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Self-Control Games for Your Dog
Teaching your dog the right way
Self-control is part of growing up and your dog needs to learn, from an early age, that he can’t always have what he wants when he wants it. It will teach your dog patience and not just play. He will be a calmer and much more content dog, and so will you! Here are some excellent tips and exercises that are a must to teach your dog self-control.
Have rules for games
It is very important to have rules for games. It is perfectly fine to play tug with your dog, as long as he is willing to
give up the toy when you say “give” or whatever word you choose to use. If this is not the case, then you need to teach your dog to give on command, before you use a reward (such as giving him the tug).
Reward your dog
It is important to always reward your dog with whatever he sees as a reward. For some dogs this will be treats, others enjoy a chase for their ball, and some may just be happy with a little fuss. Try different things with your dog and decide what he likes best. Remember, the harder the exercise, the higher the reward you will need to offer. For example, letting him sit next to you, a happy “good boy!” and a caress will do, but for a sit at a 20 foot distance, perhaps a small bit of sausage will make it more worth his while in concentrating on getting it right. Remember, the more we ask of the dog, the more he has to concentrate and the harder it will be for him – always make it worth his while, make it successful for him and progress in little steps.
Teach through games
Teaching your dog through games is the best way for him to learn and it will form a strong bond between you. So, when practising these exercises, always make it fun for you and your dog. Give him the command and seem genuinely happy when he gets it right – just imagine how it feels when you crack a difficult problem and how wonderful it felt when others congratulated and acknowledged you!
Exercises you can try with your dog
Here are some great exercises that are a must to teach your dog self-control:
Walking on a loose lead
Your dog needs to learn that you dictate where and at what pace you explore the world. You certainly do not want him dragging you around on a walk – that’s a sure way to spoil a walk! Rather grab some nice treats and when your dog is walking by your side, mark it by saying something like “yes!” (or use a clicker), then give him a treat. If he gets ahead of you, stop and wait for him to look at you – do not entice him, just wait silently. He will eventually look at you – hurray! Mark it with a “yes” and give him the treat. Repeat. You can also turn the other way when he gets ahead of you. He will catch up with you and when he’s by your side, reward him. Slowly increase the number of steps you take before you reward him. Make sure you do not put the treat by his nose, but rather hold the treat (or ball) in your hand close to your chest, quite high up, so that he does not jump up to get it. As you get better at it, you will be wanting to hide the treat in your pocket or in a treat bag. When you decided to reward him, mark it with a “yes!” and then either give him the treat or throw the ball for him.
The trick with lead training is to be 100% consistent. That way, your dog will learn that he needs to stay close to you when his lead goes on his collar. If you do not have time to train him, then use a harness or a head collar to get you where you need to go without him pulling you. However, a great idea is to use your walk as a training session and only get to your destination with a nice, calm and controlled dog. How far you get doesn’t matter as much as how you get there. Your dog will soon learn that he gets there faster if he sticks near you. If your dog is walking calmly on a loose lead, he is going to be less likely to over-react to exciting things or other dogs on a walk. He will realise you are in control of the situation and he will feel safe and happy.
Give and Take
This is pretty much one of the most important things you can teach your dog, mainly because it will help avoid any possession issues, which can escalate to aggression, and secondly that you will be able to get hold of anything dangerous that he may get hold off without any conflict. Thankfully, this is one of the easiest exercises you can do. All you have to do is to simply exchange what your dog has in his mouth with something he wants more. So, start with a boring a toy, say “give/thank you” or whatever word you choose, and then swap it for a titbit. Really praise him, and let him have his toy back. Repeat, over and over again, until you see your dog being really happy about swapping the toy. Once this happens, do the same, but don’t let him see that you have a titbit; put the titbit in your pocket, let the dog come and give you his toy, praise him and then give him the titbit. It’s important that there comes a point in training where the dog cannot see the titbit, otherwise they will only exchange it only if they see a titbit. This applies to all training.
Once you’ve mastered this with one toy, move unto a toy the dog likes more. Master the exercise with that toy, then move unto another one. Practice with anything you can think of and always keep a happy tone, so that the dog doesn’t think he’s going to lose his toy – it’s just a swap. He will soon learn that it’s better to give something up than to keep it. Needless to say, if your dog gets hold of your most expensive shoes, do not tense or shout at him, that will just make him nervous and want to keep hold of it. Call him to you in a calm and happy tone, and then do a swap. This is much better and faster than challenging the dog and putting yourself in danger of getting bitten. You should never challenge your dog in an aggressive manner, it’s a guaranteed way to make the problem worse!
Tug
Dogs love to play tuggy! It’s what they do with their playmates, and sometimes it can be used to test the other playmates strength or to establish their authority. So, it is important that before you use tuggy as a game or a reward for doing well, that the dog has learnt to give things up. To achieve this, do exactly the same as the ‘give/take’ exercise, but tug the toy a little bit, stop tugging and keep your hand still (do not pull) and happily say “give”. At first you will need to use high-reward treats and you may even need to put it in front of the dog’s nose. Repeat 4 to 5 times, then stop the game, give your dog a titbit and put the toy away. Keep practising tugging a little bit more each time, but remember to not get your dog too hyped up at first, until he is giving up his toy as soon as you say “give” in a happy manner. As with all training, set it up so that your dog always succeeds.
Wait
This is another exercise that’s extremely important to teach your dog. Especially if your dog travels in your car. We have all heard so many stories of dogs launching themselves out of the car and being run over. If the dog knows that he is not to move until you say so, then you will be able to clip the lead on, have a look around to ensure it’s safe and then ask your dog to come out. This exercise is also one of the most important in teaching your dog self-control.
