Interview: Mark Thomas of PetNerds, LLC

Thanks to the wonders of social media networking, we have had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Mark Thomas, founder and owner of PetNerds, LLC.  PetNerds provides "in-your-home" pet sitting and dog walking services in the Southern Bergen County area of New Jersey.  Mark runs the company, which he describes as a "dream come true," with his wife, Patty, and their little Havanese, Buttons (who was the model for their logo.)  We have been especially impressed by PetNerds' passion for exceptional pet care as well as their creative use of technology to improve customer experience.  So, of course, we had to have a chat with Mark!  Read on to learn what we found out about this great New Jersey dog service!

BBS: PetNerds is, as you say, a dream come true.  When did you start PetNerds and what were your goals in doing so?

PetNerds: Being lifelong animal lovers, my wife and I had always thought that working with animals for a living would be both fun and rewarding. While traveling we realized that leaving your pet behind in someone else’s care could be very stressful.

When we started PetNerds in 2010 we did have certain goals in mind. We strive to help our clients feel secure and give them complete peace of mind while they are away. We care for our clients' pets as if they were our own, taking care to follow their owners specific directions and giving them lots of love and attention. After all, they miss their owners too!  Being an animal lover is of course very important but it is only a part of our vision. Our clients trust us to come into their homes and care for their pets… which in our eyes are family members! They expect that we will treat their home and belongings with care and respect and leave it clean and secure when we are finished. Back when we first started many pet sitters were still leaving a hand written note on the counter when they left which of course the client would not see until they came home. We chose to use technology to let clients know in real time how things are going with their pets and their home.

We also wanted to be prepared for life‘s little emergencies should they arise so we are also trained in pet first aid/CPR.

BBS: You can broadcast video of your dog walks and sitter appointments using your smart phones - cool!!  What else can you do, technologically speaking, that sets you apart from other companies?

PetNerds: Yes, people enjoy seeing that their dogs are enjoying themselves while out for a walk or that their kitties are having fun playing! I feel that it’s important to be mentally present while walking someone’s dog. They enjoy the interaction so I don’t want to be walking along constantly looking at my phone (DDW - distracted dog walking) Lol!

When conditions are safe to do so I enjoy shooting a short video for my clients!

Prior to starting PetNerds I worked for many years in customer service and technology so I am very comfortable adapting to new tech trends if I feel it is something that will actually add value for my customers. I can offer advice on things like installing WebCams, making back ups of their pet pictures, gps tracking etc.

Mark with one of his clients, Molly!

BBS: We have something important in common!  BBScoopers is run by three women in the same family and you run PetNerds with your wife.  Talk a little bit about that intersection between family life and work life.

Wow, we do have that in common! Well I guess I don’t have to tell you that running a business requires you to wear many different hats and requires so much of your time. Pet sitting is not a typical 9-to-5 type of operation because clients require pet sitting from early morning until late night if they are working late or are away on a business trip or vacation. Since starting PetNerds my wife has transitioned to more of a back up/support role and helps me occasionally with administrative tasks and she is working on her own career, so yes… we both work long hours!

It’s important to set boundaries and specifically schedule time off occasionally for family.

BBS: We love that your doggo, Buttons, was the model for your logo!  Tell us a little about both Buttons and the idea behind your very inventive logo.

PetNerds: Thank you! Buttons is very special to us! Well, we had to say a tearful goodbye to our 14-year-old Jack Russell when she went to the rainbow bridge. After some time had passed we began looking around for the right dog for our little family. It took quite some time but eventually we discovered Buttons and felt that she was “the one” and that we should try to adopt her. Out of the many applications that were submitted they chose us!

Not long after that when we were thinking about starting our business we realized that the addition of Buttons to our family and starting a new business venture were both new beginnings for us and we wanted to somehow incorporate Buttons into our business. We couldn’t think of a better way than have her be our logo! As far as the design of the logo I give total credit to my wife… she spent countless hours sketching out different designs on a notepad until she came up with the one that you currently see!

And since that time we have adopted another dog...Murphy! So who knows...we may one day have to revisit our logo!

Buttons

Murphy

BBS: Going hand in hand with technology, you are also a savvy user of social media.  With so many different applications coming and going, how do you decide which platforms to use for your business? 

PetNerds: You are correct… There are so many apps coming and going it’s hard to keep track of them all! I concentrate mainly on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. These are the apps that many of my clients use and it’s fun to interact with them especially when they see pictures of their pets! I find Instagram especially useful for networking with other pet professionals like yourself.

BBS: Give us a run down of your most popular services and how you strive to be the best service provider in those areas.

PetNerds: I would say that I have two services that are the most popular with our customers. The first one would be our basic visit which ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. This is mainly for during the day when people are at work or out running errands and need to have their pooch either let out in their completely enclosed yard or walked. It is also for cats, birds, fish, reptiles or any other small animals.

Our other really popular service is our vacation package. It includes several visits per day. It also includes the benefits of watering of house plants, bringing in mail/newspapers, opening and closing blinds and alternating lights so that it looks like someone is home.

Another added benefit for all of our clients that provide us with keys to their home is the ability to let them in should they ever lock themselves out of their house! I’ve had late night requests for this and it was great to be able to help. PetNerds to the rescue! Haha!

We are happy to add PetNerds, LLC to our "Friends" page and very much look forward to watching their continued growth and success unfold!  If you'd like to learn more or connect with Mark please use this contact page.

Is Your Backyard Safe For Your Dog?

Having a pet dog is awesome. There’s nothing like the love and fun you get from your furry friend.  And the unconditional love and excitement they show when you come home is worth any hassle. That’s why you take good care of your dog.

But is your backyard safe? Too many times, you hear stories about dogs who escape under a fence or get sick from a toxic plant. That’s why you need to inspect your backyard (or any part of your yard that’s fenced in). Before you can make sure things are safe, though, it pays to know what kind of problems to look for.

Common Backyard Problems

By far, the biggest problem here is your fence. As Fence Authority explains, there are several ways your fence might not be good for your dog. Open-style fences can let dogs climb over it, while damage such as a missing board can give just enough space for your pet to squeeze through. The same is true for gaps under the fence. (Note that many dogs can get through gaps you might think too small for them.)

Although not common, there can be plants in your backyard toxic to your dog. Flowers like foxglove and crocus can make your dog very sick. You should also look around for any nests of bees or wasps, as dogs can easily be allergic to their stings.

You also have to be careful with how long you let your dog play in the yard. Dogs need some time to run around outside, but leaving them out for too long means you can miss your dog’s needs. Remember that dogs run in packs. Since you’re the owner, you and your family are the pet’s pack. They need to spend time with you, so don’t think spending hours and hours in the yard is a good thing.

Protecting Your Dog

You’ve looked around your backyard and noticed a few problems. What should you do about them?

Notes From A Dog Walker explains that you can make a fence more secure by adding some landscaping. If your dog is a jumper or climber, put down some shrubs and bushes along the inside of the fence. This blocks your dog from escaping this way. If you have a chain-link fence, buy some bamboo rolls or slats to cover up the chains. Not only will this help stop your dog from getting through the fence, it looks great and gives some more privacy to your yard.

When it comes to plants, you can always pull toxic flowers. But as you try to keep your yard bright and green, skip the pesticides and weed killers. Both contain poison that can sit on the surface of grass and plants for days. If your dog licks either, they could get sick. And if you grow a garden, put a barrier around it. Onions, tomatoes, and chives can hurt your pet.

When To Hire A Contractor

At some point, you may have to give up trying to patch that old fence and get a new one installed. That’s especially true if you have an aggressive dog that likes to dig or charge. As strangers and animals move around just beyond the fence, your dog can turn a small gap into an escape route.

To take down and install a new chain-link fence in Newark, NJ, HomeAdvisor estimates the costs to be between $1,115 - $2,892 and will take around two days. A contractor can also repair or reinforce your fence as needed.

Protect Your Dog

Letting your dog use the backyard is more than just convenient. It’s a great way to give your dog some exercise and fun. But you still need to keep your backyard safe. Make sure your fence is secure and replace it if not. Then remove any toxic plants and skip the chemicals for your lawn. This will help your pet dog stay healthy and happy.

Cindy Aldridge is passionate about dogs and pets and loves sharing her thoughts and insights on being a responsible dog owner. 

It helps to have support in the effort to keep your yard safe!  The Pooper Scooper that regularly visits your yard from Big Business Scoopers will also keep an eye out for any potential problems in your yard that could pose a threat to the health and safety of your dog.  Every Scooper is trained to report anything potentially hazardous back to our office so that we can contact you immediately.

