A jumping dog can be annoying and even dangerous. There are many methods to stop a dog’s jumping, but not all will be successful.

Lifting a knee, grabbing the paws, or pushing the dog away might work for some, but for most dogs this sends the wrong message. Jumping up is often attention-seeking behaviour, so any acknowledgment of your dog’s actions provide a reward!

The best method: simply turn away and ignore your dog. Don’t, make eye contact or speak or touch your dog. Just go about doing what you were doing. When he relaxes and remains still, calmly reward him. It won’t take long before your dog gets the message.

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As spring starts to warm up, dogs will begin to moult and lose their winter coats. If this fur is not removed as it starts to drop out, it will start to clump, or matt up in longer, fuller coated breeds. As it thickens this fur acts as an insulator, or a big blanket, not allowing fresh air to the skin causing overheating and itching and can create underlying skin problems.

This can be detrimental to the health of older or obese dogs that can tend to find it hard to cope with the heat during summer.

With regular brushing the dead coat can be stripped out as it starts to drop, leaving the skin invigorated, and the coat clean and healthy. Aussie Pooch Operators have access to various deshedding tools and brushes to suit all breeds and coats. Regular checks by the operators can also help to detect any ear and skin problems early.

Many dogs can be prone to these sorts of conditions due to grass seeds, pollens, humidity and other outside factors that come with spring. With Aussie Pooch Mobile’s great range of shampoos and conditioners your dog’s skin and coat will look and feel great all year round.

Another alternative is to have your dog clipped for the summer months. Although there are many breeds that traditionally would not get clipped (for example border collies, retrievers, shepherds etc.), you may find that clipping back older and/or obese dogs once again helps them stay comfortable in hot conditions. A clip/trim in early to mid spring will see them through the summer and ensure that the coat thickens up again as the cooler months come around. Some of these dogs may benefit from a second clip early in the New Year.

With many of the small, designer dogs now on the market, grooming has become more time consuming than ever before. Many owners of these breeds do not have the time to manage the grooming of their dog due to other commitments and it tends to get out of hand. The dog ends up matted and uncomfortable.

Handing this responsibility over to your Aussie Pooch Operator will ensure that the dog’s coat is managed and that the health and wellbeing of the dog is maintained. Regular bathing and grooming between clips/trimming will help to alleviate matting and skin conditions.

Talk to your Aussie Pooch Operator about the best options to ensure your dog’s comfort during this coming summer. (Article courtesy Deb Harris)

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“The weather can affect our dogs just as much as it can affect us, especially cold and dreary winter weather,” says local Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care Founder, Chris Taylor “Apart from typical winter ailments, being stuck inside can leave you both feeling bored and restless and add to that other conditions winter brings with it. But you can make sure your dog stays healthy and happy during the colder months.”

Canine Cough

Canine Cough is the most common infectious condition in dogs. It is caused by a highly contagious respiratory infection officially known as Bordetella Bronchiseptica and is often also caused by a virus called canine Parainfluensza, that can be best compared to the human version of a cold and is more prevalent in winter when it’s cold and immunities are at a low.

It can be caught from contact with other dogs in the park, at puppy school, from your shoes if you’ve walked through it in the street, or even from a dog that has canine cough living up to five kilometres away as it’s airborne.

However there is a vaccine that can be administered by your Vet that helps reduce (not prevent) symptoms by up to 80%. So instead of your dog suffering from a high temperature, runny nose, loss of appetite and possible pneumonia, he will generally only develop a deep, noisy, dry sounding cough, resulting in a bit of yellowish bile coming up occasionally.

The good thing is that a dog will build up his own immunity to bordatella and parainfluenza after the first instance and it is very rare for him to get a second bout of either for the remainder of his life.

Coat Care

With a dog’s thicker winter coat comes the increased need for grooming and a coat that is well cared for is essential. Removal of loose hair and knots means your dog will be able to maintain a warm body temperature, whereas a dirty, matted coat has no insulation properties. Proper coat maintenance can be achieved by regular brushing, bathing and hyrdobathing.

Also, when it is very cold shorthaired dogs and those with coarse coats or those that have had their hair clipped can feel the effects more, so you may consider purchasing special dog coat to keep him warm.

