Signs That Warn You about Unqualified Atlanta Dog Sitters
Going out of town can be stressful, especially when you know you have to start looking for Atlanta dog sitters. After all, your dog is a member of the family. You want to make sure that your pet will receive the best care while you're away.
However, not all dog sitters will treat your pet the way they should.
Here are the most important signs that warn you about unqualified Atlanta dog sitters:
1. A Change in Behavior
Dogs are not afraid to show their feelings whenever their owner returns home. It doesn't matter if it was for just a few hours or days.
If your dog does not behave as he/she normally would, then something is definitely going on. Your pet should be running to you as soon as you enter the house, jumping on you and wagging their tail.
If it was the first time you left your dog with a sitter, then perhaps it's just separation anxiety. If it wasn't, then most probably you need to change your sitter.
2. The Sitter Will Vaguely Answer Your Questions
Naturally, you will want to find out everything that has happened while you were gone and how your dog has behaved during this whole time.
A good sitter will be able to recall every little detail and tell you all about their activities.
Unqualified Atlanta dog sitters, on the other hand, will ramble and avoid giving a concrete answer.
The reason for this can be because they neglected your dog, instead of giving them their full attention, as they should. You don't want such a person taking care of your pet.
3. Injuries That Can't Be Explained
If your dog has scratches, swellings, or cuts he/she didn't have before you left, it represents a warning sign.
Dogs can easily injure themselves when they play with other dogs, or when they run around. A good dog sitter should pay attention to your dog so they don't hurt themselves or fight with other dogs.
If the sitter can't explain those injuries, you should know it's not a good sign.
4. Carpet Stains
You'd probably be alarmed if you'd return home to find carpet stains, scratches around the door, or bad smells around the house.
A professional dog sitter should know when a dog wants to go out. If the sitter hasn't been paying attention to these signs, you should fire them right away.
Holding in urine for too long can make dogs more prone to develop bladder infections.
5. Not Receiving Updates on How Your Dog Is Doing
Leaving your dog with a sitter for a few days can prove to be unsettling because you don't know how your dog will behave.
That's why you should be able to receive daily updates.
Informing the owner about their pet should be the top priority of a dog sitter.
Atlanta Dog Sitters from Buckhead Paws Are Here to Meet Your Needs
Are you from Atlanta and need a dog sitter? Then you can check this off your list because we're here to help you.
Our pet care team is always happy to serve new or existing clients. Did you know that our oldest clients have been with us since 2009?
That's how committed we are to doing our job right.
You can check out our services here.
If you want to get in touch, feel free to give us a call at 404-432-1192 or email us at [email protected]. We provide a complimentary, no-obligation meet and greet with you and your dog.
Buckhead Pet Sitting: Keeping Your Pet AND Home Safe
Buckhead Pet Sitting: Keeping Your Pet AND Home Safe
Can we ask you a question – WHEN was the last time you went on vacation?
Don’t feel like answering that? Then how about this one:
WHY haven’t you been on a vacation in a while?
Was it because
● You just couldn’t get the time off from work
● You couldn’t afford it
● You couldn’t find someone to take care of your pets
Did that last one strike a chord?
Don’t worry, many pet owners are in the same boat, they just don’t want to admit it.
If we are being honest, our pets are like our family, in fact many of them are like our children.
The funny thing is, with kids we will ship them off to a sitter, but with our pets we are MUCH more selective.
If you need some help and need someone to watch your pets while you are out of town or just need a dog walker in the Atlanta area, then you’ve come to the right place.
We hope by the time you finish reading this, that you’ll realize help is just a phone call away.
Here are three reasons why you should let Buckhead Paws handle your pet sitting needs.
Your Pet Won’t Be Inconvenienced
What can really mess up a dog or cat’s routine is being sent to a facility to be watched. The new environment is already stressful enough, not to mention all of the new people.
If you want your pet to have the smoothest transition to you being away, then in home pet sitting will be the most ideal situation.
Our pet sitters will come in when you want us to AND we actually recommend at least three visits in a 24‐hour period.
What does this mean?
It means you will know that your loved one is being carefully watched over.
You’ll Have Peace Of Mind
If you had someone you could trust to check on your pet and your home, then you probably would have already contacted them.
If you need some peace of mind, and need someone you can trust to take care of your dog or cat, as well as check on your home, then you NEED to contact us.
We’ll ensure all is well with your loved one as well as the rest of your house.
