Taking Control

The Best Leashes, Collars and Tools For Your Dog!

        This is a very controversial and saturated subject because of the COUNTLESS options on the market, and of course, everyone has an opinion on which they believe will work the best. Due to this, it can be very difficult, and quite confusing, for someone to choose which dog tools and/or accessories will work best for you dog. Our goal as you read further, is to shed a bit of light on the subject, guiding our readers to choices that we KNOW, through personal AND profession experience, WORK!
 

1. At the very top of our list is the MARTINGALE COLLAR. As Shown in the image to the right, this collar is made mostly of nylon with a portion of it being chain. THIS IS NOT A CHOKE CHAIN!!! This collar works by using a pressure and release system. When used correctly, this collar allows the owner to take control of the dog in ways that are not physically possible when using any other collar. It prevents the dog from being able to slip or back out of the collar (something that happens often with almost every other type of collar) and it allows you to effectively communicate what you would like your dog to do by using the collar.
2. Next up is the SIX FOOT LEASH. This tool is the perfect length when walking your dog on leash.  The 6 ft in length provides the perfect amount of space between you and your dog, giving you control while still allowing your dog a bit of space to choose a side, smell or walk happily beside you. NOTE: be sure to check that the PSI of the clasp is strong enough for your dog. 
3. The Andis Pet Steel Grooming Comb is AMAZING for removing burrs, sticks or leaves you name it! It helps to keep the burr in tact upon removal (rather than the messy explosion that happens with most brushes or your fingers). Any metal comb will work though! TIP: When removing burrs without a brush or comb, pull the hair out of the burr rather than the burr out of the fur. This will make it less irritating for the dog and you have a better chance of pulling it out whole!
4. After a good run in the fields, dirt, dust, mudd, smelly water etc. SOOS dead sea spa products are AWESOME. We LOVE the Waterless Cat Bath Mousse (not just for cats!) because it smells awesome AND it helps get rid of any unpleasant odors your dog may bring home with them after a walk!
5. Lastly, the LED GLOW COLLAR. For anyone that likes to walk or take their dog out at night, these are fantastic! It allows you (and others) to be able to easily spot your dog, which can be a HUGE life saver if your dog likes to play hide and go seek! NOTE: this collar should be something that accompanies the martingale collar at night, it should not be use instead of or as a replacement to it. 

         All of these products are ones that we at Completek9 swear by because they really do work. Not only do we use these product on client dogs, but we use them on our own dogs as well. Be sure to check them out! Stay tuned for next weeks post focusing on which products NOT to use.


Tail Wags from the CompleteK9 team!

Hot Car? Don't Go Far!

What To Do and What To Look For When You See a Dog in a Car

       With one of the hottest summers we have had in a while - temperatures scorching above 40 degrees and no cool breeze to cool you off - we need to keep our dogs safe and cool. Unfortunately, every summer their seems to be issues with dogs being left in hot cars. The dangers of leaving your dog in a car that is not running and even with window cracked, is that it creates a sauna where temperatures rise at a exponential rate. Just try sitting in you car without the AC on for even 10 minutes...and imagine a dog in that. When the car is actually off, without windows significantly down and in the blazing summer heat, something needs to be done right away to be sure that the dog is safe.

       Here is a list of precautions that each person should be sure to take when they see a dog in a car during high temperatures:

1. SEE IF THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING! Before you assume that a vehicle is off just because you see a dog in it check to see if the engine is still left running. With that being said, MAKE SURE YOU CHECK! If there is a dog in a car when it is hot out, you NEED to see that the vehicle is running. 
2. Look to see if the keys are in the ignition. if for some reason you cannot tell if the car is running or not, check to see if the keys are in the ignition or not. 
3. Are the doors unlocked? Check the handle and see if the door is open, this will also be a sign of a running vehicle. It will also allow you to slightly feel the temperature. (With this, be careful because you are opening a door with an animal in it that may not be friendly, be sure to only open it just a bit).
4. How is the dog acting? Aside from the barking that may be happening due to a stranger approaching their vehicle. Is the dog trying to get out? Is the dog heavily panting? Can you see white lines on the dog's tongue suggesting the dog is dehydrated? OR is the dog relaxed? Are they sleeping? Overall, does the dog seem distressed?
5. If there is a number on the vehicle, CALL IT! If there is a way to reach the owner directly and express your concern regarding their dog and to get them to get their dog out of the hot car.
6. Once you have done the above steps, and you see that the car is not running and the dog HAS been left in a hot car - search for the owner. Ask around if people say someone leave this car, go into the nearest building to the car and look for the owner.
7. If you cannot find the owner record the vehicle information and call the SPCA or the cops. Report the issue and wait by the car until help arrives and the dog is safely removed from the vehicle. (DO NOT resort to breaking a window until all prior steps have fully followed through)

During this whole en-devour keep track of the state of the dogs state and the length of time the dog is in the car. This is very important information!

