It was 5:00 AM and Timmy wouldn’t stop barking. Timmy is a Jack Russell Terrier and he belongs to my mother in law. We were keeping an eye on him over the weekend and his barking was already driving me crazy.

I rolled over in bed and informed my wife that Timmy would be learning the word “Hush” today.

Barking is a normal and natural behavior in dogs. Barking becomes a problem when it becomes excessive. You can control your dog’s barking. The easiest way to do this is to teach your dog the word “quiet.”

If your dog is barking and you start yelling “Hush”, “Shut up”, “Stop barking” at him, all you are doing is paying attention to the barking, which can reinforce the behavior.

Training boils down to applying a consequence to any word or command you give your dog. The general rule of thumb is that when you want your dog to do a behavior for you, i.e. sit, lie down, stay still, etc., you apply a positive consequence. When you want your dog to stop doing a behavior, i.e. stealing, begging, jumping or barking, apply a negative consequence.

Let me tell you that when you decide to apply a negative consequence, you have to be careful. The application of positive consequences has no side effects. Apply negative consequences yes.

Back to the barking. Your dog is engaging in behavior that you want to stop, so we’re going to apply a negative consequence. The easiest negative consequence to apply in this situation is breath spray.

Go to your local pharmacy and buy some binaca breath spray or Listerine breath spray. Now you can pair the word “Hush” with the negative consequence of the breath spray.

You see, your dog will not like the sound, smell, or taste of the breath spray. It is a simple negative consequence that will not harm your dog. Now, when your dog starts barking, you can firmly say the word “Hush” and then reach down and spray into your dog’s mouth.

Repeat if your dog starts barking again. It is important to remember that we want your dog to learn the word “Hush”. This is done by matching the word with the spray. “Hush”, spray, “Hush”, spray. After a few times, your dog will get the picture.

Once your dog learns the word “Hush” and you don’t need to use the spray, your dog will have learned the word. Once this happens, you can begin to reward your dog for not barking. So if he says “Hush” and you don’t need to use the spray, you can reward your dog by saying “Okay, hush” and give him a treat.

Needless to say, little Timmy learned the word “Hush” and we had a much more pleasant visit with him.

Recently, I joined the growing number of dog owners in Toronto. It had been some time since my last dog and it was as if a new world had emerged for pet owners. After researching and finding the breed that best suited my lifestyle and family, I contacted the breeder and he sent me a questionnaire to see if I was the right one to adopt one of his puppies. After bringing my little one home, I was suddenly immersed in potty training, chewing, caging, obedience and socialization classes, as well as learning about the latest attributes of raw feeding. I was setting up playdates with my pup and his new friends and, when possible, also taking him with me when he came to visit, instead of leaving him home alone. It was a completely different mindset among other furkid owners, and the world of consumerism was happy to oblige.

According to Stats Canada, 50% of us live with pets and 38% of them are dogs. A whopping $8 billion a year is spent on our furry friends, which includes everything from vet costs, food, training, grooming, dog walking, to doggy daycare.

Urban Toronto’s dog population is growing by leaps and bounds, and many households have pets that stand in for children in the pre- and post-parenting stages. Generation “Y” considers having a dog as training before the children arrive and Boomers are filling the void once their children have left the nest.

Pets are now considered part of the family on a more equal footing and more than half of owners like to refer to themselves as mom and dad with them. With changing attitudes toward their pets, owners are also investing in dog walkers and doggy daycare when they can’t be around. More people are also working from home, which has eased the responsibility and walking their dog has become more of a social event. Since the beginning stages of the puppy stage are so important with both training and socialization, some take their vacations around the first few months and ironically call it “Mat Leave” and even send out announcements of their new addition.

More hotels have become dog-friendly for pet families on vacation and it has also become more common for pooches to visit lodging facilities where not only do they play together, but owners can monitor their pup in a webcam. North American courts have seen a growing trend with couples divorcing who also share custody of their pets. These bundles of skins have an important role within their families.

