Most dogs love to romp in the snow and enjoy the chilly winter weather even when their pet parents would rather stay in the warm house, but there are tips you can follow to make sure your pets stay safe through the winter.

1. Most importantly if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pet. While some dogs have a thick coat of fur, they still feel the cold. Less hairy dogs like Boxers and Beagles will feel the cold even more intensely. A waterproof coat or cuddly sweater helps keep them warmer but on very cold days time outside should still be limited.
2. Protecting your pet’s paws: In the winter your pet’s feet face the double hazard of cold, ice, and snow, and chemical burns from ice melting agents. For your own sidewalks and driveway, always use a certified pet safe ice melt. Standard salts and melters include ingredients that are either caustic (can cause chemical burns) or are poisonous if your pet licks his feet. Dog booties can prevent the winter weather and the salt from hurting your dog’s pads, but some dogs refuse to wear them. An alternative would be a product like Musher’s Secret, a waxy salve originally made for sled dogs that coats the pads and prevents damage. Petroleum jelly also works in a pinch. Make sure to wipe off your dog’s pads after he comes inside.
3. Grooming can affect your pet’s comfort and safety in the winter as well. It is better not to shave your pet’s coat in the winter since it serves a purpose protecting their skin and keeping them warmer. However it is very important that your pet’s coat is properly maintained and brushed regularly to avoid matting – thick tangles. Matting negates the protection the coat provides and can actually cause injury and irritation to the skin beneath. Playing in the snow can cause matting very quickly, so make sure he is brushed out after a romp.
4. Anti-freeze is a dangerous chemical, and it smells very delicious to pets. Watch for any suspicious leaks or puddles in the street and driveways and keep your pets away.

But with that said…

Enjoy the weather! While certain precautions are necessary in the winter, it is important that your dog gets plenty of exercise and fun to prevent him from getting bored, depressed, and possibly badly behaved. Bundle up and keep play session short, but have fun playing with your dog!

http://www.trainyourdogmonth.com/

January is Train your Dog Month, and at Dogs On The Farm we believe a well-trained dog makes a happy dog and a happy dog makes a happy family. Training gives dogs mental stimulation, confidence, and a closer connection to their owner, reducing negative behaviors and anxiety.

Whether group classes, private training, residency training, or at-home training is the best fit for you and your dog, it is important that dogs know and maintain at least their basic commands.

Training doesn’t have to be boring – make maintaining your dog’s skills fun with reinforcement games at home! The whole family can participate, so why not have the kids join in?

Training Games to Play at Home

Hide and Seek

Practices Sit, Stay, and Come

Have your dog sit and stay while you hide. Once hidden, call him with the “come” command. When he finds you, give him praise and petting, even a small treat. Good job!

Monkey in the Middle

Practices Come

Two people stand close to each other with a handful of small treats. The first person should call “come”, and reward the dog when he comes. Then the other person should call “come”, followed by reward. Then each person should take a step back and the first person should again call the dog. Alternate with growing distance in between as the dog goes back and forth until the dog is crisscrossing the room.

*Tip: Training treats can be very small! Pea-sized treats will keep your dog’s interest and reward him without adding to his waistline.

Check out our training classes this month:

Orientation for all Classes 1/12/16 7:30pm

To enroll please call or email (732)872-7543

dogsonthefarm@gmail.com

Basic Obedience Class (6 week class)

• Tuesday evenings, 7:30-8:30, starting January 19
• Wednesday afternoons,12:00-1:00, starting January 20

Teach your dog all the commands he or she needs to be the best dog that they can be! Advance through all levels to make your dog ready for CGC certification (Canine Good Citizenship)

Agility for Fun

• Wednesday evenings, 7:30-8:30, starting January 20

Fun is the name of the game! Fun for you and your dog alike. Test your dog’s agility skills and have a great time getting exercise with your dog!

Sniff n’ Seek

• Thursday evenings, 7:30-8:30, starting January 21

Teach your dog to help you find those lost keys of yours! Your dog will learn some great scent games and have a great time doing it in this enriching class!

Dogs On The Farm runs an annual pet food drive to benefit local families, and we want to offer you the opportunity to join us in raising pet food donations this holiday season.  All season a sleigh will be displayed outside in our parking lot with donation bins.  Accepted donations include: canned and dry dog food, canned and dry cat food, treats, and cat litter.

Our goal is to provide support for local families to keep their pets in their loving homes rather than surrendering them to shelter due to lack of money for pet supplies.  All donations will be delivered to Lunch Break food pantry in Red Bank.  Lunch Break is a wonderful local food pantry/kitchen that provides food for families in need.  Although they are best known for their human food pantry, pet food is also in high demand and is well-used and appreciated by the local community.

When finances are stretched, especially around the holidays, families can be forced to choose between feeding themselves or their pets. In this situation even greatly loved pets are often surrendered to shelters.  Although it is wonderful to provide donations to pet shelters and rescues, we want to help families before they have to make the choice to give up their pets.

Donations are accepted year-round at the Dogs On The Farm office, but there is a sense of urgency around the holidays when pets are historically at greatest risk of being surrendered.