29 Jul 10 Rain or Shine: 10 Ways to Engage Your Dog Indoors category: Pet Tips Comments Off Dogs need exercise, regardless of the weather. In snow or rain, they still need mental and physical stimulation. That said, there are certainly some days where the weather may be too hot, too cold, or the precipitation too blinding to exercise your dog as you might otherwise like. On these days, it’s helpful to have on hand a variety of ideas for ways you can provide your dog with boredom relief in the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ideas you may find helpful! 1. Food Dispensing Toys – Food dispensing toys are invaluable boredom busters. While rubber Kongs are classic toys and can be stuffed with a great variety of treats and tasties, in the last few years the food dispensing toy market has greatly expanded and there are lots of new and exciting products available. Nina Ottosson has a fantastic (but pricey) line of durable puzzle toys which are dishwasher safe and feature a number of difficulty levels. A less expensive (and slightly less durable) alternative is the newly available Aikiou toy. Other options include: Kong wobbler, Kibble Nibble, Busy Buddy toys, Orbee Treat Spot toys, Tug-a-Jugs, and Buster Cubes. 2. Kibble Hunt – If you place your dog’s kibble in a food bowl, chances are the bowl is empty within 15 seconds and the dog gazes up at you upon finishing as if to say, “is that it?” You can put that food to work for you by making your dog hunt for it with his nose. Instead of dumping the food in his bowl, consider crating him while you hide small piles of food in the house then release him to “kibble hunt.” Initially, make the piles very easy to find. As your dog gets better at this game, practice hiding the food in more difficult spots. 3. Tug and Fetch – Tug and fetch are classic dog games that do not require a lot of room. Hallways tend to be great for fetch games, and tug can be played virtually anywhere. 4. Shaping Games – Shaping provides great mental exercise for a dog and a good shaping session can often tire a dog more than a walk that is two or three times as long. Practicing shaping in lots of short sessions will help tire your dog’s brain out while relieving stress and boredom. Teaching your dog new behaviors is fantastic for her confidence and will make both of you happy! 5. Learning Games – British trainer Kay Laurence has a fantastic book available called “Learning Games.” This fantastic book is chock full of ideas for how to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated while improving his behavior. For more fun ideas from Kay, check out her youtube channel. 6. Have a Doggie Play Date! – If your dog has a favorite playmate or friend, consider scheduling a rainy day play date. Before your dog’s pal arrives, be sure to puppy proof and pick up all breakables and valuables. As you know, dog play can get quite rowdy! 7. Go on a Socialization Outing – If you are unable to take your dog for a walk, consider taking him for a ride and doing a “fun visit” at the vet’s office where he just goes to hang out and get some treats and scratches just for being a great dog. This will provide the added benefit of teaching him that vet visits can be a lot of fun! 8. Play Hide and Seek! – Hide and seek is a great way to exercise your dog’s mind and body and recall skills. Each family member should stock up on great treats. Family members will take turns hiding throughout the house, calling the dog to them, and rewarding her generously when she arrives. When her treats are finished, say “all done!” which is the cue for the next family member to call him. 9. Nosework – Canine nosework is a great new sport that can be done in your house. All you need to start are some boxes and some great treats! For more information on canine nosework, visit www.funnosework.com. 10. Need even more rainy day suggestions? This article from BadRap has lots of them! Now you have lots of ideas, and the next time it starts raining, you can start training! Source: http://www.dogster.com/articles/Rain-or-Shine-10-Ways-to-Engage-Your-Dog-Indoors-224 14 Jul 10 A Guide to Puppy Socialization category: Pet Tips no comments As you know, dogs socialize differently than we do. They rely heavily on their sense of smell and body language, as well as some vocalization. Socialization begins as early as a week old. Then, the puppy has to be kept from many other dogs while he’s getting his rounds of vaccines. Most puppies who have been socialized since birth will have a well-developed communication system in place. But while some are still in adolescence, especially the large breeds, you may see some awkwardness amongst friends and new introductions. A puppy who was well-socialized may suddenly show signs of fear, fear-aggression, aggression or extreme submission. Or, your puppy may just now be getting exposed to other dogs on walks, in daycare or at dog parks. The trick is to introduce your puppy to a few dogs slowly and then up the ante. If you have no choice but to stick an awkward puppy in a place crowded with other dogs, there are still a few things you can do. Small Groups 1. Play Dates – Find a friend who has a dog of a similar size to yours. At this point, asking a shy Yorkie to play with a Great Dane isn’t advisable. Make sure your friend’s pup is dog-friendly. It also helps if he is playful, calm and secure. Likely you’ll find your Yorkie ends up following him around and taking communication cues from him. 2. Walking – Dogs on leash are in a different place than dogs off leash. Be certain that you ask any other dog owner before you introduce your puppy to his. Scope out the other puppy’s demeanor – is he relaxed? Does the owner have control? Try to introduce them with a slight slack on the leash but with your hand forward on it so you can pull back if necessary. 