Comments on: Ask Darcie http://thedish.sitstay.com Dog Training, Tips and Opinions Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:46:43 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Darla Perkins http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-11383 Darla Perkins Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:49:15 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-11383 Thanks for your heartfelt response, Darcie. I cry with you. All that being said, is there a commercial food that you know of (and endorse), that would be appropriate for Lucie and Maddie? Taking into consideration that both dogs require a low protein diet and Lucie has stage 2 renal failure (albeit stabalized at this time). So she also requires a low sodium factor in her diet. Or, would you be able to direct me to someone who would have a homemade diet that would be appropriate for their needs? I realize that I made need 2 different foods/diets, because of Lucie's renal disease. I would cook for Lucie and Maddie daily, for the rest of their precious lives, if I had the right recipe. You suggested giving the holistic vet one more try, and I may do that in regards to Lucie's arthritis pain. However, he has never been able to help out as far as a homemade diet. In fact, he sells the same brand prescription dog foods I currently use. Thank you once again, Darla <em>Dear Darla, If your dogs were mine, I'd be feeding them raw food. More veggies for one but certainly raw bones and meat too. I like all of the foods that we carry at SitStay.com , come on over and have a look. Thanks. - Darcie</em> Thanks for your heartfelt response, Darcie. I cry with you. All that being said, is there a commercial food that you know of (and endorse), that would be appropriate for Lucie and Maddie? Taking into consideration that both dogs require a low protein diet and Lucie has stage 2 renal failure (albeit stabalized at this time). So she also requires a low sodium factor in her diet. Or, would you be able to direct me to someone who would have a homemade diet that would be appropriate for their needs? I realize that I made need 2 different foods/diets, because of Lucie’s renal disease. I would cook for Lucie and Maddie daily, for the rest of their precious lives, if I had the right recipe. You suggested giving the holistic vet one more try, and I may do that in regards to Lucie’s arthritis pain. However, he has never been able to help out as far as a homemade diet. In fact, he sells the same brand prescription dog foods I currently use. Thank you once again, Darla

Dear Darla, If your dogs were mine, I’d be feeding them raw food. More veggies for one but certainly raw bones and meat too. I like all of the foods that we carry at SitStay.com , come on over and have a look. Thanks. – Darcie

