2 Paws up Pet Sitting| Dog Walking and Dog Training Service

Poodles were originally bred to fetch game from water and too as carriage dogs. This means that apart from being good looking, they are also super smart. If you have a bored poodle, an indoor treasure hunt may be just the thing. Treasure hunts are terrific because they appeal to your pet’s strong points: scenting and searching. First, teach your dog the name of his best toy.  Do this by picking up the toy and saying the name over and over again.  When your pet nudges it with his or her nose, repeat the name and praise. When your pet understands what the toy is called, ask him to sit.  Then “hide” the toy in the room in plain view and ask the dog to fetch. Tip: don’t worry if you haven’t tried fetch yet!  Put it two steps away and your pet will fetch the toy and bring it back to show off instinctively.  Encourage this with praise and keep increasing the fetch distance. When this part becomes routine, start hiding the toy...

Why Cats Play Cats are by nature very playful creatures and that means that they are a lot of fun for owners. However, also just like in people as they age, they become less playful. What this means is that there are many forms of play that are important to cats. Why Do Cats Play? For many generations people have argued that play, has a deep reason behind it. The thing that is not clear is what is the reason behind it? Some people think that play is a complete waste of energy and that over time it will go away. However, all people do it whether they realize it or not and that means that researchers, like their subjects should get out a bit more often. Play is important to work kittens as it is practice for adult life. However, it is still something that happens even when pets get older which is a bit of a curiosity for researchers. However at the end of the day you know that this is fun and that is enough reason for the behavior. How Do You Know When Y...

We all know there are too many unwanted kitties, so the population needs to be controlled. For queens, spaying means being relieved of coming into season.  During this time, the girls will yowl and howl, attracting toms from all over the neighborhood.  Spaying also helps prevent pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors. For toms, neutering helps lower aggression levels, which means they are less likely to wander off and less likely to fight.  This means fewer injuries, fewer vet bills, and less risk of FIV and FeLV. Also, intact toms spray their territory with strong smelling urine, which neutered toms tend not to. Currently it is tradition to spay and neuter pet cats around 6 months, but a hundred years ago, vets would neuter kittens as young as 2 months. Some vets now suggest we should go back to neutering sexually immature kittens. For some time, there were concerns that early neutering might lead to: Stunting of normal growth Inac...

We love these little dogs with their plumy tails, their big brown eyes and the haughty way they strut, saying, “I know you’re looking at me.  Because I’m GORGEOUS!”   Shih Tzus are happy, lively dogs who adore being with people. Add their compact size into the mix and you can see why they are so popular. The challenge with walking these small dogs is that they need exercise to keep themselves trim and healthy but as they have little paws, they do overtire easily. Also, if you exercise in busy places, your pet may worry about being stepped on. What we recommend is that you focus on packing in the fun in a small time frame. Adult Shih Tzus need 15 to 20 minutes of exercise twice a day, with puppies needing 10 to 15 minutes.  Regardless of age, they love going for walks but they also adore playing fetch. So what we suggest is this: to accommodate little paws, find a dog friendly park.  If it’s nearby, then do walk your pet there. ...

Dog are chewers by nature, so to make your pet happy (and to keep your shoes and other belongings safe) it pays to invest in some really nice chews. The most important thing is to pick a chew your pet can handle.  A small dog needs a small chew and a large one a big one.  Ideally, your pet should be able to hold one end of the chew comfortably in its mouth and use a paw on the other end to hold it. The second issue is to recognise that chews come in two basic varieties: the ones you’re supposed to eat and the ones you try to destroy. The best edible chews entertain while also massaging gums, cleaning teeth and freshening breath. Some are loaded with extra vitamins. They should also taste good. Edible chews are often made from rawhide, compacted starch, and antlers. These give your pet real chewing experience and when tiny bits break off, they’re designed to pass safely through your pet, just like in the wild where canines chew on bones. However, ...

Do you wonder why your pet keep barking its head off at the postman, and all the other people who trail regularly to your front door?  And are you driven insane at trying to control the noise?  Here are some ideas as to what’s going on and how you can deal with it. First, you have to think canine.  For your pet, there are certain universal truths.  One is that you are the best person in the world.  Another is that you are a complete dolt, unable to recognize a threat when you see one. You see, your pet knows that territory is vital. You need to keep your ground free and clear of all enemies so that you and your loved ones are safe. Now, you have your territory and every single day there’s this evil person sneaking up and trying to invade!  He tries to dump things like letters and parcels too, the scoundrel!  But it’s okay because your brave pet is scaring him off. Yes, every single day your best friend is making sure you ...