3. Dog Parks – Find a time when the dog park is almost empty. Scan the dogs in the park before entering and note their size, their breed or mix, and how they’re interacting with each other. If any are showing signs of aggression, pass it up. Also pass it up if the owners aren’t watching their dogs. Keep a short lead, about a foot long, on your puppy so you can grab him easily if there is any trouble. Large Groups 1. Daycare – Make certain there is someone on hand watching the dogs at all times. There should be no more than ten dogs per person. If possible, talk to the person ahead of time so that you’ll feel secure with her credentials. Check for places that your puppy can get up onto or under, such as small tables or benches. This way, he has somewhere to escape to if the crowd gets too rough. 2. Boarding – It’s possible, of course, to board your puppy without any contact with other dogs but most kennels offer playtime during your absence. If you’re boarding more than one dog, ask that they be in different groups. It’s possible that together, one may become the protector and cause problems. Also ask that no more than five dogs be in the group, at least at the start. 3. Dog Parks – If you’re tired of going to the dog park at 6:00 am to avoid most of the dogs, prepare your pup a bit before hitting the noontime rush. Let your puppy stand and sniff for a while outside of the park and bring him in slowly. However, you’re better off letting him go once you get inside. Crowded dog parks can be chaotic so it’s especially important to know where your dog is all times. For added safety, follow him around. Aggression and the like can be controlled with proper training but never introduce your puppy to others if you are uncertain of what his reaction may be. Some breeds, such as the Pit Bull, can be dog aggressive and are usually best kept out of multi-dog situations. Learn about dog body language. Consider getting a concise book with pictures that you can carry with you so you can catch any problems immediately. Remember, it is not uncouth to correct another person’s dog as long as you do it gently, positively and efficiently. Tools such as a spray bottle or a citrus sprayer can be effective in multi-dog situations as are sound blowers. Even if the dogs are behaving well, you can use it to get an errant dog owner’s attention or cut off an annoying conversation. Source: Dogster.com, http://www.dogster.com/articles/A-Guide-to-Puppy-Socialization-206 5 Jul 10 Establishing Leadership with Your New Addition category: Pet Tips no comments Establishing Leadership with Your New Addition Here are some important points to remember in your role as pack leader for your new dog or puppy: Create a schedule that includes a daily 30- to 45-minute power-walk in the morning. This is critical for your dog’s health, both physical and mental. Set aside time every day to provide mental exercise by maintaining rules, boundaries, and limitations. When these needs are met, the affection you give to your dog will be channeled as a reward. Enlist your whole family in the process of bringing a new dog home. Discuss what their responsibilities will be before the puppy or dog arrives. Make sure you find a breed that fits your lifestyle. For example, more active breeds, like hunting and herding dogs, require more exercise to stay physically and mentally content. But remember, breed is not destiny. Assess the individual dog’s energy level before taking him or her home. Always walk out the door ahead of your dog when leaving the house. This will show your dog who is in the leadership role. On walks, make sure that your dog is not in front of you, pulling you down the street. Instead, keep your dog to your side or behind you. This will also demonstrate to your dog that you are the alpha figure. Give your dog something to do before you share food, water, toys, or affection. This way the dog earns his treat. For example, have him or her perform the Sit or Down command. Set aside a budget for unexpected circumstances, like medical bills and training classes. A healthy, well-trained dog makes a wonderful pet. A dog will adjust best if his new family learns these lessons before he arrives. Remember, dogs don’t crave a fancy treat or bed; they need you to become their stable pack leader to demonstrate love in a way they understand. From Cesar Milan, www.cesarmilan.com 29 Mar 09 Preparing for your Pet Sitter 101 for Dogs category: Pet Tips no comments Many clients ask what they can do to prepare their home and pet for a pet sitter. Here are a few things we recommend you do. Leave a list with your petsitter of important things to remember. Ex. What doors need to remain shut if the dog is aloud to roam free. Things that need to be kept out of reach like rugs, coasters, etc. Lights you’d like to keep on, favorite toys and snacks. Your home’s particular quirks like locks that may jam, gate codes that don’t always work etc. Anything that should not be chewed or played with should be put away and out of sight. You know your dog best and you know what they like to toy with when you are not around. Remember to take your petsitters information with you so you can call in case your travel plans get extended. Leave only a few toys out for your pup and put the rest away. Let your petsitter know where the rest of the toys are so that he/she may rotate the toys on visits so your dog does not get bored of the same toys. If you will be crating your dog make sure the crate is the appropriate size for your dog since he/she will be in there most of the day. The crate should be big enough for your dog to turn around, stretch, and get comfortable, but not so big that he looks lost inside. Also, leave 1 or 2 toys in there with them. If you have a puppy remove all bedding from the crate since puppies are not fully potty trained having the soft cushion promotes them going in their crate. Advise your petsitter of any quirks or habits your dogs may have. Dogs like to keep to a routine so work with your petsitter to set up a schedule that is tailored to your pooch. More tips coming soon including “Preparing for your Pet Sitter 101 for Cats”.   Next Entries »