How to Help a Dog with Thunder Anxiety

With the thunder and lighting looming, I thought of my dear friend Dexter, a former Little Italy pup with crippling thunder anxiety. It was horrible seeing him so afraid but both his mom and I did whatever we could to ease his fears; small spaces, a thunder jacket and moderating our emotions at this stressful time.

Here are some tips if you and your 4-legged friend are struggling as well:

Use a Thunder Jacket

This unique dog anxiety wrap is designed to provide gentle, constant pressure to your dog's body, producing a calming effect. Bonus: it can help with other loud noises, like Fireworks!

Be There, Be Calm

Make the effort to be with your dog if the forecast is showing thunder

Give your dog the comfort and attention she needs to calm her anxiety. An anxious dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear. .

Distract

If a dog is punished or ignored during a frightening event, it’s likely to worsen the anxiety. Instead, offer a positive stimulus, such as gentle petting, to distract and calm your dog. If your dog will still engage, try a game of indoor fetch, tug, or offer a high-value chew.

Offer a Safe Place

Place your dog’s crate and/or bed in the most sound-proof room of your home. A crate is a natural, psychological defense for dogs and can have an incredible influence on their comfort level. It’s also helpful to close the blinds to shelter your dog from the visual stimulation of a storm.

Compete With Noise

When a completely sound-proof room doesn’t exist, compete with the noise by usinga radio or white noise machine.

Practice Desensitization

Try to desensitize your dog to the sound of storms by using thunderstorm CD.Start by playing the CD at a very low volume while offering your dog plenty of high-value treats and positive interaction. By slowly increasing the volume over several weeks, desensitization will lessen or completely eliminate anxiety during storms.

Work with A (Force Free) Trainer

She or he can help show you the way, one and one, and see if there is a more general anxiety to work with as well.

Stay safe, calm, and enjoy the weekend with your dogs!

Toronto has Doodles ;) ? Welcome Rudy the Australian Labradoodle!

Rudy, like Beaumont, joined K9 Kate’s Pet Services a few weeks ago. And he’s a fellow Seaton Village resident. And he frequents Vermont Square Dog Park. AND he also likes cuddling and running around with his friends Basically, we’re more than twinning- the three of us are tripletting :) We love this little dood already. Together, we’ve played at Coronation Dog Park (Lakefront), Stanley Park (King West), and Ramsden Dog Park (The Annex). Who knows where we’ll go to next but if the weather stays like this, I suspect we’ll be heading back to the lake very soon! Welcome Rudy and thank you for letting me be your new dog walker!

Welcome Beaumont (aka The Big Lab-Beau-ski)! Bonus: 5 Highly Recommended Rescue Dog Organizations

Beaumont, a (super delicious) chocolate, Lab-mix rescue dog joined K9 Kate’s Pet Services two weeks ago. Initially, he walked privately but transitioned quickly to group dog walks. Beaument went to Ramsden Dog Park, in Toronto’s Annex neighbourhood, yesterday with his new friends and was FANTASTIC in the park; it was incredibly moving to see his joy as he ran with his new friends.

Beau is one of several, amazing rescue dogs who walk with us. If you are thinking about adding a 4- legged friend to your home and are considering adopting, I highly recommend the following organizations. Even if you’re not thinking of adopting, check them out … you may change your mind :)

1. The Toronto Humane Society: https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/

2. Fetch and Releash: https://www.facebook.com/fetchandreleashrescue/?hc_location=ufi

3. Redemption Paws: https://redemptionpaws.org/

4. Speaking of Dogs https://www.speakingofdogs.com/

5. Team Dog Rescue: http://teamdogrescue.ca/

Welcome to Adventure Dog Walks Sadie the Shih Tzu (and why Shih Tzus Rock my World!)

Welcome Sadie the Shih Tzu!!! Sadie’s been on adventure dog walks for two weeks now, joining fellow senior Shih-Tzu, Muddy. I have such a soft spot for this cuddly breed!

Bred to be companion dogs, they typically have perky, happy temperaments, and get along well with people of all ages, as well as with other dogs. Plus, they LOVE the lap which, let’s face it, I don’t mind one bit :) So, if you’re thinking of getting a pup, don’t discount the Shih tzu and if you have one and need a Toronto dog walker … holler please!

I connected with Sadie’s mom, a fellow Seaton Village resident, after a community member recommended K9 Kate’s to her. Sadie had walked with a dog walker years ago but was ready to get back to it. I’m so happy she has. Together, we’ve strutted our paws at Bickford and Coronation Dog Parks. What’s next, Sadie? You’re probably easy about it … as long as you’ve got the lap ;)

Sadie, welcome to dog walks! We definitely LOVE you already, girly!