Holidays Are Better Together: Travel Safely With Your Dog

Holidays are for spending time with family and friends—whether they have two legs or four.  For those of us living with canine companions, traveling for the holidays can pose extra challenges—but it’s nothing you can’t handle with a little planning and preparation.  Read on to travel more smoothly, safely and comfortably with your dog.

Decide if your dog will stay or go
Before you book pet-friendly accommodations, decide whether traveling with your dog is the right choice for your family and your dog.  Taking an 8-hour road trip with a pet that gets carsick after a 10-minute ride to the dog park may not be the wisest option.  And if your dog is fearful of new places, people or other pets, it may be best for them to stay behind with a trusted sitter or boarding kennel.  But, if your dog is an eager explorer and frequent travel companion, there are a few precautions you can take to help ensure everyone has an enjoyable time away.

Start with your destination in mind
Many hotels, lodges, B&Bs and campsites are happy to accept pets (often with a security deposit), but it is important to read and understand your accommodation’s pet policy before you make your reservation.  This is especially true if you choose to stay with friends or family.  Talk with your host before finalizing your travel plans to make sure they are willing to house both you and your dog.  If there is any hesitation, offer to stay at a nearby pet-friendly hotel or B&B, or consider leaving your dog at home with a trusted sitter or boarding kennel.

Determine how you will you get there
When traveling by car, look over your route ahead of time so you can plan frequent exercise and bathroom breaks.  To help minimize carsickness, feed your dog at least three to four hours before you head out.  Then give them plenty of time to use the bathroom one last time before you get in the car. If your dog gets nauseous or anxious during long car trips, you can discuss anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications with your veterinarian.  To help your pet with anxiety, there are also calming aids available—including wraps, collars, sprays, diffusers and supplements.

Once the car is all loaded up and you’re ready to head out, there are some important guidelines to remember.  Dogs should never be allowed ride loose in the open bed of a truck.  Even when traveling in a closed car, truck or sports utility vehicle, securing your dog in a crate will be safer for them and you.  Keep the car well-ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.  When you need to stop, never leave your dog in a closed car, no matter what the weather is like.  For more car travel tips with your pet, check out this article.

For air travel, check with the specific airline about travel requirements for pets (a good starting point is the Federal Aviation Administration’s website) and book your dog’s flight at the same time you book yours.  The airline may have limits on the number of animals that can ride on any given plane and whether animals can ride in the cargo hold versus in the cabin.  And for dogs that are too big to ride in the cabin, the airline may restrict travel during certain times a year, especially if temperatures are expected to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit or fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  For domestic flights, airlines may require a veterinarian-issued health certificate dated within 10 days of travel.  International travel may involve additional documents and vaccinations depending on your destination.  Purchase an airline-approved crate that’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in.  Mark the crate with “Live Animal” plus your contact information and a photo of your pet and attach two dishes (one for food and one for water) to the inside of the kennel door.

Some trains, buses and boats allow pets, though options are fairly limited.  Research rail and bus company policies before booking tickets, or consider traveling by car or plane instead. 

Pack your dog’s travel bag
Make sure you have plenty of the essentials: your dog’s usual food and treats, a water bottle, travel bowls for food and water, a leash and collar/harness, toys, familiar blanket and/or bed, grooming supplies, any necessary medications and clean-up bags.  Above all, make sure you have plenty of water. (Some dogs may experience stomach discomfort if they drink water they are not used to.)  Hand wipes and a towel are also helpful for cleaning dirty hands and paws.  Other useful travel items include your dog’s current rabies tag or a copy of a vaccine records (which may be required for air travel or crossing state/international borders); contact information for your primary care veterinarian; a first aid kit and copies of their most recent veterinary visit and pertinent test results, if your dog has any ongoing medical issues.

Keep your dog safe in transit and at your destination
Always walk your dog on a leash and have identification for your dog when you travel.  Identification can be in the form of a tag on their collar or harness (that includes your dog’s name and your contact information), a combination of a tag and a microchip under the skin, or ideally a combination of an ID tag, a microchip and a recent picture of your dog.

Earn your welcome
Once you reach your destination, double check the pet policy where you’re staying and ask about preferred locations for walks and bathroom breaks.  Always clean up after your dog and bin your clean-up bags once they’ve served their purpose.  Don’t leave your dog loose and unattended in your room; if you need to leave your dog alone, place him in his travel crate to prevent any damage to the room and to help your pet feel safe and secure.  Remember, even the best behaved dog can get into mischief in a new environment.  Be courteous to other guests and your hosts so that you and your dog will be welcome back for years to come.

Conclusion
For additional information about traveling with your dog, talk to your veterinarian.  Pets are creatures of habit, so they may need some more time to get acquainted to the idea of traveling.  Rushing to get out the door can leave pets feeling anxious and confused, so make sure to allow more time (packing up the car, getting to the airport, etc.) than if you were traveling alone.  If you follow these steps and make sure you have everything you and your dog needs, you can both have a safe, comfortable, enjoyable trip.

If you plan to travel without your pet, read about how to find a pet sitter and how to keep your pets safe while you're away.

Shop for pet travel supplies on petco.com

Shop our Holiday must-haves

Disclaimer: Big Business Scoopers received permission from a content marketing representative of Ghergich & Co. to republish this blog post.  Read the article, originally written and published by Lisa Weeth, DVM, MRCVS on December 13, 2016, on Petco's Community Page here.

Preparing for Winter Walks with Your Dog

Just as you're beginning to recover from your Halloween candy hangover you realize ... now it's November!  Thanksgiving and seasonal holidays are just around the corner.  And there is, after this year's Indian Summer, finally a reason to turn up the heat and stoke the fire in your fireplace.  It's easy to get swept away in all the chores, planning, shopping, cooking, decorating and parties that we have ahead of us in the coming months.  But as time goes on, the weather will very quickly turn colder and the snow will come.  Lucy Wyndham of Smart Dog Owners has kindly sent us a few quick tips for keeping you and your doggo safe, happy and healthy this coming winter:

"If you live in a place with noticeable seasons, then you’ve probably felt the chill creeping in during your morning and evening dog walks already.  Fall is truly under way, and winter is just around the corner.  Whether this is your first winter with a dog or you’re a seasoned owner, it’s a great idea to make sure that both you and your four-legged friend are prepared for the changing seasons. After all, not every dog is bred to deal with sub-zero temperatures, but every dog still needs their daily walkies to stay happy and healthy.

Photo by Pierre Fontaine on Unsplash

Exactly how you need to prepare will depend on the age, size, and breed of your dog. An adult husky will thrive in the cold, but an elderly pug will need extra protection and warmth.

• Get a cosy waterproof coat to help keep your dog warm and dry. Wet or icy buildup on fur can cause hypothermia and frostbite.
• Make sure paws are protected too, with dog-sized booties or wax-based protective balms. Pads can easily become chilly and sore in the winter, so check them carefully after each walk.
• Be safe and be seen in lower light levels, with high-vis or light-up accessories.

Above all, pay close attention to your dog - both to prevent any accidents, and to quickly notice behavioural changes which could indicate they’re not feeling too great. For more ideas and guidance, check out this handy guide."

And another quick reminder from us at Big Business Scoopers: your dog doesn't stop pooping in the winter or in the snow.  So we don't stop poop scooping!  Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and learn more about our poop scoop service.

Best Dog Food Guide for a Safe and Healthy Dog

Here at Big Business Scoopers we are primarily concerned with what comes OUT of your dog, not what goes INTO your dog.  But the two are inextricably related.  And our Scoopers, unfortunately, have witnessed some very unhealthy things coming out of dogs over the years.  Anytime we see something unusual, we call the customer right away so that they can address any health concerns that might be the cause.  It is true that many factors contribute to the relative good or poor health of a dog and his digestive system but none are as crucial as the food that goes into his belly.

But, again, we deal with what comes OUT of your dog, not what goes in.  And while we'd love to be able to help in all areas of our dog customers' health, we just don't always have the time.  That's why we were so pleased to be approached by Reviews.com and informed that they very recently (in the past couple months) embarked on an impressively thorough investigation of top dog food brands in an effort to educate dog owners about the best choices out there.  They've done what we wish we could do for you!  So we are happy to pass it along:

BEST DOG FOOD

It's all about quality ingredients : Best Food for a Safe and Healthy Dog

Some astonishing facts are in this resource.  Did you know that 70% of dog owners admit that they don't know all of the ingredients in their dogs' food?  Are you one of them??  Reviews.com invested over 1,400 hours of research in this resource, built a list of over 11,000 sources in the dog food industry, surveyed 300 dog owners about their purchasing habits and more.  They have broken all this research down into one very digestible guide that we would be happy to share with any dog owner who comes to us with a question about quality dog food ingredients.

