Category: Healthy Living

Healthy Living, Non-seasonal, Pets Products

How to Train Your Dog Using Sound Aversion

Erin Sluka

I was provided sample. Opinions are my own

We adopted Maya September of 2017. She is a Whoodle (Standard Poodle and Wheaten Terrier) and is incredibly smart. Teaching her tricks like sit, shake and dance were natural for her. The problem with a smart dog is she thinks she can outsmart us. She will purposely ignore us-even turn her head away as if to say “I can’t hear you…”. This is stressful when outside because she will wander and not come back or come inside on our command.

We have tried punishments, treats and she still wants to listen only on her terms. Then we got the Doggie Don’t device and overnight she began to listen and without hesitation. This is how to train your dog using sound aversion and it is working well on Maya and her new sister, Leah.

Click video below to see how Maya will now ‘Come’ on command and I don’t even have to use the sound anymore……

With the Doggie Don’t device it makes a (very) loud sound dog’s do not like. I show it in the video above, but you know the sound a taser makes? It is like that and you can hold down for a long play sound or just tap the button for a short, loud audible and that usually is enough so the neighbors shouldn’t get too annoyed-lol.

The sound gets your dogs attention. Eventually, you should be able to say your commands and not need to use your device. Be consistent to change behaviors. Say your command, use your device properly and reward your dog for good behavior to transform your dog into a well-behaved and socialized pup.

It is important to note that this is not a crutch! You use this to teach voice commands and the goal is to eliminate the device so they respond to your voice and words. For example, if your dog runs through the front door and heads towards the road you may not have the Doggie Don’t readily nearby. You would want your dog to stop instantly as you yell your command or they may keep running toward the road. Never use a device as the only command, but rather as a training tool until training is complete.

Buy Doggie Don’t
Healthy Living, Non-seasonal

Everything Men Need To Know About Testicular Cancer

Erin Sluka
Photo by Urmi (License: Creative Commons BY)

As we welcome in the cheerful season of spring with refreshing rain showers and the budding of new flowers, we’re also provided with an opportunity to step back and focus on optimizing our health. With April being Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, it allows men (who historically have a disconnect from their health) the time to learn more on warning signs, treatment, and effects the disease has on their daily routines. With early detection being as detrimental as it is, a month centered around awareness will give many the information that could possibly be a matter of life or death in the long run. Read below for all the information you need to know about testicular cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

Catching these warning signs (at an early stage) can be tricky. Testicular cancer symptoms tend to appear mildly, and easy to write off, so it is important to be familiar with your body and what presents as abnormal!

The most common symptoms that typically gets men into the doctors office is the formation of a lump on the testicals or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Other signs to be on the look out for are back pain, dull aches in the abdomen, a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum, or an enlargement or tenderness in the breast area. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially for over two weeks, you should visit your physician immediately.

Potential causes

There are no proven causes for testicular cancer, however there are factors that may put you at a greater risk to become diagnosed. Testicular cancer tends to affect younger men between the ages 15 and 44 (however, it can occur at any age). Abnormal testicle development can also negatively impact your odds.

Treatment

As with many cancers, the extent of the treatment depends on the stage your cancer is diagnosed in. However, throughout all stages, doctors tend to recommend removal of the cancerous testicle. After surgery, you will either be closely monitored with regular physical exams or treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. However, if your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, the treatment will become more aggressive, making early detection even more important for survival.

Effects on You

A question that lingers in most patients heads is how will this affect their day to day life once they overcome the cancer. Many fear that since they had cancer in one testicle, they are bound to have it in the remaining one. Others focus on the impact the treatment will have on their sex drive, fertility, and erections. While cancer survivors are twice as likely to receive “second cancer”, with the right information and awareness, survivors will be well equipped to catch it in the early stages and fight off the new cancer with greater odds. In regards to sex drive, a loss of labido is completely normal, and may not even be permanent. Luckily, there are many ways to treat a decrease in sex drive to help provide the most normal transition into your romantic relationships. However, if you’re struggling to hold an erection read how you can prevent and treat erectile dysfunction. Chemotherapy can also temporarily damage sperm, while high dosages and removal of both testicles will cause infertility. It is highly recommended to preserve your sperm prior going through treatment.

