Responsible Pet Owner Month - Make an Exercise Plan

Exercise is an important factor to helping your dog lead a healthy life. No matter what age your dog is, consistent exercise will help release their energy and also keep them in good physical shape. As a responsible dog owner, you should be setting a standard for the minimum amount of exercise that your dog will get over the course of a week.

With the cold and snowy weather outside, you may be resistant to venture out with your dog. While it’s nice to stay warm and indoors on these chilly days, do you notice your dog displaying more frustration and boredom behaviors, such as destructive chewing, pacing or excessive barking? The primary cause of these may be as simple as not getting enough exercise. Part of being a responsible pet owner is making sure your dog gets adequate exercise no matter the time of year. The easiest way to eliminate frustration, boredom and anxious behaviors is to make an exercise plan. 

This plan is easy to formulate and should consist of the bare minimum amount of exercise that you will do with your dog for each week. Writing this plan down and clearly following it is key to successfully ridding your dog of these frustrating behaviors. Your exercise plan should include walks outside as well as active games like fetch. Posting a copy of the week’s schedule in a common area is a great way to make sure that everyone in the family follows it. If you have kids, make it a reward game for them too! Putting the plan in writing and posting it in a common spot gives you motivation and leaves no room for excuses. It helps to ensure that your dog gets the exercise they need.

The reason a plan is so important is that it directly shows the correlation between a lack of physical activity and behaviors that any pet owner would find undesirable. Start with a basic plan and after two to three weeks, go back and evaluate. Is your dog’s current amount of activity changing their frustration and boredom behaviors? If the answer is no, you need to increase the amount of activity your dog is getting and reevaluate in two to three more weeks.

Plan your dog’s physical activity schedule and make sure their exercise is as evenly distributed as possible. We’ve made a sample of a plan and contract that you can easily print out for yourself and start using! Download your own copy below and get started today.

Outdoor Dog Games

With beautiful weather finally arriving, it’s a great time to get out and be active with your dog. There are many different ways to play with your pooch. A fun game will not only help improve the bond between you and your dog, but it will also help stimulate your dog mentally and physically.

Playing with your dog doesn't have to be complex, and it is a great way for them (and even you!) to get some exercise. Every dog has a different activity that they love, so try out a few to see which one your dog prefers. Here are some of the most common ways to bond, exercise and play with your furry companion:

• Tag, You’re It!: Tag is a great game to play with your pooch that also reinforces good recall. The point of the game is simple; while your dog is distracted, give them a slight tap and run in the opposite direction. This will encourage your dog to run towards you, and reinforce their recall. You can also add in your dog’s name with the tap, which will only further reinforce this good behavior.

•  Puzzle Games: Puzzle toys provide a way to stimulate your dog’s mind. They force your dog to think as well as use their nose to solve problems. Puzzle toys can be indoor or outdoor games. They provide a great way to keep your dog occupied while you relax. Remember that it’s important to supervise your pooch while they are playing with puzzle toys; dogs who solve them quickly can turn the toy into a chew toy. For tips on creating your own puzzle toys, check out last week’s blog post on DIY dog toys, here.

•  Fetch: Fetch is a high-energy game that not only exercises your dog, it can train your pooch to learn the foundation for crucial skills like “drop it.” If your dog is known for taking the toy and running away with it after you throw it, play fetch with two toys. Once you throw the second toy, your dog is apt to chase that toy and drop the first one. Most dogs will learn to anticipate the second throw and begin to come to you and drop the toy regularly.
  

There are so many different games that you can play with your dog. These examples provide a good place to start. Try them out and see which one your dog loves, or make up your own fun game!

Chew on This

Is your dog a destructive chewer, ruining everything you own? Hopefully this week’s De-Stress Fest will help relax you. It’s all too easy for your dog to be the reason you stress out. For the month of March, every week we will be taking a look at common ways that your dog can stress you out, and help solve them. This week we are taking a look at destructive chewing and ways that you can help occupy your pooch.

