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How to Make Life Easier for Your Arthritic Dog Canine arthritis is a common joint condition that typically manifests in senior dogs. As the doting pet parent of a 13-year-old Rottweiler/Lab mix suffering with the daily limitations of severe arthritis, I’ve researched this topic inside and out in the hopes of helping my “eldest daughter.” Usually, over the span of months or years, owners observe a slow decline in their pet's physical movements. Truthfully, in our case, we’ve seen Maya go from limping once in while to being physically incapable of standing for more than a few minutes at a time, all in the span of 2-3 years. Due to their progressive mobility issues, canines may no longer be able to participate in their usual activities, which was indeed the case in our household. Suddenly, my beloved sidekick and running partner wasn’t as playful as she once was, choosing longer naps instead of hikes in the woods. While there is no cure for this degenerative disease, my goal as her guardian was to find ways to help reduce her joint inflammation and pain. Along the way, I found these 7 tried-and-true holistic ways to help manage my furry best’s pain so she can live a more comfortable life with us. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you with your own pet! Maintain Healthy Weight Lessen strain on painful joints by maintaining a healthy weight for your pet. No matter the amount, any weight in excess creates additional stress on joints that are already having a hard time functioning. Therefore, if your pup is overweight, speak to your vet about putting them on an age-appropriate weight-loss diet. Provide A Low-Impact Exercise Routine When we talk about being healthy, we can't leave out the importance of staying active. Indeed, these two components are quintessentially intertwined with regards to arthritic pain management. In fact, daily exercise is necessary, though in moderation according to your dog's physical limitations, to maintain muscle mass and keep joints flexible. Since there may be pain upon movement in the beginning, offer very short periods of exercise. Consider several short walks throughout the day as opposed to one epic trek - which would most likely injure your dog. Normally, vets recommend swimming as this exercise does not place a strain on achy joints. Carefully Plan Food And Water Placement Arthritic dogs feel pain upon certain movements. Unfortunately, these movements can be little, everyday actions like eating or drinking water. From trouble with their hips to neck stiffness, suddenly your pet's life seems all that more complicated. Keep the pain at bay by thoughtfully planning the location of food and water. Also, consider purchasing elevated bowls as they are easier to access. Install Assisted Living Devices Assisted living devices such as ramps are available for dogs. Once upon a time, your dog probably never thought twice to jump up onto the sofa or into the car. But now that they have arthritis, they could sure use a little help. While slings can support a canine with hip pain to walk with assistance, doggy steps or ramps provide an easier way to access areas. Use Padded Surfaces When Possible Whenever possible, use padded surfaces throughout the home to provide cushioning and support. With arthritis, walking is painful, causing your pet to become less confident with the simple act. On smooth surfaces like tile or hardwood, they may avoid walking altogether to eliminate the chance of slipping. To help them with balance and coordination, think about installing rugs, runners, or carpeting. These options also offer a softer place to land when Fido loses his footing. Select An Orthopedic Bed No doubt, your pet's achy joints are in desperate need of a warm, cozy bed to help reduce pain and stiffness as well as increase comfort. Orthopedic dog beds provide exceptional support with extra padding - two things that dogs in pain can really use. Additionally, as arthritic joints prefer warmth, you may want to think about slipping in a nice hot pack for a perfectly pleased pup. If you don’t believe dogs can smile, you should see the grin on Maya’s face when I place a microwavable Magic Sack on her hind legs! Call On Holistic Therapy Gentle, hands-on therapeutic techniques like massage and physical therapy have been shown to both significantly decrease joint pain and improve overall mobility. While you may be able to offer a soothing massage to your canine at home, you might want to consider the help of professionals for holistic therapies such as physiotherapy, acupuncture, or osteopathy. Although incurable at this time, arthritis symptoms can be controlled and alleviated. I urge you to speak to your veterinarian about developing a pain management plan. Doing so changed Maya’s life, and I say this without any ounce of exaggeration. By working together in conjunction with manual therapists, you can ensure your precious pet has less pain and stiffness, giving them a happier, more satisfying life. Lindsay Pereira Lindsay Pereira is a pet-lov’in Montréal-based writer who’s a “mommy” to Maya, a sweet-tempered senior Labrador/Rottweiler and Muffy, a grumpy guinea pig with a serious attitude problem. She writes about pets at Animallama.com. Website: https://www.animallama.com/ :|zpendofcontent|:
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Why It's OK When Dog Training Goes Wrong It can be really frustrating when things go wrong during training. You’ve got yourself all excited to teach your dog a new skill, you can’t wait to give it a go but it’s just not working out. Your dog just doesn’t seem to be getting it or doesn’t seem want to play along. You may find yourself getting cross and thinking that your dog is just being stubborn. You may even feel like you’ve failed or that your dog has let you down. Yet every failure during dog training is an invaluable learning experience. If something isn’t working out, I know the dog I’m working with is telling me something isn’t right. Often working out what has gone wrong is more useful than several successful training sessions. Sometimes the answer is relatively simple. For example, if a dog is thirsty, needs to go to the toilet or is too hot you are unlikely to get much focus from your dog. However, at other times the answer is a little more complicated. First things first. If your dog is comfortable and ready to work check that your rewards match the effort you are asking for from your dog. If you are teaching something completely new and/or of higher difficulty for your dog then your rewards need to reflect this in order to keep your dog motivated. A bit of boring kibble just isn’t going to cut it! Rewards are in effect payment for work well done. The harder the work, the better your reward needs to be. Secondly, are you asking too much too soon? If your dog is struggling often the easiest way to solve the problem is to break the training down into smaller steps. So if your dog just won’t do a down? Reward them for any bending of the back or lowering of the body then try to gradually decrease the distance to the ground bit by bit. Want to teach your dog to stay but they keep trying to follow you? Then practice building up duration on the spot before you start to move away. Setting your dog up so they can succeed is the key to any good training session. It’s better to be successful at lots of small improvements than ask for too much and have it all fall apart. Another thing that is often misunderstood in training is what can be referred to as fidgeting about. This is when your dog suddenly decides they must scratch their ear, have a little sniff of the ground or simply wander off. It may appear as though the dog has just lost interest but these are key signs of emotional conflict. When a dog is experiencing conflicting emotions they will start fidgeting. Most often the dog is excited to work but has also become stressed by something. This could be something as simple as your dog picking up on your own tension which is making them feel under pressure. Alternatively, what you are asking for may be too difficult for the dog and they are getting confused as to what they are being asked to do. Often when training goes wrong is when we ask our dogs to do something we have already trained them to do but