There are 2 parts to this exercise, one is duration and the other is distance. You will need to work on each of these parts independently, until each part is mastered. At first, ask your dog to sit, then say “wait/stay” or whatever word you want to use in a soft, calm manner. After just 1 second, give him a titbit. Repeat this over and over again slowly increasing the time the dog has to wait to get his titbit. Ensure he stays sat down. Also, don’t always increase the time. Make it a fun exercise, so that the dog doesn’t realise how long he has to wait to get the titbit – sometimes 2 seconds, sometimes 5, sometimes 10. Once you see your dog totally relaxed during this exercise (some dogs will actually lay down or shift their hip down), then you can move onto distance. Now, you will just move one step back and immediately come back and give your dog a treat, do not wait, walk back to your dog immediately. Then take 2 steps and move back to give him a titbit. Slowly increase the distance you move away, but always come back to reward your dog. Again, make it unpredictable – sometimes move 5 feet, then 1, then 10 feet, etc. Once your dog looks totally relaxed at this stage, you can incorporate both parts and move away a short distance, wait 1 to 2 seconds and then move back to reward him. Again, make it unpredictable and variable. You can increase difficulty by changing where you practice this exercise. Remember, if you move into a new environment, you will need to start from the beginning and progress slowly.
You will notice that you will progress faster each time. Just because your dog can stay in your kitchen, does not mean he will be able to stay in your back garden. There are more distractions and it will be difficult for your dog to concentrate on the job at hand. Always make it successful and enjoyable for your dog and start from scratch in each new place. Slowly add distractions and you will soon get a dog that will stay in any environment. Practice getting your dog to wait in doorways, in the car, while you prepare his dinner, before and after putting his lead on, etc. In fact, the more situations you can practice this in, the more experienced and relaxed your dog will become.
Waiting to get his food/treats
This is another great exercise to teach your dog self-control. Once you have taught your dog to ‘wait’, you can also ask your dog to sit and stay before getting his food or treat. Place his dog bowl far from him, go back to him and reward him for staying and then release him to get his food. Do the same with treats, but place them far away and ensure you can get hold of your dog or the treat if he decides to break his stay. You do not want your dog to learn that he can get hold of the treat quicker than you! Slowly move the treat nearer to him, say “leave” calmly, ensuring you can cover the treat if need be. Always reward your dog for staying, either with another treat or the same treat you put down. If it’s the same treat as you’ve placed down, you need to take it yourself and put it in his mouth. He is not to break his stay and get it himself, as the point of the exercise is not to get the treat himself. You will be able to slowly move it closer and closer, until you can place it in your dog’s paw, say “leave” and then give it to him after one second or so. This is a real winner for kids – they love to show this trick off! You can also try this on his nose, but remember to master the easy ‘leaves’ before you ask such a difficult thing from him.
Dogs are impulsive creatures, but that doesn’t mean you cannot teach them some self-control. Try these exercises with your dog – it’s a great way to improve your pet’s general behavior. Start slow, always offer a treat, and don’t forget to have fun!
Keeping your dog safe this Christmas
Pet safety tips for the Christmas holidays
Just as the firework season is a dangerous period for your dog, the Christmas holidays also bring a range of new challenges for your pet. According to veterinarians, Christmas is one of the most risky times of the year for pets. You want to enjoy the holiday season with your dog without any dramas or expensive vet bills, so here are a few tips to help keep your pet safe this Christmas.
Christmas often means deliveries, visitors, time away and generally rushing about trying to get things sorted. This can be quite upsetting for your dog, so it is important that you try to keep to your dog’s routine as much as possible. Try to walk and feed him at his usual times, keep up with his obedience training and teach him to relax on his own in an allocated space. It is also a good idea to have somewhere safe for him to go to if he wants to rest. It is at these times that your dog crate will be invaluable as his safe haven.
Visitors and your dog over Christmas
Before visitors arrive, it is a good idea to take your dog on a long walk to tire him out. Then let him rest in his crate, perhaps with a stuffed Kong to keep him occupied and settled. If you don’t have a crate, then perhaps putting him in a safe room behind a dog gate will ensure that he is not bothered, especially if there are children about. Remember, no matter how friendly your dog is or how old the child is, children and dogs should always be supervised together. By all means, have your dog involved in the festivities, but if you cannot supervise your dog, then ensure that he is kept relaxed and safe in his own area where nobody can bother him or feed him.
Dog-proof your decorations
Other things to watch out for are your Christmas decorations. The most obvious one being the Christmas tree. Pine needles are sharp and they can get stuck in your dog’s pads or in his throat if he decides to eat it. Many dog owners opt for an artificial Christmas tree for this reason. Also, make sure that your dog cannot get to the tree’s water, as pine sap is toxic to your dog. A good idea is to put a barrier around your Christmas tree so that your dog cannot get to it, knock the tree over, drink the water or get hold of the tinsel and decorations, especially if they are breakable (glass) or small enough to swallow! A good idea is to use a playpen around your Christmas tree, but ensure you unplug your Christmas lights when you go out. You can also spray the cables with bitter apple, Tabasco sauce or put them inside a PVC pipe, to deter your dog from chewing the cables.
Decorations can fall and break causing a lot of damage to your dog, so opt for unbreakable ones and big enough so that your dog cannot swallow them. Some people choose to decorate the top and middle of the tree and leave the bottom part without decorations so that the dog cannot get to it. Dogs have a very keen sense of smell, so never hang anything edible, especially chocolate, in your tree, as this will entice your dog to jump up to get it. Try to also keep all toys away from your dog, as he can choke on it. Clear up after you have unwrapped your gifts to ensure your dog cannot get to any wrapping paper, ribbons or toys.
Toxic treats over Christmas
Keep all chocolate well away from dogs at this time of year (i.e. not hanging it in the tree, leaving it under the tree or in Christmas stockings), as your dog may suffer from theobromine poisoning if he eats it. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea and increased urination and seizures. Symptoms can start within 6 to 12 hours of your dog eating chocolate. Different chocolates contain different amounts of theobromine, with dark or cooking chocolate being the most toxic. Half of a 1/2 lb block of dark chocolate contains enough theobromine to be dangerous to a 20 lb dog.
Another thing to keep away from your dog is Christmas cake, as raisins and sultanas can be toxic to your dog. Some dogs can eat it and be completely fine, but some can become very ill when eating it. Also, try not to give your dog left-overs as it may upset his stomach, and definitely do not give him any cooked bones as these will splinter and puncture his digestive system.
Other things to watch out for is anti-freeze which can cause irreversible liver failure. We also tend to decorate our homes with plants which are poisonous to dogs, including holly, mistletoe, ivy, lilies, poinsettias and many more, so keep your dog out of the way of these. Also, ensure he cannot knock candles you put out and that he cannot knock anything into the fireplace.