Many of Toronto’s older homes have undergone extensive renovations and rebuilding. Designers are considering the needs of these furry ones and have implemented clever ideas that flow with their vision and allow for dog-friendly spaces. Mud rooms for wet paws, waterproof flooring, dog doors to the outside, dog showers and tubs, integrated feeding stations, and matching dog beds and pillows add functionality and visual continuity to these homes. renewed.

Toronto’s condo boom continues, as does a growing population of dogs moving into them. It was never anticipated that such a large number of condominium residents would include having a dog. City councilors and planners hope to introduce new bylaws that include dog services as a requirement and not an option. That could include providing pet spa areas to clean dog paws and keep hallways clean, as well as rooftop and indoor dog areas. In the last decade, we have seen a 57% increase in new homes being sold in the Toronto area that are condominiums. Affordability is the most important factor and the number of dogs included in these homes had not been anticipated before.

Another important factor that dog-friendly condo buyers are taking into consideration is proximity to green space. Exercise is important to a dog’s life, as is the need for them to have an area to relieve themselves. Being close to a park is often more important for someone who lives in a condo, as there is no backyard for the dog to visit. The rise of off-leash areas in Toronto parks can certainly be attributed to the growing number of dogs and responsible dog owners taking care of their furry little ones. Both dogs and children share the parks in and around Toronto’s urban centers.

In addition to the fact that neighborhoods are a decisive factor when choosing where to live, now thinking about your dogs, the proximity to parks and trails is another element to take into account.

A number of Toronto condos and lofts are already a priority for dog owners. CityPlace Condos, located in the center of town near the waterfront, offers bathing areas and dog parks without leaving the property, as well as being steps from the waterfront trails. Liberty Village has a number of dog park and green space areas that service the surrounding buildings and are dog friendly. Candy Factory Lofts, a true tough loft just west of downtown Toronto, is within walking distance of Trinity Bellwoods Park. It is a huge multi-use park with an off-leash area known as The Dog Bowl. Abby Lofts in the High Park – Roncesvalles area, is a converted 19th century church that is minutes from High Park. There you will find off-leash and leash areas along with trails to explore. Another popular option is the Martin Goodman trails that stretch along the coast and a little further west are Humber Bay parks, which also offer off-leash areas as well as winding trails and paths that create an outdoor paradise. free for dog owners in the city.

Urbanites looking for the perfect neighborhood are now also considering how their dog will add to their own enjoyment of socializing and how they can include it in their daily routine. It’s now quite common to see outdoor patios filled with dog owners sipping their cappuccino while Fido patiently waits. Walking down the street of your favorite neighborhood is always more fun with a companion by your side who also has four legs, and attracts more attention than you ever imagined.

If you already have or plan to have a dog, it is important that you confirm with any Condominium you are considering that you are in fact allowed to have a dog. Rules may differ across buildings regarding dog ownership, size, breed, and number of pets. You don’t want to be disappointed after the fact. Unfortunately, some of the older buildings still have a “no dogs” rule.

So when I agreed to add Baxter to my family, I was able to experience firsthand the joy of having a dog again. I found that even during our daily walks, in addition to getting extra exercise for myself, I also found the people I met friendlier. Being around a furkid really makes you smile.

I’ve included a list of my favorite neighborhood parks in Toronto’s West End that are part of communities that share green space with our furry friends. They are perfect for all pet owners to enjoy and especially those who live in condominium spaces where finding a nearby park is even more important.

Dog Parks in West Toronto
High Park – 1873 Bloor Street West
Rennie Park – 140 Ellis Avenue
Beresford Park – 400 Beresford Avenue
Sorauren Avenue Park – 289 Sorauren Avenue
Kings Mill Park – 105 Riverwood Parkway
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park – 2001 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Christie Pits Park – 779 Crawford Street
Trinity Bellwoods Park – 790 Queen Street West
Earlscourt Park – 1200 Lansdowne Avenue
South Stanley Park – 845 King Street West
Coronation Park – 711 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Bichford Park – 400 Grace Street
Hillcrest Park – 950 Davenport Road
Wychwood Car Barns Park – 575 Christie Street
Humber Bay Park – 2225 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Colonel Sam Smith Park – 1 Colonel Sam Smith Dr.
Marie Curtis Park – 42nd Street, 2

Almost everyone who has gone through a relationship breakup or divorce describes that, for a period of time, they felt numb and followed the movements of life as best they could. If this sounds dramatic, it can be as difficult and intense to experience as it sounds.

