Holiday Puppy Dos and Don’ts

During the holiday season, there is often an increase in the amount of puppies that are brought into homes. The holidays can be a stressful and busy time for everyone, but you still need to take time to focus on the newest member of your family. If you bring a puppy home this season, it’s essential that you do the right things in order to begin shaping your puppy into the dog you want them to be. Below is a list of puppy dos and don’ts specifically for the holiday season.

Do

Do puppy proof your holiday decorations. With a new puppy comes experiencing everything for the first time. This means a first introduction to Christmas trees, wrapping paper, tinsel and other holiday decor. If your dog is loose in the house and near the holiday decorations, make sure they are well supervised. Puppies can be extremely curious, so keep a watchful eye on your dog and never let them explore the holiday decorations alone.

Do be cautious when walking your puppy. If it is snowy outside, take care to protect your pet’s feet from ice and salt used on the sidewalks and streets. Read how to keep your dog’s paws safe outside here. Lawn decorations, including inflatables and giant plastic figurines, can be quite scary for a new puppy. Take caution around these objects and bring treats to entice the puppy to walk past anything that makes them uncomfortable.

Do provide your dog with a safe place. The holidays can be filled with lots of family and friends visiting. Have a safe place for your dog to go when they are feeling overwhelmed. Signs of stress in your puppy may include not wanting to greet a certain person or barking. A crate is a great tool that can help your dog feel safe when stressful activities are happening around them.

Do socialize your pet. Your puppy is at a very impressionable age, so it is best to expose them to other dogs and people during this time period. Morris K9 Campus offers free puppy classes on Saturday mornings to help your pet learn how best to interact with other dogs. Visit our website to learn more about what this free class has to offer and how it can make a difference for your new pet.

Do form a routine. From holiday parties to Christmas concerts, this festive time of year can be very busy. As always with a new puppy, however, it is important to keep your dog on a consistent schedule.  This applies to waking up every morning and keeping bedtime consistent, as well as feeding and walking your dog at similar times each day. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be for your dog to adjust to their new home. A steady routine will also help your pet to have fewer accidents in the house. 

Don’t

 

Don’t slack on potty training. Extreme winter temperatures might make going for a walk seem like a huge chore, but just because it is cold outside doesn’t mean you can slack on potty breaks. Bundle up with your jacket and mittens and take your new puppy outside! If you have a short-haired or small dog, don’t forget to bundle them up as well. A jacket will keep them toasty during their winter walks.

Don’t feed your dog food off the table. As tempting as it may be, don’t feed your new puppy  food off the dinner table. Feeding your puppy scraps could lead to your dog begging later in life. Also it should be noted that not all of your holiday food is safe for your dog to eat. Better safe than sorry!  If you really want to treat your dog to some of your holiday feast, fix them their own plate and don’t feed it to them off the table. You can always stuff a rubber Kong toy with some dog-safe holiday food, this way it will keep them busy while keeping them safe. Chicken or turkey without the skin would be a great treat for your new pup, however, limit quantities to avoid an upset tummy.

Don’t overwhelm your puppy. While it is great to socialize your young puppy and have them meet as many new people as possible, be careful not to overwhelm your dog. Remember that your puppy is in a new situation and a bunch of strangers in your home can be quite scary. Have your dog meet as many people as they seem comfortable meeting, and if the situation seems to get a little scary, make sure you have a safe place for them to go.

The holidays can be a fun time for you and your new puppy, but make sure that you do everything you can to set your new dog up for success and make their first holiday season a great one!

WINTERTIME Holiday Pet Etiquette

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and that can mean plenty of visitors to your house. The question is, how do you keep your dog calm and behaving appropriately during the festivities? Creating a preparedness plan for your dog prior to the season can help make holiday get-togethers less stressful for you, your dog and your guests.

There are a few simple steps that can be critical in order to ensure a safe holiday season when visitors are over. However, some of these things take time for your dog to learn, so start early and be prepared for when the door bell rings and when your guests begin to arrive.

Keep it simple, just remember WINTERTIME and you and your dog can safely get through the holiday season.

Walk. Even with company over, your dog needs to go outside. Take them out for frequent potty breaks. An extra long walk before guests arrive can also burn off some of that extra energy. 

Interactive Toys. Have plenty of toys on hand to keep your dog busy. A frozen stuffed Kong or a stuffed Monster Ball could be the perfect way for your dog to stay busy while guests are over. 

No Tolerance. This goes for both humans and dogs alike. If you tell people specific things about issues your dog may have, be sure to enforce your rules. As for your pet, you are your dog’s voice for the night, so it's your job to speak for them and keep them comfortable.

