Category: Community Stories

Featuring stories from real pet owners and resources for all thing pets

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Community Stories

How to Take Care of Kittens

Article originally published on Blue Buffalo. Refer to the original article here.

Adopting a kitten or just thinking it over?  There’s probably nothing better than taking home a wide-eyed, velvet-nosed ball of fluff (hey, who’s rescuing who?) but even if you’ve had a kitten before, it’s wise to review the basics.

Best age to adopt

Separating kittens from their biological moms and siblings is best when they’re 10 to 12 weeks old. If the litter hasn’t had much human contact, however, it’s better to bring them home at six to seven weeks old.

As for personality, this may be one time when curiosity doesn’t kill the cat: look for an inquisitive kitten who’s playful, not shy. Above all, pick a cat-itude that complements all family members.

Pre-kitten prep

Before you introduce Kitty to her new surroundings, safely stow items she might chew, swallow or choke on. Keep tissues, paper towels, toilet paper, pens, pencils, rubber bands, jewelry, balloons, and small items out of paw’s reach. If you have other pets, be sure they’ve seen the veterinarian recently so they won’t be sharing an infection with their new sibling.

More cat-proofing tips:

  • Anchor window cords, cap outlets and bundle electronic cords
  • Call the Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) for a list of deadly plants to avoid
  • Lock acetaminophen (Tylenol) away; it’s deadly to felines
  • Hide roach or ant traps
  • Close toilet lids, washer and dryer doors
  • Close kitchen and bathroom cabinets because household items like bleach, detergent, antifreeze can be very harmful

Kitty’s lair

Choose a secluded room, away from other furry family members, for Kitty to adjust to her new life. If sleeping is a problem, try the time-tested trick of wrapping a ticking clock in a blanket by her bed. Open her carrier and place it nearby along with her food, water bowls, litter box and toys.

Avoid toys with small, moveable parts that can detach easily and choke animals. Dangling string, yarn or ribbons may drive cats batty, but watch that they don’t tangle or choke Kitty. Small stuffed animals and trackballs make the best playthings because they’re safe and stimulate exercise.

You may have more fun watching Kitty play than she’ll even have playing, but you’ll also want to observe her behavior at rest. Sneak a peek at how she moves in and out of her carrier in her new room. If she dashes in fast, she may still need more time to acclimate. If she saunters, you’ll know she’s ready to explore the rest of the house.

Meet the kin

A kitten can take up to two weeks to fully relax, so limit human interactions those first few days, then introduce her to family members slowly, one at a time, so she learns everyone’s touch.

Teach young children how to hold kittens with one hand behind their front legs, the other under their hindquarters. They also need to know that tugging at Kitty’s scruff, ears or tail is a no-no. And, though tantrums may ensue, kids four and under shouldn’t be handling Kitty at all, especially unsupervised.

Other household pets will sniff out their new sibling immediately, so introduce Kitty on her turf; don’t let her have free run of the house because that’s their territory.

Resident cat(s) can check Kitty out briefly while you observe. Should a hissy fit erupt, separate the siblings immediately and try again in a few days. As for Fido, be sure he’s properly leashed when he meets her, plus keep Kitty from running off, otherwise he may think it’s time to give chase.

If all siblings play nice, reinforce their good behavior with well-deserved treats. Also, never leave playtime unsupervised until Kitty is full-grown.

Can we stalk?

Cats have a primal instinct to explore so, at first, let Kitty roam one room at a time. Place her open carrier in the room she’s investigating in case she gets nervous and needs a hasty retreat. Let Kitty explore while you quietly watch closely in case she hides under a bed or scoots under the sofa. If she starts kneading your expensive duvet, put her back on the floor gently to teach her that your bed is off limits.

Open 24 hours

Kittens need lots of nutrients and energy—about two to three times that of cats because they grow so fast. 30% of their total energy should come from protein so be sure to feed them food specifically formulated for them that first year, such as dry kitten food or nutrient-dense kitten-formula canned food. The rest of Kitty’s diet should come from high-quality dry and wet foods, packed with protein and essential amino acids to help give her wholesome nutritional support.

Unlike pups, kittens don’t wolf down all of their food in one sitting so you can conveniently set up an all-day/night buffet. Dry food is convenient because it won’t spoil if it sits for a while; be sure fresh water is always available, too. You’ll also want to keep siblings like Fido from stealing Kitty’s food by putting her bowl in an area others can’t reach.

Mind her business

Kittens instinctively dig to bury their waste, but they still may need some nudging when it comes to doing their business. After Kitty’s finished eating, or had her catnap, introduce her to her litter box. If she doesn’t take to it naturally, guide a front paw and simulate digging. You may need to repeat this process at regular intervals.

For the first few weeks, provide Kitty with the same food, feeding schedule and litter she had before the adoption. You can slowly transition to other litter products and food after she’s adjusted.

First check-up

It’s wise to pre-schedule a veterinarian visit prior to bringing Kitty home so she’s checked within a few days of her arrival. Your vet will look for ear mites, fleas, deworm her, plus give her all the necessary shots and vaccinations.

He/she will also determine the best time to spay or neuter, which can be as early as eight weeks old. Spaying helps protect Kitty from the risk of mammary, uterine and ovarian cancers, and neutering reduces the male’s risk of prostate cancer.  Added bonus: you’ll enjoy a “spray-free” home and less odorous litter box cleanup.

Here Kitty, Kitty

Canines aren’t the only ones who benefit from training. Just like puppy pre-school, kitty etiquette has caught on and you can actually train your cat to come when you call. Plus, if you have more than one kitten, you may need to nip roughhousing behavior in the bud. 

