Hazards in Your Purse: Keeping Your Dog Safe

Photo Copyright by Flickr user:istolethetv, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

When you think of things that bring harm to your pet, your purse may not register on your radar. After all, it’s just a purse. However, the contents of your purse can be dangerous to your curious pooch if you don’t take the proper precautions. The nicotine found in cigarettes is toxic, and hand sanitizers have alcohol in them – your dog could suffer from alcohol poisoning by licking a bottle or chewing a wipe. Even seemingly harmless sugarless gum carries chemicals dangerous to nonhumans. What can you do to keep your needed supplies and have a safe and healthy dog at the same time?

Keep Your Purse off the Floor

The first thing you can do is remove temptation. This means keeping your purse in areas your dog can’t reach like high shelves or behind a closed door. If you must keep your purse out in the open, invest in a purse with a zipper at the top. Don’t forget to use the zipper – never leave it open.

Supervise Your Dog

Pay attention to what your dog does and act appropriately. If you think your dog has their eye on the goodies nestled in your purse, distract the dog with their favorite toy or take them elsewhere.

Purses may not be a source of entertainment to you, but your dog may feel otherwise. Don’t let your pet access your purse and taste the items within as they may get very sick. If you don’t know what to do next, talk to your dog trainer or dog walker. They will have experience in the world of dogs, and if nothing else, they may know where you can go for help. Your vet is also an indispensable source of information, so make sure you have access to their phone number.

Be wise… Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:


Bewaggle is a pet services company located in Central Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!

Taking Your Dog on a Picnic

Who can resist the siren call of summer? The tropical breeze and distinctive smell of barbecued treats are something many people crave as the seasons change. If you want to step out into the sun with your dog and savor a meal at the park, take the time to plan and prep.

Photo Copyright by Paul Stainthorp, used here
under the Creative Commons License. 

First, choose a location that works for you and your dog. For example, a place with a lot of shade helps to keep everyone cool and happy. You can hardly enjoy your snack with the sun blaring in your face, and your pooch will be better off in a place where you can keep an eye on them.  If you think there might be an emergency, stay close to your car.

Second, pack supplies to make your waste removal duties easy. A number of pet owners bring small bags to use to pick up after their dogs, and you can follow their lead. You don’t need to spend money on bags. You can use plastic grocery bags if you so please. Don’t leave animal waste behind – it’s unsanitary and rude to people who visit the park or other public places.

Finally, food is paramount to any picnic. Remember to pack something appropriate for your dog. Bring a few of your dog’s favorite treats, or create something unique and tasty in the kitchen. Don’t forget to bring water. Dogs should never eat chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or avocados. Consult a recipe book catered to pets or look online to learn more. If your dog has a habit of stealing people food, look into puppy training to nip the problem in the bud.

When the time comes to take your pet out to partake in revelry, don’t forget to be smart with your picnic haul. With the right plan, you can help your dog live a long and happy life.

Be wise… Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!

Respect the Door!

Having a dog that escapes from the house can be very dangerous, and it's shocking to me how common this problem is.  So many dogs will bolt out the door, given half a chance, and their owners have developed some elaborate routines just to get themselves out the door in the morning, without letting the dogs escape. But you can teach a dog to "Respect the Door", if you take some time and do it correctly. Here's how to train your dog so he won't run out of your house the minute you open the door.

Respect the door.  Put him on leash and have him sit/stay. Holding onto the leash, open the door. If he runs out, say "oops" or "uh-oh", and bring him back inside and close the door. Repeat this as many times as necessary. It will probably have to be repeated many, many times at first. Don't let that discourage you.  When he does not bolt, walk outside, holding the leash, and tell him to come outside. When he's successful, shower him with praise, and treats.  But if he runs out before you give permission, go back inside, close the door, and try again. Make him wait for permission every time he goes outside, even if he's going out into a fenced yard.  That's really important, because if he thinks that bolting out ahead of you is OK sometimes, he's never going to learn to respect the door. Every time you do this "game" it will take fewer times before he waits for permission. Eventually he will come to respect the door and understand that he needs permission to go outside.  Remember that he's counting on you to keep him safe. You must be consistent with your training.  

Be wise... Bewaggle!

About Bewaggle:

Bewaggle is a pet services company located in Central Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more. We are bonded and insured, with background checks and references. Be wise... Bewaggle!