Eastern Shore Dog

07/12/2025

Note: You'll have to read this from bottom, up, because BA is a dweeb.
Michelle, who was an ESD dog trainer, submitted this fun series.
How it started: Linus, the new puppy, tries to convince Emerson, the old man, that they should play. BTW, Emerson was once the new rescue in the house, and tormented an older dog at that time. :) Note experienced owner intervenes and redirects the puppy.

07/03/2025

Happy 4th of July, Pet Parents! 🐾🇺🇸
While we love to celebrate, remember that the loud noises and bright flashes of fireworks can be incredibly scary for our furry friends. Let's make sure this Independence Day is safe and fun for everyone, especially our beloved dogs!
Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Fourth:
* Create a Safe Haven: Designate a quiet, interior room in your home where your dog can feel secure. Close windows, draw curtains, and play calming music or turn on a fan/TV to help drown out outside noises.
* Update ID & Microchip: A scared dog might try to escape. Make sure your dog's collar has up-to-date ID tags and their microchip information is current. This is their best ticket home if they get lost.
* Stay Indoors: Even if your dog isn't usually bothered by loud noises, it's safest to keep them inside during fireworks displays.
* No Human Treats: Resist the urge to share your BBQ scraps! Many human foods, like onions, chocolate, grapes, and even bones, can be toxic for dogs.
* Keep Them Hydrated & Cool: July 4th often means hot weather. Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh, cool water and shade if they're spending any time outside. Never leave them in a hot car!
* Consult Your Vet: If your dog experiences severe anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about calming aids or anti-anxiety medications that might help.
Fun, Fireworks-Free Activities for Your Pup:
* DIY Doggy Splash Zone: Set up a kiddie pool in the backyard for some refreshing water play! Add some floating toys for extra fun.
* Frozen Treats: Whip up some "pupsicles" using dog-safe ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, plain yogurt, or low-sodium broth. A cool treat on a hot day is always a hit!
* Scent Games/Treasure Hunt: Hide treats or favorite toys around the house or yard and let your dog use their amazing nose to find them. This is a great mental and physical workout!
* Long Walk or Hike (Earlier in the Day): Get out for a good, long walk or a hike in a quiet area before any potential fireworks start. A tired dog is often a calmer dog.
* Puzzle Toys: Engage their minds with a new puzzle toy filled with their favorite kibble or treats. It'll keep them occupied and distracted.
* Indoor Play Session: Break out the tug rope or their favorite squeaky toy for an exciting indoor play session.
* Camping Trip: If you're able to get away from the city, a camping trip in a pet-friendly area (where fireworks are prohibited) can be a wonderful, peaceful alternative.
Let's make this Fourth of July a celebration of safety, comfort, and joy for our four-legged family members! Share your favorite dog-friendly Fourth of July activities in the comments below! 👇

06/30/2025

Brandy reminds up that this weather can be very dehydrating! Fresh clean water and lots of it, for you and your best friend…
Thank you, Sherry.❤️

06/29/2025

Congratulations to our newest S.T.A.R puppies
We can't wait to these two smart pups next year for Canine Good citizen class

06/29/2025

What a fantastic effort from Team S**a! One of our dedicated Manners class students has been teaching her dog S**a the ins and outs of cavaletti jumps. This is such a smart and fun way to provide both physical and mental exercise for your dog, especially when it's too hot for other activities.

06/23/2025

Daffy Downs are a Fun new training opportunity for our students. Here are some great pictures from this past week. Nice work

06/23/2025

Congratulations to our S.T.A.R puppy class. This group of puppies has really come a long way and we can't wait to see what's next for each of them

06/21/2025

Good info on these scorching hot days

Pet owners — keep this in mind over the next week as temperatures in central Indiana hit the 90s and heat index values – what it feels like – reach above 100 degrees. 🐾

MORE: https://www.wthr.com/article/weather/weather-blog/hot-heat-pets-paws-burn-summer-temperature-sidewalk-june-july-august-weather/531-63145225-3790-4f6e-abd0-64b23c856740?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WTHR-TV

06/17/2025

Our friends at Eastern Shore Animal Hospital shared some great tips regarding the high temperatures headed our way.

🌞 As the temperatures rise this week, it's essential to keep our pets safe from heat stroke. Here are some crucial tips to help prevent overheating:

1. Stay Hydrated: Always provide fresh water for your pets, especially during hot days. Consider adding ice cubes to keep it cool.

2. Limit Outdoor Time: Avoid walks during the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings or late evenings are best for outdoor activities.

3. Create a Cool Space: Ensure that your pets have access to shaded areas and cool surfaces to lie on inside your home.

4. Watch for Symptoms: Signs of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, difficulty standing, vomiting/diarrhea, confusion, and lethargy. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.

5. Cool Off Safely: If your pet is overheating, wet them down with cool (not cold) water and take them to a shaded area or an air-conditioned room.

06/15/2025

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to all Human and Fur Dads. Here are a few of our Trainers' favorite Dads