Above all, enjoy every precious moment with the latest member of your extended family!

Kitten Must-Haves

  • Food and water bowls
  • Course-textured 3 ft. high column/post for stretching/scratching
  • Fun, safe toys to promote exercise (e.g., wands, balls, “treat” dispensers)
  • Cat bed lined with a warm blanket or towel
  • A grooming brush/nail clipper
  • Cat carrier
  • ID tag or implanted microchip. Even if Kitty will be queen of the castle, you want to be ready if she sneaks out. A safety collar with an ID tag can bring her home safely.
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Community Stories

5 Puppy Behaviors to Nip in the Bud (And Other Pertinent Puppy Tips!)

This content was originally found on lombardvet.com, and the original article can be found here.

From puppy breath and snuggle seshes to silly selfies and watching them fall asleep right in their food bowls, puppies are, quite frankly, perfection. As veterinarians, however, we always want to make sure that anyone considering taking the puppy plunge understands that, along with all of the good stuff, taking care of puppies can be a lot of work. Not only that, but they are itty bitty balls of energy that require a lot of time and dedication.

It’s not that we don’t want you to enjoy your PuppyPalooza, but we hate when we see them get rehomed for being, well, puppies. But if you’re new to the game, you might not know what’s normal puppy behavior and what’s not. Along with a discussion on that below, we’ll share five puppy behaviors you want to nip in the bud…for your sake and your bitty ball of fur, too!

How can I tell if my puppy has behavior issues?

Your expectations and lifestyle define behavior issues. A behavior that is a problem in one household – such as getting on the furniture – may be welcomed in another. If your pup is practicing behavior that is not ideal in your circumstance, find a way to redirect that energy or reinforce an alternative behavior. Reach out to your veterinarian for help with this.

How much puppy biting is considered normal?

Mouthing and nipping behavior is normal in all puppies….so is peeing wherever they want, unfortunately! The critical question is, what do you want to consider normal in your household? In most situations, we want essentially no mouthing or nipping behavior long-term. The management of the mouthing habit in puppies is vital to a healthy relationship long-term and may be a matter of life and death in some dogs’ lives. Teaching a puppy bite inhibition (or having a soft mouth) is relatively straightforward in most situations. Many veterinarians have helpful handouts on this with guidelines on this process, so be sure to ask.

Why is teaching your puppy how to have a soft mouth so important?

Any dog has the potential to bite in certain situations; for example, if their tail gets closed in the door, if they have an injury out in the woods, or they get startled by a toddler. If a dog has learned bite inhibition as a puppy, they instinctively know how to “pull their punches.” Dogs with good bite inhibition will cause less damage in situations where they reflexively bite.

This bite inhibition is important from a human safety standpoint, but it can become a crucial factor if the dog needs to be rehomed at some point in life. The idea of rehoming your precious pup may be unthinkable right now, but sometimes life changes. A very happy dog with a quiet couple may not adjust well if a baby comes along. We need to set our dogs up for success as much as possible. Dogs that have poor bite inhibition will cause much more severe bites when scared or injured. A serious bite history can be a death sentence for a dog in rescue. It may seem silly to worry about those puppy nibbles, but having a soft mouth is a lesson every puppy needs!

Do all puppies have what’s considered to be a rebellious phase?

The adolescent phase can be a trial in just about any species. This is true for dogs as well. The adolescent phase starts around six months and can last until 2-3 years of age in some dogs. Dog adolescence is a time of testing boundaries, lots of hormonal changes, and often a bit of fear. This mix can lead to many challenges with training and behavior. Surviving the adolescent phase without too much stress can be done with a good training routine, a lot of enrichment, and patience.

How should I discipline my puppy for behaviors that I don’t want to continue?

Discipline or punishment is NEVER the answer. We need to cue and reinforce the behaviors we WANT to see in our pups. Dogs only continue behaviors that work. If we stop (inadvertently, in most cases) reinforcing unwanted behaviors, they will cease eventually. By redirecting to and reinforcing behaviors we want, this extinction of unwanted behaviors will often go away more quickly.

5 Puppy Behaviors to Nip in the Bud

“Good” versus “bad” dog behaviors are a bit of a gray area because, as we mentioned earlier, some behaviors are acceptable in certain families while others are not. There are some puppy behaviors that can be downright dangerous, however, and those are the ones that we want to nip in the bud. Perspectives on this may vary depending on the size and the breed of your puppy.

1. Jumping

Why do puppies and dogs jump on us? In most cases, they want attention and interaction. When we push them away or tell them “No” or “Off”, we’re fulfilling those desires, whether we like it or not. If we want to stop the jumping, we need to give them an alternative. Teach a default sit. This is a foundational behavior that has a million uses – this is just one of them.

When your pup jumps – ignore them. Turn your face or even your whole body away and stay silent until they have all four feet on the floor or even sit. In many cases, a dog with a default sit cue will eventually sit in an attempt to get attention. The MOMENT those feet or the bum hit the ground and stay there for more than a second or so, reinforce!!! (This is why we always need cookies in our pockets.) It’s not going to be pretty or perfect, but in many cases, this is all it takes. Don’t allow your dog to jump up on others, even if they say it is OK. Ask them to turn to the side and ignore the dog. For dogs with a longstanding jumping problem or those that are a bit more stubborn, additional steps may be helpful. Just check in with us or your trainer for some other techniques to build the habit you want. And remember: Punishment never works long-term and will damage your relationship with your pup!

