Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer
BJ on Lounger

Hello to my doggy Pack! I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy. And of course, that would include your dog. As the weather gets hot, be careful about walking your dog on the hot pavement. To tell if the pavement is too hot for your dog’s paws, but your hand on the pavement and if it is too hot for your hand to touch, it is too hot for your dog’s paws to touch. You may want to carry your dog to a patch of grass, or put down some doggy pee pee pads in your house.

Each summer there are so many lost dogs that turn up in the shelters. PLEASE microchip your dog, so that if your dog gets out and winds up at a shelter they will check to see if it is chipped and you will have a happy reunion. Also, many people who find dogs will also bring it to a vet. Again, the first thing the vet, shelter or rescue organization will do is check for a microchip. It is not expensive and WELL worth it.

Another suggestion is that you put a tag on your dog’s collar with it’s name and your phone number. That way if your dog gets lost and a person finds your dog, it is easy for them to contact you directly. This actually happened to me last summer…I was at a party at a friend’s house when I noticed this cute dog hanging around. I asked whose dog it was and no one claimed it. Hmmmm. So I looked at the dog’s tag and it had a phone number. I called it and the people were SOOO relieved. The dog had gotten out through a loose gate and while the dog had wandered into this party and was enjoying himself, his owners were frantic and running up and down the streets trying to find him. I asked them to text me a photo of the dog and when it was a match I gave them the address where I was, and a few minutes later the dog and his very relieved owners were happily reunited. Had that dog not had a tag with a phone number, it would have been a very different outcome.

With many of us hanging out in our backyards this summer, it is often easy for a dog to chase a squirrel out of your yard and not stop until he is lost, or to run after something interesting. Be aware of your gates and keep your dogs on a long leash. (You can find 30 feet leashes so the dog will feel she is free, but you know she is safe.) With COVID-19 to worry about we need to find comfort in our dogs and not have them as further reasons to stress. A little preventatvie action can save you tons of potential heartache. And be sure to keep plenty of water available for your dog in the hot summer months. And many dogs love kiddy pools or sprinklers as a great way to have fun and keep cool. Take good care of your dog because they sure do take good care of you!

Lastly, I want to reiterate some information I shared in my last blog because it has come to my attention that many people have been giving up their dogs for fear that they could get the coronavirus from their dog. That is NOT TRUE! There have been cases where the dog caught the virus from an infected human family member, but their symptoms were mild and they recovered easily. There have been NO CASES where a dog gave COVID-19 to a human. It seems that in certain circumstances, people can spread the virus to animals, but there is currently NO EVIDENCE that it can spread from animals to humans.

If you are showing signs, symptoms or are sick with COVID-19 isolate not only from your other human family members in your household, but also (sadly) from your pet as well. If possible, have others care for your dog at this time. If that is not an option, wash your hands vigorously before touching, playing with, or feeding your dog. Don’t let your dog lick you. Refrain from cuddling with your dog and even petting your dog at this time because you could get the virus on the dog’s fur and inadvertently spread the virus that way. Do not hand feed your dog treats, or share your table scraps. Put the dog’s food in its bowl directly from the bag, and be sure the dog has fresh, clean water at all times. It is also a good idea to wear a mask around your dog to be safe. And be sure to cough or sneeze into your arm/elbow – not anywhere near your dog!

If you are healthy, here are 10 tips to help keep you and your dog virus-free:
  1. Avoid letting your dog lick you in the face.
  2. Do not share your table scraps with your dog.
  3. Disinfect and clean your dog’s toys, food and water bowls with a pet-safe cleaner.
  4. Be sure to include your dog’s needs in your family’s preparedness plan. (For example, have extra dog food and water, and any medications you dog may be taking.)
  5. Wipe your dog’s paws with paw wipes after walks outside.
  6. Practice good hygiene around your pets and wash your hands before handling your dog or giving your dog a bone, treats or toys.
  7. Exercise – especially outdoors, is good for both you and your dog. It boosts your immune system and keeps you both from going stir crazy!
  8. Laughter and play are good for the soul.
  9. Remember that your dog can feel your stress, so take care of yourself: focus on positive things, what you are grateful for, and all of your blessings.
  10. Wash your hands often while singing one of the following:
  • How Much is that Doggy in the Window
  • Who Let the Dogs Out
  • Puppy Love
I hope you find these tips helpful. And as always, I wish you and your furry family members much love, health and happiness! And remember each day to find something to be grateful for, and someone to be kind to.
I truly hope this blog helps you. It is my deepest desire to be of service to you and your loved ones during this pandemic. I would love to hear from you about your situation, and any issues you may be having staying at home with your dog.
I send you my love and blessings. Stay safe, healthy and
pawsitive.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So during this pandemic I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone or Zoom. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or email me at Mara@LifeCoachingForDogs.com,
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Rancho Mirage, CA
Read More >>

