3 PORTLAND DOG WALK SPOTS

 

Mix things up with these Portland dog walk spots. 

Tryon Creek State Natural Area. This feels like a forest escape without leaving the City. It has well maintained trails with wooden bridges and creeks. Good spot if your dog walks well leashed around other people and dogs. Nature Center - 11321 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219. 

Powell Butte Nature Park. Wide open meadows and views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. Good for leashed dog walks providing variety and space. Main Entrance - 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Offering views of scenic wetlands and bird activity. It’s fairly flat and easy for leashed dog walks. Sellwood Park Trailhead - SE 7th Ave and Sellwood Blvd, Portland, OR 97202

PLATINUM LEASH FEATURED BY REDFIN

26 Stylish Yet Functional Pet Area Ideas to Incorporate Pet Supplies into Your Decor

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Whether you have one furry friend or six, you’re probably familiar with the sight of pet gear scattered throughout your home. From crates to food bowls, fellow pet parents will know that as your pet’s needs evolve, so do the number of supplies needed to take care of them. As much as we love our furry friends, having a wire crate in the living room or a pile of leashes by the door can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb. Regardless if you live in a small studio in Toronto, ON, or a house in Miami, FL, there are plenty of design-savvy pet items and storage solutions that can smoothly blend into your home’s background.

Redfin reached out to Platinum Leash and other experts to get our best tips for seamlessly integrating pet supplies into your space without sacrificing style. From chic pet furnishings to creative storage solutions, check out our pet area idea to keep your home looking sharp while also making your pets feel right at home.

P.S. Platinum Leash is #18.

Jessica, Co-Founder & Owner

FULL ARTICLE HERE


5 EASY TIPS TO INTRODUCE DOGS


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Looking for simple and easy ways to introduce two new dogs for the first time? This is a question we work on every week as professional pet care providers. Check out these simple 5 steps to help your initial introductions go splendidly.

  1. Neutral Spot. Find a neutral spot to make the initial introduction. A fully fenced and quiet space is best with dogs starting on-leash.

  2. Positive Dog Body Language. Pay attention to the dogs body language. Normal cues might be waggy body or tail or a play bow with the dogs two feet out in front of it’s body. If the dogs look tense in their posture, freezing in place, or have a lowered or tucked tail then take it slow. Contact Platinum Leash to bring in a dog trainer if needed.

  3. Dog Walks Together. After introductions, try taking the dogs on a leashed walk together. Walk the dogs in the same direction with a comfortable buffer. As the dogs show a more relaxed social behavior you can decrease the distance.

  4. Introduce Toys Slowly. Don’t add toys too quickly to the mix, and always supervise during introductions.

  5. Separate the Dogs When You’re Away. After introductions and hangout, provide the dogs with separate spaces to give them downtime.

Related Topic. Read on about when a dachshund named Stanley meets a seal name Aayla at the Sea Life Trust Cornish Seal Sanctuary. They become fast friends.

Full Story at TravelandLeisure.com


TEACHING KIDS RESPONSIBLE PET CARE

So, your child wants their own pet. We both know this means more work for you, the parent. There is not much that is more exciting to a child than the prospect of a new pet. The problem is, most of the time the excitement wears off and the responsibilities get tossed aside. So what do you do?

Read my recently published post on Pet Works. I walk through ways to counteract the “new pet rush and crash,” and share how 4-H helped provide a path for me to interact and learn about my pets.

Read Article

Jessica, Co-founder of Platinum Leash

CURRENT HAPPENINGS MARCH 2020

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Platinum Leash Pet Care is a local, community-oriented company. We don’t have a giant office space with a bunch of people sitting around computers or taking phone calls. We do have a great team of people that are in town all day long walking streets, hiking paths, and driving around to make sure that our clients’ pets are well taken care of with professional service. We have many adventures ahead and we hope you’ll come along with us for this journey!

We have some exciting and new happenings at Platinum Leash. We’ve launched a redesigned website to make our services easier to find and simpler to read. We also had a successful implementation of a new service platform called Time to Pet which we’ve been using for over a year now. This provides much improved scheduling, invoicing, and communication features.

