Heel

Above is an instructional video on how to teach your dog a proper "Heel."  Below I have included more information on how to teach this.  Remember that Heel means the dog is in a specific position.  Heel is not something that should be used constantly on your every day walks.  Your dog needs the opportunity to explore their surroundings.  For every day walking, use "Loose Leash Walking."

Heel:

The Heel position is about the dog staying close to the handler and paying close attention.  We will start with the Basic Heel position, the Stationary Heel.

To do this, we will food lure the dog into the Heel position at our left side.  Use your left hand to food lure the dog into the position.  If you need, take a step back with your left leg to encourage the dog to move.  Once the dog is in the Heel position, practice a Sit and Look. 

Moving Heel:  

1. Food lure the dog several times while backing up.
2. Food lure the dog, now turn your body so the dog is now on the left side in Heel position (use the treat in your left hand).

Always begin and end every Heel exercise with a Sit in the Heel position.

When you stop moving forward, move your baited hand UP slightly to initiate the Sit position.

As you are moving forward, the treat should be held up slightly from the dog so she is looking for it.  Gradually progress to moving your hand all the way up to the Look position.  

Loose Leash Walking:

Loose leash walking (LLW) means that a dog walks nicely, not pulling on the leash, and not completely all over the place.  LLW is not the same thing as Heel.  To teach a proper Heel, you must first teach LLW.

Consistency is very important when teaching LLW.  Doing this technique is actually very easy, but does require a LOT of patience.  Remember to stay calm.  If you are calm and consistent, your dog will be walking nicely on a leash in about a week.

To begin, go out for a walk with your regular 4-6 foot leash and buckle collar properly fitted to your dog’s neck (so they can’t slip out).  As soon as there is tension on the leash, you have two options:

When the dog pulls:  1)  Stop and wait for the DOG to move in a way that releases the tension.  When s/he does, continue walking.

2)  Say “Let’s Go!” and walk off in the opposite direction.

Related Blog articles:

Trainer Tip Video:  How to Walk on a Leash

Trainer Tip Video:  How to walk a scared or timid dog

Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog off leash

Teaching Stay, Step One

Come when Called

4th of July Trainer Tips

Trainer Tips:
Keeping your dog safe on the 4th of July.

The Fourth of July is today and with it comes some terrifying sounds for your dog.  This  Trainer Tip is focused on keeping your dog safe during the holiday and helping ease his anxiety and/or fear of the sights and sounds.


Have ID on your pet:
This is the number one most important thing!  More pets run away on July 4th than any other day of the year.  Be sure that your pet has proper identification tags with updated contact information.  On the 4th, be sure to keep your pet on a leash and keep a close eye on him when out and about.  

Preparation:
The best thing to do for a dog that gets nervous, anxious, or fearful during fireworks is to properly prepare BEFORE the day arrives.

Desensitize your dog to firework sounds:
One of the best things you can do is to prepare your dog before the 4th by desensitizing him to the sounds and sights of fireworks.  There are several places online that have video and audio downloads.  
Dogs & Fireworks has a free download and step by step guide.

To desensitize your dog to the sounds of fireworks, download one of the many free samples online.  Start by playing it near your dog at low volume while doing normal every-day activities and/or during feeding time.  If your dog seems comfortable, slowly turn up the volume while continuing to do activities.  Be sure NOT to stare at your dog when you play the video/audio clip.
Engage your dog in activities he enjoys while playing the clip in the background.  This can include short training sessions for treat rewards, or maybe a game of fetch.  Be sure your dog appears comfortable and seems to be enjoying himself.  Use high value rewards:  whatever your dog likes best.
If your dog is still feeling comfortable, continue turning up the volume to the max.  Remember to use very high rewards for calm and good behaviors.

Try Lavender Oil:
Lavender is a naturally calming scent for both humans and dogs.  I have recommended lavender in the past for dogs with arthritis.  To use lavender for your dog, take some time to give your dog a massage and give some good petting.  Put just a little dab of lavender oil on your hands before massaging your dog and/or petting him in his favorite spots.  Use nice, calm, slow strokes.  Slowly massaging the outsides of the spine from the neck down is another proven approach.  Be sure not to use a lot of lavender.  A little dab will do just fine.  You do not need a lot to get the smell, and we do not want to have dogs licking excessive amounts of oil off themselves.  The point of this exercise is to associate the smell of lavender with a nice calm, relaxed state of mind.  You should do this for a few days (or more) prior to the fireworks on July 4th.  Your dog will build an association to the smell of lavender and being relaxed and calm.  Before the fireworks begin, put your dog in his "safe place" with the scent of lavender.

