Play Time

Dogs love to play, with other dogs, with humans and with toys.

And playing with your dog can be equally fun for you. It's a time to bond, to act foolish and most games provide an opportunity to use many basic training commands.


What is the best way to play with a dog? Like a dog of course, with enthusiasm!

Here are several different games you can play with your dog.

Hide and Seek

This is a fun game for you and your dog. Get your dog to sit and stay while you hide. Here is a game that allows you to practice your basic commands. First hide is places that she'll find you easily and work up to the more difficult places. When she finds you get enthusiastic about it. Let her know she's done well!

Find

Take one of your dog's toys. Let her smell it and then put her in a sit and stay while you go into another room to hide it. Again you are practicing the basic commands. If the toy has a name then tell your dog "Find the name". Or you can just say "Find" or "Find your toy". If your dog doesn't find the toy you can give her a hint by pointing to the right area. And when she does find the toy, make sure you praise her and tell her what a good dog she is.

Fetch

This game is a favourite among most dogs. Some can go for hours playing fetch while others lose interest after a few tosses. To change things up, once you throw the fall or Frisbee you can start running in the opposite direction. When your dog retrieves the object, she will then start chasing you. You can also hide after you throw the ball to give your dog the task of finding you after too. Or the good old throw and retrieve is just fine too.

Tug of war

You can either use a tug of war rope or make your own out of an old t-shirt. Make sure this is a game that you always win. If your dog is too big or strong for you to win this game, it's a good idea to skip this one and play other games.




Puzzle games

There are a number of interactive toys that challenge a dog's mind. Many of them are puzzle like and you hide treats in little compartments. The dog has to figure out how they open to get a treat. You can make your own game by turning a bowl upside down and putting a treat inside it. This will also challenge your dog's mind how to get it out.

Tricks

There are many books available for teaching your dog tricks, from simple to downright complicated. Always start with the easy tricks to set your dog up to succeed. Remember to always end on a positive note. If you are getting frustrated because your dog doesn't understand the trick, it won't be fun for either of you. Remember all dogs are different and will learn at a different pace.


Obstacles

Lead your dog on leash over or around obstacles such as trees, rocks, picnic tables, etc. that you find in your neighbourhood or your local playground. It's not only fun for your dog; it teaches her to trust you and enforces your leadership.

So play and have fun!

Surviving the Puppy Years – Growing out of the Crate

If you have ever crate trained a puppy, you know it takes time and a lot of patience. You have to be strong when you’re puppy whines and cries to come out. It is possible to achieve a happy balanced crate trained puppy.

Eventually though most people want their dogs to have the run of the house. But how do you know if your dog is ready? The best advice I can give is to take baby steps! It’s a good idea to start with very short time periods with your dog out of the crate.

My puppy’s first taste of freedom has been at night. She proved to us a long time ago that she could be trusted in the morning out of her crate while we all sleep in on the weekend. We have been blessed with a good sleeper! After our beloved Mika passed away we decided it was time to give our puppy Judique more freedom at night. If I let her out for a pee in the middle of the night, I would let her stay out until morning. I did this for a week or two and then one night decided she was ready. She’s been wonderful.

This is a good place to start if your puppy is in her crate during the night as well as the day. It gives her a taste of freedom but you’re still there if anything should happen.

On average dogs tend to be ready to be on their own in the house by the age of 2. There many factors that will determine when your puppy is ready. Higher energy dogs who get bored easily can be more of a challenge. So are dogs that have separation anxiety.

You need to know your puppy, how much they chew, what things attract their attention, how much exercise they need to settle down.

Baby steps

When you feel you and your puppy are ready, start leaving her out of the crate and going outside by yourself. Start with 5 or 10 minutes. Do this every day for a couple of weeks. Then gradually increase the time by 5 minutes. For the first while you shouldn’t go too far. You want your dog to think you are leaving but you also want to be close by. The great thing about this type of practice is that it will show your dog you always come back. By starting for short time periods you can actually decrease your dog’s separation anxiety.

Once you’ve practiced short time periods with no incidents, it’s time to take the next step. Take the car and go to the store. Or go visit a neighbour. If that goes well, keep repeating leaving her out of the crate for short outings. If you find your dog has been destructive while you were gone, go back to the shorter times. This process can take a lot of time depending on your dog.

You should feel very comfortable before your dog is ready to be left to her own devices for the whole work day. I know sometimes it may seem like your dog will never be ready for that. But it will come with time, especially if you work up to it.

If appropriate you may choose to have your dog free in one room to start with.

The big deal is no deal at all

I know how hard it is not to grab your dog and hug and kiss her goodbye when you leave. But this is the worst thing you could do. You will only increase her level of excitement and when you leave that excitement can turn into anxiety and that can lead to destruction and a very unhappy pooch. Instead stay strong and simply leave. If you want to use a phrase such as “watch the house” or “you wait here” go ahead and do so but say it in a very calm and neutral tone.

