This gorgeous and energetic girl started on adventure walks last week and has ROCKED IT. She’s been out to the dog park with the one and only Traci Healy, who has her running and playing for an extra special, 90 minute offleash run. Welcome Olive and thank you to Traci for being so wonderful!
Welcome Rosie, the Superstar Havapoo
This darling girl joined K9 Kate’s last week and has been garnering fans since. Together, we adventured to Stanley, Ramsay and Coronation Dog Parks. Multiple walkers have offered to “take her off of my hands” but that’s just not happening. Rosie is sweet, social, confident and a dog walker’s dream dog. I am so grateful that I get to hang out with her. Rosie and Jeff, thank you for choosing K9 Kate’s as your Toronto dog walker.
Welcome To Adventure Dog Walks Georgie, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Georgie had her first offleash dog walks with K9 Kate’s last week and has been a complete pleasure. She is so beyond herself with joy, both at home and in the dog park. Thank you to our friends at Toronto Tails for referring us. We promise to love her each and every walk.
2019 Gratitude Checklist
2019 was not an easy year for me personally; I had 3 unpredictable and occasionally debilitating blows to my health. Still, I am left happy and grateful for all that I have gained this year.
The dog walkers that help lead the dogs as we venture to the dog parks each and every day are amazing walkers in and of themselves (all of whom head or are forming their own fabulous (and force free) dog walking companies. They are irreplaceable dog walkers and human being who make every day better. Cristina, Traci, Neil, and Joe: thank you so much for everything that you do. I do catch myself pausing regularly on how great you are.
The ladies who train: Sarah Rix and Andrea Dinan. You’ve helped me and the dogs so much. You are so talented and I am lucky that you stepped in to help with the pups as you run your own incredible dog walking and training companies.
The clients! At some point as a dog walker, you get to pick your clients. Each and every person whose dog we get to walk is amazing to work with. I am lucky enough that some have become friends, and others offer endless support and their own gratitude for our work. Thank you for being so lovely and supporting K9 Kate’s.
The dogs! You bring such happiness into my life and I am proud daily of how your progress, your friendships, and you’re infinite (and reciprocated) love.
K9 Kate’s is an endless source of joy and pride for me. It is and always will be my baby. That baby has grown this year and will continue to in 2020 with the most amazing staff and clients there to help fuel it. Thank you so much!! I hope that I can add as much to your day as you do to mine.
Welcome to Adventure Dog Walks, Fenton, the Mini Goldendoodle
This darling boy joined K9 Kate’s last week and has truly blown me away with his confidence and how well he immediately fit with his new friends. Fenton’s parents reached out after moving to Seaton Village, in need of a new dog walker who services the area. I happily “stepped” in. Together, Fenton and I have run free and offleash at Bickford Dog Park, Stanley Park and, my favourite, Coronation Park. He did incredibly with his new friends and with me. I am so looking forward to our future dog walks and adventures. Fenton, I REALLY love you already, little man! Keep up the GREAT work!
Preventing, Detecting and Treating Hypothermia in Dogs
Hypothermia in dogs- as in people- occurs when body temps plummet following exposure to frigid temperatures for too long, or cold, windy environments while having wet fur.
As a dog walker in Toronto, a city that easily hits -30 temps, it is imperative that I know how to prevent, detect, and treat hypothermia in dogs. My own dog walks are all group walks, meaning that they are comprised of dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. A temperature that is safe for a Husky can be life threatening to a chihuahua. It is my job to get all of the dogs walked and home safely in winter. I’m sharing this so that dog walkers, dog owners and dog lovers, have the knowledge to do the same.
Prevention:
Hypothermia can be prevented by not allowing your dog outside for too long in very cold weather or near frigid water. Be aware of how well your pet tolerates the cold as very young pets, very old pets, small dogs, and those with short hair can be most susceptible to hypothermia. If that describes your dog, consider equipping your pup with dog sweater or jacket with booties to protect their feet for outings. I also use cooking spray and Vaseline on paws to prevent snow buildup.
