Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Posts Tagged Dogs

Take the 24-hour Pet Communication Challenge

Nov 11

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Activities, Events, Classes, Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Are you up for a challenge? You can do it, I promise! It’s simple.

Objective: Spend the next 24 hours joyfully communicating all the wonderful things you know about your pet

Rationale: This challenge reminds us just how simple it is to express our love and our expectations to our pets in a way that encourages their enthusiastic participation

Steps: 

1. Identify 2-3 items you wish to work on with your pet, or recent successes which you wish to reinforce

2. For 24 hours, be conscious of communicating with your pet, both out-loud and silently, in an encouraging, positive, and compassionate way

That’s it! I told you – simple! To help you with your challenge, here are a few examples. Some may apply directly to your own topics, or you can use these examples to create your own reinforcing communications.

House training example: Perhaps your dog has been properly house broken for some time, with only the occasional accident due to a short-term virus or a moment of extreme excitement. At some point in the day, unrelated to a bathroom break (or mistake), simply affirm the great job they’ve been doing: “You are my great go-outside-to-go-potty boy, Rover.” Do they know exactly what the words mean? No, but in that moment of expressing your sincere appreciation of a consistent job well-done, you will feel joyful at the success and you will automatically envision the several productive trips outside for appropriate elimination. The words of affirmation help you to feel and envision your expression of joy and congratulations and that is what your pet will understand and respond to.

New companion example: Perhaps you have introduced a new kitty to your family of cats. It is never too late to appreciate and affirm the wonderful integration (even if it isn’t consistently wonderful yet!) offered by your existing cats. “Fluffy, I am so proud of what an excellent big sister you are!” Your sincere expression of the welcoming nature of Fluffy, even if Fluffy still has an occasional hiss-fit toward the new kitten, sets a joyful, compassionate expectation which will eventually be fulfilled.

Weight loss example: If your horse enjoys chomping on all the fresh, tender spring grass and has plumped up a bit, you can encourage him through his weight loss regimen: “What a handsome, svelte, and energetic stud you are, Poco!” The tone and content of this affirmation, given randomly and with no direct affiliation to mealtime, helps both you and your horse to remember the goal and see the successful outcome which will soon be realized.

Aging example: My own 11 year old dog still loves her walks, but I notice that its taking a little longer to complete our usual loop. It is healthy for both the human and the animal to accept and acknowledge some of the typical aging issues that might begin to surface, such as slowing down slightly: ”Jezebel, you are my great walking-girl companion!” This simple affirmation, delivered by actually envisioning our very pleasant daily walks, however long they might take, keeps us both present and appreciating every moment we have together. It’s not unusual for me to give this affirmation in the evening as we snuggle, hours after our walk that day.

Most of us move through our day with our beloved pets stating fairly routine requests, corrections, and praise, and we may say little else to our animal companions. These are all appropriate and important ways to work with and connect with our pets, but it takes so little time and energy to communicate even more with them.

This 24-hour challenge encourages you to identify and add in non-routine affirmations through the day. I’m always in a better mood after saying to Jezebel, randomly, just because I love her, ”you are my beautiful and sweet 11 year old girl!” My loving relationship with her just got a little boost and my smile got a little bigger. Challenge yourself to a day of positive affirmations with your pets and see if you don’t have a better day for it. I bet your beloved pet will!

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Pet Names DO Matter!

Oct 5

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 4 Comments

Through my work as an animal communicator, I never tire of hearing some of the creative and distinctive names that humans assign their pets. It is common for clients to want to know if their newly adopted pet likes their new name. While the responses from the animals are varied, I recognize that names DO matter to animals, but not in the way we might think.

A name is a name to the animals, but it is the energetic reaction that we humans might have when hearing their name that they respond to. If an iguana named Rose is regularly faced with the reaction of “that’s a silly name for a lizard” then Rose the iguana may start to question her stature in the world. A horse named Chomper may make some of us wonder if a piece of our bicep might become his afternoon snack! If many people who meet “Chomper” have that same fear and energetic reaction of distancing themselves from his powerful teeth, what is that conveying to the horse over time?

