Dogs live to please their masters. There’s no better way to let them do that best than by teaching them some great tricks. So, without further ado, here are some of the coolest tricks to teach your canine companion. If you’re not a good teacher, your Buckhead Paws pet sitter can help!

2. Open and Close a Door

3. Play Hide & Seek

1. Get your pooch to sit and stay.
2. Slowly back away, making sure he stays put.
3. Hide somewhere close and pretty obvious, and say COME! GIve a treat when he comes.
4. Gradually hide in more difficult places, out of sight. It’s hard not to giggle when he’s running around the house looking for you. And it’s a delight when he’s so happy to find you! 

4. Play Soccer
Soccer requires only the use of one’s feet, so it’s a good choice for a doggone fun game. Dogs are naturals when it comes to playing soccer, which makes it all the more fun to teach. Choose a soccer ball a bit larger than your dog’s mouth so that they won’t attempt to swallow it. Using a larger ball will also prevent him from picking it up and running away with it (a foul in dog soccer). Also, choose an empty park or a garden so that your dog doesn’t chase other kids instead. And make sure you take a bag of treats along with you to reward her whenever she dribbles well.

1. Get her acquainted with the soccer ball, by giving it to her and allowing her to smell it. If she begins to move the ball by herself, praise her immediately and give a treat. If she isn’t interested, you can begin by rolling the ball gently toward her while you encourage her how to play.
2. Encourage your dog by praising her every time she touches the ball with her nose or paw. 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. Her Buckhead Paws pet sitter can take her o the park anytime you can’t!
3. Once she is comfortable with the concept, start kicking the ball farther away from you and encouraging her to dribble it back to you. End by rewarding her with a treat so that she’ll play with you next time.

5. Water Fetch
Water fetch is a great game when you’re on the beach or by the pool. But, before you teach your dog this, 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 that floats to coax your dog to fetch it.

6. Sing
Many dogs just like the sound of their own voice, which is why they will 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. WARNING: It might not be a good idea if you’re living in an apartment and have grumpy neighbors! (Some dogs prefer to  practice when you’re not home).

7. High-Five – Surprisingly easy!
Just make your dog sit, and encourage her by rewarding 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, catch her paw with your hand and give her a treat.

8. 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.

1. 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 she has a chance to give you a lick, offer her a treat instead. You need to be fast for this one, since pulling away 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.
2. 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. 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.

9. Handstand
One of the best and more advanced tricks to teach a dog is definitely the handstand. Small breeds such as the Chihuahuas perform this trick spontaneously, since they have large heads and relatively small bodies. Teaching larger breeds how to find their balance will be quite a task but not impossible.

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 he will then use to perform the trick. You can start off by having him stand in front of a wall with his hind legs raised on a small block or a stack of books. He will be able to proceed to the next stage, if he can raise himself off the ground in order to get into position. Once your dog is able to place his back feet on the wall without any help, hold out a treat and encourage him to move forward, away from the wall. Place your hand on his belly to help him develop his balance.

10. Playing the Piano
Why not teach your pet dog to play your piano? 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, 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.

11. Saying a Prayer
So, you’re not religious—so what! 

1. Start by making your dog sit in front of you.
2. Teach your dog how to give you her paw (use ideas from the High Five trick above). Once she does that, extend your arms so she can rest her paws on your forearm. Don’t forget to praise her as soon as she gets it right.
3. 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.

12. Army Crawl
Such a great trick! While some begin to crawl without any training, others need a little encouragement. Start by giving a “lie down” command. Then, hold a treat between your fingers so that he’s able to smell it, but cannot take it from you. Now, slowly drag the treat along the floor, encouraging him to keep his head lowered. Have him crawl a longer distance each time until he’s ready for boot camp!

13. Salute
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.

14. Using the Loo
Remember that Jim Carrey movie where he commands his dog to put the seat down after using the loo? Well, that’s not that far-fetched a trick, but it will be one of the harder tricks to teach. To start, you’ll need to change the command you’re probably using right now to “go potty.” Once she’s 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 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.

15. Skateboarding
Skateboarding is extreme, no matter which way you take it. But, teaching smaller breeds such as pugs or bulldogs is a great idea. You can start by introducing her to the skateboard: Place the skateboard upside down so that she can inspect it. (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.

So, there you have it. All it takes is patience and few bags of treats. Ask your Buckhead Paws dog walker to help!

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

Vacations! The right time to recharge your batteries. However, a particular group of people might experience mixed feelings when going on your vacations.

Pet owners, we’re talking about you. 

Luckily, you know Atlanta dog sitters can always give a helping hand when you’re in need. Plus, they know the best pet soothing techniques, so both owner and animals are having a stressless time away. Learn more about the tricks they use.

Divert Attention

Even with humans, entertainment is what helps us overcome missing a loved one. Much more so with our four-legged friends. So, entertainment is the solution when the time comes for the owners to leave their companion with a temporary caregiver.

