Her and Her Dogs

plus the cat

DIY SNUFFLE MATS FOR DOGS

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IN 6.5 EASY STEPS

It’s hard to believe it’s the middle of April, and we’re still getting snow in Ontario! I guess we’ve had plenty of strange things going on lately. Not just in Ontario. My pack lives in the country, so we are already self-isolated. For those of you unable to easily walk your companion in built-up areas, or experiencing unpleasant weather, a snuffle mat will provide mental stimulation for your companion.

Brain Game

THE BENEFIT OF ALLOWING DOGS TO SNIFF

Sniffing is a natural practice for dogs. It’s an easy, mentally stimulating exercise that will help tire your companions, so they settle nicely. Of course, mental training is better when paired with physical movement. Some form of activity (mental or physical) is better than none.

HOW TO CREATE YOUR MAT:

heavy-weight mat

CHOOSE YOUR MAT

I purchased a heavyweight, non-sliding, anti-fatigue draining mat from TSC. This mat will stand up to pawing and pulling. Another option is a sink draining mat.

CUT TO SIZE

I am making these mats to sell in support of rescue efforts and have cut my mat into a variety of sizes. If the mat you selected is too large for your dog(s), you can always cut some away, or divide in half and donate to a rescue organization as an auction item, or gift to a pet-parent friend.

I made sizes small to extra-large and chose an extra-large mat for my ‘multi-dog’ crew.
I do not recommend these mats for multi-dog households where food-aggression is an issue.

CHOOSE YOUR FLEECE

The better the quality, the more durable and long-lasting your mat will be. Keep in mind; we’re making these mats for talented sniffer hounds that will put them through vigorous testing.

You can opt to use a single colour or pattern, or several bright and bold colours. I chose to mix coordinating fabrics for this collection of mats.

Variety of fleece fabric

BE SURE TO PRE WASH YOUR FLEECE BEFORE CUTTING AND TYING 

(this is the .5 step but extremely important)

Fleece is covered in tiny particles of fibres. These could be dangerous if inhaled or ingested. Prewashing the fleece removes these loose particles.

CUT YOUR FLEECE

Using scissors, or a rotary cutter and self-healing mat, cut the fleece approximately 6 inches x 1.5 inches (These don’t have to be exact; a little variety will give your mat more character and create different heights in which to hide the treasure treats)

TIE THE PIECES ON YOUR MAT

Have fun with this step. Create a pattern or tie pieces randomly. One tie (single knot) is enough to hold pieces firmly in place. You can flip the mat over to check for any gaps where you might have missed a tie.

Two-way tie vs. Three-way tie

Three-way tied mats require more fabric (more costly) and are more time-consuming. Simply add a tie on the angle (see second image below). The result is a fuller mat with less open gaps through the rug to the floor and more hiding places to hold treats.

It takes me approximately 3.5 hours to make an extra-large, three-way tied mat.  

Approximately four shows on Netflix

LOAD WITH TREATS AND ENJOY

I use small, non-crumbly training treats for my guys. If you feed your dog kibble, you could also use the mat as an alternative to their bowl. Switch things up a bit and make them work for it (I say work, but for dogs, it’s not a bad thing).

NB: Pet-parents should closely monitor playtime.

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See you soon,

 

 

 

 

MISTAKES CAN BE AVOIDED

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DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!

I was recently contacted by Brittany, of Pet Wellness Advisor and asked to share my thoughts about: What is the biggest mistake dog owners make while caring for their pet, and how can they fix the issue?

Not doing research, in my opinion, is the biggest mistake dog owners make. This may seem like a blanket response; however, I believe that research is the foundation of responsible pet-parenting and can help prevent mistakes and prepare us for the tremendous responsibility we are about to take on. That of a living, dependant being. Regardless of species.

I admit that, as a first-time dog owner, I am guilty of not spending ENOUGH time doing my research before I rescued Henry. Thus, I made SEVERAL mistakes. Remorseful dog mom face.

It’s not that I didn’t do ANY research, I just didn’t realize how much there is to know!

