We often receive great questions from pet parents.  Therefore, I have decided to do a blog series of questions and answers so that we can help educate many pet owners at once.  As opposed to only helping the person with the question. 

Our first topic is ‘Vacationing Pet Parents.’ 

Many of you reading this may already be clients of Absolute Pet Care LLC.  Therefore you know how this works.  But a refresher can always help. 

Now… 

If you are a pet parent who is considering a vacation, there are a few things you want to do in order to secure peace of mind.  This will help make your vacation as enjoyable as possible. 

First…

When you are considering planning a vacation, the very first thing you should do is contact your pet sitting company.  Call or email us with the dates you are considering for you vacation.  You want to make certain we have the availability to accommodate your pet sitting schedule.  This is one of the most important steps.  We do book up for all major holidays and much of the vacation season.  Once we have the dates you will be out of town, then you can book the travel arrangements for your vacation.  After your travel has been booked, then you want to call your pet sitting company again to finalize your pet sitting schedule.  Most pet sitting companies book a good two weeks out.  So remember to always book your schedule as far in advance as possible.  I actually took a reservation this morning for 8 days of overnights during the week of Christmas IN 2014!  Yes, that is 19 months away!  But that is how it works here in the pet sitting industry.  We will always be in high demand, and we can only help you if you book your reservation in time. 

Secondly…

Make sure you are prepared for your trip.

Always remember to have extra supplies.  You should have at least an extra week of food, treats, potty bags, medications and any additional supplies for your kiddos.  You do not want to have to worry about them while you are away.  That is OUR job.  Just make certain they will not run out of anything while you are gone.  

Third…

Remember, your home is our responsibility as well.  Don’t forget, pet sitters are responsible for TWO of the most important things in your life…  Your pets… and your HOME.  That is why our insurance covers both while we are on duty.  

We are the only ones allowed to actually be in the home while you are away.  No friends, neighbors, relatives, housekeepers, maintenance men, landscapers, contractors, etc., are allowed in the home while we are responsible.  You never know when a maid will accidentally leave a door open for a dog to get out, or when someone unknowingly feeds forbidden food to a dog with food allergies and we walk into a complete mess (this has happened to me).  So do us a favor and cancel the maid service while you are away. 

Fourth…

Don’t forget about home security. 

WE are the home security while you are away.  We here at Absolute Pet Care LLC work closely with the Scottsdale Police Department.  They have always been really good to us when it comes to sharing information and providing helpful tips.  The last thing we want is to show up to your home and find it broken into and your pets stolen.  So PLEASE DO NOT advertise that you will be going out of town.  Do not share this information on Facebook or Twitter.  Do not brag about ‘hitting the beach in Jamaica in 2 days’ while using social media.  Save that for after you have returned home from your trip.  

Fifth…

Make sure all of your information is updated.

Veterinarian Authorization forms and Pet Guardianship forms are a MUST for all pet care companies.  Make sure the information listed on those forms is up to date. 

We require all pet parents to complete a Pet Guardianship form just in case we need it.  Remember, in the eyes of the law, pets are considered personal property.  If something should happen to you on your trip, we are required to have legal authorization stating who we are allowed to leave your pet(s) with.  Legally, no person is allowed to simply come into your home and take your pet.  Even if you are in the hospital, or even dead.  That is the exact same thing as someone coming in and taking your television.  By law, we have to leave your pet with someone.  That is why we have the Pet Guardianship forms.  If something were to happen to you, without these forms, depending on the state you live in, your pets could end up in shelters or even animal testing labs.  If the current pet care company you use doesn’t have pet guardianship forms…  Find a new pet sitting company.  Because they aren’t thinking about what is best for your pets.

These are just a few guidelines you want to make sure to obey if you are planning a vacation.  As always, please feel free to add any others in the comment section.  Please let me know your thoughts or suggestions.  Remember, we are all in this to help increase the quality of life for our pets.  So we should stick together and help each other out. 

Let me know of any questions you may have for the next blog post. 

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise, your Scottsdale Pet Sitter, Dog Walker
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Although we work to help our pet parent clients in many different ways, Leash Training has become one of our most popular services. 

Many pet parents want to do the right thing.  So they adopt a dog from the local rescue, shelter, pound, etc.  Many times, we do not actually choose which dog we want to bring home to share our lives with.  Our heart strings choose for us.  

