Category: Blog

Barbell Voodoo will be selling our new shirts from their online shop, see them here. And all of our normal products can be accessed here – should you need additional pet products. Have an awesome labor day weekend and thanks again for being a valued customer.

Get out and exercise with your pooch!

After ending up with three new puppies in our household within a year, I started doing a little research on some of the best (and fastest) methods for training our dogs. There are so many popular dog training methods out there, it can be frustrating to determine what methods work the best, especially for my three rambunctious babies. I found we were definitely not alone! There is even a great deal of disagreement within the professional dog training community about which methods are effective and ethical. Several methods overlap or are used in tandem for the best results. Here are some of the most popular training methods used by dog trainers today.

Alpha Dog or Dominance

Alpha dog or dominance training relies on a dog’s instinctual pack mentality to create a relationship of appropriate submission and dominance. The theory suggests that dogs see their family as their pack and follow a social hierarchy like wolves in a pack. When dogs see themselves as the alpha, they need to learn to instead respect their human as the alpha and submit. Some methods used in this technique include understanding dog body language and responding accordingly, projecting confidence and authority, and going first when it comes to eating, entering or leaving rooms, or walking on leash. If your dog wants to go out, then they have to sit before you open the door. If they want to eat, then they have to wait calmly while you prepare food.
Generally with alpha training, you don’t allow your dog on furniture with you, including the bed. You also don’t get down to your dog’s eye level. That’s because these are signs that your dog has equal standing in the relationship. You are in charge; you are dominant.
Although dominance training can curb unwanted behaviors, modern dog trainers often find it antiquated. It can fail to address the underlying causes of bad behavior and leave dogs feeling anxious or fearful. The dominance struggle becomes constant and needs consistent reinforcement, which can be difficult or even dangerous for children or the elderly.

Positive Reinforcement

Purely positive reinforcement is a method popularized by trainers like Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who trained the Obamas’ dog, Bo. The theory behind it is fairly straightforward. Dogs will repeat good behavior when it’s followed by a reward. Bad behavior does not get a reward or acknowledgment. If punishment happens, it comes in the form of removal of rewards, like a toy or treats being taken away. Harsh reprimands or physical punishments aren’t necessary.

This training method begins with rewarding the desired behavior immediately, within seconds, after it happens. That way the dog comes to associate the behavior with the reward. In the first couple of weeks of training with our dogs, I used a pouch that velcroed to my belt loop and had treats available at all times. We used our Portable Dog Waste Pouch that can hold treats or pet waste, but something similar would work. Commands also need to be short and to the point. Sit. Stay. Come.

Positive reinforcement requires consistency. Therefore, everyone in your household needs to use the same commands and reward system. My husband was using down when our puppies jumped on the couch and I was using off! It took a week to get on the same page, as not to confuse the dogs. Start with continuous rewards every time your dog does the right thing. Then, gradually move to intermittent rewards as the behavior becomes consistent. Sometimes beginner trainers accidentally reward bad behavior.

Only wanted behaviors are to get a reward, which can include treats, toys, praise, and pets. It can also be easy to overfeed when your dog is learning, so use small treats when you are rewarding with food. This method is great for learning commands, but you need patience for correcting unwanted behaviors.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is also based on operant conditioning and relies heavily on the same principles like positive reinforcement. In fact, clicker training may be grouped in as a method of positive reinforcement, rather than as its own form of training. It relies on the use of a device to make a quick, sharp noise, such as a whistle or, as the name suggests, a clicker to signal to a dog when a wanted behavior is accomplished. We put our puppy Molly in basic training at a local facility and they used clicker trainer. It went well for us, however, it was difficult to always have a clicker on your person at home for training moments.

The advantage of using clicker training is that it signals the exact moment the desired behavior is finished and exactly what is being rewarded. Trainers can then use the clicker to shape new behaviors and add verbal commands. First, the dog needs to be conditioned to know that a click means a reward is coming. Then the dog can associate a behavior with a click and a reward. Finally, a verbal command can be introduced to form a new association.

This is a great method for learning new tricks, and it can help shape the basics into more complicated tasks. Many professional trainers use this method. While it is great for learning new behaviors, clicker training isn’t necessarily well-suited for curbing unwanted behaviors. When used alongside other training methods, it can be very effective in making sure you have a well-trained, well-behaved pooch.