Consider your immediate internal (i.e. energetic) reaction when meeting for the first time:

  • a Rottweiler dog named Terminator
  • the same Rottweiler dog now named Lovey
  • a six month old kitten named Terror
  • or the same kitten named Cuddles

Could you imagine yourself being cautious when meeting a dog named Terminator? And did you imagine yourself wanting to scoop up Cuddles the kitten to hold him or her? There really IS something in a name, and over time a cat named Terror may really start to live up to that name. Chomper the horse may become skittish and self-isolating, and Lovey the Rottweiler might become the most popular and adored pet of the neighborhood.

Most of us put a lot of thought into the names we choose for our beloved animals, and appropriately so. I’ve met several animals who truly do live up to their name, both positively and with some behavioral issues. So the next time you find yourself needing to name a new family pet, consider the energetic reaction their name might illicit, and remember that over time those reactions very likely may have a long-lasting affect on how your pet behaves.

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Pet Palooza! in Denver, September 24, 2010

Sep 14

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Activities, Events, Classes | No Comments

If you and your canine companion are looking for an activity to do together in Denver, check out Pet Palooza! on Friday, September 24, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at EarthDog Denver Dog Center on Kalamath Street.

Sponsored by TeamMates Commercial Interiors, proceeds will benefit MaxFund no-kill shelter in Denver. There are many dog-friendly activities available, and I will be on hand offering information and brief animal communication chats with your pooch. RSVP in advance. It’s for a great cause.

I hope to see you there!

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Dental Care for Animals

Jul 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets, Products & Animal Resources | 1 Comment

I’ve just become an expert in animal dental care. Well, not an official expert. I’m not a veterinarian or vet tech but I have just been through extensive dental work with my girl dog and now I know a lot more about responsible guardian dental care than before. It’s not that I didn’t know it before – I just let it slide.

Jezebel and her beautiful smile

None of my pugs had beautiful teeth even when young. They all had dental cleanings occasionally, but not as often as most veterinarians recommend. The process of needing to go under general anesthetic for a good, thorough dental cleaning always made me nervous and I hid behind that excuse every time the vet stated a dental exam was due. I also had plenty of excuses for not brushing their teeth at home regularly (okay, never in recent years). A pug’s smooshed face doesn’t give one much of a handle and their tiny little mouths are difficult to get to through all their cheek skin. Not to mention they are STRONG and PUGNACIOUS (get it?) and they can clench those tiny little mouths closed and hold that pose forever!

Alright, no more excuses. Jezebel has several fewer teeth this week than she did last, and I’m going to be brushing those few remaining teeth every day. She’ll be annoyed at first but I’ll communicate with her that this process is for her good, and she’ll question my logic but she’ll believe me eventually. It’s my responsibility as her guardian to do this for her.

All domestic animals need routine and regular dental care just as humans do. Home dental care and regular dental exams are a must. I love my vet and she’s done great dental work on my beloved animals in the past, but she also knows when to recommend a specialist with appropriate equipment including an x-ray machine with dental capabilities. A visual exam did not reveal the area where a tooth had broken off under the gum-line, leaving the roots intact but dying. Dental x-rays are also important for small mouths (like Jezebel) where tooth roots naturally grow near and even into the jawbone. Your veterinarian may be well equipped to take care of any anticipated and unanticipated dental issues, but if not then take their recommendation for a local veterinary dental specialist.

Every pet needs regular dental care, no matter the age. Pick up a toothbrush from any pet store and schedule appropriate dental exams and cleanings as part of your routine pet health care. Your pet’s beautiful smile will be all the thanks you need!

 

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Toys to Keep Pets Challenged

Jun 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

When I work with animal communication clients regarding certain behavioral issues with their dog or cat, it is not uncommon for a part of the cause to be related to

  • anxiety or boredom,
  • prey drive/hunting instinct, or
  • territorialism.

Of course, every animal’s rationale for their behavior is different and it is important to understand what is driving them to react as they do. But quite often the solution involves redirecting the pet to a less destructive, more productive activity. Toys to keep your animal companion challenged, mentally and physically, can be just the ticket.