In the coming months we’ll be launching an online shop with apparel and goods under our Platinum Pacific brand. We are planning to release a Spring 2020 collection of apparel with 100% of profits going to our hard-working dog walkers. Please support our cause! Find a link under the SHOP navigation bar.

On to less exciting news, we’re all experiencing a lot of changes worldwide with the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak. It’s no different at Platinum Leash Pet Care Services. We’re currently working with clients to rearrange scheduled services and getting lots of communications through our inbox. We plan to continue to work with you our clients, as well as our Independent Contractors to make our way through these tough times with grace. We’d also like to announce that one of our co-founders Brenda is leaving the company as owner to focus on other passions and businesses. Jessica will be the Managing Member of Platinum Leash going forward. We will be sending communications as needed with more detailed information.

In good health.

Jessica Diamond, Cofounder of Platinum Leash LLC

PLATINUM LEASH JULY UPDATE

July Pet of the Month

Huck

We adopted Huck from Salem Friends of Felines in April of this year. He’s only about 6 months old and still very much a kitten. He earned his name because of his friendly and adventurous nature. He’s one of the cuddliest cats around and loves to cur…

We adopted Huck from Salem Friends of Felines in April of this year. He’s only about 6 months old and still very much a kitten. He earned his name because of his friendly and adventurous nature. He’s one of the cuddliest cats around and loves to curl up with us on the couch. When not snuggling, he’s generally getting himself into some kind of trouble - pulling all of the cool stuff out my purse, venturing behind the washing machine, trying to make friends with the people on TV, or doing laps around the house.

OHS Pug Crawl Photo- http://www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/events/

OHS Pug Crawl Photo- http://www.oregonhumane.org/get-involved/events/

Dog themed cocktail of the month….

Grapefruit Salty Dog

.Ingredients1/3 cup freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice2 tablespoons good quality vodka (I love Pearl!)course sea salt for rimgrapefruit slice for garnish1 cup crushed iceInstructionsWet the rim of your glass with water or the grapefruit slice. Di…

.

Ingredients

1/3 cup freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice

2 tablespoons good quality vodka (I love Pearl!)

course sea salt for rim

grapefruit slice for garnish

1 cup crushed ice

Instructions

Wet the rim of your glass with water or the grapefruit slice. Dip in sea salt.

Fill glass with crushed ice.

Combine juice and vodka in shaker and shake or stir to combine.

Pour over glass.

Enjoy!

Herbs for Pets

 

Summer is a great time to get out and garden. Herbs are easy to grow and add culinary flare to dishes without added sugar and salt. Just like humans, pets can benefit from herbs.

Lavender and lemon balm are great calming herbs. I grow them indoors for my cats and dogs and I also give lemon balm to my rabbits and chickens. Lemon balm is in the mind family and will grow like a weed in the spring and summer.

Oregano is one of my favorites! Not only does it taste great on spaghetti, it is a wonderful preventative herb for health. In concentrated forms, oregano can be a powerful disease fighter. I give it to my chickens at first sign of a cold or allergy.

Check out the following links for more great herb info-

http://prettyfluffy.com/home-living/health-wellbeing/6-healthy-herbs-good-for-dogs

http://thecaninechefcookbook.com/safe-herbs-spices/

 

April/May Spring Update

Platinum Leash April/May Blog

Pet of the Month

Oscar

Oscar's isn't the typical big dog trapped in a small body. He's a well behaved Havanese and known for being the most lovable "high brow" household snuggle bear. He loves to lounge around in bed until everyone is up, but then it's game time for prote…

Oscar's isn't the typical big dog trapped in a small body. He's a well behaved Havanese and known for being the most lovable "high brow" household snuggle bear. He loves to lounge around in bed until everyone is up, but then it's game time for protecting the family from the menacing terror of backyard squirrels! He's a softy for any kind of attention and loves to wait dutifully on the front window ledge whenever he's left on house patrol. He never says no to walks in any kind of weather and has a new years resolution to shed a pound (but that's a secret...shhh!). He loves morning rides to the local latte house where he always gets a window snack. With those soulful baby brown eyes and dashing eyebrows, it's easy to understand why he is a babe magnet! But, we're still not sure if he realizes that he is a full fledged dog, because he lives peacefully and playfully with three cats!

