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  • My Cat Wakes Up Too Early! What to do…

    My pet wakes me up every morning at 6:00 to go outside. When I stumble back into bed for a few more minutes’ sleep, he allows me to snooze off—just to wake me up 20 minutes later. After I reluctantly stretch and make a cup of coffee, guess what he does? Yeah, he goes back to sleep! Now, I love my guy, but disturbed sleep is making me a little grumpy.  Full disclosure makes me tell you that my pet is a dog. But cats, if anything, can be much worse. If you love one of these infuriating creatures that rouse you out of bed at some ungodly hour, you know what I mean!

    Cats are each different and their perceived needs are just as different. How Fluffy wakes you up is completely and entirely all her own method. I once had a cat that would climb up a rug that was hung on the wall behind my bed. My “alarm” went off when she launched herself out into space and landed on my snoozing, hapless, and unconscious body.  Every day.  So what’s a sleep-deprived body to do?

    Your cat may be waking you on purpose—because she desperately needs her water changed and three bits of kibble or she will surely die—but she also may be waking you up because she is awake. Before you can figure out how to get her to let you sleep, you need to understand why she isn’t.

    Nature structured our kitties to wake up early to hunt for food, so very early morning is likely when she wants to eat.. If she absolutely, positively, must be fed at 5:00 am, getting an automatic food dispenser may be all you need to do. Other needs may be a clean litter box, fresh water, or maybe she’s lonely. Perhaps her bed gets too much light or is set in a drafty spot. The thing is, cats are seriously awesome trainers. If you got up even once to feed her, she figures she has you trained and all she has to do is remind you of your training. Her “intermittent reinforcement training method” means she believes most of the time, you’ll do exactly what she wants you to do. All she has to do is remind you until you do!

    Cats are naturally nocturnal, so if she’s awake during the night, prowling and knocking things off a shelf (which for some reason is the most industrious thing she does) and making noise you simply can’t sleep through, she’s just being a cat. (My daughter has three cats. One of them has learned how to open dresser drawers and unpack all her underwear. Since it happens when nobody’s home, no one knows for sure which cat it is. And they sure won’t tell!) Making sure she has plenty of stimulation during the day may help even out her own sleep cycle. Households who have kids rarely have “early morning cat syndrome.”

    Putting her as far away from you as possible during the night and keeping your door closed might help. Finally, hiring someone to come sit and play with her during the day might be necessary, too. Unfortunately, cats are not easily trained out of their feline natures. But oh, those purrs and bumps of the head are so, so worth it!

  • Bathing Your Pet – What To Do For Cats and Dogs

    If you own a pet, eventually you will have to bathe him. Dogs can be challenging to bathe, but cats can be near impossible. But all of them like to roll in stinky substances, hide in dirty places, or occasionally get a condition (fleas, maybe?) that requires putting them in water and soaping them thoroughly before rinsing them clean and toweling them dry. But the question remains, “How do I do that?”

    Well, the answer is the same, whether you’re bathing a dog or a cat. I’ll give you some tips that will help you make bath time as pleasant and effective as possible for either species. Here are the steps.

    1. Gather everything you need. You’ll need the right shampoo, but even baby shampoo has the wrong pH for your pet. Petland carries a wide variety of shampoos and conditioners. You also might want to get a bathing tool like a shampoo dispensing brush or a rubber curry comb. You’ll also need several towels, a slip-proof mat (or more towels), something to use to rinse the shampoo out (a cup will do but a sprayer hose is better), a mild eye ointment to prevent the sting of shampoo, and small cotton balls to keep water out of the ears.
    2. Put everything you’ll need near the tub or sink, block the drain with a steel-wool pad (to catch hair) and stopper,  and fill with warm water before you bring a puppy or kitty into the bathroom. The sound of rushing water just adds to his anxiety if he doesn’t already love baths. (You may also want a bucket of water for rinsing your pet  if the water running from the tap scares him.)
    3. Brush your animal thoroughly. Work out mats in his coat before you get him wet, or you may have to resort to scissors after his bath.
    4. If Fido or Fluffy fights you, don’t yell! A harsh voice only makes him more nervous. Have an extra person help you hold him in the water.
    5. Wet your pet by pouring water from the tub over his body. Emulsify the shampoo by rubbing it between your hands before you apply it to his wet coat. Then, massage it into his coat gently. If he loves being petted, this will be like a day at the spa to him.
    6. Open the stopper (but leave the steel wool inside) and let the water drain out. The steel wool will prevent your drain from clogging with hair.
    7. Dipping fresh water from the bucket or opening the tap (make sure the water is still warm), pour water over him as many times as necessary to completely rinse the shampoo from his coat. Leaving soap on him can cause itching and drying out the skin, leading to more problems.
    8. Throw one towel over his back and use another to dry his face, head, and feet. Then if he’s short-coated, rub him dry. If he has a long coat, gently squeeze the water out of his coat but don’t rub. Putting him in a wire crate to dry will prevent him from rolling and getting carpets wet and don’t—I repeat: DON’T—let him outside until he’s thoroughly dry. If you do, you’ll be right back in the bathroom in short order!

