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Lock Out Service

No need to ever call a locksmith again. If you ever find yourself locked out, give us a call and we will be there with a copy of your key at a fraction of the cost of a locksmith.

Chaperone Service

We can wait at your home for a service provider and keep an eye on your home and valuables while they are there. We cannot take responsibility for their work, but we will do what we can to make sure they leave the home in the same or hopefully better shape than when they arrived.

House Sitting

Even if you take your pet with you when you travel, you may still want the added benefit of having your home look lived in while you are gone. No wild parties or fridge raiding to worry about with us in your home. We are professionals and know how to make your home look lived in from the outside without living large in your home on the inside.

Pet Taxi

Have you ever noticed that the vet or groomer only has appointments while you are at work? No need to worry about that anymore. We will come to your home, pick up your pet, deliver them to their appointment and bring them home, safe and sound. So go ahead, schedule your pet’s appointment, we got your back.

Pet Waste Removal

That’s right, we even doo the dirty work. We come to your home once or twice a week and clean up all the unwanted mess your pet may leave behind. This keeps your lawn clean and safe and your time freed up to enjoy your family, friends, and pet(s). We can even remove the waste and dispose of it in a way that is more friendly to our environment.

Pet Walks

Similar to a sit except that your pet(s) is actually out and about exploring the world under the watchful eye (and leash) of a professional pet service provider. The walks last from 15 to 20 minutes. In most instances, we can handle walking two pets at one time.

Pet Sits

Our favorite by far. We come to your home and provide so much more than the basics for your pet. We begin with fresh food and water, potty breaks, playtime and companionship. We can also add to your homes overall security by bringing in your mail, adjusting your lights and blinds, and conducting a security check. Some pet parents like for us to provide service on a daily and weekly basis, while others only need it while they are away on business or vacation.

Destructive ChewingMike Romberger, CBCC-KA
©2013 Who's Your Doggie.

I received a call from a frustrated dog owner. For the caller, the request was simple – “Stop my dog from chewing.” When I got to the home, I met the owner and the dog. I learned that the dog had chewed rugs, pillows, and the wooden legs to various pieces of furniture. I asked to see the dog’s toys. Presented to me was a disemboweled stuffed animal and sock with a tennis ball tied inside. It did not take long to see that there was a noticeable gap between the owner’s needs and the dog’s needs.

Chewing is a natural and healthy part of any dog’s life. You may notice that each dog has its own chewing style. Some dogs will not harm a plush toy while others will rip through a durable Kong toy. We should always encourage our dogs to chew since it is both mentally and physically stimulating. Our issue occurs when dogs chew on things that we, as humans, find unacceptable. For example, the dog chews on a pair of shoes that you were just about to wear rather than the chew toy purchased at a pet store. In this case, the chewing on shoes is destructive chewing.

Dogs chew for a wide variety of reasons. Dogs enjoy chewing and many use it as a relaxing activity and to reduce stress. Most owners report that destructive chewing happens when they are not home. For a dog, separation from his family is a stressful situation. Chewing is an excellent way to reduce that stress and boredom. Additionally, chewing promotes jaw health and can assist in cleaning the teeth. It should be noted that chew toys, even those designed for dental health, are not a substitute for brushing your dog’s teeth.

Many owners will discover that most destructive chewing takes place before the age of ten months. In addition to the reasons above, puppies use their mouths to explore the world. Anyone that has spent time with a puppy knows that everything a puppy encounters becomes a chew toy. Our job is to teach our dog which items are appropriate for chewing. This part is not only easy but can be a great deal of fun.

Present a single toy to your dog and spend several minutes playing with your dog. This routine will make it clear to your dog that this is a toy and is all right to chew. Make this a habit for any new toy. It is also wise to spend a couple minutes a day playing with your dogs. Many owners tell me that they introduce a new toy by tossing it on the floor for the dog to find. The biggest drawback to this practice is that your dog will see anything thrown on the floor as a chew toy. This may include children’s toys, pillows, or clothing. Teaching your dog what is appropriate to chew and making it fun is more effective than trying to teach your dog which items are not chew toys.

There will be times that your dog may chew on non-toy items. If this happens, present a high-value treat or toy to your dog. Entice your dog to drop the item, then say “Good!” and give them the toy or treat. You should always use substitutions when taking a non-toy item away from your dog. This method will teach your dog that a reward is involved when giving an item to you. Moreover, it shows your dog which item is appropriate. Otherwise, it is possible your dog consider the item a treasure that you are keeping for yourself. The dog may try to steal that item in the future. If this happens repeatedly, your dog may keep the item from you and start a game of chase. It will not be long before your dog steals the item just to engage you in play. In rare cases, if you do not substitute a toy, it may lead to resource guarding, which can lead to aggression.

As with many things in life, the less expensive chew toys tend to be of lower quality. When choosing your dog’s chew toys, try to find sturdy toys that hold up to your dog’s chewing habits. For my dogs, products from Kong and Nylabone are the most durable. These companies have a wide variety of products to keep dogs interested. No matter what toys you use to keep your dogs occupied, you always want to avoid using old clothing. While a pair of shoes you are ready to throw may seem like the perfect chew toy, it will only lead to confusion for your dog. Your dog does not have the capability to differentiate your old shoe from the pair you just bought. When it comes to clothing, the best plan is to keep your clothes in closets or drawers and off the floor.

Sometimes teaching proper chewing habits is as much about safety and as it is about cohabitating peacefully. Dogs may chew simply because they are bored. A bored dog may seek out odd and potentially dangerous item to relieve that boredom. Some of these items cannot be digested by your dog and may cause blockages. Other items, such as electrical cords, can be potential deadly. To keep your dog safe, you may need to manage situation as you train your dog. Baby gates or dog crates are tools used to keep your dog safe when unsupervised. When using any management technique, keep appropriate and durable chew toys with your dog. For more information on crates, see Crate Training Your Best Friend.

A common complaint I hear about chew toys is that the dog becomes bored with chew toys. In fact, there is research that supports this. An adult dog may start to lose interest in a toy in as little as two days. If your dog has as many toys as my dogs own, you probably have some to spare. Take all your dog’s toys and create two piles. Give one pile to your dog and put away the rest. After 5-7 days, start introducing toys from the other pile. You will be amazed how happy your dog will be to see the “new” toy. Also, if your dog shows little interest in a toy, you can spice it up with a little beef bouillon or peanut butter. Some ingenuity on your part can go a long way in teaching proper chewing habits.

Mike Romberger is the owner of Who’s Your Doggie in Harrisburg, PA. Mike is a certified canine behavior consultant that specializes in rescue dogs. He has spent most of his career preparing dogs for adoption by modifying behavior through positive reinforcement methods. Mike can be found at www.WhosDoggie.com.