With the end of a love relationship or marriage, it can feel like life has been temporarily taken from you. You may feel like a zombie, just a shell walking around trying to get through the day.

You might even start to believe that you will be in this zombie state forever. It may seem like the grievance, shock, and anguish will go on forever.

As hard as it can be to feel like a heartbroken zombie, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to feel that way forever, or even much longer.

There is no magic number of days, months, or years after a breakup that the pain will go away. This varies for everyone. But you can take steps to help yourself feel better faster and easier. You can stop feeling like a numb, lifeless zombie and go back to being the vibrant person you were (and still are).

Here are 4 tips to help…

#1: Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling.

Too often, people are so afraid of their own emotions after a breakup or divorce that they go to great lengths NOT to feel them. The mere thought of their hurt, anger or sadness can be overwhelming and so they avoid, ignore and cover up how they really feel whenever they can.

This can make the zombie breaking experience more difficult and longer lasting as well.

Instead, find the courage to sit back and feel what you are feeling. Nobody likes to experience difficult emotions, but the best way to release them is to let them come up and out. In fact, the more willing you are to feel what you feel, the more your difficult emotions will release.

Be creative and write, paint, sing or dance your feelings. Experiment with different ways of expressing your emotions and keep doing what you find most helpful.

#2: Remember to look up your bread.

It is very important to cry, scream, get angry and even feel fear, if that is what is real for you right now. Be sure to let your emotions out in a way that doesn’t involve you hurting yourself or others.

There are often points where an intense emotion eases a bit; by the way, this is usually when you have allowed it to come up and come out. When you are in a quieter place, deliberately look around you.

Notice what is going on in your life. What’s going on with your friends and family and your world? Make a decision to widen your vision and give your attention to everything else going on around you as you go through this difficult time.

Just by checking in with the rest of the world, you can start to become more involved with your extended life and not be as focused on the breakup.

#3: Give yourself the support you really need.

Oftentimes, a person who has been through a breakup will feel overwhelmed by all the changes that are taking place. The zombie mode that can set in is frequently related to feeling unable to handle potentially new responsibilities and painful choices, as well as heightened emotions.

When you connect with people and resources in your life who can support you, it can help you get out of zombie mode and start living more fully.

Be clear and specific with those who offer to support you. Order what you need in the most precise terms you know. Then make sure you allow yourself to fully receive what is given to you.

#4: Start creating your desired future.

When you’re ready, you can also give yourself permission to think about the kind of future you want for yourself. Thinking about a future that doesn’t involve your ex might not be something that appeals to you right now, and that’s okay. Be patient with yourself.

Continue to allow your emotions, reminding yourself of what is happening right now in your expanded life, and receiving support. These are all very important for your healing and these strategies can also help you get out of zombie mode.

At a certain point, you may find yourself thinking about the next month, the next year, or the next 5 years. You may even feel excited about some goal or aspiration that has occurred to you. When this happens, go with him. Allow yourself to dream of what awaits you and then begin to take steps in that direction.

With over 500 dog breeds to choose from plus mixed breeds, how do you choose? I can’t list all the races, so do your research, there are some great books out there. My goal is to make you think and not just buy a puppy because he is cute or a popular, movie star breed.

What type of activity do you do? Are you active, the out door type or the quiet avid reader type?

Research the different breeds first to see which one best suits your needs. This will also help when looking at mixed breeds. I will mention a few breeds in these articles, but it is by no means complete.

But let me start with you. What type of activity do you do? Are you the silent, avid reader type? Are you the very active outdoor type?