    Visit your local Petland for more advice and a great supply of grooming tools!

  • Dental Health For Pets

    Is brushing your dog’s teeth really necessary? How can I possibly brush my cat’s teeth? Bad breath? There’s a treat for that and you may have some health issues on your hands.

    Dental problems in pets are usually pretty obvious—bad breath. But there are other signs, too. Look out for these signs and see a vet if they occur.

    • Bad breath
    • Broken or loose teeth
    • Extra teeth or retained baby teeth
    • Teeth that are discolored or covered in tartar
    • Abnormal chewing, drooling, or dropping food from the mouth
    • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
    • Pain in or around the mouth
    • Bleeding from the mouth
    • Swelling in the areas surrounding the mouth

    Periodontal disease is as bad for your pet as it is for you. It is the most common health issue in both cats and dogs. By the time your pet is three years old, he or she will probably have at least the early stages of periodontal disease. Your pet may just need a thorough cleaning, which your veterinarian or veterinary dentist (yes, there is such a thing!) does with Fido or Fluffy under general anesthesia. Take your pet for teeth cleaning at least once a year to avoid other, internal, health problems that can start from bacteria in the mouth.

    But why wait a year to have his teeth cleaned? Can you imagine the problems you’d have if you didn’t brush your teeth at least twice every day? Using a toothbrush and toothpaste made especially for pets isn’t really difficult, and once he knows what you’re doing and he enjoys the toothpaste, he’ll eagerly look forward to his daily cleaning. Here are some tips on how to do it properly.

    1. Don’t try to use an old toothbrush for humans (or even a new one). Your vet can recommend a brush suitable for your pet, or there are “sleeves” that slip over your finger and work like a toothbrush. (See this video.)
    2. Never put human toothpaste in your dog’s mouth. Human toothpaste can contain additives that can do your pet harm. (If xylitol—a sugar-free sweetener—is in your toothpaste, it can kill your pet.) There are many flavors to choose from that your pet will enjoy as much as you like your mint-flavored one.
    3. Start by squeezing some out for your dog to taste. Let him think of it as a special treat.
    4. Accessing your pet’s teeth is not difficult; just lift his lip.
    5. Be gentle! His mouth may be sensitive, so use gentle motions.
    6. Although most pets probably will not let you clean the inside surface of his teeth, just clean the outside surface (by the cheeks).
    7. The back upper molars and canine teeth are most likely to build up tartar, so be sure to reach these back teeth
    8. Offer a special reward, such as playing with him, petting or brushing him, or giving him a favorite toy so he associates teeth brushing with good things.

    Keeping your pet’s teeth clean and healthy can help prevent kidney, liver, and heart problems, so be as intentional about keeping his teeth clean as you do your own.

  • Throw a Party for Your Dog!

    Summertime is the perfect time to throw a bash (and a frisbee or tennis ball) for Barkley. It can be the highlight of the warmer season if you follow some common-sense rules and dip into your imagination. (If you’re not that imaginative, check out Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.)

    Basically, if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for kids, you already know how to make things fun. Your dog’s birthday is an ideal occasion, but if you don’t know when he was born, the date you first met is a great alternative. (Besides, isn’t it anytime a good time for a party?)

    Here are the simple steps and cautions.

