Colorado can be beautiful in the winter, however dogs are killed each year due to negligent pet owners. Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe:

• Do not leave your dog outside for an extended period of time, especially with snow on the ground.
• Provide some sort of shelter if the dog is going to be left outside for a short period of time.
• After your dog has been in the snow, be sure to wipe the snow off his pads, nose, and tips of ears. Also, clean any salt off their pads. Many chemicals that are used as deicers are bad for a dog’s pads and dry them out.
• If going for a walk, I suggest using booties on your dog’s paws. I would recommend prior to going on your walks to get your dog comfortable wearing the booties inside the house, otherwise you will end up calling me and saying your dog can’t walk when it is snowing out.
• Your dog will not need to be groomed as frequently especially since it’s best for them to have a longer coat in the winter months.

The following information about hypothermia is provided by Lindsay Pierce a Certified Veterinarian Technician at Garden Valley Vet Hospital. Hypothermia (body temperature is below normal, 99.5-102.5 degrees F) can be very dangerous and even fatal. Most dogs are designed to handle much colder weather than we are. They have fur that insulates their bodies and protects from snow, extremely cold water, and frost bite. Some breeds don’t have much hair and it is much hard for them to stay warm. Small dogs are even at more risk due to their lack of size and body mass.

If you suspect hypothermia, contact your veterinarian first then do the following steps:

• Immediately take the dog into a warm, dry place. If the fur is wet, use towels, blankets, and hair dryers to dry fur. Use caution when using the hair dryer as it can become TOO hot and burn your dog.
• If you suspect frostbite on your dog and have extra clothes, gloves or scarves, wrap them around effected areas.
• DO NOT poor warm water or cold water on effected areas. This can be extremely painful and once it is no longer warm, it will feel freezing.
• DO NOT hesitate to take your pet to the veterinarian. The effects of the cold and organ damage are often time irreversible.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!

The first rule when it comes to muzzles is: when in doubt muzzle the dog. Just like with any piece of equipment you put on a dog, ensure you have the dog come to you to put the muzzle on. It is common for dogs to try and get muzzles off if it is new to them. Therefore, put the muzzle on at various times and locations and get the dog comfortable with wearing the muzzle. If the dog tries to get the muzzle off, stop the behavior instantly by making the dog walk or by lifting the head up with the leash. If you have a good amount of obedience from the dog, simply make the dog sit.,

Using the appropriate muzzle is vital. If the dog is going to be wearing the muzzle for an extended amount of time, then ensure the muzzle is one that the dog can drink and fully open it’s mouth while wearing it. Cloth muzzles are not reliable with an aggressive dog. (Trust me – early in my career I was bitten by a dog that we used a cloth muzzle on!)

The fit of the muzzle is arguably the most important factor when using a muzzle on an aggressive dog. Prior to putting the muzzle on, check all straps and buckles to ensure they are free of defects. To check for proper fit once the muzzle is on, grab the muzzle below the dog’s eyes on top of the dog’s snout and lift the dog so the two front paws come off the ground. If the muzzle doesn’t come off, the fit is proper.

Lastly, one thing I have found while training with the use of muzzle is that often when the dog wears the muzzle it is a humbling experience for the dog. Please be aware that dealing with aggressive dogs can be extremely dangerous and just because the dog is wearing a muzzle it doesn’t mean that everyone will be safe. It is crucial to consult with a professional dog trainer when dealing with an aggressive dog. Simply putting a muzzle on an aggressive dog WILL NOT cure the aggression.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!

Close

• Best Western Kiva Inn 1638 E Mulberry Street Fort Collins – 970-484-2444

Dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $10 per night per pet. Dogs may not be left alone in the room at any time.

When making an online reservation please type “I am bringing my dog.” in the “Additional Comments and Requests” box in the first section of the online reservation form.

• Best Western University Inn 914 S College Avenue Fort Collins970-484-1984

Dogs are allowed for an additional pet fee of $15 per night per room. Dogs may not be left alone in the room.

When making an online reservation please type “I am bringing my dog.” in the “Additional Comments and Requests” box in the first section of the online reservation form.

• Comfort Suites 1415 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins
• Days Inn Fort Collins 3625 E Mulberry St Fort Collins
• Hampton Inn 1620 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ft. Collins 1426 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins
• La Quinta Ft. Collins 3709 East Mulberry Street Fort Collins
• Motel 6 – Fort Collins 3900 East Mulberry Fort Collins
• Quality Inn and Suites 4001 S Mason Street Fort Collins
• Residence Inn Fort Collins 1127 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins
• Sleep Inn 3808 Mulberry Street Fort Collins

Before you visit a pet friendly hotel, please contact them and verify that they are still dog-friendly and available, as policies and management change frequently. If you find an establishment that no longer allows dogs, please let us know so we can remove them from our list. To inform us about your favorite dog-friendly places, click here.

Prepare ahead of time for hiking with your dog by making certain your animal is current on flea and tick preventatives. Check with your veterinarian to determine what might be needed for your dog’s optimal protection in the particular area where you will be hiking, especially if it is a different geographic location than where you live.