What bad ingredients make dog food unsafe and unhealthy?  What manufacturing processes should concern pet owners?  How do different types of dog food (wet, dry, raw, etc.) compare to one another?  Is it necessary to buy according to dog breed?  And did your dogs' food make the cut?

If you find this resource informative, helpful or interesting, please pass it along as we have.  Dogs make the world such a wonderful place and they deserve every good treatment in return!

In the Dog House: Home Buying for Pet Owners

Do you treat your pets like family? If so, then you're in good company.  Millions of Americans see no difference between kids of the two and four-legged varieties.  That's okay; everyone deserves a loving home.  But you'll need a little more than love if you're in the market for a new residence.  You'll also need to know what to look for and what to look out for.  Here are some tips for finding a house that will please your pooch as much as it does you.

Scout Out the Area

Communities’ feelings towards pets differ like night and day.  Some welcome canines with open arms. Others condition their acceptance on your dog's size, breed, and even temperament.  Some ban animals altogether. Here are some things to ask:

●      Does the city and/or county have rules about the number of dogs you can own, how you must keep them, or where they may roam?  Some localities allow dogs in fenced yards but not chained to a post.  Others require you to walk Rover on a leash and pick up his poop.  Many rural communities let folks do as they please towards their canine companions.

●      Will you answer to a homeowners association (HOA)?  If so, what do its bylaws say about pets?  If you've never dealt with an HOA before, then you should know that they can make your life miserable if you provoke their wrath.  So read the fine print and make sure you're okay with the covenants before you commit yourself.

●      Does the area have a pet store, dog park, vet office, groomer, pet sitter, pooper scooper and other resources you'll need?  If so, do these facilities meet your standards?  It's especially important to pick a good vet.  Your dog's life might depend on it.

A Bit About Barking

All dogs bark.  Not all human beings love this fact.  Some people will go to great lengths to make sure they never hear a bark, growl, or yap ever again.  Remember this if your dog is fond of self-expression.  Even the most lax local rules still have provisions for so-called "nuisance noise," which includes barking.

It's best to walk your dog around a prospective neighborhood to see how she reacts to the area.  This is especially important if your potential neighbors have dogs of their own.  Dogs, like people, may or may not get along with each other.  Your pet may have gone through life barely making a peep before she met the person who lives one yard over.  Now she's got a lot to say and she could care less who hears it.  It's happened before; don't let it happen to you.

Making Fido Feel at Home

Settling into new surroundings is a big change for everyone involved.  So it's only natural if your dog takes a while to get used to your updated digs.  Here's how you can help her adjust:

●      Lots of pets are phobic about luggage.  They see you break out the suitcases and they know change is on the way.  Minimize the effect this has on your dog by unpacking items when she's not looking.

●      Keep old habits in place.  Maintain her traditional feeding and play times as much as possible.  This will give her much-needed consistency.

●      Show her you love her.  Dogs crave companionship and affection. This is what makes them such wonderful friends.

Moving is a challenge for humans and dogs alike.  Following the tips in this post, however, will help to ensure that everyone is happy in your new home.

This guest post was written by Cindy Aldridge of OurDogFriends.org.

How Much Does a Pooper Scooper Service Cost?

When I tell people about the pooper scooper business my mother and I own and operate I know to prepare for an interesting reaction.  One of the most common of these is, "Wow!  People actually pay for that?"  And while I have a string of explanations as to why people do, yes, pay for dog waste removal services, the most obvious answer is quite simple: poop scooping service prices are incredibly, surprisingly reasonable.

As of today, the pooper scooper service cost for the average Big Business Scoopers customer is just $16 per week.  Our pooper scooper service prices start at $12.  And over 30% of our current customers pay that base price or the original base price of $10 per service.  (We believe in a grandfather policy for our long time customers as a gesture of our gratitude for their business.  Our customers always come first.)

How do we calculate our pet waste removal prices?  It's simple.  All small yards with one dog are $12 per weekly visit, $18 per every other weekly visit (a 25% savings) and $34 per monthly visit (a 30% savings.)  Each additional dog is an extra $3 and the starting price may be nominally increased based on the size of your yard.  Are you not sure if your yard is "small" or what frequency of poop scooping service is right for you?  Contact us and we'll come out to give you a free estimate.  And we'll be available to answer all of your questions about how the service works, what schedule we can recommend and more.

What are you purchasing when you schedule regular dog poop services?  

• The value of the time it takes to scoop dog poop on your own. What is your time worth to you?

• A professional eye observing your dog's poop on a regular basis and reporting back to you any irregularities. This is another line of defense against any health issues arising.

• A generally cleaner yard. We don't pick up only dog poop. We pick up deer poop, tiny bits of trash, any small deceased animals, etc.

• A generally safer yard. In addition to reporting irregularities in the condition of your dog's poop we also report anything else unusual: problems with your gate or fence, new holes dug in the yard, items you may have lost outside (watches, electronics, etc.)

• For $5 per service we also take the poop away so you can forget it was ever there!

So for a starting weekly price that is less than what the average American spends weekly on coffee you can take the dirtiest chore off your list of household items to do!  What are you waiting for?

Getting a Puppy for the First Time? Warning: They Poop A LOT!

You've been planning this for months, maybe years, and now it is finally time.  You're bringing home a new puppy!  You've double checked your new puppy checklist and you're certain that you're ready.  Your home is stocked with all the best dog essentials and you have the contact information for the best dog services programmed into your phone: a trainer, groomer, sitter, walker and a top notch veterinarian.  "Puppy preparation" might as well be your middle name!  Just check out that cabinet dedicated solely to food.  Because you've heard how much puppies can eat.

Puppies can eat A LOT.  And that means that puppies poop A LOT.  We're talking piles upon piles of puppy poop.  We're talking your yard is about to turn into a game of minesweeper!

Perhaps you've prepared for that, too.  You've bought hundreds of dog bags.  Maybe you've even bought a pooper scooper rake.  But you find that you don't have the time to clean up a yard of dog poop.  Or you let it go for too long and the minesweeper game just became challenger level.  Or the bending over isn't easy on your sore back.  Or you just find it intolerably disgusting.  Or your yard is large and it takes longer than usual to find all the poop.  Whatever the issue is you might quickly find that picking up dog poop was a challenging part of first time dog ownership that you weren't expecting!

Good thing there's help!  Poop scooping companies like Big Business Scoopers can come to your rescue!  We pick up the poop so you don't have to.  We bag and double bag the poop so you can forget it ever existed.  We come on a regular schedule.  We give extra loving attention to your new puppy if he's outside.  Belly rubs!  Ball tosses!  We are attentive to any changes in your dog's poop so we can communicate what that change might mean for the health of your dog.  We are reliable and trusted by our customers.  And best of all ... we are incredibly affordable at services starting at only $12 per week.

So do not get caught unprepared!  If you are bringing home a new dog or puppy then you might want to consider hiring a pooper scooper service.  Contact us today with any questions and to set up a free estimate.

Meet Mojo: Poop Scooping Just Got Personal

Tina, owner of Big Business Scoopers, has been wanting a dog of her own for a long time.  So she jumped at the chance when a close friend of hers needed a dog sitter for her dog, Mojo.  Two weeks ago, she temporarily adopted Mojo from this friend, Priya, with the promise to (maybe!) return him sometime after Thanksgiving, when Priya comes back from India.  Tina has been having a ton of fun playing with Mojo, taking him on walks, bringing him to the dog park and meeting new doggie friends.  And, like many a first time dog owner, she very nearly forgot one of the top dog essentials: dog bags!

Because, like most dogs aside from the stuffed animal variety, Mojo POOPS.  And poop scooping for this Professional Pooper Scooper just got PERSONAL.

It is one thing using a pooper-scooper rake with a long handle to scoop poop into a bag-lined bucket.  It is another thing entirely to get on eye level with a fresh dog poop, wrap a bag around your hand and pick up said turd directly: smelling it, seeing it in detail and feeling its texture.  While Tina is certainly no complete stranger to this method of poop scooping, it has been a while since she's performed the duty.  Being reintroduced to it on her walks with Mojo brought two points to the forefront of her mind.

First point:  It is more difficult than she realized that it could be for a dog owner to find and use the best dog poop bags possible for this dog chore.  Re-use plastic grocery bags?  That seems to be a waste of far more plastic than is needed for this dirty work.  Go biodegradable?  But if dog poop is toxic do we really want bags that will eventually expose it back into the environment?  Poop bag GLOVES?  Hmmm.  Is it necessary to get a dog waste bag dispenser?  Which brand?  From which store?  In bulk?  IN WHAT COLOR?  The doggie poop bag consumer is faced with dizzying options and very few answers.  Because of this, Tina has made it a mission to use and review as many dog bags as possible during Mojo's stay and to provide dog waste bags reviews right here on this blog.