in a different environment. To us, it seems obvious that sit means sit wherever you are but to your dog, the whole picture appears very different. There are lots of different sounds and smells, everything looks different, you may be wearing different clothes and be carrying various items, there may be other dogs and people too. To your dog, the situation is so completely different that they become confused. Dogs just aren’t as good as humans at generalising; they can’t pick out the one common thread in the situation (i.e. the word sit). This means that you may need to go back some stages in your training whenever you are in a new environment. One of the most common reasons for a training session to fail is by increasing the difficulty too quickly particularly in terms of distractions. A common example of this is when teaching a recall outdoors. Many owners struggle with recalling their dog out in the park. Usually, because the recall is attempted when there are too many distractions instead of being practiced at quieter times first. It’s just too big of a step up in difficulty to go from recall at home to a recall from other people and dogs especially if you don't have an exciting reward to offer on your dog's return. A special toy that only comes out for recalls is a great way to keep up your dog’s enthusiasm to come back to you when there are lots of doggy playmates around. When other dogs and people are too close during a training session your dog’s level of distraction will quickly tell you so. For dogs that react towards other dogs and or people by lunging and barking, your dog is telling you that you need more space. You can’t learn when you are stressed out or over excited and neither can your dog. So, if your dog has no focus take this as useful indicator that you need some more distance. If you find your dog tends to bark, bite the lead and jump about whilst you are trying to train, this is an indication that your dog is getting frustrated. Training sessions that are short and sweet are preferable to a training session that goes on too long. A couple of minutes followed by a quick break is generally more effective than a lengthy session. If your dog is barking, then you need to reward faster and build up the duration between rewards slowly. Some dogs just get so excited for that tasty treat they struggle to contain themselves. You could also work on some self-control exercises such as a ‘stay’ and ‘leave it.’ If your dog is lead biting and jumping about, you may also need to make the training a little easier as you could be asking for something your dog doesn’t understand or is finding too difficult to perform. In summary, a training session that doesn’t go as planned can tell you a lot about your dog. Your dog may be stressed, frustrated or distracted. You may be asking for something that is too hard or where there are too many distractions. Your dog could be tired, need a break or simply not motivated by the reward that’s on offer. It’s important that as owners, we have realistic expectations of our dogs and don’t expect too much too soon. Dogs are sensitive to human emotions and getting frustrated or angry with your dog during training will only harm their progress and the owner-human bond. So instead of being disappointed when your training doesn’t go as planned, take it as an opportunity to learn something new about your dog. You’ll be amazed at what a difference a few small changes to your training can make. Tamsin Peachey Tamsin is a qualified animal behaviourist having obtained an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from Lincoln University in 2013. In 2017 Tamsin started running Puppy School classes in Solihull, having received tutor training from renowned author, dog trainer and canine behaviourist Gwen Bailey. Prior to running Puppy School Solihull Tamsin spent over two years working at Dog’s Trust gaining valuable experience in caring for and training a wide variety of rescue dogs. In 2014 Tamsin and her husband adopted their own rescue dog, Milo, with whom Tamsin has worked successfully to reduce his reactivity towards other dogs. In addition to dog training, Tamsin enjoys writing articles and resources on the topic of dog behaviour for both professionals and dog owners. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Life Lessons for a Happier Life With Your Dog I hear about situations regularly, where a family gets a dog, sometimes a puppy, and they let it grow up, but the dog doesn’t really get taught much past house training. Often these dogs don’t even know their names. It happens honestly. These are simply easy dogs… dogs that are fun and easy to live with and enjoy. And it happens far more often than you would think. The problems arise when the situation changes. The owner(s) start a family, or another animal joins the household. Suddenly, the dog who was easy to live with and “not a problem” doesn’t really have the tools necessary to navigate the new requirements of life and everyone is frustrated. Sadly, this often results in dogs being turned in to rescue or shelters. What are some of the things your dog needs to know (at least in this trainer’s opinion) to make life easier for you and your four-footed friend? The Name Game Your dog’s name should be mean “look at me.” That’s it. Not come…. Just look in my direction. So how do you teach it? Say your dog’s name and when he checks in (eye contact) reward with a piece of your dog’s food. Repeat until when you say your dog’s name he checks in with you. You would be STUNNED how many dogs respond to “flowerpot” no differently than they do their name. If this is your dog, get working on it. Eye Contact! Another easy one. Sit or stand with some of your dog’s regular food. Wait for your dog to check in and offer eye contact. Mark the behavior with a clicker or a “yay!” and reward your dog. DO NOT ASK with a “watch me”. This should be a default behavior you don’t have to ask your dog to give you. Sit! Grab some of your dog’s regular food. When he offers a sit, say, “Yay!” and reward your dog. Repeat ten times. Then just before your dog offers the sit, say “Sit” and when your dog does it, say, “Yay!” and reward your dog. Leash Walking Start inside the house with a leash attached to your dog’s collar and LET YOUR DOG DRAG IT AROUND. Work on the eye contact exercise above. When your dog is rock solid on staying connected with you, begin to add movement. Can your dog do it next to you? What about as you walk a step or two? Slowly work up to your dog being able to stay focused on you even if you are moving. When your dog is successful at that stage, drape the leash over your arm but DO NOT HOLD ONTO IT. Continue working with your dog inside until you can walk around with your dog staying focused on you with no tension on the leash. Add some distraction like toys or noise in the house. When your dog is a Rockstar at anything you throw at him inside, build the whole thing again outside, just use a long line attached to your dog and YOU to keep your dog safe. Coming When Called! Start with the eye contact exercise. When your dog is good at it, start tossing a reward away from the dog and say your dog’s name and “Come!” when your dog looks at you, lower a treat in your hand at NOSE level for your dog. When he comes in for it, touch his collar, praise gratuitously and toss another treat away to get the dog to move away. Repeat thousands of times. Then start working outside with your dog on leash. When he gets distracted by something, pause, wait for him to check in and then call and reward your dog. Some of the magic is in letting your dog be curious about things that are safe and waiting for him to return to you. How to Be Away From You Whether in a crate or some other separation including being held by someone else on a leash. (Adapted from “I’ll Be Back™ by Suzanne Clothier). Say, “I’ll be back” and take one step away from your dog, count to three, and return. Repeat many times until your dog is bored when you do it. Slowly increase time until you can count to 30 or 60 and return and your dog remains relaxed and bored. Next step add distance. For this piece, we decrease duration and add distance. Say “I’ll be back” take two steps away from your dog and return. Repeat until your dog is unconcerned at your coming and going. Then go three