Useful Dog Tricks by Jesse!

Hello, Blogosphere! 

We've been studying dog and cat training a lot lately, and, in our search for ever-useful training methods and techniques, we discovered ... Jesse!  This pup is AMAZING! :)

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To visit our Website, Go To:

www.thewoofgang.biz

Pet First Aid Classes and Pet First Aid Kits

We recommend that all of our clients set aside some time to take a Pet First Aid and Pet CPR Class.  Not only are these classes extremely affordable, but, they are extremely informative!  As a pet owner, having training in pet first aid and pet CPR may just save your pet's life one day.  Please visit the Red Cross Web Site to view the pet first aid class schedule.

Aside from taking a pet first aid and CPR course, it's also important to have a pet first aid kit on hand.  You can either purchase a commercial pet first aid kit or put one together yourself.  (We recommend putting your own first aid kit together, so that you know what's in it, and so that you can tailor it to your pet's specific needs.)

Putting together a pet first aid kit (which can also double as a human first aid kit!) is one of the best things you can do to prepare for an accident or disaster, and doesn't take much time at all.  It's also a fun project to do with your kids!

At the very least, your pet first aid kit should contain the following:

• Sterile gauze pads (3" x 3" and 2" X 2") and gauze bandage rolls (1" and 2")
• First-aid adhesive tape, 1" roll
• Cotton swabs (Q-tips®)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Plastic freezer/sandwich bags
• Small bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Styptic pencil or cornstarch (stems blood flow from minor cuts)
• Antibacterial ointment
• Antiseptic cleansing wipes
• Kaopectate® or Pepto-Bismol®
• Antihistamine (Benadryl® or generic equivalent)
• Current Pet and Human First Aid Books
• Eyewash
• Eyedropper
• Mineral oil (a lubricant and laxative when given by mouth)
• Digital or rectal thermometer in a plastic case
• Leather work gloves (to protect you from being bitten)
• Latex gloves
• Leash
• Muzzle
• Thin rope
• Splint materials (tongue depressor, 12-inch wooden ruler or thick magazine)
• Address and telephone number of your veterinarian and the nearest 24-Hour Emergency Center
• Phone number for the Animal Poison Control Center:  1-888-426-4435
• Phone number for the HUMAN Poison Control center:  1-800-222-1222

Place the contents in a plastic storage box, tackle box or coffee can with lid.

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The best medicine in case of a pet emergency is usually YOUR knowledge and preparedness level!

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Please visit my web site at:

www.thewoofgang.biz

Say Cheese! - Causes of Bad Breath in Pets

Recently, we took our cat, Leela to our MOST excellent Veterinarian, Irvington Pet Hospital, so that they could diagnose the cause of her HORRIBLE breath! You see, quite often, bad breath in pets isn't just caused by stinky food or not brushing and flossing (although, sometimes it is)!

Bad breath in pets can have a multitude of other causes, including: gastrointestinal problems, periodontal disease, diabetes, kidney infections, bacterial infections, and more!

For this reason, we think it important to educate ourselves (and you!) about the causes of bad breath in our pets, so that we can head off any serious health issues before it's too late!

Fortunately, in Leela's case, her bad breath was just a matter of tuna breath coupled with the need for a little kitty tooth brushing. More on THAT fun task later! :)  - 

Read More Here: Causes Of Bad Breath In Dogs

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To Visit My Website, Go To:

www.thewoofgang.biz

Leash Training Your Dog - A Proven, Step-By-Step, Positive Reinforcement Method

So often, we see people being walked by their dog.  That's right, I said "people being walked by their dog"!  You know the scene ...

[pan camera, a beautiful, spring day, at the neighborhood park]

[enter dog owner, being pulled down the path by their dog, leash pulled tight, while Fido rushes on ahead, his collar so taut on his windpipe that he's panting, front paws off the ground, while his owner races to keep up ...]

Oh!  Pardon me!  I didn't realize that this scenarios was SO familiar to you!  You say YOUR dog pulls you around on your walks?  Have you considered strapping on roller skates to make it more enjoyable?  :)  If so, this blog post is for YOU!  Please allow me to lend you a helping hand, Dear Sir or Ma'am!

I make it a practice to train all of my client's dogs on "loose leash walking", as a natural extension of my job as their dog walker and pet sitter.  That said, even if you're NOT my client, I have a heart for you, and empathize with your plight!

I've created a free Web site, dedicated to "loose leash walking", complete with detailed, step-by-step instructions, as well as video tutorial links.  You can find that free resource here.  ---  http://www.thewoofgang.biz/loose-leash-walking.html

My wife, Coree, and I are both very familiar with the 'LLW' training process, and we'd be happy to give you pointers over the telephone or via email.  Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or difficulties with the training process.

Happy Loose Leash Walking!

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To Visit My Website, Go To:

www.thewoofgang.biz

"The World's Fastest Couch Potato"

Every once in a while, we have the privilege of caring for a dog that is so well-behaved, even-tempered and easy going, that we'd LOVE to take them home with us.  Our pal, Tate, is just such a dog!

What a handsome boy!

We walk Tate every day when his parents are at work, and no better dog exists for on-leash walking and manners!  He's right by our side, attentive and obedient, while still excited to be outside, thoroughly enjoying the sniffs and sights!  He's curious about other dogs that we encounter along the way, but, never overly-eager or pulling.  He's content to just observe them from afar, and occasionally will wag his tail.  He's a complete pleasure to walk!  We often receive compliments, not only on what a handsome dog he is, but, on how well behaved he is. 

