Crimson Hound Training

09/10/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Calming

Activities/products that help your dog to calm himself down and to relax.

Sounds - relaxing sounds such as white noise; music; reading, talking and/or singing to your dog

Tactile - t-touch massage or massage therapy; anxiety wraps such as a Thundershirt

Scents - pheromone sprays or diffusers (Adaptil/Thunderease or ZenDog); essential oils such as lavender and chamomile

Sniffing, Licking and Chewing

activities such as scatter feeding, scent work, lickimats, kongs, chew toys

Safe space for napping

Relaxation training - Dr. Karen overall’s Relaxation and Suzanne Clothier’s Really Real Relaxation protocols are proven methods - as well as simply taking the time to sit with your dog and watch the world go by

Medication and/or Supplements - if your dog is having medical issues that affect his ability to relax and/or process his world, then seeing your vet for medication is a great first step

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/09/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Social (The Sociability Spectrum)

Sociability is a spectrum which happens to closely mirror human sociability.

A small number of dogs are Dog-Aggressive. They dislike all other dogs in general, but might have a dog friend at home.

A small number of dogs are Dog-Social. We see these dogs everywhere because they CAN go everywhere.

The vast majority of dogs fall into the Dog-Selective range in the middle. These dogs can tolerate most dogs, but will correct some behaviors or avoid some dogs. E.g., some tolerate most dogs, some don’t like excited puppies, some prefer gentle play, others might correct dogs who are too exuberant or play too rough and some will only tolerate a few select dogs. Many dogs transition from social to being more selective as they become adults and develop stronger preferences.

It is very unfortunate that it is those unicorn dogs, the Dog-Social dogs that are depicted in social media being out there doing all the stuff. This creates a misleading impression that every dog should be a social butterfly.

Listen to your dog’s body signals to see where he fits … never try to force an introvert into becoming an extrovert. Whether or not the other categories of enrichment are being fulfilled will affect your dog’s sociability - as does his personality and genetics.

Thank you to Every Dog Austin for their fantastic Dog Sociability graphic that this diagram is taken from.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/08/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Social

Our dogs are social animals and require social interactions with other dogs and with humans.

Social does not equate to a free-for-all at a busy dog park.
- It could mean a quiet hike with just you and your dog.
- It could mean your dog playing in the yard with a couple friends.
- It could mean an hour or a full day at a good day care.
- It could be a game of tug or a belly rub.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/08/2024

09/08/2024

**LEO IS HOME!**

LOST KITTY
This is Leo. He went missing from a home near La Crescent-Hokah Middle/High School last night. He is microchipped. If spotted, please call Val Krage at (608) 797-5936

09/08/2024

09/07/2024

Dog's aren't digging because they want to drive you crazy. It can be to satisfy instincts, or it can just be satisfying for a dog to dig.

09/07/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Safety & Security

While it is vital to take steps to keep your dog safe and secure ... it is equally as important that your dog FEELS safe and secure.

Ways to keep your dog safe & secure:
-fence
- leash / long line
- muzzle
- car seat

Ways to help your dog feel safe & secure:
-provide a safe space
- provide agency
- listen to his body language
- don’t force him into situations he finds scary

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/06/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Agency

"Agency is the ability to have some level of control in our environment and be able to make choices that will result in a desirable outcome." ~ Emily Strong & Allie Bender

Almost every single aspect of our pet dogs' lives is completely controlled and orchestrated by us. We choose what, where and when they eat and drink … When and where they take potty breaks ... How they play … What they play with … Who they play with ... How long they get to play or walk or sleep … Where they sit … How long they must sit in that position … Who pets them … Where they are pet … When and how they are groomed … and the list goes on and on.

So what can we do as pet parents? We can give our dogs choice and control, while keeping our dogs safe and secure. We can remember that our dogs are dogs and then just let them be dogs at every opportunity.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/05/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Diet and Nutrition

Your dog is a study of one ... as are his nutritional needs.

There is no one perfect diet for every dog, but our dogs are completely dependent on us for their nutritional needs. So, whether you choose to feed kibble, canned, homemade or raw, it is your responsibility as your dog’s caretaker to make sure that he is getting a healthy, balanced diet that fits his individual needs. A diet that your dog is eager to eat.

Read the label and look for WSAVA and AAFCO Approved seals. These are the minimum guidelines for a typical dog’s nutritional needs.

Remember that just because a recipe on the internet looks good, it does not mean that it is nutritionally balanced for your dog. If you are feeding a homemade cooked or raw diet, balanceit.com can help you ensure that it contains the nutrients that your dog requires.

Many vets have minimal training in nutrition. If you have questions, look for a board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist.

https://acvn.org/?fbclid=IwAR3Jo8Muaej-gkS8Bc5CIvyNcRFkAnex0NRcdPya1VGrHzxzbONG_3okRjU

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/04/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Hygiene

Hygiene as an enrichment framework refers to what is best for your dog’s welfare. Keep in mind that what is best for your dog may not be what you had envisioned.