As many people can tell you, from the time we see those sad little eyes peering at us through the bars at the local shelter, our hearts instantly melt with grief and guilt.  We know there is no chance of us getting out of there without rescuing that poor little one who desperately needs a new home, a new chance, a new family, a new life.

That’s when it happens…

You do the rescuing, we do the training.  

Typically what happens next is the little guy or girl comes home, has to adapt to new surroundings and new life.  We help make this transition easier on our clients.  We take the new addition out for regular walks and leash train the pups so they can become more easily acclimated to their new family.  

Many people may become frustrated during this fragile time.  They commonly experience trouble, or grow impatient with a dog who aggressively pulls on a leash or has poor leash control.  

That’s where we come in to help do this for them.  We will work with the new additions to help ease the process.  We work with pet parents to show them how to properly walk their dogs on a leash.  Depending on the age, size and breed of the dogs, leash training can take a few visits to a few weeks.  But we help get the ball rolling smoothly.  Therefore, the entire family can live together in a more harmonious manner.  

For more information on our leash training services, contact us at AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise, your Scottsdale Pet Sitter, Dog Walker
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Yes, yes, yes…  We just can’t stay away.

Absolute Pet Care will be participating in the 3rd annual Paws in the Park event in Scottsdale this February 23rd, 2013 from 8am to Noon.

We are honored to be chosen to represent our community as the local Pet Care Company.  Especially since the location of Chaparral park is the heart of our service area.  We are looking forward to seeing so many great pups and pup parents out at the park this year.

As usual, we will have plenty of goodies to give away, coupons, discount offers, gift certificates and a raffle.  The best part is meeting all of you and helping answer questions regarding nutrition, behavior, training and the general wellbeing of your pets.

Along with the vendors, this year’s event will also feature a “Sniff and Stroll” mile-long walk around Chaparral Park with your pups.  There will also be a Pet Supply drive to help benefit the homeless pets of the Humane Society.  The Pet Supply drive will be sponsored by the Scottsdale Fire Department and the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association.

The event lasts from 8am to Noon, but the “Sniff and Stroll” participants must be registered by 9:40am.

Hope to see you there!

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise, your Scottsdale Pet Sitter, Dog Walker
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Well, friends…  Let me tell you about this little treasure I have stumbled upon…  An instant $10 savings!

For our local Arizona Pet Parents…

Goober Pet Direct has been helping pet lovers throughout the Valley of the Sun with expert advice and amazing FREE home delivery service since 1996.  They are locally owned and operated, and have the best selection of the healthiest pet foods, supplements, and treats.

Use PROMO code APC10 when you place your first online order with Goober Pet Direct and you will receive $10 OFF!  Continue to use the PROMO code on each future order to receive 10% OFF.  They will always honor your 10% discount in the future.

I personally use them when I order my pet’s food because they not only offer FREE next day delivery, but they also have an amazing selection of pet foods.  My kids have severe food allergies and have been placed on special diets.  I have searched everywhere for their limited ingredient foods, and they are always so expensive at the large chain stores.  Goober carries them, and I just simply repeat my order and have it delivered to my door each time.

If you live here locally in the Phoenix Metro area, please check them out and use the FREE $10 Promo code.  Why not?  It’s a FREE savings of $10!

So remember…  Here’s what you do…  Go to GooberPetDirect.com – select the food, supplies or supplements to order, use PROMO code APC10, save $10 and 10% on ALL future orders, receive FREE next day delivery, and enjoy!

It really doesn’t get much easier than that!

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise, your Scottsdale Pet Sitter, Dog Walker
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

We all know just how hectic and crazy the holidays can be.  Worrying has become just as much a part of the holidays as family, travel, food and decorations.  The last things you need is to worry about are your pets and home as well.

The key to eliminating that worry is to not just find a pet sitter, but to the find THE RIGHT pet sitter.  A pet sitter isn’t someone who just feeds, waters and walks pets.  THE RIGHT pet sitter is NOT a friend, neighbor or relative.  THE RIGHT pet sitter IS a professional who is licensed, bonded, fully insured, certified in pet first aid and who pet sits full-time, for a living.

Pet sitters are responsible for your home as well as your pets.  The right pet sitter will have business insurance which not only covers your pets, but also your home while you are away.  Professional pet sitters work to make your home look lived in by changing the light scheme, opening/closing curtains and blinds, bringing in mail, removing fliers and door hangers, watering plants, etc.  These are all used as a home security measure to help deter burglars from breaking into your home.  Most people don’t realize just how important this role can be.  Here in the U.S., a residential burglary is committed every 12 seconds.  Also, 1 in 6 homes will be burglarized.  Don’t let this be you.  Its tough to even think about what your pet would do in a burglary situation.