Think Ahead. Just as you want to think ahead as you plan a party, you should have a plan in place for your pooch. Know what to expect from your pet and how to react to their behavior in advance.

Exercise. Your dog needs to get more exercise than usual leading up to a big event. Exercising your dog will keep them calmer with the arrival of your guests. This could be as simple at taking them for longer walks or playing a long game of fetch before the party.

Reward. Reward your dog for anything good they do. This would mean keeping approved treats handy so your guests can reward your pet as well. Put out treats for your dog that visitors are allowed to give them, that way they will not be tempted to feed them table food or scraps. 

Time Away. Remember that your dog doesn’t need to be out the entire time when guest are over. Create a nice spot for them in a quiet room, with their crate or bed. This gives them a place to go when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Soft music in the background can also help drown out the noise of visitors.

Identification Tags. The holidays tend to see a spike in dogs that run away from home. With guests arriving and the door constantly opening and closing, it is easy for a dog to sneak out unnoticed, no matter their size. Make sure your dog is wearing up-to-date ID tags in the event they get out.

Management. This is important, be sure to manage the behaviors you haven’t had time to train. For example, if a party guest is coming over who has a bad hip, and your dog likes to jump, have your dog in a crate or enclosed space when that guest arrives in order to prevent problems. 

Etiquette during Greetings. Not all guests want to be bombarded with a jumping dog when they enter your house. Teaching your dog to go to their spot or playing the "four on the floor” game with them can help make your dog’s greetings proper. If you have a dog that jumps, try “four on the floor,” it’s simple, you can practice this with your dog long before guests arrive. Ignore your dog when they are jumping, once they have all four of their paws on the floor you can reward them with a treat. Have your guests do the same thing with your dog when they arrive.

Just remember WINTERTIME and you, your dog and your holiday house guests can have a comfortable, safe and relaxed holiday season.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Pooch

The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re still looking for a gift for your pooch, we have some great recommendations that will challenge your dogs mind and some toys that are just fun. So check out this list of holiday gifts that your pooch will love.


Rawhide Turkey Leg

This rawhide turkey leg is wrapped in sweet potato in order to give your pooch that long lasting fun. Stop by our retail shop in the lobby of Morris K9 Campus to pick up your last minute gift.

Plush Toy

These toys are great because they not only squeak, but they rattle, adding a whole new element to keep your dog interested. We also have a variety of plush toys available in our lobby for all of your holiday needs.

Barnacle

This puzzle toy will keep your pooch entertained for hours. The toy is a treat dispenser that makes your dog work for the reward. Not only will your pooch have fun, but it will helps exercise their mind. This toy is customizable to your dog’s skill level.

Picasso Pooch DIY Bed

http://www.petego.com/category/14/Sleep/product/219/PicassoPoochDIYBed

This dog bed is unique, because it comes with a set of markers that allows you to draw on your pooch’s bed. You can unleash your inner Picasso with the bed design. The design possibilities are endless.

Silhouette Dog Tattoos and iPhone Cases

https://www.steadfastfriends.com/

A gift for you or any dog lover! This company designs temporary dog tattoos in the silhouette of your dogs breed. Currently, they are expanding the line and adding iPhone cases, which also are adorned with the silhouette of your pooches breed. This is a gift you can feel good about. Ten percent of your purchase goes back to canine driven charities.

Visit the retail section of our facility in order to select your last minute gift! Have a safe and happy holiday season! If you have any questions, please call us at 973-539-0377.

Local Animal Shelters Need Your Help

With the recent impact of Hurricane Sandy, and the holiday season among us, the local animal shelters are in need of donations. Morris K9 Campus is currently holding a Pet Food Drive, in the lobby, until December 14th.

Your donations will be going to local shelters and rescue groups that have felt the negative impacts of Hurricane Sandy. These shelters are in need of critical supplies for the animals they currently have as well as the ones they hope to help during this holiday season. Donations will be distributed to them during the last two weeks in December.

Noah’s Ark

This shelter suffered a 12-day power loss, which also left them without running water for that time. They are now up and running again, however they are still in need of donations.

Eleventh Hour Rescue

They are glad to report that all of their animals made it safe through the storm, including both shelter and foster dogs. The shelter did not have hot water during the storm. They are seeking food donations for both dog and cats.

Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter

This nonprofit is seeking donations for their cats. According to their Facebook page, they are in great need of, clean large towels, snoozy small cat bumper beds, fleece throws/blankets, as well as non-clumping cat litter and cat toys.

