Halloween Pet Safety

Soon the little ghosts and goblins will be coming out but it’s not just the kids dressing up these days.  More and more pet owners like to get their furry kids in on the Halloween action as well.

Pet expert and owner of Pets in the City, Aaron Hill, offers the following tips to make sure Halloween doesn’t end up being a “ruff” night for the four-legged family members!

Safety first! - No matter now cute your pooch will look dressed up as a mummy, you have to ask your self, 'is it safe?'  Costumes should be simple without a lot of small parts or dangling items.  These can be chocking or tripping issues that can hurt your pet or others.  Also important to make sure any pet costumes don't restrict breathing or cause your pet to overheat.  Think safety and comfort over cuteness of costume!

Hide the sweet treats - Absolutely no candy or human treats of any kind should be given to your pets.  Make sure all human candy and treats are put well out of reach of your furry kids and make sure your children are aware of the dangers of giving candy to dogs.  Chocolate and nuts are in a lot of Halloween candy and both are extremely dangerous for pooches.

Pet Patrol - Pet parties can be a lot of fun as long as safety precautions are taken.  Make sure to have as many "human helpers" as possible to monitor the dogs at the party to make sure they are safe and not getting into any trouble.  Warn party goers about the dangers of unattended dogs, feeding people food to dogs etc.

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 Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitting/ Training service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.

Pet Safety Tips for 4th of July

As we prepare to celebrate the 4^th of July with good friends, good food and spectacular fireworks it’s important not to forget about our four-legged family members during the holiday.

While kids may “ooh” and “ah” at the bright lights and loud booms made from the traditional fireworks displays, our pets my bark or hiss in fear.

“The 4^th of July is a great time for us, but pet owners often forget that the loud noises can be stressful pets,” said Aaron Hill, professional animal trainer and owner of Pets in the City.  “Be on the look out for signs that your dog or cat is stressed, such as pacing or panting.  The sooner you recognize those cues, the sooner you can help alleviate the stress.”

Whether you’re heading out for a backyard barbeque or a weekend road trip, Hill urges pet owners to time and sure their pets are safe and secure.  These five tips will help ensure that everyone - including your pet – has a safe and happy holiday weekend.

1.      Stay Calm:  Before the fireworks and parties begin owners should know what works best to calm their pet.  If you notice your pet(s) getting anxious or stressed (panting, pacing etc.) sit and talk calmly to them while giving them a good scratch, massage or a special treat to help them relax. 

2.      Stay Inside: If you cannot stay at home with your animals during the 4^th, make sure your pets are indoors.  Do not leave them in the yard or on the deck.  They should be secured inside with no way to escape such as open windows or patio doors.

3.      Turn it On: Turn on a TV or radio to drown out the noise from the loud firework displays.

4.      Close it Up:  Pull all the curtains closed so the pets can’t see the blasts of colorful lights outside the home, this will help them remain calm.

5.      Keep Cool: If you are taking your dog(s) to participate in parades or other outdoor activities, make sure to keep them hydrated and in the shade as often as possible.  Dogs can overheat very quickly on a hot day. 

If you plan to be out of town over the 4^th of July weekend, it would be money well-spent to hire a pet-sitter to watch over your furry friends to make sure they are comfortable, safe and stress-free.

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Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner ofPets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitter service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.

On the Move with your Pooch?

May is the official start to the moving season.  From now until September, more people will relocate than any other time this year.  In addition to packing their dishes, clothes and knick-knacks, they’ll also be moving their pets – which can be more challenging than anything else, if not well planned.

“Whether you’re moving across town or across country it’s always an adjustment for everyone including the four-legged family members”, said certified animal trainer and owner of Pets in the City, Aaron Hill “With all the strangers in the house moving large pieces of furniture it’s a loud and stressful time for your pet, so you need to be prepared.”

Hill has advice on how pet owners can make the move a smooth one for themselves and their furry friends.

Before the big day

1. Site survey.  If it's a local move, take your pup over to the new place a few times before you officially move in.  Let them sniff their new digs and get a lay of the land before changing addresses.
2. Make a plan, hire a pet sitter.  During a move, doors and gates will be left open and it can be very easy for Fido to slip out unnoticed.  So make a plan and if possible hire a professional service take your furry kids for the day.  

When you arrive

1. Pet-proof the home.  Before your pet first enters your new home, take some time to look around from a dog's perspective.  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around at your dog's height.  

• Look for electrical wires, nails or other sharp objects sticking out of floors or walls, etc.
• This also applies to your yard, make sure there are no holes in the fences, decks or other small spaces that dogs can get trapped in or under, etc.