Consider your pet’s breed, which gives a clue as to their in-bred instinct. Obviously a Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever dog loves to retrieve. It’s great exercise for them to chase balls, Frisbees, and sticks as thrown by their guardians, and until these dogs approach their golden years, they could partake in this activity for hours. You can add more mental challenge for them by rubbing their favorite retrieval item with a food scent and hiding the item. This is great for an retriever dog who might have a bit of anxiety or destructive behavior when you leave them alone for a few hours. Give them the “job” of finding their toy, assisted only by scent, and then guarding or protecting it while you are away.

Other dog breeds may not have a strong retrieval instinct, but may be very motivated by food. Toys that allow a special treat to be locked inside can keep these canines busy and mentally challenged for hours.

Cats have a strong prey drive, and they don’t lose that instinct just because they are indoor cats. Sometimes their frustration at not being able to stalk and hunt builds to a point of frustration and unwanted behaviors can develop, not to mention stalking and hunting is a great way for a cat to keep themselves fit. Scratching posts, catnip toys, and interactive games with their humans are all great, but consider adding some challenge for your kitty by making a simple toy to allow them to express their natural instinct, AND allowing them to reap the final reward at the end. A few bits of dried chicken or their favorite fish flakes in a recycled (empty) water bottle with small punctures for the aroma to escape will keep them redirected from yowling at the window, attacking your visitor’s feet, or scratching the furniture due to boredom. Small, light-weight bottles are all the better for skittering across the kitchen floor, just like a mouse would do. And best of all, if you don’t tighten the lid much, repeated batting and rolling around will eventually allow the lid to come off and the treats will be revealed. This kind of foraging toy, while not identical to hunting a mouse or snake in the garden, will allow your feline to honor his natural instinct for hunting, and a redirection to this game from an unwanted behavior could make your home much more harmonious for all.

If your pet is exhibiting unwanted behaviors and you suspect they are bored, find a mentally challenging game for them which is appropriate for their breed and personal preferences.

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FAQ: Helping Pets Deal with Summer Heat

Jun 9

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Products & Animal Resources | No Comments

An animal communication client asked:  Any tips on how to help extra furry dogs stay cool in this heat?? That’s a great question! Living with pugs most of my adult life, I do have some tricks up my sleeve. While a pug is not ”extra furry” like a Husky or Australian Shepard, they do have delicate respiratory systems which can become very quickly compromised in heat and humidity.

Jezebel showing off on her cool mat

Here are some tips:

  • Of course, first and foremost, limit your dog’s intense activity during the hottest part of the day. Easier said than done for some very active pooches, I know. But consider a good long walk in the early morning hours to give your companion their required daily exercise while the day is still cool. This will tire them out so they’ll rest during the hotter part of the day.
  • Allow access to cooler parts of the house during hot days. Put a dog bed and fresh water in your basement or an interior and/or dark room for your pooch while you are away.
  • Check your dog’s water regularly and keep it fresh and plentiful. I drop a few ice cubes in the water bowl through the day to keep it nice and cool. There are gadgets to allow on-demand access to fresh, cold water directly from an outdoor faucet. I’ve not tried or seen these myself, but for some breeds this may be a great solution for regular fresh-water intake. My less high-tech solution is to put a chunk of ice in the outdoor water dish which melts over a few hours, keeping the water cool for a good part of the day.
  • Many friends and clients have set up a baby pool – one of those plastic models with 8-10 inch sides – for their dogs to walk through and lay in. Keep the water fresh in case your dog decides to drink instead of swim, and don’t allow your pets to have access to a water-filled pool without adult supervision!
  • I set up a floor fan to blow air into the inside portion (a fenced area of my garage) of the dog run when I’m away. The fan is *outside* the gate so there can be no accidents with tails, paws, or tongues wanting to explore. While this is recycled warm air, it does provide cooling from the breeze, and adds an additional benefit of white-noise should I be away when a thunderstorm begins. The fan is positioned to blow on only one side of the containment and the other side remains breeze-free. I’m big on choices for my beloved companions! On particularly hot days, I set a bowl of water in front of the fan for more cooling.
  • Some families I know give their furry dogs a haircut in May or June, which grows out through the summer in time for the colder weather. Your dog may not look like himself for a couple of months, but it certainly does help with the heat. Remember though, if you give a short or buzz cut, protect them with sunscreen for the first couple of weeks!
  • There are products which seem to do a nice job of keeping dogs cool without getting them wet. Check your local pet store and/or animal supply catalogs for cool mats, rugs, vests, and collars (one version of a cool mat is shown above). My experience with a cool mat has been good, and a 20-minute soak in cold water keeps the mat cool (and dry!) to the touch for up to two days, then another dunk in cool water and we’re good to go for another couple of days. I’ve not tried the vest or collar but the concept is similar and may be the perfect solution for some dogs. Some dogs have expressed in our animal communication session that they prefer or *need* the cooling to come from their belly area. Other dogs hold their heat in their neck area. Choose the style that works best for your furry companion. The material in the mat, vest, etc. may be toxic so choose your style and brand wisely if your pet is a chewer.

