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  • Dog Leash Training Guide

    So, you’d like to know how to stop your dog pulling on the lead?

    Glorious summer days. The sounds of birds tweeting. Beautiful scenery all around….all completely overshadowed by the hound from hell dragging you at a pace you didn’t choose, in fact at a pace you can barely keep up with!

    Taking the dog for a walk is supposed to be a joy but with the dog who pulls on the leads, it becomes more of a hand chaffing nightmare!

    Let’s take a look at the steps we can take to learn how to stop a dog pulling on the lead.

    Stop Dog Pulling: Leads, Collars & Getting The Right Equipment

    Canine psychologist Natalka Jacyszyn – author of this report on ‘How to cure lead pulling in dogs‘ recommends using a flat collar and a nylon or rope lead, something that is comfortable for both you and your dog. Do not use an extending lead for training as you will find that you may not have enough control.

    Dog Leash Training

    Getting the equipment right is as crucial as teaching the desirable heel walking position using positive rewards.

    Having a dog that pulls is one thing, but having a dog that’s able to pull due to an owner using incorrect lead and collar set up is only going to make matters much, much worse.

    Dog Leash Training: Using a Clicker to Cure Lead Pulling

    Clickers are a fun and fast way to speed up your puppy’s learning process. Clicker training relies on behavior shaping principles that mark desired behavior.

    With clicker training, timing is everything. You must capture the exact moment your dog is doing something right. Also start thinking in terms of stage-by-stage training. Let’s say I want to teach my dog to make a left circle. I sit with my dog and click when my dog takes one step to the left. That’s stage one. Then I hold out my click for two steps, then three, then a full circle.

    Training this way definitely takes longer than pulling my dog in a circle, but once my dog figures out the sequence, he’s doing a circle with far more zest and enthusiasm than if I tugged him around and around.

    The second secret of clicker training: Don’t attach a spoken command to behavior until your dog has figured out what is making the clicker work. To explain, think of the behavior Sit. Each time your dog sits, click and reward.

    Getting the dog used to the concept of associating the click noise with a positive reward is how you achieve the best response when teaching the dog the desired behaviour to cure lead pulling problems.

    Tip: You do not begin with the clicker on correcting the lead pulling until you have properly established the positive response reaction with the dog by rewarding small, simple behaviours – such as sitting and coming when called.

    The Basics of Training Positive Behavior in Dogs

    Training any new desired dog behaviour follows a simple six-step method. Depending on the dog and other circumstances, a good trainer will vary his training method when he decides that a particular training challenge needs either a little more or less. When you have used the method enough to know it well, you can add your own personal touch as needed.

    The following are six steps for teaching your dog any new behaviour

    1. Get the behaviour.
    2. Mark the behaviour.
    3. Reward the behaviour.
    4. Repeat the behaviour until it happens easily at least 90{d4f4ff813a06e2c77cbb9c6effe011ebffe2f8986e44983e90e08c54deb62f63} of the time.
    5. Add the verbal cue as your dog does the behaviour to associate the word with the appropriate response.
    6. Use the verbal cue to elicit the behaviour.

    You get the behaviour by capturing, shaping, or luring it. You mark the behaviour with the click., or some other reward marker that your dog has already learned means that the reward is coming. Reward the behaviour by following the click with his favorite treat or, in some cases, with a favorite toy or other desirable reward, such as swimming or going outside.

    Repeat the behaviour until your pet is offering it easily before you add the verbal cue, so that he will associate the word with the correct behaviour response. For instance, by saying “Sit” as he does it, you are telling him that the name of the behaviour he is doing is Sit. If you ask him to do it before he’s offering the behaviour easily, you risk teaching him that the word sit means “stand there and look at me,” or worse, “sniff the ground and pull on the leash.”

    After your dog has heard the word at least a half-dozen times during the behaviour, depending on how quickly he seems to learn, then you can say the word first to elicit the behaviour. Be sure that his attention is focused on you so that he actually hears the word, and keep your body position the same as it was when you were getting the behaviour before. If you had been doing the “Sit” while you were standing and you suddenly start asking for it while you are sitting, he won’t understand that it’s the same thing.

    Give him a few seconds to respond. When he sits, click! and reward. If he doesn’t sit, use the minimum amount of assistance necessary (through body language or a lure, not through physical assistance) to get the behaviour, and repeat the exercise. If you find that he will only respond if you help him, start to minimize the amount of help you give until he is sitting for the verbal cue without any help from you.

    Would a Harness Stop Dogs Pulling?

    There are various styles of body harnesses is to choose from, but the majority of them have the basic metal D-ring which clips to the leash and is located on the strap that runs down the dog’s back. They can be used instead of collars which provide a much safer environment when the puppy tries to pull away.

    In this regard, the puppy receives the tension from the leash, instead of his or her neck, which could result in a spinal injury. Puppies are specially prone to running and darting every chance they get, even when on-leash. By removing the pressure from the dog’s airway, body harnesses are a safe and effective alternative to standard neck collars.

    If your dog is unresponsive when using a flat collar and lead – and still continues to pull – using a body harness or halter type set-up would be something to consider.

    The Basic Principles of Correcting Dog Pulling / Any Other Behavior

    Correcting the problem of a pulling dog is founded in two key principles that are universal to all dog training:

    1. Reward the desired behavior (lavishly)
    2. Do not reward the undesired behavior

    Now, you may wonder what it means to ‘not reward undesirable behavior’ but first it’s important to understand that any response can be perceived as a reward by some dogs.

    So if your dog is pulling and you respond by pulling back, for example, he may be treating this as a reward. He most certainly will if this process is just repeated over and over again.

    You need to work in small steps. Teach him to always second guess the direction you are going to walk in and the moment he is by your side, reward him. The moment he steps out too far, change direction and do not reward him.

    Be assertive and deliberate in your walking style. Do not let the dog lead the walk. If he pulls, you stop or go the other way.

    Encourage him to understand that he will be rewarded ONLY for not pulling. The moment you feel ANY tension on the lead, stop and don’t say a word to the dog. This is a non reward. Seek to establish in his mind a positive association with a loose leash and the way he is walking.

    If you have a problem with a dog who pulls on the lead, you can download K9 Magazine’s eBook ‘How to cure lead pulling in dogs ‘.

    Bonus Dog Leash Training Guide: How to Train Your Dog to Walk on a Loose Leash

    One of the biggest problems dog owners experience is out on the walk. The reason for this is due to the psychology of the pack needing a leader and more often than not, the dog thinks that he is it.

    If the dog believes he is the leader then he believes he should be at the front of the pack and this is why you will see owners being pulled by their dogs.

    Assessing the world through the dog’s eyes is paramount to helping him walk to heel. In order to change the dogs mind from pulling, we have to communicate in a gentle language he will understand.

    The dog believing he is the leader believes it is his job to protect the pack and anything that approaches such as other dogs, joggers or cars could be perceived as a threat.