Randolph Animal Pound

This pound is in need of the following items: dog runs and rabbit hutches are needed so that we can help rescue more rabbits, blankets and small rugs, used clean ones are fine, as well as toys for cats and dogs.

Purrfect Pals, Inc.

Purrfect Pals, Inc. is a cat rescue located in East Hanover, NJ. At the current time, both kitty litter and cat food is appreciated.

So stop by and drop off donations, bins are located in the lobby. Any donation will help these animals in need.

We are kindly asking for:

Dog and Cat Food (Canned or Dry)

Scoopable Litter

Kitten and Puppy Food (Canned)

As well as the items that specific shelters have requested.

What Foods are Safe for Your Pooch

With Thanksgiving this week, you’re probably preparing to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, but it might leave you wondering what foods are safe for your pooch to feast on. Before you feed your dog their Thanksgiving feast, check out this list of what foods your dog can and can’t have.

If you’re looking to feed your dog Thanksgiving scraps, these foods mentioned below would be perfect. However, as all things everything should be consumed by your pooch in moderation, and we don’t recommend that your dog eats everything on the list.

Turkey: Cooked boneless Turkey can be great for your pooch, just make sure you leave off the skin so you avoid giving your dog too much extra fat.

Sweet Potatoes: You might be making a sweet potato casserole covered in marshmallows, but stick to the plain cooked kind for your dog.

Apple Slices: If your baking that Fall apple pie, your pooch can enjoy a few slices of fresh apple before you put them in the pie.

Mashed Potatoes: Your pooch might just love some mashed potatoes, plus they make a great stuffing for a Kong as well. Just leave out the gravy if it’s high fat content.

Vegetables: Plain veggies can be great for your dog, without the added butter. Corn, broccoli, string beans and carrots are great way to give your dog some nutrients.

Pumpkin: It can be great for your dog’s digestion after their Thanksgiving feast, but make sure you stay away from pumpkin pie and pumpkin filling, which both have sugar added.

Cranberries: They are proven to be great to help clear out your dogs’ urinary track, just watch the sugar in them to make sure your pooch isn’t getting too much.

Thanksgiving can be enjoyable for your dog, but keep their feast to a minimum. You shouldn’t over indulge your pooch.

For safety reasons, there are a few foods your dog should not eat. .

Turkey Bones: Bones that are not made for dogs can be disastrous for them. The cooked bones from your Turkey can splinter and cause your dog harm, and possibly an unscheduled trip to the vet. Stick to bones from the pet stores that are made for your pooch. You can even stop into Morris K9 Campus and get one of our holiday turkey legs made just for your pooch, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Stuffing: Everyone seems to love stuffing but it’s one of the worst things for your pooch at the dinner table. Most stuffing recipes contain onion, garlic and sage, three of the main things your dog should always stay away from, so keep your pet healthy and keep them away from the stuffing.

Desserts: Even though your four-legged friend might be begging for that last piece of pumpkin pie, they should stay away from all desserts. So don’t give into those puppy dog eyes and keep them away for the sweets.

You and your pooch can have a great Thanksgiving together, but if you want to keep your dog entertained when you are eating, make them a Kong stuffed with some of the dog safe Thanksgiving foods and let them enjoy while you are feasting yourself. Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Sources:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/thanksgiving-safety-tips.aspx

http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/thanksgiving-foods-safe-for-dogs

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS EARLY!

Looking for a unique idea for this year’s holiday card? Your lovable pooch just might hold the answer. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time for the Morris K9 Campus Annual Holiday Photo Shoot. Take care of your holiday cards early this year by bringing your furry family member to the shoot which is scheduled for Sunday, November 18th. The photo shoot is conveniently held before Thanksgiving so there will be plenty of time to get your prints before the holidays.

Photographer Hugo Juarez will be back for the third consecutive year. He is an extremely talented photographer whose patience allows him to capture the best in any animal. Whether you’re in a winter spirit or in the holiday spirit, Hugo has a background scene for you! This year’s shoot will feature two scenes again, a nondenominational winter scene and a holiday scene as well. There are two sitting times available, 10AM-12PM and 12PM-2PM. Call to reserve your time soon, as spaces are limited. Each sitting will be $15 a scene and will include a 5x7 photo. Additional photos will be available for purchase online. There are a variety of items to choose from including, ornaments, mugs, greeting cards, key chains and much more! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Creature Comfort Pet Therapy.

Warm up with cider and refreshments! Call 973-252-5100 today to schedule a sitting for your pooch!