The Pet Consultants

ARE DOG PARKS SAFE?

Barbara — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 22:04:51 +0000

For dogs that enjoy the company of other dogs, dog parks can be a great way to socialize and get exercise. I would recommend you go with your dog when the park is not overly crowded. Make sure your dog is having a good time. Any time you feel that your dog is acting scared, being bullied by another dog, is hiding behind your legs, or you see aggression, please leave. The dog park is not the place to socialize your dog if your dog is tentative or uncomfortable with other dogs. It can be too overwhelming Not every dog does well in a dog park. Other ways to get exercise is on walks, hikes, running with your dog, or acquiring a few doggie friends that your dog knows and enjoys.

Crate Training Tips

Barbara — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 21:32:32 +0000

One of the best ways to housebreak your dog is to use a crate.

For most dogs a den is a safe and secure place.
Most dogs will not soil where they stay.
The crate is used as a den to teach your dog bladder and bowel control.
The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lay back down comfortably.
If the crate is too big for your puppy, put a cardboard box in the crate to decrease the available space.
Place the crate next to your bed-your dog will feel more secure and you can hear him cry if he needs to go out.
Feed and water your puppy a few hours before bedtime, but allow nothing to eat or drink after that time.
Before you go to bed, take your dog outside to relieve himself.
Hopefully your puppy will sleep longer with an empty bladder and bowel.
Never use the crate for discipline or punishment, for you want the crate to be your dog’s safe, comfortable haven.

Seven Top Keys to Training Success

Barbara — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 22:38:30 +0000

Be Consistent
Practice Often
Give lots of praise
Make it fun for you and your dog
Be clear and concise in your direction
Be realistic in your expectations
Dogs are social creatures. They want to be with you-their pack

Dog to Dog Communication

Barbara — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 22:04:47 +0000

Learning to read your dog’s non-verbal language is important. Dogs communicate very well with each other through body postures and movements. This language is easy for people to understand when they learn what certain body gestures mean.

Dog to Dog Interactions-Plan for Success

Ask if the pother dog is friendly and likes dogs and people. If yes, then ask if you can greet the dog.
If dogs are on a leash, make sure that the leashes don’t get tangled-that’s how dog fights start.
If dogs are interacting on a leash and you are talking with the owner, keep one eye on the dogs-make sure everyone is having a good time.
Make sure each dogs stays comfortable with the interaction. If either dog acts aggressive, plays too rough, acts stiff, seems tired or over-stimulated, acts afraid,tries to back away, stop the play.
Your are your dog’s best advocate-protect and keep your dog safe.

Dogs and Kids

Barbara — Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:14:11 +0000

Dogs are more likely to see children as equal to them in the family pack. Many dogs may look at children as other dogs or siblings. They love them but often do not respect them. As a result, dogs are less apt to listen to children; they may mouth or nip more, or ge more challenging. Here are some guidelines to help assure a safe environment for both your child and your dog.

Dogs and children should always be actively supervised by a responsible adult.
If your child has friends coming over, either supervise the interaction of the dog and the digs, or separate the dog in another area.

Hot Weather

Barbara — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:35:05 +0000

We all like to take our dog with us to do errands, but when it warms up, your car heats up very quickly-even with the windows open and in the shade. Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They get rid of excess heat through panting and from the bottom of their pads. They have fur and a body temperature of 101-102.5 degrees. Leaving your dog in the car for just a few minutes is too long. Dogs can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees for only a short period of time before irreparable brain damage or death. Please seek immediate vet care if your dog becomes overheated.

Tying Dogs Out

Barbara — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:56:06 +0000

You are going to Starbucks and you’re taking your dog along for a nice walk. Its a beautiful day so you tie your dog up outside and go in to order your coffee. Five minutes later you come out and your dog is gone. It’s happened–people steal dogs. When dogs are tied up, they can get scared, jump up on people, and bark aggressively at passerby’s when you are not there to protect and control them.

As an example, a client of mine took her 8 month old dog to Starbucks. She tied him to a table and went inside keeping a constant eye on him. In an instant something spooked him and he took off, bouncing table behind him, headed for a busy street. In her good fortune a Good Samaritan caught the table before the table and dog disappeared into traffic. It took her a full year to recondition the dog to walk past a Starbucks sign without pulling away into the road. Needless to say she doesn’t tie him any more to any thing.