Symptoms:
Strong shivering and trembling followed by no shivering
Acting sleepy or lethargic and weak
Fur and skin are cold to the touch
Body temperature below 95 degrees (Fahrenheit)
Decreased heart rate
Dilated pupils (the black inner circle of the eye appears larger)
Gums and inner eyelids are pale or blue
Trouble walking
Trouble breathing
Stupor, unconsciousness, or coma
Treatment:
Treatment should begin immediately, as it can quickly become a life-threatening emergency. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia, take the following steps.
Remove your pet from the cold and put them in a warm room.
Dry off your pet thoroughly either with towels or a hair dryer set on low and held about 12 inches away.
Wrap your pet in a blanket (warm it in the clothes dryer first)
Wrap warm hot-water bottles in towels (to prevent burning your pet) and place on pet’s abdomen.
Heating pads can be used if your dog is dry, but supervise them so they don’t chew at the cords.
Allow your dog to drink warm fluids.
Check the pet’s temperature with a thermometer. If it’s below 95 degrees, the pet could be at risk for hypothermia. Take them to a veterinarian immediately.
If their temperature is above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, retake their temperature every 10 to 15 minutes to see how severe the hypothermia is while doing the warming techniques. Once their temperature is 100 degrees or higher, you can remove the hot-water bottle, but be sure to keep them warm. Get them checked by a veterinarian the same day, even when their temperature reaches 99 degrees or higher because one incidence of hypothermia can be harmful and make them prone to it again. If your pet doesn’t respond to warming up their body within 30 to 45 minutes, go to straight to emergency vet clinic.
Picture and Doppelganger of the Week featuring Ink the Barbet and Slash
Ink and Slash not only look alike, they have a lot in common: the hair, the intense energy and they are total ROCK STARS!
This picture was taken of Ink at Coronation Park last Friday. I love- even in cold temperatures, even though we’re picking up dogs around Bloor and Queen West- bringing the dogs down to this park for walks. They really love the space, that it’s woodchipped, that there are so many interesting smells (remember, dogs SMELL, rather than see, the world), and that there are sticks, Sticks, STICKSSSSSSS!!!!
Love you Ink. Always remember, you are rock-Ink!!!
Welcome Adidas and an Ode to Muzzle Training
This adorable and sweet rescue dog joined K9 Kate’s last week and has been melting our hearts since. While Adidas is starting on private dog walks, she will join the adventure dog walk once she is muzzle trained (ie she likes the muzzle), something her wonderful parents are diligently working on- thank you so much, parents. We are taking this precaution because, like man dogs, Adidas can get overstimulated in the dog park and having her muzzle trained gives us the opportunity to safely asses her.
THIS is the beauty of muzzle training. Incredible dogs like Adidas, whose behaviour isn’t fully understood yet, get the enrichment of the dog park and a group dog walk. I am grateful that her awesome parents agreed to this; in the past year, I have lost two dog walking clients after I told them that their dog needs to be muzzled, even temporarily, in order to be part of our group walks. The parents were so put off by the idea that they decided they would rather, in one case, keep their dog out of the dog park and, in the other, try a different dog walker ie put their and other dogs at risk only to be told the same thing again … if they reached out to a knowledgeable and responsible dog walker.
People need to get over their discomfort with muzzles. They have become a favourite tool among dog walkers and dog trainers because of what they allow dogs to do. Aesthetically, they are BAD ASS. Hello, Bane! In terms of what they say about your dog and you, well, most dogs in the dog park wearing muzzles aren’t wearing them because they’re dangerous but to keep them safe from e.g. eating everything. The dog parents that muzzle their dogs are responsible and conscientious.
Please note, dogs need to be muzzle trained. You can’t just shove a muzzle on a dog and expect it to have its intended result. Muzzle training is a fairly quick process that not only is bonding for parents and dogs, but operates on the principles of positive reinforcement.
Excerpted from https://www.clickertraining.com/muzzles by Karen Prior, here are the steps needed to muzzle train your dog:
Two-step training
Think about muzzle training as a two-step process. The first step is getting your dog comfortable placing her face in the muzzle. The second step is working your dog toward the goal of having the buckle or Velcro fastened.
Feeding near the opening of the muzzle.
