Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon
Dog Walking Tips
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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, January 23, 2012 3:36 PM
Dog Harness Information
1. Which dogs are best suited for harnesses?
A harness, which fits around your dog's chest and rib cage is ideal
for small dogs (15-25 lbs at adult weight), medium dogs (30-50 lbs at adult weight), sometimes large dogs, all flat-nosed dogs (Pug,
Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Bulldog varieties), those with delicate windpipes (Yorkshire
Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian) and dogs with neck or spine problems.
For these dogs, leash tension puts pressure on the throat and
trachea which can cause irritation, coughing, choking, or even a
collapsed trachea. Because the harness straps are on the dog's chest, it
relieves his neck from any harmful leash pressure.
2. Which type of harness is the easiest to use?
A Comfort Wrap Harness has a step-in design that's simple to use and
provides a comfortable fit for your dog. Simply lay the harness on the
ground and have your dog step in. Pull the harness up, clip the buckle
and you're ready! Multiple adjustment points ensure a perfect fit.
3. What are the different types of harnesses that prevent leash pulling?
There are two types of no-pull harnesses.
One type has a leash attachment ring at the center of your dog's chest
which gives you more control of your dog's front half and gently guides
him back towards you when he pulls. The other type works by gently tightening around your dog's chest or
leg area, restraining him when he pulls. It is ideal for committed
pullers.
As a professional pet sitter and dog walker in my community of Boca Raton, Florida, I have encountered many dog owners that are not aware of the necessity, importance and assistance that these harnesses can offer. Not only do they give better control for walking, reduce pulling and help with training, they can prevent injuries to many dogs - and the walkers, because of the better control. Of course, by now, I hope everyone is throwing away their retractable leashes - I refuse to walk dogs with these at any time or size of dog. They are dangerous and worthless.
There is a wide variety of styles of harnesses that offer you choices with form, function and fashion options. Check out your local pet supply stores and online shopping.
About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a licensed, insured, bonded and certified in pet first aid pet sitter with her business in Boca Raton since 2002. She provides her personal services by visiting the homes of the many dogs, cats, birds, fish and other domestic pets that live in her community. Visit her website to learn more about her services and the credentials and care that you should look for when hiring a pet sitter and dog walker for your pets. www.nanettegordon.com
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Boca Raton Dog Walker Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, October 03, 2011 11:02 AM
 The Importance of Dog Walking and Boca Raton Dog Walking & Dog Parks
Did
you know that wolves and dogs are related to each other? From the
Great Dane to the toy Chihuahua, all breed of dogs are direct
descendants of the wolf. And because of that, many of the wolf’s
characteristics and behaviors still survive in today’s domestic dogs.
One
of the similarities that exist between wolves and dogs is their ability
to travel long distances. Most dogs (except for breeds that have been
radically changed by man’s selective breeding) have the energy and
strength to travel an average of fifteen miles a day.
Those dogs
who do not get enough dog walking become frustrated and often
demonstrate destructive, undesirable behaviors such as barking, chewing,
running away, and digging. As a professional dog walker and pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I can hear the frustrated barking of dogs that are not able to get out during the workdays and dogs that are crated for long periods of time.
Dog walking, whether it is dog walking
on a leash or dog exercise off the leash is the most common and
universal way to exercise your dog. In fact, dog walking is an
excellent activity. And being a responsible dog walker includes carrying dog waste bags for picking up solid waste for proper disposal in designated dog waste stations, dumpsters, residential trash barrels - make sure you know where these are located near your dog walking route. In the city of Boca Raton where I live and provide my dog walking services, I always know where the nearest place is to dispose of the dog waste baggies - and my customers, neighbors and other workers in my areas know and appreciate this!
 Both you and your dog can benefit from dog
walking by getting an adequate amount exercise. Another neat aspect of
dog walking is that it gives you an opportunity to meet people. Dog
walking is a wonderful way to meet someone with whom you can form a “dog
play group”.
When dog walking, pay close attention to your dog.
Make sure that he does not relieve himself on the neighbor's lawn. If
possible, have him relieve himself at home before you start the dog
walking. You should also prevent him from distracting other people and
elements.