If you are the active type, then don’t buy a less active dog like an English Bulldog, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Flat-Coated Retriever, Pug. A Border Collie, Airedale, Dalmatian, English Setter, Dachshund, Westie, Miniature Schnauzer, German Shorthaired Pointer, or Shetland Sheepdog may be a better choice.

Do you live in an apartment or do you have a house with a patio? A Great Dane, English Bulldog, Basset Hound, Collie, Skye Terrier, Boston Terrier are inactive indoors and better suited to apartment living than a Labrador, Weimaraner, Dalmatian, Old English Sheepdog , an Alaskan malamute or a corgi, which tends to be very active indoors.

Are you quiet and a real softie? You don’t want to dominate breeds like Doberman, Saint Bernard, Akita, Airedale, Bull Terrier, Basenji, Yorkshire Terrier, Chow Chow, Miniature Pinscher, Puli, Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, or Rottweiler, to name a few.

Prey drive, dominance, activity and other characteristics will vary from pup to pup within any breed and within a litter. Puppy testing can help you choose a puppy that best suits your lifestyle, even if it may be a breed that doesn’t suit your lifestyle. Also, if you do the proper training, socialization, and work with your dog, you will have good leadership and have things more under control.

Keep an eye out for races and kids, outdoor activity, sociability, and more in upcoming issues.

Description: The Maltese breed has a silky coat and is in the toy group. They have a slightly rounded skull and a finger-width dome, with a two-finger long snout that has a black nose, although this can change color to a light brown or pinkish nose in the winter turning black, with exposure. in the sun in the spring and summer months. Maltese have pendulous ears that are set low and close to the head, these are well feathered. With black eyes that are large and have black rims. Dogs are 8 to 10 inches tall, bitches 8 to 9 inches, and weigh 6 to 9 pounds.

The Maltese coat is single layered and beautifully silky to the touch. On show dogs, the Maltese coat can be up to 8 inches long, but most domestic dogs’ hair is kept short on a puppy, for ease. Their coat color is light ivory or white. This breed does not have an undercoat. So have a soft lemon color on the ears. Sometimes you can get a pale orange Maltese, but this is not good for the show ring.

History: The Maltese dog breed is believed to come from the Spitz family of lake dwellers, bred for its small size. There is also evidence showing that this breed could have come from Asia and could be related to Tibetan Terriers. Over time, the true oregano has been lost. There are records of this breed, on the Greek amphora from the village of Vulci, around 500 BC This breed is also said to have blood of poodle and miniature spaniel in its history and this breed was recognized in Malta.

The Maltese is a highly prized dog for royalty around the world. They have been used for sleeping, for warmth. They were first seen in England, arriving via crusaders as gifts. In the 19th century this breed almost became extinct due to breeders trying to make them smaller and there were as many as nine different breeds within a breed. This stopped and the breed we see today developed.

There’s no need to look far in California or New York to find one of the many fine dining restaurants. For anyone seriously interested in finding a fantastic one for dinner, whether it’s with close friends, family, or maybe that special someone for you.

Sometimes it could be as challenging as looking for a needle in a haystack.

There may be several decent smartphone apps where you can search for restaurants in your neighborhood, but they don’t really provide a detailed selection of food, menus, or photos. In cases like this, you don’t just want a restaurant list, you need something much better.

It is advisable to find ways to get previews through images, as well as detailed information and price ranges, as well as the different varieties of delicacies that a restaurant offers.

Does your special occasion call for more exciting restaurant options than usual?

It’s quicker to select the ideal family restaurant, fine dining restaurant and casual dining destinations as long as you take full advantage of online restaurant guides, which can help you quickly choose exactly what you or others are looking for. In many cases, much more than the ordinary names and standard details. You’ll get all kinds of bonuses and information about places to eat with the right information, like types of food these places serve, the typical price range for that restaurant, photos, and menus.

In case you are on the business side of the restaurant, as an owner or even thinking of opening one in the near future, you will have a very distinctive narrative. Internet cafe and restaurant reviews mean different things to you and what they necessarily mean to people looking for a place to eat. The strategies are the testimonials to be able to paint the restaurant in the most optimistic light possible. You need the cafe bistro or any trendy place to eat to be able to capture the interest of people looking for great restaurants within California or anywhere.

