• Radar's Recon

    Is It Time To Choose a Trainer?

    As dog owners, we have the luxury most parents don’t have, and that is picking our dog’s educator. We are not restricted to school zones or religion so take advantage of that! Don’t just go to who’s most popular or because it worked for so-and-so’s neighbour. Yes, recommendations are important but don’t go on that alone.  Here are some tips when looking for a trainer.  Do your online and word-of-mouth research.  Recommendations are important, make sure your trainer has a good reputation before wasting any energy on them.  Know what you’re looking for before you start shopping. Not all trainers offer the same services. It is important to know whether…

  • Radar's Recon

    Dangerous House Plants

    Many of us like to bring the outdoors in and have plants growing around the house however, not all of those pretty flowers are safe for your pets. The following is a list of plants that should be kept out of your pets reach or kept outside. *Plants lovers should watch out for the whole Araceae family* Elephants Ear If elephant ear is ingested by your pet, it will cause increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, oral irritation, and vomiting Alocasia If your dog puts this one in their mouth, it could cause mucous membrane irritation, intense burning, and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.…

  • Radar's Recon

    Oh Baby It’s Hot Outside

    Living  in Southern Ontario means we often handle extreme heat. Dogs aren’t as good at dealing with it as we are. In the summertime, we have to watch out for things like heat stroke and burning paws on the hot sidewalk. Never keep pets in cars or in direct sun on a summer day. In general, with plenty of water and shade, most dogs should be able to cope in warm temperatures, up to about 32˚C. Some products that are available to help cope with heat are; cooling mats and collars like these available on Amazon.  Or consider a raised bed, keeping your dog of the ground will be like…

  • Radar's Recon

    But It’s Raining!

    “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring.” Don’t let the rain keep you and your furry friend inside! Unless it’s pouring or there’s a chance of lightning, there’s no reason you and your dog can’t head on outside for a little training walk.  Here are our recommendations to improve this experience: Rain Coat You should both have one! No one wants to walk cold and damp; having a good raincoat for you both will keep you a warm, stylish pair. Also, having a raincoat for your dog will cut down on the wet dog smell! Boots Sometimes we forget about our do’s feet in the rain because it…

  • Radar's Recon

    Ouch! He bit me!

    Dog bites are, almost, always preventable and the dog will always give you warning time. We have a few tips for you and your children to avoid receiving an accidental dog bite Always ask first, never assume a dog is friendly. Just because you have a dog at home and it acts a certain way with you, does not mean that every dog will act the same way. Pay attention to what the owner has to say before you begin an interaction with the animal, they may have some tips to make it a successful encounter. For example, don’t hover your hand over their head. This causes most dogs to…

  • Radar's Recon

    Lost Pets and How to Find Them

    Let’s set the scene, you have the door propped open to bring in groceries and suddenly there is a furry blur that speeds past you, or maybe you’ve let them out for a pee, and when you go to check there’s suddenly a new dog size hole under the fence, now what? We have a few preemptive solutions for you, as with most situations in life, it’s better to be prepared for that dog to run away but never have it happen, than to be unprepared and, suddenly, the newest love of your life is missing. It’s a safe assumption that, under the right circumstances, you may lose track of…

  • Radar's Recon

    Pets And Shift Work

    Working shifts can be hard and it denies us many opportunities. The idea of owning a dog seems downright preposterous, there’s no way a creature that’s raised on consistency could be happy when your routine changes week-to-week. Don’t fret, owning a dog isn’t just for the nine-to-fivers. Here are a few tips when looking for and taking care of a dog for the rest of their lives. Consider their age. Puppies might not be the best idea when you work long or inconsistent hours. A young dog’s bladder is only so big and can only hold it for so long, unless you have someone that can come check on the…

  • Radar's Recon

    Help! My Dog Swallowed My Medication!

    Much like food, when it comes to drugs or medications, not everything you can have is good for your dog. In fact, some of the things that we take for granted in our medicine cabinet are actually quite lethal to our dogs. Here are five common household drugs and the effects they could have on your dog. First, the one that is most in the news lately, marijuana. Not only can this one be found in your house but marijuana cigarette butts are being found discarded on the street more often. Many signs of intoxication in your pet are the same as in people; wobbly or uncoordinated, hyperactive, disoriented, and…

  • Radar's Recon

    Adding A New Dog To A Full House

    When bringing a new dog into the house, it is important that every member of the family is on board with the addition. If you’re a cat owner, ask a friend with a dog to bring them over to see how your cat reacts. The same can be done with dogs. If you’re not sure how your dog will react when introduced to another, ask for help. Bring your current dog to meet the potential new dog at a neutral location; even if your dog likes other dogs, personality clashes will happen. Just like people, dogs don’t always get along with everyone.  Once you do all the research, everyone has…