Tag: tips

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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.

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Community Stories

Raising Your Puppy: 6 Tips To Help With Housetraining

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

Few things can put a damper on the joy of bringing a new puppy into your home than unwanted accidents. If you are looking for ways to housetrain your puppy, you are not alone.

There are lots of ways to potty train your new puppy, and the good news is your puppy definitely wants to learn! Before you let your pooch get full run of the house, make sure to teach them the house rules and avoid accidents.https://27e34e16f580062fadce6db47bb2a679.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Training a puppy to do tricks, to not chew up your things, and not to have accidents isn’t as difficult as it may feel. Yes, it can be a daunting task, but you can do it!

Here are all the things you need to think about as you start housetraining your new puppy.

1. Confinement May Seem Like A Punishment, But It Will Help

Healthy Bernese Mountain Dog Puppies for sale in outdoor playpen

(Picture Credit: Laura Fay/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

For many, the thought of restricting a brand new puppy to a certain area of the house or a crate may feel awful. Hearing your pup cry out can definitely put your willpower to the test, but keeping your dog in a small enough area will quickly teach them not to relieve themselves inside.

Confinement training is effective for a multitude of reasons. Your puppy will not want to relieve themselves in a small space they can’t leave.

Crate or confinement training also helps keep your puppy safe. For example, if you are not home and let your puppy get free reign of the house, they could get into something toxic or get stuck somewhere.

Eventually, with proper training, your pup will come to consider that space as their own, personal territory. It will be a safe place for them to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed or just want some peace and quiet.

You may find them taking a nap there by choice before long, and they may even prefer it to your human furniture when looking for a resting spot.

2. As Soon As You Let Your Pup Out Of Confinement, Take Them Outside

Lovely smart puppy Border Collie nature, training, agility.

(Picture Credit: Levente Bodo/Moment/Getty Images)

When you first start crate or confinement training your puppy, you may want to play with them as soon as you let them out. Before introducing your puppy to their new favorite toy, take them outside and have them relieve themselves.

Use a command word, like “potty,” “outside,” or whatever works for you to signal to your puppy that it’s time to go out and relieve themselves. Even if you have a gated backyard, you should start with your puppy on a leash so they know it is time to eliminate and not to play.

If you’re home with your puppy throughout the day, you should still keep them in either a doggy playpen or a crate unless you are able to keep all of your attention on them. Let your puppy out every one to two hours to make sure they aren’t sitting in their confined space with a full bladder or bowels.

3. Reward Them Generously

A woman is training her puppy on a field at sunset.

(Picture Credit: Paula Danielse/Moment/Getty Images)

Keep some small treats on you whenever you let your puppy outside to go to the bathroom.

Once they successfully eliminate, be sure to heavily praise and reward them. Your puppy will quickly associate the positive reinforcement they get with relieving themselves outside, and they’ll get the idea that they’re supposed to go potty there.

4. Avoid Yelling At Them If You Find An Accident

Golden retriever puppy looking guilty from his punishment

(Picture Credit: Alex Sokolov/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

If you leave your puppy in their crate and you return home to a soiled situation, resist the urge to shove your pup’s nose in it or yell at them.

Your puppy will not associate the punishment with the act of soiling, as you did not catch them in the act. Yelling at your puppy could actually lead to the opposite effect of housetraining–they could start submissive urination to prove to you that they aren’t a threat.

They could also develop neurotic behavior, like hiding or even eating their poop to avoid punishment.

5. You Can Use Turf To Train Your Puppy Indoors

Puppy makes for the first time in the garden

(Picture Credit: Dieter Meyrl/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

If you live in a five-story walk-up or you get a puppy when it is freezing cold outside, it may be difficult to let your puppy out every couple hours. This doesn’t mean you can’t still successfully train your puppy how to relieve themselves outside.

Set up a space–be it in a mudroom, in the corner of their playpen, or near the back door–that you can designate for your puppy to use the restroom. There are pee pads made of turf that can help your puppy transition from relieving themselves inside to doing so outside.

6. Putting Your Puppy On A Sleep Schedule Can Help, Too

Dalmatian puppy is peeing on the tiled floor of its owners home.