Second point: You truly are what you eat.  That includes dogs.  Mojo's poop isn't quite exactly the same every day.  But, seeing it every day, Tina would know if any problems were arising.  If, heaven forbid, Mojo's poop started getting softer or turning green in color or if there was a trace of blood in it Tina would immediately be able to decide whether or not a call to the veterinarian was necessary.  Like some Big Business Scoopers customers, many dog owners don't see their dog's poop as consistently as, well, as consistently as their dog actually poops.  This is one good reason to hire a pooper scooper business if your dog poops in the yard.  Professional pooper-scoopers will alert owners right away if they see any warning signs in dog poop.  And poop scooping service prices are often very reasonable.

Stay tuned for a special blog that will review dog waste bags.  And remember!  Your dog's poop speaks volumes about your dog's health.  Hiring a pooper scooper who will be able to detect and communicate to you any warning signs is just one more great way to insure your dog's health and safety!

And since this is our last blog before it's time for trick or treating, Tina and Mojo would like to wish you a very spooky HAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN!!!

The Dog Whisperer Sucks by Jon Miller

We know that our customers and their dogs need more than just help with pet waste removal.  In addition to looking for the best pooper scooper out there they're also often on the hunt for the best food, the best veterinarian care, the best dog sitting, walking, boarding services, etc.  Well, when our customers in Springfield, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange or Union, NJ ask for a suggestion for a trainer or a walker we love to point them to Jon Miller at The Comfy Canine.  Jon knows his stuff.  So much so that he was willing to take on the great Cesar Millan!  Here's what Jon has to say about The Dog Whisperer:

There is a recent segment from The Dog Whisperer that I'm sure you've seen.  It involved a frustrated dog owner and a dog with a problem.  Cesar came in with his camera crew, spoke to the owner and then then said, "Let's get to work."

By the end of the segment, the frustrated dog owner saw an amazing, almost magical transformation that brought such praise as, "I believe in the power of The Dog Whisperer."  So do countless Americans who see these transformations week after week, dog after dog.  This man, who in a recent magazine interview compared himself to Gandhi, has elevated his persona to the point that just reading the title of this article would bring anger, disdain and ridiculous accusations of jealousy of his success.

When one looks deeper, one sees that it is precisely these magical transformations that are at the heart of why Cesar Millan is a fraud.  It is easy answers that he is selling and when it comes to modifying behavior, fast results get short term solutions.  So what are these methods? He'll say that dogs are pack animals with a hierarchy and the human has to be the top of that hierarchy.  If you can establish that, you've got the problem solved. Any problem.

Say the dog's problem is barking and going crazy at the television like a dog in a recent segment.
Cesar immediately "tells" the dog using his powers that he is the boss. A simple touch on the nose gave her the message. "I am the boss and you are the follower."

What one has to ask are two questions.

1. What happened while the camera was off?

2. What are the long term results of what he did?

As for the first question:  On the initial meeting with this dog, they put the television on and they sat down. The dog walked into the room, Cesar touched her nose, the dog backed up.  Cesar tells the owners that from the first moment they met he established dominance.  

It is impossible for a simple touch to relay anything to a dog the moment you meet her.  When modifying problem behavior nothing, absolutely nothing will be accomplished the day you meet the dog.  There is no way to know exactly what he did while the camera was off, but to get such a dramatic reaction from a touch on the nose it must have involved intense manhandling and powerful displays of dominance to achieve what he calls "calm/submissive."

Question #2. What are the long term results of this?
Fast results bring short term solutions.  What happens when one does this to a dog? What is the dog's reaction to absolute domination and helplessness? Eventually she will be calm. She will shut down. She is completely at the human's will. OK, roll camera!

When a dog is in the "shut down" mode she is learning nothing. She is not being taught not to take a specific action, she is being taught to take NO action.  She understands that if she takes an action, she will be punished by this man. Therefore, whatever behavior the dog is exhibiting will no longer show. This is the "success" that he has achieved.  This dog is afraid and as long as she is afraid she is taking no action whatsoever.  She shuts down.  This leads to a frustrating existence for a dog that only needs to be taught that what she is doing is wrong.

So what are the answers to these extreme problems?  All of these problems can be avoided before they even come up by socializing the dog at a very early age. Taking the dog to the dog park once a week does NOT count. Saying "hi" to the neighbor's dog once or twice a day also does not count, and having a second dog that your puppy grows up with also does not count. These things help, but are not nearly enough.

The rule of thumb is your dog should be exposed to one hundred different things (dogs, people, new places) in the first one hundred days.  Unfortunately, a lot of people did not get this information in time to properly socialize or (like myself) choose to adopt adult dogs. It's when these dogs are not properly socialized that these extreme problems arise. 

In the last thirty years, dog training and behavior modification has advanced like no other time. There has been tremendous advances and dogs that would have otherwise have been put down are living wonderful lives with families. Volumes have been written on the subject and some excellent examples are listed below. 

Cesar's methods go back a very, very long time. I remember as a child my grandfather would hit his dog with a rolled up newspaper on the nose. If he misbehaved, he would merely have to roll up the paper and the dog would cower. This never stopped him from jumping on strangers, barking incessantly, destructive chewing or anything when outside the threat of the newspaper swat to the nose. 

When a dog has an extreme behavior it is because that behavior was allowed to happen. She believes that what she is doing is the the correct way to behave. It took a long time for her to learn this and it will take a long time to incrementally unlearn it.

What Cesar does works on a short term basis but does not get at the source of the problem. What needs to be understood is that problems are minimized, not solved.  Sometimes they are minimized to the point of extinction but they will still always be there. To claim that the dog who snarled at Cesar and bit his cameraman will be able to be "cured" is unrealistic. The minimization process is a slow one. Each dog has her own pace and even though results cannot be seen immediately, when they do come, they are as dramatic as anything this magician has done and go far deeper in correcting serious problems.

Suggested reading:
The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson

Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor

The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller

Big Business Scoopers is very grateful to Jon Miller for allowing us to post this essay on his behalf.  If you want to learn more about his training and walking services please visit his website: http://www.jon.grandstanddesign.com/.

Interview: Melanie Pellegrino of Bichon Frise Rescue of NNJ

One of the greatest perks of running a Pooper Scooper business is that our customers consist of all dog lovers ... the best kind of person in our opinion!  And we love to get to know our customers when we can.  It isn't surprising that a good many of them have dog-related businesses of their own or contribute to animal welfare charities and organizations.  Melanie Pellegrino is one such customer.  In fact, she is the Director of a 501(C)3 Non-Profit Charity called Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern NJ that rescues and re-homes Bichons.  Of course we had to find out more to share with you:

BBS: When and how did you first fall in love with Bichons?

MP: I have always had dogs my entire life (mostly standard poodles and once a shitzu) growing up and while I still lived with my parents. When I got married, Sam, my husband was allergic to dogs so for the first six years we had no dogs. I researched hypo allergenic dogs and found the Bichon to be one of the best breeds for people with allergies. That was over 14 years ago when my Bailey came into our lives (he is now 14 and still doing great). Bichons are smart, loving, affectionate, loyal and very, very attached to their families. They love to be with people and other dogs. They do best in a  home where someone is with them most of the time. They do not do well if left all alone every day while everyone is out working. 

BBS: How do Bichons who need a home come into your care?  Do you work with nearby shelters to spread the word about your Rescue?

MP: The breeder that I purchased my “Bailey” from (and my other 2 dogs Cody and Dex) was the president of the Bichon Frise Club of Northern New Jersey. She sent out an email to all her owners trying to find a home for an 8 year old Bichon who’s owner had passed away. I took Maxie in and adopted him. (He was my first rescued dog). About a year later she put out another appeal to see if someone would be interested in taking over their club’s rescue program which is “the Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey.”  As I am an animal lover and animal advocate… I decided to take on the job. The rescue is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that runs solely on donations. I am not paid by the rescue and all my work is done free of charge on a voluntary basis. Most of the dogs that I find homes for either stay in their current home till I can find them a new one, or I find someone that can foster them in their home till I find a permanent home for them. In emergency cases, I do take in a dog or 2 to my home till I can find them their perfect furever home.

BBS: What is the perfect home situation for an adoptable Bichon?  Or otherwise put, what should people know about Bichons in order to determine if they are a good fit? 

