Dog Behave Help

08/01/2024

Another post about puppies

Have you started handling your puppy?
Looking in their mouths, ears, eyes, nose, brushing their teeth, playing with their feet, trimming their nails, brushing their fur, etc?
This should be started the day they come home and everyday, with nail trimming weekly.
If you have a pup that will need regular grooming, they need to start going weekly for practice at the groomers.
It’s extremely important to teach your pup that grooming is a part of life. Puppy’s pick up things and you’ll need to take them out of their mouths. Spring time in Alberta means sticky’s from the trees are in fur and feet, you have to put these off.
The list is endless and your pup needs to feel comfortable with you helping them.

Your pup, groomer and Vet will thank you for the work!

07/08/2024

Here’s a reminder

07/01/2024

Fireworks bring a few minutes of joy for humans but create fear and worse for dogs, as well as most other animals.

06/27/2024

Adopting vs purchasing a pup/dog.

The correct answer is different for everyone.

If you want to adopt, fantastic!
Ask lots of questions about the dog’s behaviour - separation anxiety, aggression, fear, etc.
Also very important, ask about health and previous owner’s history.
Request any records that may be available.
Many “preowned” dogs are surrendered because of behavioral or health issues the original owner didn’t want to, couldn’t afford or didn’t have the time to work with.
These issues can be minor or major.
But, there’s also lots of easy, ready for a new home dogs that will fit into your family without much work!
Don’t be bullied into “adopting” because you feel guilty. Make the choice that’s right for you.

If you want to purchase from a breeder that’s great too!
Find a breeder that does health testing, has behaviourally stable dogs, provides good nutrition for the mom and babies, has a clean & mentally stimulating environment and provides healthcare for the pups.
Ask to see where the pups are raised and to see both parents. Many times, the male isn’t in the same location so you’ll have to go elsewhere to see him.
Daily videos are also an easy and convenient way of learning about the pups.
Don’t buy a dog without seeing the environment they were raised in. There are many puppy mills and most have fantastic websites and know the right things to say. If you can’t visit, contact the local animal control office as well as the local shelters and SPCA to find out more detailed information about the breeder.
Being an CKC, AKC or a breeder group member doesn’t guarantee the breeder is a good one.
Know a lot about the breed you want before you purchase. Find a dog show and hang around that breeders area. Watch and ask questions.

A dog is a lifetime commitment. It’s important to ensure you’re ready before you bring him home. If you’re unsure, consider fostering a dog. It’ll give you a chance to “test run” dog ownership without the commitment. It you fall in love with your foster dog, you can adopt her!

Most dogs live 10-15 yrs. They need training, healthy food, regular medical care, daily walks, playtime, love and attention. Be sure you’re ready before you bring home a new family member. They take a lot of time and money.

06/02/2024

Things to remember for your new puppy’s first night’s home.

1. She’s a baby
2. She’s scared
3. She’s not house-trained
4. Everything and everyone is new
5. She doesn’t have a clue how to behave in her new environment
6. She’s not trying to be bad, she’s being a dog baby
7. Biting is a big part of how puppies play together, you have to teach her people don’t play that way
8. Expect to get up a few times a night for the first while to take her out to relieve herself
9. She’s probably never been in a kennel before, be patient
10. Feed her at certain times each day to regulate her bathroom schedule. Not the exact time but within an hour or so
11. She needs to have lots of different toys/chews. Do not give her things that may confuse her such as old shoes/slipper, etc
**She’s a baby and you need to teach her what your rules are BUT you must have realistic expectations!
**What you don’t want her doing at 2 years old, she shouldn’t be doing at 8 weeks.

05/02/2024

Has your dog been for a SNIFF walk today? If not, take them to a treed area and let them investigate.

04/24/2024

***Reminder***
Never leave your dog’s collar or harness on, they should only wear them on outings. Many dogs are strangled by collars and harnesses. You also have to be very cautious when your dogs are playing, jaws and paws can get tangled in these and cause injuries or worse.
Ensure microchip and tattoo information is up to date! Have your Vet read the microchip each year.

03/31/2024

Does your dog jump out of the car the second you open it? Do you have to be a goalie to stop him from running out the door when the pizza guy shows up?
It’s extremely important to teach your dog safety protocols as well as manners.
Many dogs are hit by cars or lost because they were never taught these basic skills.

