Walking The Dog – Collars & Leashes

Posted on September 22, 2013 by RG Master

Let’s talk collars and leashes

Wondering about what type of collar or leash is right for your dog? Before diving into the various products available on the market, let’s first consider safety factors.
Safety for you, your dog, other people and other dogs.

It’s important to get the concept of walking your dog “in the pocket”. This means that he is walking side by side with you, by your left leg. He should not be in front of
you. He should be with you and under your control. Basic training will help you and him to master this, but having the wrong tools can lead to bad habits.

Here’s a little guide to give you some points to consider:

HARNESSES

The trouble with harnesses: If you are walking your dog with a harness, he will be walking out in front of you. When you are coming around the corner of a building or a tree, there may be a big dog on the other side that could attack your dog. You won’t have as much control to get your dog away from that situation. Or coming around a building there could be a skateboarder or a bicycler or someone with a cart. Because your dog is walking out in front of you, you won’t have time to act. Anybody could get injured. Remember – safety first.

Really, a dog should walk by you in what we call “the pocket”, right next to your left leg. That takes a bit of training but it’s very much worth mastering because of these safety factors you’ll have with your dog.

Who’s The Leader?

Also, by them “walking out in front of you” means he is leading you vs. walking with you, so you are not the “pack leader” of the two of you walking together. And that puts
a dog, especially little dogs, into an anxiety state because they then feel they have to be the “protector”. That can create an unstable dog, because they’re out there
trying to protect. With a big dog you don’t have control if there’s a confrontation. This could also lead to the a chance of getting bit by your own dog in the middle of
the confrontation, with him on a harness. Now that can lead to less control, or things getting way out of hand!

Harnesses Cause Mats

Harnesses on long-haired and curly-coated dogs will cause your pet’s hair to become matted, by rubbing the coat and skin back and forth. This creates nasty mats and tangles
that can lead to irritations, rashes, and a host of other problems.

ID COLLARS

Identification tag collars are not for walking dogs. They are for ID tags only. We have, many times, seen where the ID collar slips over the top of the dog’s head. And so, they are not safe. It’s all about safety with collars and leashes. An ID collar and a walking collar are not the same thing. They have different purposes. You should never walk your dog using an ID collar.
SLIP LEADS

A good slip lead is fairly safe, but the dog needs to know how to walk in the pocket so that he doesn’t choke himself the whole time he’s being walked. You should also make sure it doesn’t get too loose so that he can slip out of it. If you are going to walk your dog on a slip lead, you need to walk him with the right tension – not to tight and not too loose.
COMBINATION COLLARS

The Combo Collar, also known as a Martingale, is a loose-fitting collar that’s safe and also acts as an ID tag collar. This collar has two rings on it. One for the ID tag and one in the middle for attaching a leash. When your pet is relaxed, or “at ease”, the collar sits around his neck comfortably. When you go out for a walk and he tries to run in front of you, it will automatically cause the collar to tighten up so you have better control of him. This tightening action will also give him a gentle correction.
PRONGED COLLARS

These collars may look more painful than they really are. Pronged collars, also called “pinch collars” are more of a communication tool. You don’t have to use too much force with them. Of course it will hurt the dog if you give him a correction too harshly. You don’t need to give a harsh correction, just a little one. This collar is designed like a mamma dog communicating with her puppy, where she will use her teeth on the back of the puppy’s neck to reprimand the puppy. That’s what this collar reminds the dog of. So, it’s not that you are torturing the dog with the use of a pronged collar, you are simply using it as his Mama would have. A gentle nudge is all it takes. Of course, it can’t be abused. It also needs to be properly fit for that dog.
CHAIN COLLARS

A Chain Collar, sometimes called a choker (bad name), is another tool for correction. It fits loosely around the neck similarly to the Slip Lead. The chain must be looped through one of the end rings. Your leash is connected to other ring. When you are walking your dog in the pocket using a chain collar you can give him a light correction by “snapping” the chain, causing a little tension and a click. This sound is to cue the dog and lets him know not to step out of the pocket.
HEAD COLLARS

