10 Unbelievable Questions That Dog Walkers Get Asked

     When we tell people what we do for a living it often catches people off guard and next comes all of the...interesting, questions that we get asked. Below is a list of the top ten most interesting and ridiculous questions that walkers for the CompleteK9 team have been asked, Enjoy!

1. One of the most commonly asked questions is "are all of those dogs yours!?" This one always makes me laugh, because we very rarely have less than 4 dogs in a pack...crazy dog lady? Possibly ;)
2. One of the more difficult questions is the "which breeds would you recommend?" This is a very difficult question because it really depends on your lifestyle and your choice of training methods. Each breed is a little different, the best thing that a prospective dog owner can do, is do their research and find a breed that will fit into your lifestyle and family best. 
3. Then there's always the travel question "How did you get them all here??" Well you see, I'm magic and I click my heels together and all of a sudden we've arrived! (or none of us have back seating). 
4. The bowel reference is always a fun question "how much poop do you pick up a day??" Let's just say, we are very very comfortable with everything that comes out of the body...or that gets put into the body. 
5. "How do you walk all of those dogs at once?" I cannot say that it is always easy, but after a few minutes everyone gets in the groove and walks well together. It take patience and good control, but with practice it becomes easier and easier (most days)!
   
6. The treat question is a common one when people see us practicing our sit stays "did you bribe them with treats?" Absolutely not, we do not use treats when we are out walking the dogs.  Food in a group setting is not wise because food aggression is real!
7. "Do they all get along?" Like people, not all dogs are going to get along and like one another, its just not possible. We always do our best to make sure the 'disagreements' are kept to a minimum. 
8. The numbers game "How many dogs do you have with you? or How many dogs do you walk?" On average our pack walks are kept at 6 dogs... and let me just count to make sure everyone is here! #rolecall 
9. And of course, the dragging question "have you ever been dragged by a dog?" Being dragged is kind of like a dog walker right of passage... YES at some point we have all been dragged into snow, mud or water. The surprising part for everyone is that its never by the group of dogs, its always when you just have one! Note to everyone: When you see someone trying to walk away from the water with a dog that wants to go back...do NOT throw ANYTHING! This is much appreciated. 
   
10. "Can you make a career out of this?" You absolutely can! One that not only pays the bills on time, but that is very rewarding. Not many people can say they love their job on a regular basis, but I have the pleasure of saying that I truly love my job. The good days strongly outweigh the difficult days. 

Well, there you have it! The top 10 most frequently asked questions for a dog walker. I hope you enjoyed this week's #woofwednesday!

Tail Wags From the CompleteK9 Team!

Dog Walker Problems Round 2!

       Anyone who works with dogs knows just how we feel...#dogwalkerproblems However anyone who knows dogs can relate! So, enjoy phase two!

1. When a mitten is taken by a dog...it is lost forever...RIP mitten. 
2. Or when you always carry a back up pair of gloves just in case a dog steals the first pair. 
3. When you walk long haired dogs (AKA doodles) and by the end of a snowy walk, the dog has transformed into a giant snowball!
   
4. When the snow hasn't been touched yet and you have to plough your way through it one sweaty and exhausting step at a time...
5. When everything freezes...including the mud!!!!...FINALLY
6. When you are trying to eat your lunch with 6 pairs of eyes on you. 
   
7. When the burrs should be gone, yet, there is always at least one dog that comes back to your with covered in them.
8. When all of the trails are half melted making them an icy nightmare that requires skates to navigate.
9. When you shop based on things that can be worn to work.
10. Although you try to set aside certain "dog-walker" clothes, everything eventually goes to the dogs.
11. When the snow melts in the middle of winter and all of the dogs are covered in mud, yet no one has their hoses turned on yet...#muddydogs  
12. When you wear layers upon layers to prepare for the cold, yet you are sweating out on the trail.
13. When the snow begins to thaw and the mud is EVERYWHERE!
14. When some of the dogs have nicer winter wardrobes then you do.
    
15. When you give a run-away-dog a buddy to stay close and the leashes trip you as they run by...
16. When a dog goes to jump in the snow and completely disappears in a pile of deep snow. 
    
17. When you throw a ball or a stick for the dogs and it gets lost in the snow. 
18. When you slip and fall on the ice and all of the dogs run over to lick your face with big wet puppy kisses! #feelingthelove
19. When you don't mind going out in the cold because you get to spend your day with a pack or two of dogs.
20. When you love what you do and would not trade this job for any other.

        Although like everything dog walking has its ups and down, I still wouldn't trade my job for anyone elses. We love each dog like they are our own! Go out and enjoy the snow with your favourite four-legged family members, they love it and you will too!

Tails Wags From the CompleteK9 Team

Winter Safety For Your Dog

Keeping Your Dog in Tip-Top Shape This Winter

        Today's post focuses on how to keep your dog winter ready with tips and tricks on how to keep them warm, how to keep their paws safe, 

1. Go by the idea that if you are cold, so is your dog! Coats for dogs that have short fur can help keep them warm and frostbite free. 
   