The same goes for when you return. Of course your dog will be excited to see you but refrain from using the high pitch “I’ve missed you so much”!!!! Again I know it’s tough but the calmer and more nonchalant you are about coming and going, the calmer your dog will be. 

Work with nature

In nature dogs would hunt, eat and then rest or play. You can emulate that for your dog by always going for a walk before feeding time. This is allowing your dog to work for her food. The amount of time or intensity (running, doing obstacles) will depend on your dog’s individual need.  By the time you are ready to leave, she should be ready to settle down and rest while you are gone.

Useful Website - Secrets to Dog Training

Canine and human language is very different. Dogs have learned to speak our language. They follow commands we teach them, read our body language and know exactly how we are feeling at all times.

In turn, it’s up to all of us to learn their language.

Dog experts have learned to speak dog language. They know how to communicate leadership to a dog. And you can learn as well.

When you are training your dog, it’s essential that you communicate clearly what you want and what you don’t want in a way your dog will understand. 

“Secrets to Dog Training” has vital information to help you communicate with your dog.  There is a free “6 Day Course” you can sign up for. Day 1 is sent to your inbox within minutes.  The first lesson is all about “Jumping”.

There is also the “Secrets to Dog Training” e-book and a 30 minute video program that you can purchase. You will learn how deal with over 25 common dog issues.

I encourage dog owners to be open to new and different training methods and ideas. The more knowledge you acquire, the more tools you will have to ensure a better relationship with your dog.

Website: Secrets to Dog Training

Surviving the Puppy Years - Practice, Patience, Consistency

Training your puppy can be very challenging at times. I'm sure all you puppy owners out there have good days and not so good days. That's ok.

Our energy and emotions have a huge impact on how our puppies act. They are well aware of how we’re feeling and act accordingly. To be a good leader for your dog you have to be calm, assertive and fair. You can’t fool your puppy, if you are angry, sad, anxious or frustrated you will have a harder time getting him to respond to you.

Practice

It takes a lot of time and practice for your puppy to become a well mannered and behaved dog. The saying “practice makes perfect” is very true. It’s important though to start practicing commands in areas where there aren’t a lot of distractions. Start inside your house and practice in every room. Then eventually move outside, to parks, on your walks and even busy places like downtown. Don’t assume that just because your puppy follows your commands in the house that will be do the same in a new area. Introduce distractions gradually as your puppy improves. Don’t go from your house straight to the dog park. You will likely be disappointed.

Patience

It takes a lot of patience to raise a puppy. If you find yourself losing your patience, take a deep breath and relax. Take a break from training and try again when you’re feeling calm. It will make the world of difference. Learning anything new is always more effective when done in a positive environment. This is true for dogs and humans.

Consistency

You have to be consistent with your puppy especially when they are young and impressionable. If you aren’t consistent you will confuse your puppy and likely not get the results you want. For example, if you want your puppy to sit and wait for his food, then never put the bowl down until he is sitting. If you are consistent he will eventually learn that meal time always starts with him sitting down nicely.

Tone

Tone is so important and can make a huge difference with your puppy when used correctly. It can be fun and upbeat, encouraging, calming, soothing, firm and insistent. Be careful though, a tone that is frustrated and angry can have the opposite effect. Think back to when you were a kid and your Mom or Dad was yelling at you to “get over here”!!! You knew you were in trouble and going to find out just how much was the last thing you wanted to do. It’s the same with your puppy. It is to your advantage to associate coming to you with a positive outcome. I know how hard it can be to do this, especially when your puppy is just not listening to you. But it’s worth the effort on your part in the long run.

Training Methods

Whichever training method you use, you have to feel good about it. If you do, virtually any method will bring results. There are many to choose from like treat training, non-treat training, clicker training, positive reinforcement training or a more correction based training. Some trainers believe you must be the leader, some believe in a more relationship based approach. I like to take from each what I like and feel works for me and my dogs. I believe a lot has to do with the dog. Some dogs require a strong and firm leader and others don’t. That being said I do believe the human should be the one in charge. One good way to ensure that is by using the “Nothing in Life is Free” approach. It’s very simple, your dog has to essentially ask or “say please” for things he wants. Your dog’s wants are food, toys, to go outside, to play, etc. He can say please by performing all the commands she knows like sitting, lying down, shaking a paw, barking on command, rolling over, etc. Dogs are very smart and will pick this up quickly if you are consistent.

Raising a puppy is a journey that will teach you a lot about yourself. Be open to what you learn whether good or not. Take the opportunity to improve. It's not easy but if you keep trying and strive to be the leader your dog knows you can be, it will be so rewarding for both of you.

Surviving the Puppy Years - Destruction

I have heard so many stories about people's puppies eating their shoes, destroying the drywall around the house and it makes me wonder; where were the humans when this was happening? Do they let the puppy go wherever she wants? Is the puppy not in a crate when they go to work? How come they aren't seeing this destruction happening?