    1. Choose a date. As mentioned above, a birthday or adoption anniversary works well.  Keep in mind that most people work and may not be available during the day.
    2. Think about your guest list. Will the party include Barkley’s best four-footed friends? Or will he be the center of attention of humans who are all dog-lovers but leave their own at home? If you’re planning to have doggy-guests, make sure that Barkley has met them before and gets along. An obedience group, a doggy-daycare group, or the pups in the dog park are good invitees. How many you want to invite and the size of the dogs will help you determine the next goal—
    3. Choose a venue. If the dogs attending Barkley’s Bash are small like he is, an indoor party at your house might just work fine. A fenced backyard is ideal, as long as it’s a dog-proofed environment that can’t be escaped from. Other options are a park (you may have to get permission), a dog park, a doggy-daycare facility, or even a swimming pool. All of these offer their own advantages.
    4. What refreshments should you serve? There are numerous dog-friendly recipes online if you want to bake a birthday cake or make pupsicles. Most Petland locations also sell puppy cake mixes, birthday cookies and ice cream mixes. Dogs also love people-food as treats, especially carrots and apples. Your veggie platter for humans will have a lot of options as well but steer the canines away from processed meats (and cheese, in case any are lactose intolerant). There’s too much sodium in lunch meat and tiny sausages to be good for Barkley and company. Lots of bowls filled with cool, freshwater is a must.
    5. Activities to share with poochy friends necessarily include things to fetch, like tennis balls and frisbees. Put out tug-toys that the pups can play with as well. But keep Barkley’s favorite toys put away because he might not want to share them with his friends. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can have a splash party! Even if you don’t have a pool, a kiddie pool filled with water can be almost as much fun and some dogs totally love the sprinkler. Make sure you have a lot of old towels on hand for guests to dry off with after the water fun.
    6. Decorations are fun but not absolutely necessary. The decorations are for Barkley’s human friends, actually, so have fun with a themed party or leave them out entirely. Dog-themed partyware is available at many retailers or online.

    A backyard barbeque can be an ideal time to gather with friends and neighbors while celebrating the special relationship you have with Barkley, too!

  • How to Rid Your Dog of Itchy Flea Bites and Bloodsucking Ticks

    While their methods of consumption differ, fleas and ticks are bloodthirsty creatures. At best, fleas can give your dog a gnarly itch, at worst they can cause a bad case of anemia. Ticks aren’t able to reproduce as quickly or jump from host to host like their agile flea counterparts. However, they can carry and transmit Lyme Disease along with a number of other illnesses to both you and your pet.

    Don’t wait until you’ve got a full-blown infestation on your hands, take care of fleas and ticks as soon as you notice them!

    Ticks are Easy to Control…IF Action is Taken Quickly

    Although they could make your dog sick, ticks are more likely to drink their fill and drop off. When hiking, camping, or roaming through wooded areas with tall grass, it’s crucial to thoroughly check your pup’s fur for these voracious little beasts before entering your home!

    Carefully run your fingers along the inside of the ears, gumline, jowls, between toes, and inside the armpits and groin. Use sharp tweezers to pluck them out, or combine equal parts water and vinegar to soak into a cotton ball. Apply pressure to the tick and surrounding area; don’t squeeze or twist! 

    Removing the torso without the head can cause a serious infection. If the tick doesn’t drop off on their own after application, their grip should loosen just enough to be plucked out.

    Fleas are a Bit More Complicated

    Where there’s one flea, you can guarantee there will be more. These tiny vampires can drink up to fifteen times their body weight! Unlike ticks, fleas prefer to eat, lay eggs, and defecate all in one cozy spot. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the feces (which contain blood) of the adults.

    It’s obvious that being bitten repeatedly would be irritating, but what isn’t so obvious is that some dogs are allergic to flea saliva. To soothe the itchy inflammation, your pet will lick and chew at the area. 

    The wound becomes infected, and your dog swallows larvae.

    Now you’ve got an entirely separate issue to deal with…tapeworm. These parasites use fleas as a conduit to find new hosts. They live in the intestines, sapping your pet’s nutrients, and exiting through poop.

    How to Terminate These Pests

    The three most commonly used methods are topical treatments, oral medications, and home prevention including powders and sprays.