MP: Bichons are smart, loving, affectionate, loyal and very, very attached to their families. They love to be with people and other dogs. Most are very good with kids and other animals. They do best in a home where someone is with them most of the time. They do not do well if left all alone every day while everyone is out working. They can be difficult to house train (especially the males) and require a lot of work with them in the beginning when puppies. Also, if they are not neutered early (before puberty at 6 months) they may start to leg lift and mark territory. Bichon owners must be willing to be vigilant with training… and even in some cases, have their male dogs wear a “Belly Band” (amle diaper) when they are gone for longer periods of time or overnight. They are also a big dog personality in a little dog body. So they are not typical "yappy little dogs" and are very confident and happy. They also have double coats… which require professional grooming at least every 6 weeks (I have mine groomed every 3) which can cost $60-$70 per grooming. They need to be brushed or combed out a few times a week or they get matted. So this is not the type of dog that can just “jump in the pool” or be washed in the tub… Grooming needs are high for this breed. 

BBS: Walk us through the process of adopting one of your rescued Bichons - point A to Z.

MP: My dogs are posted on our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BichonFriseRescueOfNNJ.  

As well as 6 or 7 other adoption sites online. One of them being Petfinder https://www.petfinder.com//pet-search?shelter_id=NJ23.

Once someone responds to our sites or Facebook page they are asked to fill out an application at our website which is http://www.bichonrescuenj.com.

I review all applications to find the best fit for the dog in question. Those that are approved are contacted and asked to send us Home Check videos via email or text showing all the rooms in their home, their back and front yards and any fencing in the yard. I also call the applicant’s previous or current vet for reference on how they have taken care of their previous pets. From there I narrow down to the perfect family or person for that particular dog. They then sign an adoption contract on the same day that they meet the dog (as long as the meeting goes well.) They give us an adoption donation and then take the dog home with them. During the first few weeks and months we ask them to check in with us the first few days… then each week for at leasts a month to assure the dog is adjusting well and to get updates on the dog. If there is ever a case where the situation does not work out, our contracts state that they MUST return the dog to ONLY ME! They are not permitted to dump the dog in a shelter or have the dog euthanized without our consent (even for medical issues). 

BBS: In addition to directing the Rescue, you are a Bichon mom!  Tell us a little about your crew and how you keep yourself from adopting all of them! :-)

MP: Well my crew currently consists of 4 of my own and 4 that ended up becoming mine (we call those foster failures). Dogs that I couldn’t place anywhere due to medical issues or behavioral issues that I felt I would be best suited to handle. They are all happy and I have worked to get rid of their issues with training and medical care. My original 4 are Bailey, Cody, Dex and Maxie. The permanent fosters are Mambo, Charlie, Sugar and Shallbe. Most of these are senior dogs.  With the exception of Charlie they are all between the ages of 10-14. I know that I can’t adopt them all (although my husband would love to take them all in… more about that later on.) So I am very strict about any foster I take in personally myself… must be adopted out before I can take in another one here. 

BBS: What are your future plans or wildest dreams for what you’d like the Rescue to accomplish?

MP: My husband and I are currently looking for ranch/farm property in western or north western NJ (Sussex, Warren, Morris or Northern Hunterdon County) so that we can open a RESCUE RANCH… I never want to have to turn away another dog due to space restrictions or have to scramble to find a foster for a dog in emergency situations. I want to be able to not only rescue small breed dogs but also horses and other farm animals. This is our dream and we are avidly searching now as we speak. We hope to find something in the next year or less if possible. 

As stated we are a 501(C)3 Rescue and rely on donations to save the dogs we do. Many of these dogs require extensive medical care, dentals, neuter or spay, updating of vaccines, check ups and other vet procedures. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our rescue the info is below:

You can make a donation via credit or debit card securely at our PayPal Link:  

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=VFVJTB2N3Z4G6

You can also send a check to: 

    Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern NJ

    PO Box 136

    East Hanover, NJ 07936

If you shop at Amazon you can also make a difference by going thru their charity site:

Smile.Amazon.com which is the same Amazon with the Same prices and merchandise, however all sales will have 1/2 of a percent donated back to us. You MUST make sure you designate Bichon Frise Rescue of Northern New Jersey, Inc  as your Charity of Choice.

Here is the link:  https://smile.amazon.com/ref=smi_ext_fbp_lds_smi

Interview: Erin Moffatt of Poop Heart

People frequently take stock and ask themselves, "What's missing in my life?"  For Erin Moffatt the answer to that question was, one day: humorous, inoffensive and pretty art for her bathroom.  Unable to find anything on the market that quite suited her needs, Erin decided to take the matter into her own creative hands.  And thus was born Poop Heart.  All images featured on Poop Heart products, which range from greeting cards to baby clothes, are designed and hand drawn by Erin then created using mixed media.  The result is, in our opinion, spot on!  

And yes, there is a pooping dog available!  IN FACT: Erin has been super duper pooper scooper awesome enough to GIVE AWAY not only an 8x10 signed dog pooping print but also a set of 10 Poop Heart greeting cards: five elephants and five unicorns.  Dog print and greeting cards shown in pictures below.  And details for entering the giveaway included at the end of this post.

Naturally, in addition to running this giveaway, we needed to get to know a little bit more about this unique project (especially after we found out that Erin donates a percentage of proceeds to a very worthy charity...)

BBS: So you create poop-themed art that is amusing and surprisingly aesthetically pleasing.  Quite the niche!  What inspired you to start doing this?

EM: It all started when I was looking for some funny art for my bathroom but I couldn't find anything I liked. I wanted something that would make you smile but still be pretty to look at and Poop Heart was born. I make each image by hand using recycled paper and then digitize it to create pooptastic products!

BBS: 1 in 3 people don’t have access to a toilet.  That is one of several incredible and awful facts that we learned from you regarding safe water and sanitation around the world.  Please tell us more about how you became involved with CAWST and what they’re doing to improve our world.

EM: The lack of toilets and sanitation is such a huge global concern however no one seems to know about it. It is unfathomable to think that HALF of the world's population live without clean water and basic sanitation. Poop Heart is changing that by bringing awareness to this using humour; one pooping animal at a time. I was looking to support a charity that was involved in water AND toilets and *tada* CAWST; Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology was the perfect fit. Poop Heart is proud to donate 10% of all proceeds to CAWST. 

CAWST works with organisations around the world and provides them with the skills, knowledge and training to empower local communities to build and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems. By working with the existing local organisations, this is how CAWST has been able to reach 13.1 million people in 82 countries since 2001. And they are currently ranked #3 in the top 25 charities in Canada!    

BBS: In making PoopHeart what have been your greatest challenges along the way (in the creative process, explaining it to people, etc.)?

EM: The biggest challenge was myself! I almost didn't create this company because I was worried about what other people would think. Then I decided screw it I'm doing it anyways. I'm a mechanical engineer who loves math and spreadsheets so making pooping art was out of my comfort zone to say the least. When I was first sourcing vendors to manufacture my products I had a lot of confused looks. One owner told me: "You're an engineer and this is what you are doing? What a waste of your degree.". Poop Heart will not appeal to everyone but there is a wonderfully quirky set of people in the world who appreciate humour in unexpected ways and that's my target. Plus any parent who has changed a diaper. :)   

BBS: Are you in any brick and mortar locations or have any plans to be?  Any plans to take the world by a shit storm with an appearance on Shark Tank or other program?

I just finished a successful Kickstarter campaign and I'm using the funds to order inventory so that I can start selling online at poopheart.com. I am also looking at featuring my products in stores and coffee shops so I'm open to partnerships. Starbucks I have some awesome mugs you would love. Call me!

Mark Burnett is launching a new entrepreneur show and my company was of interest but they decided to use only American businesses for the first season. No hard feelings but if you change your mind... Call me!

The best part about Poop Heart is the options are limitless. I will continue to design more pooping animals and add products. I currently sell baby onesies and kids clothing but they can't have all the fun so stay tuned for adult clothing coming soon!   

BBS: When you aren’t creating PoopHeart artwork what can you be found doing in your spare time?

EM: Besides math and spreadsheets, I am a mountain girl! I love anything involving the mountains from biking and hiking to skiing during Canada's long long winters. 

BBS: And now for a funny story.  We love ending interviews by hearing the funniest thing that has happened to you in the process of creating and working with this business.  When dealing with poop … there’s always bound to be something!  Please share.

EM: My favourite story is from a friend of mine who bought the pooping unicorn print for her 5 year old daughter's room. One day she came home from work and her daughter proudly showed her a new drawing she made... a cow pooping hearts! For the record I haven't made a pooping cow yet so that was all her artistic creation! Poop Heart is already infiltrating the minds of the next generation... which means more people passionate about poop and hopefully resulting in everyone across the globe having access clean water and sanitation! 

We are so grateful to Erin for sharing her story with us!  We know a person or two for whom a Poop Heart piece would be a perfect and unique gift.  And we bet you do too ;-)  Please visit www.poopheart.com to see the full line of Erin's products.  You can also like Poop Heart on Facebook.  And if you are interested in supporting CAWST in its mission to create a world where people have the opportunity to succeed because their basic water and sanitation needs have been met you can take action by visiting their site here.