(Picture Credit:SolStock/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Now, you won’t be able to magically dictate when your puppy falls asleep and wakes up, but in order to make sure your puppy is able to grow into a dog who can relieve themselves on your schedule, you’re going to want to set up a routine for your pup.

For example, puppies usually need to urinate within half a minute or so of waking up. If you want to get some things done in the morning before walking your pup, perhaps they should sleep in their confined space–not in your room–so they don’t wake up as soon as you do.

Conversely, many people find that walking their puppies first thing in the morning helps keep them from hitting the snooze button half a dozen times, so you may want your pup to sleep in the same room as you.

It may take some trial and error, but you and your pup will find a groove in terms of relieving themselves in the proper manner. By taking your puppy out at the same times throughout the day–moreso at first, and then slowly weening them to every four to six hours instead of every hour–they will know when they can expect to go outside and relieve themselves.

Dogs thrive on structure, and this will help stabilize your relationship with your puppy as well.

Do you have any tips or tricks on how to housetrain a puppy? Any frustrations you encountered? Let us know in the comments below!

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5 local businesses with exclusive coupons!

In the spirit of celebrating Pawjourr’s new coupon page, we will be highlighting some awesome deals from our list of local businesses, that you can enjoy and redeem through Pawjourr! ? With up to 20% off your total bill and even free bows, you would be able to spoil your furkids without breaking the bank. ?  

Let’s find out what these 5 local budding brands have got to offer!

Waggy Affair Pet Treats 

@waggyaffair.sg

It’s hard not to notice Waggy Affair with their insanely adorable CEO – tobithespitz ?, who inspired his hoomans to start this business. It all began when Tobi was evidently consuming more water after the consumption of commercial treats, which led founders to question the level of preservatives and sodium content in such treats.

Hence, Waggyaffair was the solution to provide healthier options for Tobi!

Their treats are made from human-grade ingredients, with no added preservatives, making it the pawfect treat for your little ones✨.

From Krispy Chicken to Beef Liver Thins, you’re sure to find a hit at Waggy Affair Pet Treats. They even have artisanal treats such as Herby Apple Chicken and Fruity Turmeric Pork! ?

Try out their treats today and check out with PAWJOURR10 to enjoy 10% off your total bill!

Staple Crafts 

@staplecraft

Noticed the gorgeous lilac collar which was part of Pawjourr’s CNY contest prize, last month?

Beautifully crafted by Staple Crafts Co., this handmade Biothane collar is sure to turn heads during walkies! ? Staple Crafts offers handmade accessories including leashes and harnesses which are made of Biothane material that is water and stain-proof. They even offer custom orders for the creative hoomans who need an extra touch. ✨

Be sure to check out their braided classic leashes and make them a staple in your everyday lives!

Snacclikemad 

@snacclikemad

If your furkid loves cookies and puffs, they will definitely enjoy some treatos from Snacclikemad! Specialized in making flour-based treats, such as peanut butter cookies and yogurt puffs, they believe that such treats can be yummy and addictive all while maintaining their nutritional value!

With 20% off your total bill when you quote PJXSLM20, it’s time to allow your furkids to snack like mad for some cheat day fun. ?

Pup Tribe 

@puptribe

Looking for stylish gears for your furkids? Look no further. ?

Carefully curated and designed, Puptribe has the perfect lightweight and strong gear for your pup’s next adventure. ⛰

Check out their best seller – Coastal Cove Collar which features crashing ocean waves to highlight the adventurous spirit of your little ones!

#JoinTheTribe today! Enjoy 10% off your purchase with PAWJOURR10.

The Sunday Pup 

@thesundaypup

Looking for some accessories to dress up your furkid? ?

Handcrafted with high-quality fabric and excellent workmanship, your furkid will surely enjoy wearing these beautiful pieces from The Sunday Pup.

Besides accessories, The Sunday Pup offers curated lifestyle products such as snuffle pets and toys for your furkids too!

Check them out now and remember to quote PAWJOURRSUNDAY for 10% off your total bill.

Looking for more great deals?

