Memorial Crossing Pet Resort

The Power of Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 12:00:22 GMT

Positive reinforcement training is the ultimate method for dog training—effective, compassionate, and supported by research. It fosters deep connections between owners and pets while teaching essential behaviors and boosting confidence.

The benefits are clear: this approach not only instills reliable behaviors more effectively than traditional methods but also enhances emotional well-being and strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners. Dogs trained this way experience less stress and learn faster.

Choosing positive reinforcement means building a joyful, trusting relationship that enriches your lives. Whether training a playful puppy or addressing issues with an older dog, this method equips you to communicate effectively and create a harmonious home where both you and your dog can thrive.

What is Dog Socialization?

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:07:14 GMT

Dog socialization is a crucial process that introduces your dog to new people, places, experiences, and animals in a positive and controlled manner. This essential training builds your dog’s confidence and prepares them to handle the diverse stimuli they will encounter throughout their life.

Adequate socialization teaches dogs to interact appropriately with their environment, allowing them to navigate new or stressful situations with ease. It’s not just about meeting other dogs; it’s about familiarizing them with various people and everyday sounds.

Investing time in socialization offers your dog the gift of adaptability. Remember, it’s an ongoing commitment—providing varied, positive experiences helps maintain their social skills.

Whether you’re raising a puppy or helping an adult dog, prioritizing socialization strengthens your bond. Your efforts will yield a confident and well-adjusted companion who brings joy to your life and everyone they encounter. Embrace this opportunity—watch your dog thrive!

The Importance of Mental Stimulation: Your Dog's Brain Needs Exercise Too!

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 20:05:21 GMT

Your Dog's Brain Needs Exercise Too!

Mental stimulation is essential for your dog's overall well-being. Regularly engaging your dog's mind can help reduce behavioral problems, enhance cognitive function, and strengthen your bond, ultimately leading to a happier, more fulfilling life.

You don't need expensive toys or extensive time commitments.

Just 15 minutes of focused mental activity can make a significant impact. Whether through puzzle toys, training sessions, or fun games, challenging your dog's mind is one of the best things you can do for them.

Remember, as you plan your dog's care routine, that their brain needs exercise too.

A mentally stimulated dog is calmer, better behaved, and more joyful—creating a richer life for both of you.

Beware of Holiday Plants That Are Unsafe for Pets

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 11:02:00 GMT

There are ways to decorate. Faux plants are a great substitute! If you keep the organic version in your home, make sure you understand which plants can be most dangerous and what symptoms to look out for.

Poinsettia

With their bright red (and sometimes white) leaves, poinsettias can add a festive pop to your holiday décor. But they can also dampen the holiday mood if your dog or cat decides to take a bite. You may have heard warnings about the harmful effects of poinsettias, and it’s commonly believed they pose a deadly threat to pets. But this is only in extreme cases. According to the ASPCA Poison Control Center, ingesting the sap can cause nausea and vomiting, but this also deters pets from eating deadly levels of the festive leaves.

Holly

After the Christmas tree, holly is the most notorious of holiday plants, with its quaint red berries and pointed leaves. It’s actually more dangerous to pets than poinsettias. You should keep pets away from all holly. Still, the Christmas and English varieties can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. The spiny leaves, for apparent reasons, irritate the mouth and throat and often cause pets to shake their heads dramatically as they try to expel the culprit.

Holly also contains toxins like saponins, methylxanthines, and cyanogens. In addition to upsetting a pet’s stomach, these toxins can cause pets to drool and smack their lips.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe, luckily, is usually hung from the ceiling or doorway, far out of a pet’s reach. This plant contains a malicious cocktail of substances toxic to dogs and cats—toxalbumin and pharatoxinviscumin. After ingesting mistletoe, pets can experience breathing problems, a drop in blood pressure, and hallucinations that often lead to unusual behavior.

Mistletoe can cause seizures and even death at greater levels. Either make sure your mistletoe is hung with the utmost care or keep it out of the home entirely.

