Calming signals – What that yawn can really mean

It is no secret that dogs live in a world driven by their senses.  What they lack in words, they make up for in being very perceptive to the tiny details us humans often miss.  They know when we are angry, happy, or sad and we don’t even have to tell them about how our day went.  Understanding what our dogs are trying to tell us can avoid any miscommunication between our pooches and us.

So what are calming signals?  Calming signals are ways dogs communicate with each other and are used to mitigate threatening situations. They are also used to pacify themselves when they feel stressed or to make others around them feel more secure.  Where the problem lies in when dogs attempt to use these signals with humans and they are lost in translation.  After time, a dog can become frustrated and give up using these calming signals with other dogs and it can sometimes result in a nervous, stressed or aggressive dog.

For example, when my dog, Widget, has done something that I am displeased with her about, her first response is to lick her lips and avert her eyes.  She is trying to assure herself and calm me down by looking as nonthreatening as she knows how.  By recognizing these signals, I have avoided ever having to yell at her, as it would be counterproductive.  There are many situations in which people become frustrated in not being able to get through to their dog, while being unaware that their dog may be feeling the same way.  There are at least 30 calming signals for dogs and some of the more common ones can be seen illustrated below.  Next time you are at the dog park, see if you can spot any of them and observe how the dogs around them react.  It’s pretty amazing!

Considering these signals is also a fantastic way of rehabilitating a dog.  They are an important factor in a type of rehabilitation for reactive dogs, called Behavior Adjustment Training, or BAT.  Dogs learn to replace reactive behavior by instead using a calming signal and are thus rewarded by either moving away from or closer to the object in question.  It is important our dogs never lose sight of how to communicate with each other, so calming signals should be recognized and encouraged.

That is just a little insider to the world of “dog language”!

For more information on how we can provide convenient, affordable and compassionate pet care services, please visit us at sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC!

If you want to know more about calming signals, visit here.

If you like the Calming Signals picture, you can order a poster!

Our Loved Ones and Cancer

Many people have lost a loved one (be it pet, friend or family) to some form of cancer and many may know someone battling against it and some who have overcome it.  It is an unfortunate part of life, but we are learning more about it and it is imperative to raise awareness about the symptoms and treatments available.

Cancer researchers at the University of Minnesota have found a genetic cancer link between humans and dogs.  Not only do we share a strong bond with man’s best friend, but we also share the same genetic basis for certain types of cancer.  Long story short, if our relatives are prone to it, we must be sure we are checked for any signs.  Since our pets cannot speak, we need to pay close attention to them to make sure any illnesses are not left untreated.

Here are common signs of cancer in pets:

1. Abnormal swellings that continue to grow. (NOTE: Although cancer is normally an asymmetrical disease, lymphoma often occurs on both sides of the body, so symmetrical swellings should not be ignored.)
2. Sores that do not heal.
3. Weight loss.
4. Loss of appetite, or increased/decreased water intake.
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening.
6. Offensive odor.
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing.
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina.
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness.
10. Abnormal urination, breathing, or defecation

Many of these symptoms are also observed in non-cancerous medical conditions, but should still warrant prompt examination by your vet to determine the cause.  For more information about signs of cancer in humans, please check here.

Here, at sit-stay-play, this topic hits home with us.  We have friends, family and pets who have fought against the disease and won and some who have succumbed to it.  That is why our team, “sit-stay-play Paws for a Cause”, will be participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.  We wish to honor our loved ones and hope to raise money in the fight against cancer.  We welcome others to join our team and/or offer donations for the cause.  Every little bit makes an impact.

All of our pet clients are given the utmost loving care and that includes those battling cancer.  So, if you have a pet that is battling the disease, know that we understand how it can take a toll on its victims and feel comfortable that they will be in very caring hands.  For more information on what we can offer your furry, feathered, and scaly family members, call us at 765-744-5688.

Sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC

Sources:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228112011.htm

www.petcancercenter.org

www.cancer.org

Foodies Unite at A Taste of Muncie

Ok folks, if Cajun gumbo, jambalaya, hickory potatoe salad and dirty rice sounds delicious, then you’ve GOT to stop by Cornerstone Center for the Arts in Muncie, this Sunday, starting at 4:00. Cornerstone will be all fancied up with a Mardi Gras feel and 20+ local restaurants/eateries will have their goodies on display. Click HERE to read the article in the Star Press.

Shrimp creole not your style? Grab a cupcake from Cardinal Cupcakes and Coneys. Albany Dairy Dream will have one of their top sellers on hand for you to sample…Pineapple Whip from Dole. Sounds delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Maybe one of these days they’ll have a Taste of Muncie for the four-legged kind. I can see it now…Organic Pupcakes for the health conscious pooch, Coney Dawgs for the dog in your life and sit-stay-play’s peanut butter Bully Bones will all be on display for the canines to sample.

Big dreams I know, but hey, until then, check out A Taste of Muncie and call Kelley at sit-stay-play to order your Bully Bones for your pups, they’re healthy, nutritious and made here in good ol’ Muncie. They come in snack sizes, in small, medium and large bones and also in holiday shapes.  And best of all WE DELIVER!

