Paws Plaza: Santa Fe

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DIY Dog Treat

This two-ingredient recipe on Curbly will get you started with something quick and easy:

Ingredients:

2 cups any kind of flour
2 (4-oz) jars of organic baby food. Beef, chicken, blueberry, and sweet potato are all good choices.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°
Mix ingredients to form a stiff dough, adding extra flour or water as needed
On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to about a 1/4 inch thick. Cut with cookie cutters for fun shapes, or a pizza cutter for bite-size cubes.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing in a paper bag (storing in an air-tight container will make them soft, but they’re still edible)

If you’re feeling adventurous, consider including grated carrots, apple, or sweet potatoes, a bit of mint or parsley (which can help with bad breath), dried blueberries, or even a touch of nut butter. Almost good enough for people, right? Here are tons more DIY dog food recipes. There are gluten-free, special-occasion, and even vegetarian options here—something for every pup.

Thank you!

To all of our most wonderful and loyal clients, we want to thank you so much for all your generosity through the Holiday Season, we received so many tasty treats, lunches, tips and cards.. It feels so great to have the appreciation of each and everyone of you!

Why dogs tilt their heads?

Besides how it's absolutely adorable (like everything else about dogs), we know little about why dogs tilt their heads, though we can't help but melt a bit when they do it. Though if you ask some people, that's exactly why they do it.

Dogs are man's best friend for a reason, and part of our connection with them comes from their emotional intelligence being off the charts. One suggestion of why they tilt their heads is that they're reading our emotions and looking for the positive response they usually get when they do it. (That's right, your dog is trying to make you smile. Granted, it might be in hopes of getting out of trouble, but kudos for ingenuity.)

From our family to yours!

Home Remedies for Anxious Dogs

White Noise

Use a fan, white noise machine, or radio to distract your dog from startling noises. Try playing classical music—it’s known to have a relaxing effect.

Check Your Stress Level

Dogs are sensitive creatures and your anxiety can increase their anxiety. Try yoga or other relaxation techniques to decompress and find your own inner calm.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

A tired dog is a happy dog. Plus, exercise releases serotonin, a feel-good chemical that we humans also get when we work out.

Give Your Dog a Massage

Giving your dog a ten-minute massage every day can help relax your four-legged friend, and is a great way to bond. There are many different techniques you can try. Just remember to be gentle and make sure your pet enjoys it.

Gear and Toys for Anxious Dogs

Luckily, there’s a plethora of toys and gear specifically created with the anxious pup in mind. Overall, harness the power of distraction, and give them a comfy, dog-designated area while you’re gone. These selections are key to creating a soothing environment.

1. ThunderShirt: Uses gentle, constant pressure to calm dogs.

2. Puzzle Toys: Perfect for keeping pups occupied while you’re out. The tricky treat ballis a particular favorite.

3. Long-lasting Chews: These chews will give your anxious dog something to focus on. Naturally-shed antler chews or a KONG with frozen peanut butter always work wonders.

4. Comfy Bed: Nothing relaxes a dog like a comfortable place to rest their head. Extra points for supportive memory foam that’s easy on the joints.

5. Dog Crate: With tons of variety and designs, you’re bound to find the perfect crate for your family. Training is a must, of course, before you implement the crate with your dog.

6. The Sentry Calming Collar: These collars release pheromones that help relax dogs and reduce their feelings of stress and fear.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Lips?

Your dog might not have Kardashian lips, but when he licks his chops, he is likely sending a message. So just what does it mean when dogs lick their lips? There’s more to the story than meets the eye.

Dogs lick their lips for a variety of reasons:

Anticipation of food
Fear
Anxiety
Nausea, physical pain, or oral discomfort
An appeasement mechanism

The most obvious reason your dog might lick its lips is in anticipation of food. According to Patricia McConnell, an applied animal behaviorist, dogs generally lick to the side of the mouth when they’re expecting a meal. She adds that licking in anticipation of food can also be linked to increased salivation.

“We humans tend to do the same thing when anticipating something wonderful about to pop into our mouth,” she writes.

There are a variety of activities that, depending on the breed of or mix of your pet, can help meet their exercise needs. Don’t be put off by the competitive aspect of trials and certification. Yes, you can work your way up through the rankings, but simply learning a new activity for fun can be a great bonding experience for dogs and owners.

Dock-diving: This is exactly what it sounds like. Dogs leap from a dock into a regulation pool to see how high or far they can go. Facilities around the country offer classes that build up your pet’s confidence in the water long before they get into competition. There is a lot you can do outside of class, if you have a body of water to practice in. Ultimate Air Dogs explains how to gradually teach your dog to swim and retrieve toys in the water.
Herding: This teaches a dog to use its basic breed instinct to control livestock. You can start by teaching a puppy how to chase things and stop on command. Then take them to a place that has livestock and get them used to listening to you, despite the obvious distractions. From there, a training facility like Ewe-topia in Roy, Washington can take you and your dog to the next level.
Agility: Over time, dogs learn to negotiate obstacle courses made up of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and more, at the direction of their owners.
Fast cat: An AKC event where dogs compete in a straight race of 100 yards by chasing a lure.
Field trials: Dogs compete in four components based on hunting breed characteristics; pointing, flushing, retrieving and scent, trailing.
Earthdog: This type of training lets those little diggers use their natural abilities to hunt for prey underground.

