COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette

01/01/2025

May we all have a very blessed 2025!!!!

12/25/2024

MAY WE ALL HAVE A VERY "BLESSED" CHRISTMAS!!! God Bless you & yours on this very special day. May we all remember the "reason for the season"!! God Bless our service men, women, Military & Service dogs, & our first responder K-9s, our Wounded Warriors, those who are away from their families, & first responders all over the country. God Bless America. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/20/2024

CAUTION: COMMON CHRISTMAS PLANTS THAT ARE "TOXIC" TO OUR DOGS!!!

12/19/2024

CAN WE PLAY, CAN WE PLAY...HUH? HUH?...NOW, CAN WE PLAY???? Do you know WHY it is an "absolute" that when we are the busiest, the most stressed, & have the least amount of "time"...that is precisely the time our dogs are the most insistent that they want to play? It isn't that they "want" to play; they NEED to play or go for a walk to release their "stress energies"!!! .

There are two reasons for why this happens: 1) When we are "stressed", our dogs sense our stress & they want to make us all better. They know playing always makes us happy! When they can't make us "all better", this stresses our dogs! 2) When we disrupt a dog's routine/schedule this stresses our dogs.

When our dogs are stressed, they NEED to release their stress. They can't hold their stress IN. It must & will come out by trying to constantly "engage/interact" with you or chewing something up or chewing on themselves. OR, it will come out via the dog vomiting or having diarrhea "caused" by their stress level! [Note: When the dogs are stressed they have to p*e & p**p more frequently. Can you see a stress snowball for the family!].

SOLUTION: Take a mere 3-5 minutes & take your dog for a "mini walk" OR "play". Do you realize 3-5 min. of engaging/interacting with your dog/s (even when you think you don’t have the time!) will make all the difference & will take less time than shooing them away or dealing with the results of your dog/s' high stress level! This absolutely WILL help you, too...whether you think so at the time or not!

May we ALL have a wonderful & safe Christmas Eve!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/19/2024

I NEED TO POTTY...LIKE NOW!!!!!!! Today starts one of the busiest weeks of the year for you & your family! No matter how good care we take of our dogs the rest of the year...chances are the time will get away from us OR we will "miss" our dog/s' potty indicators. PLEASE take extra measures to insure "your mistake" doesn't force your dog to have an accident! This will upset you & it is very unfair to force your dog to do what they know not to do!! Set an alarm, a timer...something, anything to make sure you "regularly" potty your dog/s. It will take far less time & be far less stressful to do this than deal with the results if you don't!!!

Also, pay attention if your dog is more bothersome than is their norm. THAT is a good indicator that they NEED something. Don't shove them aside. Pay attention. Let them outside to potty. If you have to walk your dog, take them for a "mini-walk". That won't take as much time as it does to clean up the mess they didn't want to make in the first place! Don't count on others in the home to potty the dog/s EVEN when you ask them to. I promise that has a 50/50 chance of happening!

To be honest, the more hectic (even due to stress) the environment is (your house or visiting others), I recommend "a potty break" EVERY HOUR!!! Reduce your stress & your dog's stress...make sure no potty accidents happen!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)need to potty now!!!

12/17/2024

SNOW NOSE EXPLANATION...Here is a good explanation of "snow nose". Note there are other conditions & issues that can cause a dog to lose pigmentation on their nose. In most cases, snow nose will re-darken after the cold weather has passed. When my Golden was 4 yr., he had snow nose for the first time & then every year thereafter. Any breed can develop snow nose & some are more predisposed to it. [Note: this Q & A on snow nose was taken from my MSN homepage one day last week.] (www.thedogspeaks.com

Q: This fall, my husky's black nose turned a little pink. His skin doesn't look irritated. Should I be worried?A: Your pet probably has a temporary—and harmless—case of "winter nose," or, as it's often called, "snow nose." Sometimes, when the temperature drops, so does the output of an enzyme called tyrosinase (which catalyzes the production of melanin and other skin pigments), causing a dark nose to lighten to brown or even a speckled pink.

Siberian huskies, Bernese mountain dogs, Labrador and golden retrievers, and a few other large breeds are particularly prone to nasal depigmentation, a purely cosmetic condition that poses no medical threat. In fact, even though the American Kennel Club lists a black nose as a requirement for huskies, it allows them to compete with snow nose.