The Coronoavirus and your Pets UPDATE
The Coronavirus and Your Pets UPDATE!
Today a pug named Winston that is living with his family of 4 humans and 1 other dog and 1 cat in North Carolina just became the first dog in the United States to test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans. His mom is a pediatrician and his dad works in the ER at a local hospital. They both tested positive for COVID-19 as well as their son. (Their daughter did not; nor did the other dog and cat in the household.)
The family became concerned when Winston was coughing, gagging, sneezing and didn’t want to eat his breakfast. (And if you know Pugs not eating anything is a big deal.) The family said that the dog licks their plates, their faces and sleeps with mom and dad. Luckily Winston was only sick for a few days and is now totally fine, as is the rest of the family. But to be safe, do not let your dog interact with people outside your home, walk your dog on a leash, and stay away from dog parks at this time.
On April 22nd two pet cats in New York tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans in two different households. Both cats had mild symptoms and are expected to make a full recovery. And as I mentioned in a previous blog, on April 5th, tigers at the Bronx Zoo that had some symptoms also tested positive, and a Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong tested “weak positive” with no symptoms in March.
In each case, the human was COVID-19 positive. It seems that in certain circumstances, people can spread the virus to animals, but there is currently NO EVIDENCE that it can spread from animals to humans.
If you are showing signs, symptoms or are sick with COVID-19 isolate not only from your other human family members in your household, but also (sadly) from your pet as well. If possible, have others care for your dog at this time. If that is not an option, wash your hands vigorously before touching, playing with, or feeding your dog. Don’t let your dog lick you. Refrain from cuddling with your dog and even petting your dog at this time because you could get the virus on the dog’s fur and inadvertently spread the virus that way. Do not hand feed your dog treats, or share your table scraps. Put the dog’s food in its bowl directly from the bag, and be sure the dog has fresh, clean water at all times. It is also a good idea to wear a mask around your dog to be safe. And be sure to cough or sneeze into your arm/elbow – not anywhere near your dog!
If you are healthy, here are 10 tips to help keep you and your dog virus-free:
1.   Avoid letting your dog lick you in the face.
2.   Do not share your table scraps with your dog.
3.   Disinfect and clean your dog’s toys, food and water bowls with a pet-safe cleaner.
4.   Be sure to include your dog’s needs in your family’s preparedness plan. (For example, have extra dog food and water, and any medications you dog may be taking.)
5.   Wipe your dog’s paws with paw wipes after walks outside.
6.   Practice good hygiene around your pets and wash your hands before handling your dog or giving your dog a bone, treats or toys.
7.   Exercise – especially outdoors, is good for both you and your dog. It boosts your immune system and keeps you both from going stir crazy!
8.   Laughter and play are good for the soul.
9.   Remember that your dog can feel your stress, so take care of yourself: focus on positive things, what you are grateful for, and all of your blessings.
10. Wash your hands often while singing one of the following:
·        How Much is that Doggy in the Window
·        Who Let the Dogs Out
·        Puppy Love
I hope you find these tips helpful. And as always, I wish you and your furry family members much love, health and happiness! And remember each day to find something to be grateful for, and someone to be kind to.
I truly hope this blog helps you. It is my deepest desire to be of service to you and your loved ones during this pandemic. I would love to hear from you about your situation, and any issues you may be having staying at home with your dog.
I send you my love and blessings. Stay safe, healthy and
pawsitive.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So during this pandemic I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone or Zoom. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or email me at Mara@LifeCoachingForDogs.com,
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Read More >>

