Proper Pet Store Etiquette for Dogs

August 27, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Bring Your Dog to the Pet Store Without Problems

As you may or may not know, most pet stores allow leashed dogs inside. After all, these are stores specifically for pets. Shopping with your dog can be both fun and a little overwhelming for both of you, as there is so much going on. Follow these tips to make shopping with your dog an enjoyable experience.

Preparing for Your Grocery Store Trip

As a dog trainer, I look at every situation as a training opportunity for my dogs, so being prepared for all different situations is a must for me.

I suggest visiting a pet store when shopping traffic is slow and after your dog has been walked before shopping. Choose a dog collar that best fits your dog with the least amount of safety issues, such as a properly fitted flat buckle collar, Martingale collar or a no-pull body harness. Now attach a durable nylon or leather leash–this is not the place for a retractable type leash. Remember, all dogs must be leashed when visiting pet stores.

Oh, and one more very important thing: stock your pockets with special tasty treats, as this will give you the opportunity to reward good behavior and redirect your dog out of a potentially negative situation.

Possible Stressors You Might Encounter

You may encounter some stressful situations, but you can use these as dog training opportunities.

Keep calm and be prepared to successfully navigate your dog through stressful situations, and thus create a positive experience. Be prepared, your dog will encounter automatic doors, other dogs (both friendly and maybe not so friendly), other kinds of animals (cats, birds, guinea pigs, etc.) and loud noises.

RELATED: How to Train Fearful Dogs

If it becomes too much, meaning your dog is overwhelmed and starts shaking, drooling, or barking or lunging at other dogs, leave immediately. Leave your shopping cart in the aisle and go. It’s not worth it.

Handling Stressful Situations

Stay calm and reward your dog every few seconds when encountering stressful situations. Try and be aware of your surrounding, so you can be ready for the situation rather then reacting to something that pops up. Hold your leash with one hand and food treats in the other hand before stressful encounters (i.e. screaming children and barking dogs).

Now, I understand that things do just pop up like a dog coming around the corner or a loud noise. In these instances, use that special food treat in your pocket to redirect your dog’s attention to something more fun like the smelly bones and toys!

Have Fun

Build positive associations, reinforce socialization and reward polite behaviors. Just think about all the great smells and fun toys your dog gets to see–who doesn’t want to buy new things from their favorite store? Allowing your dog to take their time sniffing and experiencing a new environment will enrich his experience. It’s very important to make every situation as positive as possible, allowing your dog to build life skills.

Just think: with lots of practice, this could be a fun outing for you and your dog even on a busy Saturday!

Find a Dog Sitter Tips

August 26, 2015 by Fanna Easter

How to Find a Fabulous Dog Sitter

Having moved to a new state recently, I’m trying to find a dog sitter and it’s stressful. We’re planning a trip to Hawaii, which means I’ll be far away if something should happen. So, I started the process and finally found the best dog sitter–we love her!

Of course, I’ll share these tips with you. Follow these steps to narrow down choices and help you find the perfect trusted dog sitter who your dogs will love too.

Ask Dog Professionals

Ask your veterinarian, dog trainer and fellow pet lovers for recommendations and, then go one step further, ask how their visits went while away. Don’t stop with just one referral. Keep asking until you have several leads. If a specific dog sitter is really good, you’ll notice his or her name popping up often.

Refrain from finding a dog sitter online–either independent or through larger companies. I’ve been burned. My dogs were fine–it didn’t get that far thankfully–but I noticed miscommunication, lack of follow-up and complete lack of professionalism in the beginning.

As a pet professional, I’ve heard horror stories of multiple dog sitters visiting during a single day and mixing up prescription dog food resulting in very sick dogs. Could this happen with anyone? Maybe, but the chances are less likely if pet professionals recommend a pet sitter instead of selectively gambling an unknown person online.

Run a Background Search Online

Now turn on your computer and search each individual’s full name online. I recommend Google, as it really narrows down searches to specific criteria. Many years ago, someone recommended me a specific pet sitter and, after a simple Google search, I noticed three major complaints stating she never showed up for any visits over a four-day period.

If it’s just one complaint, maybe it was just a disgruntled person. Four complaints though? Something is terribly wrong. When digging in, I noticed this person changed the name of her dog sitting company, which is another red flag. When I informed the person who recommended the baby sitter, she set up a hidden camera and was shocked. The “dog sitter” walked up to my friend’s front porch and sat in a rocking chair, chatting on her cellphone for an hour and never went inside to take care of the dogs. Yes, true story!

Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any complaints. Do your research until you uncover any and everything.

Screen By Phone

Once you’ve narrowed down your referred list even further, give each person a call. Tell the potential dog sitter who referred you to him or her, and explain a bit about yourself and your dogs. Now, ask the person to tell you about his or her background, experience and services offered.

As you’re chatting, listen closely to this person’s voice. Does he or she sound happy, patient, trustworthy and kind? Happy folks sound like they’re smiling while talking and easily elaborate answers to all your questions. Stay away from someone giving short, curt answers. That’s never a good sign.

Meet in Person

Once you’ve shortened your list further, schedule an in-person interview preferably with your dogs present. Meeting a potential dog sitter face-to-face does not guarantee acceptance. It’s so important to watch him or her interact with your dogs before signing any paperwork or exchanging keys. If needed, take a day or two and think it over. Take your time–your dogs and home are depending on your decision.

In-person interviews usually narrow down my list quickly because having a 120-pound Rottweiler slobbering all over you and a Miniature Bull Terrier looking up your skirt can be intimidating to say the least.:) Some dog sitters state their hesitance immediately and others fumble around, trying to remove slobber from their shirts and shoo Stella away. As you guessed it, the fumblers are immediately eliminated.

Watch how this person reacts when your dog jumps up into his or her lap or gets licked on the face. The person should have gentle hands, meaning he or she is not pushing, pulling or yelling. Instead he or she should ask your dog to sit instead of jump or lick, and reward with petting and treats. If someone is scared of your dog, he or she is not the right person.

Schedule a Trial Vacation

Once you’ve selected a dog sitter, set up a mini vacation and see how things go. This could be the perfect spouse getaway you both need. Stay overnight at a high-end hotel or visit family over the weekend. If all goes well, then you’ve found your perfect dog sitter. If not, at least you were close by, and you now know how to find the right one!

Good luck and trust your gut!

Dog Alert Wallet Cards and Stickers are a Must

August 17, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Why You Need Dog Alert Wallet Cards and Dog Rescue Stickers

Yes, emergencies happen and they’re scary. Personally, it’s my worst nightmare. Take a moment and ensure your pets are taken care of if something should happen to you or your home. By alerting officials with pet alert wallet cards and stickers, you’re ensuring family members and friends are contacted quickly.

ICE (In Case of Emergency): “My Dog Is Home Alone” Wallet Cards

While cruising through Facebook, a fellow dog trainer shared this wonderful idea: it’s a wallet-sized card asking emergency officials to contact family members and friends listed on the back of the card. What a great idea!

You can certainly purchase these cards online, which fit perfectly behind your driver’s license. Also, pre-made options offer laminated bright-colored key tags that alert officials to contact someone to check on your pets.

How to Create a Dog Alert Wallet Card

If you’re crafty and have access to a high quality printer, you can easily create your own. Definitely use bright primary colors to instantly make it clear it’s some type of medical alert card.

Front of Card

Across the front, clearly label “My Dog is Home Alone” in large font and add “If I’m Ill or Injured, Please Contact Someone on Back of Card to Care for My Dog.”

Back of Card

Neatly type at least two to three full names and cell phone numbers of local family and friends who live near your home. This way, it increases the chance of emergency officials speaking to someone. Also, laminating cards and key holders ensure they hold up to everyday life.

Dog Inside Home Stickers

This dog rescue sticker informs emergency responders dogs are in your home and need to be rescued. List the number of dogs you have, so officials can safely rescue them all. It’s best to post these stickers near common entrances (front and back) and on doors and windows. There are many different versions of pet rescue stickers available online.

Make sure you remove the sticker when you move out. If you bring home a new dog or lose one, note that on the sticker immediately. It also doesn’t hurt to replace it often with a current date noted, so first responders are aware the sticker is up-to-date.

How to Create Dog Rescue Stickers

Red and yellow colors are most commonly used to alert officials about immediate medical needs, so I recommend using these easily recognizable colors in your design. Laminating will protect DIY rescue signs from harsh elements and can easily be taped near entrances.