Have a "Safe Place" for your dog:

For many dogs the thing that makes them feel best and most safe is to be able to get as far away from the sights and sounds as possible.  Have a spot ready that your dog will enjoy and be comfortable in.  Make it somewhere far away from outside walls and windows.  This will make it easier for him to relax.  The best thing would be a kennel or crate.  Dogs generally enjoy den-like enclosures, and having your kennel or crate set up before the 4th will help them have a nice spot to go.  It is also helpful to place sheets or towels over wire crates to help block sound and lights.  Be sure to take the temperature into consideration.  It is summer and things get hot quickly.  Do not make your "safe place" uncomfortable for your dog by making it too hot.  You are most looking for a den-like area for your dog to feel safe.  If possible feed and/ or treat your dog in this area prior to the 4th.  Make sure the area is lined with a bed or comfy blankets for your pup as well.
Also remember to try and give your dog something he enjoys to help occupy him such as a chew bone or Kong filled with some yummy treats or peanut butter.

Sedation:
This is not something I would generally recommend.  Sedating a dog during fireworks may not have the effect the owner wants.  Sedation may actually make a dog more anxious or nervous.  If this is an option you are considering, please talk to your vet.

Communication & Energy:
If you will be around your dog during the fireworks, the best thing you can do for them is to remember to remain calm and feel like the fireworks are no big deal.  Dogs react to energy.  If your energy is telling your dog that you are calm and not at all worried about the sights and sounds, your dog will feel that it is okay for him to relax as well.

Remember Body Language:
Energy is important, but always remember you also communicate with your dog through body language.  There are three things on your body that are rewarding to dogs.  Touch, talk, and eye contact.  This means that any time you touch a dog, talk to a dog, or look at a dog, you are basically rewarding whatever behavior they are doing.  This is important because we do not want to unintentionally reward bad behavior.  
That means during July 4th fireworks, if your dog appears fearful, anxious, or nervous, do not do any of these 3 things.  Do NOT pet your dog and tell them its okay.  By doing this, you are basically telling your dog to continue being scared.  Obviously this is not what we want.  Instead encourage or lead your dog to their "safe place."  Remain calm.  Ignore any nervous or fearful behavior and only reward calm, relaxed behavior.

Exercise your Dog before Dusk:

A fantastic way to help your dog is to thoroughly exercise him before the fireworks begin.  Be sure to get your evening walk in before it starts to get dark.  The less energy your dog has, the less energy he has to put towards being fearful.  A tired dog will be more comfortable and will be able to more easily ignore the sounds and sights of the night.

Other Helpful Tools:
There are many other helpful tools on the market that you may want to try.  These include soothing dog sounds, and shirts/ vests that are supposed to help keep a dog more calm.
Soothing Dog Sounds:
There are many places online where you can download free or cheap music sounds that have been proven to help calm dogs.  Many people use these sounds or even leave on the radio when their dogs are left home alone.  These soothing dog sounds might be useful to help drown out the scary sounds coming from the fireworks.  Try some free samples here.
Thunder Shirt:
The primary use for this product is for dogs who get nervous during storms, but it may also be helpful for July 4th.  The Thunder Shirt applies gentle, constant pressure to the dog.  It is similar to swaddling an infant.  It is supposed to help sooth the dog and make him feel more safe.  
Calming Cap:
The Calming Cap is a tool used to help block out possible sights that may make a dog nervous or fearful.
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP):
DAP is a synthetic chemical based on a hormone produced by lactating female dogs that helps keep her puppies calm.  It may help relax your dog during fireworks.  


More Helpful Articles:
Victoria Stilwell July 4th Tips
Nine Calming Aids for Fearful Dogs
Keeping Dogs Calm on the 4th of July


Below is an introduction to the infographic from Kevin O'Donnell...

Keeping your dog comfortable during fireworks this July 4th

Dogs experience fireworks much differently than humans. Their enhanced senses can be causes of stress, anxiety and panic. In fact, more dogs run away on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

Luckily we are here to help! By taking a few precautions you can keep your dog safe and relaxed. Check out the infographic below for tips on keeping your dog comfortable during fireworks this 4th of July.