Get your Dog to Behave While you Work From Home during COVID-19
How To Get Your Dog To Behave While you
Work from Home During COVID-19
Hello to my doggy pack. I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe, sane and healthy!
As we continue to “stay at home” we are starting to go a little bonkers! Creativity is abounding! Some of the things on the internet that people have done out of sheer boredom are AMAZING!
One of the many new things we are now doing are all the meetings/social events etc. we are doing virtually. If you are having your important business meeting on Zoom and your dog won’t stop barking, or running around or playing with his LOUD squeaky toy, what do you do?
Here are 3 tips to avoid doggy embarrasement while on your next virtual meeting:
1.   Plan ahead and be sure to exercise your dog before your meeting. A tired dog is a quiet dog. And you can exercise his body and mind. Go for a brisk walk/run and then do some training. Your dog will be stimulated and happy.
2.   Have a doggy bed by your home office (or the place you have your computer and are doing your virtual meetings from) that is close to you but out of camera range, and teach your dog that the bed is his place to go when you have your virtual meetings. You can easily teach a “go to your place” command by using your dog’s favorite treats to lure him/her there. You can use a leash in the beginning, to help guide your dog to its bed, but most dogs catch on really quickly and easily. Say “Go to your place” while you point to the doggy bed. You can guide your dog with a leash, or your dog may go there by himself. As soon as she has all 4 paws on the bed you give the treat. Repeat. Easy peasy.
3.   Have your dog’s favorite long chewing bone handy and give that to your canine pal a few minutes before your meeting starts. By the time everyone is on line, your furry friend will be happy and quiet, while staying in his new favorite place.
Your dog will likely LOVE having you (and your family) home ALL the time. Like a dream come true…right? Well, as much as your dog will be thrilled to have you home all the time, it is a change in their routine and that can be stressful. And if you are bored, it is likely that your dog will start to feel bored too. So, what can you do to combat your dog’s boredom?
Here are 7 tips to alleviate your dog’s boredom:
1.   When you take your dog on a walk, go on different streets. Don’t always walk along the same streets for the same amount of time. Vary it up. You will both enjoy new sights and smells (ok, maybe your dog will enjoy the new smells more), and the variation will be stimulating. You will be surprised at the interesting things you will discover about your neighborhood when you are experiencing it in a new way. Don’t be on your phone. Be present with your pooch. Make each walk an adventure!
2.   Teach your dog new tricks. It is always good to stimulate their minds. And yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
3.   Rotate your dog’s toys. They will appreciate the variety.
4.   Create an “agility course” around your home. It will be fun and great exercise for you and your pup!
5.   If you like messes, teach your dog to paint. Use dog friendly water paints and dip his paw in the paint and see what he does on some white paper on the floor. Remember, only do this one if you like messes.
6.   Take your dog for a drive, open the windows and let her really enjoy the unique scents and scenery as they fly by.
7.   Play hide and seek. Hide a treat (or one of your children) in an easy to find place. Then tell your dog to “Go Find the Treat” or “Go find Joey”. When your dog is successful, celebrate and give them a special treat. Then make the hiding spots a little harder. It will be fun for everyone.
I hope you find these tips helpful. And as always, I wish you and your furry family members much love, health and happiness! And remember each day to find something to be grateful for, and someone to be kind to.
I truly hope this blog helps you. It is my deepest desire to be of service to you and your loved ones during this pandemic. I would love to hear from you about your situation, and any issues you may be having staying at home with your dog.
I send you my love and blessings. Stay safe, healthy and
pawsitive.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So during this pandemic I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone or Zoom. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or email me at Mara@LifeCoachingForDogs.com,
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Read More >>

Top 5 Things To Do With Your Dog During COVID-19
Top 5 Things To Do With Your Dog
During COVID-19
Happy Easter and Happy Passover to my wonderful pack!
I am just checking in on you to see if you are all doing ok. I know by now, we are all going a bit stir crazy during this “stay at home” time. I am truly hoping that you and your loved ones are all staying safe and healthy.
In an effort to be of service to you, I am sending you some fun ideas to do with your dog during this Easter and Passover:
1.Put some treats in a plastic colored Easter Egg and leave them around your house or yard and let your dog have fun finding them. Be sure to put a colorful bow or rabbit ears on your dog and take some amazing photos! (If you can’t find plastic eggs on line than “naked” treats will do just fine.)
2.   Play a fun game of fetch or frisbee and then reward your dog with a great massage afterward while telling your dog about the Exodus from Egypt.
3.   Buy a cute stuffed bunny on line for your dog and then watch him rip it to shreds. Time your dog to see how many seconds/minutes it takes. Let me know.
4.   As you Zoom your seder this year, get dog-safe purple food coloring and put it in water in a plastic glass and let your dog think he is joining you at the seder drinking the Manischewitz wine.
5.   Take your dog for a fun drive, (dressed in their Easter bonnet), and let them stick their head out of the window and smell new smells and see new sights. Go look at the ocean, or explore your neighborhood. (Give them a break from the millions of walks they are now going on.)
This will be a very different Easter and Passover than we have ever had before. But find ways to stay connected virtually with your family and friends. Love each other. This too shall pass. Eventually. In the meantime, I am here to support you and be of service to you, so if you have any questions about your dog’s behavior, please contact me. I am offering FREE phone or Zoom consultations during this pandemic.
And now for something just to make you smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i97VF8XeBQ4
Sending you my love and best wishes to you and your pack. Have a happy Easter and Passover and find something to be grateful for, and someone to be kind to.
I truly hope this blog helps you. It is my deepest desire to be of service to you and your loved ones during this pandemic. I would love to hear from you about your situation, and any issues you may be having staying at home with your dog.
I send you my love and blessings. Stay safe, healthy and
pawsitive.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So during this pandemic I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone or Zoom. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or email me at Mara@LifeCoachingForDogs.com,
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Read More >>