Tips to find the right pet sitter for the holidays:

Start Early -

It’s never too early to book reservations.  We have many clients who return from Thanksgiving or Christmas trips only to proactively book service for the following year.  The average notice for a holiday booking is 3-6 months in advance.

If you are not currently registered with a professional pet sitting service, make sure you are registered even if you do not have any travel dates booked.  Too often, we are contacted by pet owners with an immediate need.  They do not provide much notice, but they also have yet to register with us, making their booking even more difficult.  For instance, last year on Thanksgiving Day, a cat parent called our office at 2pm explaining they needed us to come take care of their cat as they were leaving for the airport.  This task was impossible because we had not even met them, completed our necessary paperwork, or even collected a key to their home.  Please do not let this be you.

Call ahead of time.  Always call your pet sitting service prior to booking your travel dates.  The proper way to book is to call ahead to do a ‘soft booking’ in order to make sure service will be available.  Book your travel.  Then confirm with your pet sitting service to complete your reservation.  This process will help ensure your peace of mind.

Being a great pet parent isn’t easy.  But with the right pet sitting service, we can help make it easier.

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Recently, I received a call from a client whose dogs had become ‘problem barkers.’  This was a relatively new client, but being their pet sitter, I had only visited the dogs while the family was away.  They seemed very well behaved during the time we spent together.  In fact, I had never even heard these dogs bark before.  I am their dog walker, so I know for a fact, they receive a great amount of daily exercise.  Obviously, I scheduled a visit to come over and see what was going on while I wasn’t around.  The dogs are two young pomeranians.  Which are known to be temperamental, headstrong, and can be somewhat possessive.  But we can never take dogs for granted.  Each dog is a product of its environment, and these traits are learned.  So I needed to see exactly what was going on.

When I arrived, I could hear the dogs barking wildly as I rang the doorbell.  I could already tell their mom was correct in the way she described their behavior.

After entering the home, the dogs immediately recognized me and greeted me with puppy kisses and waggly tails.  Of course they did.  I’m their pet sitter.  They know when they see me they are going to get plenty of playtime and affection.

While the client explained their ill behavior,  I began to notice other things which really explained a lot.  I heard quite a bit of yelling and screaming coming from down the hallway where the kids’ bedrooms were.  Apparently her kids were entertaining other children after school, and they were playing or yelling or something.  I asked her if this was a common occurrence, and she replied with “yes, actually every day after school.”

I then took the dogs outside to see what else might be contributing to this barking.  Outside I could hear a blaring television set on the patio.  I could also hear the parents shouting to each other from room to room.  Not fighting or arguing really, just shouting in conversation with one another.

I then realized exactly why this was happening.

The dogs are just fitting in with their environment.  The entire house was a very, very loud place to be.  The dogs are just yelling like everyone else.  People were yelling from room to room, yelling for attention, and just yelling because it’s what they are used to doing.  Therefore, the dogs were doing the exact same thing.

After discussing my theory with ‘Mom,’ we came up with a plan to help curb this behavior.  Soon after, she had the entire family on board.  The new rule was no yelling in the house.  The after school meetings moved to another house in the neighborhood, and from then on, people were to actually walk into the same room to speak to others instead of shouting through walls.  I also suggested that she begin rewarding the dogs with small treats when they are lying down, relaxed and being quiet.

It has now been two weeks, and she told me today there is no more problem barking.

See, dogs weren’t born to bark relentlessly every day.  This is something they learn to do.

Dogs are a product of their own environment.

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

As a great pet parent, you work hard to ensure you’re doing the best job possible for your pets.  Making sure they eat the highest quality food, they have the best dog walking / exercise routine, and they get as much love and affection as they can possibly stand.  Right?  Well, if so, then how can a dog suffer from depression?

The fact is that dogs can suffer from depression.  You may think they have an easy life because all they have to do is lie around all day.  But that isn’t really how the canine mind works.

To better help understand your dog, you must always think from their perspective.  You have many things going on in your life which may occupy much of your time.  You have work, friends, family, hobbies, books, tv, the internet, games, this blog, etc…  All your dog has is YOU.  Yes, your dog is completely obsessed with you.  You are what he/she thinks about all day long while you are away, and all night long as you both lie on the couch and cuddle, watching tv until you both call it a night and go to bed.