Summer Dog Snack: Watermelon

Today's Trainer Tip:

Enjoy a summer snack with your dog with watermelon.

Healthy foods that are GOOD to give to your dog:

Apple

Banana

Berries- blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry

Broccoli  *small amounts

Carrot

Cashews  *small amounts

Coconut

Corn

Cucumber

Eggs  *cooked

Green beans

Melons- watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew

Oatmeal

Peanuts/ Peanut Butter  *without xylitol

Quinoa

Sweet Potato

Yogurt

Foods you should NOT give your dog:

Alcohol

Almonds

Avocado

Candy/ Gum

Chocolate

Coffee/ Caffeine

Cinnamon

Dairy Products

Citrus

Garlic

Grapes

Ice cream

Macadamia nuts

Mushrooms

Onions

Raisins

Salt

Sugar

Yeast Dough

Other Helpful Articles:

Trainer Tip:  Human Food for your Dog

Trainer Tip:  Picking a good dog food
Saving Money on Dog Food

Trainer Tip:  Begging

Trainer Tip Video: Monthly dog meds

Today's Trainer Tip:
Your reminder for monthly dog meds.

Each and every month you should be giving your dog medication for flea and tick prevention and for heart worm prevention.  Currently we are using Interceptor Plus for our dog's heart worm and other internal parasite prevention.  This should be given every month.  Devo gets a pill for his flea and tick prevention called Bravecto.  For some dogs this kind of pill can be difficult on their stomach so it is recommended to take with food.  This pill provides protection for 3 months.  Caravaggio does not do well with this pill because it upsets his stomach, so he gets the topical flea and tick prevention instead.  The topical we are currently using is called Activyl.  It is easy to apply.  You simply pop the package open and apply the liquid in between the dog's shoulder blades behind the neck.  Once this is applied, be sure to avoid touching that area on the dog until the liquid is dry.  It is also important to not bath or take the dog swimming for at least 2 days before and after applying this medicine.
These are examples of the meds available for your dog.  Your vet may recommend a different type depending on your dog's needs.  Please talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.


Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tips:  Monthly Reminders
Trainer Tips:  Dog Care Essentials
Myth vs. Fact on Spay & Neuter
Trainer Tips:  Why Spay/ Neuter you pet
Trainer Tips:  Picking a pet food

Video Adventure: Hiking the L in Lahaina

Join us on our adventure hike to the giant L in Lahaina.



Related Blog Articles:
Trainer Tip Video:  How to walk your dog on a leash.
Trainer Tip Video:  Having your dog off leash.
Trainer Tips:  What does your dog really want to do?
Trainer Tips:  Dog Backpacks
Trainer Tips:  Grass eating dogs

Trainer Tips for the Holidays

As we get closer to the holidays, more and more people will be entertaining friends and family in their homes.  With guests can sometimes come unforeseen problems with your pets.  This month's Trainer Tips is intended to help you with some hints to survive the holidays.

Follow the Rules:
Just because its the holidays doesn't mean you should let your dog get away with bad behaviors.  All your normal rules and boundaries you have for your dog (which you should have), should still be enforced.  There may also be holiday rules added, such as:  pets are not allowed to go within a certain distance of the decoration and present areas.  Also alert your guests on how to deal with your pets.  It is always best for someone coming into your home to follow the Basic Rule: No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact.  Instruct your guest to completely ignore your dog until you say otherwise.  Guests should not look at the dog, talk to the dog, or touch the dog.  Once your dog calms down and is offering good behavior, you may let your guests say hello, if they wish.  If your dog is one who likes to jump on guests, remind your guests to turn their back and ignore the dog.  It is your job as the owner to gain control.  Plan ahead, add a leash before your guests arrive for easier control.  Stepping on the leash away from the doorway and allowing your guests to enter without being licked and jumped on is always appreciated.

Schedule & Exercise
Dog's thrive on a regular schedule, even if it varies slightly from day to day.  Over the holidays, many of us take time off work and have people over to the house.  This can sometimes cause us to forget the regular schedule our pet requires.  So even though we may have a week or two of planned relaxation, don't forget to keep your pet on their schedule.  This includes feedings, walks, play and affection times, and even rest times.  Don't let the hectic holiday rush affect your dog's happiness.