Fundamentally, you should always think about attracting those people who are looking for exactly what your own place to eat offers, it could be a family type restaurant, or perhaps an ancient Greek, Mexican, Native Indian or even Chinese place to eat. You must have the ability to give people discount coupons so they can come and find what you offer at a lower price. You need detailed reviews or positive reviews for any food establishment in Los Angeles and also in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you will get them when you list your restaurant with the proper tutorial, yes, on the internet.

You have to create and continue to build a positive reputation for the restaurant and ensure that it is recognized by the general public if you want the restaurant to prosper. Those working in the business today have paid a huge price while surviving in the past economic downturn.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t matter if you’re the best thing to hit the Thai food markets in Brooklyn, if no one has seen you, or even if you’re among the best places to eat in New York, if no one knows where your location is, they will not enter. So, hop on the world wide web information superhighway and enjoy the ride of good fortune.

As a lifelong dog owner and breeder for several years, I have found a great need to educate people on the process of buying a puppy online. There are so many breeders with so many options that it can all become overwhelming in a short amount of time. I support local shelters, but realize there are many families who want a healthy puppy that was raised with children to add to their family. If you have decided that a puppy like this is what you want for your family, then you are in for an adventure in finding the right one for you. Once you have decided which breed is right for your family, you need to find a breeder. You can email your prospective breeder initially, but MAKE SURE you talk to them soon after you start communication. You can tell a lot from the person’s attitude, and you’ll soon find out if they’re knowledgeable and experienced in what they’re doing by asking a few questions. Here is a list of questions to ask before anything else:

1. Are you state licensed? -If a person does not have a state license, then he is breeding dogs as a hobby or illegally. You want to find a puppy that has had research and planning in its breeding, not just two dogs mixed together to produce a puppy. If they are not state licensed, do not consider them. Many states have or are in the process of greatly improving their dog laws, making it impossible in many states to operate a puppy mill and obtain a license.

2. Is this your full time business? There are many breeders who have OTHER full time jobs besides their kennel. This makes it nearly impossible to properly focus on your dogs and puppies. In our kennel, we have my husband and I working full time, as well as two part time employees. Chances are, if her breeder has another job, her kennel isn’t the top priority and her satisfaction isn’t the top priority either.

3. Do you only sell puppies raised by you? There are many, many people advertising on the internet for other people and you never get to see where your pup was raised and raised. If you can’t physically see your puppy’s parents, don’t buy it. This is especially important when purchasing a designer (mixed) breed, as many people think they can breed anything and then add a designer name to it. You also don’t want to support a puppy mill by unknowingly buying a puppy from a dealer. Many times the reason people don’t sell their own puppies is because they have something to hide in their own place or because they don’t want to be responsible for any future problems. A good breeder will stand behind their puppies and offer a decent guarantee. If there is no guarantee with your future puppy, stay away!

4. Do you sell your puppies wholesale? There are quite a few puppy mills that retail just a few of their puppies and then ship the rest to pet stores, sometimes all over the country. A good breeder will meet, or at least talk to each new puppy owner. Responsible breeders care about their puppies and where they are going. A good breeder will also offer to take the puppy back for life instead of having the puppy or dog go to a shelter due to an inability to care for the puppy.

5. Are your puppies AND adults checked regularly? I am appalled at the number of breeders who do not have their puppies or adults checked by a vet. This is the most important step to take to ensure a healthy puppy is produced. Even breeders who check their puppies don’t bother to check their breeding dogs. EVER. In order to offer puppies of the best quality, healthy parents are ESSENTIAL. Ask for proof of the parents’ veterinary reports. You may not think you need to ask, but make sure the puppies are fully vaccinated and dewormed and ask for tests.

6. May I see the place where you keep your dogs? An irresponsible breeder will tell you no. You may not necessarily be allowed into a kennel for various reasons, including biosecurity and health, but you should at least be able to see the adult dogs.