To be eligible to WIN the dog print and the greeting cards please go to Big Business Scoopers' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bigbusinessscoopers/.  The giveaway will be pinned at the top of the page while it is running.  Simply like that post by 9PM EST on Thursday, September 15, 2016 to enter!  U.S. residents only.  Good luck!

Why Hire Us?: Dog Poop Destroys Your Lawn

Your lawn needs nitrogen to be healthy.  Dog waste is rich in nitrogen.  Yes, both your dog's pee and poop is very rich in something ... nitrogen.  Which your lawn needs.  Well done, pooches!  And thank you for the generous gifts of nitrogen-filled poop that you daily bestow upon the lawn!  Because it must be good for the lawn, then, right?  Right??  Not so fast!

The observant dog owner may notice that dog waste actually produces dead or burn spots all over the lawn.  That is because dog waste is just a little TOO rich in nitrogen.  All plants need this building block in order to thrive but according to GreenerGreenGrass Organic Lawn Care Blog "too much nitrogen can cause a 'burning' effect, killing the grass."  So no, Sir Jowlfrey Farquat, you are doing no one any great favor.  Sorry.

Dog urine does the most damage to lawns because it is often "bestowed" in a very concentrated area (especially by dogs who squat.)  And because of it's liquid form, it dissolves and does its damage very quickly.  Luckily, dog poop is a little less harmful because it takes longer to break down and deposit its nitrogen into your lawn.  But on the other hand, it starves the grass below it of both air and sunlight until it is removed.

Dr. Steve Thompson, DVM, wrote an in depth article about dog-caused lawn burn for Canine Practice.  His focus, though, is on urine as he notes: "Since stools are usually solid, owners have the option of frequent manual removal. With more time for the nitrogen waste to dissolve into the lawn, stools that are frequently removed damage lawns less than urine."  We have witnessed this throughout our years as Professional Pooper Scoopers.  Spots that are browned and dried underneath a pile of poop one week look significantly healthier and recovered the next.  They just needed a breather!

So all you need to do to increase lawn protection against dog-caused nitrogen burns is to go pick up your dog's poop on a regular basis.  In addition to answering emails, cooking dinners, managing family schedules, taking the car for an oil change, planning that wedding, tending the garden ... etc...

Or you contact us to do it for you.  Your lawn will breathe easier and thank you for it!

Giveaway & Interview: Stephen Longo of The Fifth Paw, LLC

It's a fact of doggie life.  Dogs poop.  Everywhere.  Big Business Scoopers can help out when that poop is on your lawn.  But we can't follow you and help you out when you and your best friend go on walks.  Enter The Fifth Paw: "The Hands-Free Dog Poop Carrier That Gives You the Freedom to Love Walking your Dog Again!"  Stephen Longo, CEO and Creator of The Fifth Paw, recognized that the least enjoyable part of a dog walk is carrying and juggling one (if you're lucky) and oftentimes several bags filled with stinky, gross dog poop.  The Fifth Paw is an American made carrier that easily connects onto most standard flat style leashes and works with gravity to allow your poop bags to swing tangle-free while you continue your walk.  

Check out their videos to see how it works.

Not only was Stephen gracious enough to send us a Paw to test out (it is seriously magic!) and chat with us about The Fifth Paw but he is also GIVING ONE AWAY to one lucky winner.  Just visit and like our Facebook Page between Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 3PM EST and Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 3PM EST in order to be eligible to win!

Now let's find out more about The Fifth Paw ...

BBS: When did you first have the idea to create The Fifth Paw and what was the creative process like for you?

SL: The idea to create The Fifth Paw came organically really.  I had recently become the main dog walker of our Great Dane puppy Caesar, who can lay down some real poopage.  It was not long before the burden of what to do with the full bags of poop while out and about became a real issue.  Whether big or small, having to juggle full bags of poop while trying to keep a sure grip on the leash is not only a drag makes for unsafe walks.  I lost count of how many times I was in the middle of swapping hands on the leash and my boy would jerk the leash out of my hand (because he saw something he wanted) while I was juggling the bag of poop to the new hand.  Now add cell phones or winter gloves into the picture, and you can see the real need.

BBS: How does The Fifth Paw stand out from its competition?

SL: The Fifth Paw gives dog parents the freedom to be more in control of the leash, while at the same time keeping their pockets and pouches stink free.  The Fifth Paw can easily hold 4 bags of doody (more than one bag can be placed onto one of The Fifth Paws patented rotating rings)  Due to its ingenious design, it stays clean and tangle free thanks to gravity.  You can also hang a bag dispenser from one of the clips as well a bag of treats or you house keys if out for a walk with no pockets.  I should also mention The Fifth Paw is made right here in the USA.

BBS: This is an especially terrific solution for anyone walking several dogs.  Have you had any feedback from professional dog walkers?

SL: Absolutely.  Professional dog walkers have told us they love how easy & quick it is to clip bags on and off, but the bags stay put while walking.  It makes their jobs much more enjoyable!  Since they routinely walk more than one dog, they totally appreciate not stuffing stinky bags of poo into their pockets or knapsacks!

BBS: Tell us about your Danes, Chloe and Caesar!  

SL: Unfortunately, Chloe passed this Christmas.  We miss her very much.  Chloe lived for walkies! Caesar is still with us but at 12 ½ years old, his walks are much shorter now, although his poops are still legendary.

BBS: Are you working on any future inventions for pet owners or have any problems in mind for which you’d like to provide a solution?

SL: At present we are looking at introducing our own stylish leashes and collars. While The Fifth Paw works with most standard flat style leashes including nylon/leather/hemp/velvet (both 1-ply and thicker 2-ply), we would like to have our own leash, that way there is never any doubt as to whether it works with a persons existing leash. 

BBS: And last of all … we always like to hear a funny story.  And dogs always provide us with a ton of them!  Anything funny Chloe or Caesar have pulled?  Or anything relating to The Fifth Paw?

SL: Well the funniest thing that ever happened was when I was out walking the pups and Caesar went to take a poop.  I noticed something unusual going on with Caesars rear end.  Well, it turns out Caesar must have swallowed a paper towel whole (someone must have gotten away with counter surfing).  Imagine me try to control 2 Greats Danes while trying to pull a paper towel out of Caesars heiny, while he is determined not to let me.  It was like clown pulling a long handkerchief out of his mouth ;-)  Our neighbors waiting for the school bus had a great laugh that morning.

And that's that: The Fifth Paw!  From our experience with our test Paw we can vouch that this is the real deal.  The Paw is extremely easy to attach to a leash and once it is on it remains very secure.  It's a breeze to attach a poop bag and that poop bag then swings easily with gravity.  There is no chance of it getting tangled up and messy.

Don't forget to ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN one free Fifth Paw to test for yourself by visiting and liking Big Business' Scoopers' Facebook page by 3PM EST on Tuesday, September 6, 2016.  You can also learn more about Stephen Longo and The Fifth Paw by visiting their website, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

Interview: Kevin of Big Business Scoopers

"Oh, and by the way, Kevin is awesome!"  That's how many of our conversations with customers tend to end.  This exclamation is often followed with an anecdote about how much the dog looks forward to Kevin's weekly visits or a time when Kevin went out of his way to make the dog feel loved.  Scooping five days a week, Kevin visits more homes and knows more dogs than other Big Business Scoopers.  So we thought it would be fun to interview him so everyone can get to know him a little bit better :-)

BBS: How did you get started working as a Pooper Scooper with Big Business Scoopers?

KB: I was recently laid off from my job in the pharmaceutical industry. As the primary caregiver for my sick father, I was looking for something  with flexibility. I was introduced to Tom Watson (then owner of Big Business Scoopers) at the time through mutual friends and the rest is history. 

BBS: What do you like most about the job?

KB: I love dogs so getting to see them every week is always a pleasure. I also love being outdoors plus it's pretty good exercise. I also take great pride in the work I do.  

BBS: What are some challenges that you encounter?  Other than the poop, of course!  

KB: With Big Business Scoopers working all year round I'd say working in the elements poses the biggest challenge. Maintaining a high level of service while being exposed to rain, sleet, snow, heat, and cold really make the job challenging at times. 

BBS: You have a dog of your own!  Tell us a little bit about her?  

KB: I have an 8 year old beagle/American foxhound mix named Daisy.  Daisy is a rescue who I got when she was 3 months old. She is a very active dog that I love spending time with. I consider her my child and my world. 

BBS: Aside from picking up poop, what do you consider to be the most important aspect of the job?

KB:  I would say safety of the property whether it be an open gate, damaged fence, and anything that we notice that homeowners may not notice. I like to believe servicing our customers runs deeper than just picking up poop. 