If you plan to hike using a remote collar, be aware of the range and make sure it is well charged. Also note that the frequency may not work effectively around some inclines or declines.

In summer months plan, to hike early in the day or keep hikes short when the temperatures are high. If you plan to hike in snow, use protective booties for your animal’s feet.

Make sure your dog eats at least two hours before embarking on a hike. Stomach bloat can be caused if the dog exercises vigorously right before or after eating. Make sure to bring plenty of water for dog and owner. Collapsible fabric water bowls are available at sporting goods stores and work great for hiking and can attach to you belt or pack.  Bite size snacks are ok for Fido if the hike is extensive…. however focus on making sure your pet is well hydrated and drinks small amounts of water often.

Begin your hike by reading all the posted signs and regulations at the trail head. Be aware of the rules and warnings that are pertinent to dogs. Take note of any warnings about possible snakes,

Stay sensitive to the surroundings and possible hazards for dogs. (Wildlife, snakes… etc.)

Start with a walk on heel and transition into a looser walk.

Don’t’ allow your pet out of your line of sight, such as over the top of a hill, or even beyond a tree stand.

Have fun and enjoy bonding with your canine companion!

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!

I have a strong belief about dog parks and why they are a place to avoid.  In my opinion dog parks are a great idea in a picture perfect world, but we all know that doesn’t exist.  First of all, anyone with a dog can show up regardless of if the dog is ill has an infection or is not up to date with it’s vaccinations.  All the different veterinarians I have spoke to regarding dog parks also advise to stay away, they simply are concerned with the diseases your dog can get.  Besides the potential health issues that are present I worry of irresponsible dog owners taking their aggressive dog to the dog park.  If you don’t think it happens wait ten minutes prior to going into the dog park and if there is more than ten dogs there you will see a dog fight.  The pathetic part is that the owners of the aggressor dog will not take their dog away they will stay at the dog park and continue to allow their dog to cause havoc.  If that is not bad enough I have seen individuals drop their dogs off at the dog park and treat it like a doggie day care and leave, those individuals do not deserve to have a dog.

Please don’t get the wrong idea I do strongly believe that dogs need to have interaction with other dogs however it should be with dogs that you already know and ones that you know aren’t going to cause any problems with your dog.  I feel as though the play should be supervised and structured.  Dog parks are a great idea and would be a great place if there were some sort of regulation in place.  I believe that dogs and their owners should have to receive a pass to go to the dog park and they only receive such a pass once they have been tested for temperament and proof of vaccinations.  I do have a group of clients that occasionally meet up so their dogs can play and get exercise and socialization.  The key is that they know the other dogs are reliable and the owners have control of their dogs.  I ask you to wait that ten minutes before entering the dog park and just observe also higher consider having your dog interact with dogs that you know are under control and balanced dogs.  We can assist you in finding such groups, please contact the office at 970-672-4454 for more information.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!

I would like to discuss a controversial topic which I occasionally run into with various local agencies.  The topic of discussion is the leash law.  I have been stopped numerous times by various enforcement officials advising me that I need to have my dog on a leash.  For those of you that know me, you can imagine that I refuse to do so.  The reason why is that in my opinion the issue at hand should be CONTROL, not something that seems good in theory such as an uncontrollable dog on a leash.

Let’s consider this, if someone of small stature or someone that is not strong enough to control their dog is walking with their dog and the dog sees something and goes after it; if this is a big dog then most likely the dog will be able to pull the owner towards the distraction.  This does occur frequently,and in fact I have heard of people being pulled down by their dog.  In my opinion regardless on being on leash those, individuals do not have control and should be fined for lack of CONTROL.  The point is that even though someone may have a leash on a dog that does not equal control.

I am aware that there are some places in the country that a dog owner can receive an off leash permit.  This is a great idea and seems practical and rational in my opinion.  At some point I need to bring this issue to the judicial system and present my case.  After all, times change when trying to navigate, we once found our way via map now many individuals use a GPS system which is much easier and clearly more effective.  We consider ourselves the GPS system of dog training so if you are interested in training your dog smarter and not harder and would like OFF LEASH CONTROL in any environment contact us to arrange for your free consultation.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado wants to teach you to be able to enjoy your dog in any situation, even around severe distractions. Upon completing our programs, you will confidently:

• Walk your dog off leash around distractions.
• Understand your dog’s drives and behaviors to enhance your time spent together.
• Control common annoyances like pulling, barking, digging, or aggression. Include your dog in your daily life at home, the park, or the beautiful Colorado outdoors.

Off-Leash Dog Training – Northern Colorado takes great pride in training Colorado dogs and their families — our mission is to ensure complete satisfaction with our clients. We offer both private and group training in your home and out, to address your needs when the dogs are at their most distracted. As our commitment, we offer absolutely UNLIMITED training for the life of your dog. Your family’s commitment to your dog is an important decision. We will show you an immediate return on your investment that will improve the relationship between you and your dog and show results to last a lifetime.

Call us today at 970-672-4454 to schedule your totally FREE demonstration and consultation with a professional dog trainer and their own highly obedient dog!