    This creates all sorts of problems as the dog in a human ruled world will react to the threat in three ways: Flight, freeze and fight.

    To help the dog stay calm in a world it does not understand, we have to switch roles and become the leader. When you achieve this, the dog will have no responsibilities and look to you to react at the potential dangers. To reverse roles and teach the dog to heel we have to go back to basics where the walk starts and identify and progress through the stages. As we complete a stage we can then move forward.

    Firstly practice walking up and down the house with food reward encouraging your dog by your side rewarding him on a regular basis when he gets it right. As the dog understands where a good place to be is then you are ready to begin the first stage. The idea behind the stages is to start in a place where the dog feels comfortable with no distractions and build the foundations, as the dog improves you then slowly work up to a place with more distractions.

    The first stage is calling the dog to you to put the lead on. In this scenario the dog may become over excited at the sight of the lead and jump up, run around, nudge or make noise. If the dog does react in an undesirable manner then put the lead down. Putting the lead on when the dog is in this state will only encourage pulling out on the walk. Repeat by picking the lead up again and putting down, until the dog becomes desensitised to the lead and reacts in a calm manner. When the dog is in a calm state you are ready to put the lead on and move to the next stage.

    The second stage is putting the lead on and walking up and down the house once again encouraging your dog to the side you want him to be with food reward. If he gets it wrong we correct the mistake with a method called stop, start change direction. This method involves stopping when the dog drifts in front, encouraging him back to your chosen side, starting again when he is behind you, then changing direction. Repeating this method in the house lays the foundations for a good walk. Keep practicing and get it perfect in the house. If the dog does not listen to you in the house with no distractions, then he definitely will not listen to you outside with all the sights, smells and distractions.

    Teaching a Dog To Walk to Heel

    After teaching the dog to heel in the house you are ready to move to the third stage. The third stage is a place with more smells where the dog still feels safe like a garden, keep practicing stop, start, change direction, lots of praise, lots of food reward. If you haven’t got a garden, then choose a place outside with little distractions. Stay positive and dedicate a big space of time. Do not be in a hurry as the dog will feel if you are stressed. As the dog listens to you here then you are ready to progress to the next stage.

    The next stage is somewhere quiet with a few more distractions like a residential area, keep correcting if the dog pulls by stopping, starting and changing direction (SSCD).

    Reward The Dog When They Don’t Pull The Leash

    When they get it right keep rewarding, avoid all other dogs by crossing the road or walking in another direction, showing the dog that you lead in all areas. Keep away from all other distractions by leading the dog in a different direction. If you head towards a distraction or threat, then do not be surprised if your dog reacts. This means he is not ready so help him feel safe by keeping good distance.

    The more you play a leader role and choose flight from potential threats the more the dog will feel safe in your company and begin to trust your decisions. As the dog heels in this area and successfully follows you away from distractions then you can move on further afield to a busier place. If the dog still has problems here then spend time in this area teaching the dog.

    The next stage could be a busier residential street with more activity e.g. more cars, people and distractions. Walk up and down the street encouraging your dog by your side. If you or your dog feels anxious then go back to a stage where you both felt comfortable and progress again from there.

    When the dog is heeling to your side at this point then pick a busier place like your local village or town. This will be a test as there are many distractions. Once this is completed you are ready for the final stage, which is the park. If your dog pulls as soon as it gets here then walk back and try again. Keep repeating to you can successfully walk through the park on lead.

    Training the dog to heel is a test of wills, so no matter what keep it up and recognise your dog’s state. Staying calm, convincing and consistent and not rushing your dog will help him feel relaxed in a world he does not understand.

    Bonus #2: Puppy Leash Training – Stop Puppy Pulling on Lead

    New dog owners whom are working the basics of leash control should be attaching a leash to a harness. When you are not familiar with the basics of leash control, you don’t want to use a collar as it puts too much stress on your dog’s neck, as well as on your own back. Even a 25 pound puppy has a lot of force when he lunges forward.

    Once your puppy gets older and you have the basics of leash control down, then you can switch to a training collar. Remember, when walking your puppy, try to keep him from getting behind you and to your right side. This will only get you tangled up in his lead.

    Let’s look at the dynamics of a puppy’s pull. A pup’s hind legs act as a powerful engine that propel him forward while his shoulders steer him in the direction he wishes to go. Watch his front legs and where they are reaching – this is the direction he is going.

    Trying to hold your dog back when he pulls has the opposite effect that you wish to achieve. The more you resist his pull, the more his hind legs get revved up as if they are going into higher gear. His body sinks lower to the ground which lowers his center of gravity and the result is that your puppy now has more strength behind the pull. You don’t want to play tug-of-war with your puppy.

    The best action is to take a few steps forward into that weight, leading with your right leg so you can close in on your puppy’s head. When you do this, all that energy from his hind legs is released and flows over to his front legs – this throws his weight forward and his balance off. This action will considerably slow the movement of your puppy. This is a good time to snap the leash directly over your left shoulder and say “Wait.”

    You can also slow your puppy down by sitting lower in your seat as you walk, in other words, lowering your center of gravity. By bringing your weight down, you will physically fatigue your puppy from thrusting forward. You are using your weight to counter pull his movement. Since you weigh more than your puppy, you are using your weight to your advantage.

    Contributors

    Nigel Reed is a dog behaviourist from London. For further details about his work or to set up a consulation, visit www.dogtraininginlondon.co.uk

    Natalka Jacyszyn is a full time canine psychologist.

    Further Reading:

    If you are struggling with a dog pulling on the lead, check out Natalka Jacyszyn’s eBook ‘How to Cure Dog Pulling‘.

  • Dog Food Nutrition

    Dog Food Nutrition

    The process of evolution tells us that dogs developed as carnivores. Wolves are still carnivores and relatively, dogs were still wolves until very recently. So in theory, should not our dogs still be strict carnivores, craving protein and fibre and dreaming of hunks of juicy beef?

    The majority of people still view the dog as a solely carnivorous feeder, but in reality the modern dog is a versatile and healthy eater. The nutritional needs of the dog have changed since his domestication; as a consequence, so have his dietary needs. Most dogs have swapped the baron fields of Europe for the comfort of a basket or bed in a heated house.

    Dog Food Nutrition

    Dogs are less active nowadays too; they do not need to hunt so they need less energy. Most dogs get used to getting fed and acquire tastes of their own. So they tend not to gorge in order to stock up, they can afford to be more picky (this is rare, however; most dogs will still try to stuff themselves, but they no longer need to).

    Dog Food Nutrition: Evolution

    Already we can see three reasons why the canine diet has changed. They no longer need large amounts of fat to stay warm, our houses do that for them; they no longer need huge amounts of energy to hunt with, so their need for protein is diminishing and they no longer need to gorge on a day’s worth of food.

    So is there anything they do need in their diets that they may not be getting? Well, due to the advancements in veterinary care, our dogs are living much longer. In order to do this and benefit from a prolonged lifespan, dogs would benefit from foods rich in omega 3 oils which promote healthy joints.