We’ll Take Care Of Everything Else
One of the reasons break-ins occur is because the bad guys know people are gone on vacation.
With pet sitting, our in-home visits include checking your mail, watering your plants and anything else you need us to do to make it look like you are at home.
We not only take care of your pets, but we’ll take care of your home as well.
As you can see, Buckhead Pet Sitting is truly a one‐stop service for your pets AND home.
If you are in need of pet sitting or even a dog walker in Atlanta, then please give us a call today.
We’d welcome the opportunity to help you keep your pet, and your home safe.
Dog Walker Atlanta: Top 10 Dog Parks in Metro Atlanta
Dog Walker Atlanta: Top 10 Dog Parks in Metro Atlanta
Looking for Atlanta’s best dog park?
Well you’ve got a lot of options. As professional dog walkers in Atlanta, we might have more experience with pet playgrounds than anyone!
If you’re interested in our well-informed opinion, we offer a list of the top 10 dog parks Metro Atlanta has to offer.
But first, we’d like to take the time to lay out what to look for.
How to Choose a Dog Park
Our city cares about its pets.
Luckily so, as Atlanta has many great places to take your dog for some fun and socialization.
While we do offer concrete ratings, but the most important thing is that you make sure that you choose a park that fits your needs well. Therefore, you need to consider both your dog and your day.
Individual temperament and group chemistry are important in off-leash settings. If your dog does not do well in large groups, there are certain parks you’ll want to stay away from. Our best advice is to try several from this list and see what feels most comfortable for you and your dog.
Likewise, you might choose a quieter park if you yourself have had a long day or your dog is recovering from some veterinary procedure. Atlanta also has a few niche parks and ones with unique amenities.
If you find a few of them you like, you give yourself the opportunity to be more flexible later.
The Best Dog Parks Near Atlanta
Parkgrounds
Part coffee shop, part dog park: ParkGrounds is in a league of its own. Free wifi, good food, even alcohol. Plus, the staff keeps the place grounds clean.
142 Flat Shoals Ave SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
Size: Small
Shade: Yes
Separate Enclosures: No
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.0/5
177 reviews
Foursquare:
8.6/10
100 votes
Piedmont Dog Park
Piedmont Dog Park (at Piedmont Park) is probably Atlanta's most popular canine hangout. With 3 acres and consistent traffic, it is a great place to socialize your dog.
490-514 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Size: Large
Shade: Limited
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
3.5/5
70 reviews
Foursquare:
9.0/10
76 votes
Brook Run Dog Park
Found in Dunwoody, this community favorite maintained by area volunteers. There is plenty of space, foliage, trails. But you should note that there are no bathrooms.
4770 N Peachtree Rd
Dunwoody, Georgia 30338
Size: Medium
Shade: Plenty
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.0/5
46 reviews
Foursquare:
8.8/10
48 votes
Oakhurst Dog Park
Clean and spacious with woods and an open field. Drinking water, wooded trails, and comfortable benches. Just not know that it gets pretty muddy after rainfall.
450 E Lake Dr
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Size: Large
Shade: Plenty
Seperate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.0/5
30 reviews
Foursquare:
6.9/10
23 votes
Burger Dog Park
Burger Dog Park is a tight knit community dog park with plenty of regulars and room to run. The only drawbacks are the lack of foliage and it gets muddy after rain.
680 Glendale Pl
Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Size: Medium
Shade: Limited
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
3.5/5
30 reviews
Foursquare:
7.2/10
13 votes
Chattapoochee Dog Park
Chattapoochee Dog Park is one another of nicest dog parks in the entire state. It features plenty of running room, water features, an agility course, a creek, and wooded areas.
4291 Rogers Bridge Rd
Duluth, Georgia 30097
Size: Large
Shade: Plenty
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.5/5
22 reviews
Foursquare:
8.3/10
17 votes
Newtown Dog Park
Newtown Dog Park touts itself as one of the top dog parks in the country. It features obstacle courses, sprinklers, and trails. But the best feature might be the artificial turf.
3150 Old Alabama Rd
Johns Creek, Georgia 30022
Size: Medium
Shade: Limited
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
3.5/5
35 reviews
Foursquare:
8.2/10
43 votes
Adair Dog Park
A Decatur community favorite, Adair Dog Park offers varied terrain and plenty of room. Shade and water available. Just be aware that there is but a single play area.