Back to the bakery,

Kelley Stewart

CEO|Founder

sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC

“Your pet sitting, dog walking, poop scooping specialists!”

In the Event of an Emergency

Recently, one of our pet sitting clients went out of town and he left us in charge of his house and dogs.

This job is somewhat of a routine now, after 2 years of his short trips and ocassional two-week-long tropical siesta rum-drinking adventures, we know the ins and outs of handling his dogs and just about where everything important is in his beautiful home.

But, this one particular time our dear client did NOT fill out the Service Request form for us and we desperately needed to contact him. In our book, neglecting this little job is like a hot dog without ketchup …it’s a big NO-NO.

The form that was so conveniently still on the kichen counter is important because if something were to happen to us, to his pet(s) or to his house, we’d know how to contact him.

Well, luckily for cell phones and emails, right??? Usually. In this case he had lost his phone during the trip and what cell phone and internet connection was there was terribly unreliable. They were in South America!

You know the book, “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” Well, that’s what I felt like asking. I had no idea if he was in the United States or visiting some war-torn country. All I knew is that I needed to tell him that there had been an electrical fire in his home and to see if he wanted me to try and salvage anything before the fireman arrived to douse the flames.

Since I couldn’t reach him, I took some things out that I thought he’d want saved. His dogs made it out safe and all was fine in the end.

Had this been worse or of a different nature, a short conversation with the owner (if possible) could’ve made things so much easier. Luckily it was minor but PLEASE, if you have us care for your pets while you’re gone, tell us where you’re going!

Technology is great but please let us know what city and state you’ll be in. If you’re leaving the country, tell us that too. And a contact phone number for the hotel, condo, hostel or whatever lodging facility you’ll be using would be very nice to have, in the event of an emergency.

Kelley Stewart
CEO|Founder
sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC

Tips for Taking Your Pet to the Veterinarian

Are you taking your pet the the vet for the first time? If so, here’s a list of things to do:
For dogs:
1) Make sure the collar is tight enough so it can’t slip over his head;
2) Make sure the leash is short enough. By allowing your dog the full length of the leash your dog can run and jump on people and other pets;
3) Stay calm. If you overreact or get nervous, your dog will feed off of those emotions.
4) Keep treats handy just in case so you can get or keep his attention; and
5) Give your dog ample time to relieve himself prior to walking into the vet’s office.
For Cats:
1) Consider taking your cat in a carrier;
2) If you don’t use a carrier, use a towel or blanket to wrap around your cats lower body to prevent scratches and for comfort.
All pets:
1) Have prior medical and or vet records and a list of medications;
2) Prepare a list of questions or concerns;
3) Keep a diary of your pets eating habits, drinking habits, health concerns, activity level and take that with you to the vet.
4) Ask your vet if they use e-mail or prefer clients call with questions.

Something else dog owners can do to acclimate their dog or puppy to the vet: pop in for just a quick visit or two prior to the actual appointment. Sit in the lobby or walk around a little. Reward your dog for good behavior. Letting him get used to the smells and sounds while just sitting in the lobby will go a long way to helping him get acclimated to this new place.

sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC provides pet taxi services if you are unable to take your dog to the veterinarian. Please visit www.sit-stay-play.com for more information or call 765-744-5688.

Thank you,
Kelley Stewart
CEO|Founder
sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC
“Your pet sitting, dog walking, poop scooping specialists!”

Goodbye Microsoft Office Live

Microsoft Officelive is pulling their FREE web site option (which I’ve used since 2008) and switching to Office 365.

So, our web site department, aka ME, is working hard to copy, paste, amend and delete content from our old site. This is a time consuming process and I give tons of props and pats-on-the-back to people who do this for a living. I’d rather be out playing with dogs or even scooping poop, but hey, even this dirty work has to get done!

Be sure to check out our site now http://www.sit-stay-play.com and on April 30 when the new one will go LIVE…until then take it easy and if you’re in east central Indiana, call us 765-744-5688 for all your pet sitting, dog walking or poop scooping needs.

Back to the design board,
Kelley Stewart
CEO|Founder
Sit-stay-play In-home pet sitting & more.LLC

Bank is Going to the Dogs

I delivered dog bones yesterday to my bank, First Merchants, and the tellers were so excited to see me.

We chatted for a few minutes about dogs and my business, then one teller told me that many customers look forward to the “yummy, homemade bones”. She said when she asks customers if they’d like one for their puppy passenger some ask specifically if they have the homemade bones. She also said she loves when she opens the jar up because the smell of peanut butter fills the air.

If you haven’t picked up a sample, stop in First Merchants on south Tillotson, downtown on east Jackson or on the east side of town on Country Club Road. Your dog will love them!

Want to buy a bag? Give us a call at 765-744-5688 and we’ll deliver here in Muncie.

Have a good day,
Kelley Stewart

Pet sitting extraordinaire serving Muncie and east central Indiana