Step 1: Teach dog to place face in muzzle
Hold the muzzle with the large opening facing your dog and any straps folded back and out of the way.
Show your dog the muzzle, and click or mark with a word such as "Yip," or "click." Follow up with a food treat that your dog loves.
Your dog needs only to look at the muzzle to earn the click and reward. However, if your dog is comfortable with new and novel things, you may be able to move closer to your dog as you start. Test it out by clicking quickly a few times and rewarding with treats for just looking at the muzzle. Proceed if you see that it's no big deal for your dog.
Move the muzzle slightly closer after you have established that your dog is comfortable viewing the muzzle and then click and treat several times.
Important reminders:
Proceed at your dog's pace. In other words, take your time. Rushing past important steps can set you back and training will then take even more time.
Use really good, high-value food treats. You want your dog to believe the muzzle is really fun and reinforcing.
Stay at each step until your dog is successful (5-20 trials) and then move on to the next step. Your dog should look comfortable and ready for another repetition at each level before moving to the next level.
Working with a basket muzzle allows you to feed your dog through the front easily, or to place larger treats into the muzzle for your dog.
Many people find using a marker word or using the i-Click with a foot easier than trying to manage a clicker, treats, and the muzzle. If you choose to use a clicker, don't click near your dog's face or ears, as that can be an aversive experience. Choose what works best for you and what's comfortable for your dog.
If your dog has a strong nose targeting behavior to a hand or other object, use that behavior to encourage her to touch the muzzle using your established cue. You might choose to teach the nose target before introducing the muzzle.
Keep your sessions short and take many breaks. A good rule of thumb is 5-15 minutes, with breaks after 10-15 treats for play, a drink, or to allow your dog to process the lesson.
The end goal is to have your dog push her face into the muzzle and steady her head as you buckle or fasten the muzzle.
You are shaping your dog to interact with, and eventually place her nose into, the muzzle, so keep the steps small. Click and reinforce with the treat close to the muzzle to emphasize the association of treats around the muzzle. Ultimately, the treats will be in the muzzle.
Dogs that are uncomfortable touching the muzzle on the outside might be more hesitant putting their faces into the muzzle. For a hesitant dog, switch to treats that the dog might lick (squeeze cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, etc.) and that you can place on the edge of the inside of the muzzle. Allow the dog to lick from the edge. After a few times, begin to place the reinforcement deeper into the muzzle. Progress slowly!
Move the muzzle away between each of the up-close trials so that your dog is a little disappointed. Your dog will be excited when you present it again.
If you move slowly, take lots of breaks, and use high-value treats that help your dog linger with her nose in the muzzle, you should be able to move to the fastening stage of training pretty quickly.
Before you proceed to the fastening component, give the behavior a cue, like "muzzle," or "face."
Once the behavior is on cue, practice holding the muzzle at different heights, as well in different areas around the house. Your dog will learn to move to the muzzle from different distances and in different places when asked.
Step 2: Fastening the muzzle
This can be a more difficult process since it requires more invasive handling. The fastening also creates sounds that your dog might not be familiar with near her ears. Again, go slowly. If you think you are going slowly, go even more slowly, especially if your dog has any sound sensitivities!
Start with clicking and reinforcing your dog for hearing the sound of the fastener. If you think your dog will be sensitive about the sound, start at a good distance away, fasten the muzzle and then mark and treat just for hearing the sound.
Continue to reinforce after the click by placing a treat in the muzzle. Remove the muzzle after the reinforcement is consumed.
Be sure to lower the criteria for your dog at this point. She doesn't need to place her face in the muzzle for now (other than to get the treat). Work only on the sound of the fastener.
Stay at this level until your dog is comfortable with the sound coming closer and closer to the top of her head. It's not important to fasten the muzzle yet, just work toward having the sound be acceptable near your dog's head. The sound of the fastener can act as the click or marker, leaving you with both hands free to handle the clasp.
When you feel that your dog is comfortable with the sound of the fastener at a distance, slowly work toward creating the sound near your dog's ears.
Next, run the straps around your dog's head. Keep in mind that at this point it doesn't have to fit correctly. You will be working on the straps coming around and clipping the fastener.