Knowledge is power, and becomes your greatest weapon of defense with diseases such as testicular cancer. Spreading awareness is the best way to support, battle, and ultimately eliminate testicular cancer.

Healthy Living, Pets Products

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Safely for the Dogs

Erin Sluka

Opinions are my own! This post may contain affiliate links

As spring approaches, nothing feels better than starting off the season of longer days and travels than with a clean and organized home. With so many cleaning products on the market, we have to now consider ingredients and ways to prevent having to use harsh ingredients when cleaning around small children and our pets.

We have 2 puppies under the age of 2 and dog messes happen almost daily. I just had one sneak upstairs and leave a potty mess in the hallway carpet this morning. Even the trained puppy slips at times.

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Safely for the Dogs

  • Choosing the right cleaners. Choosing a toxin free cleaner is a must. Our pets are exposed to so much we cannot control such as what they encounter in dog parts, processed foods, outdoor and indoor pollutants so let’s make sure the cleaners we use are safe for them. I use a brand I get on Amazon called Truce. It really works great and they only include about 5 simple ingredients in their products. I am not sponsored by Truce for this feature, I just love their ingredients and want to share that option with you. In addition, constant use of alcoholic sanitizers and antibacterial wet wipes around the house can cause serious health issues for your dog. Products with harsh chemicals and ingredients should alert pet owners. Instead, using plastic-free eco-friendly wipes are a safe option. They are effective against 99.9% of germs and work great on counters, appliances, tables, and tiles for quick and easy cleanup without leaving harmful odors. 
  • The Dog Dishes. Keeping the feeding area clean is so important. I used to pet sit years ago as extra income and I will never forget a home I was in to care for their 2 dogs. They kept their food in a small garbage can in the garage. As I was there I reached in as food was low and scooped up food and looked down and saw it–mold! Luckily, a new bag was available so I could discard that can (I dumped all food, used their hose and soap to wash it out and dry so a fresh bag could be put in). When you store food or keep food bowls full for free feeding you need to wash and dry between fills.
  • In this family’s case, they would see food get low and pour in a fresh bag so there was food at the bottom that never was circulating into the fresh batch and just sitting there as ‘the bottom of the bin’. With my dogs I use an elevated dish set that is all dishwasher safe (see what I use here). Have you cleaned the feeding area lately?
  • They will help with spring cleaning by first surveying the home to find all areas the dogs frequent. These professional cleaners will then tailor a cleaning schedule and use cleaning supplies that will be safe for dogs. This will usually involve using vetted and safe cleaning products and vacuuming often to remove any pet hair and dander that could be harmful if inhaled by the dogs. You can visit UrbanMop and find a perfect option for you, and be sure that once they’re finished, you can rest easy knowing your home is clean and safe for your furry friend.
  • Catch those messes early! With spring, comes wet yards. Having the right items nearby as you let your dog inside will prevent mud and dirt from reaching too far into the home. I keep a towel nearby for muddy paws and natural dog shampoo and soap in the downstairs shower or by a hose for the real messy outdoor play adventures. Taking a moment to wash down and with soap and a shower or yard hose keeps messes and stains from furniture and rugs.
  • Protect the human furniture. Using furniture covers or even keeping a blanket on the dog’s favorite couch spot really saves the sofas and chairs over time. If you are looking for a quality dog furniture cover that was recently updated in 2019, see these suggestions from DogProductPicker.com
  • Keep your pet groomed! My dog’s may not shed (we have Whoodles), but all dogs float dander. Keeping your dog groomed helps eliminate excess hair and dander from landing on floors and furniture. Invest in a quality de-shedding brush and if you are spring cleaning your home, make the dogs a grooming appointment. They get out of the house while you clean and when you pick them up, they are not excessively shedding int he clean space. Grooming includes clean ears and eyes so as not to have them rubbing yeast and debris on blankets an rugs.