Ounce of Prevention

During fall and spring, it’s best to replace all batteries in smoke detectors. Partner with neighbors to rally for your dogs and insist they’re rescued. Don’t forget to also keep your will updated with plans for your dogs.

Regardless if you create or purchase these dog emergency cards and rescue stickers, take a moment and ensure your pets are safe when you’re not home. With that, I most certainly hope these items are never needed. 🙂

READ NEXT: Pet First Aid Phone App Reviews

Fake Service Dogs Do a Disservice

July 16, 2015 by Fanna Easter

The Problems With Fake Service Dogs

If you’re wondering where to find a service dog vest and paperwork, you probably want to bring your dog in public. As a dog lover, I totally understand. I would love to bring my dogs inside restaurants, hold them in my lap during flights, dodge airline pet carrying fees and landlord restrictions, but finding service dog paperwork to be able to bring your dog with you in public is wrong. Before you click past this article, please take a moment. Hear me out first, then make your decision. I’m not judging. Just allow me to explain the other side of the coin.

It Makes It Harder for Actual Service Dogs

Rigorously trained service dogs go virtually unnoticed in public places. They are quietly working. When they’re not working, they’re comfortably lying at their person’s feet. This is why they’re allowed in public places. They perform a specific task per ADA regulations for their disabled friend and mingle with society politely.

Untrained dogs that have acquired a service dog vest and paperwork by purchasing online do not perform a specific task for their owners, which is an ADA requirement. While some dogs are polite, the majority are disruptive–barking, growling and even lunging at other dogs, children and adults. These outbursts chip away at the well-respected and trained service dogs. Please, let’s not botch this up for them. Disabled people need their service dogs, so let’s preserve their right.

RELATED: Types of Service Dogs

Unfair for Your Untrained Dog

When polled, dog owners purchased service dog vests and paperwork online because they want to bring their dogs with them everywhere. For clarification purposes, when I mention untrained dog, I’m talking about a dog that has zero training or has only graduated from basic group classes with a dog trainer. In short, these dogs have not been exposed to stressful situations in small doses to teach polite manners per service dog training protocols.

Instead, untrained dogs are brought onto airplanes flooded with scary situations. Some dogs shut down while others become terrified and begin to bark, whine, howl and show other signs of discomfort in stressful situations. On a flight to San Diego, an adult Yorkie that was sitting on her dog owner’s lap had diarrhea and pooped all over her owner’s dress, seat, purse and other passengers in mid-flight. The entire plane smelled of feces. As the poor dog owner cleaned up the mess, she kept saying loudly, “This is not like her. She’s never done this before. She’s a service dog, you know.”

And Yes, We Can Tell He’s Not a Service Dog

Puppies drowning in large service vests, show dogs pulling on leash, dogs jumping on passengers, dogs having a hard time settling on a plane, dogs constantly whining under the table at restaurants don’t go unnoticed. It’s pretty obvious. Sorry.

Unfortunately, most offenses reported are due to dog aggression instances where untrained service dogs become afraid, begin to growl, lunge or even bite. During or after these fearful displays, you’ll hear his dog owner say, “Wow, this is not like him. He likes people and children.” He may tolerate people and children at home in a calm situation, but when exposed to them during stressful situations, he’s unable to cope.

Do know concerned citizens report these instances to authorities and the ADA with pictures and video.

Before You Order a Vest

Now that you’ve heard our side of the story and how untrained service dogs are detrimental to the public, hopefully I’ve convinced you to put down your credit card and make plans to keep your dog at home. It’s not that I think it’s unfair. It’s just morally wrong and you could face hefty fines and jail time. It’s not worth it.

If you do decide to move forward with the purchase, there’s an uprise, as millions of people are angry with fake service dogs. And these folks will report it. Many states have passed fake service dog bills, so there’s legal merit to stand on.

It’s not worth it.

READ MORE: Service Dog Certification

Service Dogs: Where to Look

July 15, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Where to Look for a Service Dog

There seems to be a humongous gray area within the service dog world. I discovered this black hole when a family member began her search for a diabetic alert dog, which became very personal. I jumped in to help her navigate between options, but I became so confused and frustrated. Even service dog training experts had differing opinions, so I gathered, compiled and made an informed decision on processes for finding a service dog.

While some may disagree, I whole heartily believe these options will help point you in the right direction. You still need to complete extensive research on your end, but at least you’re armed with valuable information to filter imposters.