Pine

Fir trees contain oils that can irritate your pet’s mouth or stomach, causing drooling or vomiting. The shape of the needles themselves can cause agitation and sometimes obstruct or puncture the digestive tract.
The Christmas tree’s water bowl is equally nasty—a veritable reservoir of fertilizers, bacteria, and molds that can do severe damage in tiny dosages.

Amaryllis

The amaryllis is about as dangerous as it is beautiful. The bulb is far more threatening than the plant’s petals, leaves, or stalks. Still, the eye-catching parts of the plant contain toxins like Lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids. If these get into your pet’s system, you’re likely to see drooling, a decrease in appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

The toxins can also slow your dog’s breathing and cause a drop in blood pressure, so you might notice your pet moving more slowly. Tremors are another frightening side-effect.

Lilies

Lilies may be most popular around Easter, but they enjoy a resurgence of popularity around the holidays, too. No matter what time of year it is, lilies are dangerous for pets. Easter lilies are not the only toxic lilies. Many different species of lily are toxic to pets, especially cats.
Some common poisonous lilies are:

Safety First

Dogs (and cats) aren’t immediately drawn to holiday plants (like they might be drawn to your dinner plate). However, it’s best to lean on fake flowers and evergreen wherever possible.

But if any of these toxic but beautiful botanicals make it indoors, be sure to keep them out of your pet’s reach (by a lot!). And if you notice any of the symptoms described here, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 .

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Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 11:52:00 GMT

But should dogs eat turkey? Is it good for them? Are there any risks?
Here is what you need to know about feeding turkey to dogs to safely get your dog through the holidays.

The short answer is “yes and no.” Turkey is non-toxic to dogs. It is rich in nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. In fact, it is an ingredient in many commercial dog foods..

When cooked plain, it can be an essential part of a homemade dog food diet.

Thanksgiving turkeys, however, are rarely cooked plain. We rub our birds with butter and oils and season them with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. While this is delicious for our dogs, it is a recipe for an unpleasant digestive upset at best and pancreatitis at worst.

How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Safely
If you decide to feed your dog turkey this Thanksgiving, here are a few things you need to know to do it safely.

As always, if you have any questions, talk with your vet about how to feed turkey safely to your dog.

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Halloween Tips for Pet Safety

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 07:23:00 GMT

Stash the Treats
The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy and Fluffy. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms – especially dark or baking chocolate – can be very dangerous for cats and dogs. Sugar-free candies containing the sugar substitute xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the 24-hour ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 .

Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach
While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween treats such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively non-toxic. Still, they can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

Be careful with Costumes
For some pets, wearing a costume may cause undue stress. The ASPCA recommends that you not put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know they love it. If you dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit their movement, sight, or ability to breathe, bark, or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. A good alternative to an outfit is a festive bandana.

Keep pets Calm and Easily Identifiable
Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors arriving at the door. Too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for pets. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And, always make sure your pet is wearing proper identification. If for any reason they do escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.

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Should You Board Your Pet or Hire a Pet Sitter?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:52:00 GMT

What’s the difference? Years ago, the only option for pet owners was to board their pet at the local kennel. Pet boarding is taking the pet to a hotel except all the guests are pets. The boarding scene has changed a lot in past years. There are lots of activities and amenities from which to choose to ensure that your pet has a fun vacation too.

On the other hand, there is pet sitting. Typically, a pet sitter will stay at your home while you’re away, take the pet to their home, or stop by to care for your pets once or twice a day. Some pets do better with boarding while some do just fine staying, at home. It all depends on the pet, his needs, anxiety level, activity level, etc.

When to Consider Boarding Your Pet
Boarding is the best option if your pet is a youngster. You’ll rest easier knowing he’s getting plenty of attention, potty breaks, and social time needed to keep him happy and stimulated. Boarding is also a better option if you have a pet who gets destructive when unattended. Pets prone to separation anxiety will do better with lots of attention and stimulating activities.