    Foods such as fatty fish contain high amounts of these essential oils, but surprisingly grass-fed beef is even richer in omega 3.

    Dog Food Nutrition: Sensitivity

    Sensitivity is relative to ones surroundings. To some sensitivity is a matter of interpretation; in fact the French have one word denoting both ‘sensitive’ and ‘sensible’. You can be ‘a bit funny’ after eating dark chocolate or ‘disagree’ with curries, but you can still get away with it if you want. My eyes itch after eating bananas, but it’s bearable, but give someone with an allergy a nut and the situation could turn grave very quickly.

    Dog Food Nutrition: Food Intolerance

    Some dogs can have an intolerance or a reaction to certain food ingredients. By working closely with your vet, you can discover what that ingredient is and then change your dog’s diet accordingly. The intolerance or allergic reaction to a food ingredient is usually part of the protein content in the food and this can manifest itself as itching or in some cases diarrhoea.

    As you are responsible for the well being of your dog and responsible for the managing of his diet, you have to work with the vet in order to discover which ingredient is causing the problem. Finding the cause of the problem means that you can eliminate it from your dog’s diet. Simple isn’t it?

    It’s actually rather more serious than we think as a food allergy can have very severe consequences.

    Dog Food Nutrition: Food Allergies in Dogs

    Let’s start from the beginning and try to work out how we can help our dogs. A food allergy causes only 1% of all skin problems in dogs, that’s what vets’ estimate anyway.

    The majority of other allergic skin problems, such as an allergy to fleabites are much more common. It is hard to find exactly what percentages of gastrointestinal problems like vomiting or diarrhoea are caused by food allergies. Dog owners often change the food that they feed their dog once one type of food is tolerated.

    A dog, which has skin that itches, as well as intestinal problems is more likely to have food allergies.

    There is a mystery surrounding exactly why a food ingredient causes the symptoms of food allergy. Some animal specialists suspect that abnormal amounts, or certain types of protein particles from food, are absorbed into the bloodstream from the digestive tract.

    This releases antibodies and inflammatory chemicals from the cells of the digestive tract and skin, which is a process commonly called “hypersensitivity”.

    The skin and the digestive tract may then become sensitive to food that contains that particular ingredient. The offending item is a ruthless one and a dog that has a sensitive reaction, such as itchy skin, vomiting or diarrhoea may start to suffer from these within minutes, although they can occur up to a few days later.

    It doesn’t help that the offending food ingredient is not necessarily something new in the diet. Your dog can develop allergies to foods that he has been eating for years, and the allergy may come on suddenly. Once an allergy has developed, the sensitivity to the ingredient may last a lifetime.

    It is important that foods containing that ingredient be kept out of your dog’s diet on a permanent basis.

    Useful Dog Food Nutrition Resources

    Dog Food: Nutrition, Dog Food Ingredients & Nutritional Advice

    The Dog Food Project – How does your Dog Food Brand compare?

    Nutrition for your dog, Canine Nutrition, Dog Nutrition

    Dog food

    Dog health

  • How Important is Your Dog’s Food?

    For many, owning a dog is one of life’s true pleasures and if you want what is best for your pet you need to focus on the food you are feeding to it. The two things to focus on are: quality of food and portion sizes. It is very important to carefully check the ingredients on the bag when looking for the best dog food on the market. Price sometimes dictates what we look at first, but ingredients are just as important to consider.

    Buying the right dog food should mean that your dog’s health with improve along with energy levels, teeth, eyes and coat.

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    The importance of ingredients in dog food

    A good way of choosing the right dog food is by taking the time to read the ingredients list which should be shown on the packaging. As dogs are carnivorous it is widely accepted that their diet should contain good quality meats so it stands to reason that the first ingredient in an adequate bag of dog food should be a form of meat. This meat needs to be lamb, beef, chicken or liver. Stay away from foods that are made of meat by products.

    These foods substitute items such as feathers, skin, and beaks for real meat.

    Soya is becoming widely recognised in human food, but for dogs it is another no-go product as many are intolerant to it. Many pet owners look to their dog’s food to enhance a particular characteristic of the canine. The variety of specialist dog food is growing and there are foods which can for example help to clean your dog’s teeth whilst she chews, or food ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.

    Oils are effective at adding shine to a dog’s coat so look for dog foods with Omega 6 and Omega 3 for achieving healthier skin. They are also good ingredients to bolster an ageing dog’s diet for joint support. If you do own an older dog, while we’re on the subject of joints and dog food – make sure your dog’s eating position is elevated with something like a raised dog bowl, this is because your dog will have to put less stress on their neck when tilting their head and neck to eat, and it will help in older age (arthritis).

    Carbohydrates and protein are essential for dogs, but more so for dogs who are very active as they help to preserve energy levels between feeds. A less active dog should be provided with fewer calories and this becomes even more important as the dog gets older.

    When buying canned food for your dog, be careful about avoiding foods that list water as a main ingredient. You will find that many of the cheaper dog food products sold in a can contain water as the main ingredient and this is due to cutting costs.A diet based on canned, wet food should be supplemented with a daily dry snack which your dog can chew on, such as a bone or chewy stick.

    Giving your pet a high quality food with maximum nutritional value is an excellent way to add energy in your dog’s life and enhance the appearance of his coat, eyes, teeth, and physique.The ticket price of premium dog foods is generally higher but portion sizes are usually smaller, so the cost per bowl will often work out the same as a cheap supermarket type feed.

     

  • Tips For Caring For Dogs With Arthritis

    Tips For Caring For Dogs With Arthritis

    It is not unusual for older dogs to suffer from arthritic symptoms. As dogs, and people, become older, their joints often weaken and arthritis occurs. However, contrary to want most canine lovers believe, arthritis can also be diagnosed in younger dogs and puppies. Arthritis is often a very painful condition that causes much discomfort no matter what age of animal it affects. Thankfully, there are several things that dog owners can do at home to ease some of the pain caused by canine arthritis.

    Control Arthritis by Diet

    One option for helping your dog with arthritis is keeping a close watch on the food that it is fed. Overweight dogs often suffer more greatly than leaner dogs due to the added weight on their joints. Stay away from foods that are high in calories. If the dog is obese, choose a food specially designed for overweight animals. Refrain from giving your dog table foods and reduce the amount of treats that are fed to the pet. Once your dog’s weight is under control, you will likely see a positive change in its activity level.

    Consider also getting some stainless steel raised dog bowls. The easier you make it for your dog to stoop less, the better it will be in cases of arthritis in the neck.

    Give Your Arthritic Dog Better Sleep

    Everyone can benefit from better sleep, even your dog. Lying on hard and cold surfaces often worsens arthritis. In order to ease the pain, consider purchasing an orthopedic bed for your pet. These beds are specifically designed to balance the animal’s weight in order to relieve joints from pressure. During the colder months, allowing your dog to sleep indoors or on a heated bed will also offer a lot of relief.

