Animals Unfolded

My colleagues and I talk a lot about our industry and those related to it, especially the dog training industry. That’s because with our interactions with dogs are deeply impacted by the way that others interact with them—and that the dog training industry is unregulated. Despite certifications available through organizations like Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers as a start, some trainers don't seek professional training, certification and ongoing education.  I’ve talked before about how rough handling, punishment-based dog training  and ill-conceived pet products impact my fellow pet sitters and everyone else around the dog that they’re being used on. Sometimes, these have consequences that are unthinkable. It's sad to think that as a pet sitter, given even one of the certifications I've got I out-qualify some professional dog trainers out there.   Whether we have a pet or not, we hear a lot about dogs that have been poorly socialized, hav...

I'm always on the lookout for interesting ideas to help create a better life for companion animals.  While I was in a local pet store picking up a couple of things this week, I stumbled on one new product— Inaba Ciao Churu treat paste—and I think it would be a terrific tool to accentuate your efforts in training your cat using positive reinforcement.  Also, I touch on another possible use for this product, which is available locally at stores like  Huron Pet Supply  and Dexter Mill  (where, as I understand, it got the stamp of approval from the mill cat, Leo!) as well as why you might want to seek out free samples found in better pet stores. Lorrie Shaw is a freelance writer and owner of  Professional Pet Sitting . She has been a  featured guest on the Pawprint Animal Rescue Podcast,  talking about her career working with companion animals and writing about her experiences. Shoot her  an email , contact her at  734-...

It's not unusual for a dog owner to be uneasy when they first contact me about caring for their furry friend. And beyond the anxiety of not knowing what to expect going in when hiring a caregiver, or having had a previous experience that was less-than-ideal, the angst they feel often has more to do with how I might react when I have the opportunity to get to know their furry friend a little better. "They're not welcome back to the day care facility we been using… " and "...our previous pet sitter voiced some concerns about their behavior especially when encountering other dogs on walks"   are common nervous refrains.  As is often the case, observing how the guardian interacts with the dog, my spending a little time with the family—even suggesting that all of us walk together—and  asking the humans good questions quickly gives me some clarity about what might really be going on. Often I discover that what is at the root of the issue likely isn...