Check out Pawjourr’s newly added coupon page now!

? Happy shopping, Happy saving!?

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The first night with your new puppy

puppy

Article originally published on Yummypets. Written by Clarie Aert. Refer to the original article here.

The first night with your new puppy can be challenging, not least because you want to snuggle them and protect them from their fears. However, managing the first night is crucial and can define the base of their education and life with you.

The first night with your new puppy is both exciting and challenging. From feelings of enormous love and delight with the newest addition to your family, to managing their fears in their new environment, it’s important to remember some longer-term objectives about how you want them to assimilate. And what kind of relationship you want with them in the future!

The first night with your new puppy

Come night time, both you and your new puppy will probably want to snuggle together and sleep in the same bed. In fact, they’re likely to cry and moan if they’re not cuddled up with you. It’s probably the first night they’ve spent in a new environment, away from their mother and siblings. And it’s likely to make you feel immense guilt not responding to their cries.

However, it’s important to respect two fundamental rules in ensuring your puppy adapts well to its new life and home, by 1. Not giving in when it counts, and 2. Providing your puppy with a safe, quiet and cosy environment for them to spend the night.

Learning to say no

You are in charge of your new puppy and the relationship you build together. Therefore, it is your job to guide and educate them just as much as you provide them with love, food and shelter.

While giving treats and spoiling your puppy from time time is okay (after all, there’s nothing more wonderful than giving back to our fur friends), it’s also very common for owners to spoil their new puppy and give in to their every need.

A loving, safe and comfortable environment is most certainly the primary objective when adopting a new puppy. However, if you don’t set some boundaries when they are little, they won’t understand why they are unable to do certain things that they once could – even if only from time to time.

This can be very confusing for the animal as they grow up and can lead to various behavioural problems. So it’s important to be firm but kind from the start.

A cozy corner

The place you settle your puppy’s bed for the first night must be comfortable, secure and quiet. Make sure they are able to bury themselves under blankets and pillows to feel warm and protected.

If available to you, you can leave them with a blanket with the smell of their mother or the place they used to live. Even an item of your clothing with your smell on it will be familiar to them.

You may also like to provide them with a stuffed animal on which they can chew if they’re feeling stressed. A ticking clock placed nearby may even help to remind them of their mother’s and sibling’s heartbeat.

So, find the perfect place for your new puppy, shower them with unconditional love at all times, and be the parent they need and want you to be so you can build the most rewarding, wonderful relationship possible.

Now go snuggle that pup of yours!

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Help Your Cat Beat the Heat

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Franny Syufy. Refer to the original article here.

You know the drill: the sun is blinding, relentlessly beating down like something out of an old Western movie. If you don’t have air conditioning, you seek out shady spots and sigh in relief from the slightest breeze, otherwise, you huddle inside. If you stay in the sun too long you may become dizzy, have heart palpitations, and increased internal temperature, all signs of impending heat exhaustion.

Consider this: before you ever reach that point, your cat may also be showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Although heat stroke is more commonly discussed in dogs, because of people’s propensity to leave them in parked cars, cats can be affected too. Cats can’t always tell you they’re not feeling up to par, but they sure can show you. Early symptoms of heat stroke and the accompanying dehydration are:

  • Panting
  • Anxiety, possibly demonstrated by pacing
  • Increased heartbeat
  • Respiratory distress or hyperventilation (Breeds with flat noses, such as Persians, may exhibit this earlier because of compromised airways.)
  • Dark red gums
  • Lethargy
  • Increased internal body temperature Your cat’s internal temperature should be between 100.5 and 101.5 F. A temperature of 104 For more is a definite warning sign.

How to Help Your Cat Avoid Heatstroke

You can help your cat survive extremely hot weather by keeping him indoors in a cool interior room. Rubbing him down with a damp towel will help; so will immersing his feet in a tub of cool water. Wrapping a cold compress under the cat’s neck will also help cool him off. He may fight at first, but most likely will appreciate it once he gets used to the idea. Try wrapping a plastic bag of frozen peas in a towel, and place in his bed for a cool spot to lie. The peas will rearrange themselves to fit his contours and he’ll have a “custom spa” for cooling off.