BBS: When you’re not scooping, what can you be found doing?  What are some of your hobbies/activities, etc.?  

KB:  Besides spending time with Daisy I try and keep myself busy. During the spring/summer I play in a baseball league and I compete in various obstacle races including Rugged Maniac, Terrain Race, and Warrior Dash to name a few. I am competitive by nature and I love a challenge. I play fall baseball before switching over to snowboarding and I also play in an ice hockey league during the winter. 

BBS: And now for some laughs!  Tell us your favorite funny scooping moment or your favorite scooping pun (there are so many!)

KB: There have definitely been some funny moments along the way. The funniest I would have to say took place in Essex County 2 summers ago. I always allow extra time to play with dogs I encounter. I was just about finished when I noticed the chocolate lab (don't want to give the dogs name) approaching me with what I thought was a toy because that's what generally happens there. Much to my surprise the dog was bringing me a garter snake as a present to me which isn't a good thing considering I am petrified of snakes. I definitely panicked and made a mad dash for the family jungle gym with the chocolate lab (snake still in mouth) in hot pursuit. I was up there for quite some time until the housekeeper looked out the window and noticed me. She called the dog inside and I explained what had happened. We both had a good long laugh about that one.

BBS: That is hysterical.  We wish we had a picture of that!!  Thanks for taking the time for this, Kevin!  Happy scooping :-P

And anyone reading ... we hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Kevin as much as we did!  Feel free to leave comments!

Pooper App is BullS**t but Pooper Scooper Companies Do Exist

Last week we started to see media coverage pour in for a new app called Pooper.  It's tagline was "Your dog's poop in someone else's hands."  The idea was that when your dog pooped in a public place you could log its location and call for a pooper scooper to come and pick it up for you.  Many started dubbing it the Uber for dog poop.  Newsweek, The Washington Post, Fast Company, Mother Nature Network and many more have covered the phenomena of this app (and/or how it turned out to be fake.)

We were skeptical that such a business could ultimately work.  (How could you keep the price low enough to attract users but high enough to attract would-be pooper scoopers?)  But unlike many, we were not very skeptical that such a business existed.  In fact, we were keeping an eye on it and requesting information about their progress.  After all, who knows better than we Professional Pooper Scoopers about how high the demand is for dog waste removal in a country where there are an estimated 70-80 million dogs in residence?

But, of course, Pooper turned out to be an art project aimed at satirizing our app-obsessed culture.  Does your dog poop?  There's an app for that!  Well, it turns out that there isn't.  But the good news is there is a company for it!  As long as your dog is doing his or her business on your property we will happily come and scoop it up for you.  No app needed.

Interview: Justyna Kuczaj of Waggin' Wheels Express

About a month ago I was driving in Livingston on a poop scooping route.  At a red light I saw ahead of me an extraordinarily eye-catching oversized white and black dog.  Only it wasn't a dog ... it was Waggin' Wheels Express!  The number on the dog/vehicle was 1-844-DOG-RIDE.  A ride? A taxi?  A dog taxi!  I thought, "Well this is AWESOME!"  It's awesome for people who love dogs but are so busy they can't shuttle them back and forth to doggie daycare.  Or for people who just need a break or don't want to get their car dirty.  Or for people who would like their dog to travel in the safest AND hippest dog ride ever... Waggin' Wheels Express is an incredible solution to one of dog owners' many problems.  I had to meet Justyna Kuczaj, founder and owner, and find out more about this unique dog service:

BBS: What inspired you to create Waggin’ Wheels Express?

JK: People always say best ideas originate out of a need and this is how Waggin' Wheels Express really started. I've always been a big dog person and while going through my EMBA program while working full time I realized that the only way for me to have a dog of my own would be  if somebody could help me get him to the doggie daycare. My hours were/are definitely not 9-5: I leave for work prior to doggie daycare opening up (most day cares by me are only 7 to 7) and I come back home after 7 pm. So that's how I came up with an idea of somebody taking care of the pick up and drop off to/from doggie daycare for working professionals whose schedule is not really 9-5 (and let's be honest most jobs these days are not 9-5 anymore). 

BBS: What can clients expect when they make a reservation with you?

Our business is definitely unique and there's currently nothing like that out there. There are services in the city which offer transportation for pups but it's in a minivan usually with no crates, etc. What our customers can expect is a super safe vehicle (Mercedes Sprinter) with custom made crates securely installed (i.e. no risk of movement). Crates are equipped with custom made pads which are waterproof, non-toxic and offer superior support during transport. Finally, unlike any other dog transportation companies, our car is operated by holders of commercial driver's license as they are subject to stringent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations such as annual medical exam, drug-free history and no recent history of traffic violations and accidents.

BBS: Your goal is to make your clients’ "pooch’s tail wag every time s/he boards the … van.”  We love that!  Is it pretty safe to say that the dogs you serve are the best part of this business?

JK: Without a doubt we are in business to serve all these pups! We don't even see some of the parents of our customers as we do picks ups/drop offs when they are not home so our customer is truly every single pup on board! We have a great pleasure in chauffeuring all of our guests whether they are small or big. Sometimes customers call us asking if we take pitbulls, etc. which is sad they even have to ask this but we keep on emphasizing that we do not discriminate - we love them all. Our favorite part of the business is that through providing services to these pups we get to help homeless pooches as we match every round trip our customers take with us with a can of dog food. In 2 years we've been now in business we already donated approx. 1,000 cans of dog food to Mt Pleasant Animal Shelter!

BBS: What have been some of the biggest challenges that you've encountered along the journey?  Pun intended.

JK: The biggest challenge is getting the word out there about our services. Many people these days are still not even familiar with a concept of doggie daycares so they are having a really hard time understanding what we do when we say we take the pups from/to their houses to doggie daycares. Many people confuse us with mobile dog groomers. I thought the best way would be to describe the business as doggie taxi but then we get random calls from people in a local area asking us to pick them up (they searched for a taxi) and when I say we only transfer pups they tell me: "you've gotta be kidding me, right" and they hang up :-)

BBS: We love being introduced to dogs :-)  Tell us a little about Taffy and his influence on the business!

JK: Taffy is a very special pup! My dad found him at the mechanic garage in Chicago and brought him back with him to our then home in Pennsylvania. Soon after we got him my dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away within few months. So during these rough few months all of us developed a special bond with Taffy. We would take him everywhere with us, even to Poland for winter holidays where we quickly realized he's not meant for cold Easter European winters. Taffy lives with my mom as I'm unfortunately not home too often due to work related travel. However, anytime I'm home I make up for that time and take him everywhere with me. Taffy used to come with us for pick ups and drop offs; however, because he enjoys barking at every single dog for some reason we stopped taking him with us because some of our customers were scared of him even though he's the most harmless pup you can think of! 

BBS: What are your dreams for the growth of Waggin’ Wheels Express over the next 10 years?

JK: Because of the convenience we bring to working professionals and assistance to homeless pups, I really would like to continue expand the business over next few years. Haven't exactly decided on the expansion strategy though....

BBS: And now for some laughs!  Tell us your favorite funny dog story.

JK: There's so many :-) Dogs are such characters! So many different personalities! I think my favorite to date was when one of the Bernese Mountain dogs we were chauffeuring one day decided he would rather sit behind the wheel than in a crate (despite the fact that our crates can even fit mastiff size dog). He situated himself behind the wheel and would not budge! His owner and 2 of us had to use lots of treats to convince him to take a back seat! It's also funny to see how pups stare at the vehicle (it looks like a dalmatian)...they usually stop and stare and then the moment we play our "Woof Woof" horn (yes we do have a woof woof signal :-) ) they start chasing us thinking it's a big dog! At least they are not confusing us for a mobile groomer!

BBS: Thank you so much!  Good luck always and see you on the road!

So there you have it.  If you have any further questions for Justyna and the crew just head on over to their website: Waggin' Wheels Express.  They are also on Facebook and Instagram.

Why Pick Up Dog Poop? It is a Toxic Pollutant

There is no such thing as green dog poop (unless it is literally green in which case your dog is experiencing a health issue which we will address in future blogs.)  In 1991 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified dog waste as a  "non-point source of pollution."  Your dog's poop is in the same category as herbicides, insecticides, oil, grease and other toxic chemicals.  So if you've ever said to yourself, "my dog's poop is fertilizing my lawn" ... you might want to think again!  

Picking up your dog's poop isn't only the polite thing to do when he does his business in public.  Dog poop left on your lawn is just as sure to pollute the ground and find its way to your community's water sources.  According to Zero Waste USA, "a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhea, intestinal illness and serious kidney disorders in humans."  Do you want that kind of bacteria lying around and being tracked into your home?