    Exercise Your Pet

    Healthy joints are a lot less painful. Getting your dog into a regular exercise routine that strengthens muscles and cartilage will lead to healthier joints as well. Playing with your pet or walking on a daily basis will increase the blood flow through the joints. Be cautious about planning activities that are low impact and will not cause stress or additional pain to the animal. Dogs with less severe cases of arthritis can withstand heavier exercise while those with more server cases will need lighter activities.

    Give Your Dog Extra TLC

    In addition to the tasks listed above, all arthritic dogs will appreciate their owner giving them a little extra attention. Simply raising feed dishes off the floor so the animal is not required to bend down as far can be helpful in reducing joint pain. Consider providing steps to areas where your dog once jumped. Allow your pet to use a ramp when getting on the back of trucks or into vehicles.

    Arthritis pain can be very stressful to dogs. Once the condition is diagnosed, pet owners can begin carrying out tasks to help ease the discomfort that their pets feel. In addition to treatments offered by the vet, there are many ways that canine owners can let their pet know that they care. Being conscious about the dog’s diet, sleeping arrangements, and exercise routines are all ways to enhance its quality of life with arthritis.

    http://arthritisdogsreview.com/

  • Crate Training Your Dog The Easy Way

    Learn how to tap into your dog’s elementary den instincts, and make her more obedient—naturally.

    Like their ancestors, dogs are born, nurse, and later eat solid foods in a good enclosed area (called a den in the wild), and therefore tend to accept being confined to a crate when necessary. Teaching your dog that her crate is a safe site, and helping her make happy associations with it, can help you and your home survive behavior problems such as housebreaking and adolescent chewing.

    Having said that, a crate should only be used along with proper training, exercise, and socialization. With a few basic guidelines, you can use it as a valuable tool in a variety of situations.

    Crate Expectations

    Whatever the age of your dog, it’s important to present her to the crate gradually. Here’s how to make a good start.

    * Put the crate in an area of your home wherever you or others will be around. You may want to keep the crate in the kitchen during the day and your bedroom at night. To make your dog’s first experiences with the crate as pleasant as imaginable, put a soft blanket or towel (preferable one that smell like you) on the floor of the crate. Then throw a toy and some foods treats inside.

    * Do not use force to make your dog go into the crate. Instead, let her seek and find the goodies. When she enters the cage, praise her, and let   her come and go as she pleases. Play this game for several minutes. If your Boston Terrier takes to this game, close the door for a few seconds after she goes in. Increase the amount of time that the door is closed, but stay close to the crate while you offer praise and treats as this is one way of crate training Boston Terriers effectively.

    * Now that you’ve familiarized her with the crate concept, gradually get her used to being in the cage for longer period of time. Start feeding your dog her meals in the crate with the door closed. Leave the room while your dog is eating and then when she is just resting. When your dog shows no opposition, leave the house: First, go out for only 5 minutes, gradually increase your time away to 30 minutes. If your dog can stay in the crate for half an hour without getting agitated, she should be comfortable for hours.
             
    * Don’t overdo it. Try to use the crate for short times, both when you’re home and when you’re out. You shouldn’t confine your dog for more than 4 hours at a time and for no longer than a sum of 10 hours in any given day. Always give your Boston Terriers a special treat when you crate her. And remember, crated dogs need exercise and playtime too.

  • Coping with Dogs and Separation Anxiety

    Dogs are pack animals. You and your family, and any other pets in the family, are his pack. When everyone leaves for work and school, some dogs get highly upset and may become destructive or aggravate the neighbors with constant barking and whining. What causes this behavior and is there anything that you can do about it?

    My Experience

    Long ago, I had a dog named Pepper. She was part Australian Sheppard, and was a very sweet dog, although she was also really…ahem….active. I had her for 11 years, and for the first 9, she was a great dog. Even as a pup, she never chewed on furniture, shoes, or clothes. Each day, everyone left for work and school, and Pepper caused no problems. After 9 years, she suddenly became very destructive. It started when she got left in the basement one day, and it stormed. Being deathly afraid of storms, she wanted access to her usual hiding place – under a bed. So, she dug her way through the basement/kitchen hollow-core door. I came home to find the poor thing hiding under the bed, along with a big hole in the door.

    But this was merely the beginning. In the next 24 months, Pepper dug through doors, walls, and even the front door. She crashed through windows screens and shredded upholstered furniture. We bought her a sizable crate, and on her first day inside it, she broke the thick plastic floor lining, and her even-thicker plastic water dish, into shards. She also broke both of her upper eye teeth off along the gum line attempting to chew her way out. We took her to the vet to have her teeth fixed, and I asked for a prescription for doggy Valium. The vet told me that, without a doggy psychiatrist’s treatment, doggy Valium only works in about 5{d4f4ff813a06e2c77cbb9c6effe011ebffe2f8986e44983e90e08c54deb62f63} of cases. And in many cases even with a psychiatrist, they just help in about 15{d4f4ff813a06e2c77cbb9c6effe011ebffe2f8986e44983e90e08c54deb62f63} of cases. I have since heard better numbers than that, but at the time, it left us feeling pretty hopeless.

    In the last few months that Pepper lived with us, we moved into a big, brand-new home. In the beginning, she seemed as happy as we were with our new digs. But before long, she started her destructiveness again. She chewed on woodwork, shredded the carpet in several places, and destroyed some window screens. We finally came to the heart-breaking decision that we were going to have to find her a different home, before she totally ruined ours. At 11 years of age, we weren’t sure that anyone would want her. But we did find her a great home, with a lot of room to run, and someone who is home for her the whole day.

    We never could determine what caused Pepper’s sudden separation anxiety. Looking back, I think it may have started about the time we purchased a new box springs and mattress. Up till then, Pepper had always slept on the bed – not at the foot of the bed, but right up there on the pillows. It had gotten to the stage that when I rolled over onto my stomach or side at night, I’d get a mouthful of her shed hair. So when we got the new mattresses, I stopped letting Pepper sleep on it. Maybe being alone all day was ok, so long as she got her cuddle time during the night, and all of the destructiveness was her means of letting me know she didn’t appreciate being exiled from sleeping on the bed.

    I believe Pepper’s case was somewhat unusual, but there are actually steps that can help with more “normal” cases of separation anxiety. Start reading this article about CBD for dogs and then move on to the next few things that can help too:

    Food and Exercise

    Give your dog sufficient exercise. An exercised dog is a happy dog, and is also a tired dog. Plus a full belly is a happy belly. A dog that has been on a nice run and gotten his belly full is more likely to take a nap and sleep much of the day away. Ah, the life of a dog 🙂 And of course, you should also be sure that there’s fresh water and food readily available for your canine friend.