When a dog is chewing, one reason can be a lack of exercise. Every dog has a different energy level and therefore needs a different amount of exercise. If your dog is excessively chewing at home, getting out could do them a lot of good. It’s important to create an exercise plan that sets a minimum amount of time each week that will be devoted to your dogs exercise schedule. Consistency is key in order to keep your dog active. Just because you consistently bring your dog to the park one week, and keep them home the next because of the bad weather, doesn’t mean your dog is getting an adequate amount of exercise. Daycare can be a great option that allows your dog to be social with other dogs, while allowing them to expend their energy. 

Treats above are sold at Morris K9 Campus.

It’s important to have the proper tools for the proper situations. For example it is important to introduce your dog to toys that they are allowed to chew on, such as antlers , himalayan chews, stuffed bones or Kongs. This can keep your dog occupied and distracted from chewing on the furniture or other household items. It’s also important to make sure you have tools in place when you leave the house. Interactive toys are great, and keep your dog occupied while you are gone. However it is important to only allow your dog to have these types of things when you are not there. When you leave the house get the toy out, and when you come home put the toy away. It puts a value on the toy which can make your dog more interested in it. Eliminating your dog’s behavior that is stressful to you is crucial; it will allow you to live a better life for both you and your dog.

For more information about Morris K9 Campus's Daycare please follow this link http://morrisk9campus.com/daycare.asp

Health and Nutrition of Your Canine

With February being Responsible Pet Owner Month, this week the focus will be the health and nutrition of your four-legged friend.

When a dog is overweight it poses a serious health risk for the pooch. Not only are they more susceptible to seriously health problems, it can vastly cut your dog’s life short. These problems can be greatly reduced if you focus on your dogs health and nutrition. This way you improve their quality of life and possibly increase their life span.

Dogs aren’t able to control what they are eating themselves, so it is the responsibility of the pet owner to make those decisions for them. It is crucial that they are eating something that is nutritious, healthy and beneficial to them. Just remember that spending an extra few dollars on a high quality dog food can save you hundreds of dollars in medical bills. According to PetMd.com, a recent survey indicates over 50 percent of America's pet population is overweight or obese. Just like people, overweight dogs can face a litany of health issues. The potentially devastating consequences of obesity include:

• Trouble breathing

• Greater risk for heat stroke

• Pancreatitis

• Diabetes

• Orthopedic concerns

• Compromised immune system

• Reduction in life span

• Mammary tumors (particularly in un-spayed females)

• Skin conditions

• Heart problems

• High blood pressure

If you are feeding your dog dry food, The Whole Dog Journal recently published a list of their “approved dry dog foods of 2013.” Their list this year of dry food has expanded to what you can find at your local pet store, instead of having to only go to a pet specialty store. The Whole Dog Journal sites the reason for the change is due to consumer demand. Dog owners want better dog food and the pet food industry listened. Visit our lobby to ask for your copy of the approved list of food.

Treats can be a great reward for your dog, but remember that,” treat” implies that a dog doesn’t get it regularly. Treats should be used in great moderation, and if you are rewarding your dog every day, make sure that the treats that you are giving your dog are healthy and falls appropriately in their diet.

Just like humans, it is important for your dog to get the appropriate amount of exercise, in order to maintain a well balanced and healthy lifestyle. Whether you take your dog on a brisk walk, or taking a specialty class with your dog, exercise can be extremely beneficial to your dog.

Keep your dog on a well balanced diet and having a good exercise plan. It is up to you to keep them on the right track. Once again, if you would like to see the Whole Dog Journal’s approved Dog Food List for 2013, please visit our Lobby so we can give you a copy! Check back next week as we continue to look at how you can be a responsible pet owner.


Sources:
- http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_2/features/Top-Quality-Dry-Dog-Food-Review-2013_20688-1.html

- http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/overweight-dogs-and-canine-weight-loss-diets?page=3

It's a De-Stress Fest! Come Relax, Revive and Rejuvenate at Morris K9 Campus!

Need to de-stress and want to do it with your pooch? Morris K9 Campus is hosting a “De-Stress Fest,” for you and your dog on Friday, March 1st , so save the date. From 6-9 pm, head over with your pooch for a little R&R.