When Pet Sitting is a Good Option
If you have multiple dogs, cats, and/or other pets, then pet sitting may be a good fit. Dogs who have a companion or two won’t feel as lonely as they would if they are the only pet. In addition, if your dogs are older, letting them stay in familiar surroundings will help prevent them from getting anxious or stressed. If you have house cats who like to do their own thing when you’re at home, having a sitter who can visit them once or twice a day may be all you need.

Other Considerations
You will want to know the reputation of whoever will be caring for your pets. After all, they will be coming into your home when you are not there. Always do your homework and check references. Always have an interview to discuss your needs and their experience. Ask people you know and your veterinarian if they can recommend a boarding facility or sitter they trust. Check review sites and social media to see what other people are saying.

The weather can be a factor when deciding between boarding or pet sitting. What happens if there’s a snowstorm and your sitter can’t drive to your house? Or has some other emergency. It’s a good idea to have a trustworthy neighbour who can get into your home and check on your pet just in case. Home monitoring systems are a big help in tracking the activity of a sitter’s visits and afford peace of mind that the pets are being cared for as scheduled.

If you’re using a pet sitter, ask for references and make sure they’re insured and bonded. Also, plan ahead in case of a pet emergency. Leave phone numbers for your veterinarian and at least one backup person who can make decisions about your pet in case you don’t have service where you’re going, or the sitter can’t get in touch with you for whatever reason.

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Five Ways to Work Out with Your Dog

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:49:00 GMT

Here’s a way to keep yourself motivated all year long—use an enthusiastic workout buddy, your dog! Your furry friend is the perfect workout coach and motivator and there is a huge benefit for him. Pet obesity is becoming a top concern across the globe. Keeping your pet physically active will also keep him happy and healthy plus give you more bonding time.

Look at these fun workout activities you can do with your pet to keep you both fit and healthy.

1. Go for a Trail Run
Running on a trail is better for both people and dogs. It makes people train harder while running on a terrain and it’s easier on your dog’s sensitive paws. This is also a great way to get some fresh air and take in some beautiful scenery.

2. Doggy Yoga
Yes, doggy yoga is a thing. It’s called “Doga” and it’s just as good for your dog as it is for you. This practice focuses on gentle stretching, meditation, and dog massage. It is fun and provides a great bonding experience between you and your dog. You can learn about doga at home through instructional videos available online and see how to get your namaste on with your pup.

3. Cardio Circuit
If you’re looking to spice up your usual morning walk with your dog, run for 30 seconds then do a strengthening exercise. For instance, run for 30 seconds, then do squats. Every time you go down, give your furry friend a scratch or a rub—that way they can be part of the strength training, too.

4. Go for a Swim
Maybe not in the elite pool, but if you have a pool, or a pond or a lake near your house, break out the bathing suit! Swimming is great for a dog’s joints and is easier on their paws than running. It’s just as great for people, too!

5. Bikejoring
Bikejoring is when your dog pulls you on a bike and it’s a great way to channel some dogs’ inner desire to pull while giving them plenty of physical exercise. As your dog jogs and pulls the bike, you can pedal to help change-up the speed and help with hills. To add some resistance for you, lower the gear and pedal the whole time. This exercise works only for large dogs that are in top physical condition. Use bike friendly paths and areas to ensure the safety of you and your pet.

Don’t have time to work out with your dog? With doggie daycare, we exercise your pup and ensure they get proper socialization and abundant play time. Playrooms are equipped with fun equipment, and play groups are separated by size, temperament, and play style. Give your pet the gift of play!

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Five Reasons Owning a Dog is Good for You and Your Family’s Health

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:41:00 GMT

1. Opportunity to Exercise
Dogs need to be exercised. They can’t be cooped up all day without a chance to get up and run around. Having a dog encourages owners to take him for walks, play fetch, be outdoors with him and let him sniff and explore.

2. Lifts Your Spirit
Having a good companion can help improve mood and prevent depression in men and women. Only 15-20 minutes with a beloved pet is said to create a more relaxed and calmer environment. Spending time with your furry friend can also raise the chemical levels in your brain associated with pleasure and tranquility.

