DIY High Protein Dog Biscuits

DIY High Protein Dog Biscuits

    Our dogs do a lot of work and we like to reward them with special treats.  But we would also like the treats to be healthy and give our dogs fuel for their jobs.  This Homemade High Protein Dog Biscuit gives our dogs a treat they love but also fuel to keep them going on while doing their jobs herding Canada geese off properties.

I have adjusted this recipe several times to get it where it is now.  I include Venison liver, because I have it available from our deer hunts and I do not like to let anything go to waste. Our dogs also get to enjoy the heart the day I come home as a treat. We raise Indian Runner ducks so I include their eggs along with the shells crushed up. Delicious Bacon grease is to added for some fat. What dog does not love bacon?  Then garlic and parsley. 

  Garlic for dogs, as well as for human health, is an excellent antibiotic and immune booster. I stick with fresh, raw garlic and keep it on hand for both cooking and healing. If it’s fresh, I have read that the medicinal qualities are still there. 

Ingredients

4 cups of Whole Wheat Flour

1 cup of Oatmeal

1 1/2 cups Bone Meal

2 tablespoons Parsley

1 pound of liver ( your choice)

2 cloves fresh garlic

3 Duck eggs or 5 chicken eggs

1/2 cup Bacon Grease

Directions:  

Mixing

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Mix until well blended with a wooden spoon
3. Set aside
4. Cut the liver in cubes and blend in a blender a bit at a time until pureyed
5. Add Garlic, crack eggs and shells add to blender and blend for 30 seconds
6. Add the bacon grease in liquid form and blend for 5 seconds
7. Add  1/2 the Liquids to dry ingredients in the large bowl
8. Mix until absorbed
9. Add the rest of the liquid a little a time.
10. The dough should be the consistency of a dense cookie dough.
11. If it it too stiff add a little more water. The dough should be a bit tacky that is requires some flour to handle and to avoid sticking to your counter.
12. Pre heat oven to 375f

Forming

1. Cut the dough in half
2. Roll out the dough to about 3/16" thick
3. Use whatever shape cookie cutter you have chosen to cut out your pieces.  We used Canada Goose shapes for fun the last time. We also use dog bone shapes. Any shape will do.
4. Place evenly spaced on a cookie sheet.
5. These do not spread a lot so they  can be about 1/4" apart

Baking

1. Place biscuits on the center rack and bake for 25 minutes.

When these are done, they are very crunchy. Our dogs enjoy them very much we hope yours will too!

Rescue Me Goose Chasing!

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How to Get Rid of Geese: Goose Control Products

HOW TO GET RID OF GEESE

GOOSE CONTROL  PRODUCTS REVIEW 

      Many people research how to keep geese out of their yards and off of their properties.  Most of our customers tell us that they get their information and products from internet.  This is all well and good but if you do not know how to use the information and products properly you will lose your hard earned money and still have geese in your yard.

   Canada geese are beautiful birds. Their honking high in the sky signals signs of spring and fall migration.  In many cases these beautiful geese become a territorial nuisance and unwelcome guests to our properties. So exactly how do you resolve this nuisance geese issue by yourself? 

    There are several products that can be purchased as 'deterrents'. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages.  There are coyote effigies in many forms, lawn spray on deterrents from different companies, noise makers, streamers, bird bangers, motion detecting sprinkler and bottle rockets.  We have seen alligator heads and fake swans used also.  There are blinking lights that turn on at night and various types of string grids and borders to stop geese from landing or walking on your property.  There are many product to deter geese from eating your grass, pooping on it and when nesting, attacking people.

    There are several lawn treatments that claim to repel geese.  Flight Control Plus is what we use if our client prefers not to use dogs for one reason or another.  This liquid is effective against repelling geese because it uses a visual deterrent and a physical deterrent.  When Flight Control Plus is applied to lawns it makes the grass look different to the geese than untreated grass.  The physical deterrent is when the geese eat the treated grass it upsets their stomach.  The Canada geese put two and two together and decide not to eat this funny looking grass anymore because they get stomach distress.  The geese, then, ultimately decide to find someone else's lawn to feed on.  Flight Control Plus does not wash off with rain or snow.  It will also lasts for a few lawn cuttings.  This is beneficial because it does not have to be applied as much as other spray on goose juices.

    Coyote or dog effigies can be effective for a while and in some instances work depending on the size of the area.  Effigies are not a maintenance free tool however.  In order to give them a chance to work they must be moved frequently. If they are placed at the center of a soccer field for instance it may stop geese from landing initially. Geese will land as a far away as possible from it after a while. They will then move closer and closer to it until they realize it is not real or a moving threat.  However, if the decoy is moved throughout the day it may fool the geese into thinking it is real.  We have seen them work better in smaller areas where geese do not have an alternate landing area.  There is also a dead goose decoy that is sold. We have never seen one employed.  The reviews on them are not very good.  

