, collars, harnesses, leashes, bowls, clothes, beds, doggie back-packs, designer doggie carriers, tire biter toys, a dog house and flea medication. These great donations will provide revenue for our furry friends at the Petaluma Animal Shelter and the Sonoma Humane Society!

What We Still Need:

We need many more donations to make this a success. We could use more crates, beds, slightly used leashes and collars, harnesses, doggie gates, dog or cat bowls, kitty equipment, blankets, toys for dogs or cats and flea medications.

When You Give, Fit’n'Furry Will Give Back to You!

Our wonderful donors have been drawing  from our “Dog House” of prizes. Among the prizes are:

~ 1 night of boarding for a dog, cat or bird

~Pampered Nail trim for dog or cat

~A luxurious dog bath

~Great apparel-Fit’n'Furry hats

~A fun-filled day of daycare for your pet

Remember when you bring in a new visitor who donates something you will receive $5 in “Bark Bucks”. If this new visitor becomes a client you will receive a $20 credit on your account once they use our services.

We want to be able to sponsor and give back to two of the organizations that do so much for ‘homeless’ pets. Please help us as we reach out to support them. You can make a difference so please tell everyone you know about this event and help make it a success!!

Thank you for your help. Please keep those donations coming in!

Donations accepted at Fit’n'Furry until October 17th.

The ‘No Fleas’ Flea Market will be held on Saturday October 24th from 9am to 3pm.

Our trainer, Ina, will be there from 2 pm to 3 pm to give some FREE training tips.  There will also be a representative from the Petaluma Animal Shelter & the Sonoma Humane Society.

FitnFurry Asks a Veterinarian About Dental Care

WHAT’S IN YOUR PET’S MOUTH?

Do you regularly look inside your pet’s mouth?  Would you be able to identify a problem if you see one?  Being aware of what your pet’s teeth and gums should look like may help you identify a problem early.  Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in small animals, affecting about 75% of dogs and cats by the time they’re only 3 years old.  Without regular home and professional care, bacteria and plaque accumulates leading to not only bad breathe but also gingivitis.  Left untreated, this can result in periodontal disease includi ng gingival recession, enamel erosion and root abscess.  In extreme cases, bacteria from your pet’s infected mouth can get into the bloodstream and may cause debilitating systemic disease in the heart, liver, and kidneys.  Fortunately, as for your own oral health care, serious problems are preventable with good oral hygiene habits, regular dental exams, and prompt treatment.  Staying on top of your pet’s oral health will not only improve their quality of life, it can also prolong their life.

It would be n ice if your pet could tell you when they had oral health problems.  Instead, they often mask their discomfort, so it’s important for you to learn how to look for problems yourself.  Gently pick up your pet’s lips and simply look at the teeth and gums.  If your pet’s teeth are discolored, if the gums are puffy, bright red, recessed, or bleeding, your pet probably has gingivitis and may be well on its way to more serious periodontal disease.  Difficulty eating, excessive drooling, putrid breath and loose teeth are also signs of advanced problems that may result in tooth loss or worse.

It is never too late to begin good oral health habits for your pet!  Start today by having your pet’s mouth and teeth examined and continue every 6 – 12 months.  Your veterinarian will be happy to teach you how to properly perform preventive maintenance and work with you to achieve the highest level of oral health for your pet. With regular attention, your pet will not only tolerate dental homecare, but will enjoy the extra attention!

Don’t forget about the “No Flea’s” Flea Market at Fit’n'Furry! This is a benefit for the Petaluma Animal Shelter and the Sonoma Humane Society. Fit’n'Furry is collecting pet related donations that will be sold “Flea Market’ Style on October 24th in which all proceeds go to these great organizations. You can help by donating your slightly used  beds, leashes, collars, crates etc. by October 17th or by coming down and buying something on the day of the event. Please spread the word and help us help these very important animal-care facilities!

FitnFurry is Hosting a Benefit For Two Great Organizations!

The “No Fleas” Flee Market at Fit’n'Furry will be held on October 24th and all proceeds go to benefit the Petaluma Animal Shelter and  Sonoma  Humane Society. We value your time and want to keep those of you who love to help animals updated on our progress as we get closer to this critical event for these two wonderful and giving organizations.