Create a safe place for your dog
Having your dog in a safe place will ensure that he is not fed any unwanted food, given alcohol, teased or being forced to interact in a manner he is not used to. He will also not be in the way when you are rushing around getting things sorted, get stepped on or have things dropped on him with all the hustle and bustle. Also, he may get frightened by poppers, balloons, champagne bottles and other loud noises, which may cause him to run off in a fright. In fact, you will be able to relax more knowing he is safe in his own rest area.
Be aware that it can get very cold at this time of year and you may need to invest in a coat (ideally high-visibility for those dark nights) or boots for your dog, to ensure he is warm and comfortable. If your dog stays outside, make sure he has plenty of protection from rain, snow and wind and that his water bowl is not frozen.
Lastly, be prepared so that if anything happens, you have covered all avenues. Find out what your veterinarian’s opening times are, as well as their emergency number. Ideally, have your dog microchipped and make sure he wears a tag with your details on it in case he gets frightened and runs away or gets lost. It is a good idea to put your mobile number on it, so you can be contacted when someone finds him. If you do not want any of your details on his tag, then you can register your dog with your local council and they will give you a tag with a unique ID number and a telephone number so that the council can contact you directly. You may also want to insure your pet, in case he needs emergency veterinary care.
Most pet-related Christmas dangers are easy to avoid, so be prepared and just have fun with your best friend!
Troubling pet poisonings
A steep increase in UK pet poisonings: Troubling toxins
Many dog and cat owners in the UK are unaware that pet poisonings have risen a shocking 73% over the past five years according to a recent article published on the Express website. Some of these conditions and deaths are intentional and others are accidental.
The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has been examining this suspicious rise of poisonous threats to our pets and their findings are frightening. Even though the RSPCA is based in Australia, they reported on a disturbing case from Pontypridd, South Wales, a few years ago where there was a suspicious trail of meats found littered on a busy street that were laced with deadly poisonous pills.
Unintentional incidents
Although it’s horrific to imagine someone is intentionally poisoning our pets, sadly it still occurs and the culprit of this particular crime was never caught. What may be even worse, incidences included in this statistic about an
alarming increase of animals ingesting toxic substances are often accidental. Many of these dangerous digestive dilemmas are commonly found inside our flats, gardens, out buildings and other sources in, around or near our home.
For example, across the pond, the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) recently published their “Top Ten Pet Toxins of 2016,” with some surprising entries. None of us should be amazed to see items like chocolate, certain types of “people food,” and finally, OTC (over the counter) medications being put as number one on this roster. But others may come as a surprise and we should take notice.
Protecting our pets
Some other obvious toxins include things like fertiliser and insecticides that we keep tightly contained and out of reach for safety’s sake. But what about common plants found both inside and outside of our dwellings?
There’s a long list of these potentially poisonous growths, even those found delivered from our local florist that can be dangerous or even deadly for pets (and even children). Again, while some are obvious like Nightshade for example, others seem less than harmful such as English Ivy or Laurel. While we’re keeping ordinary poisonous substances locked away, we should also be protecting our animals from exposure to many suspicious types of greenery.
Troubling transference
While we’re at it and keeping insecticides carefully tucked away from exposure to our animals, sometimes we overlook a troubling transference problem. Think of it this way, if we, which includes our neighbours and official agencies, are using insecticides to rid ourselves of unwanted pests, these troublesome critters are still ingesting poisons and could be posing a significant problem to our pets.
Whether these toxins are being accidentally discovered by our pets or they’re meant for other animals, before or after the targeted critters have died from ingesting them, this type of transference from casual contact is still problematic. Some of these rodents have built up a tolerance to these toxins and if there was a “cat-and-mouse” scenario occurring, an innocent feline could accidentally ingest enough poison to cripple or kill them.
Taking protective measures
While always doing what’s best to protect our pets, sometimes we need to be extra vigilant and look for unusual ways they come into harm’s way. Just a little bit of extra awareness can go a long way when it comes to keeping our animals safe.
Written by Amber Kingsley
Travel junkie, Amber Kingsley, is a freelance writer living in Santa Monica, CA. Her art history background helps her hone in on topics that are of interest to readers. She is a dog enthusiast and loves spending time with her pomeranian, Agatha.
New puppy owners: What you need to know
Tips for getting a puppy
If you’re either about to get a puppy or have recently added one of these four-legged creatures to your family, you know that pet ownership is about more than just going for walks and playing in the backyard. Indeed, there is a dizzying array of things that new puppy owners should consider.
While puppies are cute and cuddly, they require a lot of care, so it makes sense for you to know what it entails. What follows is a look at everything you need to know as a new puppy owner.
Make Your Home Pet-Friendly
It’s critical that you ensure that your home is safe for your new puppy. You can begin by getting rid of or relocating any plants or flowers that, if eaten, might prove harmful to your puppy. You should also obtain electrical cord protectors and remove things that a puppy might turn into a chew
toy. As well, be sure to buy your puppy toys so that it uses those toys as opposed to your slippers or shoes.
Visit the vet
After your puppy settles in, you need to set up a veterinarian appointment. Your puppy’s vet will conduct tests and find out if there are any potential or existing problems that need to be monitored or acted upon. Vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and heart worm prevention efforts are just a few of the things you need to discuss with your puppy’s vet. Taking these proactive measures can pave the way towards a long, healthy life for your dog..
Socialise your pup
The earlier you begin socialising your puppy, the better. Ideally, you should begin this process as early as the three-week to the 12-week mark. If you do this, you’ll find that your puppy will grow to interact properly with people and animals alike. Taking your puppy to the pet store will provide a good socialisation opportunity since such places typically allow people to bring their pets.
Get some exercise
Don’t forget that your new puppy needs exercise. Sure, it won’t require as much as an adult dog, but it will still benefit from daily walks and playtime. The length of time will depend on the size of your dog and its breed, so it’s best to research various types of dogs so that you can get a ballpark figure for the appropriate amount of daily exercise they may require.