W Ponce De Leon Ave & W Trinity Pl
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Size: Large
Shade: Plenty
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.0/5
10 reviews
Foursquare:
7.2/10
19 votes
Waggy World Paw Park
Waggy World is located in Alpharetta and has everything a dog park needs. 3 enclosures, shade, open space, benches, water, and you can usually find a tennis ball or two.
175 Roswell St
Alpharetta, GA 30004
Size: Large
Shade: Plenty
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.5/5
6 reviews
Foursquare:
8.5/10
16 votes
Sweat Mountain Dog Park
Perhaps the best feature of Sweat Mountain is the mulch. Surprisingly enough, this keeps everyone's pet cleaner than they would be otherwise.
4346 Steinhauer Rd
Marietta, GA 30066
Size: Large
Shade: Plenty
Separate Enclosures: Yes
Water: Yes
Yelp!:
4.5/5
10 reviews
Foursquare:
6.5/10
17 votes
Top 5 Pet Safety Tips for Winter
Top 5 Pet Safety Tips for Winter
At Buckhead Paws, we have a relationship with the pets of Atlanta that few do.
And there’s a lot of talk about a cold, wet winter in Georgia. So we thought it only appropriate to bring you our top 5 pet safety tips for the year’s toughest season.
#5 More Food
Especially if your pet spends most of its winter days outside, make sure that you provide them the extra calories necessary to maintain a healthy weight.
Mammal bodies burn more energy trying to maintain warmth in cold weather. They also burn through more H2O. So be sure to make extra water available as well.
However, resist the temptation to go overboard or you’ll do more harm than good. The dangers associated with pet obesity have no season.
#4 Prioritize Exercise
On the same note, you don’t want your pet to become a layabout. Make sure to find ways to get them moving or they may become lethargic or gain weight.
With dogs, try to maintain your typical walking schedule if possible. Just be sure to dry them from head to toe to tail when you bring them inside. This isn’t just for your carpet’s sake, but their skins’ sake as well.
If time outside is out of the question, you should look for creative solutions inside.
#3 Fewer Baths
Dogs are especially prone to dry skin during cold weather. This can cause cracked paws, rashes, and other painful issues.
In addition to keeping your pet hydrated on the inside, you need to keep them dry on the outside. Wintertime baths are one of the easiest ways to dry out your pet’s skin.
#2 Beware Winter Chemicals
There are two substances humans use to combat the elements that are hazardous to our four-legged friends. Namely: salt and antifreeze.
The salt we use to fight winter ice is another factor that contributes to cracked, hurting pads on pets in wintertime.
As for antifreeze, human beings are simply clumsy. But animals are attracted by the sweet smell, not knowing its lethal potential.
#1 Bring Them In
You knew it was coming.
If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them. Bring your pets in!
Don’t begrudge your furry friend a cozy place to sleep at night. Don’t let their skin and paw pads get dry and cracked. Don’t put them through the potential dangers winter poses.
Given numbers 2-5, why wouldn’t you keep them inside?
Okay, off the soap box. But seriously. Allow your pets to spend as much time inside as possible, especially during winter.
Truth be told, the list of issues your pets can suffer from a cold, wet winter can go on and on. Our top 5 is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
But supposing bringing your pet inside is not an option, the list of required safety precautions would have to be much longer than a top five.
This is why our main recommendation is to heed number one and avoid as many of the potential risks as possible.
If you'd like some help keeping your pet both safe and comfortable this winter, give BuckHead Paws a call now at (404) 432-1192!
18 Crucial Questions You Should Ask Your Professional Dog Walker
18 Crucial Questions You Should Ask Your Professional Dog Walker
If you’re in the market for a professional dog walker, there are a variety of questions you need to ask. Some things you need to know to be sure that the dog walking company you’re interested in runs a legitimate business, while other inquiries are to ensure that the service is a good fit for your four-legged friend.
We decided to compile the ones across both categories - a legitimate business and a good fit for you - and ended up with this list of the 18 most important questions to ask your dog walking company.
Let’s start with the most important qualifiers.
Questions to Establish Dog Walking Professionalism
If you select the wrong dog service you could end up putting your pet—and other property—at risk. It’s crucial that you ask the right questions to make sure that anyone you select runs a legitimate business, with professional dog walkers. While a company’s website and online reviews can give you some solid clues, it’s still important to ask the following:
1 Are you bonded and insured? If your professional dog walker runs a legitimate business, they should be bonded and have liability insurance. If your dog walking company pitches themselves as pros and don’t have these basics, you should stay away.