steps away… build up to being able to be away from your dog and leave the room and return. Slowly increase time, distance and distraction, always keeping your dog unconcerned and relaxed at your comings and goings… and don’t forget to let your dog know when you are leaving him or her, whether in the crate or on a leash or just to step out of the car to get fuel. Wait! This is one of those lifesaver behaviors. Teaching a dog to wait and not rush through doorways, out of cars, out of crates etc. I start this on leash for safety, and oddly on an interior door (so that if we make a mistake we make it in a low risk area). I wait for the dog to sit or lie down near the door (on leash) I start by wiggling the doorknob and “yay!” and reward the dog for holding position. If your dog gets up, I just say “ut oh” and wait for the dog to get back into position. I reward being in the position then start again creating maybe a smaller approximation (maybe just reaching toward the doorknob for example). Slowly I work up to the dog being able to stay relaxed and still while I open the door, walk through myself and then call the dog through. Then we work from the other direction. I reward the dog for getting it right, waiting for a release cue to go through the door. I eventually work up to me running through the door, tossing toys, etc. and the dog staying relaxed and waiting. Once your dog is a Rockstar with an interior door then I add different doors/situations, always focusing on safety. I start on an exterior door heading into the garage with the door closed) or into a fenced yard… then eventually through doors to outside that are less safe but again with a leash and keeping your dog safe. When the dog can handle you running in and out of the door even with distraction then I start on the wait cue in the car. So now that I have given you my two cents, what are yours? What are some things you wish your dog knew that he or she doesn’t know? Email me at tina@sithappens.us with a tag of “Life Lessons” and maybe I will include your behavior in a future blog post. Tina M. Spring Tina M. Spring is the owner of Sit Happens Dog Training & Behavior, LLC in Athens, GA. She is the creator of the Hounds for the Holidays program to help prepare dogs for the stress of the holiday season and prevent dog bites. She is also the author of 90 Days to the Perfect Puppy which is available as an online course. :|zpendofcontent|:
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7 Tips to Writing The Ultimate Landlord-Wooing Pet Profile Do you have a new house that you are excited to move into? Are you having difficulties getting a rental because of your pet? Well, it is great to own a pet but it is disturbing to know that you are unable to bring along your pet with you to your new house or apartment. Don’t fret, there is a way out! Have you considered writing a pet resume? Some landlords are simply just concerned and may be reluctant to allow a pet on their properties due to disturbances, noise, damages and problem in interaction with others. However, with a good pet profile, you can make the landlord comfortable and confident about having your pet on their property. Here are some tips to help you write a winning pet profile to persuade your landlord: 1. Let Your Landlord Know Your Pet You can turn a pet-unfriendly or reluctant landlord into a pet-friendly and accepting one by creating that connection between your pet and the landlord. It’s easy! Simply let your landlord get to know your pet through the information you give such as your pet’s name, age and breed. 2. Show a Good Picture Portray the lively and adorable look of your pet by including a picture in the resume. At first glance, your landlord could be attracted to your pet. Ensure you take a good picture of your pet, preferably in your home where it is easy to see what your pet looks like and how it interacts with the environment. The picture should show your pet as a happy and peaceful one. 3. Add a Video To make your landlord smile at the thought of your pet, an effective way to do that is through videos. “You can attach a video that shows your pet in various situations- while playing and Interacting with other people and animals. This will make your landlord comfortable with your pet on their property,” - explains Gladys Jacobs, a business writer at Academized and Study demic. 4. Give Additional Information Your pet resume is a chance to show your landlord that your pet is well-behaved. You can add an in-depth information about your pet, as much as you’d like such as, your pet’s gender, size, weight, height, personality, vet’s contact information and referee for your pet. This will make your landlord have a better understanding and know more about your pet. 5. Describe Your Pet’s Training It is important to include information on your pet’s training in your resume. If your pet has been trained, make sure you mention and show it in your pet’s resume. It is good to let your landlord know that your pet is groomed and it is also well-behaved in the environment. 6. Include Your Contact information Let’s not forget that you have to include your name and contact information in your resume. Some people actually fail to add this information. When you provide mean by which your landlord can reach you, it will be easy to let you know their decision, opinion, terms and conditions. 7. Present a Well Written Pet Resume When it comes to creating a pet resume, you would want it to be reader-friendly. Your resume should be easy to read and understand. Ensure you check for grammatical and spelling mistakes that cause your landlord to lose interest or create misunderstandings. To prevent a poorly written pet resume, here are some online writing and editing tools to help you: Stateofwriting / Via Writing: These are online writing guide full of tips to make your resume better. UK Writings: This site provides an online editing tool that can help you correct errors in your resume, as mentioned at UK Top Writers. Academ Advisor: This site offers proofreading guide to help you check errors in your resume. BoomEssays / PaperFellows: These sites are great online formatting tools for your resume. MyWritingWay: This website offers grammar tips and checkers for your resume. EssayRoo / EliteAssignmentHelp: These are great online services that can help you generate catchy titles, subheadings and keywords for your resume. These writing tips will help you write a pet resume that will impress your landlord, it will also help you win over other competing pet owners during the rent application process. Now, you can build a good relationship with your landlord by making them get to know your pet. Anticipate your landlord’s likely objections and give all the information you can about your pet so that, your landlord will know and fully understand your pet. Apply these tips in writing your pet’s profile and your landlord will be assured and comfortable with having your pet on their property. You can make use of the online writing and editing tools to get a well-written resume, it will surely help you and increase your chances of getting a pet-friendly home. Freddie Tubbs Freddie Tubbs is a business writer at Bigassignments and Academized. He regularly contributes articles to online magazines and blogs, such as the Vault and Australian help. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Keep the Fun in Fall by Policing Your Dog’s Yard & Other Seasonal Tips With the arrival of autumn comes a new surge of energy for us and our pets. After a summer of humidity and oppressive heat, fuzzy ears now perk up and there is an aura of excitement as our dogs step outside and feel the cool snap in the air. As the yard trees become radiant with the fall colors and shed them to the ground, the crunching of leaves only enhances the fun of playing and doing “zoomies!” Oh, what a glorious season! But, as with the arrival of each season, there are some safety precautions we pet parents need to be aware of. Here are a few of my FiveSibes tips to keep the fun in fall: No Room for Mushrooms These characters can pop up virtually overnight and in all kinds of places, and certain fungi can be extremely toxic to our dogs. According to Preventative Vet, “Some of the most common and dangerous types of mushrooms for dogs are in the Amanita family, like the aptly named ‘Death Cap' mushroom—which, because of their ‘fishy’ odor and taste, are often very attractive to dogs. Ingestion of even a small amount of some Amanita mushrooms can severely sicken or kill a dog because of the devastating effect they can have on the liver.” Be sure to check the yard in all of the areas where your dog has access to, including under the leaf piles, places where it may be damp or hold water, along fences and buildings, shady areas, and even in window sills! Yes, windowsills! I actually discovered a hearty mushroom growing right out of my dining room window frame that took several attempts to dislodge. Our best pet tip: remove all mushrooms just to be safe. Hide and Not Seek When the seasons change and we pack up all the summer furniture and toys, walk around the area to check for hidden items that could pose a danger to your dog. These could include rakes and sharp objects hidden under the fallen leaves; food from picnics or barbecues that may have fallen through the deck slats and have become moldy; or possibly pieces of bread, apples, or other foods that birds or wild animals may have dropped. Also beware of pesticide containers, old candles, and yard plants. To check on whether a plant or shrub is poisonous, visit the ASPCA’s “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List.” (1). Also, you can download their free Animal Poison Control mobile app (2). Cool, Clear Water Keeping our dog’s water dishes clean sounds like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes germs and bacteria can be invisible to the naked eye. Just think about each time our furry best friend laps up some water, s/he is leaving behind saliva, dirt, and possibly bits of food or treats that can muck up and contaminate the water. Our best tip is to use stainless steel water dishes (never plastic) and be vigilant about giving them a daily deep clean and replenishing the fresh water often. Dogs Have Laundry, Too! The start of autumn is also a great time to take inventory of your dogs’ outdoor beds. Do they smell or is there any mold on them? Do they need a few stitches to mend some tears? Or, maybe they are past their prime and need to be replaced. When a new season starts, Ii’s a great time to give all bedding and blankets a once over. Tag, You’re It! Be sure to check your dog’s ID, medical, and microchip tags. Can you read the information, or is it worn off? If the latter, order replacement tags. Also, be sure to check with your vet, area municipality, and microchip company to be sure all of your dog’s information is current. Winter is Coming What better time to prepare for when the snow flies then now? If your dog wears booties or a coat, check that they fit and are in good shape. If you use a paw protectant, check to be sure it is still fresh. It is also a great time to stock up on pet-friendly, non-toxic ice melt. By giving your dog’s yard and cool weather essentials a good review, you both can enjoy the glorious days of autumn! Dorothy Wills-Raftery Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author of EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley: Learning About Health & Fitness; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle books (ArcticHouse Publishing), as well as the FiveSibes.com, an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed and Canine Epilepsy information, as well as her international award-winning FiveSibes blog, based on the lives of her five Siberian Huskies. Her work has also appeared in American Pet Magazine, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy is the writer and host of "The Sibe Vibe” Dog Works Radio show. Dorothy is a 9-time Dog Writers of America Association “Excellence” nominee, winning the prestigious Maxwell Medallion in 2017 and 2016 for her writing, photography, and design. Her book EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the 2018 Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and 2017 NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. Dorothy was also named “Best Author” in 2015 & 2016 by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four books named “Best in Print” by American Pet Magazine, An official International Purple Day® for Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy is the creator of the FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness campaign and partnered with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for #Paws4Purple Project, both inspired by her own epileptic Husky, Gibson. In addition to her Siberian Huskies, Dorothy shares her home with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, on Google + , Twitter, and Instagram(@FiveSibesMom). References: (1) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants (2) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/apcc-mobile-app :|zpendofcontent|:
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'Tis The Season: Learn Ways Pumpkin Can Benefit Our Dogs The cooler weather has arrived, the Autumn season (one of my FAV seasons) is here! What's so great about Autumn? I mean, the weather is cooler, so we can take our dogs on nice long walks. We get to watch the beauty of the season unfold as the leaves on our trees turn colorful before falling to the ground. But let's be real here... the reason Autumn is my fav season? Well, the seasonal treats it brings with it of course! Pumpkin people, PUMPKIN! You've got pumpkin spice tea, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice donuts, pumpkin spice just about everything! And I love every one of them! Now, even though us humans might absolutely love pumpkin seasonal treats simply because of how tasty they are, did you know that pumpkin has tons, and I mean tons of health benefits? Not just for us either, but for our pets too! Learn ways pumpkin can benefit our dogs: 1. Pumpkin is an incredibly nutrient-rich vegetable, containing a host of essential vitamins and minerals. Beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and more. Those are just to name a few. 2. Due to its nutrients, pumpkin can help muscle health and metabolism. And can even regulate blood pressure. 3. Pumpkin can reduce the amount of dander in your home. And the amount of fur found on your furniture. This wonder veggie promotes a healthy, shiny coat for your dog, while moisturizing their skin too! 4. Pumpkin can act as a double agent! What I mean by that is, if your dog is constipated, add a little pumpkin to their diet for that extra fiber. But wait, there's more... (I love saying that line) not only does it help with constipation, but it will work in reverse to a dog who is having trouble with loose bowel movements as well. Double agent pumpkin, at your service! 5. Is your pooch a little overweight? Extra exercise not making enough of a difference? Try replacing a bit of your dog's normal diet with some pumpkin! Pumpkins have a ton of moisture, as well as fiber. This can be a great assistant to helping your dog loose those extra pounds, and still keep their bellies feeling full while getting healthy. 6. Dogs who are on a kibble only diet can sometimes suffer from mild to severe dehydration. One of the reasons for that is because kibble has very little moisture content. So if your dog isn't drinking enough water, his body isn't getting enough hydration. Leading to dehydration. The high moisture content of pumpkin can help greatly. Just add some to your dogs daily kibble. Side note: severe dehydration would most definitely warrant a vet visit rather than a simple fix with pumpkin. 7. According to some studies, pumpkin (seeds to be specific) contain a large amount of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Therefor have been shown to support urinary health in dogs. 8. Pumpkin can act as a natural parasite treatment and/or preventative. Pumpkins contain amino acid cucurbitacin which can actually be toxic to some parasites. However, if you do suspect your dog has any type of parasite, he should be seen by a vet. But having that pumpkin in his diet doesn't hurt as a preventative. 9. Pumpkin flesh and all of its glorious vitamin A is great to support vision. 