Since getting a puppy I am a firm believer in limiting their freedom in the house and back yard. This wasn't always the case. I once saw a neighbour with a puppy on leash in her backyard. Where I live we have huge backyards and my first thought was how cruel to have a puppy on a leash when the yard is so big. Now that I have a puppy I understand perfectly. She was probably training her puppy to go to the bathroom in a particular place. Or preventing her puppy from destroying her garden, etc. by teaching her where she can or can't go. If you’ve never had a puppy, that might be difficult to understand. It’s now crystal clear to me.

Puppies are very curious and therefore want to explore everything. A problem for us humans is that the way they explore is with their mouth. That is ok when they are exploring their chew toys, but not so great when it’s time to learn about your furniture. And until your puppy learns the rules, she is going to think anything is acceptable.

My puppy is very rarely out of my sight, especially inside the house. I am reluctant to let her go wherever she wants because I know what can happen. Don't feel bad if you have to leash your puppy inside the house. You are teaching her rules, boundaries and patience. You can either tether a leash to a table, couch or anything that can withstand her weight. You can have a bed set up with a toy for her, that's what I do. Or you can attach the leash to yourself. I personally find that my puppy calms right down when put on a leash inside the house. Of course if you haven't exercised your puppy enough, you may find her not responding the same way.

Of course the goal is to have her free in the house just like my other dogs. I adopted them both when they were 8 years old so this was never an issue. They were both calm and never once did anything to make me even consider confining them. So I know there's a light at the end of this tunnel. And the constant supervision is all for the best.

Our first puppy training class is starting tomorrow. I am excited to learn someone else’s training methods and introducing my puppy to another new experience. I am always happy to learn new things about dogs since I love them so much.

Happy puppy training.

Training Tips

Training is an important for you and your dog. Manners and good behaviour are essential as our dogs are exposed to people and other animals.

We are responsible for our dog's behaviour, so the more respect you earn from your dog, the better.

An important part of successful training is consistency and repetition.

Here are some other tips to make training fun and successful.

Emotional

• Always begin and end training on a positive note
• If it's not happening for whatever reason, stop and do something fun (then wait and try again)
• Keep training sessions short
• Set your dog up for success (don't ask your dog to sit stay for 5 minutes right away, start with 5 seconds and work up from there)
• Reward good behaviour with affection, play time or treats (be careful not to overdo it with the treats)
• Never yell at your dog, it does not earn respect but can instill fear in your dog which you don't want 
• Interrupting a bad behaviour is easier than correcting one
• If you need to use a correction, make sure you have the right timing and intensity

Change up your rewards.  Notice what motivates your dog. Many dogs like affection, a pat on the back, a certain encouraging tone, a ball, play time just as much as food. 


Physical

• Use body language as much as you can.
• Avoid repeating commands over and over (if your dog doesn't respond the first time, calmly go to him and show him what you want)
• Watch your dog's body language for signs of stress or anxiety (such as excessive panting, licking lips, tucked tail)
• Always lead or guide your dog, don't push him*

* If you want your dog to jump up on a rock, lead him to it and guide the leash up to show him what you want. Do not hesitate or your dog will also.


Puppy Training

Not many things cuter than a puppy's face. But don't let that cute puppy face deter you from providing proper leadership and guidance. Puppy training involves commitment, consistency, love and patience. A lot of patience! You have been given a clean slate and the opportunity to mold your puppy's behaviour. Take this opportunity seriously and you won't regret it. Always keep the following in mind when training your puppy. It is always better to reward good behavior than punish bad behavior.


Trick Training

Teaching your dog tricks is a great way to stimulate his mind. And it's valuable bonding time between you and your dog. Once you have the basics down, it's natural to want to expand your dog's knowledge. There are many books and online resources for trick training. Remember to always start with simple tricks before working up to the more difficult ones. A good one to start with is how to teach a dog to roll over.


Training Tools

So many tools, so little time! There are countless training tools available and no less opinions on which ones are the best to use. At the end of the day you have to feel good about the tools you are using. If you don't your dog will know and will not respond the way you want.

When introducing a new tool, let your dog smell it and get used to it before you use it. Just as you must feel good about the tools you use, so should your dog.

Remember tools are there to help and aid you, but a dog who truly respects you as his leader will require no tools at all.

Everyday life training

As well as your scheduled training time, you can incorporate the basic commands into your everyday life.

• have your dog sit periodically during your walk
• ask your dog to sit/stay while waiting for the dinner bowl
• practice patience training (working up to a longer sit and stay)
• have your dog lie in his bed during dinner time

Training Methods

There are many training methods out there. Don't assume you have to be loyal to one method. Do what works for you and your dog. Sometimes you have to be creative and try different things to get your dog to respond. And if you have more than one dog, the method of training you use for one may not work for the other.

