Groomington Coat Factory

Mobile & Salon Dog Grooming

The Daily Sniff

The Benefits of Starting Agility with Your Dog

A Shetland Sheepdog and a Jack Russell Terrier on the agility field.

Does your dog have a lot of energy? Is your dog bored at home after all this covid hoopla? Looking for a new and fun way to not only bond with your pup but exercise as well?

WHAT ABOUT AGILITY?

Dog agility is a sport where you direct your dog through a series of pre-set obstacle course within a certain time limit. Each course typically will have between 14-20 obstacles including tunnels, weave poles, tire jumps, seesaws and pause tables where each dog must stop and stay for a set amount of time.  Think of ninja warrior but with cute fluffy dogs instead of muscle-bound men and women. Agility is very much an athletic challenge that keeps dogs fit, helps prevent obesity, increases endurance and strengthens bones and joints. Agility courses are also great mental stimulation for pet giving them the opportunity to problem solve.

What Types of Dogs can do agility?

When most people think of agility, the first breeds that come to mind are the super-fast Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Shelties. But truly, any healthy dog can take part in agility. Our business owner, Cait, does

agility with her Toy Poodle, Karl, and is preparing her Shetland Sheepdog, Keltie, to start agility soon. They all have a blast, and so will you and your pet!

What are the benefits of agility for dogs?

  1. Outlet for physical and mental energy
  2. Helps build your dog’s confidence
  3. Great for developing self-control
  4. Helps with distraction training
  5. Strengthens your dog’s natural instincts
  6. Seeing a confident and happy pup is a goal for all pet parents
  7. You’ll develop greater trust & confidence in your dog

Agility helps build your bond with your dog, to develop an almost magical connection and lifelong friendship!

Wondering where to get involved with agility?

Our go to for all of our agility needs is Our Gang Pet Services in River Vale. Andrea and her staff have a vast knowledge for not only the sport but all types of dog behavior and will help you get your pet on the right path. Click here to visit their website! Don’t forget to check out their courses to see all the other great classes they offer.

Water Safety

DID YOU KNOW…..

Dog are not natural born swimmers! Many people think that dogs instinctually know how to swim but that’s not actually the case. It is important to make sure you know how to keep your pets safe around water during the warmer months.

If your pet is not familiar with swimming, follow these steps to help acclimate them:

  • Start as early as possible. Remember to keep the lessons positive and stress-free for them (and perhaps you too!)
  • Choose a quiet, shallow spot in the water
  • Keep your dog on a leash while they learn
  • Get in the water with them
  • Start at the edge of the water and stay as long as they enjoy it
  • If they don’t want to go into the water, don’t force them (especially if it’s deep)
  • When your dog begins to paddle with their front legs, lift their hind legs to show them how to float

Tips for the beach:

  • Watch out for strong currents and riptides! These can take you and your dog out to sea. Even the best swimmers can be in danger when the seas are ruff!
  • Don’t let your dog drink ocean water. It can make them sick. Remember to bring fresh H2O with you to keep them hydrated (and a beer for you!)
  • Keep your pal away from fish that have washed onto the shore. Dogs may think they have a great smell to them but the fish may make your dog ill.

Tips for the pool:

  • Put a fence or baby gates around your pool to keep your dog out when it is not time to swim. Do not allow unsupervised swimming sessions.
  • Keep a sturdy cover over the pool when you aren’t using it.
  • Teach your dog how to get in and out of the pool. Make sure there are steps or a ramp they can use to climb out.
  • Check the water temperature before letting your dog take a dip. Only a few breeds can handle extra cold water.
  • Always keep life vests on hand!

Tips for Lakes, Rivers and Ponds:

  • Consider getting your dog a life jacket. Especially if you take them out on a boat or a dock. Many pet stores have some really cute and fashionable ones!
  • Steer clear of bodies of water with blue green algae. It can make dogs sick.
  • Check the current of the river or creek. Make sure it isn’t too strong to let your dog swim. Again, even the best of swimmers can be put into life threatening situations in strong currents.
  • Keep your dog away from fishing gear! Sharp hooks and barbs can hurt them.