    Plastic swans in your pond or lake usually do not work well at getting rid of geese unless you had a live aggressive pair of swans nesting there before.  Again if you place a plastic swan in the middle of a 15 acre lake a flock of geese will just land far enough away from it to feel safe.  Once they realize Mr. Swan is always in the same spot, Canada geese will continue to come.   If you have two, 1 acre ponds and one pond has a live pair of geese in it and the other a fake, the set up will probably work.  The live swans are giving the fake swans some credibility.

    There are large propane noise canons that can be purchased that blast off on timers.  These work if you are in a large unpopulated area. Otherwise your neighbors will hate you and call the police. These are somewhat appropriate for farmlands and out of the way golf courses. But like the other tools the direction and location of the canon is critical and needs to rotated on a frequent basis.  The time of day would also be critical as you would not want a noise canon going off while people are golfing.

    There are solar yellow blinking lights that turn on when it gets dark to deter geese from roosting in your pond our lake. On small ponds these can be effective as geese cannot get far enough away from them.  If one blinking yellow light is placed on a 20 acre lake geese will just stay far enough away from it for their comfort.  These lights are relatively expensive so purchasing many could be cost prohibitive.  These lights also do not work during the day.  Used in the correct manner for night roosting geese they can be effective.

    Setting up a grid system with string  or wire on a pond is considered inhumane as geese may not see the grid and get tangled up in it. This could lead to broken legs, wings or death if the goose gets snagged in an awkward position and drowns.  I have seen some grids set up on flat roofs to deter geese but they also become a nuisance to HVAC guys who service air conditioners.  One simple thing we have seen work quite well is a rope used to separate a pond from a lawn.  If geese are wading out of a pond and onto your lawn, a 1/4" rope strung about 8" off the ground will deter geese from crossing over it.  Geese are  somewhat lazy and do not like having to fly over it for some reason. It is a real simple set up depending on how far you need to stretch the rope to keep geese away.  We use 18" flat wooden stakes  (Menards,Walmart ) and drill a hole at the top of it each one. We place the stakes 6'-8' apart and tie knots at each end.  Due to weathering, the rope will sag so leave room to pull the stakes further apart from each end.  I am truly amazed at how simple this is and how well it works. If the rope stretches and falls to the grass however, the geese will cross over it. So keep it raised up to be effective. 

     Canada geese are relentless once they find a place to their liking.  More than likely it will not be the same geese visiting your property every day as geese love to property and pond hop.  Your efforts must be as relentless as their willingness to stay. If one thing does not work, try another or try it in a different manner and location.  Remember you are dealing with nature and wildlife and both are pretty unpredictable.  Be inventive and consistent using your Canada goose deterrents and you will have a better chance at success.  Please always remember to be humane and considerate to your neighbors.


Rescue Me Goose Chasing
We Get Rid of Geese ... FAST!
www.rmgoosechasing.com

Canada Goose Egg Addling DIY

Mamma Goose Standing Guard

EGG ADDLING STEPS  -  Do It Yourself

   Egg addling is the term used for rendering goose eggs non-viable. This  prevents goslings from hatching. Egg addling has an effect in reducing the resident Canada goose population. Not only are the year’s hatchlings reduced, but when goslings mature they tend to nest in the same area, adding their offspring to the local population. After one to two failed nesting seasons, mother goose is apt to move her nest to a different area next year.  If you have a nesting goose population and have the gumption to take on this task yourself the below information will guide you through the steps.  Before starting, check your individual state's requirements by contacting your Department of Natural Resources' Waterfowl Biologist.
    There are different egg addling methods. These include: Egg Oiling,  Nest and Egg removal, replacement with dummy eggs, shaking or puncturing eggs. RMGC egg addling is performed by oiling eggs, in compliance with The National Wildlife Control Operators Association and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) protocols. 
    The procedures to obtain an Illinois state permit and federal registration to addle resident Canada goose eggs are not complex, nor does it cost money. In Illinois, a permit must be requested through the IDNR with  the property address and anticipated number of nests and eggs to be destroyed.  If you are an ambitious homeowner and familiar with waterfowl, the IDNR may extend a permit to you.