2. Poor Leash Manners

Poor leash manners isn’t a life or death situation, per se, but it can actually be dangerous if your puppy grows into a huge dog and you’re just a tiny human! In general, having an impolite walker is more of a nuisance but, as you can imagine, as dogs get big, bigger, and possibly biggest, this could make for a perilous circumstance if your dog pulls you or, worse, gets off-leash to pursue another dog or a squirrel. Having good leash manners will also help if you are out to keep your dog from jumping up on others. Have your dog sit, you can even step on the leash to keep your dog from jumping up, this will keep them in place for you to either get in front of them to get their attention or to free up your hand so you can have treats ready.

3. Nipping/Mouthing

We’ve covered a bit of this in other topics, but the most dangerous behaviors in puppies are those that can or will affect your relationship long-term, if left unmanaged. The biggest of those would be nipping/mouthing behavior. Early management and intervention is the best thing we can do with any behavior concern. You absolutely cannot check-in enough. Please let us help with anything that comes up!

4. Guarding Behavior

It’s important to understand the difference between guarding and aggression. Guarding is when your dog feels the need to hide or protect what they have, the most common of which are toys and food. They may growl when a person or another pet is near. If left unchecked your dog could develop aggression (lunging and biting) and that is a lot harder to overcome, as it will take professional guidance and a lot of patience.

Avoid tug-o-war with dogs that have guarding behaviors. Have a lot of toys and treats when you are first working with them on guarding. They need to feel comfortable that you won’t take away their toys, and if you do, they need to know that they will get them back. Start off by having the toys close to you, try to stay in the same place, and move slowly. When they drop the toy, give them another toy or a treat, and then give them the toy back. Keep repeating with different toys until your dog becomes comfortable.

If you have another dog in the home, keep the other dog away as you are working with them one on one. Reward your dog when they are allowing the other dog to chew on a toy by either giving them rubs or yummy treats. The message is that they receive good things when their furry sibling is enjoying time with a toy. This is a similar technique to food guarding as well. You can feed them straight from your hand or place handfuls of food in the bowl once they finish and back away, have them wait, and add more food. Having them wait for your OK or release to eat teaches them good manners. If you ever suspect your dog has aggressive behavior, speak to your veterinarian about ways that they can help.

5. Barking

Dogs communicate with you by barking, and letting your puppy know that you are listening is an important part of training and behavior. Letting them know when to be quiet is also part of being a well-behaved dog. This doesn’t mean that you should never let your dog bark, but they should know when it is OK to bark and when it isn’t. Just like with kids, if you let them get away with it, they will continue to do it. You may become immune to the barking but this could be an issue down the road with family, friends, or neighbors.

How soon should I get my puppy into behavior training?

Behavior training such as basic obedience (sit, down, stay) is vital to developing a good line of communication for your puppy, as well as setting clear expectations. Behavior training should start as soon as your pup settles in at home. The much more important aspect of most early training programs is socialization. Any good puppy class will focus most of their time on environmental socialization. Training will also help you and your puppy bond.

The socialization period in puppies lasts from about 3 weeks to 3 months of age. This period is vital for creating a well-rounded and resilient dog. This means that early environmental socialization should be starting while the pup is still with their breeder or foster parent. Early socialization can take place in the form of noises, smells, and textures as well as gentle handling intended to produce very low levels of stress to the pup to help them develop healthy coping mechanisms. As puppies grow and begin entering their adoptive homes, it’s still important to continue this socialization. 70-80% of socialization should be environmental. That means that you should not spend most of your time introducing your pup to other dogs and people. Focus on the world and all the noise, texture, and movement that takes place there. Your payback will be a less fearful, more resilient pup!

The only things most veterinarians would consider truly abnormal behaviors are extreme fear and/or anxiety, signs of aggression (not just playing), or anything that may indicate a medical issue in your puppy such as lethargy, inappetence, circling behavior, pressing their head against a wall, or any sort of vomiting or diarrhea. There’s no way we could list every possible sign of a problem, so never hesitate to call your vet if you have concerns. We’d rather hear from you frequently than have you wait too long when something’s wrong!

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Essentials for your first adventure!

hoshi

Do you have a list of outdoor places that you want to bring your furkid too? If your answer is YES, this article is for you! Here is a list of outdoor essentials that we believe would be very useful for your adventure?️. 

Leash

First on our list, would be leashes. It is very important to have a proper and sturdy leash for your furbaby, as most of the pet-friendly places required them to be leashed.

@pawbulous

If you prefer a leash that is softer and more comfortable for your furkid, be sure to check out Pawbulous’s cloth-based leash. Indulge in Pawbulous’s wide collection of fabrics and they even offer customization for that extra touch.✨

Alternatively, you can opt for biothane leashes for a more sturdy and strong grip on your pet. One of the best parts of having a biothane leash would definitely be, the water and stain proof feature. It is super easy to clean, simply take a wet-wipe and wipe it down when it’s dirty. 

Treats 

Of course on the list would be treats! This item is a must for any furbaby! Treats are definitely critical for any adventures, they are useful to gain your furbaby’s attention especially when there’s distraction around. 

@pawfurry

Check out Pawfurry’s treats?, which come in convenient packs, thus making it easy for you to reward your furbaby without making a mess. 

Use the code pjxpf20 when you check out to receive 20% off your purchase!?

Accessories

Here are some important accessories that you need to bring along for your pet’s adventure.