]]> By: John http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-11237 John Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:50:33 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-11237 Hi Darcy, Thanks you for creating Sitstay.com as well as this blog. It has been a great help and I plan to make purchases from your store in the future. That being said, I'm having lots of trouble with my Bull Terrier (Oliver). He is 10 months old now and I've had him for the past 5 months. I socialized him as much as I could for the first 2 months I got him by taking him to the dog park a few times a day (which I now learned is not the best place to take a dog). He got along so well with dogs and other people. But one day, he attacked a dog, broke his skin as well as mine when I had to separate them. Since then, I had gotten him neutered, enrolled him with a behaviorist and really just avoided situations where he may attack. This has now progressed to human based aggression and is much more frightening since he is quite big and strong now. The issue we're trying to resolve the most now Oliver's aggression towards my girlfriend and I. We take him on walks and he never seems aggressive when people pass by with/without dogs. He gives them a look and moves on. But it seems that with the people he tends to know pretty well and spend the most time with him, he gets aggressive with. For instance, for the past 2 weeks at least once a day, Oliver snaps at my girlfriend when he is lying down in his crate. My girlfriend may be walking back and forth near his crate just organizing or cleaning the house. Living in a fairly small studio apartment, he can see and hear every move. This doesn't generally happen to me, but if I agitate him when he's already agitated, he will snap at me. This has also been known to happen while I'm driving him in my car locked up in his crate. He will wake up all of a sudden, give our other male dog a stare, and begin barking at him/showing teeth. But this doesn't happen only in the crate. When he's tired and/or gets home from a long walk, we immediately put him into his crate. The other day I tried keeping him out while my girlfriend and I were watching television. He soon tried to fall asleep but as soon as I moved my leg (which he was sleeping on) he'd give me a look, and immediately go after my girlfriend. Fortunately, we had both a muzzle and leash on him. For the crate situation, we've been told to tell him to quiet when he's barking at us and being aggressive, and to stand in front of his crate calmly until he stops. Here's a video clip of my girlfriend doing this the other day. Do you think this is the correct thing to do? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEVS2riRIY&feature=youtu.be Like I said, we've talked to a behaviorist and spent quite a bit of money. Unfortunately, this particular one is no longer responding to my emails after I had paid him. As a college student, I'm on a bit of a low budget otherwise I would seek more professional help, but I just can't do it right now. The thought of giving him up to the Humane Society always runs through my mind, but I don't think I could ever really do it, nor would I want to. I'm just at a loss at how I need to handle this. He's a great dog most of the time, but when he is agitated, he will get very aggressive and do damage. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John <em>Dear John, No. Saying "quiet" over and over, sometimes getting a hush and usually not, is not telling the dog anything, it's simply putting pressure on him and that is not good. Standing over him and staring at him in the crate is more than likely making it worse. If you were my kids, I'd suggest that you find someone to take this dog. Someone who knows more about dogs and can and will work with aggression problems. There is definitely something here that sounds like fear, when I listen carefully to the sound of his voice through the video. I hear frustration too, I don't blame him for that in this particular instance...he wasn't getting clear guidance to help him change his behavior and absolutely no reward when he did. A fearful aggressive dog can turn into a dangerous dog. Keeping a dog in a crate and putting so much pressure on him is going the wrong way, it makes things worse. It would be good if you knew his parents and grandparents, it this something he was born with and may not change enough no matter what you do. I'm sorry that you're not getting help from the person that you paid, you might report that particular person to your local dog trainers...see what they have to say about him. Try to get your money back, talk to your local Better Business Bureau. Find someone local to you, perhaps your Humane Society, who will temperament test this dog...it's not 100% accurate for aggression all the time but it can tell them if he can be worked with successfully. In my personal opinion, without you and your girlfriend learning quickly how to manage and train this dog and getting excellent expert help, you're in for some tough times ahead and someone is going to get hurt, perhaps badly bitten...and if he does bite you're going to lose him and probably most of what's left in your bank account. Did you notice that the other dog left the room? Now, the question is, did the white dog start the problem or did he leave because of the problem? I can't possibly know that. I make it a practice not to work with aggressive or biting dogs, I'll leave that up to those who are much more qualified than I am. I hope this helps. Sometimes it's simply not a good match. There isn't one person worth their salt who would insist that you keep this dog simply because you started out with him. Sometimes it's good to know when you're in over your head and do something about it. Unless you're ready to put in the time to learn how to live with this dog...and that generally means money for classes and education...you'll be managing him until the day he dies...that takes a lot of fortitude and time. I wish I had better news. - Darcie</em> Hi Darcy, Thanks you for creating Sitstay.com as well as this blog. It has been a great help and I plan to make purchases from your store in the future. That being said, I’m having lots of trouble with my Bull Terrier (Oliver). He is 10 months old now and I’ve had him for the past 5 months. I socialized him as much as I could for the first 2 months I got him by taking him to the dog park a few times a day (which I now learned is not the best place to take a dog). He got along so well with dogs and other people. But one day, he attacked a dog, broke his skin as well as mine when I had to separate them. Since then, I had gotten him neutered, enrolled him with a behaviorist and really just avoided situations where he may attack. This has now progressed to human based aggression and is much more frightening since he is quite big and strong now. The issue we’re trying to resolve the most now Oliver’s aggression towards my girlfriend and I. We take him on walks and he never seems aggressive when people pass by with/without dogs. He gives them a look and moves on. But it seems that with the people he tends to know pretty well and spend the most time with him, he gets aggressive with. For instance, for the past 2 weeks at least once a day, Oliver snaps at my girlfriend when he is lying down in his crate. My girlfriend may be walking back and forth near his crate just organizing or cleaning the house. Living in a fairly small studio apartment, he can see and hear every move. This doesn’t generally happen to me, but if I agitate him when he’s already agitated, he will snap at me. This has also been known to happen while I’m driving him in my car locked up in his crate. He will wake up all of a sudden, give our other male dog a stare, and begin barking at him/showing teeth. But this doesn’t happen only in the crate. When he’s tired and/or gets home from a long walk, we immediately put him into his crate. The other day I tried keeping him out while my girlfriend and I were watching television. He soon tried to fall asleep but as soon as I moved my leg (which he was sleeping on) he’d give me a look, and immediately go after my girlfriend. Fortunately, we had both a muzzle and leash on him. For the crate situation, we’ve been told to tell him to quiet when he’s barking at us and being aggressive, and to stand in front of his crate calmly until he stops. Here’s a video clip of my girlfriend doing this the other day. Do you think this is the correct thing to do? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEVS2riRIY&feature=youtu.be Like I said, we’ve talked to a behaviorist and spent quite a bit of money. Unfortunately, this particular one is no longer responding to my emails after I had paid him. As a college student, I’m on a bit of a low budget otherwise I would seek more professional help, but I just can’t do it right now. The thought of giving him up to the Humane Society always runs through my mind, but I don’t think I could ever really do it, nor would I want to. I’m just at a loss at how I need to handle this. He’s a great dog most of the time, but when he is agitated, he will get very aggressive and do damage. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, John