    Sights, Smells, and Sounds

    Leave the television or even a radio on. It can be reassuring to your dog if he can hear human voices. Leave a window open. Dogs like the fresh air plus the outside smells, plus they are able to see and hear people and other animals that are outside. You might have to leave it open only a crack, though, depending on your dog’s behavior. Pepper would go right through a screen that was open wide enough.

    Something to Do

    Leave your dog some favorite toys. It will give him something to do. Toys that both you and your dog have played with, and therefore have your smell on, can reassure. Ropes, nylon bones (not real ones, they could splinter and cause all kinds of problems or worse), squeaky toys, and balls are all good. The dog I have now goes out in the front yard on a 20-foot lead. I’ve seen him play with the lead, as though it were a live person or animal, when there was nothing else to do.

    Answering Machines and Web Cams

    Set your answering machine to screen calls, so the caller’s voice can be heard, and call your dog once or twice during the day and let him hear your voice. If at all possible, set up a web cam at home and at work so that you can look in on your pup and see what he is up to. If he’s misbehaving, call the answering machine and reprimand him. If he appears to be getting anxious, call and speak to him in a soothing voice.

    Put Your Dog in a Crate

    Although it didn’t work with Pepper, it may work for you. It might sound mean to confine your dog to this type of small space each day, but it can actually be reassuring to him. A dog often comes to think of his crate as his own familiar “bedroom”. One Fourth of July, when my current dog, Bo, was just a pup, he ventured outside and heard a huge firecracker boom. He ran back inside, cowering. He came out again, and it happened again. His third time out, several loud fireworks went off at once, and Bo ran back inside, down the steps, into his crate, and curled up and hid in there. It was his safe place to go. Crating works best if your dog is used to it, or is raised from a pup using a crate.

    Stay Calm

    When you leave, and when you initially get home, stay calm. Your dog will detect your vibes, and if you become nervous because he is likely to be nervous or upset, your dog will detect it. Make coming and going no big deal.

    Interval Training

    Leave the house for just a couple of seconds, then come back in. Go out again, and wait a few minutes and then come back in. Vary the amounts of time that you are gone. Get your dog used to being separated for small amounts of time, and gradually increase the time. Go in or out different doors. Take your keys with you one time, but not another. Go when your dog is looking, and when he isn’t. And stay calm. Eventually, your dog is not going to know if you will leave for a long or short time. But he will begin to realize that you always return.

    I’m hoping these tips will help you and your best friend to live in harmony. Love My Dog Blog would love to hear any stories you have about your dog and separation anxiety, or any stories about your dog. You can also visit Love My Dog Blog for information and facts, tips, and human dog interest stories.

  • Want To Be A Pet Sitter? Now Could Be The Best Time

    In 2020/2021 pet ownership levels soared to an unprecedented high of 59% due to the pandemic and more people spending time at home. More than half of UK (United Kingdom) households own at least one pet, with an estimated 12 million dogs and 12 million cats living in homes.

    But what happens when pet owners go on holiday?

    Homesitters Ltd, a leading UK home and pet sitting company, says it has led to a spike in demand for their services and they are seeking new homesitters to join them.

    Benjamin Irvine, Director of Business Operations at Homesitters Ltd says: “People are spending more on the welfare of their pets and want to ensure they are well looked after when they go on holiday.

    “We’re seeing bookings increase and we’re now recruiting new homesitters to meet this demand. We are looking for active retired people who love pets and travelling and want to earn some money to supplement their retirement income.”

    Home and pet sitting also offers people the chance to get their ‘animal fix’ and spend time caring for other people’s pets. Many couples also enjoy homesitting because they get the chance to spend more time together, earn some extra money and discover new places in the UK.

    For many, the chance to become a pet sitter sounds like a dream job.

    Anita and Norman Prior from Tamworth in Staffordshire decided to become homesitters in 2018 after taking early retirement in their 50s following their careers in the Royal Air Force.

    This adventurous couple live on a houseboat near Tamworth. They love animals and when their pet spaniel died in 2015, they could not face getting another dog, but decided they would be happy looking after other people’s dogs instead.

    Since joining Homesitters, they have travelled all over the UK on assignments and looked after many pets including twelve dogs, three cats, three donkeys and a lake full of wildfowl.

    They love the variety of their role – whether that is staying in peaceful rural locations where they can go for walks in the countryside or taking a city break in London where they can visit new attractions, try different foods and meet interesting people.

    Anita says, “We’ve looked after many different dogs, and enjoy getting to know their personalities. Some owners like to keep in touch while they are away, and we will send them photos of the dogs so they can see what they have been up to.

    “We have stayed in beautiful homes in gorgeous locations and there’s always something different to do. We have our pensions which we can live on quite comfortably, but our earnings from homesitting enables us to enjoy life just that little bit more.”

    Retired couple Martin and Kristine Bell from Collingham, near Newark in Nottinghamshire are also employed by Homesitters. Martin says: “You’d be surprised how many people aren’t aware that home and pet sitting is a real job, and we’d recommend it to anyone who is retired. How else would you get the opportunity to stay in different homes and experience other people’s pets and lifestyles and not have to pay lots of money to do it?”

    Homesitters Ltd is looking for reliable and responsible people who want to join the pet and home sitting team and take advantage of the many benefits of homesitting and enjoy a new way of life, living in other people’s homes and seeing new places.

    For more information about Homesitters Ltd please visit: www.homesitters.co.uk

  • The Three Greatest Loves (& Losses) of My Life

    The Three Greatest Loves (& Losses) of My Life

    I should feel lucky to have had three great loves who’ve loved me unconditionally but having just recently lost Chloe at 15 years old my heart feels broken and although it hasn’t yet been two months since she left us, the loss feels greater the more time passes leading me to think about all three of the dogs we’ve loved, lost and forever treasure.

    My first great love, and loss, was Bonnie.

    A quirky Cocker Spaniel, in any and all senses of the word. She was a funny character, I’m not 100% sure anyone, myself included, ever fully knew her. We adopted her at two-years old from a show kennels my cousin worked at. Bred from Crufts winning stock, she decided life in the ring wasn’t for her.

    Bonnie 7

    When I think back I liken her personality to Columbo. A persona that screamed simplicity, but underneath those massive ears and curly mophead lay a cunning mind whirring away.

    I remember once while living in Suffolk playing cricket outside one Summer’s night. We left the door open and Bonnie and Jackson followed pottering around. Mid-way through what was most likely a shocking attempt at playing cricket from myself, I saw Bonnie creeping back inside then coming out and thought no more about it until I saw her repeat the action a few more times. I decided to creep up and investigate when she went back inside one more time. She had opened a hole in the bottom of a 30kg bag of food and was treating it like a self-service buffet.

    Classic Bonnie move. In fact most classic Bonnie moments involve her opening and stealing a ham hock from the fridge, stealing and eating a loaf of bread at nano speed, before getting to older age and being unable to catch a treat dropped from hand height to her but opening her mouth and making that lip smacking sound we all know too well about five second too late.

    My second great love and loss was Jackson.