    Topical treatments come in the form of gels, flea collars, and shampoos. Collars distribute a powder along the pores, while gels are administered in a straight line from the top of the neck to the tip of the tail. The idea is that your dog’s natural oils will distribute the medication across their coat.

    Monthly oral prevention is by far the most effective long-term option, depending on what you use. Trifexis and Nexgard are both reputable brands for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. 

    Once the problems on your pet are remedied, you’ve got to exterminate the eggs, larvae, ticks, and fleas that could be taking refuge within the fibers of your carpet. For this, you can purchase pest-specific powders; evenly sprinkle it along the floor, allow it to sit, and vacuum it up.

    Keep in mind, some pets have adverse, but non-life-threatening reactions to the ingredients in these cleaning agents. Be careful not to leave anything behind, and it’s best to wait an hour or two before allowing your dog back into the room.
    Fleas can and will use you as a meal too if they aren’t kept in check, so act quickly and don’t let them take over your home!

  • How To Prepare Your Dog For A Baby

    So you’ve got a baby on the way, congratulations! This is such an exciting time period for moms, dads, and furry siblings. They can sense your joy and see that changes are being made to the home, but they’re not exactly sure of what’s to come next.

    Instead of abruptly interrupting your pup’s established routine, keep the harmony by working to ease into the transition a few months prior to the arrival of your infant. This way, it’s not such a shock to the system when their schedule is altered and new boundaries are set in place.

    What’s Yours Is Mine…Unless It’s the Baby’s

    The funny thing about children’s toys is that they often resemble the ropes and balls your dog likes to play with. They squeak, rattle, they’re filled with stuffing, and have the perfect texture for chewing. However, the last thing you want is to walk into a room and find your pup gnawing on a bottle nipple like it’s a piece of Bubblicious gum. 

    While you’re hanging out at home, set out a couple of baby items in obvious locations. When your dog shows interest, begins to lick, or attempts to pick up the toy or object, give them a stern “shh!” or “no!” 

    When they turn away, use positive reinforcement by reminding them of their own toy through light play and praise.

    Through repetition, your dog will be able to make out the difference between what belongs to them, and what belongs to the baby just as they did with your belongings. This subtle, crucial step will not only prevent infant and pup from swapping saliva, but it’ll also prevent confrontation.

    What’s That Sound

    The sound of a baby crying can be rather unnerving to a canine that has never really heard it before. Heck, it’s unnerving to most parents! All your dog knows is that this little creature you’ve brought home makes a sound that’s unfamiliar, and repetitive…almost like the meow of a cat. Only, it’s a distressed cat that hollers at all hours, and at random times of the day.

    Help manage your pup’s confusion by getting them adjusted with a video or recording of a crying baby. Start by playing short segments a couple of times each day, and gradually increase the frequency and length of time. Be sure to place the device in the baby room and areas that you know your child will be sleeping, playing, and living in.

    It’ll be a daily reality in just a few short weeks; the sooner your pup gets used to it, the better. 

    Making New Friends

    Look for opportunities to socialize with young children, and consenting parents, of course. Babies are one thing, but soon enough they’ll be walking, talking, touching, and interacting with the world around them. Your dog will be eye-level with this growing toddler, so it’s important that they are gentle and tolerant.

    We want our fur babies to understand that children sometimes shriek or make sudden movements, but they don’t always require a reaction or response. It’s just what kids do.

    Obviously this last step is dependent upon your dog’s comfort level and your ability to gauge how much stimulation is too much. As your child gets a bit older don’t forget to teach them that Fido has boundaries, too. It hurts when you pull on his ears or tail, but it feels good when you rub his belly.

    Safety should always be the number one priority!

  • Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15

    You’ve probably never thought about your family pet becoming an arsonist, but it happens more than you might think. A cat in Maryland knocked a candle over onto a mattress and set her owner’s house on fire. Fortunately, everyone (including the cat) got out alive and unharmed. A pooch in Washington pulled his bed up against a space heater, setting the whole place ablaze and sending himself and his owner to the hospital. And a Labrador Retriever in Connecticut turned a gas stove on, catching the pizza box that held his prize afire, too.

    Since even the smartest of animals can’t understand fire safety rules, it’s up to their humans to make sure their environment is safe. Here are some actions that may save not only your pet’s life in case of a fire but your own and your family’s, too.