Poop bags 

Poop-bags are a must-have in your bag as it is super important to clean after your furkid to keep the environment clean. One of our favourite poop bags is from Woofy Goofy, with its biodegradable feature, it can decompose by itself over the span of 6-12 months?. There’s even a cute design on the bag itself! 

@woofygoofy


Quote Pawjourr10 when you check out with Woofy Goofy today!

Poop Bag Holder

For easy access to the poop bags, a poop bag holder would be necessary. There are many poop bags out in the market, however, we really love Josiemamasews’s waterproof poop bag holder. It protects the poop bags and it even has matching scrunchies for hoomums! ?

@josiemamasews

Check out Josiemamasew’s mama shop for more! ?

Water bottle 

You definitely cant miss this item out of your bag. A water bottle is definitely essential for a trip outside as it is super important to keep your pet hydrated at all times! ? Even though some pet-friendly places are open to provide your furkid with a free water bowl, however, it is always good to prepare yourself. 

@shopee

If you’re looking for a good portable water bottle, be sure to check this water bottle out at Shopee! 

That’s all on the list of outdoor essentials that we believe you should bring out on your first trip! We hope that it has been useful and do check out all the local businesses that were featured.

? Keep your eyes peeled on Pawjourr’s website, for more coupons. ?

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Community Stories

What we thought was just a simple cough/cold

Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
*We are no expert, just sharing our journey*

Cough can mean a lot of things; kennel cough, lung problems, heartworm, etc. Can’t be sure what the root cause is unless seeking help from professionals. 

Symptoms

Dusty started with what doesn’t sound like a cough in 2020 mid-December. It sounded like he was trying to exhale out deep from his lung with like a mini bark (sort of like sighing and barking). He only does that when he wanted to bark/is agitated/excited. So we thought it was him trying to express his emotions but in a different way?? 

After ~3weeks, the cough got more frequent and slowly started sounding like hacking coughs. Within ~2 weeks, it got worst and after cough, it always ends with him retching. 

That’s when we felt that something wasn’t right. 

Diagnosis

Went for a vet visit, did X-ray, and found that his lungs were cloudy. No heart murmur was heard, heart looks normal, just 2 fade white spots that can’t conclude or tell what exactly it was. We were given doxycycline and theophylline to help open his airway. But sadly he still cough and 2weeks later a follow-up was done and showed no improvements, which meant that it wasn’t pneumonia/bronchitis. 

A new medication was given, furosemide (water drawing med), which helps to release water in his body and he sure did pee a lot! Good news! It helps to reduce his cough but that also means that it might be the heart that has been causing the build-up of fluid. An echo was then suggested to check on his heart.

Indeed, after the echo, Dr came up with some conclusion:
Stage C CCVHD
Suspected DCM 
No pulmonary hypertension 

Treatment 

He will be on lifetime medication, pimobendan to be taken daily as well as furosemide when the cough gets worse. Medication will be adjusted on how well his body is reacting to it as we monitor his progression and with follow-up echos (1month from the 1st and following once every 3-6 months).

Currently, we are also adding in grain inclusive kibble in his meals to help counter the suspected DCM, which could be diet-associated that has been causing the weakening of the heart muscles. Eventually with careful diet, exercise and medication we hope to help him live more happily and comfortably.

What to take note/I realized or notice 

We have to pay more attention to his breathing rate when he’s at rest to make sure his heart isn’t overworking (If it is, probably need to adjust med), Coughing frequency (if it got worst or not), he might lose appetite just have to take note of that too, making sure to not overload him with too much walk.

After the diagnosis then I became more attentive to what are the little things that changed. Thinking of it I realized, in the past sometimes he would suddenly stand up from his nap/from resting and started panting. But when he goes back to sleep/lies down he stops panting. 

Now that he eats treats/chew that requires more work to bite he would pant afterward. 

Would appreciate it if you could share with us any similar experience you have and what we can do to help make a dog with heart disease live more comfortably. THANK YOU! 🙂

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Community Stories

Is laser pointer bad for dogs?

Everyone loves laser pointers. Although cats are obviously more well known to chase the red dot, many dogs, depending on their breed and personality, also find lasers amusing.

Dogs and Cats love chasing lasers because they move. The movement stimulates their inner predator. Dogs, in particular, have very light-sensitive eyes, which explains their acuity.

Is laser pointer bad for dogs?

IN MY OPINION, there’s no Yes and No answer because It really depends on your dog’s breed and personality. It also depends on your approach. So I guess if you want to play it safe, you can safely assume that it’s bad for your dogs. 

So why is everyone saying that laser pointer is bad for dogs? 

It is not because is bad for their eyes, but many people believe and claims that a game of laser pointer chase can be very frustrating for a dog and can lead to behavioural problems; which is lack of proof.

So the way you play with laser pointer triggers a dog’s prey drive, which means they want to chase it. It’s an unending game with “no closure” for the dog since they can’t ever catch that beam of light, like they can when chasing a toy or food.

Some dogs will continue looking for the light beam after the laser pointer has been put away; this is confusing for your dog because the prey has simply disappeared. This can create obsessive compulsive behaviours like frantically looking around for the light, staring at the last location they saw the light, and becoming reactive to flashes of light (such as your watch face catching the sunlight and reflecting on the wall, or the glare of your tablet screen on the floor). Dogs that exhibit behavioural issues are frustrated, confused, and anxious.

So if laser pointers might have a negative outcome, why do I still use laser toys to play with Kobe occasionally?

When I turn on the laser, MY dog’s hunter instinct is aroused, urging him to run after the light. This keeps him active, healthy, and engaged — a good thing, especially when on days when I am too busy or tired to walk him.