Electronic Training

Electronic training relies on the use of an electric collar that delivers a shock or a spray of citronella when a dog is not performing the desired task. It’s mostly used for training at a distance when a leash can’t be used. For example, shock collars can train a dog to stay within the boundaries of an un-fenced yard. A remote collar can teach dogs to work in fields or do hunting work. People who use these devices claim that there is less risk of a dog getting hurt by a choke collar or other mechanical devices. We use electronic training collars on our dogs while on walks. However, we very rarely use the shock setting and usually the desired behavior is accomplished through the vibrate/sound mode.

Some trainers do not like this training method. This training method relies on punishment for bad behavior instead of rewards, meaning a dog learns what it’s not supposed to do, rather than what it is supposed to do. Another problem is that it can create a great deal of stress and lead to permanent anxiety issues for dogs. The devices are often used by inexperienced owners, and therefore are overused. This can cause a lot of unnecessary pain, both physically and psychologically, for dogs.

Professional dog trainers may see desired results from electronic training, but it is definitely not for use by average owners. There are many alternatives that put dogs under far less stress and pain. If you are going to use an electronic device, consult a professional about the proper use.

Prong Collars

Prong collars are another form of training your dog while on the leash. The size of the prong links should be appropriate for the size of your dog. The collar should sit high up on your dog’s neck, just behind their ears. The fit should be snug, so the prong links can’t shift to the front of your dog’s neck where they might pinch your dog’s trachea. As with other training devices, when used under supervision and in combination with proper behavioral training, these collars can be quite effective. However, these collars should not be left on an unattended animal (such as one tethered in the yard) or to train by negative reinforcement/inflicting pain.

Gentle Leader

Another collar option for leash training includes the Gentle Leader. Halters are used on horses to give people more control, the same principle applies to dogs and head halters! Not only does it give you more control of the snout and “biting area†of the dog, but it also gives the owner increased control over pulling, lunging, and other naughty leash behaviors. When your dog pulls and he is wearing the Gentle Leader, the pressure is applied behind his head and ears. Dogs dislike being pulled and when you pull on his collar or leash, he wants to pull back by pulling you forward…the Gentle Leader uses the same principle by placing the “pull†on the back of the head making your dog not want to continue to pull you forward when he feels this pressure.

We use a combination of all of these techniques and have had moderate success. The most important thing is consistency in the training method. Regardless of the techniques used, we here at Poo Doo Leash have the supplies you need for training. From our 20 foot leash to our Hands-Free leash, or our Portable Dog Waste Pouch (that can also hold treats) we have you covered. You can also check out Nashville K9 University for online training! We proudly supply their training leashes.

This month’s giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers includes 10% off our website with coupon code “Friendsgiving”. If you spend more than $50 you will also get free shipping! Also, with this coupon code, we will donate an additional portion of the sale to a legal charity of your choice. Just write in the comment section which charity you would like the contribution made.

Please follow us on Facebook (@poodooleash) and Instagram (@poodooleashnashville) to see a list of upcoming Arts and Craft shows we will be attending. Most are dog and family-friendly. Happy Thanksgiving from Poo Doo Leash and State Paws!!

Rhonda Pinkerman, Founder

Encore Labs CBD Report for April 2019…

Hello from the Poo Doo Crew this Labor Day weekend! Labor Day is a yearly tribute to the contributions workers make to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. Thankfully, I have a contributing blogger helping me this Labor Day so I can take a much-needed break! Tyler Evans of dogzasters.com is giving some great tips to keep your pooch safe. He’s a proud dog papa of two German Shepherd rescues. He created his website to showcase the funny, sometimes messy, side of being a dog parent. But before I get to Tyler’s insights, I want to tell you about our new product finally on sale.

A few months ago we discussed CBD oils and treats. We now have our own CBD organic doggie delights and CBD tincture made with fish oil! As you may recall, CBD may decrease inflammation, pain, and anxiety in your pets. We are so excited to offer this new product. CBD has made a huge difference in our senior dogs. Now, on to Tyler’s great tips to keep your pooch safe this Labor Day weekend!

Have a Dog? Do this to Prevent Disasters!