Once healed, a sunburn or wound can also turn a canine's nose lighter, but you would have noticed blistering or an abrasion long before any change in color. In rare cases, depigmentation is an early sign of vitiligo, an autoimmune disease. It couldn't hurt to pay your vet a visit to rule this out. However, taking the season into account, and absent any irritation, I don't see any cause for concern. Your pooch's black nose should return after the weather warms back up.

12/16/2024

CPR FOR OUR DOGS: Christmas Season is a prime time for issues to occur with our dogs. There is so much for the dogs to get into their mouths & possibly swallow & possibly block their breathing. There are many other things that can occur that could cause the dog to need CPR. Consequently, this is another infographic that I think everyone should print off & put it on your fridge or somewhere easily & quickly accessible. You don't want to waist a moment looking for what you need.

12/16/2024

HEIMICH MANEUVER FOR THE DOGS...During the Christmas Season, there are so many more opportunities for our dogs to swallow something they shouldn't & that can cause the dog to choke on it. I recommend printing off a chart or infographic regarding HOW TO perform the Heimlich on small dogs & large dogs. And, then post it on the Fridge or somewhere it can be easily referred to at a moment's notice. It is best to always "be prepared" for what could occur.

12/14/2024

DOES YOUR PUP/DOG LIKE A LITTLE "FLESH" WITH THEIR TREATS!!?? The Holiday Season (Thanksgiving & Christmas) is upon us. I felt this would be a great time to share my technique for giving treats. This is so easy & will help your guests/visitors of all ages!!

Years ago, I developed a way to give treats that is easy & will work with almost every dog. Every person I have shared this with are thrilled with how great it works from the first time they try it. Granted, there are exceptions to every rule...but, so far I have not found a dog it does not work for.

Even young children can do this...with parental supervision (every interaction between your dog & young child must be supervised!). Granted, the good old standby for giving treats is having the treat in your open palm. but, I like to provide people with some alternative approaches.

Some "basic" fundamentals for giving treats: Give the treat at normal mouth level or below & up close to the dog. I prefer the mouth/muzzle to be pointed downward. Give treats close enough so the dog does not have to "reach" for it. Do NOT have the dog reach up, out, or in any way that "elongates" their neck. When they stretch that neck area, it pulls at the lower jaw "muscles". The result is...AS the dog "reaches" for the treat & the jaws "close/shut" to take the treat, the jaws will "snap" shut. The dog is not choosing to do this. It is the jaw's closing mechanism when the neck is elongated. Keep this info in mind as you read the two approaches below.

Lead with your index finger or back of hand. The dogs do not want YOU, they want the treat they can smell & know it is there. Your finger or back of hand "slows" the dog's "treat fervor" as they "work" to get at/find the treat.

The "finger" approach is to hold treat between thumb & forefinger (the "F" finger...LOL!). The Index finger is pointed straight, NOW..."curl" the index finger in front of the treat.

Second approach, & possibly easier for some people, is to hold treat between thumb & 2 fingers (index & forefinger). CURL for entire hand downward or inward (toward your body).

What both of these approaches do is to provide "more of YOU" between the dog's mouth & the treat. Like I said, they do not want you, they want the treat. When there is more of you between the dog & the treat, it slows them down as they work around to get to the treat.

Note re: senior dogs: Even if your dog has always been super taking treats or had what we call a "soft mouth", when they age they will reach a time when they will often have more of a snapping action of their jaws. It is like they don't have the control over their mouth action like they did when younger. And, they can't judge the distance like when they were younger. When a dog's eyesight starts to diminish, they will know the treat is there, but they can't quite judge where the treat is in relation to their mouth. This can cause more of a snapping action of their jaws. Using the approaches I have described really helps your senior dogs.

These are so easy & really, really work!! Another tip: For your overly exuberant dogs, especially those who have been used to "grabbing" their treats, be sure to tell them "easy, settle" something verbally to get them to calm down just a tad.

Overly excited dogs have trouble containing themselves, period. For example, how many times has your overly excited dog "accidentally" knocked their food bowl out of your hand as you were setting it down?? So, I recommend just a little "verbal reminder" to settle, easy, be nice, etc. This helps your dog be able to better (albeit, not fully...LOL!) contain themselves when getting a treat (or food bowl...LOL).