    Stop Fires Before They Start

    1. Make sure there are no untended flames in your home. Use fire screens in front of fireplaces and snuff out any candles when you leave the room. Candles range high on the list of home fires.
    2. Secure electric wires so that they are covered or out of reach of pets and tiny humans. A dangling cord can invite mouths and little hands and start an electric fire before you know it.
    3. If you leave a bowl of water out on a wooden deck, use one of a material other than glass. Believe it or not, sun shining through glass and water can heat a spot of the wood and set it on fire.
    4. Put covers over stove knobs. Even if they’re on top of the stove out of reach of kids, a jumping dog or cat can easily turn burners on. Unlit gas can cause an explosion and electric burners can get hot enough to set afire anything that lies on them.

    Make “Be Prepared” Your Motto

    1. When you make an emergency plan for your family (and you should!), include plans for getting your pet out safely, too. Then practice your plan together.
    2. Keep a pet emergency supply bag in a readily accessible place. Include food, medicine, leash, carrier, and any records you need.
    3. Use smoke detectors and monitor them. Just because it beeps when you press the button doesn’t mean that a 10-year-old monitor works properly. (The life of smoke detectors if 10 years.)
    4. Be sure you know your pet’s favorite place to hide, and put a sticker on your door or window that lets emergency personnel know there is an animal inside your home.

    In Case The Worst Happens

    1. If a fire starts, no matter how small, get out! Make sure everyone follows the plan and exit the building immediately.
    2. If you can’t find your pet right away, go outside, leave the door open, and call for your pet.
    3. Let emergency responders search for your pet. They’re trained to be inside burning buildings and are the best chance for getting your pet to safety.

  • Fireworks and Fido

    Celebratory seasons and fireworks sure go hand in hand, don’t they? During the months of July and December, Americans are celebrating Independence Day and ringing in the New Year. The awe-inspiring light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido.

    Here are a few tips on keeping your pup safe and relaxed through the festivities!

    Secure the Room

    It’s completely understandable that you’d want to let your dog roam the house as he normally does. However, it’s not a risk worth taking under these special circumstances. Instead, set up a cozy “panic room” for them to take refuge in. Stockpile the space with soft blankets, their favorite toys, and something that smells like you.

    The garage is not a good idea as the door will vibrate and mimic the sound of rolling thunder when fireworks are set off nearby. Canines will tear through metal and break through glass in order to escape a perceived threat, so it helps to secure the outside of the exit with a solid, heavy barrier.

    If you have a friend or trustworthy neighbor who’d be willing to babysit, set up a playdate in advance. Your dog will at least have some company, and you’ll have some peace of mind. At the very least, exchange information with someone who lives nearby in case there’s an emergency.

    Relaxation Methods

    Even if you plan on staying home, your dog may need some extra assistance in managing the fear associated with the explosive noise of fireworks. The good news is, lots of owners have found success with CBD treats and oils as a means of dealing with nervous canines. It’s also been shown to help with arthritic pain and physical discomfort without causing the drowsiness or lack of appetite that prescription medications like Valium do. Check your local Petland for CBD products.

    If you’re not sure where to find CBD or you live in a state where it’s not legal yet, Benadryl is another safe choice. Veterinarians recommend administering 1 milligram of Benadryl per pound of body weight, depending on your dog’s specific health requirements, of course.

    Hopefully, it helps them close their eyes and take it easy for the rest of the evening.

    Update Tags and Identification

    Even if your dog never wears a collar, they most definitely should have one at any time that there’s a flight risk. In addition to a rabies tag, you should include two separate tags with your name, address, phone number, and a secondary number if possible.

    When animals escape in a panic, it’s not uncommon for collars to get snagged on fences and gates. Be prepared for this by getting your dog chipped. It’s usually only about $20-$30 and ensures that if a good samaritan finds your pet without any contact info, they can still get a hold of you.

    In fact, dogs are 2.5 times more likely to be returned to their owners when chipped, and cats are 20 times more likely! 

    If your best friend ends up being one of the hundreds of found animals during the fireworks season, they won’t be lost for long.

  • July is National Picnic Month

    No matter how much changes throughout the years, picnics are a pastime that never seems to fall out of favor. Hundreds of families along with their pets will be out at the parks this summer flying kites, grilling burgers, and enjoying each other’s companies. If you’re thinking of bringing your pup along this season, you wouldn’t be the only one!