Housebreak your puppy
Housebreaking your puppy won’t be a simple process. You’ll reduce the odds of your puppy having an accident in the home, however, by taking it outside every couple of hours for as much as half a dozen times daily. And be sure that some of those bathroom breaks take place shortly after mealtime. If you’re observant, you’ll not only notice when your dog wants to go out, but also figure out the times of day that it is likely to want to do so. In the event that you
have to be out for work or errands, you need to crate train your pet or restrict it in a specific location.
Train from an early age
It’s very important to train your dog. It should learn its name and some commands, for instance, and you should reward your puppy with a treat when it responds appropriately to instructions. The key is to be consistent and patient so that your puppy comes to know what is expected of it. Remember not to encourage the sort of behaviour as a puppy – like enthusiastically greeting people by jumping on them – that you won’t appreciate when it is older and, presumably, heavier.
Get the right food
Your puppy’s dietary needs will be different than if it were a grown dog. During your vet visit, be sure to ask about how often and how much you should feed your new pet. This will ensure that your four-legged family member gets the nutrients it needs to grow up healthy.
Yes, getting a new puppy is an enormous undertaking, and there are a lot of things to mull over. If you take the recommendations above to heart, however, you’ll be well on your way to successfully introducing a new puppy into your home. Good luck!
Written by Amber Kingsley
Travel junkie, Amber Kingsley, is a freelance writer living in Santa Monica, CA. Her art history background helps her hone in on topics that are of interest to readers. She is a dog enthusiast and loves spending time with her pomeranian, Agatha.
Fun Summer For Dogs Health And Safety Tips
Summer for Dogs: Health and Safety Tips
Summer is a fun time for pet dogs. They get to go on summer trips along with their owners, swim in the pool or pond, play along with other canine pals at the park, and even have the opportunity to meet their love interests within their neighbourhood. But just as summer is a fun time, this too can have its hazards for your beloved four-legged bud. To ensure that your pet will have the best time of his life this summer, check out these simple safety tips for keeping pet dog healthy.
Common Problems and Corresponding Solutions
- Dehydration. Along with the hot climate will have the likelihood of your pet suffering from dehydration. The best way to beat this problem is by providing your dog with fresh clean water. Make this accessible by having their water bowls always filled with it. Instead of dry pet foods, you can also serve foods that have ample moisture in it such as broth or yogurt cubes. Make sure you provide water in your dog crate (or puppy crate) with a crate water bowl and that there is enough water for all your dogs, if you have a multi-dog household.
- Allergy. When seasons change, this is commonly tied to seasonal allergy in pets. During summer, the culprits may be in the form of molds, flowers, and fleas. If your pet has a history of suffering from allergy or has developed one, keep it safe by restricting contact from what triggers it. For pets that may have contracted it, your vet will be able to prescribe recommended antihistamines for treatment. If your dog has grass allergies, then dog boots(or dog socks) may be able to help your dog.
- Road safety. If you are one of those who can’t spend their summer vacation without tagging along their pets, you must at least try to keep it safe on the road. Don’t leave it alone in the car on its own. The summer heat will literally turn your car into a hot oven without the aid of air-conditioning. Furthermore, get a dog leash to keep it from biting anyone just in case your dog gets restless in the presence of strangers. Having a car temperature monitor may help on those occasions where you are competing with your dog and is being supervised constantly. There are also window vents and door vents you can use to help keep the car cool. A car crate fan may also provide some cool air for your dog.
- Poisoning. Having plants at home is great not just for home improvement but for your health too as it provides needed oxygen. However, there are some plants that are considered toxic to dogs and some of these may be lurking in your yard. Remove these soon, or if you plan to keep these, make sure that your dog will in no way be able to chew on them. Examples of plants dangerous to canine pets are daffodils, oleanders and hyacinths. Here is a list of poisonous plants for dogs from the Kennel Club.
- Sunburn. Most dogs have coats that help protect them from the heat of the sun and from the cold in the winter months. But the sun’s rays today are nastier than ever, no thanks to the ozone layer now rapidly deteriorating. To keep dog from getting sunburned when the two of you are doing training activities out in the yard or at the park when it’s hot, apply some sunscreen lotion specially formulated for dogs.
- Heat Stroke. When your dog’s body temperature tips way above the normal scale, this can end up in heat stroke. This usually happens when they exercise under the heat of the sun or are left in very hot environments. To prevent heat stroke in pet dogs, provide a shaded or cool space for them to stay when the weather is hot. Do not use a dog muzzle during summer since these can impede in your pet’s ability to cool itself down through panting. On very hot days a cooling dog coat will help keep your dog’s body temperature down and if you are using a dog crate (or puppy crate) then a crate sun cover will help keep it cool too.
- Leptospirosis. This disease is common during wet months but can also be prevalent during the summer months in areas that have access to stagnant water. And since dogs are very curious animals who love to wander about, being bitten or having indirect with an infected animal, or ingestion of contaminated water, will make your pet dog suffer from it. If your dog shows symptoms of anorexia, joint and muscle tenderness, frequent water intake, vomiting and fever, get medical help right away since these are signs of leptospirosis. Here is a list of diseases in dogs and some of their symptoms.
- Burned pads. Some dogs make walking on pavements look like there’s really nothing to it. But they are actually not. Your dog’s foot pads have nerves in it and they will be able to feel the heat coming from a cemented walk. Feel the pavement with your fingertips. If it makes you cringe with pain, then don’t let your dog walk on it. If you have to , then dog shoes (dog boots) will help protect your dog’s paws.
- Getting lost. Many dogs end up in shelters and one of the reasons is not because of abuse, but simply because they got lost. Keep your dogs within the confines of your fence. If you go out on a walk, use a dog lead. Better yet, invest in microchips for identification purposes. It is also a good idea to put your mobile phone number in your dog’s tag, so that if he gets lost during a walk, you will be able to get the phone call whilst you are out looking for him.
- Swimming safety. And of course, summers are never complete without being able to dive in a pool or at the beach. Dogs are popular for their swimming prowess. But this does not mean they’re invincible. Let them wear lifejackets just the same for added protection in case some nasty tide tips them over.
What About Other Pets?
