Car alert! Car alert!

Posted on August 29, 2011 by

dogs, dog walking

If you live in the city and walk on sidewalks, you probably want your dogs to continue walking even as cars are roaring past.

But walking in the country is a bit different.  Often the roads are curvy and /or hilly, with tons of blind spots.  You may have to be extra diligent in your efforts to keep your dogs and yourself safe.

One of the best ways is to train your dogs to move far to the left when you hear a car approaching.  You can use a simple command like, “Car alert! Move over” or something similar.

Some of the worst accidents happen when a driver is going to0 fast, and then panics when they come around a blind curve and see people or animals.  You may want to teach your dogs to stop while on the side of the road so that the car driver is aware that you have your animals  under control.

When walking your dog, just naturally move to the left when a car approaches and say “car alert” (or whatever phrase you create).

Your dog will soon learn to do that, and may even move over before YOU are aware that a car is approaching!

With a little practice your dog should be able to pick up this habit, thus ensuring that everyone is safe while out taking a walk.

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Why crate train? Isn’t that cruel?

Posted on August 23, 2011 by

Many people think that confining a puppy or dog in a crate is cruel.  Believe it or not that is far from true.

Dogs actually prefer a den-type dwelling.  In the wild, a dog’s den is his home.  It is a place to sleep,  raise it’s young, and escape from danger.

The crate you provide will become your dog’s “den”.

Because dogs don’t like to soil their den, a crate is the ideal way to house train.  The crate is also an effective way of restricting the dog from other areas of the home while you are away.

If you travel with the dogs, they will need to be crated.  Airlines require that dogs be crated.  Hotels that accept dogs  also require that they be crated.  This ensures that no damage will be done to the furniture and rugs in the room.

And, being crated could save your dogs life.  Because dogs (especially puppies) like to chew, they can get themselves into some life threatening situations.  Not only could they choke on something, but they may actually eat something that is poisonous to their system.  There are even some foods that are dangerous for dogs.

And, a dog or puppy can destroy your home in no time flat!

There are many types of crates available from plastic to metal or a combination of both.  Once you have chosen a crate, there are several things you can do to insure your canine learns to love their new home.
The crate should always be associated with something pleasant…..

To create a pleasant association with the crate,  start feeding your dog his meals in the crate.  In between meals,  call him over to the crate with a treat in your hand.  Once your dog enters the crate, praise him, give him the treat, and close the door.  Keep the dogs crated for a few minutes.

Increase the time that you leave your puppy or dog crated.  Try leaving the room for a few minutes, then return for a few minutes, increasing times as the day progresses.  Once you are up to an hour or so, leave the house for an hour or more.

Your dogs may be fine from day one, or it may take several weeks to get to this point.

Try walking your dog before crating to help tire them out.

When you return from an outing,  keep your arrival low key.  Your dog will be excited to see you, but don’t reward your dog for excited behavior by responding to him in an excited, enthusiastic way.  Continue to crate your dog  from time to time when you’re home so he doesn’t associate crating with being left alone.

A few things to remember…

  • NEVER use the crate as a punishment. Your dog will come to fear it and refuse to enter it.
  • Puppies under six months of age shouldn’t stay in a crate for more than a couple of hours at a time.  They can’t control their bladders and bowels very long.
  • Don’t leave your dog in the crate too long.  A dog that’s crated day and night can become depressed or anxious.  Dogs need exercise and human interaction.

If you work, consider stopping home for lunch if possible.  If that is not an option, you may have to change your schedule, hire a pet sitter or dog walker, or even take your dog to a doggie daycare facility.

  • Crate your dog only until you can trust him not to destroy the house.  After that, it should be a place he goes voluntarily.

The most important thing to remember is to make the crate a happy place.  If your dog loves it’s home, he will be happy to spend a couple of hours there while you run errands.

And you can rest assured you will return to a house that is still in one piece!


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The benefits of walking your dog

Posted on August 18, 2011 by

Did you know that in the wild dogs walk as a pack and roam for miles every day searching for food and water? Even domesticated dogs can benefit from walking on a daily basis.

  1. As stated above, walking helps fulfill their natural curiosity.  They may not “kill to eat” when with you, but they are using some of the same basic instincts.  Most dogs that are walked regularly won’t run away as their roaming instincts have been fulfilled by walking.
  2. Physical satisfaction- Walking provides an outlet for their energy.  If a dog doesn’t expel energy  by regular walks, it can result in destructive behavior or separation anxiety.   A good walk can calm a hyper or energetic dog, resulting in a better behaved dog.
  3. Mental satisfaction-  Taking a walk also provides mental stimulation.  Using their senses to explore their world is also an instinctual  for dogs.  Your dog will be exposed to all sorts of smells, sights and sounds while out walking.

A few things to remember

Keep your dog leashed

Bring a napkin or paper towel and a plastic bag in case our dog has an accident.  No one likes to step in dog poo!

Feed your dog AFTER your walk.  In nature they walk (or hunt) for food.

Enjoy your time together!

Check out the benefits for YOU when you walk your dog HERE!

 

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog…but a bored dog can become a bad dog.