3. Helps Handle Stress
Studies have shown that people who have a dog experience less cardiovascular reactivity during times of stress. During stressful situations, dog owners’ heart rates and blood pressure tend to rise less, and they return to normal levels faster than those who do not own dogs.

4. Helps Extend Your Life
Dogs can do more than get you to exercise and boost your mood. They could extend your life and protect you from deadly diseases. Owning pets is associated with reduced risk of heart disease–dog owners have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and experience fewer heart attacks than those who do not have pets. Some dogs can sniff out and detect skin, bladder, breast, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. Specially trained dogs have been reported to sniff out skin moles and even bite them off.

5. Helps Your Children’s Well-Being
Not only are dogs good for their owner’s well-being, but also a family who owns a dog can have healthier children. Kids who grow up with dogs in their homes tend to have fewer allergies and are less likely to have eczema. These same kids also tend to have fewer sick days than those who don’t have dogs.

So, the next time your pooch digs in your flower beds or causes you to have a hefty veterinary bill, remember all the health benefits he/she is bringing to your family. The unconditional love is just a bonus!

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Nine Ways to Ensure You are a Responsible Dog Owner

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:34:00 GMT

1. Follow local dog laws.
Check your city’s laws to make sure you are compliant. Many areas have leash laws and require you to register your pet. Besides avoiding fines by doing this, you’re helping your city stay safe and responsible by complying.

2. Visit your vet regularly.
Annual visits to your veterinarian are important to keep your dog properly vaccinated and to make sure he is in optimum health. Prevention is key so you can catch potential problems before they are too serious. You also want to keep your pets spayed or neutered.

3. Feed your dog a proper diet.
Check with your veterinarian to make sure the dog food you are feeding contains good ingredients and provides enough nutrition to keep your pup healthy. You will also want to make sure you are feeding the right amount for his size and lifestyle. Additionally, don’t give too many treats. Obesity in pets is a serious health problem and is very hard on your dog’s bones and joints.

4. Socialize your pet.
Playing with other dogs and taking basic obedience classes is a great way to socialize a puppy. Even older dogs need to have some socialization so they can interact with other dogs and people safely. Plus, if you are a one-dog household, it will be fun for him and provide positive stimulation.

5. Groom your pet.
Not all dogs need regular haircuts but regular baths, nail trims and teeth brushing are good for your pet. Ask your vet about a good shampoo to use and make it a positive experience for your pet.

6. Give your dog plenty of exercise.
All pups need daily exercise to live happy, healthy lives. Some breeds require more than others but, minimally, you should take your dog on a daily walk and provide some play time. If it’s too cold to spend time outdoors, there are several activities you can do indoors such as working on learning new commands and tricks or making him work to get a treat by using special treat-dispensing toys.

7. Train your dog.
All dogs should have some basic training to teach manners – sit, stay, off, but dogs are very trainable and can learn many more commands. Some dogs are naturals at agility training and others will enjoy learning unique tricks.

8. Pick up after your dog and properly dispose of his waste.
Pet waste should be picked up to preserve the environment but, more important, doing so prevents illness or worms.

9. Properly ID your dog
You should have ID tags on your dog’s collar, and you should have him microchipped. This ensures that someone can help him get back to you if he ever gets lost or escapes. Check with your local vet to find out how to get a microchip and then once it’s done, be sure to register it.

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Five Ways to Know if You Are a Cat Lover or Dog Lover?

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:25:00 GMT

Science demonstrates that both cats and dogs can provide health and social benefits to humans – and both cat owners and dog owners are quick to tell you how much their preferred pet improves their happiness and quality of life. But science tells us there are some unique benefits that come with cats. Here are some reasons why cat people prefer felines.

