December 2015                                                                   Volume 6, Issue 12
Carolina Dog Times 
          The Information You Need About the Dogs You Love

 
Is it just me, or did this year fly by?! A lot of changes happened - amazing ones and heartbreaking ones. But, one thing is true: I've grown and learned a lot and came out of it with my feet firmly planted, my senses about me, smiling, more sure of myself and what I'm meant to do with my life and whom I'm meant to do it with! 

So, as the year winds down and I look forward to what's next, there is much promise! And, as I jump into 2016 with both feet, I pledge to keep staying true to myself, to continue sharing my learning with dogs and their humans, and to live with an open heart and open mind!

What we do matters and affects everyone we touch - our dogs included! If your reading this now, then I know you love your dogs as much as I do and will continue to find new ways to foster growth, health and fulfillment. Keep reading and you'll discover great ideas to keep your pups safe on those inevitable icy roads. and read just a bit further for some cool holiday gifting, too! 

Wishing you and yours a very safe, healthy and amazing holiday!

Woof! Elaine  

In This Issue
PAWS on ICE
The Gift That Keeps On Giving!
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PAWS ON ICE 
                                              
North Carolinians are used to winter ice storms wreaking havoc on our lives! So, we do our best to prevent being homebound for long by applying salts and de-icers on our driveways and walkways. But, these toxic chemicals can be harmful to our dogs! Did you know that rock salt and other salt-based ice melters are very dangerous to our dogs?! Chemical burns along with drying and cracking paw pads are painful and traumatic. Here are a few tips to prevent paw pad injuries and keep your dog healthy so you can both enjoy the winter wonderland to come!
  • Use a pet-friendly de-icer called Safe Paw. SAFE PAW it's not only THE ONLY salt-free de-icer on the market but it's 100% safe for pets and children.
  • Apply a wax or balm on paws before and after walks such as Bag Balm to protect and soothe.
  • Rinse pads with warm water after walks.
  • Keep nails and hair trimmed and even around the pads to avoid ice and snow getting in between them.
  • Place paw boots on your dog. These sock booties - in just the right size - provide great protection and look adorable! However, most dogs will need to get used to wearing them. So, follow these steps to get started:
Introduce the boots by placing a treat on top of them. Then, place one paw in the bootie and offer a treat at the same time then remove the boot immediately. Do this several times a day but increase the time your dog is wearing the boots from seconds to minutes with lots of praise. Allow your dog to walk around the house in his new boots while you provide lots of praise and high valued treats and chews to focus on while wearing his new stylish paw wear! Then, the next day, head outdoors with you in your boots and your pooch in his!
Remember that common de-icers and salt can be lethal to dogs so be mindful that your pup isn't licking puddles and slush. Use common sense. If it's too cold for you, then it's probably too cold for your dog! You and your dog can stay safe by following these simple, easy tips that will prevent unnecessary injury and allow you and your dog to enjoy your winter walks!
Woof! Elaine              
The Gift That Keeps On Giving!  
         .                           
                                                               CDT Graduate Dante
In my humble opinion, the very best gift we can give our pups is our time. Giving of ourselves is the gift that keeps on giving! Sharing walks, and of course playtime, are priceless experiences. Young pups need to learn how to play appropriately with humans and of course, that doesn't include biting and jumping on us. So, teaching dogs exactly how to play is important because it isn't something they intuitively know how to do!  The following are fun options that build a bond with your dog as well as encourage mental stimulation:
  • Hide and Seek - If your dog understands the stay and come commands, then you can have him wait on a spot in your house while you go and hide. Once you're ready, give your dog the come command and let him use his nose and ears to find you! This can also be done with toys and treats so long as your dog knows its name. I used to quietly giggle to myself in my little hiding spot while Daisy searched for me!
  • Obstacle Course - Use your imagination by creating your own makeshift course with everyday articles around the house such as hoola hoops, old tires, traffic cones and empty boxes to form an obstacle course that you can lead your dog through, over and around. This is great fun and encourages your pup to use different muscles.
  • Fetch - Use the wait or stay command as your toss a ball or Frisbee. Then give the fetch command for your dog to retrieve the item. This will require lots of self-control!
  • HIKE and Seek - There are so many lovely places to hike with your dog and enjoy the great outdoors! Dogs love to use their noses so, this is an excellent opportunity for them to explore with you!
  • Dog Toys - Stimulating dog toys encourage dogs to use their minds and think such as interactive treat-seeking puzzles by Nina Ottosson's and Outward Hound. Check out these sites for a wide variety of toys that are built to tap into the dog's natural instincts:

Nina's Miracle Dog Puzzle

Outward Hound Treat-Seeking Puzzles

But, be sure to rotate your dog's toys every few days only making one or two available at a time to reduce boredom and maintain its appeal.
When considering the best holiday gift to give pup, remember that, as far as your dog's concerned, YOU are your dog's best gift and the experiences you share together are the most meaningful!
 
   Woof & Wags! Elaine