No matter where your pup makes a splash, follow these pointers:

  • Rinsing them off after they have been in any kind of water is important. Seawater minerals, salt, chlorine, algae and pollution can irritate or damage their skin and fur.
  • Remove their flea collar before they swim. Water can wash off it’s an active ingredients.
  • Dry your dog’s ears completely to help prevent ear infections. You can even try our ear cleaner sold (here).
  • If possible, learn canine CPR. Mouth-to-nose resuscitation and chest compressions could save a dog’s life in an emergency.
  • Never leave your dog alone in the water!
  • Teach your dog “wait” at the water’s edge or to use stairs. Using the stairs may help get them out of an emergent situation if they were to ever fall in.
  • Keep pool chemicals safely stored away and out of pet’s reach.

Witch Way To The Treats?

Howl-o-ween is right around the corner, are you ready!? We have gathered some great Halloween costumes from small businesses to help inspire your pet’s attire!

TY Beanie Baby $8.99

Shake your Boo-ty Shirt $17.80

Dinosaur Mask $13.00

Sunflower $49.99

Turtle $35.99

Unicorn Hat $14.00

Here Comes Santa Paws $32.39

Jedi Master Hat $25.00

Chinese New Year Dragon $17.00

Tutu $18.00

Tips on Helping Pets Cope with Fireworks

  • Try and keep your pets away from fireworks as much as possible
  • Try a THUNDERSHIRT or try making your own: Thundershirts are a garment made for dogs to help with calming through the use gentle pressure. Many owners swear by the power of a Thundershirt! You can also try making your own DIY Thundershirt following these instructions.
  • Consider giving your dog Focus Hemp CBD: FTipsocus Hemp CBD Companion Care was created specifically for pets. Sometimes just taking the edge off is enough to help with fireworks. CBD oil can be put on your pet’s food, directly in their mouths or put inside pill pockets. Please keep in mind CBD is most effective when used continually opposed to a one time ordeal. You can purchase Focus Hemp CBD Companion Care here.
  • Create a safe haven for your dog: A safe haven is a place where your dog feels most comfortable. Bring your pet to their safe haven beforehand. Dogs are den animals, so they are looking for a comfortable cave to get away from it all. Great areas to think about setting up as a safe haven includes underneath stairways, basements, large closets, anywhere where your pet can not see or hear the fireworks. Make sure to provide your pet with their favorite blanket, toys and treats. Some pets LOVE their crates and those are always great spaces for them as well.
  • Play white noise: You can try running a fan, TV or radio to help mask the sound of the fireworks. Classical music is always a great choice too!
  • Long walks before the fireworks start: “A tired dog is a happy dog.” Venture out for a long walk and lots of exercise before the sun sets to increase the chances that you’ll avoid fireworks while out and about. Please be sure your dog is secured on a leash with proper ID tags prior to heading out.
  • Work on desensitizing your dog to the sounds of fireworks: If you suspect your dog will freak out over the sound of fireworks, try playing sounds of fireworks softly so your dog is used to hearing them. Try positively reinforcing good reactions to the sounds with their favorite treats. This video is a great starting point.
  • Distracting toys are great: Why not give your dog something better to worry about! Puzzle toys, frozen kongs with peanut butter, and many other interactive toys are a great choice! Some dogs will be too overwhelmed but other may be very welcoming to the idea of a happy alternative.
  • Consider hiring a trainer: If the fear is negatively impacting your pup’s life, consider enlisting the advice of an expert. You can work with a trainer to desensitize your pet for general issues including fireworks.
  • Consult your Veterinarian: If you’ve exhausted all of your options and not having positive outcomes, try consulting your veterinarian about medications to help soothe your dog’s anxiety.

Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are up to date in the event your pet bolts. It is also a good idea to have a recent photo of your dog on hand in the event you need to notify local shelters of your missing pet. When possible, please consider staying home to help comfort your pet.

Sources: www.AKC.org and www.k9ofmine.com

How Pet Owners Can Make Moving a Stress-Free Success

Young couple in new apartment with small dog

Guest Post by: Penny Martin

Looking for a home can often feel an overwhelmingly exhausting experience. As a pet owner, however, you have an additional responsibility that could add to your workload. Thankfully, with a little planning, you can make your moving experience run smoothly.

Picking the Perfect House

Our companions are an important part of our lives, and their happiness is vital to us. To ensure they stay safe and content, we must consider them when looking for a home. Of course, you’ll want a community that is accepting of pets, so look for features like dog parks, vets, and pet supply stores to guide your choices; the more there are, the more likely it will be a pet-friendly place. As an added precaution, check local laws regarding pets, particularly breed limits. Once you’ve done your research, you can start looking for a house to fulfill your needs and those of your pet. For instance, an animal with short legs or one who is getting on in years may need a single-story home. In contrast, a larger dog might require a big yard and plenty of room to play. What’s more, you may need to install a fence to keep them safe and secure, which could add another $1,641 to $3,972 to your expenses. At the end of the day, however, It’s up to you to decide what will serve your companion best.