A Head Collar is similar to a halter that would be used on a horse. This is an excellent device. You need to make sure your dog gets trained to use this device. He needs to get used to it, so you put it on and leave it on him for 2 or 3 minutes and take it off. Then put it on again a little later. Gradually let him build up over a 3 or 4 day period, getting used to having it on his head. That is a very safe device to keep your dog under control. We’ve seen 90 lb women controlling 85 lb. pit bulls with it, for example. One client says she can control her big dog with her pinky with this type of collar. This is a very effective device, which gives you full control of your dog. Very effective. Very gentle.
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What is a Well Cared-For Dog?

Posted on September 1, 2013 by RG Master

Here’s a handy guide to assist you in keeping your dog in great shape for life. You can even put together a little checklist to follow based on this article.

Well-Maintained Body Weight

Underweight or overweight dogs are both “at risk”. A dog which is underweight for its breed and size. How can you tell if your dog is underweight? Feel for the ribs. Are they sticking out and protruding? Or, do they have a nice layer of meat on them? If your dog is overweight, when touching the ribs the blubbery flesh will jiggle back and forth. If neither of these are the case, then your dog is in good weight.

Obese dogs are challenged when it comes to being groomed, as standing for the grooming procedure is taxing to them.

Some of the things that can contribute to Under-weight and Over-weight are:

  • Diet
  • Exercise (or lack of)
  • Age
  • Abnormal thyroid function

Healthy Diet

When purchasing dog food, try to avoid grains such as corn, wheat & soy. These are fillers which are not necessarily part of a healthy diet, and often times cause allergic reactions. Also anything that says “bi-product” on the label. The key is to READ THE LABEL. Be sure to look out for things such as “animal fat” without mentioning what the animal actually is. The company can legally get away with switching out what the animal actually is. Different animals can cause different reactions in dogs. Each bag of food could be from a different food source batch, even though the bag is the same as the last bag you bought the ingredients may not be.

Try to feed raw food whenever possible.

Walking and Playing With Your Dog Regularly

One of the biggest thrills a dog has in his life, is being walked by his Owner. Dogs have a sense of pride when they can get out in the public next to their Pack-Leader (YOU). Hiring a Dog-Walker or Sitter is a good substitute if the Owner is not available, but the Owner is always preferred. Dogs like to be with their families and participate in family activities. And remember… Play Time is even better.

Socializing with People & Other Pets

A well-socialized dog is friendly and wants to communicate with others. Nobody wants a dog that is scared or timid. Socializing your pet is the best way to keep him friendly and confident.

Setting up play dates with neighbor dogs or family member dogs  is always a great way to socialize you dog in a controlled environment.  Your local Doggy Day Care center is also a good place to take your dog for social activities. Be sure to get your dog acquainted with all sorts of people in all sorts of different situations. With a puppy this can be done a for very short periods of time at first as to not overwhelm or frighten.  These steps are fun and can really encourage a dog to be happy and well balanced.

Basic Training

“Sit”, “Down”, “Stay”, “Come”/”Here” and  “Heel”/”Walk”.  Basic exercises are imperative when it comes to a dog being well balanced and confident. These basic manners teach a dog how to conduct his/herself. Dogs who know what to do in varied situations are more stable and less nervous individuals.  They are educated.

Groomed regularly per the breed requirements – see our blog for recommendations

Toenails Should be Short

Nails should be clipped so that they are not clicking or touching the floor. Click here for an article on Toenails and why it’s vital to keep them trimmed back.

Ears cleaned often enough to prevent buildup of residue. Bacteria and parasites in ears can lead to major health issues. Regular ear maintenance is vital for keeping a dogs healthy and happy.

Kept in clean environment

You should feel confident that your dog is be able to welcome your dog into your home.

Fresh Water Daily

Water should be changed daily. We prefer filtered water for our dogs and cats. No toilet water please!

