Category: Green Leaf

Precautions for a Safe Howl-O-Ween

by Christina Fontaine

Halloween is just around the corner (where did the time go), and with the upcoming commotion of families at your doorstep, we thought it would be useful to discuss some of the insurances you can establish to help manage your dog’s anxiety throughout the evening. Since last year’s Howl-o-ween didn’t get the celebration it deserved, we expect to have an influx of eager trick-or-treaters this October. And depending on your pooch’s mannerism, we have several different options to keep your sweet pup-kin happy and stress-free:

1. The first option will work well for a dog who’s semi-social, or at the very least used to interacting with others. Portion out some samples of your pooch’s favorite special treat. We recommend either chicken breast, carrots, cheese, peanut butter, or training treats. The type of treats you choose may vary based on how busy your neighborhood tends to be. If you expect a higher volume, something low calorie would be a better choice. When the doorbell rings, be sure to give your dog a treat each time you answer the door. This will help develop a positive association with the sound of the doorbell knowing.

2. If your dog is the type to bark loudly when visitors are out the door, you might consider simply leaving a bucket of candy at the door for people to take from as they please. For even better assurance, you can post a sign on your door asking people to not knock or ring the bell due to an anxious pet. Periodically check the candy basket throughout the night and refill as you see fit. When you’re out of candy, update your sign to say as much so any straggling guests will know to move to the next house.

3. If you don’t mind the sound of the bell (or if you don’t trust people to moderate candy-taking on their own), you could also create a safe, separate space in your home for your pup to spend the evening in. Turn on the tv to help mute any rings or knocks, and try to have this space be as far away from the front door as paw-sible. Keep your furry friend occupied with a chewing bone, toys, and specialized attention or playtime throughout the night.

4. While the first three methods may work for some canines, you might be thinking that none of those will work for you. If that’s the case, then this last suggestion will likely be your bet! Maybe your dog is highly anxious, or maybe you just have your own Halloween party to attend and don’t want to leave them home alone. Either way, Green Leaf Pet Resort has your answer. With half-day rates as low as $30, Green Leaf’s doggie daycare will provide your loved ones with all of the attention, care, and play they deserve at an affordable rate. To book you pup’s staycation, cal (844) LUV-DOGS today. But most importantly, have a spook-tacular day!

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Pet Grooming: More Than Just a Haircut

That’s right, it’s officially Springtime. Not that we’ve had a particularly cold winter this year, but even if you haven’t encountered the familiar build-up of dreaded yellow dust on your car just yet, you’ve probably noticed your dog is shedding a bit more than usual. Okay, more than a bit. Your pooch is quite literally getting rid of their winter coat(s), or maybe they’ve been on one too many quarantine hiking trips and it’s time for a trip to the groomers. Either way, it’s not something you should skip out on. “Grooming is as important as bringing your pet to the vet for regular checkups,” says Animal Care Technician Lauren Lakritz. Though it may be tempting to simply give your dog a bath yourself, a professional will be better equipped with the tools and expertise to spot any health concerns that may be hiding underneath the fur. They will check your pet’s eyes, ears, and skin for cysts, blemishes, and infections.

While most humans get haircuts simply to look nice or keep up with appearances, dog grooming is an important part of keeping your furry friend healthy. More than just your pup’s improved smell (we all know those rascals can work up a lot of stink during playtime), it’ll also restore your dog’s coat shine, improve skin health, reduce the chance of ear infections, and provide early detection or treatment for fleas and ticks. Establishing a good relationship with a groomer early in life for dogs is paramount to make them feel safe and secure during the grooming process. Still, with so many options these days, how will you know who’s the right groomer for your fur baby?

At Green Leaf Pet Resort, we offer a variety of professional grooming services from luxury “pet-i-cures” to massages. We even provide hypoallergenic baths for the sensitive skin pups out there. Most importantly, our staff is specially trained to accommodate dogs of all temperaments, so you can rest assured that even shy fur babies will leave feeling pampered and fur-bulous. While here, your dog’s paws are in good hands. Besides, a healthy coat and neatly trimmed nails make for a happy, well-behaved dog. And hey, you might finally get a break from vacuuming the excessive shedding for at least a day or two.

We all want the best for our pets, so save yourself the hassle and treat your dog to a luxury day at the spa. Here at Green Leaf Pet Resort, we pride ourselves on being their home away from home. Visit our website for more information, or connect with one of our specialists over the phone today for a custom quote. It’s the leash we can do.