Be careful if you are using treats to train your dog. Certainly food can be a good motivator for most dogs, but make sure you don't overdo it. The last thing you want is a dog that won't listen to you unless you have a treat for him.

Remember teaching your dog new things can and should be fun. Happy training!

My dog doesn't bite

How many dog owners believe this?

Dogs are animals, sometimes we forget that. Every dog, no matter how cute, sweet, docile or calm has the potential and the teeth to bite. Some dogs have a very high threshold for what they will endure, but they can still be pushed past their limit. And it's not always on purpose. Often bites happen because someone didn't read the dog's body language correctly and missed the signs of the dog feeling stressed. Or the dog was simply startled and reacted.


Prevention:

Teaching your puppy bite inhibition so he knows to be gentle with human hands is a good start. Puppies use their mouths to explore, play and communicate. So learning manners at a young age is ideal.

It's important to get your dog used to being touched everywhere by you, others in the house and even strangers. Touch your dog's paws, ears and tail. These are less common areas people normally a touch a dog and so they are usually the most sensitive about being touched there. This will help when you are grooming him or a vet is examining him.  You should never allow your children to jump all over the dog or pull his ears and tail.

Having a confident dog that respects you and others as his leader will lessen your chances of being bitten. A dog who knows his place in the pack will have less reason to bite because there is no need to guard or protect things or you.

Even with all this prevention, a dog could still feel the need to bite at one time or another. A dog rarely bites out of the blue. He will use body language to communicate that he's feeling stressed by doing things such as:

• yawning
• licking their lips
• walking or looking away from a situation
• panting

If your dog is feeling stressed but continues to be pushed, handled or approached he will warn you by:

• curling  his lip
• growling
• showing his teeth
• snapping
• lunging

 If you ignore these warnings, the dog may feel no other option but to bite.


Common reasons dogs bite:

• fear
• guarding a person, food or toy
• mother protecting her pups
• startled while eating or sleeping
• overexcited play
• injured or sick
• feeling bombarded
• being teased
• poor training

 
Dogs deserve our respect and understanding.

Jumping

While some people do appreciate their dog's jumping and sometimes even encourage it, this behaviour can be annoying, unwanted and even dangerous. A big dog could unintentionally knock over a small child or cause an elderly or injured person to fall.


Is your dog's jumping love or disrespect? 

Owners often associate a dog jumping on them with love, affection or excitement. Dog professionals usually associate a dog jumping on humans as disrespectful and a sign of dominance. Depending on the dog, it could be either. Whichever you believe doesn't change the fact that it can be potentially dangerous if done at the wrong time or to the wrong person.  That is why it's best to teach your dog to keep all four paws on the ground unless you give him a command to do otherwise.


Prevention

Like most unwanted behaviours, prevention is the key. People never seem to mind when a puppy is jumping all over them. However allowing or even encouraging a puppy to jump on you can present a challenge once that puppy is full grown. As a general rule, avoiding an unwanted behaviour is always easier than correcting one.

For puppies, do the following:

• avoid using a high pitch voices to greet a puppy
• give affection and attention when all four paws are on the ground
• ignore any form of jumping by walking away or avoiding eye contact
• be consistent

Consistency

If you aren't consistent you will only confuse your dog and that's not fair to him. He doesn't know difference between your gardening clothes and your work clothes. So if you don't want him jumping on your work clothes, you must correct him every time.


How to interrupt a dog that's about to jump

You will get to know the signs or the times when your dog is likely to jump on you (for example when you first get home from work). So before he does jump, give him a command such as "sit" or have a toy handy by the door to redirect his attention.

If he catches you off guard and starts to jump, you can either dart you your hands out downward and thus he will make contact with them instead of you or turn to the side. Never knee your dog in the chest. You are not trying to hurt your dog, just simply making jumping on you less beneficial to him. Also praise him when all four paws are back on the ground.

Also be ready to correct him when friends or strangers come to your door or when you are out walking. You can use the leash to correct if you need to but it's best to be proactive and not give him the chance to get in the habit on jumping on people to greet them.

Begging

Most of us have experienced it, those hopeful pleading eyes staring at us while we eat. While it's tempting to give into him, you should first consider the repercussions. Feeding a dog from your plate will create begging and can lead to obesity which will shorten your dog's life.

Begging can lead to other bad habits like jumping up on the counter to get food when you're not there, or grabbing food right out of your hand if you're not paying attention. This can be especially dangerous if you have young children who walk around with their snacks at just the right height for a dog to nab.

Avoid begging

The best way to avoid begging is to never feed your dog while you are eating. There is no such thing as "just this once" to a dog. If you give in once, he will try again. And while it is possible to change this unwanted behaviour, it’s much easier to avoid it in the first place.