Dog walking is also a great way to train your dog to
walk without pulling on his leash. Dog walking is not good nor is it
fun if your dog is constantly tugging you down the street while you are
gasping and wheezing for air. It is also not good for your arm. If you
are a beginner at dog walking, you might need to be stubborn at first
because it is not natural for a very excited dog to walk at a normal
pace to match yours. I recommend using a standard nylon, leather or similar leash that is non-retractable and a short length of 3-4" to keep your dog by your side - the flexible, retractable leashes that extend up to 20' are dangerous, can allow your dog to get into trouble with hiding animals, snakes and other dangers in shrubs, can snap if the the dog pulls suddenly and also does not allow you to properly interact with your dog. Retractable leashes should only be used in dog parks (Mizner Bark City of Boca Raton Dog Park)
When anyone is taking your dog walking, whether it is a family member, friend or professional dog walker, make sure that they are aware that pulling is not allowed. Keeping your dog close by has many important reasons, not the least of which is safety, but also including control and socialization.
Consistency is important; you do not want your dog to get into the habit
of pulling his leash while being walked, which makes the activity more
difficult for you. Dog walking should be a pleasant experience for both
you and your dog and one that both of you can look forward to.
About the author: Nanette Gordon is the business owner and personal care provider for her company Nanette L. Gordon Enterprises Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. Since 2002, she has been pet sitting, dog walking and house watching in east Boca Raton and nearby for zip codes 33432, 33486, 33431, 33487 and 33441. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com |
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton: Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011 11:15 AM
Summertime & Hot Weather Pet Care Safety Tips
I take care of many pets during the busy sommer vacation periods - Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend are very busy periods for me pet sitting in Boca Raton and nearby cites. So I have to know a lot about how to care for dogs, cats and other pets to keep them safe and healthy at all times. And my client's expect me to know what to do in case of emergencies. That is why I am certified in pet first aid and as a Pet Tech Pet Saver.
Hot dogs cooking on the grill may be a tasty summer treat. But a real dog baking in the summer sun is in danger.
Pets aren't as efficient as cooling themselves as
humans, since they don't sweat through their skin. The only sweat glands
they have are on their pads and nose. Dogs depend upon panting to help
cool themselves, a task made more difficulty when high humidity raises
the heat index.
Following are answers to some frequently-asked questions about caring for your pet during the summer months.
Can my pet stay outside in the shade?
On very hot, humid summer days, veterinarians recommend against
leaving animals outside all day -- even in the shade. It's important to
remember that the shade of a tree will move during the day and a pet
can become ill quickly if left in the sun to overheat. Unless your pet
has a cool breezy outdoor area that is shaded throughout the day, he's
safer indoors - especially during midday heat. Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a
particularly hard time regulating their body temperature on hot summer
days, as do dogs with snub noses (such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldog)
and overweight animals. All of these pets require close monitoring and
should be kept indoors as much as possible, recommends the American
Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Can I exercise my pet during the summer?
Exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy
weight, which helps his or her body stay cool. However, overdoing it on
hot day can cause your pet to overheat and put him at risk for heat
exhaustion.
 Choose the coolest part of the day - early in the
morning, or in the evening. In addition, the AAHA recommends keeping
summertime dog walks to a gentle pace and making sure your pet has
plenty of water. If he's panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to
stop.
Does my dog need a summer haircut?
Most veterinarians and professional groomers recommend against shaving
your pet for the summer months, because a dog's coat helps to protect
his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Since dogs
don't sweat to cool themselves (the way people do), they don't need
exposed skin to stay cool.
However, your pet's coat must be well-groomed for it
to serve its purpose. Regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat
are important during the spring and summer months. If your dog is badly
matted or tangled, her coat may actually trap the heat and humidity
close to the skin, adding to her discomfort. A comfort clip early in the
season can help.
Should I put sunscreen on my pet?
Clipped or not, your dog or cat can get sunburned, particularly if he
has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause the same types of
problems that it does in people, including pain, peeling, and skin
cancer.
The AAHA advises keeping your pet out of the sun
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When your dog is outside, applying sunblock
to unprotected areas like the tips of the ears, the skin around the
lips, and the tip of the nose is recommended.
 As a professional pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I see the benefits and hazards of taking care of pets in the tropical, sunny weather conditions we have all year. I recommend shorter haircuts when possible, sunscreen (baby formulas are good) especially on fine coated dogs (like Bichon Frise), fresh, cool water in several bowls around the house and yard, toweling off dogs when they get wet in the rain (so they don't get chilled by the AC when inside) and not engaging in heavy running exercises in the high heat of the midday. Make sure that you have a professional pet sitter when traveling away from home and make sure all family members and caretakers know how to care for you pets in all circumstances. Have a safe and healthy summer with your pets!
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in Boca Raton, Florida. She provides her personal, qualified and exclusive services to a localized area to ensure the best care. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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