Allergies

Dogs with indoor allergies, such as those allergic to dust mites, insects and other allergens within your home, may become worse in the winter as they spend more time indoors. Dogs may manifest these allergies by scratching or developing skin and ear infections that need to be treated by your Vet.

Medicated shampoos, conditioners and other treatments can alleviate some itching while also helping to treat infections. In addition, oral antibiotics or antifungal medications may be needed. Severe allergies may need to be treated with allergy shots or oral anti-inflammatory medications.

Supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may also help to maintain a dog’s healthy skin when exposed to high allergen levels.

Humidifiers can be especially helpful in homes with ducted heating/fan forced heaters that tend to be especially drying to a dog’s skin.

Your Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash and Care Operator or local Vet can prescribe the correct combination of medications, shampoos, and supplements to help alleviate allergies.

Nutrition

To ensure your dog’s body is functioning to his full potential in winter, be sure to feed him a nutritious diet consisting of good quality dog food and supplements. And while dogs do need more food in winter as their bodies use more energy to regulate body temperature, don’t be tempted to give Fido your hearty winter leftovers. If you do want to treat him, special doggy snacks like Aussie Pooch Mobile’s Pooch Cookies and Liver Buds are ideal.

Water is also important in the winter, so provide fresh water daily both inside and outside.

Active Balance

A dog should stay active during the winter, so keep up your winter activities as often as possible. If it is too cold, wet or miserable to leave the house, set up some sort of activity that your dog can do indoors – make an obstacle course, play hide and seek, running up and down stairs or an indoor version of fetch.

Rest is also important so your dog can build up and store the extra energy he needs to keep warm. A good balance of exercise and rest is key.

Warm Bed

During winter it’s essential to make sure your dog’s environment is warm, dry and sheltered (away from drafty areas). Make sure his bedding is clean and warm and can be easily washed. If your dog sleeps inside make sure he doesn’t sleep in the cold floor. Provide him with a dog bed or pillow to protect him from the cold floor.

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Name:

Location: Rowville, Victoria

Franchise: Aussie Pooch Mobile Dog Wash Rowville

Aussie Pooch Mobile Hydrobath and Dog Grooming service provides a unique opportunity to build a business based on pampering pooches owned by dog lovers. You can build a successful business based on enjoying what you do.

Why did you go down the franchise route? And why did you choose your franchise?

Being part of a franchise enables you to join an existing business group that is already known in the market, has a reputation and strong marketing exposure through the appropriate channels. The group has operational procedures in place to support you in launching your business in a selected territory.

I chose Aussie Pooch over other mobile grooming franchises as they presented having strong foundation and focus on supporting franchisee’s with management plans and the necessary tools to assist in growing each business.

What did you do before taking up a franchise?

I was involved in business development for equine fencing systems, predominantly PVC and Electric Braid, with an emphasis on Sales and Marketing.

How did you raise the finance?

I borrowed the finances through the ANZ, who have a strong focus on small businesses. Presented them with my business plan and forecast for potential growth. Proved I wasn’t a risk for them.

What training and support did you receive initially and ongoing?

I was given an extensive 2 weeks training and go to spend some time on-road with an existing franchisee to familiarise myself with the operational procedures.

Aussie Pooch has established an operational workbook detailing the procedures required. One of the benefits of working in a franchise group, you have access to other operators to discuss issues and exchange ideas.

We have a very proactive National Manager who offers unlimited support and communication when and if required.

Annual conferences also provide motivation.

What is a typical day for you as a franchisee?

Aussie Pooch Mobile is a mobile hydrobath and grooming service to maintain a clean a healthy dog. My day predominately involves servicing to pre-scheduled clients.

What challenges have you faced?

Being presented with a challenge reminds me of the privilege that I have control to take whatever course of action is appropriate.

Mother nature also throws some curly challenges from time to time.

Has becoming a franchisee changed your life, if so how?

Becoming an Aussie Pooch Franchisee has certainly improved my lifestyle, both on a financial and psychological aspect. It has given me the flexibility to work my own hours, set my own goals and maintain a good work/life balance without the stress and pressures received in a corporate environment.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of buying their first franchise?

Evaluate your options, be realistic with your goals and keep focused on building your business. If you enjoy doing it, success will come naturally, however, you won’t succeed unless you are motivated to make it work.

If you love dogs, do it!

What are your plans for the future?

To continue doing what I love.

Would you do it again?