Doga

The fest will feature Doga (Yoga that is beneficial to both you and your dog). Doga is a great way to calm both you and your dog. Attending this event and class is the perfect way to get introduced to a new fitness routine that is becoming popular across the country.

Chair Massages

The event will also include other activities for you, from chair massages, and foot baths, glitter hair strands for you from Alora Spa. Your pups will get their own pampering with dog stenciling and retail goodies.

Dog Stenciling

Creature Comfort Pet Therapy will be in attendance, providing more information on how your pooch can become a pet therapy dog.

While you are here don’t miss the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a gift basket, valued at $100.

Bring your dog down and give them an opportunity to socialize with other canine friends, while you and your dog enjoy refreshments.

The event is for everyone and entry is free. The first 50 attendees will receive a goody bag, so get your friends together and bring your pooch on March 1st, where you all can relax, revive and rejuvenate! Call 973-252-5100 with questions.

Doga (Yoga class for Humans and Dogs)

Looking for a rewarding new activity for both you and your dog? Morris K9 Campus is pleased to introduce Doga (Yoga class for human and dog). This specialized class is aimed to incorporate your dog into Beginners Yoga, which will include gentle stretching, basic Yoga Poses (Asanas), breathing exercises/techniques (Pranayama’s) and relaxation. The class will be taught by a certified Yoga instructor Karin Kolsky, in conjunction with the assistance of our certified pet trainer Robin Lash, CPDT-KA.

Who should attend Doga?

People who:

• want to have fun with their dog

• want to get into shape

• would like to decrease their stress

• love yoga and would like to incorporate their dog

Dogs who:

• need stimulation

• are out of shape

• have a hard time settling down

• are anxious and fearful dogs

The goal of Yoga is to balance the Mind, Body, and Heart. The added benefits are improved health, emotional well-being, mental clarity, joy in living, and a stronger and more flexible body. Plus having your canine friend next to you will help to achieve relaxation faster and create a stronger bond for both of you.

Doga is a four week session and runs Wednesday nights at 8:30pm, starting November 14.

Because a calm environment is necessary for the success of this class, we must ask that dogs with a strong tendency to bark or that are aggressive towards people or other dogs do not attend. Please contact our staff for a recommendation for other programs Morris K9 Campus offers.

Register online at MorrisK9Campus.com.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ALLIE

Allie's morning routine consists of playing with her friend and fellow Boot Camp member, Fergie, the Portuguese Water Dog. These two ladies had an instant connection. They enjoy starting their morning with playtime and fetch with tennis balls.

Next up is training time:

We like to teach all dog's to wait or "stay" at the door until they are released to go outside. It's a wonderful way for your dog to learn that they shouldn't bolt outside without you allowing them to do so. Nice going, Allie!

Some of the things we have been working on with Allie is a good recall or "come," one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. Allie thinks it's a really fun game!

To continue to increase her exercise and fitness, Allie works out on the treadmill. This is a fabulous way to keep her active, stimulated, and tired.

Click here for more information about the Morris K9 Campus Boot Camp program or call 973.252.5100.

If you are interested in adopting Allie contact Eleventh Hour Rescue.

MEET ALLIE POINTER

Inspired by Ginger, a Catahoula Leopard Dog who successfully went through a month long weight-loss challenge at our sister company (Morris Animal Inn), we decided it was our time at Morris K9 Campus to give back and improve the adoption chances of an already awesome rescue dog. Meet Allie, a young Pointer mix, currently up for adoption by Eleventh Hour Rescue.

Allie Pointer, as they call her, is a two-and-a-half years old. She was dropped off at a shelter in Tennessee with her six puppies, but it didn't take long for Eleventh Hour Rescue to pick her up and bring her to New Jersey. Since she made the journey, she has been in a foster home arranged by Eleventh Hour for the past two months. Allie is still looking for place she can call her forever home. 

From what we can see so far, Allie is a spunky, friendly, happy dog, but there are a few training areas that could use a little fine tuning to help Allie become an even better pet. That's where the Morris K9 Campus Boot Camp program is helpful. The program itself is a training service that runs for a month, Monday through Thursday, where the pooch receives personal attention from our dog trainer and support staff. The program is designed to implement and train important life skills that transforms an already great dog, into an outstanding one. Life skills can include anything from recalls (i.e. come), to loose leash walking, no jumping, sit quietly for petting. The goal is for the owner to pick two to three behaviors that they think their dog could use a little extra help on and we work to reinforce that behavior. The consistency of the program contributes to each dogs success.