       With this all being said, your dog should not be left in a car in this heat. If you absolutely must leave your dog in the car, keep it running with the AC and the windows cracked a bit. For extra security leave a sign on your window saying that the A/C is on. You should still not leave your dog for more than 10 minutes in car your even with the A/C on. To ensure that you do not have to worry about any of this, take your dog with you into the store where possible, or tie them up in a shady area outside of the car. This will eliminate any need for someone to be worried or unsure about the state of your dog.

Keep you dogs safe and cool this summer!

Tail wags from the Completek9 team!

How to Find the Right Dog Walker

What to Look for When Choosing a Dog Walker or Sitter

      We've all heard of someone or have experienced ourselves, horror stories regarding dog walkers. That's because very few people know what they are looking for or what they are looking at for that matter. In this post I am going to unravel the wrapping paper that many people add onto their websites to make it appear like they know what they are doing. Here are some things to watch out for when choosing who you should hire to look after your four-legged family member.

1. Read what people have posted about that person/company's service. With social media being as commonly used as it is, you are bound to find out the truth. Read the Reviews!
2. Look what that person/company is posting and how they are portraying themselves professionally, online. 
3. If the company is not insured, keep looking for someone that is. 
4. Look to see if the company has a certified dog trainer, this will tell you if the person really knows what they are doing. 
5. What kind and how much experience do they have? Have they worked with dog before and to what extent? You want to know that your dog is with someone who has the knowledge of dogs and how they work - how to work with a nervous or scared dog, how to manage a hyper active dog, etc. Ask the company many questions to get a clear understanding of all of this.
6. Become a spy! Look to see if that person is posting pictures of the dogs on their social media pages, (instagram, twitter, facebook etc.). Although this may seem trivial, it shows how much they care/love their job. Which, is a good indicator of the care that your dog is receiving. 
7. Do not get sucked in by the pretty wrapping paper that many people include on their sites. Know that anyone can proclaim themselves to be a dog walker/trainer. Look for the facts.
8. The "bonded" title is one that anyone off the street can pay for, it says nothing of that person's certification or qualification to take care of and/or walk your dog. 
9. If that person has a dog/dogs how are they with their dog/dogs? Do they have control? If that person cannot control their own dog/dogs, you should not trust them with your own. The last thing you want is for someone to start teaching your dog bad habits. 
10. Ask about training, what type of training do they believe in? What type of training does their staff complete before they are trusted with your dog? These are not stupid questions and the answers can tell you a lot.
11. Are they pet first aid trained? I know accidents happen, be it a branch to the side or glass in the paw. Each person looking after your dog should know what to do in these circumstances.

     It is amazing and awesome that so many people want to be a part of this thriving industry, however not everyone is suited for it. Know what to look for and who to look for when choosing someone to look after or walk your dog. Be aware that just because someone is a dog lover, it does not mean that they know dogs.  On the bright side, there are many qualified companies and professionals that are helping to make the lives of dogs better in every way possible, you just have to find them!

Tail wags from the Completek9 team!

A Raving Fan - The Reason I Do What I Do

A Raving Fan - The Reason I Do What I Do

When I receive a testimonial that shares the many changes that I've have made in a families life I can't help but feel so proud and happy that I was able to change another client and their furry friend's life! The story about Leica is one that makes me so unbelievable happy and gives inspiration to continue educating owner and their dogs everyday!

