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Curing Dog Aggression Through Socialization

Filed under: Dog Behavior, Dog Training — Chantee Hale on February 8th, 2010

Is your dog the type that barks at cars? Does he or she go running when a tall man enters a house, or growl at the mailman? These and other aggressive behaviors often stem from a lack of socialization.

Puppies who are heavily socialized are calmer, friendlier, and have an easier time handling new situations. But dog socialization doesn’t end at 12 months, or when your dog’s completed their first puppy training class. A lack of continual socialization can lead to your dog feeling anxious or frightened in new or unusual situations, and fear is a leading cause of aggression in dogs. If your dog is displaying unexplained aggressive behaviors, or is acting aggressively after a move or change in the social structure of the family, socialization may present a cure.

In order to socialize your dog you will want to pinpoint what he or she is afraid of, and target those areas. If people with glasses give your dog a scare invite some eyeglass sporting friends over. If possible, have them go without their eyeglasses until they have been introduced to the dog. Encouraging good play and treat-giving will help your dog overcome their anxiety and learn that these people are generous and fun to be with. If your dog barks at the mailman, try to introduce your dog to the mail deliverer. Walk your dog daily just so that you and your dog can great the mailman in a friendly manner as you pass each other’s paths.

For a dog suffering from under socialization, or a lapse in socialization, it is important to include him or her in every activity you do outside the home. Car rides, park days, long walks, visiting friends, and even shopping at dog friendly stores can all help expose and cure your dog from socialization related fear and aggression.

Dog Safety for Car Travel

Filed under: Dog Health, Travel & Leisure — Chantee Hale on February 6th, 2010

Automobile accidents in which pets are involved have become so common that most major auto insurance companies have begun to cover pets that ride in the automobile in their policy coverage. If you’re one of the 29 million pet owners who frequently travel with their pet, it may be time to invest in a car seat, belt, or carrier to ensure your dog’s automobile safety.

Fortunately, dog car safety doesn’t mean having to coop your pet up in a kennel, although that is an option for many pet owners. Many dog product makers now make automobile safety devices, like the PetBuckle Seatbelt Harness for all dogs or the PetGear Dog Booster Seat for small dogs. No matter what method you choose it is as important to restrain your dog during any length of automobile trip, as it is to buckle up yourself. Even a fender bender can result in severe damage to your dog if he or she is thrown about or hit by objects that may shift in the vehicle.

Another important aspect of safe dog travel is to ensure that your pet doesn’t hang their head out of the window. A dog whose head is out of the window is more likely to be injured by bugs, flying debris, or severely harmed in the event of an accident. Dogs whose heads are outside of the vehicle can be thrown out of the vehicle or have their trachea crushed by impact with the window frame during an accident.

Any time you transport your dog it is important to make sure that his or her ID tag is attached to the collar. Not only will this help identify your pet in the case of an accident but will help your pet be returned to you should they escape from the vehicle as you are exiting or entering.

Another thing you should carry with you is an emergency list. Creating a sticker, similar to CHAD stickers often placed on children’s Car seats, is likely the best way to ensure your pet’s health and care in the event of an accident. This list should include information such as the dog’s veterinarian’s name and number, and emergency contacts. In the event of an accident this could help your pet to get the medical care it needs, or aid in helping rescuers to return him or her to their family.

We do a lot to prevent injury and loss due to automobile accidents for ourselves, and our canine companions should be no different. By securing your pet while he or she rides in the vehicle, ensuring that your dog is tagged and emergency information is on hand, and protecting them from dangers outside of the moving vehicle, you can give your pet the safe ride he or she deserves.

Dog Park Manners for Newbies

Filed under: Dog Life — Chantee Hale on February 4th, 2010

If you’re thinking about taking your dog to the local dog park for the first time, you may be wondering what to expect. While dog parks may be a great place to socialize for pent up and lonely dogs they can also be a social challenge for both owners and pets alike. Knowing how to have your dog behave before you go can save you and your pet a lot of embarrassment.

The most important aspect of any social outing with your dog is respect. Make sure to follow the rules of the dog park, in particular being prepared to pick up after your pet when he or she potties and keeping a close eye on his or her behavior while playing. If your dog is new to socializing with others he or she may not be aware of the “rules.” By keeping a close eye on your pet you can redirect him or her before he or she gets out of hand.

If you see your dog approaching another pup that doesn’t seem to be interested in playing with the pack, or that is on his or her leash, rein your dog in. It’s likely that this pet is less comfortable with doggy social interaction. By keeping your pet away from the shy fellow you’ll be able to give the other dog time to warm up to the situation and handle the social interaction in a positive manner.