 

New Services

PL is now offering services for out of town visitors. If someone you know is traveling to Portland with their non human babies, let them know about our services. We are happy to pick dogs up at local hotels and offer walks and hiking services. We can also tailor our services to fit the needs of each client. We were recently asked to join a couple on a shopping adventure in the Pearl. We would walk their dog with them and wait outside the shops while they went inside. Later that evening, we would stay with their pooch at the hotel while they enjoyed a night out.

Another FOUNDATIONS class is starting May 5th, at the Filling Station in Tigard. Contact us for more information. You do not have to have a puppy to benefit from our foundations class. The class is geared toward dogs that haven’t had formal training.

 Fun Events around Town…

The Filling Station in Tigard offers a happy hour, Shake Your Tail Happy Hour featuring one of our nation’s top bartenders Lucy Brennan! All cocktails, appetizers and snacks for your dog are complimentary! http://tfspets.com/events/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March

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Happy March! We hope your weekend was wonderful, and you found time to spend outside in between the rain showers. The last month has been so much fun for us. Brenda and I have enjoyed getting to know more of our clients (both human and canine). We want to thank you for all of your support and dedication as we continue to grow the business. We are here for you, our clients. If there is a service you would like to see offered, please let us know. We are open to tailoring services to fit your needs. 

 

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March pet of the Month

WICKET

Wicket is the friendly giant Golden-Doodle that will win your heart over.He’s named after an Ewok from Star Wars as he looked so much like one as a puppy. Wicket is the sweetest, happiest 90lb lap dog.  There’s nothing more he loves than meeting new people, he never misses an opportunity to say hello and lean in for cuddles and he has a smile that charms most! He is always ready to go and will have you jumping in every puddle along your journey.  He will end up going from white to black in a matter of seconds all for the love of FUN! I would call him our "dog of wanderlust." Every dog that he meets is a special friend right off the bat.  He doesn't have a mean bone in his body.  He only has eyes for sticks, buddies, and puddles!

We love Wickets big heart and his sense of adventure! This is why Wicket is our Pet Of the Month for March ♡

 

 

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Spring is right around the corner and with the transition to warmer weather comes some hidden dangers for your pets. When the weather starts getting nice, I find myself spending more and more time in my garden. Make sure to keep fertilizers in places where your pets can’t come into contact with them. It is also important to be watchful for biting and stinging insects. It is always a good idea to keep Benadryl on hand just in case a reaction occurs. Vet offices see an increase in visits around the Easter holiday. Check out this great article written by, Jason Nicholas, BVetMed at preventivevet.com. http://www.preventivevet.com/cats/easter-fun-with-fido-and-fluffy-keeping-your-pets-safe-and-healthy-during-the-holiday-

    

 

PLATINUM

LEASH FUN...

 

Platinum Leash group training

classes

  • Group Puppy/Beginner Foundations Class Starting April 2nd @ 10am.
  • Email info@platinumleash.com directly for more information or go to our Contact Us page!

***Our May excursion is starting to fill up. If you’d like to have your pup included on our day excursion, let us know!

We will be going to Angel's Rest, which is about 4.8 miles round trip. We will pick up and drop off your pooch, email a set of pictures from our hike, they will receive a special treat, and an exclusive Platinum leash excursions bandanna! 

This is a great opportunity for your dog to receive one on one training and socialization with other dogs in a unique setting. The training is included in your price already! The cost for this excursion is $100.

 

 

Fermented Foods

It seems like fermentation is the next big health trend. Kombucha is almost considered mainstream. Fermented food aren’t just for people. Many believe animals can benefit from fermented foods as well. Some benefits of fermented foods include;

  • · Leaky gut
  •   Lactose intolerance
  •  Diabetes
  •  Tooth decay and gum disease
  • ·Yeast infections·        
  • Hypothyroidism

https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/fermented-foods-for-dogs/

Studies have found that building good gut flora can have many benefits beyond what is listed above. What are some ways we can include fermented food into our pets diet? You can ferment your own veggies for your pup or you can purchase pre made fermented foods. Talk to your vet before changing your pet’s diet. If making fermented dog food just isn't for you, you can always start by picking up a simple pet probiotic. There are always risks that go along with fermentation, so be sure to do your research. For more information check out the following links;

