ABC Puppy School

08/24/2024

Good day ❤️

08/24/2024

Dogs aren’t robots, and even if we think we’re going into a regular training session, sometimes they can get nervous or spooked. Here are things to keep in mind if your dog gets anxious as you train together.

08/24/2024

The Labradoodle, which combines traits of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, was invented in the late 1980’s in an attempt to breed a "hypoallergenic" guide dog. But Wally Conron, the creator of the first ever Labrador-Poodle cross, says the invention is his “life’s regret.” He’s become concerned that an influx of copycat cross-breeds has created health problems for many dogs. “I opened a Pandora’s box” Wally told ABC, “I released a Frankenstein,” speaking of unscrupulous breeders who are crossing Poodles with no regard for the health of the resultant puppies. 🐾

08/24/2024

Getting your puppy used to being handled early on in life can help you through daily tasks like putting on harnesses, grooming, and cleaning.

08/24/2024

Yes, you can give your dog Pepto Bismol for an upset stomach. Pepto Bismol for dogs is safe if it is used properly.

08/22/2024

Start training your dog at home begins by learning how to shape the trick. Once you learned how to do that the rest is just patience.

08/22/2024

Puppy Kindergarten class Monday Sept. 9th Grove City ...call or email for details

Send a message to learn more

08/09/2024

Heat exhaustion in dogs is a serious condition that can lead to heat stroke if untreated. This summer make sure your dog has shade and water.

08/09/2024

When you adopt siblings there is a possibility that one will develop littermate syndrome where they look to their littermate for guidance.

08/09/2024

08/03/2024

New classes coming in September. Call or email for schedule.

Send a message to learn more

07/28/2024

Displacement behavior in dogs is best recognized as out of place or odd behavior that doesn't seem to fit the context surrounding it.

07/16/2024

Window reactivity. Highly problematic and stressful for everyone❗This "game" is responsible for high levels of anxiety and stress to many dogs.
Barking is NOT the only sign your dog is being stressed by this repeated action, it is just that barking is far more noticeable to some people, the anxiety/stress started a long time before.
Many dogs will wait and wait and wait......finally they are "rewarded" for that fixation with a fleeting glimpse of whatever they react to.
People
Cars
Dogs
Birds
Neighbours
Cycles
Wind moving a tree....there are many individual triggers.

They may race around the house in a pattern to another window to view and react again, then when out of view, back to the original spot to wait...and wait some more.
This IS a highly damaging "game" for dogs.
Many people with anxious dogs may not actually realise their dogs do this when they are out of the house as it may not happen when you or the family are home.
You may have a highly anxious dog but are completely unsure why. Set up a camera and watch while you are gone for a few hours.
There are many ways to help this.
Baby gates.
These limit movement and are one solution (but easily jumped by larger dogs).
The "easiest" solution is window film, not a popular solution for some people. Blinds and curtains are often ineffective as dogs will position themselves to watch through/under or around them. Watch the height of chairs your dog may use to peer over the film....think about ways to prevent that, you may need to move furniture around.
Aesthetically it may not be appealing for some, or the film has to be incredibly high if the triggers are birds. Some people are reluctant to use film as a solution especially if they have a fantastic view, but make no mistake.....this very rarely gets better by itself.

It can also get a WHOLE lot worse.

Reactivity can morphs outwards and what once was a reaction to dogs passing has now involved birds also....or cars....or cars and now cyclists and people.

The film may work well for some but there is a big caution sign at the bottom of the graphic. For a small amount of dogs blocking view can be incredibly stressful and a SMALL amount of dogs can find themselves in an even MORE stressful environment.
Try the film, it can be a miracle solution but PLEASE get a trainer in if this causes other issues.
Highly stressed dogs need help quickly.
Enjoy the difference and peace...because your dog absolutely will.

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07/16/2024

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07/15/2024

LOL!! 😂

07/15/2024

Hope to see you at The Weaver's Creamery on Tuesday for Pup Night!

07/13/2024

Sometimes it's just a bad day, and that's okay.

07/13/2024

Whole Dog Journal‘s mission is to provide dog guardians with in-depth information on dog food, training, behavior, health, and more.

07/13/2024

CULTIVATING CALMNESS

We teach our dogs all sorts of things, but maybe don’t realise that teaching “calm” is also an important behaviour that has so many positive applications for both us and our dogs.

“Calm” can be defined as the absence of agitation or excitement; a feeling of tranquility; serenity and peace. These feelings are so often lacking in both our lives and that of our dogs.

Besides teaching dogs to settle on a mat or in another place or capturing and rewarding calm behaviour, here are some other ways to promote calmness.

Scenting or sniffing is a really effective and simple way to promote relaxation. It lowers the pulse rate and creates feelings of wellbeing.

Chewing is another powerful relaxation tool. Dogs use the chewing to relieve stress, frustration or anxiety. Chewing has a calming effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain which triggers the release of endorphins. It’s like self-medication for stress or anxiety.

Relaxing music that is specifically made for dogs can also work well, especially with dogs that get over excited in a car or have storm or firework fear.

When playing an exciting, high-energy game with your dog, take frequent breaks before starting up again to help your dog wind down and become calmer.

Aromatherapy, ear or other types of massage are other ways to help create calmness.

Cortisol holidays are also really important after a stressful event to prevent trigger stacking and allow cortisol levels to return to normal.

Conventional wisdom says that the ability to remain calm is a character trait that most of us lack, but Neuroscience teaches us that remaining calm under pressure is not an inborn trait, but a skill that needs to be learnt, practiced and managed and this applies to our dogs as well.

07/12/2024

Maybe, but that doesn’t mean you have Dominant Dog Behavior issues

06/29/2024

Dog training isn't just about training a dog. A dog's owner must also learn certain behaviors that help cue their dog's responses.

06/29/2024

These balls are for dogs that prefer to push and chase balls than to play fetch and for dogs with herding instincts but no livestock in sight.

06/29/2024

More pets run away on the 4th of July than any other day of the year! Protect your pets this holiday. 🎇🐾

💙 Make sure your pet is microchipped and the information is updated.
❤️ Ensure your pet's collar is properly fitted and has a current and readable ID tag attached.
💙 Secure all fences and gates. For added safety, es**rt your dog out for potty breaks.
❤️ Create a comfy hideaway for your pet to stay safe during celebrations.
💙 Spend your day tiring your pet out.
❤️ Speak to your vet about potential calming aids or medications.

06/29/2024

❤️...!

06/28/2024

AKC Canine Good Citizen class 7/1/24 in Grove City at the Agway. call for details.

Send a message to learn more

06/28/2024

Recognizing signs of bloat in dogs as soon as possible is critical to getting timely emergency treatment for this critical condition.

06/28/2024

How to calm dog during fireworks. Use this expert tips to help your dog with anxiety. Learn more now.Most dogs are extremely afraid of fireworks. Fireworks not only cause your dog stress and anxiety, but can result in them running away and becoming lost.