Stop begging

If you or someone has already fed your dog and he stares and whines at you while you eat, do the following:

• put him in a sit stay while you are eating (pick an appropriate spot)
• crate him if he has one (this should be rest time, not a punishment)
• completely ignore him
• interrupt his whining with a firm "No"

You may also want to keep your dog out of the area completely while you are cooking or eating. Whatever rules you decide, be consistent with enforcing them. If you are persistent, he will eventually get the message.

And be aware that there are foods that can be potentially dangerous. The following of foods can be very hazardous to your dog:

• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Milk
• Grapes and raisins
• Caffeinated items
• Xilotol (sugar free sweetener most often found in chewing gum)
• Alcohol and yeast dough
• Fruit pits and seed
• Rotten or mouldy food
• Avocado

 
If your dog has ingested one of these potentially toxic foods, don't take any chances. Seek veterinary attention immediately.

Leadership

There are two roles in a dog's world, that of leader and follower. It's important for you to be the leader. Some dogs naturally want to be the leader and some don't, but they will all take the role of leader if nobody else does. Many issues people have with their dogs arise from a lack of leadership on their part.

Being the leader doesn't mean you don't love or show your dog affection. Nor does it mean being harsh or cruel. Leadership means being in control of your dog's behaviour, actions and resources.

What are the resources?

• food
• water
• toys
• bones
• bed
• affection
• outings
• furniture
• back yard
• car
• in a nutshell ... everything

Have your dog work for her favourite things. Use the commands:

• sit before you give her affection
• wait before you feed her
• lie down before you play with her
• shake a paw before you give her a bone

Switch up the commands and rewards so you or your dog don't get bored. This is also great mental stimulation as well as establishing you as the leader.

Signs your dog is in control or is challenging you

• jumps, leans or steps on you
• will not move out of your way
• growls or nips at you when she disagrees with a command
• whines for something and you give it to her (food, affection, toy)
• doesn't listen to commands
• doesn't come when called
• growls when you approach her eating
• barks uncontrollably

Effective leadership qualities

• calm and assertiveness
• fairness
• consistency
• trustworthiness
• confidence
• awareness

Ways to practice leadership

• walk every day with your dog beside or behind you
• get her to earn her favourite resources
• do not look or talk (other than commands) to your dog, let her look to you
• decide when play begins and ends
• feed meals by hand
• have her move out of your way (unless she is sleeping or arthritic)
• walk through doors first
• go up and down stairs first
• invite your dog on the couch or bed if you really want her there*

* Refrain having your dog on the couch or bed while you are establishing yourself as the leader, especially if your dog is challenging you.

Discipline

When it comes to disciplining your dog you can use tone, a look, body language or a quick leash correction. Do not yell and scream or ever hit your dog.

 

Mouthing and Nipping

Dogs use their mouths to communicate with each other from the time they are puppies to adults.

A puppy will mouth things to explore and investigate the world around him, when he’s teething and playing.  This is a perfect time to teach him manners where his mouth and human skin are concerned. Since mouthing is a normal behavior, make sure he always has suitable chew toys available and praise him when he uses them.

If your puppy nips or mouths you during play, you can say "OUCH" really loud and stop the play immediately. DO NOT hit his nose, you are trying to teach him respect not fear and aggression. Ignore him for a few minutes and then resume your play time. Every time he nips do the same thing. His siblings and mother would react much the same way. You want to teach your puppy not to use pressure with his mouth at an early age so that when he grows up he will continue to have that same respect even though his jaw will be much stronger.

If an adolescent or adult dog nips at you, he may be doing it for a different reason. He may be trying to control you with mouth if he disagrees with what you are doing (maybe you are grooming him or moving him off a bed or couch). In this case you must brush up on your leadership skills because your dog is either challenging you or already thinks he's in control.

This is also the case when a dog herds you by nipping at your heels when you walk or run. He is controlling your movement and/or telling you he wants to play. This should not be tolerated as it can pose potential problems if your dog is loose at a playground or somewhere with a lot of kids running around.  You can interrupt his behavior with the word “HEY” in a calm but stern voice every time he nips at you. Be consistent and he will eventually learn. Once he learns the word, you can use it to interrupt him if he’s nipping at someone else.

If you take the time to educate your dog and provide him with the proper leadership, he will respond to you.

Why do dogs run away?

Does your dog bolt out the door the second you open it?

Have you ever had to chase your dog to get her back?

Has your dog passed all of her obedience training but you still don't feel comfortable taking her off leash?

Do you arm yourself with treats every time you go out to keep your dog's attention focused on you or in case she gets away?

Do you use your dog's breed to excuse her desire to run away?

If your dog is running away from you, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I give my dog enough exercise?
• Do I give my dog enough mental stimulation?
• Do provide my dog leadership?
• Does my dog trust me?
• Do I have a bond with my dog?
• Do I play with my dog?

These are valid questions. Your dog may need more exercise than you are giving her. She may be bored and the open door leads to fun, adventure and yummy smells. Dogs don't understand the possible consequences of bolting out the door. So it's up to us to teach them that it's not acceptable behaviour.