It’s easy to understand just how important you are to your dog.  Which also explains just how easy it is for them to become depressed when they can’t be with you.  Think about it, you are pretty special.  Right?

Recognize the signs of canine depression.

Signs may include:

- Lack of enthusiasm or motivation.  Are you happily greeted when you arrive home?  Are they still excited to get their favorite treats or food?

- Weight loss.  Monitor their appetite and food intake.

- House soiling.  Is your dog house trained and just started soiling inside again?

- Anxiety.  Dogs have a natural amount of daily anxiety.  It should be walked off with their morning walks every day.  If you notice they are still anxious after their walks, this may be an issue.

- Nervousness, phobic or impulsive aggression.  Your home should be your dog’s ultimate safe place.  He/she should ALWAYS feel safe and welcome in their own home.  If you notice signs of discomfort, nervousness or aggression while your dog is home, this is certainly a bigger issue and needs to be addressed immediately.

- Lack of sociability.  Not all dogs are social.  If a dog hasn’t been socialized properly at an early age, he/she most likely will never be social.  However, if you have a social dog who tends to be more withdrawn during social gatherings, this is a glowing indication of your dog trying to tell you something is wrong.

- Grief.  Mourning or grief is something that everyone (including dogs) will handle in their own way.  If a pet or loved one has passed, moved out, or is no longer involved in your dog’s life, your dog will most likely experience a grieving period.  Remember that pets need closure just as much as humans do.  It’s important to let them say their goodbyes.

- Medication.  Obviously people and pets may react differently to certain types of medication.  This is why most veterinarians will urge you to pay close attention to your pets when they are medicated.  Pay close attention and ALWAYS inform your vet of any concerns or issues.

Causes of Canine Depression:

- Loneliness.  As I mentioned earlier, dogs are companion animals.  Your dog needs you.  It’s understandable to be busy.  If you are, then help them by hiring a professional dog walker to tire them out while you work long hours.  There’s nothing better after a long work day than to come home to a dog who is tired.  A tired dog is a happy dog!

- Stress.  Dogs can soak up stress like a sponge.  If you are experiencing more stress or tension at home, please don’t infect your dog with it.  Find a way to help relieve your stress before passing it to them.

- Changes in schedule.  Dogs are the ultimate creatures of habit.  They love a solid, daily routine.  Try to keep them on a regular schedule if possible.  Keep their walk times, feeding times, etc., around the same time each day.

- Food.  In the past few years, we have seen tremendous progress in the pet food industry.  We now have many different options (grain free, raw, etc.) to help our pets.  We’ve seen a sky-rocketing increase in food allergies in dogs.  We’re seeing many dogs with allergic reactions to poultry, and skin infections and digestive issues with many of the common grains found in dog foods.  If you are serving the wrong foods to your dog, this is an issue which needs to be addressed immediately.  Read the ingredient labels on your foods.  You can even have allergy tests done through your veterinarian to determine exactly which foods your dog may be allergic to.

- Aging.  Much like humans, some dogs do not accept aging well.  Very active dogs (like shepherds) who LOVE to run and jump can be seriously disappointed when old age takes over and they can’t do the things they used to.

Suggestions:

- Develop a routine and stick to it.  This will give your dog a sense of security.

- Consult your veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying medical issue.

- Socialization.  Try bringing your dog with you more often.  More involvement in your life will help them.  Bring them along on errands, just as long as they don’t have to wait in the car.  This is 2012.  Many restaurants, stores and other public places are more dog-friendly than you think.

- Training.  Even though your dog most likely went through some type of obedience training earlier in life, there are many great group training classes you can enroll in to help your dog socialize and get more out of life.  Find a friend with a new dog or puppy and enroll in their training class.

- Walk variety.  Instead of the usual walk around the neighborhood, load your dog up in the car and hit the park.  Try a different walk.  Take a slower walk to let them discover the smells of a new neighborhood.  Give them a little variety.

- Talk to them!  This one is crucial!  This is one rule that I absolutely live by.  Talking to your dog shows them attention.  And attention from their favorite person in the whole world is what they love most of all.  Your dog LOVES your voice, so let them hear it!  Any time you are reading a book, magazine, an online article, Facebook posts, etc., read it aloud so your dog can be involved too.  They will LOVE it!