Dear John, No. Saying “quiet” over and over, sometimes getting a hush and usually not, is not telling the dog anything, it’s simply putting pressure on him and that is not good. Standing over him and staring at him in the crate is more than likely making it worse. If you were my kids, I’d suggest that you find someone to take this dog. Someone who knows more about dogs and can and will work with aggression problems. There is definitely something here that sounds like fear, when I listen carefully to the sound of his voice through the video. I hear frustration too, I don’t blame him for that in this particular instance…he wasn’t getting clear guidance to help him change his behavior and absolutely no reward when he did. A fearful aggressive dog can turn into a dangerous dog. Keeping a dog in a crate and putting so much pressure on him is going the wrong way, it makes things worse. It would be good if you knew his parents and grandparents, it this something he was born with and may not change enough no matter what you do. I’m sorry that you’re not getting help from the person that you paid, you might report that particular person to your local dog trainers…see what they have to say about him. Try to get your money back, talk to your local Better Business Bureau. Find someone local to you, perhaps your Humane Society, who will temperament test this dog…it’s not 100% accurate for aggression all the time but it can tell them if he can be worked with successfully. In my personal opinion, without you and your girlfriend learning quickly how to manage and train this dog and getting excellent expert help, you’re in for some tough times ahead and someone is going to get hurt, perhaps badly bitten…and if he does bite you’re going to lose him and probably most of what’s left in your bank account. Did you notice that the other dog left the room? Now, the question is, did the white dog start the problem or did he leave because of the problem? I can’t possibly know that. I make it a practice not to work with aggressive or biting dogs, I’ll leave that up to those who are much more qualified than I am. I hope this helps. Sometimes it’s simply not a good match. There isn’t one person worth their salt who would insist that you keep this dog simply because you started out with him. Sometimes it’s good to know when you’re in over your head and do something about it. Unless you’re ready to put in the time to learn how to live with this dog…and that generally means money for classes and education…you’ll be managing him until the day he dies…that takes a lot of fortitude and time. I wish I had better news. – Darcie