Cue your dog with the muzzle cue you have chosen. When she has placed her nose into the muzzle, clip the strap and reinforce your dog through the front of the muzzle.
Once you can clip the straps around your dog's head successfully, then progress to the tighter-fitting straps.
Presenting the muzzle.Well-fitting muzzles will be snug thanks to the straps that go around the top of the head and just behind the ears. When you have progressed to having the straps fitted, you are ready to put the pieces together.When you have combined the pieces, the next goal is for your dog comfortable wearing the muzzle for longer periods. Offer multiple treats through the front of the muzzle to cement your dog's comfort with the muzzle. When you remove the muzzle, the treats should stop until your dog is wearing it again.
Build more duration by bouncing around with your training rather than just making it harder each time. Sometimes give the muzzle cue and mark when your dog puts her face in the muzzle—but don't clip the fastener. Other times, only do the fastener. Other times, put it all together but delay the click for a few seconds.
Continue to build duration by adding just a few seconds at a time before your click, but always add in some fast and easy requests and reinforcement as well.
So, please, if you’re looking for something to do over the upcoming holidays with your dog, why not muzzle train him/her? Give a smile to a parent with a muzzled dog, or say well done! Set an example in the dog community and help destigmatize the muzzle.
Thank you again Renee and Paedric for muzzle training Adidas, choosing K9 Kate’s as your Toronto dog walker, and being the type of clients I love working with. Looking forward to many walks ahead with your gorgeous gal.
Welcome Back Blue, the Blue Dachshund
We are so excited to have Blue back with us. This Kensington Market dog joined K9 Kate’s adventure dog walks roughly 2 years ago then took a break when his AMAZING mom’s schedule changed. Now, this lovely pair are back and we are so grateful they are. Blue, I can’t wait to see you, cuddle you, and watch you be a total weirdo in the dog park soon. LOVE YOU SO MUCH, LITTLE MAN!!!
Welcome to Dog Walks Stella the Rescue Dog
This gorgeous gal had her first K9 Kate’s adventure walk last week and NAILED IT. We ventured from The Annex all the way to Coronation Park (this human gal’s favourite Toronto dog park) where Stella ran and played with her new friends. Stella, we love you already!
PS it is quite difficult not saying your name like Marlon Brando in a Streetcar in a Desire … which I did at the Meet and Greet and certainly freaked out mom and dad a bit ;) Either way, let’s get weird together at the dog park. Mike and Rebecca, thanks for letting us be Stella’s new Toronto dog walker!!
Welcome Ramsay The Golden Retriever (and his 4 Dog Siblings !!)
As a dog walker and dog lover (ok ok fanatic), I am always excited to meet new dogs. Sometimes, though, I get a request that somehow feels uniquely close to my heart. This was and is the case with Ramsay.
First of all, I LOVE Golden Retrievers. If I were to reenter dog mom life, it would be with either a Golden Retriever or a Shih-Tzu, so a request from a Golden is always special in and of itself. Factor in Ramsay’s amazing age (13!) and I was done for.
Not only is Ramsay a wonder, his family is as well. His parents have amazingly rescued more than ten cats and dogs. What a privilege to get to work with such incredible people who care so deeply for our four-legged friends.
The rest of the doggy family is arriving in the next few weeks. Marian, thank you for letting us be your new dog walker and for giving so much to our canine and feline friends. We promise to love all of your dogs each and every walk.
Welcome Leo the Goldendoodle Puppy
Leo’s mom reached out last month: her Goldendoodle puppy was arriving soon and she needed someone who could visit with her puppy and, ultimately, become his dog walker. I was, of course, more than happy to step in! Just look at this adorable dood … oh boy. Leo starts tomorrow and we are so excited to watch him grow. Leo, we love you already.
Welcome Darwin the Rescue Dog
This beautiful boy started adventure dog walks last week, and we love him so much already. Darwin’s interests include sniffing bums, getting cuddles, and running with his new friends.