Keys for Staying Happy While Staying Home with Your Dog
You want me to do WHAT?
Do you ever wish your dog could talk to you and explain what it wants or needs, or why it is doing that crazy thing that drives you nuts?
KEYS FOR STAYING HAPPY WHILE STAYING HOME WITH YOUR DOG
Hello to my doggy pack! I hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and healthy!
In this very stressful time when we are all staying home it is easy to become scared, anxious and depressed. Some people are struggling with job loss, financial hardship and physical illness. These are some harsh realities. It seems like our lives are out of our control.
But we do have a say in our lives. We can start on the inside…our thoughts. Our mind is like a camera – we can only focus on one thing at a time. If we are focusing on worst case scenarios, fear, and loneliness we will not feel good. Instead we can literally change the channel in our minds and focus on what we have to be grateful for…there is always something. Our loving dog, our family, friends and hope for a better future to name a few.
So be mindful of what you are thinking about in each moment. Does it serve you? Does it make you feel good or bad? Remember, you can always change the channel. Only YOU are in charge of your mind. So, turn off the news if you have had it on for more than a few minutes to catch up on what is new. Watching it all day makes you focus on the fear and that will not serve you.
And physical exercise is important to get your endorphins going and help to keep your immune system strong. So do your favorite exercise and incorporate your dog. Here are 7 fun ideas to try:
1.Put on your favorite music and dance with your dog.
2.Run (or run in circles if space is limited) with your dog.
3.Put together a home-made agility course with chairs, sofas etc. and run it
with your dog.
4.Do yoga – your dog will naturally want to join in.
5.Practice deep breathing with your dog on your stomach. Watch the dog rise
and fall with your breath.
6.There are a ton of on line free exercise programs. Find one you like and do it
with your dog helping you. For example, your dog can sit on your feet when
you are doing sit-ups, or you can lift your dog in the air (not too high) instead
of lifting weights (you get the idea.) Make it fun!
7.Hide a treat (or one of your children) and play hide and seek with your dog.
It is important to find ways to have fun in stressful times. So, go ahead and try one of these ideas. Or make up some of your own and let me know what you are doing to relieve the stress of this coronavirus situation with your dog. I look forward to hearing from you!
2 VERY IMPORTANT SPECIAL NOTES:
1.     As you are using hand sanitizers to keep safe, please be aware that some of the ingredients in hand sanitizers are harmful to dogs, so please don’t let your dog lick your hand right after you have applied it.
2.     If you have tested positive for the coronavirus or think you may have been exposed, please do not interact with your dog. Have another family member take care of your dog. Although there is NO evidence that you can GET the virus from dogs, there are some initial concerns that we may be able to infect our dogs. A Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong tested “weak positive” for the virus when living with someone with the coronavirus in early March (although the dog showed no symptoms), and recently a tiger in a zoo in New York tested positive for COVID-19 and DID show signs of respiratory problems after being exposed to a zoo employee who had the virus.
I truly hope this blog helps you. It is my deepest desire to be of service to you and your loved ones during this crazy time. I would love to hear from you about your situation, and any issues you may be having staying at home with your dog. Please feel free to email me at Mara@LifeCoachingForDogs.com and I will be happy to give you a FREE mini session. I send you my love and blessings. Stay safe, healthy and
pawsitive.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So for a limited time I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Read More >>