10. Most dogs love the taste of pumpkin, so it can even be used to get a sneaky pill into your dog without him knowing. We all know the struggles of trying to get medication into those dogs that want nothing to do with it. Wow, that's a whole lot of pumpkin benefits. I mean, if that isn't reason enough to add some pumpkin to your dog's diet I don't know what is. Friendly reminder - we may love our seasonal pumpkin spice treats, but with our dogs, that pure pumpkin is always best. Of course, there is nothing wrong with adding a tiny bit of honey if your pooch isn't enjoying the pumpkin flavor. Do your dogs like pumpkin? What are some creative ways you have added pumpkin to your pet's diet? Jenna Drady Hi, I'm Jenna Drady AKA HuskyCrazed - author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and of course my 3 huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of my life, I was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, I started doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. I am inspired every day by my family, and love to bring my readers valuable information as well as a little laugh while I'm at it. I created my own business partnered with my lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things. We currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, we donate a portion of our sales to local shelters throughout Canada. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How Fostering a Rescue Dog Benefits Your Family Fostering Helps Boost Your Own Pet’s Socialization Everyone can use a friend sometimes, and that includes our pets! Taking in a foster pup allows your dog to make new connections and improve their socialization skills. If they’re both energetic pups, it has the added benefit of giving them a buddy to tire each other out with regular play sessions. It Can Be a Trial Run for a New Family Addition If you’ve been considering adding a new pet to your home, but aren’t sure you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment, fostering is a wonderful way to get that experience for a short while. If you’ve been wanting to raise puppies, why not consider fostering a nursing mom and her litter? That helps soothe the desire for a puppy without adding to the amount of dogs needing homes. Fostering Helps Save Lives The absolute best benefit of fostering is knowing you are helping save a life. Many rescues have limited space, and can only take in as many dogs as they have foster homes to place them in. By fostering, you’re assisting them with taking in more dogs. There’s nothing better than seeing a scared rescue grow their confidence and learn to be part of a family! You Can Make New Friends in the Rescue Community The rescue community is one of the greatest examples of selflessness I’ve seen. They’re often willing to drop everything to run and help a dog in need. They help that dog heal, work on training, and then help them find their forever homes. By volunteering to foster a dog, you’re part of this wonderful community and can even make lifelong friends! Learn How to Get Started Fostering Depending on where you live, there may be a number of rescue organizations near you. To locate one, start by searching for nearby rescues, or look on Petfinder for suggestions. Once you find a rescue, visit their website or Facebook page for details on their process, and then fill out the required paperwork to get started. Determine What Fostering Involves Each rescue organization runs things differently, so it’s definitely recommended to discuss specifics before committing to fostering. You’ll want to review if food/medicines are covered, as well as if a crate, leash, food bowls, etc. are provided. You also want to find out how transportation to vet visits and adoption events is handled. It’s important to make sure you are all on the same page to avoid communication issues. The main thing you’re giving your foster is lots of love, while helping them learn skills to be a wonderful member of their future family. if you don’t feel up to the challenge of a puppy, there are often plenty of senior dogs available. What If You Can’t Bear to Give Up Your Foster Dog? It’s true, having to say goodbye to your foster dog is brutally tough. Just know you did everything you could to set them up for their forever home. If you’re truly in love with your rescue pup, let your organization know as soon as possible to discuss keeping them. It’s called a foster fail, and it happens! Saying goodbye to your current foster is hard, but keeping your home open for future foster dogs is wonderful and makes the process easier when you know you can go on to save yet another life. Have you ever fostered a dog before? Share your story with us below! Natasha Thompson Hi there! I’m Natasha Thompson, creator of Om Shanti Pups, a health and holistic lifestyle dog blog. I love puppies (of all ages!), yoga, and dog rescue. I live all the way up in Alaska with my husband Dan and our two crazy four-year-old Puerto Rican sato street rescues Roxy & Rico. Find us on Instagram & Twitter @OmShantiPups, or visit https://OmShantiPups.com. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Knowing Your Dog Training Priorities Last week I was shopping for clothes in a department store. As I browsed through the racks I heard a low growl then a high-pitched bark. Not expecting to hear these sounds in a clothing store, I scanned the area and saw a chihuahua staring at me from a small shopping cart. The woman pushing the cart was clearly embarrassed and hushed the small dog. In these situations, I typically just smile and walk away. However, this time I decided to share that I was a dog trainer and behavior consultant. As the woman and I made out introductions I found out that the growling chihuahua was only 4 months old. Then the question came, “Can you give me any tips for potty training?” My response surprised the woman when I stated “Although potty training is important, the growling is far more concerning.” I briefly explained that the growling is fear based but could eventually lead to biting. We only spoke for a few minutes but our conversation made me contemplate how people often misunderstand training priorities. It is not uncommon for people to make training a priority over the social-emotional health of their dogs. When I hold my puppy classes, the priority is introducing the puppies to novel objects, people and other puppies. Although we also practice basic behaviors like sit, down and come, the emphasis is on the socialization. If a shy or fearful puppy is not exposed to a variety of people, places and things when they are young, they may react by barking, growling or biting (this is a “fight” response to the fear). It won’t matter if they have a perfect sit or down, the fear can lead to unwanted behaviors. Another situation I commonly encounter is the dog that pulls on leash. In some cases, these dogs just don’t understand the “heeling” behavior you desire. In other situations, the dogs may be overly excited when on a walk. Alternately, dogs will sometimes pull because they are scared when they are on the walk (this is a “flight” response to the fear). Before we can help a scared dog go on a walk, we must first focus on decreasing the fear then teach the dog how to “heel”. For many of these dogs, we will discontinue the walks until the fear or anxiety is managed. “When a person is drowning it is not the time to teach him to swim” is one of my favorite quotes from Between Parent and Teenager, by Haim Ginott. If a person is drowning, we first remove them from the water and make sure they are safe. Then we would give them swim lessons, at their level or readiness (they may need to overcome the fear of water after nearly drowning). After overcoming the fear and taking the lessons, they would be able to swim. Dogs deserve the same respect. Shannon Coyner Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 20 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West. Her education includes a Biology Degree, specializing in Zoology from Sonoma State. She is a "Registered Veterinary Technician," a "Certified Professional Dog Trainer" (Knowledge Assessed), a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a member of the "Association of Pet Dog Trainers" and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Shannon is currently serving as President for the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians. Shannon's dog training philosophy revolves around force-free, positive reinforcement, however, her ultimate goal is for healthy happy relationship between pets and their people. Diet, exercise, environment and training all play a significant role in achieving this goal. Shannon is currently the owner of Ventura Pet Wellness and Dog Training Center in Ventura, CA where she works with anxious and fearful dogs privately as well as teaching agility classes (Venturapetwellness.com). Shannon has also started a training website called Truly Force Free Animal Training. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Transform Your Dog Training Do you find yourself feeling frustrated while trying to train your dog? Does it just seem like they aren’t listening? Or are you confused as to why things you thought your dog knew sometimes seem to go out the window? Then take a look at these top tips to help transform your training today. Motivate your Dog First, think about what you are going to ‘pay’ your dog with when they get it right. Whenever teaching something new or moving to a new environment the reward must be of a high value to the dog to keep them interested in the work. Think about what is important to your dog. This could be fresh meat, tennis balls or a toy. Just using praise isn’t enough for new training situations. If your dog is getting too excited during training you may need to reduce the value of the reward slightly so they are more focused. Set Up for Success Set your dog up for easy wins by breaking training down into small achievable steps. For example, when teaching a recall for the first time don’t try and call your dog when they are playing with another dog in the park, begin at home calling your dog to you from short distances. You can then build up distance and distractions over time. Mark the Behaviour It can be difficult to reward your dog at exactly the right time, especially if you are working with your dog at a distance. Instead ‘mark’ the behaviour you want with an enthusiastic ‘yes’ or ‘good.’ This tells your dog when they’ve done exactly the right thing. You can then reward the behaviour afterward without causing confusion. A simple example of this is marking the moment your dog’s bottom hits the floor during a sit. If you use a verbal marker it doesn’t matter if your dog has got up again before you reward them. Speak, Signal then Reward Want your dog to respond effectively to verbal cues? To avoid confusion only add in verbal cues once you have a behaviour well established on a hand signal. Use the sequence of verbal cue then hand signal and perform lots of repetitions. Try fading out the hand signal and see if your dog still responds. If not repeat the sequence again. Don’t begin training by repeating verbal cues to your dog when they haven’t yet learned a behaviour. For example, repeatedly saying ‘sit’ whilst trying to teach a sit often leads to situations where the dog is still standing when the word is being used. The overuse of verbal cues in this way can cause confusion during training. Consider the Training Environment Is your dog losing focus? Could it be there are too many distractions in the environment? Dogs often don’t generalise well so often need to be re-taught behaviours when moving to a new place. Keep it Short Break training down into short sessions. 3 minutes, while you boil the kettle or the T.V. ads are on, is ideal. By keeping training short you can avoid your dog becoming tired or frustrated and keep your dog motivated. Recognise Stress and Frustration Sometimes a dog may struggle to focus because they are stressed about something in the environment or have become frustrated during training. Signs of stress include yawning, turning away and panting. Signs of frustration may include whining, barking and jumping up. If you see these signs during training end the session and have some time out. Test It Out Think your dog knows a particular command? Test it out! Can your dog perform the behaviour indoors, outdoors and at the local park? If your dog begins to struggle in different places or with more distractions more training may be required. Stuck for ideas or where to begin? Contact your local dog trainer or local dog training club for information on classes and events. There are lots of dog sports and activities to try from basic obedience to cani cross and agility. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced trainer there are plenty of activities for you and your dog to choose from. Tamsin Peachey Tamsin is a qualified animal behaviourist having obtained an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from Lincoln University in 2013. In 2017 Tamsin started running Puppy School classes in Solihull, having received tutor training from renowned author, dog trainer and canine behaviourist Gwen Bailey. Prior to running Puppy School Solihull Tamsin spent over two years working at Dog’s Trust gaining valuable experience in caring for and training a wide variety of rescue dogs. In 2014 Tamsin and her husband adopted their own rescue dog, Milo, with whom Tamsin has worked successfully to reduce his reactivity towards other dogs. In addition to dog training, Tamsin enjoys writing articles and resources on the topic of dog behaviour for both professionals and dog owners. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Choose a Perfect Dog Bed for Your Dog Dogs are usually active during the day and need a nice place to rest. Most dogs will sleep wherever is comfortable for them. They are not particularly picky as long as the resting place is convenient for them. However, it is always a good idea to have a specific space resting for your dog. There are plenty of choices for dog beds available. Here are some factors you should consider when getting a dog bed for napping and resting at night: 1. Material Always go for comfy material when choosing a bed, a dog will have plenty of cozy nights on a snuggly plush material. Once you’ve made sure the material is comfortable, next consideration is hygiene. Is the material easily washable? Dogs get into a lot of dirt and get exposed to fleas and other pests. A bed which is easily washable will help reduce chances of getting fleas as well as reducing bad odors. A compact cover that is easily washable works fine. Some dogs tend to chew on bed edges, so you will want to get a durable material. If your dog sleeps outdoors go for a waterproof material that prevents seepage, making the surface damp in case it gets wet. Alternatively, you can get a waterproof bed liner for your dog liner. 2. Size of Bed Here you want to make sure you chose the right size bed for your dog. In case you are not sure which size is appropriate for your dog, take some measurements. Measure your dog from the nose to the tail, while she is in her natural stepping position. Once you’ve gotten the size add a few inches for wiggle room for stretching. Here is a brief chart size for dog beds: Size Extra small Small Medium Large X Large XX Large Weight - 1-10 lbs - - 11 -30 lbs - - 31 -40 lbs - - 41-70 lbs - - 71-90 lbs - - 91-130 lbs - Breeds - Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Papillons - Toy Poodle, Dachshund, French Bulldog - Beagle, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cavalier King Charles, Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, - Golden retriever, boxer, Border collie, Australian shepherd - German shepherds, Siberian huskies, Weimaraners, collies, Vizslas, - Great Dane, Newfoundland, Deerhound, English Mastiff 3. Types Dog beds come in all types of shapes, from rectangular, oval to bag-type beds. It is important to monitor your dog while sleeping as canines prefer certain sleeping positions or bed styles. Here are some common types: Pillows - Oversized pillows are great for medium to large dogs. Oversized pillows are great for dogs as they allow stretching and spiraling during rest. Once you’ve gotten the correct size, a rectangular pillow is solid choice, and will allow your dog to have the freedom they need during sleep. Oversize pillows are pretty affordable provided you select the proper size and are easy to clean. You could even get an old cushion and use it as a bed for your dog. Donut shape beds - If you have a shy dog or a smaller dog that needs warmth a donut bed is just what need. A donut bed is essentially shaped like a normal donut with rounded sides. They are usually made out