April Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

MONTHLY Welcome, Spring!

APRIL 2024

Welcome to our joyful April edition! As the flowers bloom and the world awakens, it's the perfect time to step into the beauty of spring with your furry friend. This month, we're brimming with exciting content, from our favorite pet-friendly products to engaging monthly challenges and tips for enjoying the season with your dog. Let's dive in!

Upcoming Events

APRIL

CHALLENGE

MINDFUL WALKING & SNIFFING WALKS

What is Mindful Walking?

Mindful walking is the practice of walking with complete awareness of your surroundings and your inner self. It involves moving at a slower pace and allowing your dog to lead the way with their nose This challenge is about savoring the journey, not rushing to the destination It’s about being fully present, observing the details of the environment, and experiencing the walk through your dog's perspective

PRACTICE GRATITUDE

The Power of the Sniff:

For dogs, sniffing is more than just smelling; it's their way of interpreting the world Allowing your dog to sniff and explore to their heart's content has numerous benefits.

Sniffing is a cognitive workout for your dog. It engages their brain and allows them to gather vital information about their surroundings, keeping their minds sharp and focused. This is also an excellent stress reduction outlet.

APRIL

CHALLENGE

MINDFUL WALKING & SNIFFING BENEFITS

Regular, sniff-centric walks can lead to better behavior at home

The mental engagement from sniffing can tire them out more effectively than a quick-paced walk, leading to less destructive behavior and a more relaxed demeanor

By letting your dog lead the way and decide what they find interesting, you’re showing trust and respect. This mutual understanding strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend

EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE!

This month, we challenge you to transform your daily walks into mindful adventures. Let your dog's nose be your guide and immerse yourself fully in the experience Take this opportunity to slow down, connect with your pet, and rediscover the joy in the simple act of walking.

We would love to hear about your experiences with the Mindful Walking Challenge! Share your stories and photos with us, and let's spread the joy of mindful walking to our community

ADVICE COLUMN ASK THE EXPERTS

WHY IS MY DOG SO FUSSY WITH FOOD?

This is a very common issue amongst owners. Ruling out any physical health issues of course, there could be several reasons why your dog could be “fussing” over their food Just like us, dogs can have preferences in tastes and textures. Dogs have strong senses of taste and smell, so they might not like the flavor or smell of certain foods. Also similar to people, some dogs may just not feel like eating from time to time, especially in periods of stress.

If your dog is being picky about food, here are some tips that might help:

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Stick to a schedule: Feed your dog at the same times every day This helps them to know when to expect food and can create a routine

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2. Make mealtime peaceful: Keep the feeding area quiet and calm. Stress or distractions can cause dogs to lose interest in their food.

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Limit treats and snacks: If your dog fills up on treats, they might not be hungry for their regular meals. Try to keep treats as a small part of their diet.

Try different foods: Sometimes, changing the brand or type of food can help But make sure to switch foods gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach

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5. Don't force it: If your dog isn't eating, take the food away and offer it again later Forcing them to eat can create negative associations

Mix in something tasty: You can add a little bit of something your dog loves, like a spoonful of wet dog food, low-sodium chicken broth, or a small amount of cooked chicken, to their regular food to make it more appealing.

ASK THE EXPERTS

ADVICE COLUMN

WHY IS MY DOG REACTIVE TO SOME DOGS/PEOPLE AND NOT OTHERS? DOES IT DEPEND ON THE DAY? HIS MOOD?

t’s tough to say without knowing more information but typically reactivity is usually caused by fear or frustration He might react to the some dogs and people but not others because of any association he’s made in the past with a fearful experience or he could be frustrated the leash or fence won’t let he do what he would like (in most cases, play with the other dog).

Mood can be a factor! Just like human stress, it fluctuates day to day I think the glass of water analogy works well with reactivity Say we were frightened by a big truck going by on our walk, add a little water, someone rang the door bell, add water, we ate a new treat that didn’t sit quite right, more water. Eventually when that glass overflows that’s our reactive episode!

OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS THIS MONTH: TOYS

Tug is a fantastic game for most dogs! It's not only a fun way to connect with your pet but also taps into their natural instincts. Plus, if you're working on moving away from food rewards, tug can be a great alternative for dogs that really love the game. It's engaging and satisfies their drive for play and physical activity.

A flirt pole is a great tool for play and training, perfect for energetic dogs, those with a strong prey drive, and even puppies. It helps tire them out in a healthy way by engaging their natural instincts, providing a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment

OUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS THIS MONTH: TREATS & SNACKS