For those who own other types of pets such as poultry, cats, or rabbits, you too should exercise some precautionary measures to keep your pets safe this summer. For example, backyard chicken pets are sensitive not just to the cold, but also of the summer heat. They must be provided with well-insulated chicken coops that are well ventilated to keep them from feeling hot. Furthermore, summer is also the time where predators are on the hunt for their foods. Your eggs and chickens will be considered the best meal to calm their hungry stomachs. This can be prevented by having well-built chicken coops that offer added security features. And unlike pet cats or dogs, you can’t take all of your backyard chicken with you on a beach vacation. You will need to hire a caretaker to feed or secure them in coops in the evening.
Final Thoughts
During the summer, you have the right to enjoy this any way you want to. Visit a beach, fly to an exotic place, or go camping with your friends. But before you do, secure the safety of your pet too. Their summer fun also depends on the arrangements you make.
Stop your dog pulling on the lead
Nothing takes more fun out of walking your dog than being dragged every inch of the way and having a sore arm to show for it.
So why do they pull us from pillar to post? Well, they pull because they want to move forwards to see what is interesting ahead. Ok, so nothing to insightful there, but guess what, the very fact that we move forward when they pull, fully reinforces to the dog the value of pulling. So, whose fault is it that they learn to pull on the lead – you guessed it.
In the past, many people turned to choke chains as a means to discourage lead pulling. Apart from the obvious discomfort to dogs, methods such as this have been superseded with more positive and reward base techniques.
What are the first steps?
Buying a head collar is the single most useful step to start addressing this problem. Head collars allow you to control your dogs head movement and wherever their head goes, the body will follow. They work much in the same way as halters do for horses. Halti and Gentle Leader and the most popular versions, although others are available (see our article How to use Halti and gentle leader head collars)
Unless you have a very small dog, it is worth purchasing a training lead. Some of these (e.g. the Halti Training Lead) allow you to fasten the lead around your waist or over one shoulder. This allows your body to take the strain of the pulling, rather than your arm.
Then What?
Now you have taken the strain out of walking, its time to start the training. There is only one way to avoid reinforcing pulling on the lead and that is of course …… not moving forward when they do. So when do you move forwards? Only when you have the attention of your dog and the lead is slack.
If your dog is trying to pull and getting nowhere, it will soon stop and look back at you to see why you have stopped. The action of looking back will slacken the lead and the minute your dog catches your eye, say GOOD DOG and start walking forward again. The second the lead goes tight, stop and repeat the process.
I know from practice, this takes perseverance, but it is worth it in the long run. Once your dog successfully walks without pulling on the lead, you can then start working on the heel command to teach your dog to walk along side of you.
Have a fun summer with your dog
Summer health and safety tips for your dog
Summer is a fun time for dogs. They get to go on summer trips along with their owners, swim in the pool, play along with other canine pals at the park, and even have the opportunity to meet their love interests within their neighbourhood. But just as summer is a fun time, this too can have its 
hazards for your beloved four-legged bud. To ensure that your pet will have the best time of his life this summer, check out these simple safety tips for keeping pet dog healthy:
Common Problems and Corresponding Solutions
Dehydration
The hot climate can cause your pet to suffer from dehydration. The best way to beat this problem is by providing your dog with fresh clean water. Make this accessible by having their water bowls always filled. Instead of dry pet foods, you can also serve foods that have ample moisture in it, such as broth or yogurt cubes. Make sure you provide water in your dog’s crate with a crate water bowl and that there is enough water for all your dogs, if you have a multi-dog household.
Allergies
When seasons change, this is commonly tied to seasonal allergy in pets. During summer, the culprits may be in the form of molds, flowers, and fleas. If your pet has a history of suffering from allergy or has developed one, keep it safe by restricting contact from what triggers it. For pets that may have contracted it, your vet will be able to prescribe recommended antihistamines for treatment. If your dog has grass allergies, then dog boots (or dog socks) may be able to help your dog.
Road safety
If you are one of those who can’t spend a summer vacation without tagging along the pets, you must at least try to keep it safe on the road. Don’t leave it alone in the car on its own. The summer heat will literally turn your car into a hot oven without the aid or air-conditioning. Furthermore, get a dog leash to keep it from biting anyone just in case your dog gets restless in the presence of strangers. Having a car temperature monitor may help on those occasions where you are competing with your dog and is being supervised constantly. There are also window vents and door vents you can use to help keep the car cool. A car crate fan may also provide some cool air for your dog.
Poisoning
Having plants at home is great not just for home improvement but for your health too as it provides needed oxygen. However, there are some plants that are considered toxic to dogs and some of these may be lurking in your yard. Remove these soon, or if you plan to keep these, make sure that your dog will in no way be able to chew on them. Examples of plants dangerous to canine pets are daffodils, oleanders and hyacinths.
Sunburn
Most dogs have coats that help protect them from the heat of the sun and from the cold in the winter months. But the sun’s rays today are harsher than ever, no thanks to the ozone layer now rapidly deteriorating. To keep your dog from getting sunburned when the two of you are doing training activities out in the yard or at the park when it’s hot, apply some sunscreen lotion specially formulated for dogs.
Heat Stroke
When your dog’s body temperature tips way above the normal scale, this can end up in heat stroke. This usually happens when they exercise under the heat of the sun or are left in very hot environments. To prevent heat stroke in pet dogs, provide a shaded or cool space for them to stay when the weather is hot. Do not use a dog muzzle during summer since these can impede in your pet’s ability to cool itself down through panting. On very hot days, a cooling dog coat will help keep your dog’s body temperature down and if you are using a dog crate (or puppy crate) then a crate sun cover will help keep it cool too.
Leptospirosis
This disease is common during wet months but can also be prevalent during the summer months in areas that have access to stagnant water. And since dogs are very curious animals who love to wander about, being bitten or having indirect with an infected animal, or ingestion of contaminated water, will make your pet dog suffer from it. If your dog shows symptoms of anorexia, joint and muscle tenderness, frequent water intake, vomiting and fever, get medical help right away since these are signs of leptospirosis.
Burned pads
Some dogs make walking on pavements look like there’s really nothing to it. But they are actually not. Your dog’s foot pads have nerves in it and they will be able to feel the heat coming from a cemented walk. Feel the pavement with your fingertips. If it makes you cringe with pain, then don’t let your dog walk on it. If you have to, then dog shoes (dog boots) will help protect your dog’s paws.