With Allie, we noticed she needs to learn how to walk loosely on a leash. On her first day, she was fitted for a no pull SENSE-action harness  and began working on skills that would improve her on-leash habits. According to her foster mom, within the first day, her on-leash behavior had greatly improved. Her foster mom took her for a nice long walk on the 4th of July and said not only did Allie enjoy it thoroughly; she didn't pull her on their walk!

When Allie isn't polishing up her social skills, she enjoys fun romps with the other dogs at Morris K9 Campus, a benefit to almost any dog in Boot Camp; they get to spend quality time with other dogs that love to play. Allie is an outgoing pooch and loves to chase after toys!

With over three weeks left to go, Allie is sure to make improvements that will make her an even better companion, after all, who wouldn't want an already trained dog? We’ll let Allie take it from here to let you know how her Boot Camp sessions are going.

FITNESS FOR AGILITY HANDLERS

As an agility handler, you participate in this fast-paced canine sport because you love your dog. You want to enrich their life with fun, meaningful activity that satisfies their physical and mental needs. It also provides you with the perfect opportunity to bond with your dog. As a result, agility handlers sometime forget to focus on themselves and instead pour their attention and training into improving their dog's skills. However you would be remiss if you left yourself out of this equation since you and your dog are a team. Agility handlers need to be in shape in order to keep up with their canine companion. If you are not moving quickly or using your body correctly, you will slow your dog down. Morris K9 Campus has workshops to help handlers maximize their strength and speed using Nike SPARQ training methods taught by Coach Rick Scarpulla. Though the drills and exercises are geared towards agility handlers, anyone hoping to work on their fitness level will benefit from Coach Scarpulla's seminars and are encouraged to attend as well.

Intro to Biomechanics (Level 1)

In sports, biomechanics refers to the science of understanding the body in order to maximize athletic performance while preventing the least amount of injuries. This Level 1 Seminar is geared for all levels of fitness. It will provide basic instruction or serve as a great review on how to move and run correctly while on the agility course. Handlers will learn how to develop a basic level of fitness for moving and maintaining posture during the event (and everyday life). Coach Scarpulla will teach you how to turn and accelerate and decelerate correctly. It will cover weight distribution while executing a change of direction and maintaining speed. Coach Scarpulla will show you drills on how to continue improvement while working on your own. This session will answer all your questions about how to improve you and your dog's performance when dealing with your movements.

When

Monday, 6/18/2012, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM  Thursday, 6/28/2012, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM  Sunday, 7/8/2012, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM  Sunday, 7/29/2012, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM  Sunday, 8/19/2012, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Click here to sign up for Level 1.

Power and Speed Drills (Level 2)

This Level 2 seminar will be for those who have completed a Level 1 course and are ready for the next step. Level 2 will show you how to further the skills learned in Level 1 and will utilize drills geared toward improving your strength, coordination and speed. Coach Scarpulla will go over proper body positioning and balance. This session will provide more strength enhancement and provide instruction on how to help you remain injury free so you stay on the course.

When      Monday, 6/18/2012, 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM 
Thursday, 6/28/2012, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM 
Sunday, 7/8/2012, 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM 
Sunday, 7/29/2012, 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM 
Sunday, 8/19/2012, 10:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Click here to sign up for Level 2.


These fitness seminars will help you, the handler, stay in tip-top shape! Don't forget to stretch before you work out, especially your ankles and knees which receive the most strain from the quick darting motions of agility such as front and rear crosses. The USDAA has some good exercises and stretches for agility handlers.

In the sport of agility, your fitness level is just as important as your dog's fitness!

WINTER WORKOUTS WITH YOUR DOG

January is in full swing and the bitter cold has sunk in. It would be a lot easier to keep our resolutions of staying healthy and happy if the New Year began in May. The only thing January motivates anyone to do is hibernate under a fleece blanket while shoving comfort food into their mouth!