When you meet your dog's needs of exercise and leadership, she will naturally follow you. But also teaching her about patience and rules will solidify your bond when she is faced with distractions, whether it is another dog, a cat, squirrel or any scent that might catch her attention.

Many owners think their dogs are well trained until they get out in the real world where the temptations and distractions are everywhere. That is why it's important to practice basic training (sit, stay, wait, and stop) anywhere and everywhere you go.

Respecting the front door

Use commands your dog already knows like "sit" or "stay" before you open the door. Ask someone to ring the doorbell or knock so you can practice. If your dog breaks the command, calmly go get her, and gently lead her back to where she was and do it again.

Corrections at the door

Use a leash, but have no tension. Open the door just a crack and the second your dog moves towards the door, give a quick correction with the leash to get her attention back on you. Do this several times until she does not move when the door opens a crack. Now practice the same exercise but this time open the door wider.

Claim the door

If your dog is at the door waiting for you to open it and dash away, walk in front of it and move her with your body language and the command "back". Be assertive and don't yell. You are asking for space around the door. Do that over and over and eventually your dog will move back as you head to the door or when you say the command.

* If you have a fenced back yard, start practicing these exercises at the back door so that your dog will be safe if she makes mistakes while learning.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

Please don't fall into this mindset. So many owners think their dog's behaviour is "just the way she is" and never try to make a change. The truth is dogs are never too old to learn. They live in the moment so it's never too late to educate and train them. The same goes for adopted dogs. Don't assume their current behaviour cannot be changed.

Blaming the breed

Give your dog a fair chance and don't use her breed as an excuse. Yes a dog's breed can give you insight to her natural instincts and they do differ however every dog has the potential to be well mannered and balanced. It's up to you to make sure that happens.

What you can do when your dog gets away

Never yell if your dog has run away from you. No matter what you always want to associate coming to you as something positive. This can be very challenging as we often get very frustrated and angry when our dogs run away. So strive to always remain calm and in control.

• Run in the opposite direction while calling her name
• Whistle (make it unique so your dog will recognize it)
• Crouch down and open your arms wide (this is a positive invitation)
• Clap your hands on your legs or in the air
• If all else fails, go and get your dog as calmly as you can

Accidents in the house

Occasionally a dog that has been properly house trained will have an accident inside. This could be the result of a medical condition, a sudden fear, a change in routine or food, overexcitement or a reaction to something going on in your house. Have you been away more than usual? Have you recently moved furniture?  Has another person moved in or out? Are you expecting a new addition to your family?

Changes in your life, whether positive or negative can be very confusing for your dog. They don't understand that you may be getting a nursery ready for a new baby, but they do pick up on your anxious and excited emotions. So staying calm will help your dog to better cope with the changes going on around her.

Confidence does help

The more confident your dog, the easier it will be for her to handle the inevitable changes in your life. Dogs love routine but variety is just as important. Walking many different routes can help condition your dog to accept change and respect your leadership. If you walk the same route every single time, your dog doesn't really have to follow you since she has long since memorized it. So change it up, keep your pooch on her toes.

When accidents happen

If it’s already happened, you can show her and use a disappointing tone when addressing it. There is absolutely no reason to hit your dog or rub her nose in it. It’s just plain cruel and won’t solve anything. You want to show your disapproval, that’s all.

If you catch her in the act, interrupt her and lead her outside. When she goes to finish, praise her.

It's very important to never put your dog in her crate as a punishment if you find a mess. Or when you are feeling stressed, anxious or frustrated. Her crate should represent rest, relaxation and safety at all times.

If you have been extra busy, tired or stressed and your walks have turned into quick outings in the backyard, you shouldn't be surprised by your dog's reaction. Listen to what she is telling you.

Separation Anxiety

Does your dog have separation anxiety?

Dogs are social animals and don't like to be separated from their pack; that's why it's so important to treat coming and going as no big deal.

We now realize the way we treat our dogs has a direct connection to separation anxiety. Often our dogs are cuddled too much, spoiled and have no rules. Our intentions may be good but the results may be anything but.

Your Dog's Basic Needs

All dogs need plenty of exercise every day, mental stimulation and rules to follow. Of course it's important to show your dog affection, but affection is not just about hugging and petting. You can give your dog a massage, a toy, a game of fetch, the occasional treat and a calm environment. Remember affection should only be given when your dog is exhibiting a behaviour you agree with.

Prevent Separation Anxiety

Never pay attention to your dog when leaving or first returning home. The goal is for it to be no big deal that you come and go. This can be a real challenge for people. Just keep in mind that you will be helping your dog cope with your absence if you act more nonchalant about it.