]]> By: Darla Perkins http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-11199 Darla Perkins Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:47:38 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-11199 Hi Darcie, I have two little Yorkies, Lucie 9 yrs & Maddie 7 yrs. I'm hopelessly devoted to them and try to do everything that is best for them. But, sometimes, I don't know if that's what I'm doing at all. I just read the answer to the question you responded to regarding "why you don't sell certain foods & treats". Lucie and Maddie have been on prescription diets most of their lives. Started when they both developed crystals in their little bladders at a young age. So they were on Science Diet, then Royal Canin Urinary SO. We would go back and forth from one to the other because they would get tired of eating one. Maddie is currently on Royal Canin SO and is generally a healthy little girl (except she takes a natural thyroid pill daily). Lucie, however, has been an unhealthy dog since 2 weeks after we brought her home (they are not from the same parents). I'll skip ahead to one year old, when we made a near fatal mistake of treating her with Bio Spot after a walk in the woods left her covered with ticks. We weren't sure we got them all off, the vet's office was closed and we did not know the dangers of Bio Spot. This made her very ill and our vet literally saved her life, but her liver function has been compromised as a result (this was 8 years ago). Then, she developed what was diagnosed as "allergies". So every time I'd take her in with itchy, red skin, the vet gave her a steroid injection. After so many, she started being symptomatic the next day after the shot. Pretty soon, she started acting sick, lethargic. Developed a really oily, unhealthy looking coat of fur, which was thinning. I took her to a different vet who diagnosed her with Cushings. I didn't want to treat the Cushings with traditional medication he described...it sounded horrible and supposedly she would die anyway. So he was willing to communicate with the holistic vet I found in a bigger city 45 miles away. After 10 months of acupuncture, herbs and natural supplements, Lucie's lab work showed her to no longer have Cushings. To be honest, the original diagnosis of Cushings was not "cookie cutter" to begin with, but whatever she was plagued with, I was just happy she was feeling and looking better. She did well for maybe a year, which I'm beyond grateful for. However, at the beginning of this summer, Lucie started slipping again...very lethargic, the oiliness and the biggest issue...NOT EATING! So, back to the local vet we went. This time Lucie was diagnosed with stage 2 renal fail. So, of course, another diet change...Royal Canin Renal lp Modified (good grief). We tried Science Diet kd first, but Lucie didn't find that to be palatable. I am doing subcutaneous fluids at home and along with the diet change, her kidney values have stabilized for now. The biggest challenge we face is Lucie frequently refusing to eat. She may go 2 or 3 days without eating, then we're at the vets, tripling up on fluids, then she's okay again. It just never stops and I am determined to keep my sweet little Lucie going. Darcie, I have questioned for years if these prescription diets have been the right way to go. I feel like I have good, smart vets and they do not recommend I go off the prescription foods to do the "homemade" thing. And, I would be afraid I don't know what I'm doing anyway. And, of course, now both dogs have different diet needs, so I stay with what I'm told is best. I really don't know what to do. If I thought I could turn around this renal issue with a diet change, I would absolutely do it. Do you have any recommendations? Lucie also has arthritis in her lower back and rear legs. I can't even treat her for the pain because she is so sensitive to all things (I believe as a result of the liver issue I explained). I just don't feel like I'm doing her justice. What is her quality of life with chronic pain. There are days she doesn't want to get out of her bed and watching her hobble is so very sad. Any suggestions regarding something natural I could do for the pain? No more steroids, obviously...and she can't take anything typically causes stomach upset. Cosequin and those like meds aren't recommended for dogs with kidney issues. Help. We don't go to the holistic vet anymore, because Lucie hates to travel and gets very anxious. When she was diagnosed with renal failure, I decided her traveling days would be over. Btw, Greenies were mentioned in the article you wrote. Is there an issue with them. Lucie and Maddie love Greenies and it is the one "junk food" item I allow. Do I need to stop? Thank you very much. Sorry for droning on & on, but I wanted you to have to big picture, so you might help me. I won't give up on Lucie, but sometimes I feel like I'm hanging out there alone, without good information & direction. - Darla Perkins <em>Dear Darla, I hear this same story over and over again. This is my best help: Our dogs will not be well until we feed them what Nature intends for them to eat. Processed foods have caused so much harm and there are times that the dogs simply can't come back from that. I don't see it too often that things can't be turned around but it does happen. Processed