As dog dad, I am totally responsible for the health and wellness of my dogs.

My Kobe have never display any sort of franticness when the light disappear (Yes I know my Kobe better than you do. And if he is distress, I’ll be the first to know), he simply knows that its the end of the game, and goes back to his place to take a nap. 

Even so I do believe that most claims have some truth in it, so you can either avoid it to save you tons of worry and paranoia, or when you turn on the laser pointer next time.

One thing I do is leading Kobe to a toy or even a treat. Sometimes I do hide treats in corners or hidden spaces and land the red dot on the goodies so he found something great, which boost his confidence level too. 

This way, you’re exercising and rewarding your dog at the same time. It can also help provide some “closure” to the chase. 

The main reason why I love the laser pointer for Kobe is to give them some much needed and well-deserved exercise when I don’t have enough time or too tired to walk him. 

Most dogs don’t like to stay at home, by themselves for long periods of time. Laser games can help them to focus their attention in a non-damaging or disruptive way and keep them stimulated and moving.

Pet obesity continues to be a problem and it’s growing. Continued and various forms of activity, including games with lasers and other popular pet toys, keep your dog fit and moving.

  • Don’t point the laser beam directly to your dog’s eyes.
  • Limit game sessions to a few minutes at a time and note if your dog seems to get stressed out by the laser.
  • Complement laser playtime with stimulation from other physical toys and treats.
  • Remember that there’s no toy that can substitute for quality pet/pet parent time. Spend time with your pet 1-on-1 every day.
  • You know what is bad? Its to ignore reactive behaviour and think its ok. or to not entertain your dog because you’re lazy and tired, or allow your dog to socialise when your dog doesn’t have basic puppy manners. Thats bad. 
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Brand Highlights Community Stories

Charity-based local shops

Puzzled on how to help our furfriends who are in shelters? Check out these 3 local businesses who donates their proceeds to support the little ones! 

Pawtraits by Rach

@pawtraits_by_rach

One of the most prominent stores in the community, inspired by their brave doggo @dadathebrave ??, Pawtriats by Rach has become more than a store, it has transformed into a platform where hoomans find inspiration and comfort in dog ownership, especially with senior pups. ✨

Digitally hand-drawn with love, with your choice of art style, where 50% off the proceeds goes to animals welfare support groups.

Contribute to a good cause and buy from Pawtraits by Rach. 

SG Paw Goodies 

@sgpawgoodies

Picky furkid? Fear not! SG Paw Goodies offers a wide range of products from raw goat milk to dehydrated treats. 

Their dehydrated treats are 100% single ingredient and free from any form of additives and preservatives, making it a healthy treat for your furkids. ? They also have gluten-free and low-fat treats such as pretzel, which goes hand-in-hand with their raw goat milk, forming the pawfect match for your furkid’s snack time! 

Other than treats, SG Paw Goodies, also has adorable matchy sets for both the hoomans and furbabies. 

And the best part of SG Paw Goodies? 10% of their proceeds go to @thepaw.co, which has been helping dogs around the world, especially rescue dogs in Bali and Sri Lanka and we are very excited to be working with them to help dogs in Singapore ?

Check them out and support the little ones at the shelter! 

Mako Draws

@mako.draws

Mako Draws doesn’t go unrecognised in the community, with their generosity and passion towards benefitting animal welfare groups. 100% of their proceeds go into contributing to a good cause. Mako hoomum, draws digital pawtriats of your furbabies and you can even transform them into stickers! ?

As we are on the page of contribution, Mako Draws has collaborated with @hoshisheltie and airdriedtreats.pet to launch a charity initiative where 100% of the proceeds will go towards Uncle Khoe’s K9 shelter. 

Check out their charity bundle and support the furkids at the shelters!

As we go about our daily lives, let’s not forgot to spread love to those in need ❤️. What are you waiting for? Check out these 3 local businesses on Pawjourr.

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Looking for a trainer? Start here

If you’re looking for a trainer for your furkid, there are a few things you need to consider –

  1. What category of training are you looking for

There is a variety of training available – puppy training, basic obedience training, behaviour modification etc. Before selecting a trainer, know what type of training you are looking for and proceed to look for trainers that offers/specialises in that type of training.

2. What method of training are you comfortable with?

In dog training, there are different types of training methods – Positive Reinforcement, E-collar, Balanced Training etc. Our advise would be to do your research & find trainers who use methods that you are comfortable with.

With these answers in mind, now you can start to look for a trainer for your furkid! In this article, Pawjourr has consolidated a list of recommended trainers that you can consider based on the different training categories & methods.

K9 Kampong

K9 Kampong

K9 Kampong trainer & founder, Su Lin, has a wealth of experience in dog training stemming from her many years of working & living with dogs. She is an AVS accredited dog trainer and is on the Project ADORE trainer’s panel for all 5 AVS endorsed Rehoming Partners.

K9 Kampong offers basic obedience & socialisation classes, puppy training workshops & behaviour modification training. They believe in using force-free, positive only methods in their training programs.

For dogs who require Project ADORE certification, K9 Kampong offers the obedience classes & certification.

Check them out here for more information

Wooga!

Wooga!

Wooga specialises in their 14 days Board & Train program that guarantees a number of obedience commands. They also offer services such as Daycare, Boarding, Handstripping and other unique training programs. 

The foundation of their training is based on creating a balanced relationship and unbreakable bond with the dog with clear communications and a solid foundation. Wooga uses markers and low level E-collar stimulation focusing on effective communication, motivation, enhancing and creating confident and balanced dogs.