First, Atlanta dog sitters ask the owner to leave as quietly as possible. As we all know, dogs are quick on detecting sound and movement.

Pet sitters then solve the situation by creating a context which allows dogs to get busy. For instance, lighting Christmas tree decorations allows the pet to focus its attention on the new visual and movement stimuli.

New Games and Toys

Pet owners know it well a new toy can keep dogs busy for days, sparking their interest any part of the day.

Apart from being a distraction, games are the necessary energy burner for indoor times during cold weather. Here are some delightful ideas:

• treat “treasure hunt”
• food puzzles for meals

Increase Walk Frequency and Food Intake

The first thought which may cross your mind after reading this headline is «But is winter suitable for more outside walks?».

You’re right, as shown in previous articles, wintertime does pose challenges to Atlanta dog walkers. However, these can be overcome if the walker is a professional who knows how to tackle potentially problematic situations.

They’ll walk your dog mostly when it’s sunny and for short spans of time. Plus, they’ll avoid contact with antifreeze and clean the paws to wipe out any snow chemicals.

As for food, it should be given in increased yet controlled amounts.

Atlanta Dog Sitters Spot Separation Anxiety in Dogs

First of all, being separated from longtime caregivers makes a dog lose their main source of affection, so it’s natural they develop symptoms like:

• self-destructive behavior
• whining
• crying

Another aspect worth mentioning is Atlanta dog sitters know certain dog breeds are prone to such behavior:

• the Labrador Retriever
• the Cocker Spaniel
• the Bichon Frise
• the German Shepherd

This is because they are highly energetic beings who need mental stimulation and also grow to be part of the family.

A dedicated dog sitter can even set video conferences if they notice the symptoms persist. Also, they can give the dog a piece of clothing pertaining to the owner. The sound of the owner’s voice and the familiar smell in the clothing can alleviate the angst.

No matter how short your vacation is, dogs will miss the person they’ve established such a strong bond with.

Because at Buckhead Paws we understand this, we’ve always done our best to meet the needs of our customers and their beloved companions. Do you want to be one of them? Check us out.

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

Cold weather health hazards can often make you and your pet unable to enjoy winter to its fullest.

Don’t worry though, you can set aside lots of inconveniences by looking into pet health-related information. Which, to be honest, should be any Atlanta dog walker’s autumn plan.

Winter makes us think of cold weather and freezing limbs. Well, we can do our best to make sure your pets feel safe and warm.

Be Careful With Winter-Related Conditions

If your dog has a health condition, you treat it accordingly. But besides the usual preoccupation for your pup’s health, you have to check if winter means extra care or more vet appointments.

The conditions we’re referring to are:

• Arthritis
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypothermia
• Frostbite

The latter is the most encountered one as it affects the tissues in limbs, ears or tail. When your pup is suffering from frostbite, you can tell by the occurrence of:

• Blisters
• Swelling
• Discolored skin (gray, pale or red areas beneath the fur).

Normally, you can check your dog by yourself.

For the other conditions on the list, you’ll need vet advice.

Lethargy and shivering signal hypothermia, whereas intolerance to cold and mobility issues stand for hypothyroidism and arthritis, respectively.

Look out for Chemicals Used during Winter

The roads are large and full of potentially harmful chemicals. This is not good news for an Atlanta dog walker as dog walks are less frequent during winter anyway.

During these scarce breaths of fresh air, your pet walks on concrete full of ice melters and salt. Now, the ice melting chemicals in these products could be:

• Potassium chloride
• Magnesium chloride
• Calcium carbonate
• Calcium magnesium acetate

If your dog licks its paws after a wintry outdoor stroll, symptoms like nausea, vomiting or hyper-salivation will likely occur.

If you own a car, make sure you don’t let antifreeze anywhere near your dog. It contains ethylene glycol which is toxic when ingested. You might switch to propylene glycol-based antifreeze instead.

Mind you, these chemicals are sweet and tasty for pets. So make sure you clean the paws and stomach areas right after coming back home, no matter what.

Grooming Tips for an Atlanta Dog Walker

Wintertime also means small adjustments need to be made to your pet’s grooming routine:

• Paws need to be examined much more often. Look for potential cracks, accumulated dirt or irritation. Foot balms for pets could be a good idea to prevent such issues.
• Nails need to be trimmed more frequently due to your dog having more contact with smooth surfaces.
• Don’t shave their fur too often.
• After bathing at home, your dog’s fur must be completely dry.

Apart from these safety measures, it’s obvious an Atlanta dog walker should pay extra attention to wintertime walks. If the weather allows it and the sun is shining, you can spend as much time as you wish.

Other than that, keep the dogs on a leash, as they might get lost more easily and you’ll also avoid accidents on slippery roads this way.

You could also focus on special winter training. Obedience commands are necessary in situations like loose leash walking on dangerous roads. Recall commands that help with keeping them away from frozen water are also vital.

Not sure if you have time to master these commands? Consider hiring a professional dog walker.

