I love this picture of Golden Retrievers Dexter (left) and Oakley, taken at Seaton Village's local dog park, Bickford, last week. I adore the way Oakley is sticking his tongue out and both dogs are waiting to do what their breed requires: RETRIEVE! I, on the other hand, am anticipating (dreading, really) what every Toronto dog walker must come Spring: lots of clean up.
I find the following helpful and hope you do too:
1. If a dog is muddy, wait for the mud to harden then comb. This is particularly useful when cleaning long haired dogs like Dexter and Oakley.
2. Baby wipes aren't just for human babies: these are AMAZING for removing dirt from your fur baby. Dirty paws have the potential to wreak the most havoc on your home. Baby wipe your dog's paws and save your sofa!
3. Use a paw washer. There are many on the market but I recommend the Dexas Pawbuster, which can be purchased online. As was mentioned above, clean paws = saved sofas.
4. Know the challenge and be preventative. Most dogs, at least among those who walk with K9 Kate's are easy to clean as they have short hair. A quick rub and Fido is home looking fresh as a daisy. Long haired dogs? Not so much. If it is a particularly wet Spring day, we will venture to a wood-chipped dog park, like Coronation, and avoid the ravine at all costs. Bringing a Golden Retriever or Goldendoodle to the ravine on a muddy day would be, well, messy!
5. Towels: Every K9 Kate's client leaves a dog towel at the door, alongside their dogs' harness. This way, each pooch can have a second wipe down before being returned home. Keep a towel at YOUR door. Spring is messy. Your home doesn't have to be.
Toronto dog walkers (and dog owners) can either fear or embrace each season and the challenges it presents. So, grab your baby wipes, combs and towels and have fun out there! We certainly will be!