Thank goodness for having a dog! Their constant want and need for exercise is not affected by the drop in temperature and aside from work, can be the only reason we venture outdoors and get our muscles moving in the frigid air! The regular daily walk can quickly turn mundane and be hindered by icy patches and a sun that sets too quickly. Read on for winter workout alternatives that will get both you and your canine moving and having fun!

Snowshoeing

When a thick blanket of snow has settled, rent snowshoes and take to the trails with your pooch in tow! Where your boots may sink, your snowshoes will tread with ease. You can burn 400 to 1000 calories in an hour depending on how fast you walk and what gear you carry according to Michele Borboa, MS. If you don't own a pair of snowshoes, sporting stores like REI will let you rent them.

Photo Courtesy of PhotoBobil



Skijoring

If you have a working dog with lots of energy and you want to try something completely different, try skijoring. Skijoring is a winter sport that consists of a cross-country skier being pulled by a horse or a dog. You can have one, two or three dogs pull you. As the handler, you wear a harness with a metal ring that attaches to your dog. This is a great option for dog owners with Alaskan Malamutes, Huskies, Chinooks and other sled dog breeds.

Agility

If you prefer the warmth of the indoors, check out agility! Agility works your dog physically and mentally. It increases your bond with your dog since you must have great communication with your canine in order to navigate the course successfully. Running around the agility course is a great way for you to burn major calories as well. To make sure you can keep up with your dog, Morris K9 Campus is offering a unique day of fitness training for handlers only that will be instructed by a Nike SPARQ certified trainer on 2/26/12 from 1PM - 4PM. The philosophies and techniques of the Nike SPARQ Program will be implemented to improve your speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness.

Canine Treadmill
Though the canine treadmill is not technically a workout you and your dog can do together, it is a great fitness alternative for Fido in the winter. Rather than shiver in the cold air or worry about icy patches you may slip on, the canine treadmill lets you safely and warmly exercise your dog in the comfort of Morris K9 Campus. You can either exercise your dog on our treadmill yourself, or drop your dog off at Morris K9 Campus and we will work your pooch out for you!

UNDERSTANDING BASIC AGILITY VOCABULARY

What are jumpers? What is the difference between an agility match and an agility trial? If you are a beginner agility student or would like to start the sport with your canine but are intimidated by its cryptic language, fear not! Take our lead and we will guide you through the twists, tunnels and turns of agility’s perplexing vocabulary.

Agility Competition: There are two types of agility competitions. There are Agility Matches and Agility Trials or Sanctioned Trials.

Agility Match: Also known as an Agility Fun Match. Matches are considered informal trials that simulate competition. These are typically used for practice and help you get a feel for the real trial experience. You cannot earn titles at an agility match.

Agility Run Through: A practice session that is timed in which a handler and their dog can go through the agility course.

Agility Trial: A sanctioned competition where one can try to earn titles and qualifying scores. Rules are more regimented.

Back/Rear Cross: Any maneuver where the handler changes sides behind the dog and directs the dog to change their direction so the dog is moving in the same direction as the handler.

Contact Obstacles: The obstacles used in the agility course that your dog must navigate. Example of a contact obstacle would be the dog walk.

Directional: Any command given to the dog to turn the dog in a desired direction.

Flatwork: This is what happens in between the obstacles, when your dog is running on the ground. Flatwork is a foundation skill that is essential in agility. One component is how well the handler’s body language is communicated to the dog. Flatwork teaches your dog how to take direction and stay on course with you.

Front Cross: Any maneuver where the handler changes sides in front of the dog while the dog is moving. It is now generally accepted that in performing a front cross the handler always faces the dog.

Handler: The owner or person that directs the dog through the agility course.

Jump pole/bar: The horizontal pole, bar or rail on a jump that the dog must go over.

Jumpers: A course consisting of mainly jumps (horizontal poles). In most cases tunnels are also included; in AKC (American Kennel Club) you have Jumpers with Weaves in which weave poles are also included.

Pivot: Turning with your dog.

Turn: A relative directional that asks the dog to turn 180 degrees away from or toward the handler.