  • https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/fermented-foods-for-dogs/
  • http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blog/benefits-of-probiotics-in-pets/

I personally love Answers Brand Additional- Raw Goats Milk for Dogs and Cats (http://www.answerspetfood.com/additional.html). Last year my Havanese was skin and bones. She would get gastrointestinal upset and each episode would only exasperate the weight loss. Each time we would try different supplements and diets but Ritzy would not gain weight. One day I was checking out a pet supply store called The Filling Station. The awesome staff was showing me around and I explained my situation with Ritzy. The store manager suggested the goats milk . Within four days Ritzy was putting on weight and acting like her old self again. I now use it for my cats as well. I can't say enough great things about this product. Just a word of warning...use sparingly when trying to prevent weight gain.

 

 

 

Platinum Leash February Update

 

Happy Valentines!

 

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not treat your furry bff to some delicious Valentine’s treats. Follow the links below for the recipes.

Grain-free peanut butter and jelly- http://kolchakpuggle.com/2014/01/grain-free-peanut-butter-jelly-dog-treats.html

Cranberry Hearts- http://prettyfluffy.com/diy-tutorials/recipes/valentines-day-cranberry-hearts

 

Pet of the

Month

BARNABY

Barnaby came to us shortly after Adam and Deirdra adopted him from the shelter. He did well at the shelter with other dogs, but when they brought him home he had some issues. He was very reactive with dogs on the streets of downtown. We have been working with Barnaby on feeling more comfortable in these situations. Almost a year later he is able to walk in a pack, and he does not try to engage every dog that walks past. In general he seems less anxious with other dogs that pass. He is a sweet little guy who has become a family member here at Platinum Leash. He is our Pet Of The Month.

 

New Services:

  • We now offer limited grooming services. You can add a nail trim, bath, or brush out to your normal walk or hiking service. Please check out our services page on the platinumleash website.  
  • After the great feedback we received from previous excursions, We have decided to offer them as a new service. Our next excursion will be in May. If you haven’t heard, our excursions are day trips to places like the beach or the mountain. We will pick up your dog early in the morning and return around 5 pm.  Our excursions are limited to 5-10 dogs depending on the number of contractors joining us. The cost is $100 and that includes: pick up and drop off, an all-day outing, a set of emailed pictures, a special treat from the outing location, and an exclusive Platinum Leash excursions bandanna. This a great chance for your dog to receive training (the training is included in the price) in a unique setting.

Please email us directly to get on the excursion waiting list. 

 

 

INTERESTED?

After having a few clients ask about services, we wanted to gauge your interest. Below is a list and small description of services that have been requested. Before adding them to our list of regular services, we wanted to get an idea of how many clients would be interested. If you are interested in any of these services or have a new one that you’d like offered, let us know.

 

1.     Puppy Play Dates- Since we are unable to offer hikes to young pups, this is a great way to wear them out for the day. Any dog 18 months and under can come to puppy play date. We will arrange a time for our crew to come pick up your pup and we will meet for a 60-90 minute play date with our other puppy clients. This is a great way for your dog to interact with other puppies in a controlled setting. Once your pup graduates from Puppy Play Date, they can move on to our pack hikes.

2.    Doggie’s Day Out- This is our version of daycare. We have recently had a few clients show interest in daycare for their dogs. Daycare is great and offers all day care. We feel that we can offer a similar service, with some extra bonuses. Our Doggie’s Day Out will offer a much smaller group which give your dog more individualized care. We will pick up your pup in the morning and bring them home in the evening. Your dog will not be stuck inside all day, they will be out and about all day long. Your dog will join their “care person” on walks and hikes throughout the day, as well as other fun adventures they can come up with.

3.    Dog (and owner) Bootcamp and Yoga- Last week we received an inquiry about dog and owner workouts. This is a very different service than we normally offer but we are open to growing and changing. This would be a 45-60 minute bootcamp or yoga session at a centralized park (depending on where interested clients live).

4. Dog Runs- 30, 45, or 60 minute runs.

5.  Evening or Weekend services- Do you ever need your pup gone for a few hours at night or on the weekend? If so, please let us know.