They are the only training program in Singapore that guarantees results in a short 14 day period.

Check them out here for more information

Fuwang Dog Training

Fuwang Dog Training

At Fuwang Dog Training, they believe that all dogs can be trained with education & building a solid partnership between owners and their dogs.

Fuwang trained overseas extensively under the guidance of 2 Times World Champion Dog Trainer Ivan Balabanov. He believes that dog training is an art which one must constantly upgrade his knowledge.

Fuwang Dog Training offers services such as Puppy Assessment, Behaviour Modification, Basic Obedience & Extensive In-Depth Rehabilitation.

They are recognised for their behaviour modification & rehabilitation programs.

Check them out here for more information

Puppy Colours

Puppy Colours is a dog training school in Singapore that teaches dog owners to teach their dogs using methods based on behavioural science using positive signals and positive reinforcement. Their training focuses on real-life & social skills and problem prevention along with basic training skills.

Puppy Colours nurtures thinking dogs to make good decisions. They teach them what to do instead of telling them what not to do by finding things that motivates the dog and use that to encourage them to make good decisions.

Focusing on nurturing puppies into becoming a happy and well-mannered member of the family, Puppy Colours is known for their puppy training. They also group classes, private lessons & behaviour modification.

Check them out here for more information

Hop over to Pawjourr here to check out more trainers & their reviews.

Categories
Brand Highlights Community Stories

The Grateful Pet Redefines Food, Nourishment and Health Standards for Dogs

SINGAPORE (9 March 2021) – Bolstered by a year-on-year increase in demand for their fresh dog food, The Grateful Pet (formerly known as The Grateful Dog), a pet nutrition company founded in 2017 introduces two new ranges of ready-to-feed frozen food for canines packed with premium superfoods and nutritious ingredients, available either gently cooked or raw. Each meal is high in lean animal-based protein and boosted with functional Asian and Western superfoods.

Gently Cooked Dog Food Chicken Recipe

Targeted at modern pet owners who are on the go and want the best for their pets, the range of hassle-free meals takes out the guesswork involved in preparing fresh meals at home.  All recipes are calibrated to be nutritionally balanced and complete for dogs according to AAFCO guidelines. Ready in under three minutes, pet owners simply need to feed the number of pouches based on their dog’s weight as the daily caloric requirements are already accounted for.

Meals are made with 100% natural whole foods

Flat packed for easy freezer storage, The Grateful Pet meals are made with 100% natural wholefoods, with each ingredient clearly labelled so that pet owners can feed their companions with an absolute ease of mind.

How did the company start

The Grateful Dog has since been renamed to The Grateful Pet.

Founded by two friends who are passionate animal lovers, what began as a simple search for home-prepared recipes for their dogs, Lucy and Clash, sent the pair on a personal quest to create the healthiest and most irresistible meals for their best friends to enjoy. This served as the catalyst for The Grateful Dog in 2017, a fresh dog food company established in Singapore offering gently cooked meals. In 2021, The Grateful Dog was renamed The Grateful Pet to reflect the company’s expanded nutritional offerings for both dogs and cats.

8 Flavors For You To Choose From

There is a total of 8 flavours to choose from

All ingredients are responsibly sourced from reputable human-grade suppliers and prepared on an AVS-certified premise to ensure the quality of each meal.

The Grateful Pet product range includes:

  • Gently cooked Dog Food (8 flavors)
    Each box contains 8 pouches of the same flavor x 250g (total 2kg). Prices start from $38/box.
    Salmon & Sardine, Grass-fed Beef, Cage-free Chicken, Cage-free Duck, Grass-fed Venison, Free-range Lamb, Wild Kangaroo, Crate-free Pork
  • Raw Dog Food (7 flavours)

Each box contains 8 pouches of the same flavor x 250g (total 2kg). Prices start from $39/box.
Grass-fed Beef, Cage-free Chicken, Cage-free Duck, Grass-fed Venison, Free-range Lamb, Wild Kangaroo, Crate-free Pork

Feeding guide

As a way of giving back to the animal shelter community in Singapore, proceeds from each sale are donated through The Grateful Give Back—the company’s community outreach arm, to Causes for Animals Singapore.

Are your tails wagging already?

To learn more about The Grateful Pet and to place an order, visit https://thegratefulpet.sg or check out their store listing on Pawjourr here.

Pet owners can enjoy 10% off their first a la carte purchase with a discount code < DROOL >. The offer is valid till 3 June 2021. (EXPIRED)

This article is written by Jane Peh.

Categories
Brand Highlights Community Stories

#Puppyhood Training Treats

Hands up if your puppy works for the food, because mine definitely does ??‍♀️ Training is essential because it sets the foundation for puppies on how to act when they become an adult — especially if you have a husky like me (who is going to grow up to 35kg in the future), it’s definitely important to teach commends like sit – down – stay.

& what more to encourage these little pups than some treats and rewards for their good behavior? We’ve tried different treats and these are some of our favorites. A note that Oolong is extremely food-motivated and not fussy when it comes to food; so definitely check out Pawjourr’s sampling program to redeem free samples before committing to the full-sized products!

01. Instinct Pet Raw Boost

  • An old pencil drawing of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza sitting on their horses, by Wilhelm Marstrand.
Product packaging vs. Product size

Why I’m in love with this product ?