Exercise also makes a big difference. Start the day with a long walk (try for a minimum of 30 minutes). This has wonderful benefits for you too! When you get home, feed your dog and calmly go about your business of getting ready to leave. You don't have to say goodbye, you won't hurt her feelings. You can leave the house feeling good that you have fulfilled your dog's needs for exercise, food and rest. Isn't that better than feeling guilty for leaving?

If you have a high energy dog, a 30 minute walk might not be enough. You will either have to increase the time or increase the intensity of those 30 minutes. You can do that by jogging, rollerblading or biking with your dog. Or find obstacles to go around or climb over such as big rocks, picnic tables or benches. Walking different routes will also add extra mental stimulation (new smells and sights). Maybe even end your walk with a game of fetch in the park or your backyard.

Confidence Building Exercises

Next time you are out walking find a place where you can safely tie your dog's leash. Walk out of your dog's sight for a few minutes. If your dog whines or barks while you are gone use a verbal correction "shh" in an assertive tone and walk calmly back to her. Continue on your walk and try again at another tree or bench. Once your dog successfully waits for you calmly, you can praise her. It could take many tries but don't give up. Your dog's confidence will build over time.

Also practice going out of the house for short periods of time.  Go out the front door, return by the back door. Do not talk to your dog during this exercise and always remain calm. Remember you can interrupt if she barks or whines with "shh" (or whatever works for you). Your assertive tone is more important that the actual sound or word you use.

Serious Cases of Separation Anxiety

If your dog's anxiety is so severe that she is damaging things and trying to get out of your house, you may consider a crate while you are working on the issue. If you do this you have to gradually get her used to it. This could take days or weeks. A crate should be a safe haven for a dog, not a confinement or punishment. So please if you are going this route, take the time to introduce it properly. And never put your dog in his crate in a rush, it'll benefit you both to be calm about it.

Digging

Why do dogs dig? 

Digging is instinctual for dogs. They dig to hide bones, to follow the scent of a burrowing animal, to escape from a yard to find a mate, to find relief on a hot day in the cool earth and possibly because they can and because it's fun.

Digging can also be a reaction. A dog that is left outside alone for a long period of time can become bored, frustrated and lonely, afraid or anxious and might dig to help alleviate those feelings.

As with anything, knowledge is power. And while you may not be able to completely stop your dog's instinct to dig, you can most certainly lessen it.

Most importantly, have your dog neutered or spayed. This will curb their desire to roam and will also help with the overpopulation problem we face today. Do not leave your dog unsupervised for long periods of time in the backyard. Dogs are social animals and it's natural for them to want to be where you are. Always provide some form of shade and access to fresh drinking water all summer. And spend time every day playing or training your dog to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. All of these things should lessen your dog's need to dig.

That being said, some dog's urges to dig can still be stronger than others. If this is the case, designate an area of your yard where your dog is allowed to dig. Bury some treats, bones or outdoor toys to make that area more enticing. If you catch your dog digging somewhere else, interrupt with a firm "NO" or "STOP" and calmly bring him to the area you designated. Be sure to praise when he digs in the appropriate place. Never yell or punish your dog, especially if you find evidence of digging after the fact.

We can allow dogs to follow their natural instincts and still set rules for them at the same time. The result is a happier dog and human.

Loose Leash Walking

It's a beautiful thing to see a human and dog walking side by side. Do you ever wonder how they became so in sync? Do you ever wonder what the secret is to loose leash walking?

I think the secret is time, patience and consistency. It's never to late to improve the time you spend walking with your dog.


Why do dogs pull?

Dogs pull when they are excited, to get to smells and sights, to greet dogs and/or humans, to chase a cat or a squirrel, to get to their favourite spot to pee or because they have excess energy to burn.

Before the walk:

Many owners tend to get their dog into an excited state before even leaving the house.  The next time you are going for a walk, try not talking to your dog. Just quietly get ready and go to the door or wherever your dog's leash is. Your dog will still know it's time to go for a walk as whatever routine you have established has not gone unnoticed.

If you have a very high energy dog, you will benefit from playing fetch or doing some other activity that will burn some excess energy before you walk together.

When you are ready and your dog is leashed up, remember to go out the door first. This will help set the tone for your walk.

During the walk:

Try stopping or change direction whenever your dog starts walking in front of you or the leash gets tight. Consistency is the key, your dog will take advantage if you aren't. But if you are consistent, your dog will eventually learn to walk by your side. For younger and higher energy dogs, you can step it up by jogging or even running. The key is to always keep your dog in a follower position, either beside or behind you.

You can still allow your dog to sniff a favourite spot and explore the grass. Just make sure you are the one leading the way to the area.

After the walk:

Just as you did before the walk, lead your dog back into your home.

Enjoy your walk!

Birds Fly, Fish Swim, Dogs Walk!



Walking is one of the most important activities you do with your dog. I'd even go so far to say if you don't want to walk everyday, you probably shouldn't have a dog!