Please consider sharing this post with ALL of your dog friends & family.

12/12/2024

HOW TO & "NOT" TO MEET/GREET A DOG PROPERLY...I thought this infographic would be perfect for the Christmas Season. With so many people & children visiting (or you & your dog visiting them), this is something the adults & children can grasp easily. The "drawings" really help. [Note: 85% of humans learn best via "visuals"].

I would print off copies of this graphic & share it with your family, friends, & children. You can hand it to them or put it in different places of the home...LOL...While adults really like this graphic, the kids really, really get into it. What a neat way to provide a "real learning experience" for the kids who may not get it anywhere else!!!

12/10/2024

DON'T LET FAMILY & FRIENDS "SNEAK" FOOD TO YOUR DOGS!! Have you noticed our dogs KNOW exactly WHO to use their "pleading eyes" & "please feed me" behaviors on? They immediately sense who the "real suckers" are the minute they enter the door. It is a sure thing that a family member or friend will "sneak" food to your dog under the table or when you aren't around. Please do not allow this to happen!

HOW...you may ask?? Whatever food or "treats" each dog is "allowed" for the day...put it in a container with each dog's "name" on it. I use some kibble for each dog & cut up small amounts of turkey or whatever each dog can "safely" eat. [For weight purposes, you may want to reduce your dog's regular meals a bit due to what they will get during the day.]

Be very clear when you explain your "dog feeding procedure" for the day. This is my sp*ech/warning: "THIS is all each dog is allowed for the entire day! NO EXCEPTIONS!! If anyone (family/guests) breaks these rules, it WILL make my dog/s sick & they could end up at the Vet's or the ER. If my dog/s get sick, I will "call you" at 3:00 a.m. while I am cleaning up their vomit/diarrhea...LOL!!

So, for your benefit & theirs...BE STRONG...LOL!" I have used this approach for years & by golly, it WORKS. Others I have suggested this to, report similar positive results!! It makes setting these boundaries for family &/or friends...very clear & in a FUN way. Everyone seems to like this approach. Amazingly, the guests seem to really FOLLOW the rules!! Try it, you will like it. Share the idea with your friends. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/09/2024

THIS IS WHAT YOUR CHRISTMAS PUP/DOG "GIFT CERTIFICATE" COULD LOOK LIKE!! You can get really creative to spruce up my raw idea. Buy some basic equipment & a stuffed dog. Make a card re: the "gift promise" for after the holidays! [Note the PUP PLAY PEN in the pic!! I highly recommend & consider it essential to have a "pup play pen" & a "secured pup play area"!]

Choosing a pup/dog is an incredibly "personal" decision that the "person" receiving the gift MUST be "directly" be involved with. The person/family who will care for, love, be committed to & responsible for over many, many years are the ONLY ones who will KNOW the "right" pup/dog! [Note: Actually, it is the pups/dogs who KNOW who they are supposed to go home with before we do!! I say when the pup/dog grabs you by the collar & says, get the car started, time for us to go HOME...this is YOUR PUP/ DOG!!!!]

Equally important to realize is all that the pup/dog will be subjected to when thrown into a whirlwind of activity & stress at the very time they need to be adjusting, acclimating to a whole new world & people. They need time to figure everything out & that means all the sights, sounds, smells, etc. Bringing a pup/dog into your home at any time is initially "stressful" for them. [Note: Pups have been taken away from their Mom & littermates & I can't begin to describe the fear & anxiety that means to a puppy!!!] Any "new" pup/dog NEEDS your full attention, focus, & sense of security from you & their environment while they adjust & acclimate to their new home & family!!! Please be prudent when gifting anyone a pup/dog!!(www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/09/2024

ARE YOU OR THE PERSON RECEIVING THE PUP/DOG AS A "CHRISTMAS GIFT" REALLY READY FOR THIS!!?? Before getting a pup/dog at any time & especially at Christmas, please make sure you or the person is prepared for how to ensure THIS doesn't happen. It is absolutely crucial to be fully prepared before you bring any pup/dog into your home. Know how to prepare for ALL the caring for & training a new pup/dog entails. This is so very essential.