Moving with a Pet

One of the most difficult aspects of moving with a pet is the process of getting them to their new home. Thankfully, dogs can be crated, given toys and snacks to calm them, and taken out for breaks to help tire them out. Yet, other pets, such as birds, can be more difficult and could make travel by plane potentially challenging. First, you need to find an airline that will accept them, and then you should ensure you have the right cage. Then, you must supply them with enough food, water, and comforting objects to keep them calm during the trip. If possible, travel by car so that you can use a familiar cage, take breaks, and limit their overall stress.

Make Moving Day Easy

Moving day is going to be stressful regardless, but you can make it easier by keeping your pet safe. After all, we cannot explain to them why strangers are inside their home, and movers cannot haul stuff out in silence. So, to let you focus on the move, as well as to minimize your pet’s stress, consider having a friend take them away for the day. Otherwise, you could hire a pet sitter — yes, even for a bird. If you don’t know where to find one, your vet may have a list of reliable organizations or individuals to check out. However, do meet them first, ensure they know first aid, and have the right temperament so you feel confident on the big day.

Introducing Your Pet to the Neighborhood

For most animals, such as cats and birds, they’ll only need to get used to an unfamiliar home. Yet, dogs will need an introduction to their new surroundings. Take it slowly by first showing them around the neighborhood before branching out farther. As you go, always keep them on a strong lead, even if there are no leash laws in your city. Not only will your pup stay safe from traffic and other dogs, but a leash prevents them from bolting and becoming lost in strange surroundings. If you’re still using the same old leash you’ve had for years, now’s a perfect time to get a new one (you can find great leashes at Chewy starting at around $6.25)

Helping Them Adjust to Changes

Pets often have a difficult time handling change, so the best thing you can do is to shield them from the unpacking process. Indeed, birds, in particular, can become extremely agitated from seeing lots of activity, as they tend to thrive in quiet and peaceful environments. Given this, look for somewhere away from the noise and chaos, and avoid anywhere with a window. Whether you have a pug or a parakeet, make sure their private space has all their favorite toys, and don’t hold back on treats to keep them in good spirits.

Don’t end up with a home that doesn’t suit your entire family, including your pets. Do a little digging into your new community, prepare for moving day, and help your companion adjust to their new surroundings. After all, this should be something to celebrate!

How First-Time Dog Owners Can Benefit from These Apps

Guest Post by: Penny Martin

Owning a dog can be one of the most beautiful and rewarding things you’ll ever do. Pets can help us relieve stress, find joy in everyday events, and feel healthier overall. However, it’s important to keep in mind that pets are also a lot of work. Keeping up with your dog’s feeding and exercise schedule is only one part of the responsibilities you’ll be taking on when you bring a pup home; you also have to help him get accustomed to your home, learn about his personality, and prepare yourself for his medical needs. Pets have emergencies, too, just like humans, so it’s essential to think about pet insurance and how you’ll handle an injury or other emergency.

Fortunately, there are several apps available that can help you stay on top of your pet’s needs as the two of you get used to each other. From a service that will deliver pet food right to your door to an app that will help you keep track of his exercise routine, there are many tools you can use on your smartphone that will give you peace of mind as a new pet owner.

Here are a few of the best apps for dog owners and how you can benefit from them.

First things first: your phone

Before you start thinking about the apps you’ll need to help care for your pet, it’s important to make sure your phone is up-to-date and has a fast internet connection. Check out the specs for some of the apps you’re interested in to make sure your phone is compatible; if it’s not, consider an upgrade. Look for a model with a longer battery life like the new iPhone 11 Pro, which also features a high-end camera. For Android users, choose one that provides a large screen for ease of use, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+.

Get answers to your questions

Becoming a pet parent for the first time often comes with a ton of questions, so it’s no wonder that Petco developed an app to help individuals figure out how to help their pets. PetCoach allows you to talk to a certified specialist about a specific concern. Having a few answers to your most pressing questions right at your fingertips can give you peace of mind, especially if you plan on traveling with your dog. You can also download the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control app to help you stay on top of your dog’s health. Pups don’t always know what’s bad for them and can end up eating chocolate or certain types of fruit that are hazardous to dogs. This app will help you keep your pup safe.