Eyes Bright

There should be no mucous buildup or staining. Keeping ears clean helps with keeping eyes clear and bright. Bright eyes is a very apparent sign of good health and vitality.

Free of Parasites (external and internal)

Good food, clean environment, regular grooming, keeping food dishes clean, water fresh are very important for parasite control. Vermin and birds are notorious for spreading parasites among domesticated animals as well. Dogs that live in rural areas are at risk for parasite infestation due to the increased exposure to wild animals. Diatomaceous earth added to food will help prevent internal infestation. It can also be used as a natural external parasite preventative too.  

Tangle Free

Matting causes skin irritation and discomfort for dogs and cats. Bathing dogs with matting causes the mats to shrink up and tighten against the skin of the dog. Therefore it’s very important to brush and comb every tangle out prior to bath or swim time. Severe matting will cause dogs and cats to have to be shaved very close in order to get the matting  off. Skin may be irritated by this process as the skin is so tender and oxygen has not been getting to the skin to keep it healthy.

Teeth Should be Tartar-Free 

Keeping a dog’s teeth clean is paramount for good health. Tartar produces bad breath and leaches toxins into the digestive system. This can be represented by skin issues, eye staining as well as other more serious health issues like heart conditions. In today’s world it’s much easier to keep a dog’s teeth clean and tartar free. Small dogs in particular are predisposed to having profuse amounts of tartar caked on their teeth if not maintained. Genetic predisposition is a big factor in tartar building up on on teeth. Therefore two dogs that live in the same environment, eat the same foods and drink the same water can be very different when it comes to tartar build up. We have newly developed sprays and gels that, if used regularly, are very effective in keeping tartar at bay. Giving dogs RAW (never cooked) bones can help to keep teeth clean and shiny. Adding some RAW meat into your dog’s diet will also help break down tartar.

Anal Gland Expression

Dogs have scent glands like skunks. Small dogs and even some large dogs need assistance with keeping this gland “expressed”: removing the fluid within the glands. This is typically done by Groomers or in more extreme cases that requires internal application, a veterinarian. Dogs will build up a foul smelling odor when their glands are not expressed. Neglected glands can also lead to the glands becoming impacted, causing pain and discomfort to your pet.

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Staff Bar B Q

Posted on August 12, 2013 by RG Master


click images to enlarge


click images to enlarge

We had our first annual Staff Bar B Q, catered by Lucille’s. Great food… good fun. Julie & Bruce gave us all a few dance lessons, we had our bonfire, complete with marshmallows. Fine music! Fine times! Pool-side summer fun!

Thanks to everyone for letting us take the day off!

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Testimonials

Posted on July 28, 2013 by RG Master

I was very impressed with our first grooming experience. My dog was beautifully groomed and came home very relaxed. The price was reasonable for the quality of work. We will definitely be return customers.

– Deborah Haught

My dog never looked better after his grooming here.

– Kathy Scileppi

I have taken my 8 month old shih tzu “Bella” to a couple of places, and noone ever made her look so beautiful like you guys did. The haircut, around the face especially, she looks amazing. Thank you for your quality of work.

– Maria Barillas

Just wanted to thank you for giving your time, craft, and knowledge to us yesterday.

It is truly a wonderful thing you did!!!

Twelve Camacho
Event Coordinator
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center

“I have been a loyal customer from the very beginning and am ALWAYS so pleased with the kindness and quality of services provided both with grooming as well as boarding care!
“Our beloved Lola passed away a few months ago. Jacki, Don and the staff took such good care of her and were so supportive and kind when she passed.
“I am so excited to have a new puppy, and couldn’t wait to bring her in for her first grooming yesterday! Of course it was a wonderful experience, everyone was so friendly and accommodating , and Molly was happy and groomed to perfection when I picked her up!!
“Molly will be back often!!
“We love Riverside Grooming!!”
– Leslie Ryerson

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Brushing & Combing Your Pet

Posted on July 27, 2013 by RG Master

Being Fluffy Isn’t Easy

It is very important that a dog is kept tangle-free so as to not create a matted coat. If a dog is bathed or is allowed to get wet with tangles present, it’s like washing a wool sweater. Tangles will shrink and tighten causing discomfort to your dog as the coat pulls the skin and creates a barrier that can possibly cause skin irritation. If a dog is too severely matted to brush out, shaving the coat off to a short length is the only humane alternative.