1. Intelligence is higher in cat people
Researchers from Carroll University in Wisconsin completed a study on the personality differences
between people who said they were “cat people” versus “dog people.” This study suggests that the type of
people who have personalities that are attracted to cats more likely score higher on intelligence. This result
could be related to the study’s other findings, which indicated that cat people are more introverted, more
open-minded, and more likely to be nonconformists rather than rule-followers.

2. Cats have a smaller carbon footprint than dogs.
Studies based on the amount of meat the dog would consume in an average year to that of a cat suggests that cats have a much smaller carbon footprint. Meat requires a large amount of resources to produce, including both land and energy. Cats, being smaller and therefore eating less, have a proportionately smaller carbon footprint. It’s true that cats do create other environmental issues. Outdoor cats kill billions of birds and other small animals every year. But one could also argue that this is another reason to adopt cats and get them off the street – and pledge to keep them indoors.

3. Owning a cat may reduce risk of dying from a heart attack.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota showed that people who owned cats were nearly 40% less likely to die of a heart attack than those who had never owned a cat. Numerous studies have suggested that pets, including cats, dogs, and other animals, can reduce stress in their human companions. In fact, pet therapy is now a popular treatment for the sick and the elderly.

4. Cats are less slobbery than dogs.
Studies show that cats are much more efficient than dogs when drinking water. Cats delicately dip their tongues into the water with a force up to twice that of gravity, neatly pulling up a column of liquid to swallow while dogs smash their tongues into the water’s surface with a force up to eight times that of gravity, splashing and causing a mess.

5. Cats are cheaper than dogs.
According to the ASPCA, owning a cat instead of a dog could save you a minimum of $300 to $800 a year—maybe even more. Dogs are bigger than cats, on average, and are likely to run up higher food bills as a result. They also tend to require more toys, supplies, and services than cats, including crates, leashes, collars, and training classes. Routine veterinary expenses tend to be higher for dogs than for cats. And these figures don’t even factor in expenses such as boarding or dog-walking when the pet owners are away, expenses which are often bigger for dogs than for cats.

Interestingly, according to the Gallup Poll, among pet owners 73% own a dog and 49% own a cat. Pet ownership among the American public breaks down this way: 27% own a dog but not a cat. 12% own a cat but not a dog. 17% own both. 4% own pets other than cats or dogs and 40% do not own any pets.

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Six Steps to Keep Your Pet Active in Winter

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 05:54:00 GMT

1. Walk Your Dog
During winter, you can still take your dog outside for a walk. Pet parents should shorten their outdoor walking times during cold weather months but not eliminate them. Walking provides dogs with essential exercise and mental stimulation according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Dogs love to explore new scents and smells beyond your home plus walking burns excess calories and keeps them fit.

2. Make Treats an Adventure
Motivate your pet to get extra exercise by making them work for their treats. Try hiding your dog’s treats inside a toy (there are many toys made just for this purpose). The toys will release treats for your pet to eat as they play, and the exercise strengthens your dog’s problem-solving abilities and critical thinking skills. Additionally, this indoor physical activity burns calories.

3. Use Stairs for Retrieval Games
If you have stairs in your home, you can toss a toy up the stairs for your pet to retrieve. If your dog plays fetch, this is a fun activity that stimulates fun and burns off calories in a short period of time.

4. Hone Training Skills with Indoor Training
During inclement weather, use the indoor time to train your dog. Training helps dogs learn to socialize. Guide them through obedience commands. Teach your pet how to politely greet guests. Show them how to properly walk while leashed. Dog training will give your canine physical activity while learning basic manners.

5. Schedule Outings and Playdates
Take your dog out to local parks and let him sniff and frolic. Schedule a playdate at your house with friends who have dogs that enjoy other dogs.

6. Take Them to a Dog Daycare
Your canine will receive exercise, stimulation and socialization at a dog daycare. Your pet can play with other dogs and, at the same time, burn off huge amounts of energy. Who doesn’t enjoy a relaxed, tired dog in the evening when you’re winding down the day? These tips will help keep your pet healthy and happy during winter as well as keep him from becoming obese and lethargic.

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