Another note, if your spring cleaning plans include an upcoming move then consider these tips if you need some extra help keeping your fur baby in mind. Here are a few simple steps that can ease the stress of moving with pets.

Pets are such a blessing, but also can add to the mess of a home quickly. Practicing prevention is how I stay on top of my dogs’ messes. It is an easy routine to get into.

Healthy Living, Parenting

7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Next Well Visit

Erin Sluka
7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Next Well Visit
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash

During a child’s well visit, the pediatrician will conduct a full physical exam, which includes reviewing your child’s weight and height, as well as body mass index, to determine if your child’s growth-rate, including any weight gain, is on track. Blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will also be checked and necessary immunizations and vaccinations will be administered. 

During the well visit, your child’s doctor will ask questions. But a pediatrician is also able to address any concerns you may have, answer your questions or offer advice.  Find out how to make the most of your child’s next well visit with these seven tips. 

1. Plan to Be There

When you work outside of the home, it can be easy to ask your child’s grandparent or babysitter if they wouldn’t mind taking your child to his appointment — but that’s not usually the best plan. Your child will likely feel much more comfortable if you attend the appointment with him. Plus, there may be questions or issues that arise during the well check that someone else cannot effectively handle. And, last but not least, by attending the appointment, you’ll have firsthand information about your child’s health — instead of relying on your child’s grandparent or babysitter to give you all of the details. 

2. Write Down Your Questions

Before you go to your child’s well visit appointment, take some time to sit down and think about any issues of concern you may have about your child’s health and development. If you write down your questions now and take the list with you to the doctor, there’s less of a chance that you’ll forget to ask. 

Don’t be afraid to write down things you don’t think your doctor can help you with — such as emotional issues your child may be having. Your child’s pediatrician can not only serve as a resource for you but also as a referral to another health professional who is better suited to address your child’s particular need. 

3. Be Aware of What Questions Might be Asked of You

If your child is younger, the pediatrician will definitely ask questions regarding his development. To help this part of the well visit go smoothly, you should research these questions in advance and consider your answers. By knowing what your doctor might ask in terms of development, you’ll be able to find out from your child what he can and can’t do — if you don’t already know. 

For example, when children are 18-months-old, developmental milestones include being able to do things, such as stack three blocks, follow directions using “on” or “under” and be able to point to at least three body parts on command. 

4. Prepare Your Child in Advance

Unless your child sees his pediatrician frequently, you might want to spend a little time preparing your child for the upcoming well visit. This is especially important if you have a younger child who might be scared about going to the doctor. 

There are storybooks you can check out from your public library that can help ease your child’s fears. You can also help your child by planning a small activity after the appointment, such as going for ice cream or stopping by the playground. Having something to look forward to could make the whole experience less stressful for both you and your child. 

5. Arrive on Time

Just as with any appointment, it’s important to be punctual. Doctor’s offices operate on schedules, and if you are late, you will potentially lose out on part of your appointment time. This could reduce the amount of time that you will have to ask questions. 

Leave for the appointment early. Even if you choose to sit in the parking lot for a few minutes before going in, you’ll still be there and not stuck in traffic. 

6. Avoid Potential Distractions

If you can, leave other children with a relative or babysitter while you are at the well-check appointment with your child. Other children will inevitably be vying for your attention appointment, and your focus should be on the child that’s having the well check and the pediatrician. Because these type of appointments occur typically only once per year, you might not have an opportunity to consult with your child’s doctor again until your child needs to be seen again. 

If you happen to be seeing a new doctor for the first time, make an appointment for the well check instead of hoping for a walk-in appointment. This will allow the doctor’s office to prepare for your visit. According to Pediatriccenter.com, “Forms can be completed, insurance coverage can be verified, and the visit will go more smoothly.”