2. Potty patrol.  Immediately establish an acceptable place for potty breaks and reinforce when done properly. 

While you’re getting settled in

1. Make it "home".  Quickly create a familiar environment in your new place with favorite beds and toys.
2. Stick to your schedule.  Keep the same schedule you had in your previous home (if you didn’t have a feeding and potty schedule, get on one asap!)
3. Give praise.  Use positive reinforcement/reward going to the bathroom outside with treats, scratches, playtime, etc. Never punish bad behavior, instead use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.

Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitter service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.

Safe Travels...with your Pet

If you plan to hit the road for Spring Break or just a weekend getaway - don't put the car in reverse until you watch Aaron Hill's safety tips as seen here on "Good Day Sacramento".





Aaron is a pet expert and owner of Pets in The City (www.PetsInTheCity.com)

VIDEO: Pet Problems Solved

Pet expert and owner of Pets In the City was welcomed back on "Good Day Sacramento" to answer viewers' questions. Got pet problems? Aaron has answers.

Pet Advice: Viewer Questions Answered

Today, Chatterbox Media Relations client, Aaron Hill, owner of Pets in the City appeared on Good Day Sacramento to offer advice on the Do's and Don'ts of pet training.

From "my dog won't listen to me" to my "dog piddles on the carpet" to "I have a biter" the viewers chimed in and asked the expert all their questions. Check out Aaron's TV debut!

Ask the Expert: Viewers Questions Answered - Watch here.

Chatterbox is ready for its close up!

Great news for two of our Chatterbox clients - we're hitting the road and will be hitting the tube!

Pet expert and certified animal trainer, Aaron Hill, owner of Pets in the City will make his TV debut on "Good Day Sacramento" on Friday October 14th.  Aaron, along with his "best friend", Bronco, in tow will bark...uh, we mean talk about the do's and don'ts of dog training.  Got a question for Aaron?  You're in luck, he'll be answering them all during a LIVE web-chat after the show.

In November, Tracy McCubbin, de-clutter expert and professional home organizer will be LIVE on KCAL 9 News in Los Angeles on the as well as Good Day Sacramento.  Tracy will offer great tips on how to get your home organized just in time for all your holiday guests to arrive.

More TV news to come....

Pet Safety Travel Tips

Whether you’re packing up to go across country or just a few miles away, if your four-legged family members are in tow there are some safety measures every pet owner needs to have in place.

“Many people think it is cute when they see a dog with its head out the window going 65 miles an hour down the highway, but in reality, it is quite dangerous,” says pet expert and certified trainer, Aaron Hill.  “When it comes to travelling with a pet, owners need to take the same safety precautions as they do with children.”

More people travel with their pets these days, but most still don’t buckle them up.  Not only is an unrestrained pet a distraction for the driver, but it can also turn into a danger for passengers if an accident occurs.  According to safety experts, a 25-pound dog turns into a 1200 pound projectile in a 35-mile an hour crash. 

Hill strongly encourages pet owners to buckle up their pets and offers these tips for getting where you’re going safely.

TIPS FOR SAFE PET TRAVEL

Road Trips

• Plan ahead, make a lot of rest stops, and take plenty of water as well as a pet first aid kit. 
• Purchase a harness seatbelt for your pooch or use a carrier for really small dogs or cats.  Animals should never be loose in your vehicle while it is motion.
• Never leave your pet in a car unattended.  Dogs and cats can overheat quickly because they have a higher respiratory rate and need air flow and moderate temperatures.
• Be prepared, dogs can get carsick just like people so prepare for the worst ahead of time.

Flying

• Pet Airways accommodates dogs and cats.  It flies to select cities and provides concierge service for your pet including potty breaks within two hours of the flight and pet lounges.   The airline also secures pet carriers on the plane and checks on the animal every 15 minutes!
• For Domestic Air Travel, be sure to check the airlines weight and size restrictions for cabin flying before heading to the airport.  Additionally, if your pet will be flying in the cargo bay, ask about climate restrictions. 

Hotels

• Pet friendly hotels are everywhere now, with some specifically catering to your pet with special food, massages, room amenities, etc.
• For regular hotels, book a room on the ground floor so you have easy access to grass for walks and potty breaks. 
• Request a room at the end of hallway as to avoid disturbing other hotel guests. 

No matter what your mode of travel is, it is always a good idea to bring extra leashes, food and comfort items from home to make sure your pet enjoys a little R & R as much as you do.

Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (http://www.petsinthecity.com/) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitting/ Training service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.