Also don't forget to make sure your dog has plenty of water.  All the holiday commotion can add stress to your dog's day, and therefore increase his/her thirst.  Be sure to keep your pup hydrated.





BEFORE your guests arrive (or before you leave to go visiting), make sure you have spent some time with your pup.  Don't forget to exercise your pup as much as possible.  Remember the old saying…"A tired dog is a good dog."  It is very true.  If you can wear out your pup a little extra before guests arrive, you will have a much easier time controlling your dog, and your dog will be much less stressed.



Dog Toys & Bones

Make sure your dog has plenty of his own things to keep him entertained.  This includes various toys and chew items that will help occupy him when you want to enjoy your guests.  If your dog has something he enjoys, he will leave you alone, and more importantly, leave your guests alone.  Try Kong toys stuffed with yummy treats and peanut butter, or a good old-fashioned bone.



DECORATIONS

Pets tend to find new things in the house very interesting.  Adding holiday decorations to your home can be fun, but remember to keep your pets in mind.  If your dog (or cat) cannot be trusted around items such as tinsel, ribbons, bows, plants, and other holiday items, be sure to secure your pet in a separate area when they cannot be supervised.






Every year pets play with and swallow many different types of holiday items.  Many of these items can cause serious problems.  The last thing we all want or need over the holidays is a very expensive trip to the emergency vet.  Keep your pets safe by planning ahead.





Holiday Food
We all enjoy the large amounts of amazing food over the holidays…so does your dog.  Remember that just because dogs will eat dry dog food, doesn't mean they don't like, and want, what you're eating.  Be sure to keep your pets out of the kitchen when preparing and eating food.  Your pets should always wait to get their meal until AFTER the humans have eaten.  This is also helpful because you can then add left-overs to your dog's meal.  I actually use this to help save money.  Sometimes there are just too many left-overs or you have eaten the same thing for too many days.  What then?  Add it to your dog's regular meal.  Notice I didn't say just give it to your dog, especially not from the table.  This will encourage begging, definitely NOT something we want around the holidays (or any time really).  Generally speaking, you can add almost anything to your dog's food.  Obviously if your dog cannot have certain foods, do not give those items.  If you are unsure if something is safe for your dog to have, it is best to not give it to them. Also be aware of the toxins for dogs.

Common Food Items that are Toxic for Dogs:

Alcohol
Avocado
Chocolate
Coffee/ Caffeine

Garlic

Onions
Macadamia Nuts
Milk & Dairy
Walnuts
Most nuts in general

Grapes & Raisins
many fruit seeds and some skins
raw meat or eggs
Yeast dough

For a complete list of items toxic to pets, visit the Pet Poison Helpline.

This is not a complete list, but covers the basics.  If your left-overs contain these items, I would not recommend giving them to your dog.  Meats, rice, potatoes, and vegetables (without sauce or garlic) are all good things to throw in.  Be sure to mix it in with your dog's regular dry kibble.  If you are unsure if a particular food is unsafe, do not give it to your dog.  Always error on the side of caution when it comes to your pet's safety.

Have a fun and safe holiday season.

Trainer Tips--Save money on dog clean-up bags.

So when I got Nekita as a puppy, I quickly realized that I always needed another poop bag.  I used the poop bag dispensers that attaches to the leash for a long time.  These are great, but can get expensive after awhile.  Since I was in need of saving money (as we all usually are), I decided to start re-using plastic shopping bags.  At first I would just shove them in my pocket, which works alright in winter when I have a hundred pockets for things, but not so well in the summer.  Having mountains of random plastic bags in all my pockets started getting irritating and I realized what must be done.

This was something my mom actually taught me when I was little and we got our first dog when I was 12.  Here is step by step instructions on how to roll re-used plastic bags so they fit nicely into your pocket and are less of a hassle.

Grab the bag by the bottom.

Shake the bag out.

Fold the bag in half (lengthwise).

Fold in half again.

Wrap the bottom of the bag around one finger.

Twirl the bag around your finger keeping it tight.

When you reach the top of the bag, find the handles and open them.

Twist the handles around and over the rolled bag.

Twist handles around again.

Pull the bag off your finger.

Ta-da!

Note for Hawaii residents:  Since stores in Hawaii do not usually have plastic bags at the check-out, instead make sure to save the plastic bags provided for all your veggies and meat products and use those bags for poop clean up.