1.) OBTAIN A PERMIT

       ​Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in your state for a permit. This is a must do and absolutely needed. Follow the directions on the permit application. They are pretty easy and self explanatory forms. In Illinois we have to deal directly with the state DNR. Most states use the U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service reporting system. https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx

2.) LOCATE NESTS

       Geese build nest in a variety of places. Normally they are close to water and on islands. However, we have seen nests built in planters, in parking lots, on roofs and on balconies.  Some of these in crowded shopping malls.  Depending on your area, we will walk along shore lines, paddle kayaks, climb up on roofs to look for nests. Once they are found we will mark them, usually with a small flag, and record them on a site map.  We will do this with two handlers and sometimes a dog due to the aggressiveness of the nesting pair of geese during the spring season. Mamma goose must be chased off the nest. She can be stubborn.

3.)ADDLING THE EGGS
      When nests with eggs are located,  a float test must be performed on the eggs to assess development. If eggs are in the earlier stages and do not float,  they are coated with 100% food grade corn oil to prevent oxygen from reaching the embryo, rendering the eggs non-viable.  They are put back into the nest so the mother goose continues to incubate her clutch. If eggs are developed and can float, they cannot be humanely addled. They are replaced into the nest and left to develop. This is why you must take action as soon as geese start to nest.
   If the oiled eggs are not replaced and the goose is still fertile, she may re-lay her eggs.  Once the incubation period has past, the eggs are removed and buried off site.
The nest is then destroyed and removed.  This sometimes encourages geese to leave the site and not return to nest.


4.) REPORTING AND DOCUMENTING
    For each site visit, RMGC will record the location of nests, number of eggs addled and plot the data on to a site map. This information is then used for annual reporting to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. If you choose to do it yourself the same procedure must be followed. If you are reporting back to the USFWS it has to be done on line and it less complicated.

5.) PRECAUTIONS
      Nesting geese are very aggressive. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to do this yourself or hire a company like ours to do the work.  Always work in teams of two so one person can stand guard.  Often the geese will leave the nest when approached but fly back towards you to protect their nest.  This is where an large open golf umbrella comes in handy. By holding it up the goose will flap its wings on the umbrella versus your head.  Some people will also use a trash can lid. But in my opinion they are too small.


If you decide this task is not something you want to tackle, give us a call and we can do all of the above for you at one low price.



Rescue Me Goose Chasing
We Get Rid of Geese . . . FAST!

How to Get Rid of Canada Geese From Your Property, DIY

Sparky staring the geese down in a small pond

    How to get rid of Canada geese and Do it yourself ?  If you are willing to put in the time, effort and planning is more complicated. There are a few ways you can Do It Yourself. If you are an "on the go" type family, the best answer is to hire us and we will take care of things for you while you tend to your busy life. 

    Our previous blogs have talked about establishing a predator on your property with our highly trained Australian Shepherd goose dogs.  If you are a dog owner you have a leg up on those who are not.  However, you will only be as successful as the effort you put into it.  The most important thing you must remember is that you and your dog cannot harm the geese and you cannot haze geese with goslings in the spring.  Geese are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty act of 1918.  You will want to read up on this act before you begin also.

    Any dog with a decent amount of prey drive and good obedience could probably do the job.  The best breeds are herding breeds based on their instincts.  That is why we use Australian Shepherds.  We know several goose control companies that do not use herding breeds that do quite well because they took a lot of time to train their dogs properly. That leads to the question "What do I need to train my dog to do?"

    First your dog needs to be obedient. He or she should respect you and your commands when given. Your goose dog should know the basic sit, stay, down, and come when called with distractions. By that we mean, your dog will obey you regardless of the squirrel in the tree, the rabbit on the ground or the neighbor's dog barking at him from next yard.  If your dog has these commands on him or her you are another step ahead.  Next, your dog should have a desire to chase or herd geese when he or she sees them.  If it does, you are ready to start to have some fun keeping geese off your lawn and out of your pond. If your dog has no desire to chase, you will need another dog. I am a firm believer in the saying, "You cannot put in what God left out."

   Let's use the premise that you own a two acre property. One acre of that is a pond that geese frequent, walk out of and poop on your lawn creating a mess of your shoes and your kids shoes and lawn mower.  All of you track it into the house where your significant other starts to complain about all the poop and bacteria being dragged into the home.

