December 23, 2008

Multitasking at it's best!

Kristin Zimmerman and Lisa Myers have been out and about the South Jersey area this holiday season…enjoy our holiday shopping pictures!

Below: Lisa’s Belgian Malinois “Ajax” and Kristin’s Pit Bull “Castor” taking a break at The Promenade:

Below: Lisa and Kristin take “Ajax” and “Xanya” to the Cherry Hill Mall for Search and Rescue Training:

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December 22, 2008

Holiday Safety Hazards For Dogs

Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the holiday season.

AVOID Holiday Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet

Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate (baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Fatty foods
Salt
Yeast dough

PLANTS

Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.
Electric cords- Avoid animal exposure to electric cords. If they were chewed, they could electrocute your pet. Cover up or hide electric cords, never let your pet chew on them.
Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.
Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.
Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

MEDICATIONS

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One

regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their medications safely as well.

During the holidays, many veterinary clinics have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian’s advice. Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a cat weighing 7lbs.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox™ brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.
If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!

Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.

ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!

Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

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December 2, 2008

Here's what our clients are saying about us!

.” Kirby is doing much better. We had my sister’s dog here for the day. Kirby did great. He also is getting better with the PLACE command. He is easier to walk and not pulling on his chain. He is also ignoring some of the bigger dogs with the OFF command. Thanks so much .”
Kirby- a dog aggressive Bichon Frise

“I do see a marked improvement, and I can’t wait to work with him in the group classes with more distractions. He’s now even seeming to realize where his ‘place’ is! I also appreciate your help when I was running into trouble after the first session - the fact that I have a private coach is really great to rely on. ”
Tucker- 6 year old Golden Retriever

“My dog (Sky: American Eskimo and Poodle mix) was very aggressive and would nip at strangers if they went near my grandchildren or made any sudden moves. Compared to how he was before and now, I would say he is much calmer and easily controlled.”
Sky- People aggressive American Eskimo/Poodle Mix

“I learned an a lot about the proper use of an e-collar from you guys…it has helped me tremendously in certain areas. I don’t think we would have ever gotten the directionals down without it !!!”
Sirus- Lab Mix (Search and Rescue Dog: NJTF-1)

“I have a recycled Weimaraner and an Irish wolfhound that are enrolled in classes. I run every day with these dogs and my goal was to not get dragged. I can run with both dogs off lead and not worry about them running off..even when we scare up some deer. Thank you!”
Sapphire (Rescued Weimareiner) & Murphy (Irish Wolfhound)

“When we first got our Miniature Pinscher Max, Lisa came and worked with us, as well as him. He became a very loving and well behaved dog. After our older dog Angel passed away, Max was besdsie himself. He started making messes in his kennel and not behaving very well. We immediately called and Kristin came out to help. Since then Max has been better behaved, is not leaving us any presents in his kennel, and is much more content being by himself instead of having Angel with him.
Kudos to both Lisa and Kristin, you can see how they help any dog no matter what the issue may be.”
Max (Min Pin)

“I found it very helpful with the assistance I received with the training of my Westie, Winston. I have two Westie’s and had no trouble training my first one, but when I got the second one the disposition was so different that I required help and the help I received was very beneficial.”
Winston (Westie)

“You know my St Bernard Lizzy was kind of routy and did not listen very well…Your Sit Means Sit training has changed that and as you know, she is very good and obedient now. I have told many dog owners about Sit Means Sit because it works…”
Lizzy (St. Bernard)

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August 24, 2008

Those Sit Means Sit dogs out in public again!

On July 30th, Kristin Zimmerman of Sit Means Sit Southern NJ took two of her dogs, “Xanya” and “Pollux” to perform a demonstration at The Gymnastics and Cheerleading Academy in Cherry Hill NJ. “Xanya” made a splash with her retrieval skills in the camp pool, while “Pollux” showed off his gymnastic skills with some freestyle dance moves….and of course, both dogs showed off their obedience skills! Here are some pictures from the event:

Kristin with “Pollux” and “Xanya” on place

“Xanya” jumping over a chair

“Xanya” retrieving her toy

Retrieving again….one of her favorite games!

Kristin sending “Xanya” onto the playground equipment

“Pollux” weaving under Kristin’s legs

“Pollux” getting loved on by the kids

“Pollux” doing dance moves

Kristin talking to the kids poolside while “Xanya” waits for the go…

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July 14, 2008

Camden Riversharks Dog Days of Summer 2008

On June 28th, Sit Means Sit Southern NJ took part in an event at the Camden Riversharks, our minor league baseball team. The Dog Days of Summer is an annual events that allows people to bring their 4-legged friends with them to enjoy an afternoon of baseball, and lots of cool dog stuff too! Lisa and Kristin performed a demonstration on the field before the game, along with Jerry Turning of Sit Means Sit Monmouth County and Bob Campanile of Sit Means Sit Ocean County.

Lisa Myers, Jerry Turning, and Kristin Zimmerman

Kristin and “Xanya”

Kristin, Lisa, and Jerry with their dogs

Kristin with “Xanya” and Lisa with “Sampson”

Lisa and Sampson showing off some dance moves

Lisa’s dog “Rocky” overseeing our table

“Xanya” and “Sampson” on the field

Cambell’s Field

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July 13, 2008

Kristin’s Dogs Video Montage

Trainer Kristin Zimmerman and her 3 dogs: Castor a 3 year old Pit Bull Terrier, Pollux a 5 year old Golden Retriever, and Xanya a 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd.

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April 9, 2008

Kristin with “Xanya” doing scentwork training

Kristin Zimmerman and her dog “Xanya”, age 15 months, at search and rescue training. Xanya is in training to be an Urban Distaster Search and Rescue dog and once certified, Xanya and Kristin will be members of Pennsylvania task force 1. A “victim” hides in a tube, which only allows scent to come out one end. The search dog is then sent to find the victim and when does so, barks an alert until the handler arrives and releases the dog. The dog in rewarded by the “victim” with a good game of tug-of-war!

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April 1, 2008

Lisa Myers and “Xaros”

Lisa Myers is shown handling Xaros, owned by Sharon Grant of MDTF. Demonstrating scent work, obedience thru various distractions, and retrieve work teaching straight lines.

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R.V. and Camping Show Atlantic City

On March 14-16, Lisa and Kristin had a booth at the R.V. and Camping show in Atlantic City NJ. There’s nothing better than being able to take a vacation and bring your dog with you-except if they’re ill behaved! That’s where Sit Means Sit comes in, helping to transform your dog into a well behaved and beloved travel companion. Below are some pictures from the weekend:

“Rocky” “Xanya” and “Sampson” at the booth

“Rocky” “Xanya” and “Sampson” in front of huge truck

“Rocky” “Xanya” and “Sampson” in front of huge truck with r.v. in background

The dogs getting pet

Lisa and “Rocky” walking between the r.v.s

Kristin and “Rocky” sitting on a place board

“Xanya” getting pet by a little boy

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February 29, 2008

Super Pet Expo

On February 15-17, Lisa and Kristin had a booth at the Super Pet Expo in King Of Prussia PA. Throughout the weekend they performed 4 obedience and dance demos and 2 scentwork and protection demos. Below are some pictures from the weekend.