We love our dogs. We let them sleep on our beds. We take them on vacation with us. We even dress them up in cute little outfits–just as if they were human children. But owning a dog isn’t all sunshine and roses. In fact, dogs can be quite a handful if you don’t take steps to train them how to behave appropriately. Dogs left home alone may destroy kitchen cabinets, chew the carpet, or turn your favorite shoes into a snack. Here are some ways to prevent the most common doggie disasters.

Crate Train Your Pup

One way to prevent doggie disasters is to crate train your pup. The Humane Society reports that crates “limit access to the rest of the house while they learn other rules, like not to chew on furniture.†While you’re away from home, keeping your dog in a crate will prevent him from chewing on expensive items. It will also keep him safe from potential dangers, like extension cords and household chemicals.

Crates are amazingly useful, but never keep your dog inside one for too long. Canines who stay confined inside a crate for an excessive amount of time end up suffering from anxiety and depression. Dogs who aren’t getting enough activity may become frustrated and act out, so make sure your pup is getting plenty of exercise. If you have a busy schedule, hire a dog walker to stop by once or twice a day to exercise your dog while you’re out, or hire a pet sitter who can keep him company more regularly.

Keep Him Busy

Dogs often exhibit poor behavior because of separation anxiety. The ASPCA states that it’s triggered when “dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they’re attached to.†They may demonstrate this anxiety by defecating or urinating in the house. They may bark or howl excessively, disturbing people in the neighborhood. Dogs with separation anxiety may even chew on furniture or try to dig themselves out of the backyard.

Does your dog have a mild case of separation anxiety? If you keep your dog busy, he will be less likely to experience this emotion. Give your dog a puzzle toy with his favorite treat tucked inside. Stuff the toy with food that will take your dog at least twenty or thirty minutes to remove from it. You might try low-fat peanut butter or cream cheese, dog food, kibble or a frozen banana.

Dogs with moderate to severe separation anxiety will need more complex assistance. Consider contacting a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Some dogs with severe separation anxiety may require an anti-anxiety medication.

Pet-Proof Your Home

A lot of doggie disasters can be prevented if you dog-proof your home. Keep your trash can covered to keep curious pups from exploring inside. Consider stashing the trash can in a latched cabinet. Put medications, household cleaners and other types of chemicals on a high shelf away from your doggie. Not only will you avoid coming home to a huge mess, but your dog won’t accidentally ingest toxins that can make him gravely ill or even kill him.

According to TheNest.com, it’s also important to keep electrical cords out of your dog’s reach by hiding the cords “behind or under furniture.†Another option is to purchase a cord product that keeps your dog from getting access to electrical cords. If you don’t keep cords away from your dog, he may end up with a serious burn injury when he tries to chew them.

Your furry friend is a beloved member of the family. But even though his sad brown eyes and wagging tail make your heart melt, you still realize that he knows how to get into all kinds of trouble when left to his own devices. If you don’t want to come home to chewed-up sofa cushions and kitchen cabinets, prevent those doggie disasters before they happen. Crate train your dog, keep him busy with puzzle toys, and pet-proof your home. Your antique overstuffed chair and expensive oriental rug will thank you!

Keep your eyes open for the October giveaway!

This month’s giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers includes 10% off our website with coupon code “CBD”. Also, with this coupon code, we will donate an additional portion of the sale to a legal charity of your choice. Just write in the comment section which charity you would like the contribution made.

Happy Memorial Day! As a Navy Veteran, coming from a long line of military family members, we here at Poo Doo Leash are very patriotic. A great quote from Abraham Lincoln makes me reflect what this holiday truly is about. As President Lincoln declared in his Gettysburg Address: “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced … that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.â€

Thank you to all who have served and continue to serve this great country.

Now, let me switch gears to get the word out on helping our senior fur babies. As more states legalize marijuana and hemp for humans, pet owners are giving their fur-babies cannabis-based extracts, ointments, and edibles marketed to treat everything from arthritis and anxiety to seizures and cancer. Having a 12-year-old German Shepherd and 10-year-old mutt, we are always on the lookout for anything that can help our babies be more comfortable. Our monthly vet bills, just for pain meds, are running around $200 and are not that effective. We started doing research on the different products currently on the market to include Hemp, Cannabis (also called marijuana), CBD (Cannabidiol) oil, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unfortunately, we live in a state where marijuana and THC are illegal.