Drying the cat
 Jill Ferry Photography / Getty Images

Provide Fresh Cool Water

The optimum water bowl is an automatic water dispenser. There is a variety of them on the market, but after testing many over the years, I have returned time and again to my favorite, the Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain I have three of them in my home – one in the dining room, one in my bedroom and one in my son’s bedroom. As anyone who has ever dipped a toe in a mountain spring knows, fresh, flowing water stays naturally cool.

Lacking an automated fountain, make sure your cat has several bowls of cool water available. It doesn’t hurt to drop an ice cube in once in a while, not only to cool the water but to pique kitty’s interest in drinking.

Strangely enough, cats affected by external heat may refuse to drink water, exacerbating the problem of dehydration, so you may want to “force” water by using an eyedropper or syringe. Be careful not to shoot the water down his throat as it can enter his lungs and/or cause choking. Just dribble a drop or two at a time in the corner of his mouth, which will help hydrate him and draw his interest to drinking on his own.

If your cat exhibits any of the signs above that lead you to think he is suffering heat exhaustion, cool him down as quickly as possible by immersing him in cool water, and then wrapping him with wet towels. Then get him to the veterinarian immediately. This is a serious, potentially fatal condition.

Cat Drinking Water From Metallic Bowl In Back Yard
 Friederike Von Gilsa / EyeEm / Getty Images

Sunburn

White cats, or cats with white ears and faces, are particularly susceptible to sunburn. Over a period of time, repeated exposure to the sun can cause squamous cell carcinoma, cancer found most often on the tips of the ears and nose. Early signs are a sore that does not heal, or that bleeds. My own introduction to squamous cell carcinoma was with our beloved little white cat, Arthur, who died of it at 18 years. Because of her age, we were reluctant to allow either surgery or chemotherapy, the two treatments of choice, and she passed on about three months after being diagnosed.

White cats should be kept out of the direct sun as much as possible, and if they must be in the sun, you can help them prevent sunburn by using a sunscreen on their ears and noses. Your veterinarian can recommend one which will not be harmful if ingested.

The sun is a powerful giver of life and still worshiped by people all over the world, but it is not always your cat’s best friend. Be aware of his condition on sweltering summer days, and if you have any doubts at all, get him to the veterinarian immediately. You are your cat’s first line of defense with health issues.

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This article is meant only to give you a starting place to do your own research so you can make an informed decision, should it ever become necessary.

White cat lazing on white shelf in the sunshine.
 Moggy / Getty Images

If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet’s health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.

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6 Home Remedies for Fleas on Cats

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Jennifer Lesser. Refer to the original article here.

Fleas can be a natural (and unpleasant) part of life with a pet. Fortunately, between over-the-counter sprays, powders, and flea collars, there are endless solutions to help eradicate a flea problem in your home. However, while commercial flea medications and treatments can certainly help tame a flea problem in your cat, there are also an array of do-it-yourself approaches that cat owners can take to banish the bugs without the use of chemicals or potential side effects to your cat or other members of your family. If you’ve already had a consultation with your veterinarian regarding your feline flea problem, here are some at-home remedies you can try that may help get rid of your cat’s flea problem for good.

Before trying any of these at-home remedies on your cat, consult your veterinarian, who will know best which route you should take.

Cedar Chips

It’s a known fact that fleas hate the smell of cedar chips—and there’s a chance your cat may not be too fond of it, either. However, you can try spreading cedar chips around your cat’s bedding or outdoors in your garden. You can also apply cedar oil spray on your cat’s fur, as it is a safe, non-toxic essential oil, or put a few drops on a banana peel or even your cat’s collar to help keep the bugs at bay.

Lemons

One of the most effective natural flea killers is citric acid, which makes lemon juice a widely-recognized home remedy for treating fleas. You can spray your cat’s coat with a solution made by boiling a cut lemon or two (let the lemons steep for a few hours) and then draining the liquid before transferring it to a spray bottle. Work the solution gently into your car’s fur—just be sure to avoid his or her eyes, and monitor your pet for redness or other signs of irritation—and repeat the treatment as often as needed until the fleas are gone entirely.

