Nutrition, Grooming & Safety Tips

By Sarah Christie, Certified Professional Dog Trainer

A healthy dog is a happy dog — and a well-trained dog benefits from feeling their best. Let’s talk about the basics of keeping your dog in tip-top condition.

Nutrition

Feed a balanced diet suited to your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

• Check ingredient labels — the first ingredient should be a named protein source.
• Avoid toxic foods like grapes, chocolate, onions, and xylitol.

Grooming

Regular grooming keeps your dog comfortable and allows you to check for skin issues or parasites.

• Brush your dog’s coat weekly (more for long-haired breeds).
• Trim nails regularly to prevent discomfort.

Safety

• Keep ID tags up to date.
• Secure your backyard and check for escape routes.
• Buckle up with a harness or crate when travelling in the car.

Tip from Sarah: “Health, training, and happiness go hand in hand. A well-fed, well-groomed dog is more focused and ready to learn.”