Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Happy Holidays



Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas 

Ryden, the dude who packs hundreds of tons of charm and courage into  his tiny 5lbs.

Hercules who nearly weights a ton, and isn't done growing yet
Bandit and Becky-the spoiled rotten travelers

"Boyd"
Big Bear, California

&
 &
Much Joy and Happiness in the New Year
It has been our pleasure helping you take care of your pets!

Nigel McMillan
Ilana and Lindsey McAllister -two ladies with hearts of gold

Jed, Richard, Mika & Zombie-our dear friends for a decade

Zenith, George and Casper (the only 19 yr.  I know who lived to have her pacemaker battery replaced) adjusting  to  new  kittens rescued this year

Thank you all for your support!


Friday, December 14, 2012

Train your dog to love nail trims


rensepets.com



Unlike many of my girlfriends, most  dogs don't think  manicures and pedicures are any fun at all. They don't get excited about new  dazzling sparkly nail polish colors, foot baths and massages.  I think it might have something to do with  a bad experience they've had,  where the nail is trimmed past the "quick" causing pain and bleeding,  lack of socialization as puppies and fun.

 Hoping this post can change that.

It is a good idea to socialize puppies to have all parts of their body handled-- feet, ears, and  gums for routine dental cleanings.  When a puppy grows up having experienced the human touch in a stress-free, pain-free  fashion they grow up unafraid of manicures, pedicures, ear and teeth  cleaning, so long as socialization starts early and repeated frequently.

If like so many pet parents, you are having a difficult time teaching your dog to accept nail trims, Dr. Sophia Yin has great  tips on desensitization and counter-conditioning to teach your dog to love them. The trick is to pair the event with something positive.  Generous food treats and patience are essential ingredients for success.

Please click on the link to  read the entire article and view the videos to learn how to enjoy giving a manicure to Fido.


http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/lifestyle/train-your-pet-love-grooming-and-nail-trims








Note the pink triangle in which the nerve and the artery reside and learn to trim below it at a 45 degree angle. 
adventuresofadogsmom
Consider using a Dremel tool  to grind down the nails instead of cutting them, if  the nail trimmers scare you or your dog.  Some dogs accept  the nail grinding better than trimming, but the method of teaching the dog is the same: use food treats, introduce the dog to the tool, its noise and vibrations a little bit at a time...go slow.   
Stop if Fido shows signs of fear or anxiety, give him a break and start over later.

A concise demonstration of a nail trim  by Dr. Sara Liddell & Fritz:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJXJe8oNKSQ


 Dazzling nail polish is optional
but with so many fabulous nail polish colors....
and even  horses enjoying manicures ...why not?

Enjoy