If your cat hates water—as most cats do—you can also try using a comb dipped into the solution and brushing the fleas out. If you’re concerned about any leftover fleas and flea eggs, add a cup of lemon juice to your laundry while washing your pet’s bedding to help exterminate any remaining bugs.

Spices

One of the easiest things you can do for a flea-infested cat is to spice up their life with natural ingredients you might find in your kitchen. Because of a natural compound known as carvacrol, oregano oil can be very effective at removing fleas; start by mixing one teaspoon of oregano oil with three teaspoons of olive oil and apply small amounts of the solution to areas where fleas tend to congregate, like your cat’s ears, stomach, tail, and neck. Fleas also don’t particularly care for rosemary; try grinding the leaves into a powder and sprinkling it in the areas where your cat tends to hang out in your home.

If your cat won’t allow you to apply topical treatments to his or her fur, you can try mixing a small amount (less than a teaspoon) of cumin into your cat’s food. The spice will make your cat’s skin become very unappetizing to fleas.

If you don’t have any of these spices on hand, a little bit of table salt can also do the trick, as it helps dehydrate and kill the fleas on your cat. Better yet, it works to kill fleas and flea eggs that may be lurking in your carpet (just sprinkle it on), or when mixed with water, it can be used to treat hard surfaces.

Warning

These spices are a safe alternative to garlic powder, which can be toxic to cats in large doses.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Another grocery store product that fleas don’t particularly enjoy is apple cider vinegar. While it’s not effective at killing the bugs, apple cider vinegar can cause fleas to jump from your cat’s body so that you can better tackle the issue, making it a great first attack in your personal war against fleas. Try mixing the apple cider vinegar with water in a 2:1 ratio and spraying it onto your cat’s coat. Fleas can be a stubborn bunch, so you may have to undergo a few home treatments of applying the vinegar to your cat’s fur in order to become completely flea-free.

You’ll also want to be sure to vacuum all floors and upholstery (and immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag), wash all bedding in hot water, and consider removing pet food bowls, bird feeders, garbage cans and any other sources of food from your yard so as to not attract wildlife who can re-infect your pet.

Dish Soap

Believe it or not, even the most gentle formulations of dish soap have proven to be very effective at exterminating fleas. The dish soap breaks down the flea’s exoskeleton and kills them within minutes, even after it’s been diluted in water. Simply wet your cat’s coat—a spray bottle will do the trick— and gently lather the dish soap into his or her fur (focusing on areas that fleas tend to hide) before rinsing.

To use dish soap to trap and kill fleas that have made your home their permanent residence, you can try filling a shallow dish with warm, soapy water and placing it close to a source of light. They’ll be drawn towards the light and drown in the liquid.

Lavender and Chamomile

A gentle way to soothe your pet’s skin—and maybe even help him or her take a little cat nap—lavender is actually a powerful, fast-acting agent against fleas. In fact, some studies have shown that formulas containing diluted lavender were just as effective at killing fleas as commercial chemical sprays. To put lavender to good use in your home, let fresh lavender steep in water overnight before straining the liquid and spraying it onto your cat’s coat (no need to rinse).

Another compound that’s known for soothing the skin, loose chamomile tea can also be used to attack fleas on your feline friend. Simply steep the tea and, after it’s fully cooled, apply the liquid to your cat’s coat. You can repeat both treatments daily for as long as needed.

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Tips on dog grooming from a professional groomer

During the Circuit Breaker period, many pawrents had to result to emergency DIY grooming to ensure that their pets were in pristine condition.

In order to provide our wonderful fur parents with some guidance, we had a chat with Andrea, co-owner of Shaggy Wagon. She shared some valuable tips on how to do DIY grooming, along with some things to take note of before you start out!

Tell us a little bit more about yourself and Shaggy Wagon!

Well I’m a crazy dog lady & have so much love to give to the animals! I was a makeup artist for 15years plus working in the office for my family and one day my (now) husband Rei saw how much I love animals and ask me, what does Singapore don’t have for pets.