means any raw, simple healthy food that grows in nature changed into dry or canned food. Greenies? I refuse to carry them along with the brand names you mentioned. What we learn from the things that go wrong are what make us teachers of wellness. Talk to your holistic vet again, there are some who are having great luck with Chinese teas. Give yourself a hug and when the time comes, if you don't find that good help to turn this around, let your girl go to where there is no pain. I wish I had something better for you. Sometimes I just don't. And that makes me cry. - Darcie</em> Hi Darcie, I have two little Yorkies, Lucie 9 yrs & Maddie 7 yrs. I’m hopelessly devoted to them and try to do everything that is best for them. But, sometimes, I don’t know if that’s what I’m doing at all. I just read the answer to the question you responded to regarding “why you don’t sell certain foods & treats”. Lucie and Maddie have been on prescription diets most of their lives. Started when they both developed crystals in their little bladders at a young age. So they were on Science Diet, then Royal Canin Urinary SO. We would go back and forth from one to the other because they would get tired of eating one. Maddie is currently on Royal Canin SO and is generally a healthy little girl (except she takes a natural thyroid pill daily). Lucie, however, has been an unhealthy dog since 2 weeks after we brought her home (they are not from the same parents). I’ll skip ahead to one year old, when we made a near fatal mistake of treating her with Bio Spot after a walk in the woods left her covered with ticks. We weren’t sure we got them all off, the vet’s office was closed and we did not know the dangers of Bio Spot. This made her very ill and our vet literally saved her life, but her liver function has been compromised as a result (this was 8 years ago). Then, she developed what was diagnosed as “allergies”. So every time I’d take her in with itchy, red skin, the vet gave her a steroid injection. After so many, she started being symptomatic the next day after the shot. Pretty soon, she started acting sick, lethargic. Developed a really oily, unhealthy looking coat of fur, which was thinning. I took her to a different vet who diagnosed her with Cushings. I didn’t want to treat the Cushings with traditional medication he described…it sounded horrible and supposedly she would die anyway. So he was willing to communicate with the holistic vet I found in a bigger city 45 miles away. After 10 months of acupuncture, herbs and natural supplements, Lucie’s lab work showed her to no longer have Cushings. To be honest, the original diagnosis of Cushings was not “cookie cutter” to begin with, but whatever she was plagued with, I was just happy she was feeling and looking better. She did well for maybe a year, which I’m beyond grateful for. However, at the beginning of this summer, Lucie started slipping again…very lethargic, the oiliness and the biggest issue…NOT EATING! So, back to the local vet we went. This time Lucie was diagnosed with stage 2 renal fail. So, of course, another diet change…Royal Canin Renal lp Modified (good grief). We tried Science Diet kd first, but Lucie didn’t find that to be palatable. I am doing subcutaneous fluids at home and along with the diet change, her kidney values have stabilized for now. The biggest challenge we face is Lucie frequently refusing to eat. She may go 2 or 3 days without eating, then we’re at the vets, tripling up on fluids, then she’s okay again. It just never stops and I am determined to keep my sweet little Lucie going. Darcie, I have questioned for years if these prescription diets have been the right way to go. I feel like I have good, smart vets and they do not recommend I go off the prescription foods to do the “homemade” thing. And, I would be afraid I don’t know what I’m doing anyway. And, of course, now both dogs have different diet needs, so I stay with what I’m told is best. I really don’t know what to do. If I thought I could turn around this renal issue with a diet change, I would absolutely do it. Do you have any recommendations? Lucie also has arthritis in her lower back and rear legs. I can’t even treat her for the pain because she is so sensitive to all things (I believe as a result of the liver issue I explained). I just don’t feel like I’m doing her justice. What is her quality of life with chronic pain. There are days she doesn’t want to get out of her bed and watching her hobble is so very sad. Any suggestions regarding something natural I could do for the pain? No more steroids, obviously…and she can’t take anything typically causes stomach upset. Cosequin and those like meds aren’t recommended for dogs with kidney issues. Help. We don’t go to the holistic vet anymore, because Lucie hates to travel and gets very anxious. When she was diagnosed with renal failure, I decided her traveling days would be over. Btw, Greenies were mentioned in the article you wrote. Is there an issue with them. Lucie and Maddie love Greenies and it is the one “junk food” item I allow. Do I need to stop? Thank you very much. Sorry for droning on & on, but I wanted you to have to big picture, so you might help me. I won’t give up on Lucie, but sometimes I feel like I’m hanging out there alone, without good information & direction. – Darla Perkins