    He wasn’t my dog, not really, not to begin with anyway. Ryan had him from a puppy but when I first met Ryan in his dog training days, Jackson went everywhere he did. He was four-years old then and Jackson and I became friends, mainly through feeding him Skips crisps initially (at the time I didn’t realise Ryan’s diet mainly consisted of Skips, Supernoodles and orange Club biscuits).

    Jackson has an aura about him derived from his statuesque nature and everyone who met him has a Jackson story. In fact the ‘Nervous Twitch’ mentioned in K9 Magazine’s last Dogosaurus was inspired by him.

    Jackson_In_His_Prime_1996

    He was a kind, protective, funny boy who made me laugh more times than I can count. Jackson battled cancer, and won, before passing suddenly one weekend just over nine-years ago aged 13 years old.

    After he beat the disease we took him on a celebratory pet friendly break to Newton Abbot in Dorset. A weekend of pottering about (him) and falling in water (Chloe, his daughter). One of the funniest moments that weekend came when we were packing up to leave, it’s something we only spotted in the photos afterwards and the sequence of shots has led us to put our own dialogue with voices and accents, of course, to them.

    Jackson and Chloe Holne Chase

    For some reason Jackson took exception to something a dog in the distance said so Chloe peered over to check it out, while his grumpy old man face stayed put.

    The next photo in the sequence was of Chloe running out of the car to check on things, while the third photo showed her back in the car with a satisfied (almost smug-like) look on her face as ‘daddy’s little girl’.

    Chloe really did idolise her dad. She changed personality after he passed and although noticeable at the time, now that Mia has been left by Chloe, she too has changed personality. Chloe is my third love and most recent loss.

    Chloe

    Indulgent this feature may be, I’ve been reading a lot about coping with the loss of a pet recently to try and give my mind some sort of order once again. One thing I cannot find the answer to is if I am alone in the grief feeling so overwhelming and all consuming weeks afterwards. After reading this article by Joe Yonan I was inspired to share.

    At the time we had to say goodbye to Chloe, it was after a year long illness. We were told she had a combination of canine spondylosis and degenerative myelopathy which affected her spine with the effects worsening over time. In fact, looking back she hit all three stages from development to the latter stage pretty much bang on schedule as other dog owners had relayed in their own experiences.

    Throughout the three stages of the disease progressing, Chloe needed more care and to the end was unable to walk or hold herself up late afternoon/early evening in particular so our day was scheduled around Chloe’s needs and what she needed and when. If only she’d been younger to take advantage she would have loved it…

    We tried to manage her rest as well as we could, and sometimes it worked. If she would rest after breakfast she would be fine until lunchtime. She was a stickler for routine paying no attention to the clocks going back, but when they went forward she whole-heartedly agreed. She would start her countdown to tea around 10 to 3 in the afternoon. It used to amuse me and I’d get used to hearing the banging of her tail outside my office door or against my desk. You literally could set your clock to Chloe-time.

    In the latter stage of the disease, her mind was the same but her body was failing her and we knew would only get worse, yet I didn’t truly prepare myself for a time when she wouldn’t be here.

    As the disease progressed, Chloe-time worked against her. She would still want to get up and walk around, but she couldn’t cope with the pacing.

    I am lucky in that working at home wasn’t an issue so for most of Chloe’s life we’ve spend every day with her and I cherish that. Or will do in the weeks or months to come I think with much more ease. Just now I’d do anything to get another 15 years with my special girl.

    DSCF0115

    With Chloe we had three markers on what we would look out for to make sure she was still enjoying life and had quality of life, and when it got to the point that she was no longer able to cope we felt we had no choice but to make a decision to let her go because if we didn’t, it would have just been for ourselves rather than her, and she loved so fully and unconditionally, this was one final thing we could do for her.

    It left us with broken hearts and a hole as big as her heart.

    I think in the first few weeks I threw myself into work. With such a lot to do, I felt I could do more good through National Dog Adoption Month helping more dogs to find new homes and more owners to find their canine soulmate. At night times with the house so much quieter without Chloe’s presence, I just worked some more and Mia, who idolised Chloe as much as Chloe did Jackson really, was lost without her and slept for most of the time.

    As November began, my work load began to slow and I found myself albeit busy during the day, I was running out of excuses.

    I wonder if in the early weeks I distracted myself too much, or if perhaps I was mindful of the decision being the right one for her whereas now, although that’s still the case, the loss is greater because time has passed and what I’m left with now isn’t the Chloe on 29th September who needed us to help her, but the Chloe I remember for 15 years worth of fun, beauty and spirit, her love of all things orange in her younger days, her ability to have her eyes closes in most photos taken, and so much more besides.

    Chloe once shouted at Andrew Castle from her dressing room backstage at GMTV while accompanying Mia (she sat with her back to the camera on a live appearance once also).

    She once trod in and upturned a water bowl on Big Brother’s Little Brother backstage after being given a tour behind set by Dermot O’Leary. She also once attempted to usher someone out of our house because his presence delayed her teatime. I think I’ve said enough of her stickler for routine!

    She had the biggest heart and biggest, most beautiful brown eyes and I will forever miss her. She gave the best cuddles and I miss her presence every moment of every day. I hope she knows just how much she taught us about living life the Chloe way.

    Chloe sound asleep

    If you too have lost a pet, share your special moments below here. I’d love to hear your own canine’s shenanigans and hope the antics of Bonnie, Jackson and Chloe here have amused you.

     

  • Splash Out On Your Pet – Win £100 Of Vouchers To Spend!

    Splash Out On Your Pet – Win £100 Of Vouchers To Spend!

    We are a nation of animal lovers, from dogs to cats, we can’t get enough of our furry friends. But we’ve all been there, whilst nibbling away on a biscuit, you’re greeted by your beloved pet begging to get in on the tasty action. You stand firm. Maybe even turn your back to the pestering pooch, but soon enough your biscuit is surrendered.

    However, it’s not just sweet treats we’re willing to share with our four legged friends, according to recent research conducted by Direct Line Pet Insurance, half of all pet owners sheepishly admit to feeding their dogs fast food – with men the worst culprits. Some of us have even had to take our pet to the vets for ingesting the wrong types of food!

    Marc Lifestyle_logo
    Share on Twitter using #K9Cafe

    Consequently, one in five of us worry about whether we are feeding our pets the right things. Foods we may normally associate with good health for humans, such as dark chocolate, raisins, grapes, or onions, are potentially lethal to dogs. Unless you know the facts, giving a pet your leftovers isn’t always the kindest idea.

    Preventative healthcare is very important to Direct Line Pet Insurance, who have put together a series of treat or snack recipe videos to show you exactly what you should and shouldn’t feed your pets. Find out more about what Direct Line Pet Insurance can offer by visiting www.directline.com/pet-cover

    To celebrate your new found knowledge of all things nutritious, Direct Line Pet Insurance have teamed up with online retailer Muddy Paws to offer you £100 of vouchers.