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Socialization tips for your dog

Posted on August 8, 2011 by

Even though dogs have been domesticated for 1,000′s of years, they are not born knowing about other living things and how to get along.   Socialization is extremely important to help avoid  asocial behaviors, fears, and  even aggression in dogs.

The most successful time to start socializing your dogs is around 3-4 months of age.  But you must continually expose your dogs to  humans and other animals as it matures.

There are several things you can do to help ensure you raise a happy, friendly dog:

  • Enroll your puppy in puppy training classes.  Not only will your puppy learn some important commands such as sit, stay and heel, but they will be exposed to a variety of canines and humans alike.
  • Get dogs used to others is to go walking a park.  Your dogs will learn to walk on a leash, and also experience new places,  people and other dogs.
  • Take your dog to a pet shop or other store that allows dogs.
  • Continually expose your dog to new experiences and people by including it in your day-to-day life.

These are just a few tips to help your puppy grow into a well behaved and well socialized dog.

What are some ways you can think of ?

 
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Pack up the dogs- we’re going camping!

Posted on July 26, 2011 by

You want to go camping, but what will you do with the dogs?

Many campers are opting to bring them along!

Dogs enjoy the great outdoors just as much as you do,  and they hate being separated from their family.

Just like packing for the family,  there are a few things you will want to remember to do if you take your dogs with you.

  • Make sure the campgrounds you will be staying at allows dogs.  If they do,  start packing!
  • Remember to bring a copy of your dogs vaccinations and dog license
  • Make sure to pack a leash!  You dog must be restrained at all times.
  • Dog identity tag.  You may want to make a temporary one with the dogs name and information on how to locate you:

Your name,  address, and cell phone number,  and campground information including your lot number.

  • Food,  dishes and bowls (you may want to see beforehand if the campground water is good to drink)

Not THIS kind of dog dish!

  • Something to sleep in/on :  Crate,  bed,  blanket (to cover a couch if you have a camper)
  • A toy or chewie

Once you are at the campgounds, there are a few “common sense” rules:

  • Take your dogs  for 2-3 walks a day – they will be mild mannered!
  • Always keep an eye on your dog around children and other animals…
  • Do not leave your dog outside unattended
  • Keep barking to a minimum…
  • Always bring napkins or paper towels in case your dog “messes” where people walk.  You can put the whole mess into a baggie and throw it out. You can even dump the poop directly into in the woods and save bringing the baggie.

As long as you have a well mannered dog and have packed all of their supplies, everyone should have a great camping experience!

So pack up those dogs and let’s go camping!


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Ring, Ring! Let me out!

Posted on July 20, 2011 by

Teach your dog a super cool trick and amaze your friends! Teach your dog to ring a bell to go out!

All you have to do is hang a bell on your door.  Then, when the dog is in the room, ring the bell, then open the door.  Do this several times.  You may want to say something like, “Do you want to go out” before you ring the bell.  Many dogs will pick up this trick in a day or two.

Next time your friends are visiting, ask your dog if he wants to go out.

Imagine the shock on their faces when the dog rings the bell!

What kinds of trick does your dog do?

Please share!

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Keeping your dog cool in the summer heat

Posted on July 19, 2011 by

Did you know that your dog can suffer from overheating, dehydration and sunburn this time of year,  just like people?

Dogs are less efficient at cooling themselves than people, so they are very susceptible to overheating.  They don’t sweat as much as we do.  In fact, a dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102 degrees, and the only sweat glands they have are on their nose and the pads of their paws.  They cool off by panting.

Just like with our children, we need to take precautions against the sun and heat with our dogs, too.

Two of the most important things you can do for your dog is to provide plenty of water and shade if they will be outside.

Cool weather tip: Put a plastic bowl of water in your freezer.  When the water freezes, pop it out into a bowl or on a plate.  The dogs will love licking the huge ice cube, and will appreciate the cold melted water afterward.

In the car….

It’s best to leave the pets home on a hot day.  Even if you are just dropping into the store for a few quick things, you want to ensure your dogs are safe.  A car’s inside temperature can increase as much as 40 degrees in an hour —  80 percent within the first 30 minutes! On a hot day, your cars temperature can exceed 100 degrees or more in no time.

If you must bring the animals,  leave the engine running and the air conditioning on.  Have someone sit in the car with them or if you have a spare key,  leave the dog inside with the doors locked.

In the house

If you work during the day and normally leave your dog home with the air conditioning on, you may want to leave a house key with a trusted neighbor.  That way if the power goes out, they can check on the dog and ensure that they are ok.  The neighbor can also check on things if you will be late coming home from work.

Exercise:

When walking your dog, be aware of  hot sidewalks…. if it’s too hot for your hand,  it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Walk during early morning or evening hours when it tends to be cooler.

A dogs nose and ears can get sunburned- they need sunblock made especially for animals.

Obese dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs are sensitive to the heat as are the Landseer Newfoundland, Shar-Pei , shih tzu,  chow-chow and others.

Check your dogs breed to see about sensitivity to the heat and sun.

Other items to help keep your pet cool:

Cage/Crate Cooling Fan

A fan for the dog crate! Just click the pic!