Staying Home With Your Dog
STAYING HOME WITH YOUR DOG
Since we are all Staying Home, we can find ourselves with lots of time on our hands, and antsy kids, husbands, wives and dogs. It is easy to fall prey to fear, panic, anxiety and depression. Many people have lost their jobs and many of us have had to redefine how we do business. This is a time of uncertainty for sure. But it doesn’t have to be a time of panic, fear, depression and anxiety.
Instead, it can be a time to get closer to your family, do some much-needed spring cleaning, meditate, learn a new language, read that book you’ve always wanted to read, catch up on your favorite programs or on line courses, have family game time, learn to cook, try exciting new recipes, make funny family videos and post them on Facebook, watch programs that make you laugh (laughter is a great stress reducer and boosts your immune system), and reach out by phone, Facebook, Google, Skype or Facetime to those you love. Do something kind and generous for another. This can also be a time of rest and renewal.
It is important to exercise your body, and guard your mind. Do puzzles, do on line workouts, and there are virtual dance parties (for example with DJ D-Nice on Instagram.) Don’t continually watch the the news, or talk with people about doom and gloom constantly. What we focus on and what we resist persists. So, watch the news to stay up to date every morning for a few minutes, but don’t be glued to your news source. It is scary but we need to also focus on happier things. We can focus on hope or despair. It is our choice.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by fear, a good antidote is do something for someone else: Reach out, stay in touch, and help your elderly neighbors. It is also really helpful to do some deep heart centered breathing. Choose to be a source of love and light and watch your fears dissipate. I am not saying there is nothing to fear. I am saying that we have a choice about how we spend this unprecedented time and what we focus our minds on.
As much as our dogs are thrilled that their humans are always home these days, they are probably restless and going a bit stir crazy. (Aren’t we all?!) They may miss their friends they see and smell on their walks, having fun frolicking at the dog park or at doggy day care, or playing with their favorite doggy pal. And remember, your dog feels your emotions; which is another reason to not panic. If you are anxious, overwhelmed with fear, depressed or feeling hopeless, they will act out in their own doggy way, reflecting those emotions. Instead, focus on what you have to be grateful for, the love that is around you and know that “this too shall pass.”
Having said that, here are some tips for what you can do if your dog is antsy:
  •  Teach your dog a new trick.
  •  Practice getting your dog to walk well on a leash (beside you without pulling your arm out) – in the comfort of your own home.
  • Give your dog a good chew toy, puzzle game, or peanut butter filled Kong.
  • Create a fun “obstacle/agility course” in your home. You can use rolled up blankets, old boxes, chairs etc. – just be sure things are safe and secure.
  • Put on your favorite song and grab your dog and have a dance party.
  • Hide treats or people around your house and direct your dog to find them. (This is great for antsy children as well!)
It is in times of great challenge that we grow the most. Choose who you want to be though this. We will come through this stronger and wiser. I am sending you and your entire family my deepest, heartfelt prayers to stay healthy, and to feel calm and loved.
*And a special note about HAND SANITIZER: Some of the ingredients in hand sanitizer are TOXIC to your dog. So, if you are using hand sanitizer on your hands, please be mindful and don’t let your dog lick your hands.
             FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS FROM
           THE WORLD ORGANIZATION FOR ANIMAL HEALTH GO TO:
None of us need the added stress of our dogs behaving badly at this already challenging time. So for a limited time I will be offering FREE mini sessions by phone. For more information go to www.LifeCoachingForDogs
or call (310) 467-2334 and ask about the special
COVID-19 FREE mini virtual session..
       Wishing you, your family and your furry family members
good health and much love. xo Mara
Contact Mara Brown:
(310) 467-2334
Beverly Hills/Los Angeles, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Read More >>

The Coronavirus And Your Dog

Hello to my Pack!

In this very difficult time of fear, stress, and social isolation because of the coronavirus, I wanted to reach out and share some very important information about the coronavirus and your dog(s).

First of all, to put your mind at ease, there is currently NO EVIDENCE that dogs can spread the disease or that the COVID-19 can make your dog sick.

You may have heard that traces of the coronavirus was found in a Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong recently. The dog was living with a COVID-19 infected and actively sick human when the dog was tested. It tested “weak” for the coronavirus. However the dog is NOT showing any signs of the disease or active symptoms of sickness. Many vets believe that the COVID-19 was picked up by the dog from licking an infected surface in the home, or by inhaling a contaminated part of the home environment with it’s nose. (more…)

Read More >>