These are my tips. If you have tips which keep your extra furry dog cooler on hot summer days, leave a comment!

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Helpful Pet Product: Administering Oils and Essences

Jun 2

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Products & Animal Resources | 2 Comments

I am a big fan of using flower essences and/or aromatherapy when they are appropriate for pets. Once we understand what essence or oil might be helpful, then we tackle the second challenge of how best to administer. There is a new product which I learned of last month that can help with that challenge.

The Collar Companion™ (patent pending) is the brainchild of Wendy England, founder of Daisy Paw, LLC in Colorado. According to Wendy’s bio, she has used aromatherapy on her own animals for years. When her dog, Daisy (ah ha!), developed a chronic skin condition, Wendy wanted to find a way to provide the benefit of aromatherapy without rubbing it directly on Daisy’s sensitive skin.

Now Daisy Paw offers a variety of collar companions for dogs and cats – a contraption which fits right on a collar and allows the guardian to drop oil or essence into the cavity – allowing all the benefits of the oil without the concern of ingesting or causing irritation to the skin.

So if you are about to administer a flower essence, essential oil, or perhaps one of the Daisy’s Blends essential oils produced by Daisy Paw, consider a collar companion* to make your life, and the life of your beloved four-legged companion, much easier!

* Wendy has tested and guarantees the collar companions when used with the Daisy’s Blend line. 

 

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A Dog’s Perspective on Stem-Cell Therapy

May 20

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Health & Well Being for Pets, Products & Animal Resources | 2 Comments

I enjoy the wide variety of topics that come my way as an animal communicator. Last month I had my first experience with a dog who’s humans were considering a stem-cell treatment to strengthen his joints. I appreciate their strategy in digging for all relevant information about the procedure, benefits, risks, and possible outcomes. Along with this, they wanted to know how the dog felt about more work on his joints (he’s had three previous surgeries).

There are three sides to the story:

According to the veterinarian staff, the dog is a candidate for the treatment.

According to his guardians, there are no obvious downsides to the treatment.

What was the dog’s response when asked about the treatment? At first he registered a little confusion because he is feeling quite well right now, with only a minor twinge in one hip occasionally. We explained that the treatment would be intended for long-term benefit, potentially strengthening the joints to avoid painful injuries and to slow the degeneration of his joints in the future. This was certainly interesting to him, and yet in his doggy way it is all about the here and now!  The treatment meant several months’ recuperation with limited intense activity. The dog’s summertime plans certainly included some intense activities, including hiking with his humans and playing with visiting animal companions. His hope: to delay the treatment until the weather was not so inviting. His humans were happy to honor that request.

I was curious about the treatment and did a little research myself. Early media attention was focused on the human use of embryonic stem cells, a controversial concept, to be sure. Now, the ability to use an animal’s own tissue to generate the needed stem cells to be re-injected into the same animal seems to have little controversy, and is becoming a more recognized and offered treatment for animals, canines in particular.

As described by the dog’s human, the procedure they were considering is minimally invasive. A simple needle aspiration would extract cells from the dog’s own tissue, and the stem cells would be separated out, left for a period of time to grow and cure, then be injected into the joint areas in question. While minimally invasive, the animal is restricted from intense activity for several months – up to four months in this particular case – while the cells attach and grow properly.

This being my first direct contact with canine stem-cell therapy, I am curious about other stem-cell treatments; perhaps a different procedure, different reason for treatment, or the use of a stem-cell treatment on a horse or feline. If you’ve had experience with stem-cell therapy and would be willing to share your comments, please do!

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