I said a physical mobile grooming vehicle like in the states. Where we bring the grooming to your door step. So that’s how shaggy wagon was born.

But unfortunately due to the restrictions Singapore have, the wagon has to go on hold for now. However, we have Shaggy Hangout to provide all the pets in Singapore with our love!

Personally, I believe in the organic way of creating a comfortable environment for the pets before, during & after a grooming session.

What attracted you to the dog grooming business?

I grew up with dogs all my life, their well being has always been my priority. I have send my dogs for grooming and always thought there should be a way I can let the dogs hangout and enjoy themselves before their turn to be groomed and after, Instead of a cage system, but I would say cage systems is done to prevent accidents among the dogs which is not wrong too. Every groomer have their ways, but I’m sure they always mean well.

For Shaggy, we would want the fur kids to have fun before their groom. More importantly the team and groomer to interact with them before we start. So the pets do feel more at ease and don’t feel stressed out.
We will take note of the dogs health issues or past injuries on their record card, and work around what is more comfortable for the fur kid.

For first time pet owners, what are some important things to note when choosing a groomer (for both big and small dogs)?

Hmm, there is no difference for a big or small dog to a groomer.
More importantly, you can check with the groomers if they have groomed the breed that you have, to ensure they understand what your dog needs the best. Another important point is to always let the groomers know of any health or behaviour issues of the dog, so you can find a groomer that can provide the right way to handle and care for your pet.

What are the differences between grooming smaller dogs and bigger dogs?

Actually there is no difference, both still need the same amount of patience and care. The only difference is the time frame required for grooming due to their sizes, or if the dogs needs more time due to health or behaviour.

How did Circuit Breaker affect the way you ran your business?

Yea, we couldn’t operate due to lockdown, it was beyond our control. But it was for the best for the people! When lockdown was over it was our job to help all the dogs who were lacking a proper grooming and pampering session.

What are some common mistakes first time pet owners should avoid when trying to groom their pets at home?

Nail trimming is definitely a common error. Don’t cut their nails too deep of the quick. On many instances, when the trim is so deep they actually do remember the pain, and it affects their future grooming experiences. Expressing anal glands without knowledge – expressing anal glands without knowing the right way, may hurt or rupture your pets anal gland.

Brushing your pets fur is also another one – always brush your pets if the breed needs daily brushing, and be sure to brush them in layers. If the fur becomes matted, it can cause irritate their skin and even cause more serious skin issues.

Just picture a rubber band on your finger tied up, which cuts off circulation. Pets will get the same feeling. When matts are released the blood will start to circulate again, which could lead to the itching of skin, inflammation, or even hematoma’s the ears.

What are some things pet owners ought to know when grooming their pet at home for the first time?

Make sure to always visit your friendly groomers for tips before you perform DIY grooming! Also, having monthly visits to the groomer will eventually help your pet become accustomed to strangers and aid their social skills.

What do you love the most about your job?

What I love? I love it all, their company, grooming them, getting to know them, talking to them like kids, learning along the way what can be improved for each individual dog personality.

Because they they are not just a dog, they are like my kids.
_____

THE WOOF AGENCY would like to thank Andrea & Shaggy Wagon for sharing these insights for all pawrents!

Enjoyed this article? Let us know what else you’d like to read about in the comments below!

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Grooming Tips for Puppy

hoshi

Is grooming puppies a very difficult task for you? Is your pup very fidgeting and energetic? Here are some tips that you can try on your pup!

Hoshi is an 8 months old tri-color shetland, we have been grooming Hoshi on our own, mainly because he is still a puppy. We have only brought him to the groomer once, and we absolutely loved the services provided and the cut.

The basic grooming routine ✂️ that we do for Hoshi consists of trimming his nails, shaving his paw pads and potty areas, brushing his teeth, and cleaning his ears. We usually take about 1 hour to do each item in the routine because Hoshi can’t stay still. Hoshi hates grooming especially brushing his teeth. We always have a very hard time trying to groom him, as he will try to move around and escape.

#Tip 1

Treats! ?

