Resources

Nutrition

  • What you put in your dog’s food bowl is the most important decision that you as a dog owner will ever make!

  • Lethal foods for dogs: Alcohol, nuts, xylitol (common sweetener), coffee, onions, chives, marijuana (THC is toxic to dogs), voltaren gel (evening licking this off humans can be toxic), raw bones (chicken bones are exceptionally dangerous), corn (on the cob), avocados, chocolate, garlic, apple seeds, any type of fruit pit, citrus, tomatoes, grapes, raisins

  • To note: We do not condone the use of rawhides, which can cause intestinal blockages.

  • Pet Fooled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6LKP9Prfrs

  • Dangers of processed dog food - the dog nutritionist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkNWHk5AFcI

  • Homemade dog food breakfast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSFtSMy6m_c Quail or chicken eggs (protein), whole sardines (omega-3), yoghurt / cultured non-daisy yoghurt / kefir (probiotics), bananas / blueberries / pomegranate, apple (fruit), honey (to sweeten the meal, digestive enzymes, can also help with allergies)

  • Cooked dog food meal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8WG8Oj9WmY Chicken, lamb heart (organ - doggy multi vitamin), shiitake mushrooms (CANNOT BE SERVED RAW, MUST COOK, anti-cancer food, 47% / half of dogs get cancer these days), carrots, asparagus, organic egg, grind up egg shell (calcium source), grind up sunflower seeds / pumpkin seeds, raw MCT oil, blackberries (source of manganese)

  • Green tripe is a doggy superfood & you cannot cook it if you want the functions it can provide your dog

  • Raw dog food vs. cooked dog food https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpRDVIn7ldw

Training

Vetting

Lost Dog Prevention

  • Open doors slowly and with caution. If necessary, use a baby gate to block direct access to the doorway.

  • If you have people entering your home while you’re out, crate your dog or keep them locked in a secure room.

  • Dog theft is a real problem; NEVER leave your dog unattended outside.

  • Microchip your dog and keep your contact information up to date. Be sure your dog wears a legible identification tag and city license.

  • Make sure the leash is attached to the collar loops, not the ID tag ring.

  • Use martingale collars whenever possible; they are designed to tighten if the dog jerks or pulls away. Any other types of collars or harnesses can be slipped out of, given the right degree of panic.

  • If a body harness or a head collar is used, make sure it is also secured to a martingale collar with a safety strap.

  • Use a strong nylon leash. Retractable & leather leashes wear out quickly.

  • Frequently examine leashes and collars for signs of wear.

  • Vehicle safety - Dogs should always be crated or tethered if they’re likely to dart - especially with unfamiliar, nervous, anxious and excitable dogs.

  • Vehicle safety - Don’t open your windows more than a crack; if a dog can fit their head through an open window, their entire body can fit too.

  • Vehicle safety - Use child locks on power windows.

  • Park safety - Using high value rewards, work on recall from day one (indoors & at fenced dog parks). Avoid letting your dog off-leash any place that isn’t totally secure.

  • Park safety - When at a fenced dog park, be aware that not everyone entering/exiting closes the gate behind them.

  • Park safety - If your dog appears overwhelmed at the park, leash up and move on.

  • Park safety - Never allow skittish, fearful or anxious dogs off-leash.

  • Things that may cause a dog to bolt include: busy roads, other dogs, police horses, sidewalk cleaners, garbage/recycling bins, construction sites, cement trucks, emergency vehicles, sandwich board or flags on windy days, skateboarders, cyclists, wildlife, scent of food or garbage, a dog fight, loud noises like fireworks, thunder, etc.