My Family Member’s Story

My cousin has type 1 diabetes and, lately, her blood sugar levels have been constantly plummeting to dangerous levels for unknown reasons. Unable to identify the cause, her doctors suggested adding a diabetic alert dog to her family. The dog would alert her when her blood sugar levels begin to drop, so she is able to find a safe place and medicate.

Finally, she found help and began searching online. When she Googled “service dog,” several promising options quickly appeared. These promising options clearly explained that their service dogs cost upwards of $20,000 and she should hold a fundraiser to secure this amount, as insurance will not reimburse for service animals.

Does this sound familiar? Oh boy, I became angry. This didn’t sound right so I began my investigation.

Beware of Imposters

Unfortunately, there are so many swindlers who prey on people needing a service dog, which results in untrained frightened dogs and upset human partners. Reputable service dog organizations spend a minimum of one to two years searching for the perfect puppy and training a dog for specific needs, which causes a long waiting list. Imposters capitalize on these waiting lists with slick promises of quickly trained dogs that are guaranteed for life. And unfortunately, the service dog is riddled with them.

Let’s back up a minute and discuss service dog guarantees. Dogs are living beings, and you can’t guarantee behaviors–that’s not possible. Can you guarantee you’ll return all phone calls within 10 minutes? You can’t. Life gets in the way. But you can promise reliability, meaning service dogs are able to perform behaviors nine out of 10 times. If someone guarantees a service dog, that dog is not for you. Just as the old saying goes, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Where Can You Find a Service Dog?

With so much misinformation out there and no set guidelines or standards, where should you start?

Non-Profit Organizations

These organizations depend upon fundraising and donations, meaning they are not for profit. Dog trainer salaries, dog food, veterinary care and anything else needed depends on donated funds. This is a great option if your funds are limited. Most organizations do a great job training service dogs. Now, some organizations won’t place trained service dogs in other states, so this is something to consider while researching.

But, as with anything, not all non-profits are the same. Training is a huge part of any service dog organization. Without it, dogs lack required skills to detect low blood sugar, alert of any sights and sounds, provide comfort, and politely interact in public. Unfortunately, some organizations skip critical steps or use harsh training methods, so it’s important to do your homework first. Also, it never hurts to check the Better Business Bureau for complaints.

Service Dog Trainer

Not all dog trainers are able to teach service dog skills, so seek qualified individuals who use positive reinforcement, have completed service dog schooling, have acquired certifications and have previous service dog training experience. Check references of past service dog pet parents, and inquire on training methods and processes. Not only can service dog trainers assist with training, but they can also help select the right puppy and guide you through the process.

Finding the right service dog trainer is key! Everyone claims to be an expert, but it’s your job to verify first. Service dog trainers should have a complex understanding of animal behavior paired with experience teaching behaviors to a variety of dogs, including service dogs. To narrow down your search, check out this article on finding a dog trainer with an understanding of animal behavior.

If someone offers service dog training, he’ll likely note that on their profile, as this is a hot and lucrative topic lately. With so many service dog schools popping up, it’s difficult to recommend any since they’re still new. I haven’t personally witnessed their service dogs working.

Now, this option will likely cost more than a non-profit organization, so be prepared to spend several thousand dollars, as it takes a minimum of 1-2 years to train a service dog. You should not pay $20,000 though. That’s an absurd amount of money. Also, it never hurts to ask and check past service dog clients, and take a peek at their BBB standing either.

My Recommendation

Personally, I would choose a reputable non-profit organization because they more than likely have highly experienced trainers due to a higher demand. Plus, most organizations have met the stringent requirements to earn 501 (c) (3) status and won’t charge disabled persons seeking service dogs.

If you’re unable to find a reputable organization, then seeking an experienced and qualified dog trainer is an option–but always do your research. Unfortunately, there are no service dog standards, so choosing the right person or organization is key. For more information about service dog standards, check out the ADA’s website.

Please Inform Your Referring Doctor About Options

Many times, well meaning doctors recommend searching for service dogs online. However, they’re not aware of scams, reputable organizations or service dog trainers. Take a moment to inform them of options and explain how to locate a reputable service dog source. This is a great way to pay it forward for the next person in need.

And by gosh, donate to your local reputable non-profit service dog organization. They need every penny! 🙂