Puppy School at Paws Plaza

The first 4 months of a puppy’s life is what is called their ‘critical period’. This is the time in which a young dog is most impressionable and may determine what temperament they have as an adult.

Do you want a dog that can easily adapt to many situation?

A well trained dog can walk off leash, attend a friends BBQ, play at the dog park, ride quietly in the car, fetch and return a ball, sleep under your table at a leisurely brunch or fly on an airplane, greeting new people and dogs in a calm friendly way in a skill that is taught.

Let’s get started… the earlier the better!

Puppy School is a unique opportunity to introduce your puppy to a whole new world, ensuring they learn all the necessary skills to grow into a balanced and fulfilled adult dog.

Our 4-week puppy Partnership Program

Our philosophy on puppy rearing:

In order to help your raise your “dreamy dog” we need to spend time doing a huge variety of activities and exposures with your puppy.

Our package price is all inclusive. During the 4 weeks of prepaid training here are just a few of life skills:

Bathing / Brushings / Nail trimming
Crate training
Leash walks @ Plaza + Mall + Your neighborhood
Dog / Dog greetings
People greetings
Sit, down, stay, go to place, wait and come, drop and leave it
Fetch and tag of war play skills
Car trips
Distraction and calming trainings
Stand still for getting dremmed or check up
Sleep over with our trainers to learn separation skills

We will give your puppy ONE ON ONE experiences every day with a trainer.

Our flat one month fee covers the following:

Daycare
Puppy class with you
Grooming
Overnight stays
Trainers sessions daily
Client consultations on all subjects (feeding, house training etc)
Jumping, mouthing, general care and health
Private sessions with you – Specifically designed to reach your training goals (1 – 2 hour session per 4 week course)

$1,000 per month (4 weeks) Puppy Partnership Program

Bring your puppy to Paws Plaza as often as you like – daycare, overnights, grooming and training available all week – all month for one price.

Paws Plaza is New Mexico Bank & Trust business of the month!!

Are You Over Vaccinating Your Dog?

It’s recently been reported by the senior brand manager of Boehringer Ingelheim that the majority of vets are vaccinating more often than necessary. Unnecessary vaccines place your dog at unnecessary risk for vaccine related health issues. This quick guide will help you decide if your dog is being vaccinated more often than research shows is necessary. Read in full the Free Vaccine Guide by clicking here.

10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners

Welcoming a dog into your life is one of the greatest joys on earth. But with great joy comes great responsibility, especially if you’re looking to adopt a puppy. Deciding which dog is a good fit for you is a daunting task, and shouldn’t be based on looks alone. The following breeds are known for their easygoing personalities and, often, trainability. In addition to a reputable breeder, you can also adopt from breed-specific rescue groups or find wonderful mixes at shelters.

1. Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it’s no secret why! They’re adorable, affectionate, and eager to please. Their personality and intelligence make them easy to train and even easier to love. Golden retriever owners have a reputation for being absolutely obsessed with their dogs. Just look up #golden on Instagram for proof.

2. Papillon

Papillons have a high chill factor for such a small dog. As the number one toy breed in obedience competitions, they’re known for being highly trainable. Although their coats are quite fluffy, they’re actually easy to maintain and have minimal shedding. Papillons love children and live well into their teens, making them a great addition for families with young kids.

3. English Bulldog

Colleges all around the country want you to believe that the Bulldog is a fighter, a force to be reckoned with! This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bulldogs are some of the laziest and kindest dogs you’ll ever meet. As an extremely loyal dog, there is nothing a Bulldog loves more than their person… well, except maybe sleeping. Bulldogs are a great companion for anyone looking for a lounge-around-the-house buddy.

Our dogs communicate with us every day! To help you get in on the conversation, we’ve created a handy list of dog sounds and what they mean. Dogs use their voices to communicate with us as well as their surroundings, and it’s helpful to get a full picture of what each sound can indicate. Don’t forget to combine this information with what you know about dog body language, and you’ll get the whole story your dog is trying to tell you.

Your Guide to Dog Vocalizations

We’ve got the scoop on barking, howling, whining, yelping, and growling. Learn what your dog is trying to tell you with each of these distinct noises.

Bark

Barking is a common sound, but what do the varieties mean? Depending on their duration and pitch, barks can be an alert, a distress signal or a friendly hello.

“Who’s out there?”- Alert barking is the soundtrack to the mailman’s day. If you hear your dog barking rapidly, it’s a warning that someone is entering their territory.
“Where are you?”- Nonstop barking can be a sign of separation anxiety. If your neighbors reach out to you because they can hear your dog barking incessantly when you’re away, your furry friend is probably a little lonely and wondering if anyone is there.
“Hello! I’m happy to see you”- If a dog greets you with a couple of happy barks, they’re saying hello. It may even be an invitation to play!
“Knock it off!”- A single short bark is a way that dogs tell others to stop what they’re doing. This can often be heard during rough play when one dog is overwhelmed.