2. The salt that keeps us from slipping on ice is TERRIBLE for your dog's paws. Salt can cause cuts, irritation, and infection. Try winter booties when walking your dog on sidewalks and use sand rather than ice when getting side of slippery spots on your property.
   
3. Watch for the signs! If your dog is constantly biting at its paws it could mean that your dog is too cold. Another sign is if your dog's skin is turning red.
4. Make sure that any antifreeze is kept in a safe and secure location far from the reach of your dog. To them, anti-freeze taste very sweet and they love it. Just like for us, it is very poisonous for dogs. 
5. Grooming in the winter is actually very important, it helps get ride of your dog's lighter coat. Their winter coat cannot grow if their old coat is still moulting, brushing your dog helps speed this process along. 

         

        Do not be afraid to take your dog out in the snow because most dogs LOVE playing with you out all the fun fluffy snow, just make sure that they are safe and warm when doing it!

Tails Wags from the CompleteK9 Team!

Look What I Can Eat!

15 Foods That Both You AND Your Dog Can Eat

     This week's post focuses on every day foods that are safe, even healthy, for your dog to consume. Many of these are great alternative for training treats or if you are on the road and need to feed your dog. 

1. Apples (without the seeds)

1. Apples help to clean the residue off of a dog's teeth they are also an excellent source of fibre and vitamin A and C. 
2. Kelp
1. Kelp is rich in iodine, making is a supplement for dogs with Thyroid issues. It is also a good form of flea prevention and it helps with allergies. 
3. Yogurt 
1. Yogurt can be very healthy for you dog as long as it has no added sugars. Unflavoured and unsweetened greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein for both humans and dogs!
4. Pumpkin 

1. Pumpkin is like pepto for dogs! It helps to settle indigestion, upset stomachs, or diarrhea. 
5. Sweet Potatoes 
1. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre and contain vitamins such as B6, C, Manganese, and beta carotene. 
6. Bananas 
1. Bananas are high in fibre, potassium, and magnesium, making them great for doggy diarrhea home remedies. 
7. Oats or Oatmeal 
1. Oats or Oatmeal is an excellent source of fibre and is beneficial for senior dogs that may have bowel issues. It is a great alternative to wheat!
8. Peanut Butter
1. Peanut butter contains heart healthy fats and is an excellent source of protein. 
   
9. Green Beans 
1. Green beans are filling and low calorie, making them a tasty treat for your dog. 
10. Coconut Oil
1. Coconut oil is great for your dogs skin, digestion, and immune system. 
11. Spinach 
1. Spinach is high in iron, fibre and calcium. Spinach is great for warding off cardiovascular diseases, cancer and inflammatory problems.   
12. Carrots 
1. Carrots are good for a dog's teeth and they are high in fibre and vitamin A. 
   
13. Zucchini 
1. Zucchini is great for your dog's skin and fur. It is also great for encouraging weight loss in your dog. 
14. Cantaloupe
1. Cantaloupe promotes good eyesight and they are an excellent source of vitamin A.
15. Broccoli 
1. Broccoli is extremely nutritious for your dog it contains numerous vitamins and fibre.

       Remember to make sure that foods you are giving your dog are healthy for them, although these are all healthy alternatives, there are many foods that are not good for your dog. Make sure to look into it before giving your dog human food. 

Tail Wags from the CompleteK9 Team

Common Myths About Dogs

Doggie Myth Busters 

         This week we decided to focus on the ten most common myths that people believe about dogs. I hope these help you and even surprise you! Enjoy:)

1. A dogs mouth is NOT cleaner than a humans. A dog's mouth has tons of dog specific bacteria in their mouths, as long as its a healthy dog it wont cause us any harm, but the whole a dog's mouth is cleaner than ours is a complete myth!
2. A warm or dry nose does not mean that your dog is sick, this is a common myth. Often, dogs have warm or dry noses after they wake up, which is completely normal!
3. Dogs do NOT only see in black and white, in fact, they can see colours, just not in the same manner as we do. 
4. Dogs do NOT specifically eat grass to induce vomiting, although they some times do vomit after eating grass, the grass was not the cause of this. Some dogs just like to eat, chomp or graze on grass. It will not hurt them (as long as it is not chemically treated) they may just need some extra greens in their diets.  
   