Have plenty of treats prepared to distract your doggo while you groom him/her. Other than distracting, you can use treats to rewards your doggo. Here are some of the treats that we use for Hoshi during grooming:

  1. Chews
  2. Purree

#Tip 2

Have more hands on deck! ??

After trying a lot of different methods to groom him on our own, we figured out that having more people on board makes the process a lot easier. So we tend to have 3 pairs of hands when we groom Hoshi –> Hoomum, Hoodad, and Hooaunt! Hoomum would hold Hoshi down, while Hooaunt would do the grooming and Hoodad will distract Hoshi by praising him and giving him treats.

#Tip3

Stagger grooming timings ⌛

For Hoshi, completing 1 item in the routine takes about 1 hour. To complete the whole routine in 1 night, would be impossible for both the hoomans and doggo. Thus, we would split the grooming into days, and it not only helped us to take a break but also let Hoshi be more comfortable with us grooming him. Another tip that you can use would be to groom your doggos when they are about to sleep ?️! We usually groom Hoshi right before his bedtime, so he’s tired and would not struggle as much!

That’s all for the tips! Do try them on your puppies and let me know if it works! If you have any tips, please do share them with me too 🙂 Hope this helps you, even if you didn’t manage to groom your doggo, don’t give up! ?

Follow @hoshi_sheltie on Instagram to follow us on our journey ?

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Help! I have a picky dog!

gigi

When you have a picky furkid, it leads to constant headaches worrying about what treats & food to buy. Afraid that he/she may reject the food. There have been many frustrating moments whereby I buy Gigi’s treats in bulk (especially during a good sale) & I realise that she doesn’t even like them!

Here are my top 5 picks of treats for other furkids who are picky like Gigi – all tried & tested on the queen of treats.

  1. Tumeke Friend Air Dried Dog Snacks Gourmet Beef
Tumeke Friend Air Dried Dog Snack

Holy cow (pun intended) does Gigi go CRAZY for these treats! They’re air dried and the smell is pretty strong which is one of the reasons why Gigi cannot resist these tasty treats. They make great food toppers too, I love to spice up Gigi’s daily kibbles & toppers are one of the ways I do that.

2. Vitakraft Dog Sticks

Vitakraft Dog Stick Seafood

I was pretty hesitant at first when my friends recommended these dog sticks to me. But dangggg was I taken by surprise! The second I ripped open the packaging, she was immediately seated at my feet. I have to admit the smell of the meat is strong, I can tell why it makes such a great treat for picky dogs. Plus, the stick is easy to tear into bite-sized pieces to suit your furkid’s size.

3. K9 Natural Freeze Dried

K9 Natural Hoki & Beef Freeze Dried

My next 2 picks are both designed as meal toppers but they make great bite-sized treats too! Whether it’s for training or to be used in puzzle toys, freeze-dried meal toppers do a great job!

K9 Natural has always been one of our favourites and has never failed to tantalise Gigi’s tastebuds. Her favourite is the Hoki & beef feast! K9 Natural is one of the best in terms of quality treats/food. It may be a little pricier but it’s worth it when I can use it both as a meal topper & treat!

4. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers

Instinct Raw Boost Mixers Immune Health

We were recently introduced to the Instinct Pet brand and we have been loyal customers ever since. Double points for its amazing quality & affordability when it comes to freeze-dried food. I highly highly recommend Instinct Pet if you are checking out freeze-dried options. They have a wide range of variants to choose from as well that help to target specific health needs such as gut health and immune health. If you’re considering Instinct Pet, check out their wet pouch line as well! It’s a must-have for us!

5. Dehydrated Treats

Truffleruffel Turmeric Pork Tendon

You can never go wrong with dehydrated treats. Whether you make them yourself or get them from a small treats business, dehydrated treats are our top picks because they’re healthy – no added preservatives or chemicals, plus they’re super delicious! There are different recipes that add on herbs such as turmeric & rosemary or toppings such as cheese. The recipes available are endless!

Pawjourr is my go-to platform when it comes to sampling out food for Gigi. What’s better than free samples am I right? You can try out all of our top picks from Pawjourr’s sampling platform and find your furkid’s next favourite treat!