Don't find yourself trying to determine the hows & whats "after the fact"! I promise it is extremely stressful for the person/family. BUT, it is even more stressful to a pup/dog who is already stressed enough trying to adjust, acclimate to all that is their new environment & life. Even more important is when the person/family is stressed & "unprepared", it is the pup/dog who pays the highest price!!! My website has a lot of information that can help you, a family member, or friend preparing & caring for a new pup/dog. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/07/2024

REMEMBER, IT TAKES ONLY ONE MOMENT OR ONE MISTAKE...PLEASE TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS TO KEEP YOUR DOGS SAFE FROM ALL THE THINGS THAT DEFINE OUR HOLIDAYS!!!! Don't be so busy you lose sight of your dogs, their needs, & what is needed to keep them safe. Don't leave their care & needs to someone else in the home, because I promise accidents WILL happen!! And, with all the excitement & activity...the dogs will need to potty much more frequent. To be honest...every hour is not too much!!

Pay serious attention that doors (& gates) are securely closed each time & opened with caution. Consider a "secondary barrier" around your doorways (& door gates) to prevent the dogs from darting out the doorway or gate. Maybe also consider a "caution & reminder note" on any gates that will be opened & every door that will be opened.

Be watchful of your guests who take medications. Ensure their meds are secure & your dogs' can't reach them or find them in a suitcase on the floor! If a guest uses sugar free gum or sugar free candy...please be very aware of XYLITOL! It is DEADLY to the dogs!!

When preparing food, be careful as the dogs will be underfoot more than usual. Moreover, if others are helping in the kitchen...make sure they stay aware of the dogs underfoot. OR...block the dogs' access to the kitchen area. I cannot stress this aspect too much.

Also, be very careful when placing food on countertops or table, make certain your dogs do NOT have access to it. IF you think...oh they couldn't get to this, the fact that you even thought "could they?" means...they WILL find a way!! The same goes for your big babies...even if they NEVER raise up on the counters or tables...just as for people, the holiday food smells are IRRESITIBLE!!!

Holiday foods tend to be very rich & fatty, so it doesn't take much to make the dogs sick or worse. Make certain that the "trash" is not accessible, plates are not left on coffee or end tables or regular tables with chairs around them!! Do not give BONES to your dogs. COOKED bones are more brittle which increases the danger to the dogs. Chocolate is always a danger. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving...don't let something avoidable ruin it!! I know most everyone knows these things...but, it never hurts to do a little reminder to everyone!!!!(www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/04/2024

TRUST ME, YOU DO NOT WANT A PUP/DOG UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE!!! Even if you promised someone a pup/dog Christmas or you think they will love the surprise...Christmas Eve or Christmas morning is NOT the time. Buy the equipment (crate, bowls, leashes, food, treats) & give a "gift promise" for their new "pup/dog" after the holidays!! Give the gift, surprise...just not a "live" pup/dog because you can't just stick them back in the box & set them aside until later!!

Think about what your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day are like!! There is absolutely no way you can care for a pup/dog properly (especially a PUP)! Even if the gift is for the kids, they WILL get bored & move onto other toys OR want the pup/dog to leave them alone so they can play with their other toys or video games.

Many people will watch the football games, many will be preparing food while trying to watch the kids & catering to the needs of the human guests & family. So, you tell me...WHO will be caring for the pup/dog??? [Note: Most quality breeders & rescues do not place dogs during the holiday season for many of the reasons I discussed.]

12/03/2024

PLEASE DO NOT "TOTALLY SURPRISE" SOMEONE WITH A CUTE PUPPY!!! You may think they want a pup & maybe that is because they go all "gaga" over every pup they see. Well, getting "giddy over puppies" does not mean that person is READY for a pup at that point in their life when faced with the "reality" of a new pup/dog in the home!!! BTW, how happy do you think they will be when having to potty the pup in the winter cold OR have to clean up the p**p & p*e which is pretty constant with a pup!! Think about an infant & how often the diapers have to be changed...welcome to the world of PUPPIES!!!! (Note: To some degree this is true even with a "new" adult dog!!)

I cannot tell you how many 6 mos. to 1 yr pups end up in a shelter or in "rescue" within a mere couple of months of Christmas. When people contact me after Christmas regarding their new pup/dog, they often say he/she got the pup as a gift & didn't want it or weren't ready or prepared for it!! This is why "rescue groups & shelters" are always overwhelmed late Winter, early Spring. Don't add to the massive influx of dogs into rescue that does occur!