No Diggity, No Doubt! Welcome Diggity the Norwich Terrier to Dog Walks

Penelope reached out a few months ago- she was moving to The Annex, Toronto all the way from Germany and needed a dog walker for her adorable pup, Diggity. Thankfully, The Annex IS part of our service area and I was more than happy to help. Diggity had his first on-foot dog walk with us last week. and was a perfect, doggy angel!!! Penelope, thanks for letting us be your new Toronto dog walkers :)

Welcome to Adventure Dog Walks Monkey the Jack Russell

Monkey … we are ape for you!!! Many thanks to the uniquely amazing In the Lead Dog Walking for connecting us. Monkey, I’m looking forward to going bananas (too much?) with you at the Ramsden Park shortly.

Welcome To Offleash Dog Walks Koda, the Golden Retriever Puppy, and Frances, Dog Mama

Koda started dog walks a few weeks ago and is kicking butt at Toronto’s offleash dog parks (and LOVING the endless dog walker and dog parent love he’s getting from EVERYONE he meets).

We, along with his mama and his fantastic trainers at When Hounds Fly are working on focus and recall so that he can go to even the biggest DOLA and be safe!

I love this aspect of dog walking- you can really work with a pup to improve behaviour which, not only helps the dog parents, but also enables pups to ‘live their best lives’ ie hit the trails, go swimming in the lake, and learn appropriate social behaviours. Over his first 3 dog walks, we ran our tails off at Coronation, Grange, and Stanley Dog Parks! Francis, thank you for letting me hang out with Koda and be his Toronto dog walker!

Welcome Milton,Plus Tips for Choosing A Toronto Dog Walker

Milton joined K9 Kate’s last week and was PAWSOME on his very fist adventure dog walks! Like most lab puppies, his interests include playing, sniffing, giving kisses, eating, and eating again! He got ample chance to do so while strutting his doggy stuff at Coronation, Stanley, and Bickford dog parks.

All of these dog parks are fenced-in so that pups, like Milton, who are working on recall, can play safely. Tip of the week: when you’re looking for a dog walker, always make sure the style of walk is appropriate for your pup. For instance, if your dog tends to laze out at the park, resource guards, or is aggressive with other dogs, on-foot leash walk it is. If your dog loves to run and play with other dogs, adventure dog walk is the way to go! If you support force-free dog walking, ensure that your walker identifies as such.

Thanks and enjoy the rest of your dog-filled weekend!!

Picture of the Week and 7 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Cool in Summer!

Group shot! As a dog walker in a climate of extremes, I need to navigate the weather as much as possible, staying comfortable in both minus and plus 30 degree temps. I love taking the dogs to Coronation Park in the summer- it gets the lake’s cooling affect and it offers plenty of shade.- so it’s just right for me and the dogs!

Other stay cool (and safe) in the heat include:

1. Carry a collapsible water dish and a water bottle.

2. Stay in the shade.

3. Stay off the pavement. The grass is not only greener, it’s significantly cooler as well! Imagine your “paws” on the cement today … ouch!

4. Time walks so that you avoid the hottest parts of the day.

5. Exercise indoors: toss a ball or use a brain puzzle for a mental workout!

6. Try a cooling vest! I’m including a link to my favourite : https://ruffwear.com/products/swamp-cooler

7. Know your breed: dogs with short snouts (e.g. Bulldogs) can’t take this weather. Parents of these pups need to be extra mindful.

Thanks and remember to STAY COOL!

Picture of the Week: Saturday Dog Walking with Christina and Calle

I LOVE this picture of two great gals on their Saturday walk. Calle has been with K9 Kate’s since she was a puppy and is adored by both her four and two-legged friends! She brings so much joy to each and every walk. Calle (and Christina), thanks for helping make our days (and our walks) so special!

Picture of the Week: Sadie (Baby)!

I love this picture of smiling Sadie, taken yesterday at my favourite Toronto dog park: Coronation Park. As a dog walker who leads group walks, I appreciate that “Coro” is fenced in for safety. Plus, it’s right on the lake and the cooling effect is just right on Toronto’s scorching summer days. Add in an abundance of sticks for the dogs to chase and tug, and you’ve got yourself a perfect dog park :) Sadie, looking forward to seeing you on our adventure dog walk this afternoon. I’m thinking … Coro again. You?

Picture of the Week

Picture of the week hands down! Diesel looks so cute with his summer hair cut and tongue out! This pic was taken at my favourite, Toronto dog park, Coronation. If you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend you do, particularly in the summer heat: it's right at the lake shore, fully fenced in, and wood chipped so you'll stay cool and safe! It’s this dog walker’s ideal dog park :)!

Saturday Adventure Dog Walks to Cherry Beach, Cedarvale Ravine, and Ramsden Dog Park

This is definitely one of my favourite dog walking pix!! It was taken last summer at Cherry Beach when Baymax earned some new fans - he already has so many :) - in his life vest. We’ll be back at Cherry and other parks on SATURDAYS this summer. So sign up or come say hi … we DON’T bite :)

Welcome Jaxx, the Collie-Mix, and Samantha the Dog Mom!