Getting lost
Many dogs end up in shelters and one of the reasons is not because of abuse, but simply because they got lost. Keep your dogs within the confines of your fence. If you go out on a walk, use a dog lead. Better yet, invest in microchips for identification purposes. It is also a good idea to put your mobile phone number in your dog’s tag, so that if he gets lost during a walk, you will be able to get the phone call while you are out looking for him.
Swimming safety
And of course, summers are never complete without being able to dive in a pool or at the beach. Dogs are popular for their swimming prowess. But this does not mean they’re invincible. Let them wear life jackets just the same for added protection in case some nasty tide tips them over.
What about other pets?
For those who own other types of pets such as poultry, cats, or rabbits, you too should exercise some precautionary measures to keep your pets safe this summer. For example, backyard chicken pets are sensitive not just to the cold, but also of the summer heat. They must be provided with well-insulated chicken coops that are well ventilated to keep them from feeling hot. Furthermore, summer is also the time where predators are on the hunt for their foods. Your eggs and chickens will be considered the best meal to calm their hungry stomachs. This can be prevented by having well-built chicken coops that offer added security features. And unlike pet cats or dogs, you can’t take all of your backyard chicken with you on a beach vacation. You will need to hire a caretaker to feed or secure them in coops in the evening.
During the summer, you have the right to enjoy this any way you want to. Visit a beach, fly to an exotic place, or go camping with your friends. But before you do, secure the safety of your pets too. Their summer fun also depends on the arrangements you make.
How to use a Kong toy with your dog
All about Kong dog toys
Kong dog toys are widely used and recommended for therapy and prevention of under stimulation, boredom, separation anxiety and other behaviour problems. Following are some simple ways Kongs can be utilised to promote good behaviour in your dog.
The Kong toy is designed to be filled with your dogs favourite treats and food
It is important for dogs to succeed at their “work”. To start with, make it easy to remove the Kong stuffing. As they become more experienced, you can start to make it more challenging by:
- Packing stuffing tighter.
- Wedging biscuits inside the cavity using the inside rim of the opening to secure them.
- FREEZING IT! Very popular! Try various combinations of canned food, gravy, noodles, rice and mashed potatoes mixed with food nuggets and
freeze. You can also keep your dog cool with KONGSICLES. Put a dab of peanut butter in the small end of the Kong to plug it. Turn it upside down in a cup. Fill it full of water, chicken broth or fruit juice and freeze. - CHEESING IT! Mix cheese pieces or cheese spread with food nuggets. NOTE: Use a cup to hold the Kong upright when freezing.
- Hide stuffed Kongs indoors and/or out. The hunt is great fun and rewarding.
freeze. You can also keep your dog cool with KONGSICLES. Put a dab of peanut butter in the small end of the Kong to plug it. Turn it upside down in a cup. Fill it full of water, chicken broth or fruit juice and freeze.Important points when using Kongs
- Provide stuffed Kongs randomly so that they won’t always be associated with you leaving.
- If your dog is unstuffing several Kongs per day, you should appropriately reduce the amount of bowl feeding.
- CLEAN KONGS THOROUGHLY AFTER USE! A dishwasher is recommended. Your dog’s job will last until the Kongs are unstuffed. You can keep your dog “working” all day if you provide enough stuffed Kongs!
Kong Stuffing Recipes (courtesy of the Kong Company)
As you create recipes, be sensitive to your dog’s tummy as you experiment. Following are recipes created by veterinarians, dog trainers and dog lovers worldwide.
- BANANA RAMA: 1 fresh banana · 2 tbs wheat germ · 1 tbs plain yogurt (can use your pet’s favorite flavor as well) · Kong Toy that best fits your pet’s chewing temperament in a bowl, mash up banana. Then, add wheat germ and yogurt. Mash all ingredients together and use spoon to add to Kong. Freeze for 4 hours. Makes 1 serving for a medium Kong. Double for every Kong size that is bigger.
Kong toy
- PHILLY STEAK: steak scraps · 1 ounce cream cheese · appropriate Kong toy. Place small scraps of the steak inside Kong toy. Spread cream cheese in large hole to hold scraps.
- FRUIT SALAD: apple and carrot chunks · 1/4th of a banana · appropriate Kong toy. Place apples and carrots in Kong toy. Mush the banana in large hole to hold fruit in place. You can include other fruits and veggies: orange slices · peach and/or nectarine chunks · celery sticks · broccoli and/or cauliflower · tomato and black olive mixture.
- AUNT JEANNIE’S ARCHEOLOGY KONG (for advanced dogs) LAYER ONE (deepest): roasted, unsalted cashews · freeze dried liver bits LAYER TWO: dog kibble, cookies or liver biscotti · Cheerios · sugar-free, salt-free peanut butter · dried banana chips, apples and apricots LAYER THREE: carrot sticks · turkey or leftover ravioli or tortellini · Kong toy (the larger the better!) Pack as tightly as possible. The last item inserted should be an apricot or piece of ravioli, presenting a smooth “finish” under the main opening. LIGHT VERSION: substitute crumbled rice cakes for cashews, Caesar croutons for freeze-dried liver, fat free cream cheese for peanut butter. – by Jean Donaldson
- KONG ON A ROPE: Dry dog kibble · appropriate Kong Toy · Rope Take the rope, pull it through the Kong Toy and knot it. Hang this upside down from a tree, deck or post. The small hole should be facing the ground. Take the kibble and fill the Kong toy. Make the toy hang just low enough that it is out of your dog’s reach. The dog will spend hours trying to retrieve the kibble from the Kong Toy. At the end of the day, take the remaining kibble and give to your pet as a reward. This is advanced work for your dog. – by Dr. Ian Dunbar
- FROZEN JERKY POPS: Peanut butter · bouillon · Jerky Strips · Water · appropriate Kong Toy · muffin tin Smear a small amount of peanut butter over small hole in your Kong toy. Fill the cool water and add a pinch of bouillon. Place a Jerky Stick inside Kong toy and freeze. This can also be put (once frozen) in a children’s size swimming pool for a fun day of fishing for your pet. – by Terry Ryan
- SIMPLE, TRIED AND TRUE: Peanut butter · Appropriate Kong toy. Smear peanut butter inside the cavity of your Kong toy. It’s that easy!