- Companionship.  ONLY if you can financially afford to bring home another pet, you could consider adding more love to your home.  If you “crunch the numbers” and realize that you can afford twice as much dog food, the vaccines, the vet bills, all the usual expenses we pet owners regularly see, consider letting your dog choose its brother or sister.  Understand there will be a lot of patience required if you choose this option.  You will also need to give twice as much love.  But it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

If you’re anything like me, you look for ANY excuse to spend more time with your pets.  Just can’t get enough of them.

Here are a few Halloween Costume Contests for Dogs taking place next month here in the valley.

Halloween in the Hills

The Pets N’ Their People costume contest will start at 6:30 p.m., contest registration opens at 5 p.m. Immediately following the costume contest more Halloween fun for humans will take place until about 8 p.m.
Location: Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills
In 2012: Wednesday, October 31

Cave Creek Wicked Pet Costume Contest & Parade

Saturday, Oct. 27th from 11am – 4pm.  Must arrive before 1pm to enter in the costume contest.

This event is taking place at Frontier Town in Cave Creek, AZ.

For more information, check out their website at http://www.cavecreekwicked.com

Scottsdale Street Fair – DOGFEST  

DOGFEST will feature a doggie Halloween costume contest and fashion show on October 28th.  The event offers live entertainment, a kid’s fun zone, yummy food and much more!  Sunday, from 10am – 4pm.  For more information visit scottsdalestreetfair.com.  Admission is always FREE.

Let us know if you hear of any others.

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

Yep…  Even your pets know it’s that time of year again…

Every September, the kids return to school, the temperatures cool down, football is back on TV, and before you know it…

The holidays have arrived!

Pet Owners: Remember that the average time to book pet sitting reservations is 3 to 6 months in advance.  Holidays are the busiest time of year for every pet sitting business.  Many pet owners travel for the holidays, leaving their pets and homes behind for us to take care of.   Typically, pet sitting businesses are booked solid from October until Mid January.

Different pets (and pet owners) have different needs.  Some may need only 2 pet sitting visits per day, while some may need us to stay overnight in the home with added midday visits, while some may need us to perform Live-In services where we actually stay in the home while the owners are away.  Regardless of which services you may need to schedule, we still only have enough reservations to go around.  Once we fill up, there’s nothing else we can do to help you.

We understand that most people don’t want to think about the holidays so far in advance.  But being prepared and on top of things is just part of our job.  This is why we send out so many warnings: phone calls, emails, blog posts, Facebook posts, tweets, newsletters, etc…  We truly care for our pet clients and want them to be taken care of.  The only way to ensure that is to book your reservations as early as possible.

The early bird may get the worm…  But the early reservations will get the peace of mind!

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com

There are more lost dogs during the 4th of July Holiday than any other time of the year.

For most Americans, we love to celebrate the birth of America with the traditional fireworks display.  However, as pet parents, we must take the proper precautions to protect our pups.  The sound of fireworks can be horrific for most dogs – The LOUD squeal, followed by an enormous BOOM or series of POPS, will typically trigger the flight instinct for most dogs.  

Unlike thunder, fireworks are closer to the ground and are even more sudden to the unsuspecting canine.  A dog can often sense a storm brewing and be somewhat prepared for a thunderstorm.  But the sudden burst of explosives can trigger a fear we may not even be able to imagine.

Tips to protect your dog:

1.  NEVER bring your dog along to a fireworks display.  It’s best to leave them home in their safe place where they will be less stressed.

2.  Tire your dog out as much as possible on July 4th, especially later in the day.  An extremely tired dog will not have the energy for digging, chewing, breaking it’s collar, etc., and will be less likely to escape. 

3.  Mask the Sounds.  Create as much sound as possible.  Turn on the TV, radio, fans, anything to create noise.  

4.  Eliminate the escape route.  Keep the doggie door closed.  Even though some panicked-stricken dogs have been known to chew through their doggie doors during a fireworks display, keep the door closed for the night.  Also make sure the yard has a secure fence with a locked gate if possible.

5.  Plan for the worst.  Keep your dog’s collar on at all times.  Make sure your current information is listed on the tags.  Have your dog microchipped and spayed or neutered.  Keep current pictures of your dog in the case you may need to create ‘Lost Dog’ flyers.  

Thanks for caring!

Tim Heise
- Certified Pet Care Specialist
Absolute Pet Care, LLC
Scottsdale, AZ
AbsolutePetCareAZ.com