Leaving the dog park with your grace in tact may be the hardest challenge. Get your dog used to coming to your beck and call by interacting with him or her while he or she plays. Calling your pet back to you frequently during playtime, and rewarding your dog for its obedience, will help to make the transition away from the dog park easier.

Safe and Easy Dog Travel by Plane

Filed under: Travel & Leisure — Chantee Hale on February 1st, 2010

If you have to take travel by plane and need to take your dog you may be worried about what to expect. All airlines will require your pet to have advanced reservations and separate tickets. Taking your pet on the plane will more than likely mean storing them in the cargo area, as only very small dogs are allowed onboard. Tickets for pets can cost more than seats for humans, even if they are onboard and going under the seat. Either way, your dog will need to remain kenneled the entire time they are on the flight.

Before your dog flies you will need to have him or her checked out by a Veterinarian, and will need records of their vaccinations, often referred to as a health certificate. They can’t fly without it. You will also want to make sure that you have enough time between flights to let your dog go potty.

If you’re worried that your pet will need to use the potty during a long flight pee pads or a doggie diaper may be in order. Make sure your pet is in a hard sided travel carrier, and that they’re comfortable and have a toy or two to entertain them. Save feeding until after they’ve departed the plane. You will want to talk to your vet about the safety concerns surrounding your dog’s flight. For some dogs Dramamine or a sedative may be desirable, for others sedation may increase a risk of liver, kidney, or heart failure due to the stress of flight.

When you’re parting from your pet make sure to not make a scene. If you treat the departure and experience as commonplace your pet is less likely to get anxious. Always tip the baggage handler who takes your pet to the hold. Tell baggage handler which flight your pet’s going on, and even your pooch’s name. A tipped attendant is more likely to give your pet the care you’d like. When you finally board your flight tell the flight attendant that you are traveling with your pet, and politely ask them to check on the temperature in the hold. This will let them know that your pet is aboard and that you are concerned. Likely the attendant will return to tell you that they’ve physically checked in on your dog.

If your dog is in the hold he or she will come off the plane first. This will give you plenty of time to pick up your luggage before going to the oversized baggage area, which is where you’ll find your pet. Just like when you’re waiting for your suitcase to come off the plane, wondering if it arrived all right, you may feel nervous as you wait for your dog’s arrival. Don’t be afraid to ask a baggage attendant about the whereabouts of your pet. Even if they don’t know or aren’t sure where your pet is, be patient, because your pet is likely to be unloaded last.

Comfort Your Grieving Dog

Filed under: Ages & Stages — Chantee Hale on January 31st, 2010

While humans have many outlets for grief over the loss of a dog, like a DoggySpace memorial, the late dog’s furry pal is often left to struggle with his or her grief. For the friend and companion of a deceased dog life changes drastically when they lose a loved one. Not only does a grieving dog have to cope with the loss of a friend but her or she also has to determine where his or her place in the ‘pack’ is now that their companion is gone.

How you handle your dog’s grief can help him or her cope with their sense of loss and return to their healthy, happy doggy nature. A grieving dog may display his or her sense of loss through acting ‘depressed.’ A lack of appetite, less barking, acting tired, being sluggish, or losing interest in activities such as play and walks are all signs of dog grief.

If your dog is grieving you can help. While replacing the lost pet may be one of the first ways to help your dog ‘move on’ that come to mind, its recommended that you wait until your pet has finished grieving before giving them a new pal. Instead, spend more time with your grieving pet. Spend time grooming or petting them, take them on car rides or walks designed to spend time with him or her. Also, make sure to leave a blanket or mat that belonged to the deceased dog around the house. This will help the grieving dog to remember their lost pal and deal with their emotions.

As you help your dog cope with his or her grief you will find that the bond between you and your pet has grown eternally stronger.

Adult Dog Adoption

Filed under: Ages & Stages, Dog Life — Chantee Hale on January 26th, 2010

If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, but cringe at the idea of having to housetrain a puppy, then the adult dog may be for your. While it’s true that some adult dogs are up for adoption because they have been mistreated, either by their family or as a producer of puppies for a puppy mill, this doesn’t make adult dogs ‘criminals. Most adoptable adult dogs were given up by families who found that they couldn’t afford the time or money to maintain dog ownership, got them for a child or relative who tired of them, or simply got lost and were never found.