Weaves: Weaves are upright vertical poles fixed in a straight line that a dog must zig-zag through.

To get started learning the basics of agility, come to a Beginner Foundation Agility class at Morris K9 Campus!

INDOOR GAMES FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS

Photo Courtesy of Soggydan

There are many joys to summer; the warm weather, more hours of sunlight, watermelon, lemonade, and days spent on sandy beaches. But unfortunately, there are also some drawbacks to these summer months as well. The humidity is so sticky you suddenly start sporting a new, not so nice hairstyle that consists of frizz and then some. Only being outside for 10 minutes can result in peeling sunburn and the heat can become so hot and oppressive you have trouble moving faster than a slug’s pace. All of a sudden, that house you wanted so desperately to escape in the winter months has become a cool refuge. Your dog agrees, but has started rummaging through the bathroom garbage as a source of entertainment. You however, may not find this quite as entertaining. Don’t worry, the following indoor games will amuse both you and your pooch while keeping you both comfortable and cool.

Hide and Seek

Have your dog locate his or her favorite toy by letting your fuzzbucket first sniff the toy and then hide it in another room. When your dog finds the toy reward him or her with a treat or praise and kisses. If your dog does not have a special toy and is more treat motivated, command your dog to sit and stay. Hide small bits of food around the room and have your dog use his or her nose and memory to find all of the delicious surprises. Reward with praise.

Magical Cups
Entertain your pup with your own magic show. On a carpeted floor for extra traction, line up three plastic cups and hide a treat under one of the cups. Have your pooch utilize their amazing olfactory senses to determine which of the three cups the tasty treat is hiding under. If your dog has a tendency to knock over the cups in a greedy haste to get at the goods, use something sturdier like mugs or small bowls.

Retrieve and Receive
It seems that every canine commercial or movie shows a dog triumphantly trotting with the morning newspaper clutched in his mouth to bring to the family as they enjoy breakfast, while birds chirp melodically outside in the background to herald the new day. Though we rarely see this in real life, it is absolutely possible to get your dog to retrieve things for you and will make your life a little easier. While allowing your dog to go out the front door without your supervision is risky and not recommended, you can always have your dog take the paper out to recycling or empty cardboard paper towel rods which are easy to grip in their doggie mouths as long as your recycling is indoors. Use praise, treats, and repetition.

Doggy Dancing

Throw on some tunes and get moving! Teach your dog some basic doggy dancing tricks at Morris K9 Campus’s Doggy Dancing Workshop on Sunday 7/10 from 11AM-1PM and practice them at home for some fun bonding time that is great for your dog’s mental stimulation and will impress all your friends.

If you are still looking for engrossing ways to keep your dog occupied in the steamy months ahead, don’t hesitate to stop by Morris K9 Campus where our line-up of interesting classes, fun weeks of daycare, and agility work will both physically and mentally engage your canine.

DOGGIE DANCING

Last week we taught you how to connect with your dog in the upcoming summer months by playing fetch with your spunky pal in the warm outdoors. This week, we present another fun-loving alternative that is sure to have you and your pup moving in sync together. Cue up the conga line and step into rhythm, its time for Doggy Dancing! If you and your dog want more ways to have fun together, Morris K9 Campus has got you covered!

What is Doggy Dancing?!

Don’t worry, we haven’t gone crazy, doggy dancing, or musical canine freestyle, is the newest and coolest activity to sweep the dog-nation. Doggy dancing is a modern dog sport that is competed in many parts of the world. However, it is the perfect activity for those who just want to have fun with their dog. Doggy Dancing is influenced by musical kur, a form of the equine sport, dressage, which puts a horse’s tightly controlled movements to music.

Photo Courtesy of FlyNutAA

How Does Our Doggy Dancing Class Work?

Morris K9 Campus will get you started with the very basics. We combine off-leash obedience training with enjoyment and motivation. You will learn to do heeling formations, group formations, pace changes and turns as well as a slew of tricks such as circles, flipping to heel, sit between legs, weave through legs, and jump through arms, legs or hula hoop. Eventually, your imagination will be the only limit to the tricks, turns, and freestyle moves you and your dog will perform in harmony.