Canine Cooler Dog Bed, Medium

See other great deals for dogs HERE!


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Choosing a dog for a senior citizen

Posted on July 15, 2011 by

Did you know a dog can be the best medicine a senior could have? It’s true!

Take  a look at a few facts:

Physical health: Dogs can help boost a seniors physical health by encouraging them to get outdoors and take a walk. This helps keep a senior active, and helps keep the joints moving.

Even petting a dog can have positive effects by relieving stress and anxiety as well as lowering blood pressure.   And it can stimulate circulation.

Mental/Emotional health: Pets need to be brushed, played with, fed and walked. Owning a dog gives the senior a purpose…something to be responsible for.

A pet provides companionship to a lonely person and can help relieve boredom.

Dogs can provide some protection to seniors by acting as a watchdog. They have even been known to save a seniors life by alerting neighbors about a fall or accident.

Things to consider before you get a dog

Do you (or the senior) have the space for the breed of dog being considered?

Is the senior active enough to provide adequate exercise for the dog?

Can the senior handle the breed of dog?

Can they afford food,  toys,  and vet bills?

Do they have back-up care in case they are hospitalized?

The best breeds for seniors

Small or toy breeds are often preferable because they tend to be “lap dogs” and  love attention.  They are often quite comical and possess a wonderful sense of humor.

Smaller dogs are also easier for seniors to control on walks and to carry into the the vet when needed.

Top picks:

# 1- Pug


A Pug weighs in at around 14 – 20 pounds and stands 9 to 11 inches high..

The pug is low energy and has low exercise requirements, although they can be playful clowns, and they love to show off.

They are affectionate and loyal and like to be included in whatever the family is doing.

The Pug is a real lap dog and a wise choice for a senior.

# 2- Miniature Schnauzer


The Miniature Schnauzer is a great choice for seniors.  Weighing in at 12 to 16 pounds, they are 12 to 14 inches tall .

The Mini Schnauzer loves people and other dogs.  They are playful and inquisitive, and love to act silly.  Never a dull moment with these comics around!

They are well-mannered dogs – loving, gentle and kind.  They are very obedient and enjoy being in the middle of family activities.  A true companion

# 3 -Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie)


The  6 to 8 pound Yorkie stands about 8 inches high and is an alert and lively little scamp. Yorkies are affectionate and happy lapdogs. They need (and love) a daily brushing.   They can get exercise by chasing a ball or other toy in the house,  or with walks on leash. They are little dogs with a big attitude, with a big bark that will alert you to strangers.

#4- Cocker Spaniel


A Cocker Spaniel weighs around 24 to 28 pounds and stands 15 to 16 inches .

Cockers are playful, sensitive, and sweet.  They like to please their people and want to obey their family’s wishes.  This is a VERY social dog and needs to be part of the family.  They generally like other dogs and people .

#5- Chihuahua


The Chihuahua weighs 4 to 6 pounds and is 5 to 9 inches tall .

They are full of energy and like to get out and run with the kids but be careful, they are fragile.  Play in the house will suffice but an outdoor walk is even better.

Chihuahua’s are loyal and eager to please their family and are protective of their owner, making them  great little watchdogs as well.

Other good small breeds for the senior:

Boston Terrier
Bichon Frise
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
French Bulldog
Havanese
Lhasa Apso
Maltese
Miniature Poodle
Shih Tzu
West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

Just have to have a larger breed?


A good pick if one prefers a larger breed is the Golden Retriever a.k.a. “Everybody’s friend.”

They weigh 65 to 75 pounds, are 23 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders and live 10 to 13 years.

If you can walk several times a day ,  you can manage a Goldie.  Goldies are devoted, good natured,  and  obedient dogs.  They get along with other dogs, strangers and even other household pets!

Goldie’s are playful and love having fun. They are affectionate, loving , and good around children . They love to play fetch.

The only problem is, they are so nice, they don’t make a very good guard dog!

What is your top choice for a senior?

Please share!

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Training the puppy

Posted on September 30, 2010 by

Training a puppy can be like ordering a meal in a foreign country. You both speak a different language, causing a communication barrier.

Dogs learn differently than we do. We can’t just hand them a book, tell them to read it and that there will be a test in a few days.

You will need to create a language and teach it to your puppy.

There are some common terms that most people use when training:

  • Saying dogs name: meaning “Look at me”
  • Come: meaning “come to me”
  • Sit: meaning “sit on your bottom”
  • Lie down: meaning “lay down”

More common terminology can be found HERE

The first thing you will want to teach your puppy is to go to the bathroom outside.

Housebreaking tips

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The first thing you need to do is establish a potty area outside and bring your dog there several times a day:

  • When he awakens
  • After eating
  • After playing
  • When they are taking a nap or retiring for the night

Signs to watch for:

  • Sniffing
  • Walking in circles
  • Some dogs tails may “curl” when they need to defecate (poop)

The most important thing to remember patience. Your puppy is like a baby. Does a baby know how to use the toilet when they are first born? Of course not, and we don’t holler at them.

Puppies want to please us, so be kind and understanding  and you will have a friend for life!

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