Nothing could take me away from this business no matter what offer is presented. Looking back, I regret not doing this sooner.

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When you think about it, our dogs can also require some ‘taming’ at times too. Just as we all mature at different stages, your dog is the same. This means that at some stage you will go through some trying times with them, but how you handle it will determine your level of success at the end of the day. You will note that there are many puppy preschools around to start the learning process early, as it has been identified that just because our dogs have been domesticated, doesn’t mean that they are lacking in intelligence.

If you can get your puppy into a puppy preschool as soon as possible, you will limit the amount of stress that you encounter by shaping the pup’s behaviour from the beginning for a great outcome as an older dog.

That doesn’t mean that you will totally avoid demanding and destructive behaviour – they are dogs and they will try to get the best option possible, as they are opportunists. With all the breeding that we have done over the years with our dogs, we have never been able to breed out of them their pack mentality.

By going to a professional trainer, you will learn to communicate to your dog in a manner that it will understand. Just as we all drive cars, we aren’t all mechanics so even though your friend, neighbour or family member is giving you advice on how to interact or train your dog, it is important to understand that your dog is an individual and so is your family. A professional trainer will endeavour to identify the dynamics of the family relationship and will make a program for you to work with that will be conducive to your environment and lifestyle. Your family and friends may have the best intentions with giving you advice but it is best to have a specifically made program for your individual situation.

When young women first fall pregnant, there are many more mature ladies to give them advice as to how to raise their babies, but at the end of the day, the young mother must do her best to make the baby safe, secure and shape the baby’s behaviour to be a nice child using her own techniques that work within her family unit.

The same can be said when you are dealing with your dog. If we can go to industry professionals to get advice on raising our children to keep them happy and safe, shouldn’t we also do the same for our dogs? They are members of our families and they also need their behaviour rectified at times.

The ‘terrible two’s’ can be a trying time for pet owners but with a little direction, you can survive it and come out the other side with a nicely behaved furry family member that is a joy to have around. Ask your Aussie Pooch Mobile Operator for a reputable trainer in your area.

(Article courtesy Tracey Murray www.dogschool.com.au)

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If you think you’re doing your dog a favour by sharing your chocolate eggs with him this Easter, think again. Chocolate can be fatal for dog warns Chris Taylor, Founder of Aussie Pooch Mobile.

“Chocolate contains theobromine, a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. Theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. While amounts vary by type of chocolate, it’s the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs. And while it may be argued that one small piece won’t hurt, large quantities of chocolate can cause severe distress including vomiting, diarrhea or hyperactivity,” says Chris.

As time passes and there’s increased absorption of the toxic substance, you’ll see an increase in the dog’s heart rate, which can cause arrhythmia, restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination or excessive panting. This can lead to hyperthermia, muscle tremors, seizures or a coma.

And of course, the worst scenario is death, which is not as uncommon as you think.

But you can still spoil your pooch with specially formulated (safe for dogs and yummy!!) doggy treats from Aussie Pooch Mobile and even dog-friendly toys, so they can enjoy Easter treats without harming their health.

Things like liver treats, all natural cookies and even toys are some great pressies for your pooch. Your local Aussie Pooch Mobile operator can help you put together a special treat for your dog this Easter.

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By taking a few simple measures, you can significantly reduce your dog’s chances of getting cancer.

Start with his food. Including green leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach etc.) or yellow and orange vegetables (carrots, squash) a couple of times a week has been shown to reduce the levels of some cancers in dogs. Simply steam some veggies and mix with their normal food.

Speak to your Aussie Pooch Operator about our yummy Pooch Cookies and Liver Buds, for a healthy treat.

Be a smoke free environment as smoking around your dog increases the effects of passive smoking plus the chances of your dog getting asthma as well as lung, throat and mouth cancers.

Desexing your dog may also reduce the chance of your dog getting breast, ovarian, prostate and testicular cancers.

For further advice, speak with your Vet.

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Eating grass is actually a perfectly normal activity for both dogs and cats, and it is part of a normal healthy diet. Many people are surprised when they see their pets do this, and often assume they are sick, or lacking in some dietary nutrients.

In actual fact, young grass shoots are a potent source of nutrients, rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements and anti-oxidants – which is the reason wheat grass has become so popular again with health conscious people.