First, what are the differences between hemp and Cannabis (marijuana)? Let’s dust off those brain cells to recall your past botany lessons. These plants both come from the genus Cannabis and species Sativa, therefore scientifically the same thing. Legally though, they are quite different.

Think of it like comparing yourself to your brother or sister (if you have one). You both come from the same family, but each has slightly different characteristics. Hemp is the non-psychoactive version of the plant and Marijuana is the psychoactive version of the plant. Both plants have cannabinoids that can be extracted. What are cannabinoids you ask?

Cannabinoids are the chemicals which give the cannabis plant its medical and recreational properties. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with different receptors in the body to produce a wide range of effects, such as feeling high. In order to understand cannabinoids, you have to know a bit about the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is a system in the human body consisting of cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors.

These receptors and cannabinoids can be thought of as a lock-and-key system. Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors like a key fits into a lock. Unlocking the receptor causes changes in how cells function, leading to different effects in the body.

The Cannabis Sativa plant has over 113 chemicals called cannabinoids. The two main types of cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While both cannabinoids provide therapeutic benefits, THC is the one that makes you high.
Marijuana’s THC content is usually between 10 and 15 percent, but hemp must have a THC content of 0.3 percent or less. At this level, cannabis has no intoxicating effect, for people or dogs.

How CBD Hemp Can Help Your Dog

Although the data I have read suggests the CBD oil from the marijuana plant is more potent, recent data of whole plant extract of hemp CBD oil is showing amazing results in dogs and humans. Our dog’s daily pain and anxiety definitely are decreased on the CBD hemp oil. I am using it on myself with great results in decreasing my arthritic knee pain! CBD hemp oil can help with both chronic and acute disease. Studies show that many cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects, and can help with pain, tumors, seizures, muscle spasms, skin conditions, appetite stimulation, aggression, anxiety and neurological disorders.

Among chronic conditions, it can help with arthritis, compromised immune systems, stress responses, aggression, and digestive issues. There are also studies underway into CBD’s effects on Type 1 diabetes, organ diseases, and cancer. Veterinarians are also finding CBD hemp oil can be useful in treating acute ailments like sprains and strains, torn ligaments, and even during post-operative care to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness.

If your dog’s taking conventional drugs for any of these conditions, CBD hemp may make it possible to use lower doses of the drugs to achieve therapeutic effects. Since conventional medicines do have side effects, this is a useful benefit of CBD. It is important to discuss with your Veterinarian that your pooch is taking CBD as it can prolong the effects of certain medications. An example of this is in humans that are on blood thinners, or any medications in which your provider tells you “not to drink grapefruit within 4 hours of taking this medicationâ€.

Which CBD hemp oil is the best? First of all, it is not regulated by the FDA, so buyers beware. Through our research, we have found that the “whole plant extract†versus a single isolate of CBD oil is the best. The whole hemp plant has so much to offer than just CBD in you and your pets overall wellness. Next, you want it organic just like Mother Nature intended it to be with no pesticides. Another thing you should look at is how it is processed. Many companies perform a CO2 extraction process that will add an additional synthetic bleaching process to get the final product. We prefer the olive oil extraction method performed by a local Tennessee company “HeavenSentHemp†that is making headlines! Their olive oil extraction technique is said to amplify the hemp’s benefits over the industry standard coconut oil extraction.

Due to the great effects the hemp CBD oil has done for me and my dog, Poo Doo Leash has teamed up with HeavenSentHemp to provide quality CBD oil products to our clients. The folks at HeavenSentHemp have given me a dosing guideline chart for dogs. Please start low and work up. Always check with your veterinarian prior to starting any new CBD products. Some veterinarians may be against this. If so, seek another opinion with a holistic veterinarian. In the next month, we will be teaming up with a local dog treat bakery to sell Hemp Dog Treats. For now, check out HeavenSentHemp for oils and transdermal products for you and your pooch at Poo Doo Leash

This month’s giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers includes 10% off our website with coupon code “CBD”. Also, with this coupon code, we will donate an additional portion of the sale to a legal charity of your choice. Just write in the comment section which charity you would like the contribution made.