of soft material for comfort. Donut beds are good for dogs that like to sleep while curled up as they keep your pup warm. In case it gets too cold you can cover your pup with an extra blanket for extra warmth. Some pups also like to walk around in circles before they finally rest in bed, making donut beds a great resting place for such dogs. Nest design - This type of dog bed is similar to the donut bed. It primarily has an oval shape with soft, raised foam sides that help retain heat. The foam construction helps your dog get warm during colder times of the year. The nest design has a confining design that keeps the heat trapped at the center. There are many brands of nest dog beds in stores, a good pick would be one with a removable center pillow. The removable pillow makes it easier to fit in the washing machine when cleaning. Bolster design - These beds are made for dogs that are spooked by anything sneaking behind them during their sleep. They are primarily like mini-sofas with a raised edge right where your dog faces during sleep time. The raised back offers your canine a sense of security especially if your dog has anxiety issues. It also ensures that your dog does not roll off and fall during sleep time. There is a pillow in the middle that makes the bed comfy. The raised edge is designed so that your dog can rest its head on. Bolster beds are good for dogs that like big pillows and tend to startle when approached from behind since the raised back provides a measure of security. Bolster beds are built for durability and feature a large array of beautiful upholstered designs that can match with your indoor décor patterns. Cave/tent design – These types of beds are designed for dogs that like to burrow themselves and hide themselves during sleep. The design resembles a tent with a semi-covered design. Tent beds are typically designed for smaller dogs usually less than 22 pounds. Cave beds are cozy and provide anxious dogs with a sense of security. 4. Special Needs When choosing a bed for your dog, it is important to consider their special needs. Older dogs may have trouble moving due to aches in their joints. Injured dogs also need special beds that will help them in their recovery. An orthopedic or memory foam bed maintains the shape of the dog during sleep time, which is both convenient and comfy. Have a look at the big barker vs bully beds here you can get 3 disturbing little secrets about dog beds. Adding a thermal pad on top on a standard pillow works fine for sick pups. They can cuddle together which helps in keeping warm during recovery. In case you live in warmer areas get a bed with plenty of air flows that will help in cooling the temperature at night. A thick-furred canine will sleep better in a meshed bed than an enclosed one in warmer temperatures. Kathryn Brown Kathryn Brown is a freelance writer. She lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and her pet Duke. When she's not out exploring other countries, she spends most of her time teaching others how to work remotely while her pit bull, Annabelle, lounges alongside. She's also an advocate for dogs like hers and aims to spread awareness everywhere she goes. :|zpendofcontent|:
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What Not to Do When Visiting Someone Who Has Dogs Virtually every dog owner has had a bad experience with others coming into their home and reacting to their dog. Maybe it’s the hair, the attention the animal seeks, or the barking when someone knocks on the door. Maybe your dog is a working dog, not a pet, and others judge the way you treat them. The truth is that not everyone is a dog lover, and not everyone who has dogs raises them in the same way. Other than extreme situations of abuse or neglect, there are just some things you don’t do when you are visiting someone who has a dog. Punish Them Just like it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s child, it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s dog. However, there are always extenuating circumstances. For instance, if a dog is running into a street, it’s okay to call after it to keep it safe. Other than those types of dangerous situations, it’s important not to overstep your boundaries by punishing someone else’s dog. You might not know the rules, you might be stepping on the owner’s toes, or you may be confusing the dog. Unless safety is a concern, or you have been tasked with puppy sitting, you shouldn’t go into someone’s home and punish their animals. Feed Them Scraps Some dogs have sensitive tummies. Whereas some dogs can eat scraps all day, some dogs have one scrap and spend the next day with diarrhea. For that reason, it’s important not to sneak scraps to any dog you are visiting unless the dog’s owner tells you it’s okay. Not only that, but some scraps are not good for dogs. There are plenty of foods that can be fatal to dogs, so it’s best not to chance feeding them something that can hurt them. Judge Other Pet Owners Again, unless there are safety concerns, it’s best not to judge the way that someone raises their pup. Some people don’t let their animals on the couch, some do. Some people leave their dog outside when they have company over, some don’t. Some dogs beg, some don’t. You may have your preferences and standards for how a dog should act, but it’s not helpful to judge another dog owner for how they train their pet or how their pet acts. If you’re uncomfortable with it, don’t visit anymore. If your problems with the owner has to do with the dog’s well-being, it’s important to contact the appropriate authorities (1). Otherwise, it’s none of your business if they let their dog dig in the backyard. Complain It’s rude to go to someone else’s house and complain about anything, so you shouldn’t complain about their dogs, either. Honestly, many dog people think of their pets as family. For some people who don’t like dogs or other animals, it’s hard to understand that people may be offended by their view on their fuzzy family member. It’s okay not to like dogs, but it’s not okay to go to someone else’s house and complain about them. Dogs can be forward, loving, dirty, and covered in hair. They aren’t always quiet or the most polite, but they live in the house — you don’t. If you have a fear of dogs or a concern about them, discuss the problem politely with the owner and chances are they will respect that and keep the dog contained. Assume the Dog is Nice or Mean It’s just as unhelpful to assume a dog is nice as it is to assume that it is mean. Many stereotypes about dog breeds can cause a fear of a breed, as can bad past experiences with aggressive dogs, but you shouldn’t assume a dog is mean because of that. If you’re concerned, just ask the owner if the dog is nice. On the same note, some dogs come with a history you may not understand. For that reason, some dogs may be untrusting, nervous, or aggressive towards new people and experiences. Don’t approach every dog like it is nice. Instead, be respectful of the dog’s space and ask the owner about its temperament. Be sure to be especially mindful of children who may not understand these rules. Children may climb on a dog, put their face in the dog’s face, or invade their personal space which can cause any dog to have a negative reaction to them. These boundaries are extremely important. What You Should Do Sometimes it’s a lot more helpful to understand what you should do when visiting someone with dogs instead of only knowing what you shouldn’t do. It’s not just about being a nice guest, it’s also about making sure your visit isn’t miserable because of their pets. Ask questions: You should always ask a pet owner before making decisions for their pets. “Can I feed him this scrap?” “Can I throw his frisbee?” or “Can they come on the couch?” are all better than doing without asking. Not only that, but “Can I pet him?” “Why do you keep him outside?” or “Is he good with kids?” are all great questions to get to know the animal, alleviate any judgments, or feel safer about the dog being around. Be open: If dogs make you nervous, if you’re allergic (2), or if you just don’t like them, don’t be afraid to be open about those issues with the dog’s owner. If you don’t, they will have no way of knowing that they should keep the animal away from you. It’s okay to be honest about these things