Walking for a dog is primal. It's what they do and they love doing it. And you can too! Walking can be a special bonding time with your dog. It's a chance to get out and meet your neighbours and also to meet other dogs in the area. And it is great exercise for us and our dogs.

You should aim for 2 or 3 walks a day for at least 30 minutes (this can and will vary depending on the breed, size, age and the energy level of your dog). Imagine sitting at home for 7 to 9 hours a day with nothing to do. On average that's what we ask our dogs to do every single day. We owe it to them to get out of the house every morning for a good walk to relieve themselves and burn off some energy. In turn when it's time for you to go to work, they will be ready to settle down and rest. In nature, dogs migrate, hunt, eat and then rest or play. So go for a walk first and then feed when you get back home. You will fulfill your dog's instinct of working for his food and he will naturally settle down after.

And after a long day of waiting for you, the best reward you can give your dog is a good walk when you get home from work! This is a great time for all family members to get together and walk as a pack. If you have had a stressful or tiring day, this walk will clear your mind and energize you for the evening ahead. And again walk first, feed after and your pooch will be ready to settle down while you go about your evening chores or activities.

If your dog is very high energy you will have to step it up on your walks. During your walk you can do some training exercises (sit, stay, heel). Or go around trees, guide them to jump up on rocks, picnic tables or benches. Next time you go for a walk, look around and think about what you can use to stimulate your dog mentally as well as physically. You can also bike or rollerblade with your dog to burn even more energy. Please use common sense if you've worked your dog very hard during your walk and give them time to calm down before feeding. I highly recommend educating yourself on the subject of "Bloat" in dogs.

Dogs love routine but also need variety so change it up. Do your favourite route backwards or walk down the opposite side of the street (there are different smells there). Have a few routes to choose from so that neither of you get bored. Take your dog to dog parks, trails and even downtown or around other neighbourhoods. Going somewhere new is as exciting for your dog as it is for you, especially if it includes a ride in the car!

Wherever you do walk, make sure you keep your dog on the opposite side of traffic at all times. A six foot leash is the best as it gives your dog room to explore but also gives you control when you need it. Ideally you want your dog to walk either beside you or behind you. Stay tuned for tips on "Loose Leash Walking".

Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and an important part of their development. Often puppies will use chewing to help soothe their gums during teething much like a baby using a soother. Adult dogs chew because they can and because the like it. Chewing gives them a purpose, helps alleviate boredom and uses their energy. And a bonus for you, it helps keep their teeth clean.

With that being said, be proactive regarding your dog's chewing habits. Always have appropriate chew toys and/or bones available  (remember to do your research to find the safest toys and bones).

It is your responsibility to educate your dog as to what is and is not appropriate to chew. Use your common sense, if you want to set your dog up for success put away things you don't want him to chew and make things you do want him to chew very obvious. You can do this by either rubbing something tasty on the outside of it or stuffing some treats or baby carrots inside if possible. Allow your dog to work for the toy by getting him to sit or lie down for it. Or you can ask him to wait while you hide it and praise him when he finds it. You will be fulfilling his need to chew and play while brushing up on your leadership skills at the same time.

Never yell at dog after the fact if you do find something chewed that shouldn't have been. If you catch your dog in the act, then give him a firm "NO" and give him something you want him to chew. When he takes it, praise him. Remember it's always better to reinforce a good habit.

To avoid excessive and compulsive chewing, make sure you are meeting your dog's exercise requirements based on his energy level. A tired dog is a good dog!

Barking

Have you ever noticed that when there is a dog in the neighbourhood that is outside constantly barking, everyone always says "I wish that stupid dog would shut up"!!! Instead they should be saying "I wish that dog's owner would pay attention to their dog and find out why they're barking"!!! What the average person doesn't realize is that dogs are social animals and don't like to be separated from their pack. So when a dog is left outside alone for a long period of time, chances are they will bark to try and get their owners attention. And I don't blame them!

Contrary to popular belief, dog's do not bark to drive us crazy. Dogs bark to communicate with other dogs, other species, humans and sometimes even inanimate objects. But what are they saying?

The two main reasons dogs bark are guarding (or warning) and attention seeking. However they also bark when they are anxious, afraid, bored, frusterated, playful, excited. Barking is normal and should not be discouraged unless it becomes excessive.

If you dog barks excessively and often, you need to ask yourself why? Has your dog been left outside alone for a long period of time? Is your dog bored and in need of some exercise? You owe it to your dog to find out what the reason is and how to deal with it. A well balanced dog who gets enough physical and mental stimulation won't bark more than necessary to communicate to you.

Anti bark devices are cruel and should not be used for any reason. Your dog is worth so much more than that.

There is a wonderful book I read called "How to Speak Dog, Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication" by Stanley Coren. At the end of the book he provides a collection of signals dogs use to communicate from barking to whining to yipping. I highly recommend this book to any dog owner out there who wants to understand their four legged friend better.

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