I’m willing to bet that …When your dog’s daycare, training facility or kennel asks for a kennel cough vaccine, you vaccinate your dog … am I right?And why wouldn’t you? You want to protect your dog (and other dogs) from illness and you trust your vet or daycare provider to have your dog’s best interests at heart, like any caring dog lover would.But I’m here to tell you some things that will make you question whether the kennel cough vaccines your dog has been getting are actually in his best interests …… or all just a lie.

What You Should Know About The Kennel Cough Vaccine

Bordetella, also known as kennel cough, is a vaccine that’s been required by groomers, boarding kennels, training facilities and veterinary hospitals for years. It’s become a routine requirement for any dog that spends time with other dogs (which is nearly all dogs).

The fact that a vaccine exists is surprising in itself. Kennel cough is almost always a self limiting disease that’s about as dangerous to your dog as the common cold is to you. So it’s not really much of a problem for your dog … but it can be a problem for any facility that has a case of kennel cough go through it.

Or at least they think it is. I’ll get to that part in a bit.

Times Dogs Helped You Procrastinate

Sometimes, the best way to not do something is to not do it with dogs. Be honest—if you weren’t going to do it anyway, you may as well have fun with dogs instead, right?

Dogs have been helping humans procrastinate since the great homework eating pact of 1905 was signed by undisclosed representatives of each species. This special arrangement continues to this day, and has only been fortified by the creation of technical advances such as the television and the laptop computer.

Since there’s something you probably ought to be doing right now besides reading this article, we’re pretty sure the act of opening this post counts as the 13th time dogs have helped you delay some boring chore.

The 10 Most Poisonous Houseplants for Dogs

Dog owners: before you go out and buy a pretty potted plant, do your research! Some houseplants can be dangerous for dogs—even deadly—so make sure you know before you grow. We’ve rounded up 10 common houseplants that are most toxic for dogs. Check out the list here, and click on the pictures and to find out how each plant can affect your dog.

Aloe Vera
'Hedera Helix' or Ivy
'Crassula Ovata' or Jade plant
'Dieffenbachia' or Dumb cane
Philodendron
'Cycas Revoluta' or Sago Palm
'Zamioculcas' or ZZ plant
'Caladium' or Elephant ear
'Dracaena fragrans' or Corn plant
Asparagus fern

Alternatives to the Classic ‘Cone of Shame’

Looking for post-surgery options more comfortable than the plain old plastic cone of shame? We’ve got some great options for your dog.

If your dog has a surgery scheduled or suffers from hot spots, you may be frustrated with the plain old Elizabethan collar from your local vet. The cone of shame certainly gets the job done, but sleeping, eating, drinking, and just generally being a dog can be tough while wearing a giant white lampshade. As if healing up from an injury wasn’t painful enough, right?

Soft collars, neck braces, and even onesies may help make your pet comfortable as she heals. Just make sure your cone alternative adequately protects the injury site, and that your dog can’t sneak out of it when you aren’t looking. And don’t forget that even when wearing the cone, dogs need supervision after surgery. So book an experienced pet sitter or find a dog lover to drop by during the day if you can’t be around to monitor.

Now, on to our cone of shame alternatives! Click here.

Why Do Dogs Like Ice Cubes?

As many pet parents already know, dogs don’t sweat! They can cool down only by panting or through their paw pads. So they need to find external ways to cool down, often. Dogs like ice because it’s a cold treat—a pupsicle, if you will. Eating ice or drinking ice water helps bring their body temperature down quickly to avoid overheating.

Dogs with the urge to chew also like ice, but be careful! The hardness of ice can chip or fracture teeth in some dogs, especially toy breeds with smaller jaws.

Teething dogs may also like ice cubes to help relieve pain. Some dogs simply like to play with ice cubes, sliding them around on the floor. If that’s the case, you may want to let your dog enjoy ice cubes outside to avoid a puddly mess indoors.

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cubes?

Yes, in a word. Eating or licking ice is a surefire fast way to cool your dog down. Plus, having him suck on ice cubes or drink water with ice cubes could help stop a dog from overheating.

How do we prevent heat stroke in dogs?

Do not cage animals outdoors without adequate shade or water.
At very high temperatures, keep pets indoors. If there is a heat advisory for people, then the same is true for pets.
Do not leave animals in closed compartments exposed to the oven effects of the sun, such as in a car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature can rise to very high levels, quickly.
Do not exercise dogs in the heat of the day. Very early morning or late evening is the best time to walk or exercise your dog, when the temperature outside is cooler.
Monitor dogs when they are laying in the sun, especially old or infirm dogs as they are more prone to heat stroke at these times.

Paws Plaza

For the Doggie Different