2 Do you run background checks on all of your dog walkers?
Plain and simple: anyone getting paid to take care of your pet should be subject to a background check. In this industry, there is nothing worse than a company who risks the safety of the pets it is entrusted to take care of.
3 What does your training look like?
Anyone that is going to be a consistent presence in your pet’s life needs to have training in basic care and animal behavior. But pet first-aid and CPR are important additions that could save your pet’s life in the case of an emergency. Medication training may also be important for your pet.
4 What is your protocol for unruly behavior?
If a dog walker says that they will punish your dog, you want to steer clear. No one wants to hand their dog over to an abuser. Plus, there is risk your dog may injure someone if it feels too threatened. Redirection, followed by positive reinforcement is always a better choice.
5 What is your protocol for emergency?
A crucial contributor to a pet owner’s peace of mind, how your dog walker responds to injury or a lost pet should be a central concern when vetting out your options. As much as you might not want to go there, you can’t be too afraid to ask.
6 What sort of communication do you maintain?
One of the main things that a dog walking service provides is peace of mind. Those that provide convenient ways to communicate do this even better. Going beyond the stereotypical “emergency contact” and providing information about bathroom schedule and other status updates is a great bonus.
7 Do you provide service under all conditions?
No matter the weather, your dog will need to go out. Yet your dog sitter may not be willing or able to provide service during certain conditions. You need to find out in the beginning and make sure to keep it in mind when nature acts up.
8 Are you a member of a professional pet sitters association?
That’s right. There are actually pet sitters associations that dog walking companies can join for ongoing training, certification, and other benefits. This is one of the best indications that the dog walking company you’re interested in is serious about the profession.
Questions to Make Sure a Dog Walker is a Good Fit
Once you’ve thoroughly vetted your prospective company as a professional service running a solid business, you can begin to focus on compatibility. It’s important that any service you select has options that mesh well with your lifestyle and accommodate your dog’s individual needs.
The remainder of our list focuses on these types of inquiries.
9 Where will you walk my dog?
A question that is important for all dog walking clients is where the dog walks take place. Depending on your location and needs, you might want the walks to stay within your neighborhood or you might prefer they travel to different locations.
10 What are your pickup and drop off procedures?
If your dog will be traveling with your sitter, be sure that you are comfortable with the way your dog will be transported. You want to consider things like the type of vehicle, the the presence of other dogs, and whether your pet will change hands in the process.
11 What types of leashes do you use?
Another consideration that might be important to you is the type of leashes that your pet walker uses. Make sure they only use restraints that you approve of.
12 Will you ever unleash my dog—at a dog park or otherwise?
Speaking of leashes, some owners are uncomfortable with off-leash time. Others think it is essential. Whichever side you’re on, make sure your pet sitter is willing to comply with your wishes.
13 How many dog sitters do you use and what does their rotation look like?
Most pet sitting clients prefer that their dog stick with a single handler every day. Most dog walking companies agree, but you want to make especially sure if you know your dog struggles with inconsistency.
14 How many dogs do you walk at a time?
Whether you feel your pet needs individual attention or socialization, this is a very important question to ask.
15 How do you handle unsocialized dogs?
Another two sided question: whether your dog is unsocialized or you’re worried about other unsocialized dogs this a good answer to know. Asking will help give you a feel for the dog walker’s prowess as a handler as well as peace of mind.
16 What sort of accommodations do you have for dogs with unique needs?
This is one of the most individualized of all the questions on our list. Indeed, you may not need to ask. But if you do, the answer will be one of the most important determining factors for your decision. You don’t want to hire someone unqualified to handle medication or your pets other special needs.
17 What additional services do you offer?
Some dog walkers also provide general pet sitting, grooming, pet taxiing or other services that you might find useful, even necessary. It’s always great to know your options! (But don’t forget to ask about the cost as well.)
18 Do you offer trial walks?
You’ll probably still have to pay, but most legitimate dog walking services will allow you to come along on a test run before you commit to a contract. This is a great way to see first-hand what a particular dog walker’s service is like.
As long as you get the answers to all of these questions, you will be able to sort out the good dog walkers from the bad and eventually identify the one that is the best fit for you and your pet.
Hopefully, our list has helped you identify the need-to-know information in your quest for a professional dog walker. If it has provided you value, please like and share. If you have any questions or comments, we’d also love to hear about your experiences with dog walkers!