as long as you do so respectfully. Think before you speak: Before mentioning how much hair is on the couch, think about how that comment will come across. You don’t want to seem rude, so it’s always best to think before you speak to be sure you’re not being rude about the furry members of the household. Be prepared: If you know you’re going somewhere with dogs, just be prepared for your visit. Bring a lint roller if you’re concerned about hair, share any concerns with the host, or, if you love dogs, be prepared that the dog may not love people as much as you love them. At the end of the day, it’s important to respect the inhabitants of the home you are visiting — even the animal inhabitants. They live there and you don’t, so it’s important to realize that they have a place in that house. Some people view their dog as family members, and other people may view their dogs as working animals that don’t have the same comforts as people. Either way, as long as a dog isn’t being abused or neglected, it’s important not to judge how they are raised. Instead, respect the rules of the house, ask questions, be open, think before you speak, and be prepared for your visit. References: (1) http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/tips/cruelty_action.html (2) https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Pet-Allergies-when-Visiting-Someone-with-a-Pet Chelsy Ranard Chelsy is a writer from Montana who is now living in beautiful Boise, Idaho. She graduated with her journalism degree in 2012 from the University of Montana. She is passionate about animal rights, bad television, and white wine. She is a volunteer at Simply Cats in Boise. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Have a Garden-Friendly Dog! Can you be a proud gardener and live with a dog? Many might think the two don’t mix but there are lots you can do to ensure owning a dog does not exclude you from beautiful flowerbeds or luscious lawns. Of course, it is inevitable that there will occasionally be accidents and sometimes a little damage, but you can minimise any adverse impact your dog might have: you certainly don’t need to resign yourself to a trashed plot which resembles a prison exercise yard. By combining common sense with a little ingenuity it is perfectly feasible to achieve a harmonious fusion of lovely garden and idyllic dog-space. How you design and manage your garden is of course, ultimately up to you, but you will find life much easier if you garden with your dog, rather than in spite of him! Think of it as a gardening challenge to rise to, rather than a gardening problem. Got a dog who likes to dig? Give him a place of his own where he can excavate to his heart’s content. If he enjoys snoozing out there, then provide somewhere comfortable so he doesn’t have to make his own nest right in the middle of your flower bed. The only hard and fast rule when it comes to what you can include in your garden, is that the welfare of your dog always comes first. Gardens can, after all, be rebuilt and replanted, but your dog is irreplaceable - safety in the garden is paramount. Many common garden plants are poisonous to canines, so make sure you do your research thoroughly before investing in new flowers or scrubs. Many dogs think gardens are for toileting in or charging around. With a little training and some simple changes to management, we can teach a dog to pee and pooh in a dedicated area or do calm activities around the space instead of using it as a racetrack. Try exchanging ball games that trash your tulips for a sedate find it game where you hide treats, or every his dinner around a safe area for him to sniff out. Not only will it be kinder to your plants but will wear him out because he is using his primary sense, smell. Or maybe you can hide a favourite toy or try out some cool, cheap enrichment games like ball pits, snuffle mats or the cup game where you hide food under plastic cups which your dog will nose out and knock over for the tasty morsel underneath. To manage the damage we can teach commands like "leave it, off, give it," and "come." Even teaching your dog to have a quick response of looking at you when he hears his name can be helpful to interrupt a behaviour you want to stop. Try saying your dog’s name and when he looks at you, throw him a treat. He doesn’t have to do anything else, just look at you. Repeat this often and when he responds, instantly every time, you can add in another instruction like, "come here." This positive way of interrupting a behaviour will give you a better chance of saving the snapdragons than shouting at your dog as he digs it up. Encouraging your dog to take it easy in the garden doesn’t have to be a battle. You can best achieve this by first taking your dog for a nice walk and when home, if you are going in the garden, provide a comfy bed or mat to sleep on near his favourite spot. You can pre-train a settle command to encourage him to chill or sit with him for a cuddle, some soothing massage or do some gentle training to promote calmness and to tire out his brain as well as his body. If he can’t settle, maybe provide a containment area like a crate, pen or even tether him, using a lead attached to a harness and tether point. Make sure to provide him with water, a long-lasting tasty chew or stuffed enrichment toy and check on him often to ensure the sun hasn’t moved overhead or that he isn’t too chilly. By returning to him often and rewarding for staying on the bed will reinforce him wanting to be there. Whatever you do in the garden, a dog is a welcome companion so embrace some change to ensure you both love and care for the space and share it harmoniously. For more information have a look at Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush’s book HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden, available in paperback and Kindle. Toni Shelbourne Animal Behaviourist, Tellington TTouch Practitioner, Real Dog Yoga Instructor & Author Toni has worked with domesticated and wild canids since 1989. After a long and successful career with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, she started her own business as a Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner. She is now one of the highest qualified Practitioners in the UK. In 2001 her skills in TTouch took Toni to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust were she meet a pack of socialised wolves. She went on to work with them for over a decade as a Senior Wolf Handler and Education Officer for the organisation. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. Over the last two decades, Toni has been developing her writing. She spent two years editing and writing features for Wolf Print, the UK Wolf Conservation Trust's international magazine. She went on to write for national dog magazines, rescue society newsletters and blogs. Her first and second book, The Truth about Wolves & Dogs, (Hubble and Hattie 2012) and Among the Wolves (Hubble and Hattie 2015) have been a great success. Her latest writing collaboration with co-author Karen Bush sees a series of books entitled HELP! My Dog is…. Titles include, HELP! My Dog's Scared of Fireworks, HELP! My Dog doesn't Travel Well in the Car, HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden and HELP! My Dog has a Canine Compulsive Disorder. All are available in paperback and eBook format on Amazon. Toni and Karen have many more titles planned under the banner of Skinny Dog Books – named as they both own sighthounds and the books are small and concise. Visit www.tonishelbourne.co.uk for more details about Toni, her work and books. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Truth-about-Wolves-Dogs-216136181810393/ Twitter: @tonishelbourne Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush’s book HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden: US paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250534&sr=8-6&keywords=toni+shelbourne US Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250597&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK paperback link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-5&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK Kindle link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne :|zpendofcontent|:
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