Author Archives: Jill

SoloDogs Transitions from Reactive Dogs to Small Dogs

I started SoloDogs in 2016 after my dog-reactive dog Sagan passed away. It was heartwarming to be able to help out other reactive-dog owners travel while knowing their dogs were safe and sound under my care. Eventually, it became time for me to get another dog of my own. I wanted to get a puppy to have the maximum opportunity to mold a little canine brain. The result of my search was Io (pronounced eye-oh), who is a Whippet.

Here she is the first day I was to bring her home:

She’s now two and a half years old – and puppyhood is largely behind us. While some of my non-dog-reactive boarding clients were able to continue to be boarded with her, most could not, and although I was delighted to have a new puppy, I do miss them terribly.

Now as she approaches adulthood, I’ve got a good idea what types of dogs she prefers to spend time with. With this knowledge, it’s now time to relaunch SoloDogs to focus on just small dogs that are her size or smaller. While she does have some friends who are larger than she is, she definitely is a little apprehensive about larger unknown dogs, having been inadvertently body slammed one to many times during playtimes. So for this reason, I’m now going to target boarding small dogs 30 lbs or less. At least that’s my plan right now. đŸ™‚

I do want to express my deep appreciation to all of my past reactive dog clients I’ve boarded over the years and am looking forward to meeting my new future small dog boarding clients.

 

See No Evil: Preventing Dog-Reactive Dogs From Seeing Other Dogs While At Home or In The Yard

Not a good set up for a dog-reactive dog!

Not a good set up for a dog-reactive dog!

I do dog-reactive dog boarding, and often have dogs in my home and in my yard who need to be preventing from seeing other dogs.

Dog-reactive dogs will use all their senses, sight, smell, hearing – to detect the presence of another dog – and these sensory inputs are additive. Taking the time to consider how to remove each type of sensory input will help your dog feel safer and relax more while at home.

While there’s not much you can do to prevent the sound of neighborhood dogs barking in the distance, there are many things you can do to lower the stress for a dog-reactive dog in your home and yard.  Here are a few tips on how to modify your home and yard to minimize chances of your dog seeing another dog. Continue reading →

How To Keep An Elderly Dog Warm

2014-02-babushka copy

Sagan doing her impression of a babushka.

Many of us who live in northern climates who own short-haired dogs, know it’s a challenge to keep them warm. We learn to read their body language, and know when they’re cold, they curl up in the tightest ball possible or attempt to burrow under our covers. When you live in the Pacific Northwest and your dog has short fur AND is elderly, keeping them warm is even more of a challenge.

In this article, I’ve listed some of the ways that I’ve attempted to keep my senior dog warm and comfortable during the cold and damp Seattle winter (and spring and fall). I’ve also included some ideas that my special needs boarding clients have used to keep their short-coated seniors dogs snuggly in cool weather. Continue reading →

Using BAT Principles When Boarding Dogs Who Are Dog-Reactive, Fearful, or Shy

WelcomeMat

Dog guest’s view of my entry way.

Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) was developed to socialize and rehabilitate dogs who are aggressive, fearful, or frustrated towards living creatures, typically dogs or humans.

I’ve been applying BAT principles during my Meet & Greet sessions at Solo Dogs, my special needs dog boarding business. I wanted to share some of these principles on how to help your dog get used to a new environment. This may come in handy if you board your dog at a person’s house, or even just bring them over to visit a friend.
Continue reading →

Spray Shield Leash Attachment Modification: Never Go On A Walk Without It

SprayShieldI love Spray Shield.

It was an invaluable part of my dog-reactive dog safety arsenal. Not only is it an effective and safe way to halt an approaching off-leash dog, or disrupt a dog fight, but having it with you on walks, gives you that extra piece of mind that you can handle what might come your way. I always wanted to have Spray Shield with me when I left the house with my dog, and found a solution that would ensure I’d never leave home without it. So I invented a way to make sure I always had it with me! Continue reading →

Getting Traction: Non-Slip Floor Covering Ideas for Older Dogs and Dogs with Mobility Issues

Non Slip Flooring Yoga Mats Senior Dog

Solution to Senior Dog Slipping: Yoga Mats!

One of the biggest challenges for older dogs is walking on slippery floors.

If your dog is incontinent, you are making it harder for them to get up and move away from their rest areas if they can’t get good traction. Slippery floors also increase the change of orthopedic injuries.

Youngers dogs may have no issues with bare wood, tile or lineoleum flooring – for for older dogs – these types of surfaces can be very problematic and really impact their quality of life. Continue reading →

Solo Dogs: A Unique Dog Boarding Business Launches

Announcing the launch of a new dog boarding business for special needs dogs in Seattle: Solo Dogs! If you have a reactive, fearful, or shy dog who you dread dropping off at a traditional boarding facility, or if you have a senior  geriatric dog who has mobility issues, or if your dog is recovering from surgery just when you trip planned: Solo Dogs can help!

Continue reading →