Keep track of vet visits

Keeping up with your dog’s health can be challenging, especially if you also have children. It can be tricky to remember all the pertinent dates and vaccinations, but the Pawprint health tracker app can help you keep up with everything related to your dog’s health, from flea medication times to vaccination records. This is a great tool to have if you want to include your family in your pet’s care, since it lets you add them to your pet’s profile.

Keep an eye on things

If you’re going to be away from your pet for a large chunk of the day, it’s a good idea to look for a camera and monitoring system that will help you keep an eye on things. The pet monitor app by Annie is a pet sitter cam that allows you to check in on your pup while you’re away, with high-quality video and audio feed in real-time. Plus, it has features like a night-light that will allow you to see what’s going on even if you’re stuck working late.

Using technology to help you become a better pet parent can give you peace of mind as your new animal transitions to your family. Not only can you keep up with his health and wellbeing, you can ensure that you have all the tools you need to keep him happy and comfortable. 

CBD Oil- Hemp Hemp Hooray!

Wilbur happily spending time outside.

We adopted Wilbur about a year and a half ago at the ripe age of 11. His physical health was fairly good for an elderly dog but we noticed that his anxiety was high. He couldn’t even look at my husband without stopping and urinating wherever he was. The weirdest things would make “Wilby” (as we call him) act skittish and hide for hours. We brought in an at home trainer in hopes to shed some light on what we should do. In comes CBD oil. Our trainer had suggested using CBD in hopes to help Wilby’s anxiety. Though the product has not been shy to the human market, CBD seemed to have been a newer product in the pet retail world which left me a little skeptical. Skeptical or not, we decided to give it a try knowing that we wanted Wilbur to live out the rest of his days as a happy, stress free dude.

Focus Hemp Co. Companion Care CBD Oil Available at the GCF Online store
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Like any good parent, before you make the plunge to give your pets anything new, you do hours upon hours of research first. Quickly I found myself overwhelmed as I didn’t understand half of what I was reading. Much of my confusion stemmed from knowing that CBD comes from the same plant as THC and THC recreationally is a big “no no” in most states. Despite being derived from hemp, much to my surprise, most CBD oils don’t contain any THC in them at all. 

After trying several different brands, we decided on a product from Focus Hemp Co. Focus is located in South Oregon and really “focuses” on a special method of extraction so that their products are as close to the plant origin as possible. This method, called ethanol extraction, makes the products completely safe for consumption and legal to purchase over the counter. 

“The healing properties of the hemp plant comes from more than just CBD. Hemp contains over 100 cannabinoids that each produce a unique set of effects,” dotes the Focus Hemp Co. website. CBD oil in general can be used to treat the following ailments in pets (but is not limited to):

  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Arthritis
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Symptoms of Cancer

Before using any type of over the counter supplement, including CBD, please consult your veterinarian first.

Wilbur hanging out, waiting patiently for dinner.

So let’s get back to my dog, because every pet parent likes to brag lol. Since we started using the CBD oil with Wilbur on a regular basis; his accidents have stopped, he’s much more relaxed and will even from time to time, cuddle with my husband. We consider this to be a huge step in aiding in this little guy’s anxiety. We are so happy with the results that we have started carrying Focus Hemp CBD Companion Care in our flagship store and our online store. Since we have starting distributing Focus Hemp, it is the highest selling product out of all of our retail items. If you’d like to purchase Companion Care CBD Oil, Click Here!

We love hearing other success stories too! So if you have one, please feel free to send it to us! If you don’t, maybe now is a good time to try something new! 

Q & A with GCF’s Gina!

March 2019 Blog:

Featuring Gina of Groomington Coat Factory!

Gina pampering TJ.

Let her help you brush up on your grooming basics.

What influenced you to become a Pet Stylist and become a part of this industry?

(GINA): I worked in the corporate world for over 25 years and was unhappy in the last few years so when I got laid off from last job I decided that I DID NOT want to go back to working in an office. I wanted to do something that I loved and that was working with dogs! My dog sitter recommended I speak to a friend of his that owned her own mobile grooming business and after meeting her and working with her I knew I had found my new career. I LOVE this job!

What training did you have to go through to become a professional Pet Stylist?