15 Of The Coolest Things You Can Teach Your Dog
Few would deny that dogs are indeed man’s best friend. They provide us with hours of entertainment, endless love, loyalty, and, when push comes to shove, even a shoulder to cry on. Besides that, few things give us more joy than coming home to an excited and jumping ball of fur after a long day. It is true that dogs live to please their masters, and there’s no better way to let them do that best than by teaching them some great tricks that will lift your mood and make you forget about all your troubles in an instant. So, without further ado, here are some of the coolest tricks to teach your canine companion.
Sit
Teaching your dog how to sit is one of the most basic tricks one can teach their dog. Besides that, when your dog is in the sitting position, she knows that she has to stay there until you give her another command, which is great when you don’t want your dog to run around and disturb you while you’re busy. This trick is also perfect for outdoors, to keep your dog safe.
Open and Close a Door
This is a more advanced, and equally impressive trick to teach your dog. But, this trick should only be taught if you are absolutely certain that your dog won’t be running outside too often thanks to her new-found skill. It is also advisable to teach this trick to your dog with the help of a stuffed toy or a rope, rather than biting on the door handle.
While this trick is easy to teach to big dogs, smaller breeds will no doubt find it a bit harder to learn, at first. That being said, one should also keep in mind that larger breeds could leave deep scratch marks on the door if they get too excited while trying to open it. It is advised to teach your dog to only open doors which have ropes or a stuffed toy attached to the door handle, to keep them from opening doors which lead outside. To start, you can tie a rope or a toy to the handle of the door, and encourage the dog to tug the rope or tug toy. Once you have gotten your dog to tug on the rope, encourage her by praising her and rewarding her with a treat. But, only offer a treat when your dog has completed the task successfully. Once they have learned how to open a door, you can use the treat in your hand to encourage them to jump on the door to close it shut.
Fetch a Drink
Another awesome trick to teach your canine friend is how to fetch a drink from the refrigerator. This will be easy once she has learnt how to open a door. Dog owners should only teach this trick to their pets when they are absolutely certain that they will not try to eat all the food in the fridge once the door’s opened. You can teach them how to open the fridge door by attaching a tug toy or a rope to it, as mentioned before.
Like opening a normal door, you can first encourage your dog to tug on the rope to open the fridge door, then reward her with a treat. After that, hold out the treat against the open fridge door and encourage her to jump up and use her paws to shut the fridge door. This trick will take some time, depending on your dog, but you should keep on going until your pet can do it with vocal commands alone.
Encourage your dog to tug on it until the door pops open. Reward him immediately. Next, hold the treat against the outside of the open door, and encourage your dog to jump up with his front paws so that the door swings shut. You can even place your dog’s favorite toy in the fridge to encourage her to open the door.
Play Soccer
While most games require having hands in order to play them, soccer or football is one of those games which require only the use of one’s feet, which makes it a good choice when it comes to teaching your dog a game. Dogs are naturals when it comes to playing soccer, which makes it all the more fun to teach them how to play. It is advised that you choose a soccer ball which is a bit larger than your dog’s mouth so that they won’t attempt to swallow it while playing. Using a larger ball will also prevent the dog from picking up the soccer ball and running away with it, which is considered a foul in dog soccer. Also, choose an empty park or a garden so that your dog doesn’t chase other kids instead of the ball. And make sure you take a bag of treats along with you to reward her whenever she dribbles well.
To teach your dog this trick, you will first need to get her acquainted with the soccer ball, by giving it to her and allowing her to smell the ball. If she begins to move the ball by herself, you should praise her immediately and give her a treat for encouragement. If she isn’t interested in the ball, you can begin by rolling the ball gently toward her while you encourage her how to play.
A good way to encourage your dog to play soccer is by praising her every time she touches the ball with her nose or paw. And, while it might take several trips to the park to finally make her dribble the ball like a pro, in the end you will see that it is totally worth it. Once she is comfortable with the concept, you can start kicking the ball farther away from you and encouraging her to dribble the ball back to you. End by rewarding her with a treat so that she’ll play with you next time.
Water Fetch
Water fetch is a great game to teach your dog when you’re out on the beach or by the pool. But, before you teach you dog how to fetch, you will have to teach her how to swim, especially if your pet is not a Spaniel or a Labrador. You will also need to get a life jacket for your dog, just in case. To begin, get into the water, and then encourage your dog to do the same with a treat. Once your dog is comfortable staying afloat, you can use a ball or some other toy which floats to coax your dog to fetch it.