5. A wagging tail does NOT mean that a dog is happy, yes, commonly a dog will wag its tail when happy or excited, however this is not always the case. K9 body language can get pretty complex and difficult for humans to pick up on. A wagging tail can also be a sign of fear, anxiety or even aggression. Be sure to look for other signs in body language before engaging. 
6. Although many believe that only male dogs "hump" or lift their leg to pee is not true, both male and female dogs show this behaviour. 
7. Licking wounds does NOT mean healing, generally, licking wounds is significantly worse for a dog's wounds and should be prevented. 
8. Certain dog breeds being more aggressive than others is a myth. Although larger and stronger dog breeds have the ability to be more dangerous when aggressive, smaller breeds can be just as aggressive as a larger dog. Any breed can show aggression towards other dogs or humans. 
9. When two dogs are barking at each other through a fence (for example the neighbours dog) it does NOT mean that they hate each other. The dogs are simply claiming their territory and making it known to the other, it could also mean they are simply excited and want to meet and play with one another. 
   
10. People often believe that if their dog has been running in the yard all day that they do not need a walk, however this is not true. The energy that they are burning in the backyard requires very little thought or brain power. Walks allow your dog to focus and will give you a much more tired and content dog. 

        I hope you all learnt something about your dog today and the ten most common myths about dogs! Be sure to check back in with us next wednesday for a new #woofwednesday. 

Tail wags from the CompleteK9 team! :)

All I Want For Christmas

My Wish List

       Keep your puppy happy, stimulated and spoiled this Holiday season! This year, make your puppy the HAPPIEST dog of all!. Below is what we at CompleteK9 believe your favourite four-legged family member would love. It also includes tips and products that will make your life that much easier!

All I want for Christmas is:

1. Balls, balls, BALLS! I love to play with my family with this toy, but make sure its soft and squishy so I don't hurt my teeth!
2. A hike in the woods or at a trail with my family would be sooo great over the break! It would keep me stimulated, calm and tired during the holiday festivities. 
   
3. To be included, I love when I am included in family outings like picking out a tree, a walk to look at christmas decorations, or just relaxing by the fire. I want to be with my family and take in everything!
4. I LOVE sweet potato chews, as entertainment during festivities or to keep me calm give me this yummy and nutritious treat.
5. Chew toys! I love to chew on things so as a special treat on christmas morning buy me a new chew toy to keep me entertained during present opening time. This will keep me occupied for a little while at least!
6. PBC or in other words, peanut butter, bacon, and cheese. Need I say more?
7. I Bark Box subscription would be soooo much fun! A new toy and treats every month (especially for those that are fond of destroying toys). 
   
8. The Furminator is a de-shedding tool that works wonders! It significantly decreases the amount that your dog sheds! An excellent tool for any pet that sheds a small creature!
   
9. An LED collar or light up collar is perfect for night walks in the dark on-leash or off-leash! It allows you and others to see where I am, there will be no loosing me!
10. A ball launcher would be sooo much fun for both me and my owner! The ball gets launched extra far and my owner doesn't throw out their arm or back!
    
    Remember to keep your dog involved this holiday season and treat yourself and your dog to a nice holiday gift both of you will enjoy! 

Happy holidays from the CompleteK9 team!

Decorating For Your Dog

Keeping Your Dog and Your Decorations Safe During the Holidays

       With the holidays fast approaching people all over are putting up trees, lights, ornaments, garland and many other holiday decorating options. It is important to keep your pets in mind when decorating because all of the exiting new shapes, bright lights, and fun new "toys" are often captivating for your dog. Here are a few tips to keep everything in one piece and keep your pet safe over the holidays. 

Tips For Your Tree

        Many ornaments have similar shapes, sizes and colours as your dog's toys do. This can be very confusing for your dog, especially for those that it's their first holiday season. Be smart when decorating your tree. 

1. Keep the bottom of your tree decoration free! This will avoid the temptation for your dog to tare down tree ornaments.  
2. Avoid breakable ornaments! When decorating make sure that if you have multiple dogs or a rambunctious dog that you avoid the disaster before it happens. Keep your breakable ornaments off the tree or up high (and very secured). 
3. Secure your ornaments and your tree! Make sure that you secure your tree into place. This will help to prevent it from falling over. Also, use the wire ornament hangers rather than the ribbon ones that often come with them. This will help keep them in place, off the ground and out of your dog's mouth. 

Lights

       Lights are beautiful and fun to look at for us, but for dogs its another story. Sure, the lights are fun, but they see them as something to chew or tug on, which can be very dangerous! Here are a few thing that could happen:

1. Broken bulbs and ingested glass. Make sure that you firmly establish that the lights are not chew toys! 
2. Electrocution or possible fires. Chewing on the lights and wires can result in electrocution or shocking of your dog, or it could cause sparks, which could catch fire. 
3. Getting tangled up. Keep your wires hidden or secured to the ground so that your dog does not get tangled up in them. This will save you the hassle of fallen trees, broken ornaments or even a trip to the vet. 

Overall, enjoy the holidays with all the members of your family! Your four-legged family member wants to be apart of your life and enjoy it with you. Just make sure that you keep breakables out of reach, decorations secure, and make sure that temptations are stopped before they've begun. These tips will save you lots of headaches!

Tail Wags and Happy Holidays

From the CompleteK9 team:)