    To be in with a chance of winning watch this video before scrolling down to enter:

    Now you’ve seen the video, add your comment on this post leaving your email address in your name (so it’s hidden from sight) and answer the following question:

    Q: According to the video, why can chocolate be fatal to dogs?

    1) It contains theobromine
    2) It contains milk
    3) It produces serotonin

    We will answer the winning poster here so stay tuned 🙂 Good luck!

     

  • Why Britain Has Turned in to a Nation of Animal Killers

    Why Britain Has Turned in to a Nation of Animal Killers

    The shocking truth concerning the vast numbers of unwanted dogs in Britain today.

    As a national voluntary animal protection group based in the South West of England, South West Animal Protection (SWAP) and countless numbers of rescue organizations, charities and independent rescue workers across the UK, face this grim reality every day.

    The members of the SWAP team regularly compile and distribute emergency email appeals for dogs on death row across the UK. They give their own account of the dire situation:

    The computer goes on, the emails download and already there are four appeals for dogs on death row, fourteen dogs in total, thirteen of which are Staffordshire Bull Terriers commonly referred to as ‘Staffies’. These desperate dogs are only days away from death, often perfectly healthy, friendly, loving little beings who for one reason or another have ended up in a dog pound, abandoned or discarded by their owners. Now in their last few living hours all they can do is await their fate, will they be saved, or will their anxious barks be silenced, their wagging tails be stilled by the harrowing lethal injection?

    staffordshire bull photo

    With not a moment to lose, we immediately set to work, piecing together a special email appeal for the first group of dogs. The details of each individual have been listed, now we insert the photos, this is always the most emotionally challenging task, the desperate faces haunt you, their begging, mournful eyes staring back at you from the computer screen almost piercing your heart, each face crying out “please don’t let me die!”

    Eleven of the fourteen dogs are less than three and a half years old, one of these being a six to nine month old pup.

    The appeal will go out across the network to our supporters in the UK, a number of these being rescue centres or independent rescue workers. All we can do now is anxiously await the response.

    The lives of these fourteen dogs are now depending on the efforts of the animal lovers across the country receiving our appeals. There are so many caring hard-working individuals who endeavour to save dogs like these every day, many of these ‘unsung heroes’ have full-time jobs and dedicate the few spare hours they have voluntarily, rescuing and transporting unwanted dogs from pounds to a safe haven, some will even place dogs in private kennels and pay the boarding fees out of their own pockets if this means keeping the dogs alive, often putting themselves in debt.

    Dedicated rescue charities and organizations are working tirelessly on a daily basis to prevent unwanted dogs from being killed. ‘Doris Banham Dog Rescue’ (Registered Charity: 1103372, Website: www.dogsos.co.uk ) is one such amazing charity and was featured in the recent Panorama programme.

    We have put out many appeals over the past three years on behalf of Doris Banham for some of the many thousands of dogs they have painstakingly saved from death row. The team at Doris Banham do incredible work for dogs in dog pounds that face imminent death.

    Paul N Davis, Trustee for Doris Banham describes the work that they do, “In the last 4 years Doris Banham Dog Rescue have saved over 10,000 dogs from being put to sleep in dog council pounds in the UK. These dogs were rehomed direct by their Charity or placed by them into other approved non-destruct rescues who found the dogs the loving homes they deserved. Every dog is awarded full rescue back up by the Charity to give them the best ever chance in life. This includes vaccinations, veterinary treatment, training, neutering, microchipping, homechecks and a safe place to come back to should circumstances change in their new home. 10,000 dogs that would have otherwise died unloved in the past 4 years have now been given a new start in life”.

    Most rescue shelters depend heavily on volunteers, fundraising and donations to enable them to carry out their vital life-saving work and many are struggling to survive in today’s current financial climate, others have already sadly perished. For those rescues that have managed to stay afloat, the workload is excruciating, kennels are constantly full, no sooner than one becomes vacant another unwanted dog will arrive and fill the space.

    The simple, heart-rending truth is there just aren’t enough rescue spaces across the UK to accommodate the countless numbers of unwanted dogs in need and so thousands of healthy and often young dogs are put to sleep every year. The situation is now dire and needs to be addressed.

    Over breeding, irresponsible dog ownership and extortionate vets fees are all to blame.

    Over breeding is by far the most serious problem. We despair at the amount of people who insist on buying dogs from breeders, puppy farms the internet etc. while thousands of unwanted dogs are waiting desperately in rescue kennels for loving homes and thousands more are being euthanized. The slogan “Don’t Breed or Buy While Homeless Dogs Die” is commonly used by animal shelters around the world and it speaks volumes. We urge anyone thinking of taking on a dog to please adopt one from a reputable rescue instead of buying a dog from a breeder, puppy farm etc. If every prospective dog owner was to do this, then the numbers of unwanted dogs in the UK would fall dramatically.

    Spaying and neutering is also an essential means to reducing the numbers of unwanted dogs. All dog owners should have their pet spayed or neutered, this will prevent any accidental litters. Most reputable rescue organizations will spay or neuter before rehoming a dog, however, some smaller charities don’t always have the funds to do this but they will always recommend to the new owner that this is done.

    Dog breeders, be they commercial or independent will of course not consider spaying or neutering as they will continue to breed dogs as a means to make a fast buck, so it is up to the members of the public to refrain from supporting these breeders and adopt a dog from a rescue centre instead.

    Puppy farms and dog breeders across the UK are churning out dogs at an alarming rate. Many of these seedy and often ‘elusive’ establishments keep their dogs in appalling conditions and it is not uncommon for puppies from these places to be found in a poor state of health.

    Breeding bitches are forced to produce litter after litter until they become exhausted and even disfigured in some cases. We have put out appeals for some female dogs that have been used so often for breeding that their delicate teats have become inflamed and enlarged to the point where they are dragging along the ground. It is heart breaking to witness such abuse.

    It is now the responsibility of the government to take serious measures to stop all the over breeding in this country, as this is by far the biggest contributing factor to the escalating problem of so many unwanted dogs. The general public can also help by lobbying the government, writing to David Cameron and their own local MP’s urging them to take the necessary measures to stop the appalling and unforgivable carnage of thousands of dogs in the UK.

    We feel that vets are also partly to blame for people abandoning their dogs. It is inconceivable to think that some people might be willing to give up their dog before giving up their X-box or DVD player, but sadly this is the attitude of some people. Exorbitant vets fees are not helping the situation. If a dog becomes sick then some less committed dog owners are tempted into giving up their pet when faced with the vet’s bill. The current recession has placed the security of the household pet on even shakier ground. How many sick animals are being neglected and left to suffer because
    some penny-pinching individuals are unwilling to pay extortionate prices for treatment? It is the responsibility of the vets to reduce their fees which will encourage owners to keep and look after their animals properly.

    Many dogs end up in rescues, pounds etc due to dog owner’s lack of foresight and lack of commitment. If people were to think more seriously before taking on a dog then this occurrence could be avoided.

