Pet Sitter Warns of Pools and Pups

With the weather warming up and lots of us having pools in our backyard it sure is tempting to take a dip in the pool with our pups.  It's not such a bad idea on a hot summer day, especially if you have a water dog, or dog that loves water.  As a pet sitter in Arizona I talk to lots of pet parents who allow their dogs to stay outside all summer long with the thought, "we have a pool, he'll just jump in if he gets hot."  While that may be the case with some pups there is some danger involved with that thought process.

When I think of dogs enjoying the pool in warm weather, this is what comes to mind:

Wouldn't it be funny to come home and see this scene in your pool?  Fido, relaxing with a fruity drink in paw, stretched out with belly exposed, sun bathing all day long.  If you saw this you would KNOW that Fido had a great day!  No need for doggie day care or mid day visits from the pet sitter!

What if you came home and saw your fur kid floating in the pool?  That would probably be one of the worst feelings ever!

Even if your dog is a great swimmer here are some things you need to keep in mind:

• Dogs get cramps too!  If your dog happened to fall in the pool he could get disoriented and not realize how to get out of the pool.  He would be stuck there to tread water until help arrived.  Or hold on for dear life to the edge of the pool.
• Elderly dogs with dim eyesight will need special consideration with a backyard pool.  It may become difficult for them to find the steps.
• New pups will need to be taught how to get in and out of the pool by themselves.  Keep in mind that they need to practice this as well.  Just because they were able to do it once doesn't mean they will be able to get out on their own every time.  With any trick or command this will need to be practiced until perfect.

Pet sitting in the East Valley has brought up many requests from pet parents during the summer months.  Pet parents still want their pet to enjoy the outdoors, but are concerned with leaving their pets alone with access to a pool when no one is around.  Many pet parents have asked me to come over in the middle of the day not necessarily for the mid-day potty break, but for a mid - day swim.  What great exercise for Fido!  Not only is swimming a great exercise for humans, but it's great exercise for pets as well.

Lessons for the day:

1. Not a good idea to leave your dog outside in the heat of summer even if you have a pool.  
2. Your pet sitter can come over and let your dog take a swim, or play fetch then go for a swim to cool down.  
3. Check to make sure your pet still has the ability to get out of the swimming pool EVERY year.  Don't just assume that because he could get out last year he can do the same this year, especially with our elderly fur kids.

Prepare your pet for the summer and give us a call today to see how we can be of service!  480-292-9735

Mesa Pet Sitter Suggests Ways to Curb Neighbor's Barking Dog

Do you have one of these living next door to you? Or in close vicinity to your home? An incessantly barking dog can be a nuisance and if not handled properly can place a wedge between you and your neighbors.

I have been on the side of the fence with well behaved dogs who don't bark unless there is something to bark at, with a neighbor on the other side who left their little dog outside ALL THE TIME and did nothing but bark, bark, bark.  It was very annoying and kept me from sleeping, enjoying my outdoor space, ruined my concentration when trying to work from home and really made me not like my neighbors.  What to do, what to do about this predicament?  I don't want to approach them after I've completely lost all sanity from listening to a barking dog for 2 hours straight...I may come off as rude, insensitive or just plain mad.  The HOA won't do anything about it and come to find out the police won't do much either...even though the barking dog is disturbing MY peace and the last time I looked, that is a punishable offense.

After much research and discussions with others who have also dealt with this issue I have come up with a couple of "PC" suggestions on how to handle the incessant barking dog issue.