Hello Poo Doo Leash and State Paws customers! We hope you had a great holiday season. It is now time for Spring. After an unseasonably warm winter in the south, many gardens and yards around the country are growing and blossoming well ahead of schedule. Outdoor enthusiasts who are also pet owners are delighted with the early onset of spring, enjoying their outdoor living spaces while watching their pets run and play. The veterinary and toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline would like to keep pets safe this spring and summer by informing pet owners of potentially harmful substances, flowers and plants that are dangerous to dogs and cats.
“Many of the calls that we receive at Pet Poison Helpline this time of year involve pet ingestions of yard and garden products that may have harmful chemicals or ingredients,” said Ahna Brutlag, DVM, MS, assistant director at Pet Poison Helpline. “Additional yard-related emergencies involve pets that have dug into and ingested the contents of compost piles or consumed various plants and flowers that can be poisonous.”

Some of the most common potentially harmful dangers for pets that reside in many yards and gardens are listed below.

Mulch Products
Cocoa bean mulch is made of discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean, which are by-products of chocolate production. The tempting “chocolate-like” smell often attracts dogs and may encourage them to eat the mulch. Processed cocoa bean hulls can contain theobromine and caffeine, the two toxins of concern in chocolate. Unfortunately, determining the amount of toxins in mulch can be difficult as it varies greatly from product to product. Many varieties contain very low amounts of the toxins and are not as dangerous as dog owners are often led to believe; however, varieties with higher toxin concentrations can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and in extreme cases, death. Since it is not usually apparent how much of the toxin the mulch contains, it’s best to keep dogs a safe distance away, to always supervise your pet while outside, or to not use the mulch at all.

Fertilizers, Soil Additives and Pesticides
While fertilizers are typically fairly safe for pets, those that contain bone meal, feather meal and iron may be especially tasty – and dangerous to dogs. Large ingestions of the meal-containing products can form a concretion in the stomach, potentially obstructing the gastrointestinal tract and causing severe pancreatitis, and those that contain iron may result in iron poisoning. Also, ingestion of pesticides and insecticides, especially if they contain organophosphates (often found in systemic rose care products), can be life-threatening, even when ingested in small amounts.

Slug and Snail Baits
Available in a variety of forms (pellets, granular, powder and liquid), slug and snail baits contain the active ingredient metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to dogs and cats. When ingested, metaldehyde produces clinical signs of distress within one to two hours, including salivation, restlessness, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and life-threateningly high body temperature. These baits are highly toxic and without immediate veterinary attention, symptoms can last for several days and can be fatal.

Compost
Composting helps out our environment by utilizing our kitchen waste. However, it can be toxic to pets and wildlife so please keep it fenced off. As the organic matter decomposes, it is common for molds to grow, some of which produce hazardous tremorgenic mycotoxins (muscle tremors). When consumed by an animal, moldy food or compost ingestion can result in sickness and physical distress in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms include agitation, panting, drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary treatment with appropriate supportive care such as IV fluids and induction of vomiting will need to occur if your dog is exposed.

Flowers and Plants
Some of the most dangerous spring and summertime threats to pets in the yard are common flowers and plants.

Sago Palm: Popular in warmer climates, this outdoor and indoor plant can be extremely harmful to pets. All parts of the plant, including the fronds/leaves, nuts and seeds are especially poisonous to dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death. This plant is considered one of the deadliest in dogs and long-term survival is poor; only 50% of dogs who ingest is often survive this dangerous plant, even with veterinary treatment. Without treatment, sago palm poisoning can result in severe, irreversible liver failure. Prompt treatment is always needed for the best prognosis.

Lily of the Valley: An early springtime favorite, the Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) contains cardiac glycosides, which are also used in many human heart medications. When eaten by dogs or cats, this common perennial can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop-in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Any pet with a known exposure should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.

Crocuses: There are two types of crocus plants: one blooms in the spring and the other in the fall. The spring plants (Crocus spp.) are more common and cause only gastrointestinal upset accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. However, the fall crocus (Meadow Saffron or Colchicum autumnale) is highly toxic and can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, and multisystem organ failure with bone marrow suppression. Symptoms may be seen immediately but can be delayed for days. If you witness your pet eating a crocus and you are not sure what variety it is, seek veterinary care immediately.