  • traits and requirements of different breeds
  • breeder or rescue
  • diet, nutrition, and supplements
  • exercise
  • training
  • puppy teeth
  • puppy behavior
  • toys (not all created equally – safe)
  • restricted food items
  • other hidden, unexpected dangers
  • what to do in case a mischievous dog gets into something they shouldn’t
  • what to do if they escape
  • seasonal safety
  • travel safety
  • grooming (do you know not to clip a double-coated dog?)
  • vet checks & vaccinations (research – how often is really necessary and what products)
  • senior companion concerns

The list goes on.  And on.

Many of the above-mentioned points come with sub-points such as, how to choose a reputable breeder or rescue, vet, groomer, dog walker or pet sitter, and what and how to train your dog.

Research should be ongoing. 

For example, I am continuously comparing nutrition content and supplements. I’ve learned (through research) that dogs, like people, can become intolerant of food items. We switch it up now and then.  As dogs age, so do their needs. Having two senior dogs, one with a compromised immune system, I need to know what options are available to us.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice from your vet or a qualified, reputable trainer, and don’t rely on the first thing you read, or are told

Our vet, Dr. Mudde is amazing.  He is happy to review and discuss my findings, answer ALL my questions and because he knows it is important for me to learn, he educates me on things he knows I will find interesting and possibly beneficial not just to my pack but for those with whom I share the information. Don’t be afraid to discuss concerns and inquire about options.

I don’t mean to overwhelm you, and it is without judgment that I share my response. I am grateful there are so many pet-people, providing happy homes for animal companions. We’re in this together. We guide and support each other and share useful information. We learn different ways to connect with, and have more fun with our companions.  We do our research because we love them and want to protect them.

Know better, do better!

I am humbled to be asked my opinion and appreciate the opportunity to share this feedback.  Thank you, Brittany and PWA team for speaking with myself and other ‘practiced’ pet parents to compile a list and for making this information available to those who are doing their research.

 

 

 

What are some things you’ve needed to research for your companion(s)? Please comment below.

 

of strong mind & body

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yoga101

There is a reason I started the resolution posts with exercise; for me, fitness comes first.  If I’m exercising I am more aware of what I eat and make better choices.  I enjoy balanced, nutritious meals.  That said, it is not always easy to convince myself to lace up my trainers.  The first step is the hardest.

Yoga is a practice that combines physical and mental strength.

Have you ever noticed how yoga comes naturally to animals?  Cat pose, downward dog and cat-terunga as well as their variations.  Henry’s favourite is a seated pose.  He’ll turn and stretch his little black nose toward the ceiling while pushing his front feet into the floor.  It seems as if he will split himself in two!  Henry even has the costal breathing perfected during this stretch – at great volume.

For anyone who has ever practiced yoga, it is an incredibly powerful form of exercise for the body and the mind.  I feel strong, stretched, and wrung-out.  I also feel relaxed and invigorated at the same time!  My mind initially cluttered, becomes clear, I am able to focus on my breathing and my mental state is more positive.  It’s as if I have gained a dog’s perspective on life – they don’t have to practice!

This perspective – for humans, is based on the philosophy of yoga.  Adopting this philosophy as well as meditation and the physical practice; yoga poses and breathing exercises, will, in my opinion, inspire the greatest transformations within us.

The Yamas and Niyamas – ethical goals to strive for

  1. Nonviolence, Non-violence, non-harming other living beings
  2. Truthfulness
  3. Not stealing
  4. Forgiveness
  5. Celibacy
  6. Fortitude
  7. Compassion
  8. Non-hypocrisy, sincerity
  9. Measured diet
  10. Purity, cleanliness

The following list of Niyamas are a combination of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the order of The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (as selected by me):

  1. Purity, clearness of mind, speech and body
  2. Contentment, acceptance of others and of one’s circumstances as they are, optimism for self
  3. Persistence, perseverance in one’s purpose, austerity
  4. Generosity, charity, sharing with others
  5. Remorse and acceptance of one’s past, modesty, humilitystudy of self, self-reflection, introspection of self’s thoughts, speeches and actions

namaste

 

 


 

 

 

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamas

 

 

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