The Perfect Howliday Card

The Perfect Howliday Card

by | Nov 23, 2024 | Holidays, Paw Print Press, Training

Tips for Snapping the Best Holiday Photo

Written by Hannah Burke Garbett, ACDBC

If you’ve ever tried to include your dog in holiday photos, you know it’s not as easy as it sounds! A photoshoot can be a stressful environment for dogs. They’re often asked to remain stationary for long periods, sometimes with unfamiliar props and surrounded by flashing cameras and bustling people. The good news is a little prior training and some gradual acclimation can go a long way toward helping your dog be the star of your holiday greeting cards.

Start at Home

If you would like your dog to sit, lie down, or stay still for your photos, start training well in advance of your scheduled photo day.

Dogs learn best by starting in a low-distraction environment and with generous positive reinforcement. Now is the time to enroll in a training class to ensure your dog has plenty of time to practice before the big day.

Themed props and outfits can add something special to holiday photos. Make sure to introduce your dog to the props and costumes beforehand and practice any poses involving the props at home.

Check the Location

Now that you and your dog have practiced posing, it’s time to take it on the road. If you are using a new location for your photo shoot, you’ll want to schedule a few visits in advance to practice with your dog.

Check the lighting in your shoot location. Dogs don’t understand a camera’s bright flash and will often squint or move away. Try to pick a location with plenty of natural light to avoid using a flash.

Evaluate distraction levels and try to choose a location that will set your dog up for success. Choosing an area off the beaten path could mean all the difference for a dog that’s easily distracted by other people and dogs.

The Photo Day

Help your dog burn off excess energy by scheduling a long walk or playtime a few hours before your shoot.

Pack extra high-value treats along with you, and don’t forget to reinforce your dog’s good behavior.

Bring along your squeaky toy and have a helper stand directly behind your photographer with it to focus your dogs gaze towards the camera.

Watch out for signs of stress and give your dog plenty of breaks to sniff and decompress in between shots.

Embrace imperfection, sometimes the “outtakes” are actually the best photos in the end.

Smile and have fun!

Chillin’ for Canines: A Human Wellness Day at Ain’t Life Cool Benefiting Dog-Harmony

Chillin’ for Canines: A Human Wellness Day at Ain’t Life Cool Benefiting Dog-Harmony

by | Nov 14, 2024 | Past Event, Press Releases

Ain’t Life Cool, a cryotherapy and wellness center, is hosting its second Chillin’ for Canines benefiting Dog-Harmony on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 8955 US-98, Suite 104 in Miramar Beach, FL.

100% of the proceeds from services booked at the center that day will be donated to Dog-Harmony, a 501(c)3 dedicated to enriching the lives of humans and their canine companions through community education and therapy dog programs.

Ain’t Life Cool offers holistic therapies on a walk-in basis, including cryotherapy utilizing the most advanced technology available, red light therapy, compression therapy, and Himalayan salt aromatherapy. These targeted or whole-body therapies can help reduce inflammation and swelling, promote healing, and diminish pain.

To participate in Chillin’ for Canines and support Dog-Harmony, visit Ain’t Life Cool in Miramar Beach on December 7. There, you can select from a variety of therapies available to the public on a walk-in basis to reduce pain, heal, and promote rejuvenation. Participants can also enjoy complimentary refreshments in between services.

Visit www.aintlifecool.com to learn more about its therapeutic services!

Festive Feasts: Holiday Meals for Your Four-Legged Family Members

Festive Feasts: Holiday Meals for Your Four-Legged Family Members

by | Nov 9, 2024 | Health & Wellness, Holidays, Paw Print Press

Written by Dawn Guidry | Photography by Sydney Bassett

You can prepare a holiday feast for your dog that is both safe and healthy. Cooking for your dogs can be fun. The rule of thumb is to keep it simple, use healthy ingredients, and avoid processed foods.

All of the following recipes are dog and people-friendly, even though the flavors will be bland for people.

Recipes can be made ahead, though some may need warming or thawing. Feeding amounts should be adjusted to your dog’s size.

Photograph of Dog-Harmony's "Barkuterie" (charcuterie) board recipe for dogs

Barkuterie Board

Keep this one simple by purchasing your dogs’ favorite treats from your local dog store.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Fresh Carrots and Apple Slices (remove core and seeds)
  • Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Treats
  • The Honest Kitchen Liver Chips
  • The Honest Kitchen Goat’s Milk Pumpkin Cinnamon Cookies
  • Freeze-Dried Chicken or Turkey Necks, Duck Hearts, Duck Feet

Instructions

Arrange compiled ingredients in a visually pleasing way.

Turkey Meatloaf *

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Ground Turkey, lean
  • 1 cup Brown Rice, cooked
  • ½ cup Spinach, chopped
  • ¼ cup Carrots, grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
  • Tomato Paste (enough to cover the top of the meatloaf)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spray a loaf pan with non-stick spray. Mix the first five ingredients together in a medium bowl. Spoon and press the mixture into a loaf pan. Top with tomato paste and sprinkle with parsley. Bake for 45 minutes. Let cool before cutting or serving. Leftovers should be refrigerated.

* This recipe can also be rolled into meatballs. Bake them on a lightly sprayed cookie sheet for 15 to 20 minutes.

Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Yum

Ingredients

  • 1 Sweet Potato
  • 1/4 cup Unsweetened Coconut
  • 1/4 cup Pecans or Walnuts, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°. Poke holes in the sweet potato with a fork. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until soft. Then remove it from the oven and let it cool. Once the potato is cool enough to handle, peel and mash it. Top with coconut and nuts, and serve.

Breakfast Scramble

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tbsp fresh Spinach, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh Tomato, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • Olive Oil for cooking

Instructions

Beat the eggs and set aside— feel free to add a couple of tablespoons of water for fluffiness. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a small, non-stick skillet. Add the spinach and tomato to a skillet and cook until soft— about two to three minutes. Add the eggs and scramble continuously until cooked through— about one to two minutes. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Let cool before serving.

Cranberry Carob Ice Cream

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Plain Yogurt
  • 1 Banana
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries, chopped
  • 1 oz Unsweetened Carob Chips, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Honey

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Using KitchenAid or hand mixer, mix all of the ingredients together until well blended, and pour into popsicle molds, ice cubes, or Dixie cups with popsicle sticks. Thaw for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Foods to Avoid

When crafting the perfect meal for your pup, remember there are also many holiday foods you should not be feeding your pet. Here are a few of our suggestions on what to avoid:**

  • Cooked Bones
  • Fatty Meat
  • Chocolate
  • Sugar or Sugar Substitutes (Watch for Xylitol)
  • Alcohol
  • Added Salt
  • Processed Deli Meats
  • Grapes/Raisins
  • Apple Core & Seeds
  • Most Nuts
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Yeast
  • Chips, Crackers, Cereal
  • Raw Dough

**This is not a complete list, so when in doubt, it’s best to ask your veterinarian.