What We’ve Received So Far:

Three dog beds, a crate, many toys, a few collars, a scratching post, feeding dishes and some doggie clothes.

What We Still Need:

We need many more donations to make this a success. Slightly used leashes, dog colars, harnesses, doggie gates, dog or cat bowls, crates, beds, blankets, toys, and any unused flea medications.

When You Give Fit’n'Furry Will Give Back to You

When you bring in your donations you will be eligible to draw  from our “Dog House” of prizes. Among the prizes are: 1 night of boarding, a nail trim, a dog bath, and various other prizes. If you bring in a new visitor who wants to donate something you will receive $5 in Bark Bucks. If this new visitor becomes a client you will receive $20 credit on your account once they use our services.

We want to be able to sponsor and give back  to two of the organizations that do so much for ‘homeless’ pets so please help us as we reach out to support them. You can make a difference so please tell everyone you know  about this event and make it a success!!

We will keep you updated  on how we are doing and how much you are helping the Petaluma Animal Shelter & Sonoma Humane Society.

FitnFurry is having a No Flea’s Flea Market!

There are hundreds of animals that reside at local shelters on any given day.  There are many ways individuals and families can help support the Humane Society & SPCA  and ensure the continuation of  many programs and services for people and animals in the community. Whether you donate, volunteer, use  services or help in other ways, your contribution is critical to help  rescue and rehabilitate more animals each year and continue  education and outreach programs to children, seniors and  families.

The Humane Society & SPCA of Sonoma County is a private, non-profit organization that is solely funded and supported by individuals in the community. They do not receive any funding from government sources or national organizations, and  are not affiliated with other Humane Societies or the HSUS. The Petaluma Animal Shelter relies on donations to provide all the extras for animals  such as bedding, veterinary care, toys and shelter improvements.These organizations provide they necessary care for animals until they are, hopefully,  placed in a good home. The animals rely on the gifts from private individuals to survive. 

Do you have any slightly used toys, leashes, harnesses, collars, crates, clothes, beds, seasonal items, or anything else pet-related that you would like to donate to a good cause? The “No Flea’s Flea market” is an event benefiting the Sonoma County Humane Society and the Petaluma Animal Shelter. Fit’n'Furry will be hosting the “No Flea’s  Flea Market” on Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 3pm. Please drop off your items between now and October 17th. We only ask that your donations be clean and next to new. If you need something for your furry friend please come and see if you can find it here! There will be many great items for your pets and the proceeds go to support these very important organizations.

FitnFurry’s Tips On How to Choose the Right Dog for Your Lifestyle

So, you are thinking about adding a furry friend to your family.  There are many things to consider before making your decision.  It is important to figure out what pet would be the best fit for your home and your lifestyle.

First, do you have the time and energy to give your pet the care it needs? Dogs need quite a bit of interaction in order to be happy.  How much space do you have for them to roam?  Do you have time to take them out for exercise?  If you already have a busy life  you can supplement exercise with a good doggy daycare facility.  These places are great even if it’s just to keep your dog socialized in a safe environment.  They come home good and tuckered out from playing with all their furry friends during the day.

Second, are you prepared to deal with pet hair?  Bathing and brushing regularly will help with pet dander and shedding for all dogs but certain breeds need to be groomed at least once every 2 months which can be an expense you didn’t expect.  In any case, regular nail trims and keeping a nice healthy coat is good for your dog and your home.

Third, when you travel you will need someone  to care for your pet.  It is always a good idea to have a boarding facility that can keep your pet safe and healthy while you are away.

Next, what is your activity level?  There are certain breeds and mixes that are very active and others that are better for a more sedentary lifestyle.  Working with a good trainer will help to have a well behaved pet regardless of the breed or activity level.  It’s great when your dog walks nicely on a leash, comes when you call and doesn’t snatch treats out of your hand.

Remember that having a dog is a long-term commitment that can enrich our lives greatly if we are thoughtful about choosing the right pet for our home. There are many tools out there today that can help give your dog a full and happy life. Find animal facilities that are safe and your dog enjoys and you will be amazed at how they can help you care for your pet.