7. Do you have references from previous clients? This is a very important step. Don’t overlook it!

There are many more questions to ask your potential breeder. If your breeders show signs of good communication and willingness to help you in your search and try to work with you, you have found something special. Quick responses mean that they care about you and would like to help you. If email or phone calls aren’t returned, it probably means you won’t get answers to your questions after the sale either. Don’t expect immediate responses because responsible kennel owners are very busy, but 24 hours is a reasonable expectation.

Stay away from dealers and websites with 800 numbers. They are advertising who knows who and are probably putting a huge markup on the puppies. Also beware of websites that offer 10-year warranties. This sounds too good to be true, and it usually is. Read the fine print and see their outrageous requirements for this guarantee to be in place. Pet stores are out of the question. As cute as the pup may seem, steer clear because you could be signing up for a lifetime of heartache and vet bills. Chances are you’re supporting puppy mills by shopping at a pet store anyway.

When you go to the kennel to meet the puppy and the breeder, if you have a feeling that it’s not good when you arrive AND when you leave, stick with it.

Despite all the risks and heartache that buying a puppy online can entail, there are plenty of good, responsible breeders who offer quality puppies and lifetime support. Don’t be afraid to shop online, be smart!

Small dogs of the Corgi breed were first bred to help farmers herd sheep and other domestic animals. The two specific varieties of dogs of the corgi breed have their origin in Wales. Known under the names of Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Cardigan Welsh Corgi, these dogs are very popular as pets. One of the most famous people to own this large breed of dog is Queen Elizabeth II, who has owned them for many years. People believe that the name of the breed comes from the Welsh words Cor ci, which means dwarf dog.

The main goal behind breeding the Corgi dog was to have a dog that could successfully herd livestock. These dogs led the animals into the farm by snapping at their heels. Due to the fact that the Corgi was so low to the ground, the agitated animals rarely kicked the dogs. Few other types of dogs but Corgis can be used to herd geese.

The Corgi is incredibly strong for its size, as well as being agile and very fast. Although they are no longer used to herding animals, they are very protective of children. Corgi dogs are also fearless and will protect their family from any threat. They are determined dogs, sometimes even stubborn, but you can use these traits to your advantage if you train them properly. They have the qualities of family pets, being affectionate and rarely overexcited, making great companions for both children and the elderly.

You may find them quite gluttonous, especially considering their size, so be careful not to overfeed them. Although there are two very similar types of corgi, there are distinctive differences between them. The Pembroke corgi is smaller and more resilient as it is lower to the ground. The taller body and longer tail make the Cardigan Corgi the largest variety of the breed. Due to their different bone structure, the Cardigan Corgi is also longer than the Pembroke Corgi variety of dogs.

The coat of dogs of the Corgi breed is double, the protective outer layer is dense and rough and the undercoat is softer and keeps them warm. The corgi’s head in both types is very fox-like and will often have white markings on its muzzle. The ears of these dogs are erect and often pointed, which allows them to hear fairly well. Both Corgi breeds are very healthy dogs that live for many years; and they have very few inherited health problems.

The average lifespan of these dogs is between 12 and 15 years, if they are provided with a good diet and regular exercise. Their short legs still need a good amount of exercise every day, so they won’t get bored and keep them healthy. They are obedient, agile and eager to learn tricks and practice their skills. They will easily learn everything you are teaching them, just to please you and demonstrate what they have learned every day.

You just gave Rex his monthly flea and tick treatment, and now he’s coming in from the yard looking like he’s found the biggest and best mud puddle in town. He may be delighted, but you are not. He needs a bath NOW! But will a bath remove the flea treatment from him?

It’s a common question and given the cost of monthly Frontline or Advantage applications, you don’t want to apply more than necessary. So what should I do?

According to the manufacturer’s instructions, you should wait 48 hours after applying Frontline or Advantage before bathing your dog. Frontline’s main ingredient, fipronil, is stored in the dog’s sebaceous glands and is constantly reapplied through the hair follicles. Meanwhile, the main ingredient in Advantage is imidacloprid, which coats the skin.