Sing
It is true that many dogs just like the sound of their own voice, which is why they will start to sing every time you pick up an instrument and begin to play, or if her favorite song is playing on the radio. But, others will need a little bit of encouragement for them to display their vocals. While the trick is an interesting one to teach your dog, it might not be a good idea if you’re living in an apartment complex and have grumpy neighbors. That’s because some dogs prefer to have little practice sessions when you are not at home, where they experiment with different tones, which could drive your neighbors up the wall.
You can begin by exposing your dog to different genres of music to see which one tickles their fancy. Once you’ve found the one, stick to it and inspire your dog to sing along with you. Since you are the leader of the pack, it is important that you lead by example. So, you’ll have to practice your howling skills, too. Teaching your dog how to sing should not be difficult, since you have the example of the New Guinea singing dog, which is a close relative of the dingo. And, since dogs are direct descendants of wolves, they will easily find their howling abilities once you encourage them.
High-Five
Contrary to popular belief, it is surprisingly easy to teach your dog how to high five. What you need to do is make your dog sit, and encourage her by rewarding her with a treat. Hold the treat in front of her, but a bit out of reach, while saying “high five.” Don’t forget to tap one of her feet while you do that. Most dogs will normally raise their paw toward the treat in your hand. When she does that, catch her paw with your hand and give her a treat.
You can begin by exposing your dog to different genres of music to see which one tickles their fancy. Once you’ve found the one, stick to it and inspire your dog to sing along with you. Since you are the leader of the pack, it is important that you lead by example. So, you’ll have to practice your howling skills, too. Teaching your dog how to sing should not be difficult, since you have the example of the New Guinea singing dog, which is a close relative of the dingo. And, since dogs are direct descendants of wolves, they will easily find their howling abilities once you encourage them.
Kiss
While all dogs can lick your face without you having to give them any command, teaching them how to give you a gentle kiss without covering you with saliva is usually a challenge. To show your dog this trick, you can place a treat in front of your face and give the command. Offer your cheek by extending it in front of your dog until she touches it with her nose. Then, before your dog has a chance to give you a lick, offer her a treat instead. You need to be fast for this one, since pulling away from your dog as soon as she touches your cheek with her nose will make her learn that all she has to do is press her nose against your cheek gently to get the treat.
Remember, do not let your children show her this trick if your dog is known to get overly excited. This could cause her to nip your child by accident. You should also be careful while teaching this trick to the larger breeds, since a small tap of the nose could sometimes turn into a painful head butt. So, it is important to make sure that your dog is gentle while performing this trick.
Handstand
One of the best and more advanced tricks to teach a dog is definitely the handstand. While small breeds such as the Chihuahuas perform this trick spontaneously, since they have large heads and a relatively small body, teaching larger breeds how to find their balance will be quite a task. That being said, it is not impossible to teach a larger breed dog how to handstand.
First and foremost, you will need to ensure the safety of your dog, and to do that you will need to help your dog develop the muscles which she will then use to perform the trick. You can start off by having her stand in front of a wall with her hind legs raised on a small block or a stack of books. You will soon find out whether or not she is able to proceed to the next stage, if she can raise herself off the ground in order to get into position. Once your dog is able to place her back feet on the wall without any help, hold out a treat and encourage her to move forward, away from the wall. Place your hand on her belly to help her develop her balance.
Playing the Piano
If you like to play the piano, why not teach that to your pet dog as well? Since she will do almost anything to earn herself a delicious treat, it should not be a problem. First off, you will need a standard sized piano, and a dog, preferably a larger breed. Start by placing the piano in front of your pet and, once she shows a sign of interest in the object, reward her with a treat. Now, give her a treat whenever she shows interest in the piano. Most dogs will usually start to press the keys with their paws once they find out that good things happen whenever they are close to the piano.
Saying a Prayer
So, you’re not religious—so what! Teaching your dog how to pray is still a cool trick to do in front of your friends. You can start by making your dog sit in front of you. Then start at the beginning by teaching your dog how to give you her paw. Once your dog does that, you can extend your own arms so that she can rest her paws on your forearm. Don’t forget to praise her as soon as she gets it right. Once your dog gets that part right, place a treat in front of her nose, and then lower it slowly underneath your arm, so that she does the same until her head is lowered underneath your arm and between her paws. If your dog tries to remove her paws, remove the treat, and start again until she gets it right.