03/03/2024

Socialization
Often dog owners are told to socialize their pup once they’ve had all their vaccinations.
But, the socialization window closes between 12-16 weeks old.
It’s not taking them to a class, it’s about introducing them to the world. Let them meet and play with fully vaccinated, well mannered dogs. Not large groups. First one on one, than you can build up to small groups if it’s controlled and your pup isn’t intimidated.
Take them places, not crowded places but on adventures. Walk in trails meeting people and dogs, go to the Vet and get on the scale, anyplace they’re likely to go regularly.
Socializing is an ongoing adventure but works best if you start early and of course, never flooding the pup/dog!

02/03/2024

Are you thinking of bringing a puppy or dog into your family in the future?
Before you do, understand the needs and characteristics of the breed you choose before deciding.

Not every dog fits into every family.

It’s important to remember that children and dogs aren’t always a good mix, both need to be taught how to behave towards each other. If your child can’t control themselves around dogs, wait until they’re mature enough to understand.

Most bites happen when a dog is trying to communicate it’s uncomfortable but the child doesn’t understand or won’t stop interacting with the dog.

01/11/2024

PLEASE
if you see a pet outside without a heated shelter and it looks in distress, contact Animal Control or Alberta SPCA. This sudden extreme cold kills!

12/31/2023

**A yearly reminder**

To everyone getting a puppy in 2024 and beyond, here’s a few things to know

1. Socialize them from day 1. They need to be around other dogs (well behaved, vaccinated dogs) to learn how to communicate with them. Many behavioural problems are caused because of lack of, incorrect or too late socialization.
2. Don’t flood/overwhelm them when socializing but introduce them to as many things that will be in their lives as you can before 12 weeks.
3. They’re babies but they can learn! Teach with kindness, never punish and if they don’t get it, look at how you’re teaching.
4. The socialization window closes between 12-16 weeks (Scott and Fuller) don’t wait until they’re fully vaccinated to start, it’s too late for most. Put boots on them and don’t let them put anything in their mouths if you’re unsure or concerned with disease transmission.
5. Only get a puppy if you’re sure you can commit time daily to her/his mental and physical needs for 10-15 years.
A dog is not an ornament or an accessory! 

11/14/2023

FYI
Essential oil diffusers can be deadly to dogs . 

11/01/2023

A reminder
Spend time with your dog. Be present instead of on your phone or talking to others. Chase her, goofy run with her, tell her she’s great, look for squirrels/shake the tree for her, throw the ball, enjoy your time together!
Your dog is only with you for a short time, make it special ❤️

10/09/2023

Never correct communication, work with it.
If your dog is uncomfortable, help him work through it.

09/03/2023

So many people have a hard time getting their dog to be leashed up, especially at the off leash park!
It’s important to create a positive association with the leash. Always use the same word to teach, simply “leash” works the best because it’s easy for everyone to remember.
When you’re taking your dog anyplace they enjoy going, it’s practice time!
Call your dog to you and as you clip the leash on, in a calm voice say “leash”. As you remove the leash, say “leash”. Practice in the house, yard or other area where you know your dog can focus.
Once your dog understands “leash” practice in more distracting places.
I recommend you do this multiple times throughout your off leash walk. Once you arrive, “leash” your dog before you leave the vehicle (it’s the law and the safe thing to do). Walk a little than say “leash” and remove it.
-Do this throughout the walk, never leaving your dog leashed for an extended time. Vary the time so it’s not predictable, generally a few seconds to a minute to start.
-Don’t try this when they’re playing or very distracted to start.
-Don’t practice at the same spots as it then becomes predictable and not reliable elsewhere.
A well behaved dog is welcome in so many places and a joy to have around! It also makes for a happier dog.

07/30/2023

Does your dog hate their legs/feet touched?
Many times people move their dog’s legs to the side when wiping paws or cutting their nails. Dog’s joints don’t work like ours, so moving them sideways hurts.
When moving their legs, move them forward or backwards, not sideways.
Practicing handling techniques is so important because throughout their lives you’ll need to check their ears, eyes, feet,… nobody want it to be a battle.

07/01/2023

Happy Canada Day!
If your dog is afraid of fireworks, stay with them in a basement room, watch TV and be as calm as you can.