- TRIXIE’S FAVORITE: Trixie, a 50 pound Aussie/Springer mix, loves turkey, chicken or marrow bites mixed with slightly moistened food nuggets frozen inside her Kong. She is very clean about unstuffing – some dogs are not! – by Joe Markham
Every dog has a favorite recipe! Finding your dog’s will be fun. Remember, not all foods are healthy for dogs, check with your vet if you are not sure. If you have found a unique Kong recipe, drop us an email and we will include it here.
Is your dog stressed?
How to handle your stressed dog
Our lives are getting more and more stressful in this fast-changing world. As more pressure is put upon us and our families, this stress is also passed unto your dog, as family member too!
So, how can you identify if your dog is stressed and what can you do about it?
Below are some behaviours that your dog may show if he is feeling stressed. Of course, some of these behaviours are displayed naturally and are not a sign of stress, so you need to see each behaviour in context. So, if a dog is panting 
because it is hot, then the likelihood is that he’s not stressed, just hot.
Signs that your dog is stressed
Here are some signs to look out for. You will find that usually more than one symptom will be displayed at the same time.
- Restlessness and pacing. Perhaps your dog can’t settle down in areas he used to, or in new areas. Often, these dogs pull on the lead to escape the situation.
- Easily startled, jumpy and nervous
- Overreaction to circumstances where he would normally react calmly.
- Displaying calming signals. Learn about these extremely important signals in the Turid Ruugas ‘Calming Signals’ book. It’s an excellent read! It’s now also available as a DVD.
- Defecation and urination. When a dog is very fearful and/or distressed, the body releases adrenaline and the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This activates the rectum to defecate. On top of that, there are changes to the water balance, which means there is a greater urge to urinate.
- Unsheathing of the penis in male dogs. Most people are surprised at this, and think the dog is sexually-stimulated, when in fact, he is stressed. Again, you will need to look at this in context.
- Mounting. As above, this is often mis-interpretated, but seen within the situation, it may well be that your dog is stressed. This can be seen in both male and female dogs and also in puppies. See what other parameters are happening at the same time and what other behaviours your dog is displaying to properly assess this behaviour.
- Abnormal seasons. This happens relatively often in females under stress. The may come into season too often or very rarely. They may also stay in heat for long periods of time.
- Exaggerated self-grooming. Some dogs are so stressed, that they can cause themselves wounds, often in their legs, tails and genital areas.
- Destructiveness. This is extremely common in dogs whom are left on their own and is a serious sign of stress. Often, this creates friction between the owner and dog, which makes the dog even more stressed. Sometimes this behaviour can be seen by dogs biting on the lead after a prolonged exposure to whatever is stressing them.
- Exaggerated barking. Continuous barking, whining or howling is a sign that the dog is seriously stressed and as above, this can create friction in the owner-dog relationship, making the dog more stressed.
- Tummy upsets. Diarrhoea and vomiting are common signs of stress.
- Allergies. With chronic stress that has been there over a long period of time, the dog’s immune system is weakened, which may bring about all manners of allergies. For example, food, mites, flea, grass, pollen, etc. It can also bring about eczema, itchiness and open wounds.
- Change in appetite. This is a very easy sign to see if your dog is stressed or not, without having to look out for too many body signals. Often, when dogs are put in new situations or they have been over-burdened with training, they will often refuse or spit out those tasty titbits they used to love. Equally, a dog may gulp down whatever he can find (including inedible things like stones, socks, wood, paper, etc). This is understandably very dangerous to the dog, as it can cause intestinal blockage. Chastising the dog for doing this will make him even more stressed.
- Unpleasant body odour and bad breath. In most mammals, stress induces the release of gastrointestinal acids that become noticeable through the dogs panting and body. Of course, there may be other reasons for this, so it is advisable to always have your veterinarian give your dog a clean bill of health before assessing any behavioural problems.
- Raised hackles. Dogs display this behaviour when they are emotionally charged, afraid, insecure, stressed or even extremely happy (in some dogs). So you will need to see the whole context and determine in which circumstances your dog displays this behaviour. These signs are often mis-interpreted as aggression.
- Tense muscles. It is important to allow your dog to move and release the tension in his body when he is stressed. You may see your dog tremble for this same reason, to help release the tension in his body. Calmly walking about will help your dog get rid of some of the tension in his muscles, which may otherwise cause him painful cramps and even more stress. If you see your dog shaking after a mildy-stressful interaction (this includes excessive play) then it is his way of releasing some tension in his body caused by the stress. Now, imagine being asked to sit still when you are very stressed, it would be impossible. We usually flap our arms, pace about, talk a lot, etc. It is the body’s natural way to release some of the tension. You will notice that your dog will try to keep an eye on whatever it is that is stressing or scaring him, to ensure it is not going to be dangerous to himself and be ready to fight or run away. Forcing your dog to look away from whatever is upsetting him, will only make him more scared and stressed. Imagine being made to close your eyes, then you know there is a tarantula 20 feet from you!!
- Dandruff. This may be due to dry skin, but it may also appear during or after a stressful situation.
- Sudden moulting or loss of coat condition. This can be seen as many hairs being released after a stressful situation or over a period of time, bald patches around the dogs body.
- Changes in eye colour or condition. It could be that the change in colour may be caused by the high blood pressure and the tiny blood vessels behind the eyes. The dog may have a sickly appearance with sunken and dull eyes. Under a high level of stress, like us, the eyes will be wide open and in some cases there may be some uncontrollable eye movement.
- Panting. As we have all experienced, stress increases muscle tension and heart rate, in the need for more oxygen. This also makes us hotter. Dogs regulate their body temperature by panting, which at the same time provides more oxygen if stressed. Like humans, dogs sweat when stressed, but unlike us, they do not have as many sweat glands, so they sweat through their paws.
- Runny nose. This can be seen in some dogs.
- Poor concentration, forgetfulness or too passive. This can often be seen in training classes, where the dog is so stressed that it cannot concentrate and learn, it will also not be able to carry out what it has already learnt. If your dog displays this, it is not that he is not intelligent, it is likely that he is too stressed in that environment.