  • I’m super impressed with the entire process of manufacturing Instinct Pet! This brand is from the USA and uses High-Pressure Processing (aka HPP) to create extreme cold pressure for extreme food safety with pure, cold water—no heat, no chemicals, and no preservatives needed.
  • I’ve heard of horror stories of other freeze-dried brands containing worms and it just scares me; with Instinct, I’m really confident about the quality — also because it’s premium and pricey lah.
  • During walks, you are going to be really busy (all the distractions — smells, noises, pulling etc). The last thing you want is your hand being all sticky and gross (did it with his kibbles and urgh) — I like that the raw boosters are of a just-nice size and most importantly, DRY. So i will just pop into Oolong’s mouth when he is behaving well!

Some consideration points ?

  • With puppies, you will need LOTS of treats. Instinct can get a little pricey — selling at $25.90 for 156g on their Shopee’s store. If you are looking to try, you can opt for the smaller packs first to try out different variants and deciding which is your pup’s favourite.

?? Buy Instinct Raw Boost @ https://shopee.sg/pawjourr. Check out our coupon page for discount codes!

02. ZiwiPeak Good Dog Trainings

Ziwi Good Dog Rewards (85g)

Why I’m in love with this product ?

  • Definitely on the calories. It’s advertised to be a nutritious training reward under 6 calories each. I think this is really the main reason why I decided to get this product .. (perhaps also for the free snuggle mat they packaged together previously — please do not buy that dumb bundle set it’s bullshit for $48).
  • The size of the treat — i can’t really show you because i didn’t take a photo, but it’s shaped as a rectangle. Usually when your pup gets very excited, they might “bite” the treat and accidentally chomp on your hand – but because of the way the treat is shaped (in a long way), it helps that you get some “safe space” LOL especially if the teeth super sharp ah.

Some consideration points ?

  • To be honest, there are no consideration points but I guess because Ziwipeak has always been just … that brand that is not bad, I also don’t really see any unique factors that make me stick to them (?) Granted their price is not expensive — selling $15.90 for the lamb on their Shopee here but yeah like it’s just another brand lor.
  • I don’t really know what’s the “unique selling point” of Ziwipeak … so I bought it once and didn’t buy it again cause I felt super cheated by the dumb bundle set LOL.

?? Buy Ziwi Good Dog Treats @ https://shopee.sg/yappypets. Check out our coupon page for discount codes!

03. Wagg Puppy & Junior Treats

https://waggfoods.com/dogs/treats/

Why I’m in love with this product/brand ?

  • I know this is BS but OMG — can someone please give this design agency a pay raise?! I’m in LOVE with Wagg’s new packaging, website and everything just says YES to me when i walk into Pet lovers centre! Long story short, i was shopping for some training treats for Oolong because obviously I wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was — walked into PLC and the packaging just caught my eyes.
  • It’s definitely wallet-friendly (going at $4.00 for 1 packet over at PLC Shopee’s page here) but also that the products are categorized nicely into puppies – sensitive – low fat for me already, which I find very thoughtful and convenient for first-timer like me.
  • The biscuits are also a nice mix-up from the meat and freeze-dried food; though i must say that Oolong focus is much lesser when i use these as training treats.

Some consideration points ?

  • Yes, the treats are made in the USA but if you take a closer look at the ingredients, it might not be something you want to feed daily / a lot on a long-term basis. To be honest, I’m not against carbs or must die die only feed “single-ingredient treat”. I believe that my dog can eat everything, albeit in moderation — you everyday eat veggie also not enough nutrition right????
  • I’ve since stopped buying these though because Oolong has “upgraded” his palate to eat meat only (he started saying NO to these after 3 – 4 packets — woah free things still wanna be choosy ah). But all in all, I think it’s a great treat to mix up with the other food!

?? Buy Wagg Treats @ https://shopee.sg/petloverscentresg. Check out our coupon page for discount codes!

04. Dehydrated Treats

I have so many brands which I want to recommend, but here are just some of my favourites — maybe also because I know the owner personally! ☺️

Why I’m in love with dehydrated treats ?

  • Depending on what you buy — e.g. Chicken is really easy to break into smaller pieces during walks.
  • As I feed Oolong lots of treats during training, knowing that I’m feeding him non-commercialized treats does assure me to a certain extent that he is not just eating “junk food”.
  • Single-ingredient treats so I know that nothing goes in — it’s just 100% protein. Balance is key.

Some consideration points ?

  • Short shelf life. Since dehydrated treats are all-natural, it is important to note that their shelf life might not be as long as your commercial treats.
  • Takes time to deliver. If you are looking for something fast, you can pop into any of the pet shop to pick up your pack of treats. But if you are looking at dehydrated treats, you will need to wait for delivery which can take 3 – 5 working days.
  • Potential scammers. Yes, there are people who are out there to take advantage and I’ve heard of businesses who “MIA” after collecting payment. Make sure you do you research to avoid being cheated!
  • Eventually, all dehydrated treats are more or less the same. This is why it can be difficult to differentiate between brand A vs. brand B.

IN SUMMARY,

This is why we created a new category under pawjourr to help brands stand out from the crowd with reviews and coupons for customers to try. Often, pet owners will just buy from a “bigger” brand because #safe, #everyonebuysfromthem and #ionlyknowthem. I understand that, but maybe we need to give the new brands a chance too!

?? Head over to Pawjourr and leave a review for the brands whom you have tried before. Customer testimonials matter and your feedback (be it positive or negative) will also help other pet owners make an informed choice!

I hope this article gives you a brief idea on where to start looking for training treats for your puppies. Remember —

✅ Dry and doesn’t make your fingers dirty when it touches saliva.

✅ Low calorie — also check ingredients if you know you are going to be a treat dispenser.