Army Crawl
The army crawl is a great trick to teach your dog. While some begin to crawl without any training needed, others need a little encouragement. You can start by commanding your dog to lie down. Then, hold a treat between your fingers so that she is able to smell it, but cannot take it from you. Now, slowly drag the treat along the floor, while keeping her head lowered. You can teach your dog how to do the army crawl if you let her crawl a longer distance each time.
Salute
Teaching your dog how to salute is another great trick to impress all of your friends and family members whenever they drop by. Start by commanding your dog to sit down. Now stick a small piece of tape right above your dog’s eye. Then as your dog raises its paw to attempt to remove the tape, give her a treat. With a little bit of patience you should be able to teach your dog how to salute without using the red tape, eventually.
Using the Loo
Remember that Jim Carrey movie with the scene in which he commands his dog to put the seat down after using the loo? Well, that’s not that far-fetched a trick if you think about it, but it will be one of the harder tricks to teach your dog. To start, you will need to change the command you are probably using right now to “go to the bathroom.” Once she is able to associate relieving herself with the command, you can introduce a litter box in the bathroom. Take your dog’s paws and place it in the litter box while repeating the command. Eventually, your dog will learn how to use the litter box in the toilet instead of going outside. When she is able to do that, you can then place the box into the toilet itself and encourage her to jump up on the toilet whenever she has to go the bathroom. Pretty soon, you will be able to remove the box altogether and have your dog use the toilet whenever she needs to do her business.
Skateboarding
Skateboarding is extreme, no matter which way you take it. But, teaching smaller breeds such as pugs or bulldogs how to use the skateboard is a great idea. You can start by first introducing her to the skateboard. To do that you need to place the skateboard upside down so that she can inspect it first. The reason you will be placing the skateboard upside down is that dogs are usually afraid of moving objects, let alone getting on one. Now, turn the skateboard over and roll it away from her. Take the skateboard outside and encourage her to touch the skateboard. Eventually, she will jump on it, but make sure that you are there to balance her at all times.
Ending Note
So, there you have it. These are some of the best tricks that you can easily teach your pet to impress your friends. All it takes is patience and few bags of treats.
Average Pet Care Rates
Average Pet Care Rates
For most people, pets are more than just animals – they’re a part of the family. You aim to keep your pet happy and healthy, just as you would your children. Also, just like children there is a financial impact to having pets. The cost of employing a pet care specialist or pet sitter varies based on your location, pet, and number of pets to be cared for simultaneously. However, here is an idea of how this usually breaks down:Read more
Buckhead Paws: Atlanta-Based Pet Sitter Extraordinaire
Buckhead Paws: Atlanta-Based Pet Sitter Extraordinaire
In business since 2007, this Atlanta-based pet sitting company is solid, established, and takes very seriously every pet under their care. Among the many pet sitting services in the area, Buckhead Paws stands out.
Finding a pet sitting company can be stressful, and it’s not any easier when there are so many Atlanta pet sitters to choose from. However, Mark Shaver, the owner of Buckhead Paws, puts all of your stress and worry at ease.
In business since 2007, Buckhead Paws is bonded and insured, providing you with the security and peace of mind you need when someone else is providing care for your pet. Many of their staff are certified in Pet First-Aid, and are able to help in the event your pet has an emergency when you aren’t able to be there.Read more
Cat Sitting 101
Cat Sitting 101
There are approximately one million more cats owned in the United States than dogs, yet many people – including experienced pet sitters – know more about dogs. However, if you are looking for a pet sitter, it is important to note that cat sitting can be significantly different from dog sitting.
Most pet care services offer cat sitting in addition to dog care. In fact, some professional sitters are beginning to specialize more exclusively, and offer cat-specific care, focusing solely on feline-owning households.Read more
Find a Pet Sitter Near You
Find a Pet Sitter Near You
If you are in the Atlanta, Georgia, area and are looking for the perfect pet sitter who will love and care for your pet just as you would, turn your attention towards Buckhead Paws.
Buckhead Paws is an Atlanta-based pet sitting service that’s been operating since 2007, offering pet services for dogs and cats alike. The services they offer include walks, mid-day potty breaks, daily care, and in-your-home, overnight pet sits. Regardless of the circumstance, you can ensure the best of Atlanta’s pet care professionals have your pet’s needs in mind.Read more