1. Approach your neighbor before it's too late.  I think first you need to give your neighbor the benefit of the doubt.  It could be that they don't realize their dog is outside all day barking for hours on end.  It's important to approach your neighbor with a level head.  Ask them a simple question, "Do you know your dog barks all day?"  If they say no, then this is your opportunity to let them know how often you hear their dog and how disturbing it is.  If they say yes, politely ask them to do something about it.  If they don't know what to do, suggest a professional dog trainer (or have them call me and I'll point them in the right direction), or crating the dog inside when they aren't home.  Put on your neighborly hat and try to help them solve the problem.  
2. Get the police involved.  As mentioned earlier, the police don't really like to get involved, however, if you've talked with your neighbor and they are still unwilling to do anything about the barking dog, now may be the time to contact the authorities.  Every city has their own rules about when the police can get involved.  This may take some work on your end.  Some cities ask that you keep a log of the dates and times you hear the dog barking and after keeping that log for a period of time you then present it to the police and they will decide how to proceed.  Other cities will send a police officer out to the home, but if the dog isn't barking when they get there, there really isn't much they can do.  If the homeowner isn't home, the police will leave a pamphlet behind educating the pet owners on how to be responsible.  
3. Anti Barking Devices.  There are some products out there that say they stop barking even if the dog isn't in your yard.  They emit a noise that is annoying to the dog from a range of up to 25 feet away.  The concept is that when the dog barks, this product makes a high pitched noise, the dog stops barking.  After some time, the dog starts to realize that they can't hear the noise when they aren't barking, so this is supposed to "train" them to not bark.  These devises can be expensive and may not be weather proof.  

The majority of the time, talking calmly to the neighbor seems to be the best fix.  Getting up the nerve to walk over and knock on the door may be the hardest part of this discussion.  It may even bring you closer to your neighbor.  

Tried everything and still has no effect on the barking dog?  Make a recording of the dog barking and make the pet owner listen to it.  Prove to them, or the police, that their dog is indeed barking and something has to be done.  I personally know how annoying it can be to have that barking dog next door, but please, and I beg of you, please, don't do anything drastic.  The dog is a product of their owner.  It's not the dogs fault...it's either board or is in desperate need of attention.  

Need some help with a barking dog issue?  Give us a call...we have resources that can help.  480-292-9735.

Dog Walker & Pet Sitter Warns of Spring Coyote Activity

The weather is gorgeous right now!  With this beautiful weather comes sightings of wild creatures we aren't used to seeing.  We've been hearing a lot of news stories about a recent increase in coyote activity in the valley.  And, no, it's not of the Willy Coyote type.

 

The most recent news story was about a 2 year old girl who was bitten by a coyote on the back while playing in a North Phoenix park.  

Spring is the season when coyotes are at the end of their mating cycle and with new cubs to feed, coyotes are hunting for more food.  As a dog walker, I walk dogs in several neighborhoods that border open desert areas and have been noticing more coyotes lately and have had neighboring residents warn me of early morning sightings in the areas I walk.  Just today, for instance, there was a coyote just ahead of me and one of my walking buddies.  A nice gentleman in a blue truck (who may or may not read this) was kind enough to travel slightly ahead of us and honk his horn at the coyote in an attempt to scare him off.  The coyote didn't end up bothering us and thankfully headed off in another direction.

In order to keep myself and my clients pets safe I carry a spray called Spray Shield Animal Deterrent Spray.  It is like pepper spray, but works on aggressive animals and contains citronella.  It can be found in most pet supply stores.  The spray stream is up to 10 feet, so you don't have to wait until the aggressive animal is close to you to use it.  If you are walking your dogs near open desert areas I suggest carrying something like this or a large stick, something you could throw at a coyote to scare it away.

Officials with the Arizona Game and Fish Department suggests that if you are approached by a coyote, do not run.  Try to make yourself appear larger and more aggressive to scare the coyote away.

Coyotes have also been known to jump fences of residential neighborhoods and take away small pets for food.  Keep your pets safe this spring...if you  have seen coyotes in your neighborhood, do not let your small pets outside by themselves.  It is best to accompany your pets when they have to go outside.  You will act as your pets savior by scaring away any potential danger.

Keeping your pets indoors while you are at work will save them during the day when you can't be there. Even having a doggie door allows a coyote entrance into your home and can still pray on your fur kids.  Keep that doggie door closed and call on  Play Time pet sitters to help save your pet and your carpet by coming by and letting your precious pet out for a mid -day potty break.  Give us a call at 480-292-9735  for your no obligation consultation.  We'd love to meet you and your furry friends!