(GINA): I received on-the-job training from 2 world class competitive groomers. I worked and trained daily with these two ladies for a year and a half and learned soooo much. I learned not only the technical skills I need to know to groom every kind of dog but also business skills such as scheduling, customer service, pricing etc.  I learned how to be a mobile groomer and then moved to our new shop in Midland Park and am now learning how to be a shop groomer. I know I still have so much more to learn (…..there is ALWAYS more to learn) but I am working with the best team of ladies I could ever have wished for and I am so thankful!

What is your favorite breed to groom?

(GINA): “I love Labrador/Golden Retrievers for full bath grooms because they are so sweet . I will always have a soft spot for Labs because I had the best Lab in the world, Sunshine. He took a piece of my heart with him when he passed away. I also love Goldendoodles/Labradoodles for full haircut grooms and when they are cut short. I have always loved the finished product.  I love their lines and shape. It’s extremely satisfying to see a short-haired Doodle!”

How often do you recommend pet owners take their dogs to the groomers?

(GINA): Monthly….even if they don’t need a haircut every 4 weeks.  Frequent grooms make for happy dogs.  They enjoy the routine of being bathed and brushed.  A bond is created between the groomer and the dog.  Frequent bathing and haircuts mean healthy coats, healthy skin and overall just happy dogs!

How long does it take to groom a dog?

(GINA): Every groomer is different. I was trained by a fast groomer.  She would time me in the truck!  (Lol!).  Her work is second to none and just works quickly because of her training as a competitive groomer.  I am averaging an hour and half per groom at the moment but am working daily to reach that hour mark for each groom.  Obviously all dogs are different and some just need that extra time of kisses and cuddles during the grooming process.

Do dogs generally behave during the grooming process?

(GINA): Generally yes, but some do not.  Regular grooming and starting them as early as possible with grooming makes for happy dogs who like to be groomed.

What breeds would you recommend people consider if they are looking for a low maintenance dog?

(GINA):  Labs!  They are the best.  Just need to walked, cuddled and bathed regularly.  No haircuts required!

What breeds should people consider if they are looking to spend a great deal of time grooming?

(GINA): Doodles.  I love grooming doodles but I have discovered that some of them can be time intensive to groom.  If you want to keep their coats longer then you will have a lot of brushing and combing to do at home as well as monthly professional grooms.  Because of the time they take they can be quite expensive to maintain.  As mentioned before I love grooming doodles and keeping them short! Lol!

Why do dogs need to be shaved down if they are matted? Aren’t groomers able to brush it out or cut out the matted areas?

(Gina): Depending upon the severity, some small matts can be brushed out but most cannot.  As groomers we are trained to  determine which can and which cannot.  Matts are tight knots of hair that get tighter and tighter as days go by.  The closer to the skin they are and the tighter they are causes pain to the dog.  These must be shaved out to relieve the pressure on the skin and is completely painless for the dog.  Shaving the dog down means you can start again with a clean slate.  The hair will grow back beautifully and the owner can get back to a routine of daily brushing and combing to prevent future matting.

If readers want to groom their own dogs at home, what should they know?

(GINA): Bathing and brushing can be done at home but there is nothing like a professional groom.  We have all the right equipment and products required for your dog. When brushing your dogs at home use a good brush and a small toothed comb to really get down to the skin and not just the surface.  Matting begins near the skin so this is the area to be mindful of.

What are some tips you would give to pet owners to prepare their pets for the grooming process?

(GINA) Start them young. Regular brushings at home not only to prevent matting, but so they can continue to become used to the grooming process in between groomings. Play with your pets feet (so they are used to nail trimmings)

What is one product you would recommend to all pet owners for in-between grooming sessions?

(Gina): For the short-haired dog owners a furminator can be your best friend!  This will definitely help with the shedding and as much as we all love our dogs, we don’t love their hair all over our floors…lol!

For the long-haired dog owners a detangling spray is awesome.  We use Les Pooch products in our shop and their detangler is amazing.  Spray a misting on your dogs dry coat and then comb the hair thoroughly.

Why is it worth having your pet groomed professionally?

(GINA): We have been trained to groom your dogs using top-of-the-line products and equipment specifically designed to care for different hair coats.  We can bathe YOUR dog using a product YOUR dog needs.  We know how to professionally de-shed, how to brush and dry correctly and of course we know how to give your dog perfect haircuts.  Our services also include nail clipping and filing, teeth brushing and ear cleaning…everything your dog needs, we can do.