Redirection--Bad Dog Behaviors turned Good

Many times when a dog misbehaves, people focus on the bad behavior.  Often times when I am called in to help a dog with bad behaviors, people love to tell me the numerous stories about the dog's repeated bad behavior.  This example, that example, oh this one time...  Although some of this information is helpful in deciding on a training program, every single owner focuses only on what the dog is doing wrong.  Instead of focusing on the bad behavior, I like to ask them, "What would you like the dog to do instead?"  

That is the question you should always be asking yourself when your dog presents an unwanted behavior:  
"What is it I would like the dog to do instead of this current bad behavior?"

This is called redirection.

When a dog misbehaves, it is best to apply what we call a No Reward Marker, meaning to the dog..."I do not like what you are doing right now."  

No Reward Marker:

This is what we do when the dog does not do what we are looking for.  Try using an “Uh-oh” (for mistakes during regular training sessions) or “Eh-eh” (for behavioral issues such as barking or chewing).  This will let the dog know that the behavior just performed is not what we wanted.  

For example, for a barking dog, I recommended doing a loud clap and an "Eh-eh" to snap the dog out of the behavior.  Then immediately redirect the dog to a behavior your would like them to do instead.  For example:  go lay on your bed, chew this bone or toy, etc.  You may need to begin by using a food lure to get your dog's attention on you and not the thing that is making the dog bark.

Another Example:  If your dog is chewing on something inappropriate such as furniture (like the dog in the first picture), first mark the behavior with your "Eh-Eh," then redirect them to chew on something appropriate, like a toy, bone, or Kong filled with yummy treats.

Food Lure:

This is something we use to teach many new behaviors and commands.  A food lure involves getting the dog to follow your baited hand into a desired position.  It is basically "attaching" your dog's nose to the food and encouraging them to follow it.

Although it is important to mark bad behavior, it is more important to mark the good behaviors.  We must teach our dog what behaviors are considered good and/or acceptable by us (you and your family).  To mark good behaviors, use a Marker Word.

Marker Word:

Use your chosen marker word:  “Good” or “Yes” (or the Clicker).

This is the word (or sound) that says to a dog, “Yes! That is exactly what I wanted you to do!” and is then followed with a reward.  Rewards do not necessarily have to be food.  Rewards are different for each dog but can include:  toys, bones, petting, praise, and even your calm energy.  

Henry being told "Good!" for doing what he was asked.

When you have successfully redirected your dog's bad behavior to a good behavior, be sure to mark that behavior as "GOOD!"  This is so important.  The more we mark good behavior, the more your dog will want to engage in good behaviors.  Dogs enjoy pleasing their owners, we just have to learn to communicate with them in a way they can understand.  You can achieve this goal by marking your dog's behaviors in appropriate ways.

Trainer Tips--The Shade Dog Walk

Hazel & Lucky demonstrating our stop in the shade in hot Lahaina.

Although summer may be coming to a close in many places, not all of us cool off as quickly.  With record summer temperatures all around the world, I want to discuss a quick tip for walking your dog in the heat and sun.

I have a regular dog walking client that lives in Lahaina (pictured above).  For those of you who are not familiar, Lahaina is one of the hottest places in Maui.  It's name means, "land of the merciless sun."  It is usually very hot in Lahaina, any time of the year, and it does not rain often.  Regularly walking in such a hot environment has reminded me of a few things over the last few months.

This is what I call...

The Shade Walk:

Basically this is a very simple way to help you and your dog stay cool when walking in hot temperatures.  It is best to walk your dog during times of the day when it is cooler, however that is not always possible.

The way this works is simple.  Whenever I am walking in the heat and/or sun with the dog(s), we are quickly moving.  There is no stopping to potty or sniff in direct sun.  Once we reach a shady area, we either slow our pace or stop in the shady area to potty and/ or sniff.  I basically power walk from shade area to shade area, then pause or greatly slow down once the shade is reached.


Another quick tip:  Try using an umbrella.
Living on a sub-tropical island I actually use my umbrellas for shade more than for rain.  Although this technique is not especially helpful for you dog, it can help the human immensely.  I am a very fair-skinned person and I do not enjoy lathering myself with sunblock only to sweat it all off.  Using an umbrella is a quick, simple solution to that problem, plus it helps keep you cool.