Who Should Try Doggy Dancing?

This class is recommended for any dogs that have taken basic obedience or agility classes at Morris K9 Campus or the equivalent at another school, or for owners that want an opportunity to enliven their dog’s life with more interactive activity.

When is Doggy Dancing?

Doggy Dancing will be offered Sunday, July 10 at Morris K9 Campus from 11AM-1PM. Click here to enroll today!

Here's a preview of some steps you and your dog will learn in our Doggy Dancing Workshop.

Does your dog want to dance?!

GO FETCH!

With an abundance of warm days ahead of us, you probably want to be outside as much as possible enjoying the summer season with your fur-baby in tow! Besides the daily walk and nature hikes, you may be wondering how else you and Fido can make the most of the long days of summer together. This is the perfect time to teach your dog the fun laid-back game of fetch! While some dogs, like herding and sporting dogs, find a session of fetch as natural as breathing, others find the concept as bamboozling as rocket science. Don’t fret; if you want to enjoy the simple pleasure of a game of fetch with your four-legged pal, here are some tips to get you started.

First of all, it's crucial to start slowly. If your dog does not seem to have any interest in tennis balls or rubber bouncy balls, try working with your pooch’s favorite toy and if possible stick to one that is a bit more aerodynamic. If you have your heart set on using a tennis ball, try these tips to entice your pup. Take a knife and slice a small slit on one side of the tennis ball. Stick little treats or bits of kibble inside or even try smearing some peanut butter on the side. It may be messy but your dog won’t mind!

Step 1:

Get your dog interested in the ball itself. Even if your dog only sniffs the ball, reward him or her with praise or a favorite treat. Keep working to get your dog interested in the ball and even better, to pick up the ball! Once your dog understands the importance of the ball and that sniffing or picking up the ball results in treats or praise, you can move onto Step 2!

Step 2:
Work on getting your dog to reliably pick up the ball. Motivate him or her by moving the ball around with your hand so your dog must follow your darting movements. Now have your pooch drop it! Offer a treat to get Fido to drop the ball and when he or she does, praise and give your dog the treat. If your dog won’t give up the ball you can always try tempting your dog with another toy.

Step 3:
Throw the ball! Gently toss it a few feet away and say “Fetch!” If your dog doesn’t go after the ball try re-working on Step 2. You can also try leashing your dog, then throw the ball, yell “Fetch,” and unleash your dog. The sudden release of tension can inspire your dog to bound ahead. After your dog grabs the ball, call him or her back to you with the lure of a treat.

It is not unusual for this process to take several weeks, so don’t get frustrated. Eventually, you won't have to use treats to get your canine to play, the game will be a reward itself. Take your time and before you know it, you and your dog will be pros at the game of fetch!

TREADMILLS: FIDO'S NEW FITNESS ROUTINE?

Treadmills: you may hate them with the wrath of Achilles or simply use them to hang clothes on, but there's now an even better use for them! Stop avoiding your treadmill and utilize it for your dog--you won't even have to break a sweat (only Fido will)! Read on for tips to help your fuzzy friend transition to the treadmill.

The Professional

Why the Treadmill?

Why the treadmill you ask? Aside from the snow, rain and heat, juggling poop bags, holding an umbrella or toting boots isn't always ideal. But with a treadmill, your precious pooch never has to miss out on his or her daily walk! In addition, dogs that could stand to lose a few pounds are easier to get onto a treadmill than dragging them out into the elements. Just ask your veterinarian to provide you with some fitness or weight loss goals based on your pet's current fitness level, age and breed before beginning any serious exercise regimen.

The Little Engine That Could

Treadmills are a wonderful fitness resource for high-energy dogs. They provide an extra outlet of activity and allow you to push your spunky pal to the next level by simply increasing the treadmill speed. If your dog gets bored at home and begins to adopt unfavorable habits, it might be time to offer more engaging options for your canine and a treadmill might be just the ticket! For athletic dogs that participate or compete in agility, the treadmill is an excellent addition to your dog's already active lifestyle and will ensure your dog in stays in tip top shape for agility practice and events.