07/01/2023

06/12/2023

Do you let your dog lead the walk?
Do you let your dog sniff when they’re interested in something?
Do you take you dog to different
places for walks?
Remember, this is the most interesting time of your dog’s day, let it be as fulfilling as possible!

05/22/2023

Never allow your dog to approach a “leashed” dog.
Many on leash dogs have reactivity issues or are aggressive. Sometimes they’re on a leash because they don’t listen but it’s best to error on the side of caution.
So, teach your dog to keep their distance or call them to you and have them walk beside you until you pass the leashed dog.
It’s irrelevant that your dog is friendly, a dog with issues will still attack your friendly dog and leave you with a Vet bill or worse.
In this instance, the owner of the leashed dog would not be fined, you would.
Please ensure your dog has excellent recall and manners before taking them off leash.
If you have a leash reactive or aggressive dog, don’t take them to off leash areas to work on their issues, it’ll only make them worse and put other dogs at risk.

05/04/2023

A dog’s thought
“a walk may not solve all our problems but it’ll put a smile on our faces”.

04/30/2023

Did you know- your pup knows how to be polite? Unfortunately, if you don’t acknowledge their politeness, they move on to other behaviours.
When your dog is jumping, barking, stealing,… they’re trying to get you to respond to them because being polite didn’t work.

04/09/2023

Welcome Spring, you finally showed up.
It’s probably the most interesting time of the year for dogs, the smells are so intense. Their world is scent, let them investigate and enjoy their walk.

04/01/2023

When working to change behavioural issues, it’s important to note that it don’t just happen on it’s own.
There’s many variables, including the emotional state of the dog.

02/26/2023

Quality of life versus Quantity of life

I often hear people talk about their senior/ill dog and the struggles they have with deciding what the next step is.
Remember, there’s more to life then just continuing to eat and drink.

As dog’s age, they can have many health issues, just as with humans. Sometimes we don’t notice as they happen gradually. It’s good to have a detailed list of changes to speak to your Vet about at your dog’s yearly exam. There’s many medications that can improve your dog’s life for most medical issues.
It’s also a good idea to have a blood panel done to have a baseline for your dog.

There’s also behavioural work that can improve your pet’s life. Many dogs with cognitive impairments can be helped with a combination of medication and behaviour modification.

Consider the following questions and speak to your Veterinarian.

- does your dog feel joy?
- is she happy to go for a short walk?
- does she play with her toys or you?
- does she hide away and avoid being in the mix of things?
- does he struggle to move around, even with pain management?
- does he choose to lay by himself?
- does she have a difficult time getting up after napping?
- is he depressed?
- is his urinating/defecating in the house?
- is she confused?
- is she up at night, unable to settle?
- is he being bullied by the other dogs in the home?

Not all of the above issues can be solved by your veterinarian as some are Behavioural issues but, regardless of your dog’s age, most issues can be lessened with assistance.

02/01/2023

Dog Daycare, off leash parks, group meet ups,… can be a nightmare for many dogs. Too many over stimulated, over excited dogs in these places. All dogs need to be monitored and helped when they’re not interested, fearful, overwhelmed, over excited or over stimulated. Some days you dog may enjoy these settings, other days, no. Watch what changes are present in your dog and the environment each time and decide if they need a break.

12/31/2022

To everyone getting a puppy in 2023 and beyond, here’s a few things to know

1. Socialize them from day 1. They need to be around other dogs (well behaved, vaccinated dogs) to learn how to communicate with them. Many behavioural problems are caused because of lack of, incorrect or too late socialization.
2. Don’t flood/overwhelm them when socializing but introduce them to as many things that will be in their lives as you can before 12 weeks.
3. They’re babies but they can learn! Teach with kindness, never punish and if they don’t get it, look at how you’re teaching.
4. The socialization window closes between 12-16 weeks (Scott and Fuller) don’t wait until they’re fully vaccinated to start, it’s too late for most. Put boots on them and don’t let them put anything in their mouths if you’re unsure or concerned with disease transmission.
5. Only get a puppy if you’re sure you can commit time daily to her/his mental and physical needs for 10-15 years.
A dog is not an ornament or an accessory! 

12/24/2022

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Ara, Penny and I.

12/17/2022

Reminder- ensure your pets are warm and safe this week as the temperatures drop. Watch for others too.