Dear Darla, I hear this same story over and over again. This is my best help: Our dogs will not be well until we feed them what Nature intends for them to eat. Processed foods have caused so much harm and there are times that the dogs simply can’t come back from that. I don’t see it too often that things can’t be turned around but it does happen. Processed means any raw, simple healthy food that grows in nature changed into dry or canned food. Greenies? I refuse to carry them along with the brand names you mentioned. What we learn from the things that go wrong are what make us teachers of wellness. Talk to your holistic vet again, there are some who are having great luck with Chinese teas. Give yourself a hug and when the time comes, if you don’t find that good help to turn this around, let your girl go to where there is no pain. I wish I had something better for you. Sometimes I just don’t. And that makes me cry. – Darcie

]]> By: Jamie http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-10932 Jamie Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:13:22 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-10932 My dog Ginger exhibited a behavior that I haven't seen before and I wanted to ask about it. A friend and I were walking our dogs around the neighborhood. My dog Ginger is a terrier mix around 38 lbs. and very friendly. My friend's dog Daisy is a mix around 20 lbs. She is also very friendly. We came across a lady and her dog during our walk. The other dog was a big male dog. He barked, but wasn't aggressive and seemed friendly. Daisy jumped up and greet him. Ginger acted scared and seemed intimitated. She turned and faced the opposite direction wanting to leave and held her tail down. She has a curly tail that is always up, even when wagging. She eventually let him sniff her a little, but she stayed close to me and was ready to leave. Her tail stayed down for another five minutes, even after the lady and her dog were out of sight. Ginger has met other dogs while walking and if the owner says the dog is friendly, we'll go meet the dog and owner. She also goes to doggie daycamp occasionally, which she dearly loves, so she is used to playing with other dogs. The behavior with the tail down is a first. I didn't think it would even bend straight out since it is always curled up and wagging. Any thoughts on this behavior? I did notice that the woman we met had a choke collar on her male dog. Maybe Ginger was snubbing her and not her dog. - Jamie <em>Dear Jamie, Holding a tail down and turning away can simply mean that she was intimidated by that guy or she didn't trust him or what he might do. I've done that to a few guys in my lifetime too ! - Darcie</em> My dog Ginger exhibited a behavior that I haven’t seen before and I wanted to ask about it. A friend and I were walking our dogs around the neighborhood. My dog Ginger is a terrier mix around 38 lbs. and very friendly. My friend’s dog Daisy is a mix around 20 lbs. She is also very friendly. We came across a lady and her dog during our walk. The other dog was a big male dog. He barked, but wasn’t aggressive and seemed friendly. Daisy jumped up and greet him. Ginger acted scared and seemed intimitated. She turned and faced the opposite direction wanting to leave and held her tail down. She has a curly tail that is always up, even when wagging. She eventually let him sniff her a little, but she stayed close to me and was ready to leave. Her tail stayed down for another five minutes, even after the lady and her dog were out of sight. Ginger has met other dogs while walking and if the owner says the dog is friendly, we’ll go meet the dog and owner. She also goes to doggie daycamp occasionally, which she dearly loves, so she is used to playing with other dogs. The behavior with the tail down is a first. I didn’t think it would even bend straight out since it is always curled up and wagging. Any thoughts on this behavior? I did notice that the woman we met had a choke collar on her male dog. Maybe Ginger was snubbing her and not her dog. – Jamie

Dear Jamie, Holding a tail down and turning away can simply mean that she was intimidated by that guy or she didn’t trust him or what he might do. I’ve done that to a few guys in my lifetime too ! – Darcie

]]> By: Martha Scheuermann http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-10083 Martha Scheuermann Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:52:26 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-10083 Dear Darci, After finding your website (and loving it) I can't seen to find any information elsewhere regarding the raw food diet. I'm switching my Maltese to 1/2 Natural Balance and 1/2 raw broccoli or spinach. They loved the veggies! My question is, can they have a raw egg? Many years ago I had a yellow lab, and gave her a raw egg once a week to keep her coat shiney. Can I do the same with the Maltese? Are there any other raw foods to avoid giving them? Thanks for your help. Martha <em>Dear Martha, We don't carry Natural Balance dog food. You won't want to do only broccoli and spinach any more than that's all that you would eat. Get the book Raw Dog Food from SitStay.com , it will be an easy read and a lot of wonderful information. Kate eats raw eggs, yes. :-) - Darcie</em> Dear Darci,
After finding your website (and loving it) I can’t seen to find any information elsewhere regarding the raw food diet. I’m switching my Maltese to 1/2 Natural Balance and 1/2 raw broccoli or spinach. They loved the veggies! My question is, can they have a raw egg? Many years ago I had a yellow lab, and gave her a raw egg once a week to keep her coat shiney. Can I do the same with the Maltese? Are there any other raw foods to avoid giving them? Thanks for your help.
Martha