Lilies: Cat owners beware of lilies! While some types, such as the Peace (Spathiphyllum spp.), Peruvian (Alstroemeria spp.) and Calla (Zantedeschia spp.), cause only minor symptoms when eaten, other varieties of the true lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis species) are deadly and highly toxic to cats, including Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies. Ingesting very small amounts – eating as little as two petals or leaves, or exposure to the pollen- can result in severe kidney failure. Even the water in a vase containing true lilies is considered highly poisonous, as the toxin in the plant is water-soluble. If a cat consumes any part of these lilies, he or she needs immediate veterinary care to prevent kidney failure.

Pet Poison Helpline’s new iPhone application contains an extensive database of plants, chemicals, foods and drugs that are poisonous to pets. Always available with or without Internet access or cell phone service, the iPhone app has full-color photos for identifying poisonous plants, and a powerful indexing feature that allows users to search for toxins, cross-referencing them by common and scientific terms. For emergencies, it has a direct dial feature to the veterinary experts at Pet Poison Helpline. The iPhone app costs $0.99 and is available on iTunes..

While enjoying the beautiful gardens and flowers this spring and summer, have the knowledge to keep your pets safe. If, however, you think a pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.

This month’s giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers includes 10% off with coupon code “spring”. Also, with this coupon code we will donate an additional portion of the sale to a legal charity of your choice. Just write in the comment section which charity you would like the contribution made.

Please follow us on facebook (@poodooleash) and instagram (@poodooleashnashville) to see a list of upcoming Arts and Craft shows we will be attending. Most are dog and family friendly. Happy Spring from Poo Doo Leash and State Paws!!

Rhonda Pinkerman, Founder

Happy Holidays!
This year has been quite busy and I hate that we have not communicated more on a regular basis. Anyway…..

The Holidays are here! Many of us are looking forward to enjoying some delicious food with our friends and family members. Just be sure to keep your pet’s health and safety in mind as you prepare for days ahead. Holidays can be very dangerous for pets and we need to keep an eye on what Fido is getting into.

Treats
Your pet will definitely appreciate a special holiday treat. Feel free to give your dog or cat some plain, cooked meat without the skin, bones, or fat. Store-bought pet treats made in the USA are ideal. Fluffy may also enjoy a can of tuna, while Fido may perk up over a plain hamburger or some shredded deli meat. However, many people-foods are toxic to pets, so be very careful with what you offer your animal companion. Some dangerous foods include garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; meat on the bone; raw foods; grapes, currants, or raisins; chocolate; xylitol; or caffeine.

Guests
Just like people, pets all have their own personalities. Some see guests as opportunities for extra ear scratches and cuddles, while others can get quite uncomfortable around strangers. If your pet is nervous, put your timid buddy in a quiet back room with food, toys, and treats during the meal. This is also a good tactic for pets that beg a lot. You may find your furry pal’s dinnertime theatrics charming, but begging really is bad etiquette, and can make people uncomfortable.

Hazards
In addition to the unsafe foods we mentioned above, candles, decorations, and garbage also present serious hazards to our fur-baby’s. If you’re having a lot of people over, you’ll also want to keep a close eye on Fido and Fluffy as people are coming and going; you don’t want your animal companion getting stepped on, or slipping out an open door!

Pet Gratitude
At the end of the day, the Holidays are really about gratitude and spending time with loved ones. Our four-legged friends are definitely something to be grateful for! They make our houses into homes, provide us with unconditional love and loyalty, and keep us smiling with their adorable antics. Why not get your pet a new Poo Doo Leash, deer antler, or Poo Doo portable food and water bowl as a Holiday gift?

Exciting news for January 2018! Poo Doo Leash will debut at Atlanta’s AmericasMart January 11-15, 2018. Stop by and see us!

This month’s giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers include a 10% off with the coupon code “holiday”. Also, with this coupon code we will donate an additional portion of the sale to a legal charity of your choice. Just write in the comment section which charity you would like the contribution made.

Please check us out on Facebook@poodooleash & Facebook@statepaws to see a list of upcoming Arts and Craft shows we will be attending. Most are dog and family friendly.

Happy Holidays from Poo Doo Leash!!
Rhonda Pinkerman, Founder

Summer fun!