A couple of months ago, we were contacted by Tate's parents.  They were looking for a reliable, dependable walker for their soon-to-be adopted greyhound.  Boy, were they ever thorough in their interview process!  We were quite pleasantly surprised by how much they wanted to know about us;  specifics about our type and level of care, our walking practices, our insurance, our experience and training ... they really checked us out!  And, that was only Step 1 of the interview process!

An AWESOME Walking Companion!

Shortly thereafter, we received a telephone call from Stuart Homer, the President of Golden State Greyhound Adoptions.  We thought Tate's parents were thorough in vetting us, and then we spoke with Stuart!  Not only did he ask all of the questions that Tate's parents had asked us, but, he asked quite a few more!  And, throughout our conversation, he also provided us with a healthy education on greyhound mannerisms, behavioral issues, health concerns and what he expected of us, as Tate's walkers.  Wow!  Were we impressed!  We wish that all potential dog parents and caregivers were required this level of scrutiny!

The end result was that Tate's parents were granted their adoption, we were granted permission to be his walker, and Tate was rescued from what was sure to be a bad end.  Tate was placed in a loving home, with loving parents who are providing him the very best of everything (including the very best walker, of course)!  None of this would have been possible had his doggy parents not been willing to give Tate a second chance at life, and would have been much more difficult without the help and support of Golden State Greyhound Adoptions, who "exist to educate the public on the plight of the retired racing greyhound in order to find great homes for former-racing greyhounds".

After the Walk - Exhausted!  :)

So, the interview process went well, Tate was adopted, and thereby ensued the beginning of a "happy ending"!  Fast forward to a few months later, and Tate has adjusted very well to his new home.  He is loving, sweet and a real joy for his newly-adopted family!  He's friendly, and  -  as they say on the GSGA Website  -  is living up to his moniker:  "The World's Fastest Couch Potato".  Most importantly, Tate is being cared for in an environment that is allowing him to live out the remainder of his life in comfort, surrounded by humans who love him and who have his best interests at heart. 

We love having Tate in our lives as a furry-faced client!  Tate's parents have accepted the commitment of caring for a rescued greyhound, and their lives are richer for it!  We are thankful that his parents have given us the opportunity to care for Tate, and are grateful that people like Stuart Homer and organizations like Golden State Greyhound Adoptions exist.  If you have a lot of extra love in your heart and a little extra room in your home, please consider giving a greyhound a second chance at life!  Adopting a greyhound, like any pet, is a serious responsibility requiring a long-term commitment, and Golden State Greyhound Adoptions' is prepared to help you with the process.  If you would like to learn more about greyhound adoption, please visit the Golden State Greyhound Adoption Website:  www.goldengreyhounds.com  -  or  -  Contact Stuart Homer at 925-946-0426

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To visit my Website, go to:
www.thewoofgang.biz

Recall News - Jones Natural Chews "Pig Ears"

March 8, 2011  -  Jones Natural Chews Co of Rockford, IL is recalling 2705 boxes of Pig Ears because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Routine testing by the Washington State Department of Agriculture revealed that Jones Natural Chews Pig Ears contained the bacteria.  They were shipped to distributors and retailers between September 15, 2010, and November 2, 2010, where they were available for purchase.  Click to Read the FDA Press Release

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To visit my Website, go to:

www.thewoofgang.biz

Recall News - Wellness Cat Food

28 February 2011  -  Cat Food Recall  - Certain lots of Wellness canned cat food distributed by WellPet LLC of Tewksbury, Mass., because some cans might contain less than adequate levels of thiamine, or vitamin B1, an essential vitamin for cats. Recalled were Wellness Canned Cat Food (all flavors and sizes) with best-by dates from 14APR 13 through 30SEP13; and Wellness Canned Cat Food Chicken & Herring (all sizes) with 10NOV13 or 17NOV13 best-buy dates. Details: Call the company at 877-227-9587 or visit the website at http://www.wellnesspetfood.com

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To visit my website, go to:

www.thewoofgang.biz

Critter Wisdom

"Animals are such agreeable friends - 
they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
~ George Elliot

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To visit my Website, go to:
www.thewoofgang.biz

Hello, Blogosphere!

My name is Wolfgang, and I am the Owner of 'The Woof Gang', a pet sitting and dog walking company located in Fremont, California.  I'm an avid animal lover and have owned numerous pets throughout my life, most recently, a spoiled rescue cat named "Leela".  For the past 6 years, I have also served my local community in the capacity of "The Woof Gang - Professional Pet Sitter and Dog Walker", which had afforded me many opportunities to gain extensive experience caring for all types of animals, including: dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, fish, reptiles and wildlife.  For the record:  It's been spectacular!


I was born in Hameln, Germany, (home of the Pied Piper!), and first came to the United States in 2003 to marry my wife and Office Manager, Coree.  While getting re-settled in a new country, I took a part-time job as a pet sitter and dog walker, and, I've never looked back!  What started as a part-time "hobby" has blossomed in to a full-time career that has brough me more joy and satisfaction than any other "employment" I've had in my life!  I very quickly realized that serving animals and their human families in a service capacity was what I was truly BORN to do!  If I had been the Pied Piper, all of those rats would have probably moved in with me!  :)


I hope to use this blog to recount my pet sitting and dog walking adventures, bring knowledge-based articles to my clients, share photos of my client's pets with them while they are away, and also provide tips and tricks on pet care, general pet nutrition, and animal health and welfare.  I'ts also been suggested to me by our cat, Leela, that she should star in a minimum of one post per month.  :) 


Let the adventure begin!

Got Milk Face?

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To visit my Website, go to:
www.thewoofgang.biz