    Expect to see other canines running and catching frisbees with their owners as well. Here are some ways to ensure that the whole family stays safe during your fun in the sun.

    Keep Fireworks Out of Reach

    Even though your kids understand that a sparkler is essentially a small flame that could burn them, our dogs don’t always have the capacity to make that connection. All they see is a pretty, bright light that their human siblings love to play with, and they want to play too!

    On the other hand, it’s no secret that canines are terrified of the bigger, louder, more dramatic fireworks shows. So, let them picnic with you during the day as long as they’re a safe distance from any sparkler, but take them home once the bigger events start.

    Beware of Bloat

    We won’t lecture you on the importance of staying hydrated. You’ve probably already thought to bring a bowl in case Fido gets thirsty after eating and playing. However, too much food and water combined with heavy panting can trigger a fatal condition in dogs called bloat. 

    When kibble in the stomach absorbs liquid, it expands and releases gas. At the same time, your thirsty pup is swallowing gulps of air between laps of water. With nowhere for these excess gasses to escape to, the stomach begins to twist and turn, like a balloon animal. 

    To avoid this potentially deadly condition, simply limit your dog’s food intake. Sure, it’s a picnic, but if there’s any chance they’ll be exerting their bodies to the point of heavy panting, they can wait until later to eat. Make sure they take a break every so often and allow them to sip water once their breathing has slowed a bit.

    Watch Out for Critters and Creepy Crawlies

    Humans are far from being the only species that enjoys warm summer weather. Biting and stinging insects like bees, wasps, and flies are on the hunt for sugar and pollen. Be sure to cover sweet drinks and store food in airtight containers once the family is finished eating. You don’t want your dog or winged guests rummaging through your leftovers.

    While exploring the rest of the park or picnic area, keep your eyes peeled for anthills, skunks, and other forms of wildlife. It’s common for canines to aggravate ant colonies, wasp nests, porcupines, and skunks with their overly curious nature. 

    Before you hop in your car and head home, be sure to check everyone for ticks! July is also around the time we begin to see more cases of Lyme disease contraction. If you haven’t considered doing so already, pick up First Aid kit with tweezers, burn cream, sting relief, and any other tools that you feel are pertinent to your family’s needs.

    Have fun, and remain vigilant!

  • Mentally Stimulating Games While Walking Your Dog

    Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter…

    “Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.

     “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and make it challenging. Climb stairs, walk on curbs, jump over small barriers, or even splash through some water. Keep his attention by abruptly changing direction and he’ll soon be keeping his eye on you!

    “Red light, green light.” You played it as a kid. Now teach it to your dog! As you walk, stop suddenly and say “red light!” (or whatever word you want to be the command). Sometimes go as soon as he sits at your side, and sometimes wait for a bit. Keep him off balance, never knowing what you’ll do next, and you’ll sharpen his attention right up.

    “Follow the leader.” Do you have a dog that insists on being out in front? This game will teach him who the leader is. Each time he heads out in his own direction, immediately change directions so he has to turn to catch up with you. Keep moving, but keep him following you.

    “Come!” While walking with your dog, suddenly reverse direction, running backward and calling his name. He’ll decide coming when called is a fun game, and it’s one of the most important things you can teach him.

    “Push-ups.” At varying intervals, stop your walk and quickly have your dog sit, down, and sit again. Then break into a run or give him a treat. Soon he’ll be watching you closely to see what you’re up to next.

    “Dribbling.” Take along a soccer-ball when you walk your dog. Push it with your feet and let him push it around, too. Just be careful you don’t step on the ball or on Fido, either!

    “Flirt-pole.” A flirt pole is a long pole with a lure at the end. You dangle and dance it in front of him as you walk. He’ll love trying to grab the lure and you are always in control due to the length of the pole.

    “Parkour for dogs.” This urban agility training is so much fun for both you and your dog, it will turn the way you walk your dog on its head. Parkour combines dog agility with your daily walk to make his world (and yours) exciting and stimulating. He’ll jump, climb, balance, crawl under, and go around obstacles you see every day one every street in town. For detailed information, check out the International Dog Parkour Association website.