Dear Martha, We don’t carry Natural Balance dog food. You won’t want to do only broccoli and spinach any more than that’s all that you would eat. Get the book Raw Dog Food from SitStay.com , it will be an easy read and a lot of wonderful information. Kate eats raw eggs, yes. :-) – Darcie

]]> By: Sam http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-8605 Sam Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:19:48 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-8605 What do you think of the new ADA Laws on service dogs 3/15/2011 I would also like to know what other people think. I think its a good Law. Why to many people been bring in any type of animals in to public place and saying its a service animal when real it just a pet. The old ADA law said no matter what type of service animal it is,if the person said yes it is a SD you had to let them in. It makes a better law. Still needs to work on a new ADA law on service dogs so they have to wear a uniform and patches out in public. People say they do not want a vest and patches on SD because then people will know they are disability, They will still know you are when the dog comes inside a grocery store or into the mall ect. You can't hide it. What do you think of the new ADA Laws on service dogs 3/15/2011 I would also like to know what other people think. I think its a good Law. Why to many people been bring in any type of animals in to public place and saying its a service animal when real it just a pet. The old ADA law said no matter what type of service animal it is,if the person said yes it is a SD you had to let them in. It makes a better law. Still needs to work on a new ADA law on service dogs so they have to wear a uniform and patches out in public. People say they do not want a vest and patches on SD because then people will know they are disability, They will still know you are when the dog comes inside a grocery store or into the mall ect. You can’t hide it.

]]> By: Keri http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-7804 Keri Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:05:14 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-7804 Hi Darcie I am desperate for some help! I have a spayed 20 month old shiloh sheperd named Sheridan. I have had her since 9 weeks of age and exercise her daily with long walks, usually about 60 minutes. She spends the day with my parents3 shiloh sheperds. The past 2 months, she will not go for a walk. She goes along our street ( or my parents street) which is where she usually potties and then if I try to go further she refuses to walk, I mean it is as if her paws are glued to the pavement! I tried coaxing her with food, I tried waiting her out ( with a stubborn sheperd I waited 20 minutes for her to take 2 steps!!) I dont know what to do, I feel terrible beacsue I know she needs exercise. I am not aware of anything that has scared her and she does it both at my house and my parents house. Could this just be a phase? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Keri, <em>Dear Keri, This is not a phase. Something happened. Talk to all who may have ever walked her along this route. It doesn't really matter that you ever know, you can help her move past this if you keep working at it. What happens when you run past that point? If she was mine, I'd start clicker training and help her get confident again. Go to agility class, too, one of the best forms of gaining confidence. Talk to a local clicker trainer, see if they can give you a hand. - Darcie</em> Hi Darcie
I am desperate for some help! I have a spayed 20 month old shiloh sheperd named Sheridan. I have had her since 9 weeks of age and exercise her daily with long walks, usually about 60 minutes. She spends the day with my parents3 shiloh sheperds. The past 2 months, she will not go for a walk. She goes along our street ( or my parents street) which is where she usually potties and then if I try to go further she refuses to walk, I mean it is as if her paws are glued to the pavement! I tried coaxing her with food, I tried waiting her out ( with a stubborn sheperd I waited 20 minutes for her to take 2 steps!!) I dont know what to do, I feel terrible beacsue I know she needs exercise. I am not aware of anything that has scared her and she does it both at my house and my parents house. Could this just be a phase? Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Keri,

Dear Keri, This is not a phase. Something happened. Talk to all who may have ever walked her along this route. It doesn’t really matter that you ever know, you can help her move past this if you keep working at it. What happens when you run past that point? If she was mine, I’d start clicker training and help her get confident again. Go to agility class, too, one of the best forms of gaining confidence. Talk to a local clicker trainer, see if they can give you a hand. – Darcie