No matter what, the comfort of your four-legged friend comes first for us. Our Buckhead pet walkers are here to assist whenever necessary – even in the cold times. 

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

Not many people know how to master dog walking, or how to behave in this situation. This fact can apply to both new dog owners and people who have had a dog for quite a while.

There’s always room for improvement when it comes to bonding with your pet.

A skilled Atlanta dog walker can give you the best tips so that you have the best relationship with your dog.

If your dog acts stubborn during his walk, or if he doesn’t behave as he should, then this article is for you.

We compiled a few tips that will help you master the dog walk.

Atlanta Dog Walker: How to Walk Your Dog Like a Pro

1. The dog leash is very important

Too many people use a leash too long for the purpose of pet walking. The leash has to be as short as possible because it will allow you to have more control over your pet during the walk.

By attaching the leash closely to the top of the neck, you will be able to guide and correct your pet more easily.

2. How you should walk  

If you take a close look around you, in the park or on the street, you will see many people who walk behind their dog.

This is a big no-no. Pet owners who do will never be seen as a pack leader by their dog.

When going on the regular walk, make sure you are the first one to leave the house and the first one to enter it. During the walk, your dog should be beside you or behind you and never in front of you.

3. Rewarding your dog during the walk

If your dog is calm and has remained this way for a while, you can go ahead and reward him.

You can do so by letting him explore the area and sniff around. It’s very important to keep in mind you are the one who needs to decide when reward time is over.

4. Being a pack leader even after you get home 

Most dog owners forget all about the control they’ve managed to achieve outside as soon as they enter the house.

Even though you are both probably excited to arrive home, you still need to demonstrate that you are a pack leader.

Your dog should remain calm until you take his leash or dog walking devices off.

5. Don’t rush it

We know. You’re tempted to spend only 10 to 15 minutes on your dog’s morning walk. However, this is not such a good idea.

You should always take about 30 minutes or up to an hour to walk your dog. This way, you will make sure his needs are being met so that he will be happy.

Advice from the Best Atlanta Dog Walker

If dog walking is currently an issue for you, we do hope our tips will help you master it.

We love pets, and we love to make sure we comply with every need our clients may have. If you don’t always have time for the daily walks, or you’re simply away on vacation, we’ve got you covered.

Daily walks, pet sitting, feeding, grooming, or administration of medicine don’t represent a problem for us.

Feel free to contact Mark at Mark@BuckheadPaws.com for a consultation if you need an Atlanta dog walker. 

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

Taking your dogs on a stroll is an important part of keeping them healthy. If your puppies don’t like being on a leash, Atlanta dog walkers have you covered!

Let our experts do the walking for you some time. You will see an improvement after a while and the best part is you won’t need to put in any work!

Here are just four of the ways your dog will become healthier with our services.

1. Playing Is Not Enough – Let Atlanta Dog Walkers Handle the Rest

Playtime is an important part of any dog-owner relationship. While you may play with your pups at home, they need their exercise. Daily walks give them a much-needed stretch and a chance to do their business.

Because you are probably at work most of the day, your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to go out and relieve itself. That is unhealthy behavior and will only harm your dog and ruin your favorite carpet.

Why take the risk? Let Atlanta dog walkers take care of your pup’s needs.

2. Dogs Always Like Discovering New Places

Ever notice how dogs always sniff every tree and bush? It’s because they sense other dogs have been there before.

Dogs have a way of keeping things new and exciting all the time. Every little thing that changes on your daily walks, your dog will notice.

They will roll over any new rock, run around in new piles of leaves, notice bugs that haven’t been there before, and others.

While the above may be true, you will need to diversify your dog’s playing areas if you don’t want them to get bored that is.

3. They Don’t Like Being Chained – Who Would?

Don’t make the mistake of chaining your dog while you’re not at home. Studies have shown that if your dog is chained up it could become depressed, bored and anxious. That could lead to further health problems later on.

Certain dog breeds have to be tethered because it is how they are kept. This is to avoid them escaping through or over fences.

But most of them would be happier if they were free to come and go as they please. Playing with a ball in the yard is much easier when you don’t have a chain keeping you from reaching it.

4. Your Dog Will No Longer Act out

When they accumulate too much energy throughout the day, dogs tend to act out. That could be manifested by scratching furniture or chewing household items. It’s always the most valuable things you have they chew, so beware!

Even if you have chew toys for them, dogs tend to rip into things such as electric cables and your favorite shoes. While the shoes won’t be a problem, chewing electrical wires could harm them.

With the services of Buckhead Paws, you no longer need to worry about these things. You can be sure of our professionalism and excellence when dealing with energetic dogs.

If you are in need of pet sitting or a dog walker in Atlanta, then please call us at 404-432-1192 today. We’d welcome the opportunity to help you keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

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.

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

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

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

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!

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner

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!

Mark Shaver

Mark Shaver has owned Buckhead Paws since 2012, and is an active member of Pet Sitters International. Previously, he was a senior executive with three multinational corporations.

Meet the Owner