Although both claim to be waterproof, some dog owners have found that the treatments seem to be less effective after bathing. Regular washing with medicated or flea shampoos can dry out the skin, making flea treatments weaker and less likely to work. There is also the problem that many commercial flea shampoos contain harsh chemicals. Do you really want to apply them in addition to the regular monthly treatment? An alternative is to use a natural shampoo after flea treatment applications; a mild shampoo (such as Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo) can help moisturize the skin as it cleanses.

Or maybe you want to consider swapping chemical flea and tick treatments for something more eco-friendly. Most natural products can be used alone or in addition to Frontline and Advantage.

Some natural alternatives to try include:

* Garlic pills and brewer’s yeast. Added to your dog’s food, or given as a daily treat, these are packed with nutrients to help improve your dog’s skin and coat, plus they have the added bonus of repelling fleas and ticks. The scent of garlic and yeast is secreted through the skin, keeping those pesky bugs away.

* Some essential oils are excellent for repelling fleas. Since essential oils can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin, I prefer to add a few dabs on my dog’s collar or add a few drops to a small spray bottle of water and apply a few squirts to his fur. Cedarwood, lavender, citronella, and rosemary oils work well and have helped keep my pets tick-free.

* Flea the Scene offers the best of everything: essential oils that repel fleas and soothe the skin, a range of emollients to moisturize the skin and a sunscreen to protect it from the rays. May be used with or in place of a medical flea and tick application. Plus, it’s also safe for humans, so I can just spray all of us before we hit the park. No bugs, no sunburn, and we all smell great!

Anxiety in dogs can be just as complicated as it is in people. It can actually be more difficult to manage because the dogs can’t talk to you and tell you what’s wrong. From separation anxiety to sudden anxiety disorder, the minds of our adorable companions can be a troubling place. Miniature breeds, like Pugs, follow us around and rely heavily on our emotional support, which is why they are often susceptible to anxiety disorders.

We were recently presented with an anxiety problem with our pug, Martini, which eventually became unbearable. Martini has always been very sticky when it comes to my wife and me. Separation anxiety is something we usually only worry about when we’re on vacation because one of us is home most of the day.

Martini’s situation changed when she developed a sudden anxiety disorder. She would get into “real fights” with her Shih-Tzu sister, Bella, resulting in bites and sometimes blood. It happened when Martini started with unexpected sounds, such as knocks on the door, dropped objects, strong storms or dogs barking. When this suddenly happened, she would attack her sister violently! She would also get jealous if my wife was holding Bella and she would also attack her sister. Not only would Bella be injured, but we would also be in the same proximity.

Martini’s emotional issue began to rule our house as my wife and I walked on eggshells trying not to make sudden noises etc. It was no way to live. Finally, after the worst fight we had ever seen, we decided it was time to act. We decided to talk to our vet first and discuss our situation.

Dr. Wagner has been our respected veterinarian for the past two years and has a son of his own Boston Terrier. He gave us several options and suggested that we give Martini an anti-anxiety medication, amitriptyline (10mg) and now we give it twice a day. After some research, I discovered that this drug works by increasing neurotransmitter levels and was once prescribed to humans. The neurotransmitter “serotonin” appears to be responsible for helping to combat anxiety.

Another option our vet gave us was the use of Dog Appeasement Pheromone (DAP) spray. This clear, odorless spray prevents fear or stress-related behavior in dogs by simulating the pheromones a female dog secretes to comfort her pups. 8-10 sprays of liquid in the dog’s common area seems to help the situation, but we use it sparingly as it is expensive.

In general, the situation in our home is day and night compared to what it used to be. Martini is occasionally startled, but when he does he doesn’t attack; in fact, we haven’t had a fight since. We don’t know if he will always take the medication, but the medication is a small price to pay for the peace, harmony and happiness of our pets. Our Pug will never be perfect, but that’s part of the reason we love her so much!