    Owning a dog is a huge responsibility and although the rewards of adopting a furry friend are immeasurable, there are several important points to consider before adopting a dog.

    Financially, can you afford to pay for food, vets fees etc? Work and social commitments also need to be taken into consideration, a dog is a pack animal and so should not be left on its own for long periods of time as this would cause distress and anxiety.

    Are you planning to move or change jobs in the near future? If so, then the dog’s needs would have to be considered and your lifestyle adapted to fit in with these needs.

    Too often we hear of cases where couples have split up or moved house and as a result of these changes have decided to get rid of their dog, this is immoral and unacceptable, would these people give up their children under the same circumstances? It is extremely unlikely, so why is it deemed acceptable to give up their dog? Once a dog becomes a member of your family, it should remain so for life. To quote the words of ‘Dogs Trust’, the largest dog welfare charity in the UK “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas”.

    Sadly the ‘Staffie’ is far too often becoming a common resident in dog pounds and rescue centres.

    This friendly, loyal breed has become the victim of many macho would-be ‘hard men’ of today’s society who are often using these dogs as a status symbol, a tool to boost their inflated, ambitious egos, the innocent Staffie, totally oblivious to its owner’s motives. These low-life thugs will disown their dog at the drop of a hat as soon as it is deemed as an inconvenience. Sadly, these unwholesome individuals have created a bad image for the Staffies in the eyes of the general public, this is a tragedy as these special dogs make wonderful, loyal, family pets as any Staffie rescue will tell you.

    The Greyhound is another greatly exploited breed. Tens of thousands of these placid gentle-natured dogs are bred every year to supply the commercial racing industry. Thousands of these dogs are killed at the end of their
    racing career, usually at the tender age of three or four years and countless more are either abandoned on the streets and picked up as strays or end up in rescues, all adding to the extremely overwhelming unwanted dog population.

    There is no end to the amount of suffering that dogs in our society are being forced to endure. These living, breathing, loyal sentient beings have been ultimately betrayed by us. Mahatma Gandhi once said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the ways its animals are treated”. It would seem Britain is not so ‘Great’ after all, we have become a nation of convenience and throwaway ‘junkies’, self orientated and motivated by greed, this together with a lack of compassion has led to devastating consequences for our so-called ‘best friend’. Britain has become a nation of dog killers!

    Photo by Bev Goodwin

  • Advice for Pet Owners at Halloween Time

    Advice for Pet Owners at Halloween Time

    Pet Owners Can Avoid Halloween Hazards

    It’s no secret Halloween’s popularity is growing and is second only to Christmas in the United States for holiday decoration sales. While the appeal to children is obvious, adults have now pushed Halloween to the status of America’s wildest party time.

    Howloween
    Family pets are often included in the festive mood or they are ignored, both of which can lead to veterinary medical problems. Estimates from 2006 showed 3.5 million Americans bought some type of Halloween product for their pets according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association.

    A recent American Kennel Club survey showed only one in 10 dog owners can’t imagine not dressing up their pup. It also showed women like to dress pets up more than men do. At the same time, 78 percent of men felt that dressing up a pet is interesting if not downright cool.

    The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association offers these tips for companion animal owners to ensure a safer All Hallows Eve.

    — If Halloween demands you spend a lot more time with children, don’t be surprised if your pets get a little more demanding, too. Dogs are especially gregarious pack animals and by nature enjoy their role in the family. They tend to become more confused when they are left out of the group. A few seconds to acknowledge the pet with a pat on the head or some play when arriving home or leaving is sometimes all it takes to keep the “pack” stable and less demanding.

    — Some shelters temporarily stop placement services at the end of October to prevent people from saying they will take placement of an animal only to become bored with that black cat after the party is over.

    — There are a few scattered reports each year of animals being abused during Halloween. If your pets are all black, all white, or mixed black and white dogs and cats, realize theft or abuse of such pets can occur during the Halloween season. While the incidence of pet theft overall remains low, the likelihood of these uniquely colored critters being taken does tend to rise some.

    — Fright Night is how many of us think of Halloween. To pets, it’s a night of confusion and turmoil. The house is frightening both visually and audibly. Strangers come to the door dressed in strange outfits. When children squeal, there is a tendency among dogs to protect or flee. Dog bites to Halloween visitors or unrecognizable family are not uncommon. All pets should be on leashes or contained to prevent running away or fearful biting.

    — Candy is everywhere. Resisting the temptation to hand a piece to your pets is difficult. The animals don’t need the sugar load and other ingredients, so if you are a soft touch, consider keeping appropriate pet food treats in your pocket to pass off to the pooch. In addition, most importantly, keep the access to the candy bowl and trick-or-treat bags away from the animals.

    — It is never appropriate or healthy to give alcoholic drinks to pets. It’s not funny either.

    — Pet costumes can be hilarious if the pet isn’t submissive and fearful by all the fuss. Don’t force things on your pet just for your entertainment. If they don’t mind a costume though, make sure they are as safe from hazards like choking and fire as with a costume you’d put on a 2-year-old child.

    — Remember how overheated you got cruising the neighborhood as a child trick-or-treater in costume? Pets can get overheated in costumes, too. Be sure your pet can walk, see, pant, and answer nature’s call in their costume.

    — Don’t forget reflective tape on your pet’s collar or costume if you take them out. Make them visible to drivers and running children.

    — If the pet costume uses elastic bands or straps to stay in place, they may cut the skin, decrease circulation or cause a strangulation hazard at the neck. Combine creativity with common sense when considering dressing a pet.

    — As at any other time of the year, if your pet shows signs of illness or distress, take them to your family veterinarian. If you know Halloween is difficult for your pet and they are frightened, visit or call your veterinarian for advice and a possible prescription that may make this boisterous holiday more humane to your pets.

    The WSVMA is a statewide, not-for-profit, professional organization for the benefit of veterinary medicine. The WSVMA has over 1,600 members, representing veterinarians, veterinary students and a broad spectrum of veterinary practice. The Association creates a strong practice community that provides education, representation and the sharing of ideas dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine and its relationship to public health and agriculture. Visit the WSVMA Web site, www.wsvma.org, to learn more about the association and veterinary medicine and animal care.

  • 5 Activities to Keep Your Puppy Stimulated

    golden retriever puppyAll of the games and skills discussed below are designed to contribute to both the fun and the positive upbringing of your puppy.

    These energy-producing exercises act as building blocks that make advanced training easier and enhance the bond between owner and puppy.

    Grooming Practice: Starting grooming procedures at an early age teaches the puppy acceptance of hands-on treatment over all parts of his body and emphasizes relaxed “stays.”

    Grooming also assures the owner of dominance as nails are cut and teeth are cleaned, as the puppy learns to be quiet and tolerate-these “house-cleaning” techniques.

    Hide & Seek: Hide and seek is fun for owners and puppies alike and helps teach your puppy how to come.

    (more…)

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