-Bathe as needed - avoid over bathing for cosmetic reasons. e.g., Bathing your dog multiple times a week to prevent “dog smell” or bathing your dog every time he gets a little dirty is not recommended for good coat and skin health. You can brush dirt away rather than bathing your dog every time he goes out and does dog things.
- Keep nails trimmed to a healthy length. Long nails affect your dog’s gait and can cause slipping on some surfaces. If your dog refuses to have his feet worked with, you can teach him to use a scratch board while you work on handling.
- Oral care includes teeth brushing and dental care provided by your veterinarian. If you dog refuses teeth brushing, provide chews that will help clean his teeth.
- Brushing and grooming should reflect what is required for your dog’s coat. Long-coated dogs and doodles require much more frequent brushing to prevent matting than do short-coated dogs. Mats pull on the dog’s hair and skin whenever she moves or walks and can be very painful - thus a source of behavior issues. Start working on brushing when your dog is a puppy - using cooperative care methods.

Remember that your dog has a very sensitive nose, so perfumes and scented shampoos that may smell great to you can be overwhelming for your dog.

A lot of hygiene methods can be taught through cooperative care - a process that involves giving your dog the option to opt out whenever he is uncomfortable. Cooperative Care with Deb Jones is a fantastic Facebook group for working with health and hygiene needs with your dog. If your dog has handling issues, look for a veterinarian and/or groomer that is Fear Free Certified.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/03/2024

SO many reasons that dogs wear muzzles - many more included in the comments on the OP.

09/03/2024

Categories of Enrichment: Physical Health

Your dog’s physical health affects his behavior and is of utmost importance. This includes things like:

- regular check ups with your veterinarian;
- monitoring & providing care for medical conditions and pain;
- providing first aid and medical care as needed;
- keeping your dog up to date on vaccinations;
- following your vet’s recommendations regarding health care.

A lot of health care can be taught and administered through cooperative care - a process that involves giving your dog the option to opt out whenever he is uncomfortable. Cooperative Care with Deb Jones is a fantastic Facebook group for working though health and hygiene needs with your dog. If your dog has handling issues, look for a veterinarian that is Fear Free Certified.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/02/2024

In their book, “Canine Enrichment for the Real World”, Emily Strong and Allie Bender define 11 categories of enrichment:

- Health & Hygiene
- Safety & Security
- Agency (Independence)
- Calming
- Mental Exercise
- Foraging
- Diet & Nutrition
- Social
- Physical Exercise
- Instinctual Needs
- Sensory Stimulation

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/01/2024

“Enrichment isn’t about keeping the dog busy for five minutes, it’s about creating an environment that promotes mental wellbeing.” ~ Shay Kelly

Enrichment is so much more than a food puzzle. This month we will be looking at the categories of enrichment and how each category plays a role in keeping your dog physically, mentally and behaviorally healthy.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

09/01/2024

FREE Pre-Baby Alert!

There are loads of books available to prepare expecting or adopting families.
But very few include details for how to prepare your fur baby for the new addition.

As a dog and child specialist, I've got you. I've seen it all and can tell you with complete confidence that most dogs need time and support to adapt to their new circumstances.

In my upcoming free pre-baby Q/A, I will tell you what baby books don't tell parents with dogs.

They don't warn you that...
🤯 tired dogs are cranky - and with baby waking at all hours, your dog may too
🤯 dogs struggle when their schedules change - and babies are NOT predictable
🤯 not all dog licking is "kissing" - it can represent stress
🤯 even the best dogs can bite - including yours
🤯 your dog may need a new spot to sleep - a loose dog can not be in the same room as your baby if you are resting, exhausted or asleep
🤯 you will have lots of visitors which can add lots of stress to many dogs
🤯 some dogs are predatory around babies - and this can be managed safely if you have support
🤯 there is more to preparing your dog than simply having a reliable sit
You don't have to figure this out by yourself.

Two time and date options are available so that you can find one that works for you:
Sunday, September 15 at 5pm PST | 8pm EST
or
Tuesday, September 17 at 9am PST | 12pm EST

Let me help you to get the ball rolling on transforming your confidence about bringing an infant into your family with dogs.

Register here: https://poochparenting.net/dognewbornqa/

08/31/2024

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” ~ Dean Koontz

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at http://www.crimsonhound.com.

08/30/2024

Living with a dog is about connection … not control.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at http://www.crimsonhound.com.

08/29/2024

Control the environment, not the dog.

In many cases, management can be just as effective as training - and a much easier way to prevent unwanted behaviors.

Whether you need advice on how to help your fearful dog, have concerns about aggressive behavior, are struggling with puppy issues, or just want to set your dog or puppy up for success, I can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or visit my website at https://www.crimsonhound.com.

08/28/2024

Share your favorite photos of those animal companions that you are celebrating today.