    To start your DIY goose control program with your dog, ensure he will stop if you need him to before he touches a goose should he get too close.  When the geese land on your lawn have your dog heel next to you as you walk out to the yard.  Let the geese see him. They will start to bob their heads and honk.  Give your dog the command you have chosen that tells him it's OK to herd or chase the geese.  We use herding directional commands. Let's assume you just say "Go boy!"  The geese that are on your lawn will more than likely run straight into your pond for safety.  This is where the fun begins.  Geese are not accustomed to a predator swimming after them. Have your dog sit at the bank and look at the geese. Sometimes this is enough to intimidate them to leave. If they stay, they will go the the side opposite your dog. Give your dog the "Go Boy!" command again. If he has the prey drive and the ability to swim he will get in the water and start swimming after the geese.
    It is important that you do not leave the geese to safely roost in the pond.  If you do, by the time you get back in the house they will be back on your lawn munching on your grass.  You must get the flock out of the pond each and every time.
   If you do this, each time the geese return there will be less of them.  The last remaining geese will be the most stubborn. Realize that each time they arrive you need to drop what you are doing, get your goose dog, and haze the geese until they leave.
    This is where most people and companies fail.  Either they chase the geese in the pond and leave them there or they do not continue the effort each time the geese show up because they are watching a movie, a football game or cutting the grass. The geese are smart and will change the times they arrive on your property so be prepared to expect the unexpected. They will stay out in the rain, the cold and even the snow if they are resident geese.  You must be as stubborn and willful as they are.  You must brave the elements with your goose dog no matter the day of week, the time of day or holiday.
    
    If you cannot meet the challenges above, the geese will win and you will not reclaim the beauty of your property.  This is what makes us so successful. We never let our dogs lose.  We direct our dogs each and every time no matter the day, the weather or holiday to chase the geese until they leave.  If you have the time, energy and persistence you will be successful.  If you do not, well, we Get Rid of Geese . . . FAST!  
    


Click below for more information on our goose control techniques and why they work.

    

Click here for more information!

DIY Dog Leashes

Do It Yourself Dog Leash 

    We do make our own dog leashes.  There are a number of reasons.  We can choose the color of the leash we want. We can make the length of the leash any size to fit our many training and working situations. We can customize the handle and type of hasp we use to connect to our dogs collars.

    Making a leash does not take any particular skill.   On a scale of 1-10 in terms of difficulty I would give it a 2. 


Time to complete: 30 Minutes

Materials needed:

1/2" polypropylene rope in your desired color ( Menards/Home Depot etc.)
Swivel hasp to attach to the dogs collar 
Electrical tape
Heat shrink tubing 1-1/8" (electrical aisle) 6" long
Kitchen stove top burner / heat gun
Scissors
Tape Measure

1.) Cut the rope to your desired length. 

2.) Remove the shrink tubing and cut it in half

2.a.) Your rope ends will look like this.

3.) Slide one piece of the tube over the end of the rope.

4.) Turn on your exhaust fan above your stove.
Take each end of the rope and hold it over your oven burner
until it starts to melt and catches a small flame.

5.) The melted ends should look like this. It will stop your
rope from fraying at the ends. Let them cool for a couple minutes.
If you touch them you will get melted polypropylene on your hand
and it will not come off until it cools. OUCH!

6.) We use these swivel hasps. They are cheap and durable.

7.) Slip your hasp onto the rope and leave about
4 inches exposed to secure it in place.

8.) Using electrical tape, tightly wind it around both
strands of rope to secure the hasp in place.

9.) Wrap the tape around tightly about 3 times
It should be just short of the length of shrink
tubing that is on your rope.

10) Slide the Shrink tube up the rope to cover the
electrical tape up. 

11.)  Hold the shrink tubing above your burner about 6-8 inches.
If your fingers are too hot you are too close. The tubing needs
just a little heat to shrink. Rotate it every 15 seconds until
it is very tightly shrunk to the rope.
This should take only 1- 1.5 minutes 

12.) The finished heat shrunk end should look like this.
The tube, tape and rope will shrink together and should
ooze some clear glue like material. Just don't touch it!
It is hot stuff!



Now let's do the handle end

13.) Slide your other half of the shrink tube over the unfinished end.

14.) Make a loop that you feel comfortable with using.
It could be any size. Use the electrical tape to temporarily
test different handle sizes.

15.) Tape your handle up the same way as we did the
hasp end. Make sure it is a bit smaller than the piece of
shrink tubing you are using.

16.)  Slide the Shrink tubing up to the handle and cover the
electrical tape.  Then proceed to the burner as we did above
and shrink the tubing using the heat from the burner.
Again, let it cool and do not touch the shrink tube!

17.)  You now have a completed, customized dog leash!



Now you can take your dog for a walk and when someone asks "Hey where did you get that nice leash ?"
You can brag and say I did it myself!


COSMO AND SPARKY SAY "ENJOY YOUR LEASH BY
TAKING YOUR DOG FOR A WALK!"