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Halloween Safety Tips

  1. Stash the goodies! We all know that chocolate is dangerous to consume for dogs and cats, but other candies can be dangerous too. Some sweets contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which even in small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, subsequent loss of coordination, and seizures. Tinfoils and candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. (If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the SPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.)
  2. Decorate, yet keep it safe! If you’re getting into the Halloween spirit, make sure to double-check your decore for safety hazards. Jack-O-Lanterns are a festive staple, but can easily be knocked over with an open flame or become a snack! Make sure all cords are out of reach or taped to the floor away from playful, teething puppies. Elevate candles from curious kids!
  3. Keep calm and haunt on! Having a barrage of strangers knocking on the door can be confusing and stressful for some pets. Make sure they’re in a secure,  safe environment away from stressful stimuli that may cause them to dark out of an open door. Never leave your pet unattended in the yard! If you’re looking for peace of mind, Green Leaf offers a stress-free alternative for pups at home during the holidays with daycare, day-stay, and boarding options.
  4. Make sure they say yes to the dress! Halloween costumes can be a fun way to include your pet into your holiday plans, but make sure they enjoy it first! Wearing a costume can be very stressful for some dogs, sometimes even restricting their movement, breathing, hearing, or sight. Never leave your dog alone in costume. It’s important to know if your dog is comfortable and confident in their costume. Some dogs just prefer their birthday suit!
  5. ID’s, please! In the unfortunate event that you and your pet are separated for any reason, it’s crucial to make sure they have ID! Use Halloween as a reminder to make sure your pet’s identification is up to date with the most current information. If for any reason you and your pet are separated, identification increases the chances that they will be returned to you.
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The Passion Behind the Philosophy

While dogs have been described as the best friend man can have, Shelly Leibowitz has made it his quest to make man’s best friend their very best. With over forty years of experience working with dogs, it’s no surprise Shelly’s name has been synonymous with all things canine. This founder of Shelly’s School for Dogs and Green Leaf Pet Resort is one of the most sought after dog trainers in the United States.

Born in Brooklyn, Shelly’s passion for dogs began at a young age when he started walking dogs in his neighborhood. As a teenager, he began his career training companion dogs for various training facilities throughout all five boroughs in NYC and surrounding tri-state areas. His dedication led him to expand his expertise to training dogs for law enforcement, contraband/bomb detection, personal protection and guardwork. Throughout his career, Shelly has successfully employed his dog training skills with pet owners, private dog clubs, municipal departments, law-enforcement agencies and private businesses. He has become an expert go-to consultant for law enforcement and supplies working dogs for homeland security. Shelly has also trained and worked with two generations of Bat Dogs for the Trenton Thunder baseball team, the AA affiliate of the New York Yankees. Rookie, the latest bat-retrieving dog for Trenton Thunder is a regular guest at Green Leaf Pet Resort, where he loves to splash around in the aquatic center, socialize with friends in doggie daycare, and get pampered by his favorite canine caretakers.

One of Shelly’s true passions is Schutzhund, a sport that involves training dogs to compete and excel in three main categories: tracking, obedience and protection. Selected to represent the United States on the Schutzhund World Team (regarded as the Olympics of Schutzhund), his dog obtained the highest tracking score (99 out of 100) in the 2000 National Schutzhund USA trial.

When speaking about how the training has changed from the earlier days, Shelly says, “It’s so far superior now. I’m constantly learning more with every dog.” This ideal is the crux for Shelly’s method to working with dogs. Every dog is seen as an individual – each with their own personality and their own drive. It’s this innovative perspective that Shelly has taken to develop his comprehensive “whole dog” approach on dog obedience training. He calls this method “control through kindness.” By following the philosophy that no two dogs are alike, no two training methods should be either. “That’s why I find this field so exciting because every dog is different – an individual. My horizons are wide… thousands and thousands of dogs have taught me.

“It’s not a 9-5,” he continues, “It’s not just a job. It’s a way of life. Otherwise, you can never be good at it.” This method has become his modus operandi, along with the individuals he has personally mentored into professional trainers. When asked about the best advice on success he’s received, he stated that it was his personal motto to “follow his dreams.” Perhaps the greatest successes aren’t just documented by the miles of awards that adorn his two state of the art facilities, but by the smile he wears when speaking about what matters to him most: the dogs.

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