- Compulsive behaviour. In some extreme cases of dogs being put a huge level of stress, they may display obsessive behaviours like constantly running in a figure of eight, chasing lights, snapping at imaginary objects, running in circles, excessive licking, chasing their tail, staring intensely at objects like flies and lights, excessive licking and many other extreme repetitive behaviours.
As mentioned previously, it is very important that you take your dog to your vet to get a clean bill of health, before looking at any behavioural problem, as many stress symptoms can be caused by an underlying medical condition. For example:
- Blindness, deafness, over/under-sensitive to touch, mobility problems (joints, muscles, fractures, etc).
- Problems with organ function like the kidneys, digestive and circulatory systems.
- Chronic pain due to injuries, trauma, infections, shock, arthritis, spondylosis, etc
- Sexual functioning. A dog may become stressed due to pent-up sexual drive. Also, female dogs may be stressed by the constant male attention when she is in season.
Along the above medical reasons, there may be other reasons why your dog is stressed. Here are a few:
- Change of environment – new babies/children, new animals/other dogs, new house, etc, etc
- Grief due to loss of owner or other animals in the household
- Change in pack dynamics, due to an introduction of a new dog/cat/other animal or person. Maybe there are too many dogs in the household.
- Lack of sleep or relaxing sleeping and rest areas
- High expectations in training and working/ rough play or uncontrolled puppy play/puppy parties.
- Over exhaustion due to lack of sleep, too much exercise (mental or physical), too much interaction or exposure to new stressful environments.
- Being left in isolation/separation anxiety.
- Unhealthy human-dog relationship – e.g. too much emotional dependency on the dog or maybe the dog is not shown any affection. Maybe there are too many or too few house rules.
How can you help your stressed dog?
So what can you do about it? Obviously, the first thing is to identify that your dog is stressed and why s/he is stressed. The help of a properly qualified dog behaviourist will help in this. They will also set out a proper plan for you to follow to help your dog.
In the meantime, here are some pointers:
- Establish a consistent daily routine that meets your particular dog’s needs. For example a good diet, a quiet and comfortable sleeping and resting area. Two walks per day, distance depending on your particular dog’s needs. A daily walk is not just important for physical exercise, but more so, for mental stimulation. It allows the dog to let go and behave like a dog. Off lead running in a safe place is the best way, ensuring there is no livestock or wildlife they can chase.
- Have a good grounding on your basic obedience. This is an important way to communicate with your dog, on what you need him to do. If your dog ignores you, then he doesn’t understand or you are not being clear or consistent on what you are asking your dog to do. Go to a reward-based trainer and get hold of your basic obedience again. Ensure there are no harsh training methods involved, as this will just stress your dog more. Dogs love to learn and to get it right, so reward-based training is a great way to build a strong bond with your dog. It will keep your dog mentally stimulated and he will love to get it right for you for your praise and perhaps the odd titbit here and there! Also, it will teach your dog that you have control of situations, so that he can relax and let you protect and care for him/her.
- Ensure you provide a safe environment for your dog. If you have issues within your dog pack, then see a dog behaviourist who will be able to help.
- Have rules in your household and teach your dog what they are (in a happy and calm way). The most important thing with rules is total consistency. Make sure everyone in the household follows these rules. An unpredictable environment will just make your dog more stressed.
- Don’t put too much pressure on your dog in training. Remember if your are competing in sport, it is your choice, not the dog’s. If the dog enjoys it (as most do), then great! If not, then re-think, get another dog who will enjoy it and provide your current dog with either less pressure to perform, or find another sport/hobby which he will enjoy.
- Don’t depend emotionally on your dog. They cannot deal with this and will stress them out. Make sure you have a routine, stick to it, and give your dog a healthy amount of love and attention (not too much and not too little).
The main thing is to enjoy life together with your dog. Provide a predicable environment for him/her and somewhere where they feel safe and that you are in control of situations, so that they don’t feel they have to.
Dog flatulence and how to tackle it
Tips for dog flatulence
Believe it or not, ‘dog farting’ is one of the most searched for dog related terms on the Internet – even more so than ‘dog flatulence’!
Anyway, call it what you like, dog flatulence can be an embarrassing problem, particularly in larger breed dogs. I have a very gentle and elderly Great Dane called Dexter, who really knows how to let his presence be known, particularly when guests are around.
What are the causes and the solutions for dog flatulence?
Well, pretty much the same as what causes human flatulence:
Eating or gulping food too fast
Dogs that rush their food, take in a lot of air at the same time. There are now clever dog bowls that help slow down the consumption of food by making it difficult for them to get large mouthfuls (see ‘Related Products’ below). You may also want to try changing feed times and frequency, i.e. from 1-2 times a day, to 2-3 times a day. Also, a simple walk within 30 minutes of eating can help move those gasses along more quickly, allowing him to emit them outdoors.
Eating human food
Feeding your dog scraps from dinner plates is very tempting when they look at you with their big wide eyes. Well, if your dog has a flatulence problem, then this needs to stop. Particularly if the scraps are foods like beans, sprouts, peas, soy, dairy, peas, beans and fruit, etc. Probiotics (or ‘friendly bacteria’) can also help with digestion, but use a high-quality dog probiotic or a herbal remedy that is suitable for dogs (see related items below).
Eating poor quality food
One of the biggest factors in dog flatulence is poor quality dog food. This is one area where 
the more expensive it is, the better it is. Foods such as Burns and Arden Grange are excellent, but there are some other good ones out there as well. Although, neither of these completely solves Dexter’s flatulence. So if you, have had good results with certain foods, let us know below.
Medical Problems
You cant rule out a medial problem when it comes to dog flatulence. So, if it is excessive and persists for a prolonged period, or your dog is showing other signs of illness, consult your vet. It’s important to ensure that your dog has been checked for fleas and ticks, a dog with fleas and ticks will have a nervous disposition which can contribute to flatulence -Frontline for Dogs is a good product to use for getting rid of fleas and ticks.
Whether your dog has chronic flatulence or simply passes excessive gas every now and then, it’s always a good idea to take him to the vet to ensure everything is in order. Even though flatulence isn’t dangerous, it can be a symptom of something serious.