12/02/2024

THUNDERSTORM &/OR FIREWORKS ISSUES!!! A couple of times a year, I make a post on thunderstorms & fireworks. This is one of those times. We have lots of thunderstorms AND...New Year's Eve will be here before we know it. So, NOW...is the time to try & find help for your dog/s if they experience anxiety or sheer panic/terror. It is the time to check into things that can help your dog/s!!!!

PREPARE "NOW" FOR...thunderstorm issues & fireworks issues your dog has. Please take time...now, before the fact...to determine HOW to best HELP your dog/s endure upcoming thunderstorms or fireworks with the least amount of stress/anxiety as possible. First off, if you have an outside dog, PLEASE bring them indoors. Most dogs who have issues with storms or fireworks, their issues/reactions go beyond fear & panic. They experience utter, sheer TERROR!!!

All they know is they have to "get away" from what is happening. They will do anything. Chew out of a wood fence, dig under a fence, try to dig out of a concrete run bloodying their paws. If indoors & crated or fenced, they will grab at the wires with all their might & can damage their mouths & teeth. Claw at any confinement & damage their paws. Indoors...many dogs will try to escape any confinement. In their efforts to escape the noise that is causing their terror, they can hurt themselves & cause damage to the house.

For all of their physical traumas, the emotional trauma is every bit as severe or worse!! Even indoors when you are home, the dogs will often pace, pant, whine, cry. Owners know their dog can't help it...but, as it goes on & on...even the best of owners will often lose patience. This compounds the dog's trauma/terror level beyond description!! Be aware that leaving your dogs alone can also add to their terror levels.

There are "natural" approaches that can help some dogs. I have found that Melatonin is very helpful. It may take more than would normally be needed to calm your dog in other circumstances. There is no magical amount. I had a 60 # lab who only need 1/2 of a 3 mg. Melatonin. But, a 15 # Westie required 9 mg. to get any relief at all.

Some dogs are helped by Rescue Remedy. Some dogs are helped by DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). Sometimes, a dog can benefit from a Thunder shirt. I have had much input about these working to some degree or a lot! All of these seem to have a range of efficacy from one dog to another. Some are not helped at all. Others, helped "some", others...are helped a lot. I know there are many things out there that can help. A newer item that can help if the dog's issues are related to the SOUNDS are "ear muffs" for dogs! The one I am familiar with is called Mutt Muffs.

Please take time to develop a multi-tiered "game plan" as to how to help your dog. The television, radio, CD volume can help mask the noises to a degree. Years ago, before all the newer approaches...it was recommended to use a bit of Mineral Oil in each ear to coat the eardrum & muffle the noises. Mineral Oil is also a natural cleaning agent.

If your dog has a very severe, extreme reaction to fireworks & thunderstorms & you have not found a more natural approach to helping them that "works"...you may want to talk with your Vet & have a Rx medication on hand to help. These can include Xanax, Diazepam (Va**um), or Ace Promazine. NOTE: If going this direction, I prefer Diazepam or Xanax. Personally, I do not like Ace but, if this is the only option, talk to your Vet about the lowest possible level to start your specific dog at & to what level you can increase it IF needed to help.

Further, when using any of these, I recommend using the med the first time when you are home so you can observe how the med. affects your dog. I like to try things the first time when the issue is NOT occurring. Just so I can observe my dog's reaction to the med without the extraneous aspect of the problem.

SILEO is a newer medication for NOISE REACTIVE DOGS. I personally know many people who reported good results. Some Vets may also prescribe Trazadone which is rather sedative for the dogs, but could possibly work if needed. Better to have the plan to help your buggers...so, start now!!!

You really need to provide help to your dog because every time they experience the "terror", it reinforces & validates their fears. Each exposure to the fear/terror inducing catalyst exacerbates their fear/terror & cause an increased response level!!

11/30/2024

THE BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH FOR YOUR DOGS...I have been reading about bone broth for dogs in my Tufts newsletter & my Cornell Newsletter for a couple of months. This is an article that I found to be very informative & helpful. This is well worth reading & sharing with other dog owners!!!

Bone broth is the dog-safe substitute you can safely serve your dog when they are sick and even as a preventative measure when they are well.