Having served in the Navy, I always get a little nostalgic about the military on the 4th of July. The latest Paramount picture “Megan Leavy†got me thinking about the dogs who serve in our armed forces. Megan Leavy is a true story about a US Marine who was injured in Iraq with her dog Rex. Years later, she fights through bureaucratic red tape to adopt Rex and reunite with him when he is retired from duty. I wonder how the military recruits these dogs for service, and what type of training do they go through? Also, what happens to them when they retire?

Currently, there are around 2500 military dogs enlisted in the armed forces, and 700 serving overseas at any given time. Specialties range from bomb detection, search and rescue missions, and cadaver searches. Several sources state that a fully trained bomb detection dog is worth over $150,000 but the piece of mind they offer is priceless. No matter how much money you sink into technology, you can’t beat a dog’s nose. Military dogs are not only picked for their breeding, sense of smell, or athletic ability but several other qualities. Health is an important criterion. Hip dysplasia can be a curse on larger breeds. Trainers take special care in picking dogs free of this. Potential candidates are screened to ensure they will be able to handle the extreme stress of biting a human. Many dogs can not handle that much pressure.

I was surprised to read that until 2000 retired military dogs were euthanized or abandoned after retirement until Robby’s Law. They were labeled as “expendable surplus equipment†and treated like machinery. Robby’s Law changed this. Now there are organizations like Save-A-Vet, which help place these warrior pups after they are decommissioned. Adopting one of these dogs is no easy task. First, you must fill out a two-page application, and a DOD specialist does a face-to-face interview if you are chosen. Then you are put on a waiting list for a wait of 2 months to a year. There is obviously a very high demand for these dogs. Once adopted the dog drops his Military Working Dog title, and the owner must pay for the transportation costs of delivery. Since they are considered “equipment†the military can not pay for these expenses. If adopted overseas it could cost up to $2000 to get the dog home. 90% of these dogs get adopted by their handlers.

Around 300 dogs are adopted each year, and 100 are eligible to be reassigned to law enforcement agencies. These are great programs for the dog, as well as the owner. I am glad that the military finally started giving these dogs the retirement that they deserve.

We are excited this year to be part of SuperZoo July 25-27th in Las Vegas. Stop by booth #2729 for a free gift with mention of this newsletter! #superzoo2017

This month’s July giveaway for loyal Poo Doo Leash customers is a free State Paws bandana with any $50 purchase. Enter in coupon code “bandana” for your July 4th gift!

Please check us out on Facebook @poodooleash to see a list of upcoming Arts and Craft festivals we will be attending. Most are dog and family friendly.

Spring Forward!!!!!

Ugghh!! Winter always leaves the Poo Doo Crew a little down, hence the reason for a delay in the monthly newsletter! We needed some time here at Poo Doo headquarters to gear up for 2017.
Now that Spring is upon us, we have great plans for the season. Thanks to awesome customers, such as yourself, we doubled our sales at local arts and crafts festivals in 2016 and are looking to expand further! We also have a new addition to the Poo Doo Crew- Arlo- he is the handsome one on the far left. He has been hitting the festival circuit with us and is a big hit.

Due to expansion, we joined a crowdfunding campaign called “I Fund Women” to help with our next big endeavor! Poo Doo Leash and State Paws products will be at the lowest cost ever for the next month on this site. Please go to our funding campaign to pick up amazing products at great prices. We need your help. Spread the word!

Poo Doo Leash crowdfunding campaign

On the Poo Doo Leash home front, we have released our newest “Back-Pack” design line. We now have this line in the Hands-Free leash, the Poo Doo Pouches and in zippered portable water/food bowls. We had many requests for zippers to be added and they are now ready to be put to the rugged test. These durable “Back-Pack” products are sure to stand the test of time.

For the “State Paws” design line we now have over 40 states released and ready to roll.Tennessee and Texas have been a huge success. In case you haven’t seen these designs, they are state flags replicated with paw prints and dog bones instead of stars. These designs show the love of your state and your pooch. This year we plan to fabricate leashes, collars, T-shirts, magnets, decals, and doggie T-shirts in your state!

Please check us out on Facebook @poodooleash to see a list of upcoming Arts and Craft festivals we will be attending. Most are dog and family friendly.