There is quite a difference however to the nutritional value of older grass, which becomes much less valuable. Young grass shoots (sprouts) are soft, and the cell walls are still digestible for dogs and cats – if you watch them closely when they eat grass, you can see them “mouthing” the grass, to check if the blades of grass have rough edges (older grass develops quite sharp serrated edges, and is indigestible).

What is quite interesting is the fact that when dogs and cats consume a raw food diet, they become more in tune with their primal instincts, and people often comment that they see their pets eating grass, which they never used to. It is also true, that dogs and cats will eat grass when they are feeling sick (nauseous), but in this situation they are not selective, and in fact, ingest a large volume of the older grass shoots, which is high in lignin and tannins, and will stimulate vomiting. This is also a primal/evolutionary action designed to empty the stomach when required.

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To celebrate Aussie Pooch Mobile turning 21 this year, for the entire month of March they are donating 21c for each ‘LIKE’ they receive on their Facebook to the RSPCA.

Aussie Pooch Mobile has a long standing affiliation with the RSPCA, participating in the Million Paws Walk every year and other RSPCA events, but this is the first in a string of charity events Aussie Pooch Mobile has planned to celebrate their 21st year, where their motto is giving back to the community for the entire year.

And the best thing is that it’s really easy. Just log on to your computer, iPhone, iPad or other device, go to http://www.facebook.com/aussiepoochmobile and hit LIKE! Easy, you will have donated 21c. And all those LIKES will add up, with the money raised by the end of the month helping abandoned animals.

“This is an exciting year for us,” says Aussie pooch Mobile Founder, Christine Taylor. “Turning 21 is a real milestone and not something a lot of businesses achieve. But because dogs really are our best friends, and always will be, Aussie Pooch isn’t going anywhere soon. In fact, demand for services is continually increasing as so many people are so bogged down with other things in their lives. So to celebrate our 21st year we are dedicated to giving back to our wonderful community and what better way that to start off with something so simple, that both dog owners and the general public can help out with and make a real difference.

“So please take a minute out of your time, LIKE us on Facebook and know that in some way you may just be saving a dog’s life.”

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Using the skills she picked up at a high school work experience placement at her local vet, Taylor was driven to set up a business that provided an affordable service for dog owners that was missing in the pet industry.

Years later, while on her honeymoon, she realised she could expand her burgeoning grooming business by focusing on just one service- washing dogs- and she turned her business into a premium, mobile franchise.

“That’s where the idea of a trailer on the back of a car comes in,” she told Dynamic Business.

Aussie Pooch Mobile, was the world’s first premium dog wash and now services thousands of dogs a month. Its roving franchise operators allows dog owners the convenience of treating their canine best friend to a professional hydrobath and grooming session, on the familiar territory of their home turf.

International expansion came next for Taylor, and she has almost 200 franchisee operators around the globe, with 150 around Australia, and 50 more spread across the US, Malaysia, NZ, New Caledonia, and the UK. More than anything, she says, the root of her success comes down to the mobile nature of the franchise, which delivers convenience to her clients.

Her service has become so convenient that Taylor believes she’s single handedly created an industry that’s heavily relied upon, and produced a service now seen as essential for pet-owners – but it wasn’t always seen this way.

“You know, people weren’t actively seeking out a professional dog washer, let alone someone who would come to their homes and do it for them,” she said.

“It’s been so successful that it’s now a regular thing. Most dogs come back every two to four weeks for another appointment, and another wash.”

With over two decades of industry experience under her belt she says the core of her business success is the franchisee operators at a local level, who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and finish a job smelling of wet dog hair.

Work/life balance a reality

Taylor says the work/life balance available to Aussie Pooch Mobile franchisees- the flexible hours, outdoors activity and engaging with a variety of customers (both human and animal) – are big draw cards and are large contributors to the business’ huge growth.

Taylor says nowadays, franchises are much more common and easier to set up than they were two decades ago, and all franchise owners really need is a dedication to and a real passion about the business model. She points to the amount of support and business training available online as a huge leg-up for franchise owners, citing the Franchising Council of Australia’s website in particular and the education packages it provides online.

To people looking to start-up a successful franchise, she emphasises the importance of completing background research.

“You really have to do your homework- research into all areas of the business- not only the product, the service, but also research into marketing, your audience- try and do as much as possible,” Taylor added.

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