✅ Switch up protein; I like to do Chicken, Pork, Lamb, Beef, Kangaroo, etc because I’ve heard of dogs developing certain health issues when they just stick to eating 1 protein (may/may not be true).

✅ Keep within your budget, no need to go broke buying expensive treats just for the Instagram game. It’s your pet — it’s not your followers’ pet.

Do check out our new categories — home-based biz and the coupon page and comment below what do you think! ??‍♀️

Categories
Community Stories

Separation Anxiety Dog Training – Training Them to be Alone

Article originally published on SitStay. Refer to the original article here. Article written by Jessica Mabie.

What is Separation Anxiety?

Dogs with separation anxiety experience stress, confusion, and tension. Separation anxiety manifests when a dog is insecure when left alone and is separated from their human.

There are varying separation anxiety levels that dogs can experience, from mild whining to extreme behaviors like destroying their surroundings. Symptoms associated with separation anxiety include:

  • Drooling and panting: When dogs experience extreme anxiety, they may pant and or drool excessively.
  • Crying, barking, or whining: Dogs will display persistent crying, barking, or howling when separated from their family.
  • Urinating or defecating: Dog with separation anxiety will have absence when left alone, even though they are housebroken.
  • Destructive behavior: Dogs with severe separation anxiety will dig or chew on furniture or exit points such as doors, window sills, or other accessible objects. This behavior is not only destructive but can also be dangerous and cause injury to your dog.
  • Escaping: Some dogs will attempt to flee their home, yard, or crate to find their humans.
  • Pacing: Pacing often at the door their human used to leave is a common habit seen in dogs with separation anxiety.
  • Stress colitis: Dogs who experience prolonged stress from separation anxiety may even begin to suffer from colitis. Colitis is inflammation in the large bowel resulting in diarrhea.

Separation Anxiety – The Difference Between Dogs and Humans

Dogs and humans are very different when it comes to what feels natural when separated. Humans grow up to be independent to leave their parent’s home.

It feels natural for humans to leave to go to the store, out to dinner, work, and even on vacation. It feels unnatural and uncomfortable for most humans to stay home all the time, as seen in today’s world of social distancing and quarantine.

On the flip side, dogs are pack animals. Pack animals do almost everything together, from hunting, sleeping, eating, and even rearing their young. Though there are a few times that the pack may separate, they often do so in groups, rarely leaving any of them completely alone.

Pack animals find a sense of security together, it is easier to hunt together, and there is safety in numbers. And though our dogs no longer need that same security to survive, it is an ingrained behavior.

Separation Anxiety Dog Training

Whenever anyone gets a new dog, they focus on housetraining, recall, sit, and down, but often overlooked is training your dog to be okay when left alone. Proactive training to avoid separation anxiety is always the best choice when possible.

However, every situation is different, and dogs may develop separation anxiety for various reasons. One of the common reasons dogs suffer from separation anxiety is if they were previously abandoned. These dogs are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety in their new home until they become more confident.

Below are some different ways to help your dog get over separation anxiety.

What is Dog Training for Dogs with Separation Anxiety?

Dog training dogs with separation anxiety is about changing how a dog feels about being left alone. Training helps dogs associate feelings of calm and confidence instead of anxiety and fear when the owners leave.

Training aids your dog in understanding that when you leave, you will also come back. Training also helps dogs acclimate to being alone and shows your dog it’s safe for them to be on their own.

Separation anxiety training is about building trust between canine and human and teaching a dog how to live in a human world. Additionally, separation anxiety training helps build on the amount of time your dog can be left alone.

How to Train a Dog with Separation Anxiety

First and foremost, your dog must receive proper exercise before you leave the house. Dogs who are full of energy will not be content being left alone for hours on end. So, the first step in training is to drain that energy before you even step foot out of your house.

The second most important factor is your behavior and energy. Do you feel bad about leaving your dog? Nervous or anxious? Dogs pick up on our feelings and energy. If we are putting off nervous or tense vibes, your dog feels that, but they do not know why; instead, they just know something is wrong.

So be sure when you leave your dog that you are calm and confident. Do not become excited or go through a big goodbye routine. Instead, grab your wallet or purse and leave the house. When coming home, do not enter your home with exciting energy; instead, be calm, the same as you were when you left. You want to teach your dog that leaving and returning is not a big deal.

Next, it is all about baby steps. Start with teaching your dog to comfortable staying behind when you leave a room. To do this, you will want to find a focal point for them to wait on. It can be anything like a bed, mat, or training table. Put your dog on their focal point and take a step away, then come back and reward. Be sure you are rewarding calmly; this is a low energy exercise.

Never call your dog off the focal mat; instead, use a release command. With time build on this exercise with greater distance and duration.

Note this is not where your dog will stay in your absence; you are teaching your dog to be calm and confident being away from you. Your dog does not need to sit or lie down; your dog only needs to be relaxed.

Another thing to work on when training a dog is desensitizing them to their trigger points. Suppose your dog starts to show signs of anxiety when you put on your jacket, shoes, or touch the doorknob to leave. You will want to desensitize this action, meaning you need to remove any value that this action has to your dog.

Key Takeaways to Your Dogs Separation Anxiety

All too often, humans unintentionally trigger separation anxiety in their dogs, either by not teaching them to be alone in the beginning, creating too much nervous energy when leaving or by not providing enough exercise before leaving the house.

The great news is that many dogs can overcome separation anxiety with training.

However, in severe cases of separation anxiety, it is best if you seek the professional help of a dog behaviorist or veterinarian to aid you and your dog.