Welcome Sascha, the Dachshund, and Kim Crawford (no, not that Kim Crawford)
Two weeks ago, I received the best dog walking request yet. A woman by the name of Kim Crawford was searching for a new dog walker for her adorable Dachshund (I love the wine and the dog breed)
Things continued on a high note at our Meet and Greet. Both person and pup are so lovely. We can’t wait for Sascha’s first dog walk on Monday.
Kim and Sascha, welcome to K9 Kate’s Pet Services!
Welcome Silo the Shepador Rescue Dog
Silo’s parents reached out looking for both a Toronto Dog Walker and a Toronto Dog Trainer. We are so excited to get this girl started on Thursday. She will begin on private dog walks and, in time, hopefully be ready for group dog walks. Her goals include: reduced stranger danger and increased confidence around new people and dogs, Silo is sweet, loving and full of beans! I can’t wait to see her progress and grow with us!
Welcome To Dog Walks and Training, Nola the Toy Poodle
Nola darling! I had the pleasure of meeting Nola and her lovely mom Deniz last night. Nola is the latest Bloorcourt dog to join K9 Kate’s Pet Services. This little miss has some big goals and we’re going to help her realize them as best we can.
As is often seen in poodles, Nola can get a bit worked up and is easily triggered by loud noises. She’s also begun resource guarding in the home. She will be dog walking with our amazing small group dog walker, Erica, so that she can receive more intensive care while she settles and training with the wonderful Andrea Dinan.
Nola, we know you will rock it both in training and on your dog walks!! Get it, girl!
K9 Kate's Force Free Training
For the past 3 years, I’ve offered force free dog training to both walking and non-walking clients alike; unlike our dog walking, training is not confined to a service area so whether you’re in North Toronto, Rosedale or Bloor West Village, we can and would love to step in.
It’s time to meet the incredible women comprising our training team.
Andrea Dinan (CPDT-KA - IPDTA - KPA Foundations)
Andrea's training methods focus on motivating the dog (and dog parents) so that the training process is engaging and fun.
Andrea is certified by the Council for Professional Dog Trainers (www.ccpdt.org) a member of the International Positive Dog Training Associationand a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Andrea has specialized in many areas including leash reactivity, leash pulling and building confidence.
2. Louise Lawrence
Louise was born loving animals. She began walking dogs professionally in Bloor West Village in 2013. By 2015, she was walking dogs full time and a certified Animal Behaviour College Dog Trainer. Louise is a compassionate trainer who will work with you and your dog to achieve your training goals. She can often be found hanging out with her adorable cockapoo, Jynx.
3. Sarah Rix (CPDT-KA - IPDTA - KPA Foundations)
Sarah’s been a beloved member of the dog walking and training community for decades. She walked with Rover Achiever before deciding it was time to realize her dream of becoming a certified dog trainer. She currently walks and trains, and is a valued member of the K9 Kate’s dog training team.
Welcome Back to Adventure Walks, Phoebe!
This little love muffin joined K9 Kate’s Pet Services when she was only 9 weeks old. First, we would have puppy visits (ie cuddle fests). In a flash, Phoebe had her third round of shots and was ready for the dog park. Together, we ventured to all of my favourites: Coronation Dog Park, Stanley Dog Park, Cherry Beach … you name it. We had a bit of a break after moves and changes to life circumstances, but I am thrilled to say she’ll be back with us soon. I love you so much, Phoebes.
Welcome To Dog Walks and Training, Euclid the Bouvier
I met Euclid, his mom Jess, and their bunny Kramer last night and boy, did I fall hard for this dude! Euclid is the most recent Seaton Village dog to join K9 Kate’s, both for dog walks and for training. He will be walking with me and training with the amazing Andrea Dinan. We both love him very much already!
Jessica, thank you for letting me be your new Toronto dog walker.
Welcome to Adventure Dog Walks, Bogey the Morkie
Bogey joined K9 Kate’s last week and rocked his first dog walk. Led by the amazing Tracy Healy, Bogey and his new friends upped the adorable factor at Cedarvale Ravine. Bogey, we can’t wait to get you out for more adventures. Julie and Stephen, thanks for letting K9 Kate’s be your new Toronto dog walker … and for letting us hang out with your special little guy!