"As I sit here writing this testimonial I currently have our 2 year old Golden-doodle stretched out on her bed napping in the sunshine, and our 7 year old Black Lab, Leica, laying by my feet dreaming. About 10 minutes ago the mailman came to the door and the dogs lifted their heads, yawned and rolled over. Flashback 2 years ago…my then boyfriend now husband, Jackson and I were living with the worst roommate ever. When we came home from work we often had to clean up garbage strewn across the kitchen, our fridge being raided, the stove being tipped over, paw prints all over the counters from counter surfing, hair all over our couches, leash pulling, lunging at other dogs and general rudeness. If you haven’t guessed our rowdy roommate was our dog Leica. Leica came from my side of the relationship when Jackson and I got together 2 years earlier and he was turning into the reason we nearly called it quits. Every day of bad behaviour from Leica added small but accumulating amounts of stress to us. We went to a training class in Kitchener. We graduated. We were given a Gold Certificate, but Leica’s behaviour did not change. In-fact NOTHING changed except I was $300 poorer. We were told to bring treats to class. As many dog owners know, most dogs will stand on their left ear when a treat is presented, but try telling your dog to ‘COME NOW!’ when there’s a potential threat and you don’t have a treat… Good Luck!The instructor made us use a gentle leader which is a type of harness that goes around the dog’s face. The gentle leader controlled his head therefore his body but it didn’t teach him to follow us and it definitely didn’t build a bond of trust or respect. The treats didn’t get Leica to do what he was told because we asked him to, he expected a reward. He turned into a weird robot dog. Sit. Treat. Stay. Treat. Stay longer. Treat. Down. Treat. Come. Treat. Sit. Treat. I finally reconnected with Heidi from Complete K9 and signed up for her Street Safety Training Class in Spring of 2014. Jackson and I were both fed up but we thought that we owed it to each other and to Leica that we do this training, give it a solid effort and if things didn’t improve then we could reevaluate after the 12 weeks. Heidi’s classes were the hardest but most rewarding thing we have ever accomplished. We had trained Leica to pay attention when we had treats and in Heidi’s classes treats were not allowed. We learned the importance of having our dog listen to us all of the time without negotiation or hesitation because when we are in the outside world it can be incredibly dangerous for dogs! Dogs get hit by cars, clipped by bikes, hurt in elevators, run over in parking lots when getting in and out of cars etc. Heidi taught us the importance and the skills to keep our dogs safe all of the time, and that we are their protectors and not the other way around. What we learned from Heidi is that humans set the expectations of their best dog friends. If we don’t challenge our dogs we end up with behaviours that we don’t like, simply because our dogs are BORED! Heidi’s training did not take place in a sterile classroom inside a building or warehouse it took place outside in the real world. We went to banks, malls, playgrounds, coffee shops, shoe shops, parking garages, elevators, stairs. Heidi brought so much experience to the table with all of her clients. She reminded us the pleasure of having a dog by showing us how clever, intuitive and capable they are. She taught us that our dogs should be looking to us for guidance in all situations and that comes through building trust and we have a responsibility to keep them safe, challenged and engaged. Dog training is not just course where you get a Gold Certificate saying you passed. Heidi’s classes teach you skills for everyday situations that you might find yourself in with your dog! It’s life skills for dog owners. It is a hardcore class but if you do the work, apply the lessons you are going to have not a dog, you are going to have the best dog ever! A dog that loves, respects, listens and trusts you! With Heidi’s help Leica’s behaviour has never been better. He still gets persnickety when meeting certain new dogs, but we have the skills and the tools to manage these types of interactions in a positive way so that Leica continues to relearn and readjust these behaviours without constantly crossing the street and avoiding everything! Leica is super polite now and gives us our personal space, he doesn’t push past on the stairs, he doesn’t jump up, steal food or pull us around on leash. He is an incredibly awesome dog that we didn’t even realize we had. We were so stuck on the bad behaviours but Heidi was able to pull our heads out of the sand and open our eyes to how much Leica had to offer us if we asked him for it. Heidi showed us that if you expect 110% from your dog they will give it to you no questions asked, no treats given, just a “good boy” and a pat on the chest. Thank you Heidi!!!"

The Easter Bunny is Coming!!!

Things to Know This Easter

          With Easter fast approaching, we figured that some Easter fun and safety tips for your dog are in order. This holiday is a great time to spend with your family, ALL of your family. Don't forget to include your dog in family outings whenever possible. They love to be with you so help make this Easter a great one for everyone! Below are a few tips on how to get the most out of your Easter with your four-legged friend!

1. The number one rule this Easter is to make sure that your Easter egg hunt is dog friendly and candy/chocolate free. As an alternative put little toys in the eggs or colour real ones and have the kids hunt for those! 
2. A fun alternative if you'd like your dog to participate in family gatherings, is to great "dog-friendly eggs". Basically, hide a few treats or dog toys or both, around the house or yard for your dog to hunt for. This is a great way to keep your dog involved while at the same time it allows you to get your dog's brain working. Perfect for helping to tire them out!
   
3. Take your family and your dog on a nice spring walk or hike. This will help to involve your dog, get everyone a little exercise, and even make a few memories! pick a new trail or area to explore!
4. Make sure that any candy or chocolate is kept up high or put away in a place that is not accessible to your dog. Sugar is terrible for dogs and can give them stomach aches, diarrhea, or nausea. Reminder: the darker the chocolate, the worse it is for your dog! 
   
5. Keep your dog in mind at large family gatherings, if you know your dog gets nervous, uneasy, or anxious around crowds, put them somewhere safe or leave them at home (after your hike of course). 

        Have fun this Easter Holiday and keep your dog stimulated and involved. They love to be with you, so whenever possible include them! Happy Easter everyone and enjoy the holiday!

Tail Wags from the CompleteK9 Team!

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