Trainer Tips--Lavender Oil & Dogs

Lavender Oil for your Dog:

Lavender is a naturally calming scent for both humans and dogs.  To use lavender for your dog, take some time to give your dog a massage and some good petting.  Put just a little dab of lavender oil on your hands.  Before massaging your dog and/or petting him in his favorite spots, allow him/her to smell the oil you have applied to your hand.  If the dog remains calm, proceed to using nice, calming, slow strokes.  Slowly massaging the outsides of the spine from the neck down is a proven approach.  Do this several times to really associate the smell of lavender to a relaxed state of mind for your dog.

The point of this exercise is to associate the smell of lavender with a nice calm, relaxed state of mind.

Be sure that you are purchasing oils free from contaminants.  Be sure to only use therapeutic-grade Lavender Oil from a reputable company and verify the quality of the oil before use.  (For Maui, I recommend purchasing your Lavender Oil from Down to Earth in Kahului.)

Do not use a lot of Lavender oil.  A tiny dab will do just fine.  You do not need a lot to get the smell, and we do not want to have dogs licking excessive amounts of oil off themselves.  Be sure to buy diluted oil or dilute it yourself.  Use oil on your dog in moderation and with caution.  Be sure to avoid the eye and mouth areas.  I also recommend that you do NOT use Lavender Oil on your dog every day.  Some dogs may develop a sensitivity to the oil if used too often.

Why use Lavender Oil?
Lavender Oil is naturally soothing to the central nervous system in both humans & animals.  Many humans with anxiety-related issues use lavender oil to help calm themselves in stressful situations.  This oil may be used in a similar way for your dog.

Anxiety:
If your dog suffers from anxious or nervous behaviors or has separation anxiety, Lavender oil could help.  You want to start using the oil as directed above, and then continue to have the scent present in situations that are stressful to your dog.  

For example if your dog suffers from separation anxiety, start as directed above, then do the same ritual before leaving your dog for the day.  Remember to remain calm and relaxed (do NOT try and do this if you are rushing out the door).  Your mood must match what the lavender oil is trying to accomplish:  a calm state of mind.  

Another example:  if your dog is frightened of guests:  start again as directed above, then bring back the scent of lavender right before guests come over and have them follow the "No touch, No talk, No eye contact" policy to further help relax your dog.

Have a dog that is afraid of car rides?  Start as directed above and then apply a drop of diluted Lavender oil on your dog's collar before your next car trip.  Remember to remain calm yourself.

Over-Excitement:
If you have a dog that is high-energy who easily gets over-excited, Lavender Oil can be used to help calm their behavior.  Start as directed above then re-apply the scent before events that may excite your dog.  For example if you dog becomes very over-excited when guests arrive, apply the oil a few minutes before they arrive.  (Also remember to remind your guest to follow the "No touch, No talk, No eye contact" policy until the dog fully calms down.)

Older Dogs/ Dogs with Physical Pain:
Lavender oil is also an excellent way to help dogs with joint and other types of physical pains.  Two of our dogs are getting into their "senior" years and starting to show signs of joint pain.  We use lavender oil while massaging the areas of the dog that are aching and in pain.  This helps both relieve their joint pain and relaxes them at the same time.  We are associating the smell with the relief of massage and relaxation.  Essential Oils have also been known to help reduce inflammation.  So next time you notice the dog is having a bad pain day, you can bring out the Lavender smell and it will help the dog both mentally and physically relax.

Allergies & Skin Conditions:
Lavender oil has also been known to help with dog allergies and skin conditions.  If you dog suffers from hot spots, try applying a few drops of diluted Lavender oil.  Start out small to be sure your pet does not have a bad reaction.  
If your dog suffers from allergies, try adding a Lavender oil diffuser near the pet's main area.

Lavender Oil is also a natural repellent for fleas, ticks, and other insects.  Add a few drops of Lavender Oil to your dog's shampoo and shake well.  Use as normal for bathing and your dog will have an added natural insect repellent, plus smell great!



More Information on Animals & Essential Oils:

Previous SGDs Blog Article "Trainer Tips--4th of July Safety."
Audio Clip & Article:  Dr. Karen Becker interviews Melissa Shelton, DVM.
"Essential Oils & Dogs" article by The Bark.
"Essential Oils for Pets" article by Dogs Naturally.