Here are some tips on how you can keep your pet properly brushed and combed so these unpleasant situations don’t arise. Riverside Grooming staff is always happy to advise on proper equipment and products that will make brushing and combing your dog efficient and pain-free. We can also do a once-a-week “brush and fluff only” grooming if one wants to keep a dog in immaculate condition, with frequent visits to our salon. Remember: “Being fluffy isn’t easy!”

Equipment needed:

  • Table with a no-skid top. A bath mat is nice for this because it’s soft for comfort and won’t slip around on the table.
  • Grooming Arm to secure your Dog on the Table. Alternately, you can push your table up to a wall and using something to attach the noose to.
  • Grooming Noose or Leash
  • Metal Comb – Coarse to medium
  • Universal Style Slicker Brush (Curved back)
  • Conditioning Spray. We offer a variety of these products at our salon.

Begin by setting your dog on the table. Make sure your pet is secured to the table with a leash attached to the grooming arm. On puppies we use a slip lead looped under one front leg so if the puppy jumps from the table he/she is not damaged by hanging from the neck.

NOTE: Never leave a puppy or an adult dog unattended on the table.

Dogs are properly brushed by using the “Line Brushing Method”. This means one brushes one “line” of coat at a time. “Line” meaning one small section at a time.

  1. Start at the ankle, hold the coat on the ankle up away from the foot.
  2. Spray a bit of conditioning spray so that you don’t damage coat while brushing.
  3. Start brushing using the complete surface of your brush while releasing a layer of coat at a time, say about 1/2″ of coat. Using the complete surface of your brush will cause you to use a rocking motion as the brush surface is curved. This helps to get into the coat and pull out any dead coat that may be present. Do this all around that section of the ankle up to the first joint.
  4. Once you have brushed through that section of coat, do the same action using a metal comb. Always start with the side of the comb where the teeth are placed the farthest apart. Turn the comb around and repeat the action with the finer toothed side of the comb. Work your way up to the top of the leg on all four legs. Do the same with the tail starting at the tip.
  5. Once legs and tail are brushed and combed, start brushing the rear of the dog, starting at the base of the tail. Using your free hand, push the coat and skin forward with your fingers grabbing a bit of the coat on the teeth of your brush, one section at a time using the same method of brushing as you did on the legs. It works best if you are stretching the skin to create a flat surface so that your brush can grab the coat all the way down to the skin. For long coat such as ears and tail, start brushing at the tips of the hair and work your way in gradually toward the skin. Repeat with a comb, as described earlier.
  6. Do the same around the shoulders and chest area, up to the top of the head, cheek and chin area. Be very thorough and don’t forget to comb each section after brushing. Your comb should glide through with teeth touching the skin all over your dog before a brush/comb session can be considered complete.
    IMPORTANT! If you run into an area of heavy matting on areas of thin, delicate tissue one must not force the brush or comb through as this can be very painful and can even damage skin surface creating irritation that could require veterinary care. Areas to be extra careful with are: under-arms, ribs, in between rear legs and sides of face. Talk to your dog in a calm and encouraging manner during the brushing session. Go slowly and take your time, dogs don’t like to be rushed. Brushing can be stressful for dogs, especially if not familiar with the process.
  7. Always reward your dog after a grooming session. He/she has worked along with you in order to achieve that gorgeous style!
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Max – Before, During & After

Posted on July 20, 2013 by RG Master

Max pays a visit to Riverside Pet Grooming – here are the pics…

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