Hello, Fellow Dog Lovers!
It's hard to believe October is coming to a close, and that Halloween is just a few short days away! I decided to dedicate much of this month's newsletter to Halloween-themed recipes and safety tips since it can be a particularly challenging holiday for pet parents. As for me, I'm thrilled to announce the release of my new book, The Secret Language of Dogs! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I'm also excited to share that 2017 course dates for my Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior have been announced! In this edition of the Positively Newsletter, you'll find lots of Halloween safety tips, puppy training tips, and more. As always, throughout this newsletter you'll find exclusive content and training tips that you won't find anywhere else. Hope you enjoy!
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Here are Victoria's top 10 safety tips for your pets this Halloween.
Halloween is a favorite holiday for many people. But most of our pets don’t necessarily enjoy fright night quite as much as we do, and there can be extra dangers lurking for them that we should help them avoid. Here are a few tips for keeping your pets happy and healthy on Halloween:
1. The biggest mistake pet parents make on Halloween is expecting too much from their dogs. Don't take your dogs trick or treating with you, even if you’re confident that your dog will be able to handle it. There are too many unknown factors on a night like Halloween, and even if your dog is well-adjusted, some others you encounter may not be. Plus, seeing a bunch of four-foot tall Yodas and goblins can unnerve even the most placid dogs. It's also a good idea to keep your dogs away from the door during trick or treating hours.
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| Positively Contributor and VSPDT Lorena Patti discusses Halloween from a dog's perspective.
Okay. I’m a canine behavior specialist, I adore dogs, and yes, I’m the crazy lady that will squeal under my breath and unabashedly ask if I may pet your dog when I see her. So, why would I be assessing if I wanted to approach a home with a dog when trick or treating with my kid? Because it turns out that from many a dog’s point of view, Halloween is, well, scary.
No, not “scary”, like we humans like to experience. Scary as in “There is a monster at my door and if I don’t scare it away I. WILL. DIE.” Dogs don’t know any better, because Halloween costumes, scary noises, and strangers coming to the door all night isn’t covered in the “Living with Humans” manual their dam gives them before they are adopted.
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Victoria chats about a new dog treat her pups have been enjoying.
When I choose food rewards for my dogs or my training clients, I like to stick to treats that are made from the best quality ingredients and are safe to eat. So when I found out about the new “farm-to-dog" PureNZ™ Jerky Dog Treats from Zuke’s, I knew they were treats I’d be proud to support. They’re made with 80-90% real meat protein plus high-quality fruits and vegetables that are regionally sourced in New Zealand.
One of things I love about these treats is that you truly know where each of their pristine natural ingredients comes from. From free-range, grass-fed beef to green-lipped mussels, salmon and whitefish harvested right off the coast, adventurous dogs are in for a treat with this new lineup of grain-free, gluten-free and GMO-free recipes.
Have a look at www.zukes.com for more information and to see all of the flavor options available.
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These pumpkin and banana dog treats are not only delicious, but they're also healthy. I love being able to offer my dog a yummy cookie that's both grain free and dairy free. She's not so concerned about the healthiness of the treat; she just wants as many as I'm willing to give her.
That said, you won't mind giving your mutt a lot of these cute little goodies. Check out this fun and simple recipe (just 3 ingredients!), and then whip up a batch just in time for Halloween.
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Positively Contributor Sarah White gives her training tips for puppy parents.
The first few weeks you spend with a puppy are a crucial period for both you and your new dog. The relationship you establish during this time can set the tone for the rest of your life together. Puppies grow up very fast in the first months after they enter a new home, so getting their early training absolutely right will help them become calm, well-behaved adult dogs. Here’s a few of our top puppy training tips.
House Training
This will be one of the first things you’ll want to sort after bringing your puppy home. The less time you have to spend cleaning up damp smelly newspapers in the morning, the better!
The easiest way to toilet train your dog is to make sure you’re with them in the garden while they’re doing their business until they get the hang of it...
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Victoria's new book has been officially released in the US! Find it at your local bookstore or order it online here. For those of you patiently waiting in the UK, the book will be available for you in March! Readers are raving about The Secret Language of Dogs, which gives you the newest information about what your dog is really thinking - and saying - through his body language and other expressions.
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There's still time to snag a discounted earlybird ticket for the 2017 UK Dog Bite Prevention & Behaviour Conference!
This unique two-day event is the UK's preeminent dog training and behaviour-related conference, featuring an incredible lineup of presenters.
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K9 Stars is the home of professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, Nick Honor, CTC, owner of Puppy Stars: Puppy and Dog Training Academy. The techniques used in all of his puppy and dog training classes are based on a scientific understanding of animal behavior, utilizing a non-violent approach to changing animal behavior, while using positive reinforcement-based training. Need a dog behavior expert in Buckinghamshire, UK? Get in touch with Nick today:
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Victoria's new book, The Secret Language of Dogs, was featured in Connie's Book Club, part of Modern Dog Magazine, in its list of must read books for fall. It's the perfect fall reading for dog lovers, and would also make a great Christmas gift!
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On Halloween, give your dog a "safe space" away from the hustle and bustle of trick-or-treaters. Whether it's a crate (if your dog is happy and comfortable in it) or a spare bedroom, most dogs would prefer a quiet space with a favorite toy or bone during this particularly hectic holiday.
Also keep in mind that black-coated animals can be at increased risk of being stolen or teased by troublemakers, so be especially careful to keep your pets safely contained on and around Halloween.
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