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3 simple ways to keep your mojo when you’re training your dog

Photo Credit @fambam_sg

HOW YOU SEE TRAINING MATTERS

When you think about training your dog, what comes into mind? For many of us, it’s a list of things to check off. Can I suggest that while that’s useful because it helps us be goal-orientated but that’s also VERY UNHELPFUL. Why? Because it becomes GOAL centred and we should GROWTH centred.

What is GROWTH? Growth doesn’t necessarily only mean our dogs can exhibit a behaviour. Growth takes into the account that we are considering other factors like our dog’s age, it’s emotional maturity, it’s cognitive capability, and its capacity for learning. If our dog isn’t hungry to learn, there’s no point in making a lesson a lesson.

Being growth centred means we take a more wholistic approach to development. We measure the dog’s response instead of the result. We measure our response with our dogs as well. We look into our development as much as we care about our dog’s.

WHAT YOU MEASURE MATTERS

Fellow dog owners have asked if I ever get tired or nonchalant about training. My answer is NEVER. My secret is because I don’t measure my dog on the response. I measure my dog on her overall ability to handle life’s pressures and her ability to RECOVER from those stressors. E.g. Lady-Mae is sensitive to sounds and vibrations, to this day, you can see her get startled. I’m not measuring her on her response. What I look for is how she deals with it. Even though you can still see her body react, she brushes it off and goes about enjoying the environment. That’s GROWTH.

The feedback that we receive from our dogs is a CONVERSATION, not an indication of how great or bad you are as a handler. If your dog has its tail tucked, stop fussing. It is sharing with you that it’s afraid of something. When that happens, I usually look around to see possible triggers. If there’s none, I just ignore it and continue what we’re doing. This is how it will sound like if the dog could speak:
Dog : (Tail tucked) “I’m scared.”
Human: (Look around assess the situation, calmly continue the walk) “I know you’re scared but nothing her to be scared, I’ve got you.”

Stop measuring the response and start measuring the recovery time your dog takes to offer the desired behaviour. And, START having a non-verbal conversation rather than reacting to your dog.

KNOWING YOURSELF WELL MATTERS

Too many dog owners have very little self-awareness. By this I mean, you have got to know what motivates you and how to motivate yourself. For example, I enjoy partnering with people to work on a common goal. I enjoy being able to consider risks and find the best options in training. I enjoy things better when I have clarity and I enjoy spontaneity and variety.

If you read what I enjoy, you’ll quickly realise that I won’t make a very good dog trainer because dog training is about consistency (repetitions) and being predictable.

When I adopted Lady-Mae, I thought about what kind of a dog I would like her to be in the midst of people who did not like dogs. My motivation to raise her to be a balanced dog came out of “I want other people to enjoy my dog too.” It wasn’t because she could make my life easier but it was the benefit of my community.

The second way I keep myself motivated is always evaluating the risks and options I have during the training process. Sometimes, this can look like I’m always changing my mind. If I’m training for others, I make it a point to communicate my intentions and why I made a change in decision.

The most important thing for me is CLARITY. Without this, I’m often frustrated. So, when I adopted Lady-Mae, I was constantly reframing my goals until I had clarity of the kind of dog I wanted to raise. My WHY gives me emotional clarity and helps me to be focused on Lady-Mae’s growth rather and goals. It helps me to also not compare myself to other handlers and keeps me focused on what Lady-Mae’s strengths are.

Lastly, I don’t have a habit of training my dog for more than 5 mins at a time, because I enjoy variety, I work on a few things that are related in the developmental process. And in order to beat the bore of predictability and repetitions which drains me, I don’t have a fix schedule on when I train the dog. I also don’t have a fix goal that I need to check off each day. I keep it fluid within the week. Instead of having daily goals, I have a weekly one that I work towards. That helps me manage my weaknesses while leveraging on my strengths.

So the next time you’re struggling with your mojo, you may have to have clarity about your GROWTH plan. Or you may have to change what you’re measuring or you may have to take time to know yourself better because it could be what’s hindering you from helping your dog unleash its potential.