The good news is that hiring a Pooper Scooper company like yours truly is very affordable.  We have the tools, equipment and experience to locate and safely remove all dog poop from your property.  We bag and double bag dog poop before disposing of it.  And we sanitize our tools in between each stop in order to prevent any spreading of harmful bacteria, parasites and disease.  Contact us if you have any questions about the toxicity of your dog's poop!  We love to talk poop ;)

Interview: Chad Logan of Pick Up That Poop!

This past week we had the great honor of interviewing Chad Logan, founder of PickUpThatPoop.com.  We had previously connected via social media and as soon as we discovered how very passionate he is about dog poop we had to meet him!  After all, it isn’t every day that we connect with someone other than fellow pooper scoopers who is passionate about picking up after dogs!  So we had to get to know more about what he’s all about …

BBS: Okay, so you’re a man dedicated to educating people about dog poop.  There has to be a story behind that.  Tell us about it!

CL: I spent seven years in finance before I became a professional dog walker and now, ten years later, I'm focused on the other end of dog walking: poop.  Before Poop Bag Music, I started PickUpThatPoop.com which was a campaign to get dog owners to pick up after their dog(s) in June, 2012.  The idea for “do the right thing, pick up that poop” all started when I took our dog, Gus (a black lab mix that we adopted 13 years ago), out for his morning walk on June 10th (my birthday).  See, we have grass and trees between the sidewalk and the street outside of our town-home, and I counted not one, not three, but six piles of dog poop left behind.  Five on the grass and one right in the middle of the sidewalk.  I remember thinking, “That's my birthday wish.  I wish that every dog owner would do the right thing andpick up that poop!"  PickUpThatPoop.com became Home of the Walking Yard Sign.  We have over 30 designs to shop from: T-shirts, stickers, tote bags, mugs and more. In February 2015 I wanted a song to raise awareness on poo-pick-up.  Over one year later we now have seven "poo" songs and three songs about dog rescue. 

Yes, I started Poop Bag Music as a way to educate people about dog poop but also as a way to give back by donating 50-100% of the profit from all sales to dog rescue groups.  I strongly believe in and support pet adoption.  It started with Gus, and now Jasper, a German Shepherd mix who we adopted 4 years ago.  We need more people to adopt, and stop buying!  It makes me sad when I hear,  “But we want a puppy.”  Guess what!  There are a lot of puppies that need to be adopted too.  But please consider an older dog.  All dogs matter! 

BBS: You leave for the No Poo Left Behind Tour in early July.  Where can people find you and what can they expect from the Tour?

CL: We will be hitting the open road on July 6th for our No Poo Left Behind Tour.  As we started planning this tour I said, "No matter if we raise $500 or $50,000 the No Poo Left Behind Tour is going to happen.”  But the amount of money raised will allow us to make more stops at local parks, poo-hot-spots, dog parks and dog rescues.  It will also allow us to make one or more donations to dog rescue groups we meet on the road that need help to stay open and/or expand to help more dogs in need. I'll be posting updates and locations as we go to our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

BBS: There are some great sponsors backing you up for this tour.  How did you connect with these folks?

CL: With help from our wonderful sponsors, we were able to build our "poo" teardrop trailer.  It took about a year connecting on social media (Twitter) posting/tweeting about our No Poo Left Behind Tour and looking for sponsors. With them and people supporting us with downloads on iTunes and walking yard sign sales we can hit the road and spread the word not the poo and help dog rescue groups at the same time. Please check out and support our sponsors.  Their logos and links can be found on our website.

BBS: So what’s the big deal, anyway?  Why is it so important that people pick up after their dogs??

CL: Picking up after your dog(s) is a big deal.  First of all, in most states it's already law and if you get caught you can face a fine of $50 - $250 and up.  Not to mention it's the neighborly thing to do.  Nobody wants poo on their shoes.  I've read that nearly two decades ago, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified pet waste as a dangerous pollutant in the same category as toxic chemicals and oil.  You may not live near water, but un-scooped poop from your yard is carried by overland water flow or is washed into storm drains, ending up in far away streams, rivers and ground water.

BBS: Why do people have such a hard time with dog poop and how do you think we can we reduce this aversion to picking it up!?  (Besides, of course, awesome poop songs and swag.)

CL: Most people do pick up after their dog(s.)  It's just a few that don't.  Most likely if you are out walking and you see more than one pile left behind it's from the same non-picker-upper (same person, different day/poop.)  One sure way to make people pick up after their dog(s) would be DNA testing.  It's getting bigger every year.  HOA's and apartments/property management companies are signing up for this service to catch non-picker-uppers.  On the market today we have so many tools to help us pick up that poop.  There should not be excuses.  I even talked with a lady that could not understand why people can't pick up.  She said, "If I can do it blind, everyone should be able to do it one way or another!"  Now I know my "poo" songs won't change the world overnight or be as popular as Lady Gaga or Taylor Swift.  Just remember it's to help raise funds for dog rescue groups, and might get a few more people to pick up that poop. 

BBS: Well we are definitely cheering you on!!  How about we say goodbye by exchanging our strangest poop story!  We had a dog client who was regularly eating (and eliminating …) his owner’s cash money - sometimes big bills!  Your turn.

CL: Story time.  I was walking Gus with my mother.  I usually keep the leash short when we walk by this hill full of ivy, but this time we were talking and I forgot.  Well Gus just had to do his business.  He went up the hill as far as the leash would let him.  Mom looked at me and said, “Just leave it.  Everyone else does.  If you go up there you will end up stepping in dog poop.”  Well I had to pick it up.  Not only do I own PickUpThatPoop.com but I was wearing one of my walking yard sign t-shirts.  As I was heading up the hill, mom said something to me and as I turned around, my shoes got tangled up in the ivy and down I went, still looking for the pile of dog poop.  I could not find it … oh, I found it alright … on the backside of my shorts.  Lets just say after that we don't walk pass the hill with ivy anymore!

Thanks again for this opportunity, and helping us spread word, not the poo.

Thank YOU.  Good luck on the tour!

Learn more about Chad at PickUpThatPoop.com and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  Check out his awesome swag in his store.   And download his poop songs here.  And remember to PICK UP THAT POOP.  (A pooper scooper can help.)

The Zone: Training Your Dog Where to Poop in Your Yard

We've had a few clients ask us if we know how to train their dog to poop in a specifically designated area in their yard.  These are folks who have a large yard and want to reduce the cost of having a pooper scooper walk the entire property or folks who simply want to know where that poop is going to be!  So we thought we'd start finding some answers for them.  

Enter Nancy Schumacher, founder of Best in Behavior and CPDT-KA Certified Dog Trainer.  She uses a positive reward-based approach to dog training and was kind enough to give us some advice on this topic.  And as she notes: summer is the best time to start this kind of poop training!  Read on for her expert advice ...

"Training your dog to take care of their ‘business’ in a specific area of your yard is easier then it sounds. It takes patience and consistency but young puppies and older dogs can be trained to go in a dedicated zone. The area does not need to have any special surface but should be a defined area. An easy way to do this is to cover a small area with mulch or to stake out an area.

If you are working with a young puppy, start first thing in the day by taking your dog out of it’s crate on a leash and quickly walking outside to the area. Do not slow down or stop as it will be easy for the pup to have an accident. Run to the zone and keep the dog on leash. When you get to the area stand still and let the pup have the length of the leash. By running to the spot you have shaken up the dogs bladder and he will most likely go immediately. When he does go give him enthusiastic praise and a treat.

The treats will be used every time for the first few days and then weaning off to a random treat now and then.  Leave any waste in the area so the smell will trigger the pup next time he is in that area. Puppies should not be allowed off leash in the yard during this training unless they have taken care of #1 and #2.  As a new pup owner you will be focused on when the dog has to go. Every time you are taking him out he goes on leash to the zone. If you catch him about to go in a different area when playing, interrupt him and bring him over to the zone. He should equate going in the zone with lots of good things; praise from you, treats and then being allowed off leash.

Older dogs need to learn that going in the Zone makes good things happen as well.  When you are training an older dog who up until now has had freedom to go wherever in the yard it is very important to establish a new routine. When the dog needs to go out, you need to put on the leash and bring him to the area. It is important that all family members are on board with this. If some people are leashing the dog and bringing him to the zone and some are not the dog will go with what he is used to which is going anywhere.  When he goes in zone be sure to make a big fuss with lots of verbal praise and a treat. Most dogs are highly motivated by food treats and will be happy to comply with going in the zone for a tasty treat.

With consistency and positive reinforcement you can train your dog to take care of business in the area you choose. Summer is a great time to start this training as the weather is warm and the days are long."

Many thanks to Nancy for taking the time and care to be our guest blogger on this topic!  If you have any questions for Nancy she can be reached via her website: http://bestinbehavior.com/.