Jaxx joined K9 Kate’s this weekend and had his first, official dog walk yesterday. Given how incredibly sweet and social he is, it was no surprise that he NAILED IT! Seeing this incredibly special, rescue pup do so well on his first dog walk, at Cedarvale Ravine, was nothing short of elating. Jaxx, your new friends and I can’t wait to share more adventures with you!

Welcome Shaia, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Liz and Rob the Pawrents

While Rhodesian Ridgebacks were bred as hunters, Jess and I quickly learned that Shaia’s most interested in cuddling and playing … and we couldn’t be happier about that :) !

This gentle giant joined K9 Kate’s last week and has been a wonderful addition to our pack. Shaia, your new doggy friends, Jess and I are looking forward to future dog walking adventures (and cuddling sessions) with you.

Welcome Dog Mama, Amelia, and Maisy, the Toy Aussie/Collie Mix

I’d like to extend a big welcome to Amelia, and her amazing, rescue pup Maisy.

Maisy began adventure dog walks last week. Not only is she thriving, she’s captured two dog walkers hearts along the way (Jess and I already love this Southern belle). Despite some initial nerves on her first dog walk, Maisy was strutting around the park like she owned it by week’s end. It brings me tremendous pleasure, as Maisy’s dog walker, and as a dog lover, to see her do so well. I can’t wait for more adventures with Maisy and to continue seeing her rock out with her new friends.

Amelia, thank you for reaching out and letting me be Maisy’s new dog walker. I promise to love her each and every walk while you’re out making music.

Welcome Blue the Miniature Dachshund and Alex the Dog Mama

When Alex moved to Kensington Market, she was in need of a Toronto dog walker. I am incredibly grateful that she reached out to K9 Kate’s; both Jess and I have fallen hard for this little man. Jess has acted as his primary dog walker and only one word comes to mind in describing their relationship: imprinted (as in, the Twilight series, when someone “imprints” on his or her soul mate). However, I’m hoping to share Blue’s pick up and drop off and imprint as well :)

What’s so amazing about Blue (among other things) is how much he has gained from dog walks; as is the case for many pups (and people), moving induced anxiety for Blue. From day one, the anxiety was not present on Blue’s dog walks. Better still, I spoke with Alex last week and she informed me that Blue is night and day at home :) Jess, pretty freaking great, eh?!

Blue, we REALLY love you already, and we can’t get enough of seeing your little legs run at the dog park! Alex, thank you for letting me and Jess be your dog walkers - and for letting me say weird things like we’re imprinting with your dog :)

Welcome Frankie The Bernadoodle and Leah the Dog Mom

With the recent addition of Frankie, we are THAT much closer to realizing one of THIS dog walker’s dreams: a full Bernadoodle pack. Frankie joined fellow Bernadoodles Bauer, Edie, and Georgia on adventure dog walks a few weeks ago and has been shaking it like a Polaroid picture since.

Frankie, we love you already. Still, can you consider helping this dog walker realize a second, more recent dream and jumping into the car? Although, I have to say, you’re keeping me fit (bend with your knees, save your back)!!

Looking forward to some dog walking and a workout with you this afternoon, sweet Frankie Frank!

Welcome Oakley the Golden Retriever Puppy (2 in 2 weeks ... let's keep it going, people!) and Kailey the Dog Mom!

Another Golden puppy?!? What?!? To know me is to know the true soft spot I have for this breed.  Not to sound like a total dog weirdo butttt there's just no better small spoon :)  Period.  Having had Golden Retrievers her entire life, I know Kailey feels the same way.

It goes without saying that I'm thrilled Kailey reached out when searching for a Toronto Dog walker. Kailey, I promise to love Oakley each and every walk and will send lots of pictures of the full on puppy brigade that she's about to enter, alongside Edie (5 Months), Bauer (5 months), and Penny (4 months).  

Kailey, thank you for letting me be Oakley's dog walker!

Welcome Penny the Golden Retriever and Lisa and Stephen the Dog Parents

This little angel joined walks last week and has been an absolute pleasure to walk from day one.  Although Penny is young, she absolutely possesses the skills and awareness of a much older pup; her recall is SPOT ON.  Given the heat, we've been dog walking at Coronation Park, which (thank dog!) reaps the benefits of Lake Ontario's cooling effect.  However, it also provides a lot of distraction for any dog new to the park, let alone one new to this world!  Still, Penny comes when called each and every time, leaving this Toronto dog walker BLOWN AWAY!  She also plays beautifully with all of the dogs, knowing when to engage and also when to say "enough."  Importantly, THIS IS SOCIAL DOG BEHAVIOUR!!!  Penny, I have no doubt that you'll thrive for many years with K9 Kate's. 

Lisa and Stephen, thank you for letting me be Penny's dog walker.  Please tell the little one I'll see her soon!