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Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
in memory of
Chester and Cooper!
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Meme of the day: The best!
Myth: Pet insurance doesn’t cover everything
Many pet owners worry that insurance won’t cover everything, especially routine care or pre-existing conditions. While that’s true in many cases, most insurers now offer wellness add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and check-ups, giving you more complete coverage. View Money’s pet insurance list to find plans for as low as $10 a month.
Cozy Canines: Getting Your Dog to Love Their Winter Coat
The air is crisp, the ground is turning frosty, and you're bundled up in your warmest layers. But what about your furry best friend? For many dogs, especially those with short coats, small breeds, seniors, or those with certain medical conditions, a winter coat or sweater isn't just a cute accessory—it's essential for staying warm and safe outdoors.
However, introducing a new piece of clothing can sometimes turn your playful pup into a statue or a bucking bronco! Don't worry, with a little patience, positive reinforcement, and a lot of treats, you can teach your dog that their cozy coat means fun, warmth, and adventure.
1. The Introduction: Making it Neutral
The first step is to let your dog get used to the idea of the coat.
Scent Familiarity: Lay the coat on the floor for a few days. Let your dog sniff it, walk past it, and maybe even sleep near it. You can put a few high-value treats on or near the coat to create a positive association.
The Power of Association: Every time you pick up the coat, follow it immediately with something wonderful—a delicious treat, their favorite toy, or a fun game. This teaches them that the coat's appearance predicts a reward.
2. The Short and Sweet Practice: Positive Reinforcement
This stage is all about small, easy wins. Keep sessions short (1-2 minutes) to avoid overwhelming your dog.
Step | Action | Reward & Key Goal |
1. Touch | Hold the coat and gently touch it to your dog's back. | Immediate Treat: The moment the coat touches them, give a treat. Remove the coat immediately. |
2. Drape | Lay the coat fully over their back without fastening it. | Treat While Draped: Give a few quick treats while the coat is on their back, then take it off and give the Jackpot (multiple treats/big praise). |
3. Fasten | Put the coat on and fasten just one strap or button. | Continuous Treats: Treat, unfasten, and take the coat off. Don't leave it on for long yet. |
3. Movement Matters: Distraction and Duration
Once they tolerate the coat being fully on, it’s time to move!
Indoor Exploration: Put the coat on and immediately distract them with a fun activity. Play their favorite game, work on easy commands like "sit" or "down" (and reward them!), or give them a chew toy or Kong to work on. The goal is to make them forget they are wearing it.
Gradual Duration: Start with just 5 minutes inside. If they remain calm, try 10 minutes the next time. Once they are comfortable inside for a good period, it's time to head out.
💡 Pro Tip: If your dog "freezes" or walks funny, try taking them out the door immediately after putting the coat on. For most dogs, the excitement of a walk is a stronger motivator than their slight discomfort with the coat!
4. The Outdoor Payoff: Coat Equals Fun!
The best way to solidify a positive association is to make the coat a signal for their favorite thing: going outside!
Put the coat on.
Leash up.
Go for a walk, play fetch, or have a fun potty break.
When you come back inside, take the coat off.
By consistently pairing the coat with outdoor fun and high-value rewards, your dog will quickly learn that the sight of their winter wear means something good is about to happen. Soon, they might even eagerly nose the coat when they want to go out!
Important Considerations
Fit is Everything: Ensure the coat is comfortable and not restrictive. It should not pinch under the armpits, rub their neck, or hinder their movement. A poorly fitting coat will only create negative feelings.
Quality Over Speed: Never rush the process or scold your dog if they act hesitant. If they struggle, take a step back in the training plan and increase the value of your treats.
Check the Temperature: Always ensure the coat is appropriate for the weather—your dog should be warm, but never overheating.
With these steps, you and your stylish pup will be ready to embrace the chilly weather in comfort and style! Happy winter adventures!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Viva - Ground Beef for Dogs and Ground Chicken for Dogs and Cats for potential Salmonella and Listeria contamination.
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure.
Family Photo of the Day:
Tommy!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @itsmilomylove