The Treadmill at Morris K9 Campus

Morris K9 Campus is thrilled about our treadmill from Fit Fur Life. Designed with your pet's safety in mind, the Professional, has wire meshing on the sides to ensure your dog stays on track and the added feature of a harness, which attaches to the mesh sides, will keep any dog upright and safe. Fitness at Morris K9 Campus has never been better! Watch for more details in the next coming days!


Let us know how you think your dog would do on the treadmill!

DOG LEASHES 101

The type of leash and collar an owner uses when walking and training their dog can highly impact the trainability, cooperation, and comfort of your special tail-wagger. However, with so many new collar/leash designs and combinations on the market these days, it can be extremely overwhelming to decide on the best option for your canine. Let’s walk through the basics by highlighting the pros and cons of each alternative so you can decide the best fit for your pet.

Basic Leashes

A leash has a simple concept: to keep your canine companion attached to you. Basic leashes are ideal for dogs that do not pull and heel well at their owner’s command. The main components to consider when buying this option are color, line length, and material. Color is clearly your own preference. Typically, a medium length leash is best as it leaves enough room for your dog to comfortably wander in the direction he or she chooses while keeping your dog close enough to properly control him or her. Longer leashes may be ideal for recall work and training exercises, but are unsafe for walks. Soft, flexible leather leashes are a good material choice as they do not hurt the hand when your dog pulls. Cotton leashes can easily be torn if your dog likes to chew the lead and nylon leashes can be uncomfortable for your hand if your dog is a puller.

Martingale

A martingale collar is similar to a basic collar except it stays loose when it needs to be and tightens up on the two slides when your dog strains or tries to pull out of the collar. Therefore it is an ideal choice for dogs with narrow heads like greyhounds because it is impossible to slip off the neck or head. The extra loop, or the two slides can be made of fabric or chain material. Because it stays loose most of the time, it can be a more comfortable collar selection for your canine and is highly recommended by dog training professionals.

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Flexi® or Retractable Leashes

According to Pat Miller, writing for the Woof Report, “invented in Germany, the flexi leash consists of a plastic handle in which a spring-loaded cord is stored.” This is convenient because it allows you to be flexible about the amount of space you allow your dog to roam. However, flexi leashes have been known to snap and break and the plastic handle can be difficult to hold and is easily dropped. If your dog is a puller, these leashes are not recommended as they give you very little control over your dog.

Gentle Leaders®  and Haltis®

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Both Gentle Leaders® and Haltis®  are a type of head halter that fits around the dog’s muzzle and behind the ears. As a result, this leash and collar combination gives the handler more control over the dog as the dog must look back at the handler when the leash is pulled. Some dogs’ necks are so strong that snapping or correcting with a basic collar or martingale, yields little, to no results. Head halters can be more effective in correcting a strong-willed dog. On the other hand, if these head halters, specifically the Gentle Leader®, are not fastened correctly, they run the risk of slipping off your dog’s nose.

No Pull Easy Walk Harness™

For canines that strain on the leash to the point of coughing and potentially causing harm to their neck or trachea, the easy walk harness is an excellent solution. Fitted around the shoulders and chest, no pressure is forced on the neck. The leash fastens to a ring by the chest rather than by the back, the typical fashion for most harnesses. This provides greater control as the dog must turn to face the owner when the leash is pulled back.

Prong Collars

For extremely strong dogs that are difficult to manage, prong collars may be a necessary investment. These collars are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “pinch collars” but if they are put on correctly, no pinching occurs because the ends of the prongs are blunted. The prong collar should be placed higher up on the dog’s neck. Links may need to be added or removed to find the proper size. It is imperative that you learn the proper way to affix a prong collar so seek a dog training professional’s help if you are unsure.

The leash you chose depends on the demeanor, size, health condition, and comfort of both you and your fuzzy friend. Morris K9 Campus has a fine selection of martingale collars, Gentle Leaders®, Haltis®, and no-pull Easy Walk Harnesses™ to choose from. Ask our staff members at Morris K9 Campus if you have any questions selecting the best leash and collar combination for your pet.

What is your favorite leash and collar?

Source: Pat Miller The Woof Report