]]> By: SHERRI MOORE http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-7584 SHERRI MOORE Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:22:07 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-7584 DEAR DARCIE, WHY DON'T YOU SELL VACCINES? I KNOW SOME PEOPLE DON'T BELIEVE IN THEM BUT UNFORTUNATLY THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. I WOULD RATHER BUY THE SAFEST VACCINES FROM YOU THAN FROM PEOPLE THAT DON'T CARE ABOUT THE DOGS AND CATS HEALTH. THANKS SHERRI <em>A vet has to be on staff to sell vaccines. - Darcie</em> DEAR DARCIE, WHY DON’T YOU SELL VACCINES? I KNOW SOME PEOPLE DON’T BELIEVE IN THEM BUT UNFORTUNATLY THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. I WOULD RATHER BUY THE SAFEST VACCINES FROM YOU THAN FROM PEOPLE THAT DON’T CARE ABOUT THE DOGS AND CATS HEALTH. THANKS SHERRI

A vet has to be on staff to sell vaccines. – Darcie

]]> By: Kate Alexander http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-7550 Kate Alexander Thu, 15 Sep 2011 21:50:51 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-7550 Hi Darcie! I have a mini schnauzer and she has a very restrictive diet. The vet said to keep her on the Natures Variety Venison and Millet as it is a pure protein and a solid grain. So my questions are about the shelf life of dry food. My girl eats about 5 lbs in a month. It would help my wallet GREATLY if I could get a 15 lb bag each time but I fear it could spoil. Does dog food go bad? I'm assuming it does at some point but what is that point? What is the rule when it comes to how long to keep it, how much to buy, etc.? I can't find a straight or clear answer anywhere. I don't want to buy in bulk for my girl if it is going to lead to problems. Kate <em> Dear Kate, all foods have a use by or an expiration date. Just like all food if you keep it in a cool dry place, it will store well. If your dog was mine, I'd go to raw food and give up the processed canned or dry dog food. Hope that helps. - Darcie</em> Hi Darcie! I have a mini schnauzer and she has a very restrictive diet. The vet said to keep her on the Natures Variety Venison and Millet as it is a pure protein and a solid grain. So my questions are about the shelf life of dry food. My girl eats about 5 lbs in a month. It would help my wallet GREATLY if I could get a 15 lb bag each time but I fear it could spoil. Does dog food go bad? I’m assuming it does at some point but what is that point? What is the rule when it comes to how long to keep it, how much to buy, etc.? I can’t find a straight or clear answer anywhere. I don’t want to buy in bulk for my girl if it is going to lead to problems. Kate

Dear Kate, all foods have a use by or an expiration date. Just like all food if you keep it in a cool dry place, it will store well. If your dog was mine, I’d go to raw food and give up the processed canned or dry dog food. Hope that helps. – Darcie

]]> By: Kelle Ramsey http://thedish.sitstay.com/ask-darcie/#comment-7347 Kelle Ramsey Tue, 23 Aug 2011 04:50:09 +0000 http://thedish.sitstay.com/?page_id=917#comment-7347 Dear Darcie, I have enjoyed reading your blog and reading all of the wonderful advice you give other about their dogs. Me and my husband have a year and half old shepard mix female. Her name is Jade and she is beautiful! We have had a lot of struggles with her because she is very fearful and unsure of everything. We have tried clicker training to strengthen our bond, but she didn't seem to respond to it, or maybe we just wern't doing it right. We just want out sweet girl to be happy and balanced and she is full of anxiety and fear (she was a rescue at a young age). I would love to hear any advice on how to help her with her fear. We take her in public, to dog parks, on walks, but she is still so scared. Thank you for taking the time to read this! -Kelle <em> Dear Kelle, Some books you might find extremely useful. Click to Calm and Scaredy Dog. You might find them in your local library. Darcie</em> Dear Darcie,
I have enjoyed reading your blog and reading all of the wonderful advice you give other about their dogs.
Me and my husband have a year and half old shepard mix female. Her name is Jade and she is beautiful! We have had a lot of struggles with her because she is very fearful and unsure of everything. We have tried clicker training to strengthen our bond, but she didn’t seem to respond to it, or maybe we just wern’t doing it right.
We just want out sweet girl to be happy and balanced and she is full of anxiety and fear (she was a rescue at a young age).
I would love to hear any advice on how to help her with her fear. We take her in public, to dog parks, on walks, but she is still so scared.
Thank you for taking the time to read this!
-Kelle

Dear Kelle, Some books you might find extremely useful. Click to Calm and Scaredy Dog. You might find them in your local library. Darcie

]]>