Adult dogs are often at least partially trained, so housebreaking is no longer a major concern. Another benefit of adopting an adult dog is that they have outgrown the hyperactivity and love of chewing that younger dogs often display. Meanwhile, they’re just as willing and ready to play, without having to be calmed down in between.

Adult dogs are just as willing to find a new family and become part of a “pack” again as younger dogs, but are often more sensitive to their family’s needs and placement in the pack, meaning less headaches as you teach your dog their status in your family. While some people believe that adult dogs may not be as loyal or loving to a new family as a puppy, this is a myth. Adult dogs tend to spend just as much energy loving their new family as a puppy does, without requiring as much effort to train.

Aggressive Dogs

Filed under: Dog Behavior — Chantee Hale on January 20th, 2010

Aggressive dogs can leave owners feeling like they may have to choose between their pet and their loved ones. While aggressive behaviors are normal for dogs their tolerance for stimuli can vary depending on their environment and genetics. Fortunately aggressive dogs can be trained to have a higher tolerance for aggravation.

There are many different types of dog aggression, and understanding them can help you in your efforts to retrain your dog.

Protective, territorial and possession aggression is often supported by the dog’s family because they want a loyal family dog or believe a dog has a right to be protective of their meal or toys.
“Predator” aggression is natural for dogs and a dog displaying predator aggression may attack smaller dogs, cats, or small farm animals as it acts on its hunting instincts.
Because dogs are social creatures and instinctually crave a pecking order dominance aggression is common, and can even spur aggressive behavior towards a new human or animal member of the family as well as new playmates.
Fear aggression can occur even when a dog is not actually in danger, but perceives that they may be harmed.
Dogs sometimes also re-direct aggression, turning their aggression towards the cat outside their fence on their doggy pal or others.
Pain induced aggression is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed aggressions, as many dog health problems are not easily diagnosed by the naked eye.
Very few dogs suffer from rage induced or idiopathic aggressions, aggressing without reason. Some breeds are predisposed but an owner should always have their dog fully diagnosed before assuming that their dog suffers from unfounded aggression problems.

While you should never accept aggressive behaviors from your dog, never punish them physically or verbally, as it may spawn fear aggression. If your dogs displays aggressive behaviors use kennel time outs, and a calm voice to correct his or her actions. If you feel your dog displays aggressive behavior in respect to its territory make sure to kennel your pet or otherwise remove him or her from the area when you have guests. For dogs who struggle with aggression it is important to not encourage aggressive play, such as tug of war, and to work with them to build their tolerance to stimuli that might trigger aggression.

Dog Games for Smart Dogs

Filed under: Ages & Stages, Dog Life, Dog Training — Chantee Hale on January 18th, 2010

Having trouble keeping your smart hound occupied and out of the “dog house?” Trainers say that dogs that are occupied are less likely to engage in undesirable activity, like chewing on your shoes, and smart dogs tend to get bored easily. Here are some games you can play with your intelligent dog to keep him or her entertained.

Retrieving items is a great game for smart dogs that love to feel like they’re useful and part of something. Train your dog to recognize an item, from the remote to the car keys, and then ask them to “fetch” it. As they get used to the game you can even send them on the hunt for items stashed in a separate room.
Indoor or out and obstacle course is not only a great way to give a dog physical exercise but a mental workout as well. If you’re indoors you can create an obstacle course out of Pilates balls, chairs, tables, or anything sturdy enough for your dog to climb over, under, or around. Outside you can create larger courses with slides, stairs, and poles for them to weave under over and around.
Clean up is another handy game for dogs that like to have a job to do. Using a command like “Pick up” guide your dog through the steps of using his or her mouth to carry a toy back to its rightful place. Soon enough you’ll be able to keep them entertained and straightening the house with a simple command.
Ball and Cups are a great game to entertain dog’s minds. Place a ball underneath one of two, or even three, cups and shuffle them around. Let your dog sniff and determine which cup holds the ball. You can even train your dog to tap the proper cup with his or her paw to add to the fun.
Letting your dog play “messenger” by delivering presents or messages tucked in their collar can also be an easy and fun way to keep your dog entertained, while exercising his or her ability to “find” a family member.
For those moments when your dog needs entertainment but you can’t be by their side consider an interactive dog toy, like Nina Ottosson’s Zoo Active Toys, which not only entertain dogs but help develop their problem solving skills.

Doggie Dental Disease

Filed under: Dog Health — Chantee Hale on January 17th, 2010

Dental disease is an often-overlooked area of your dog’s health, but it can lead to serious health issues. It is estimated that 80% of all dogs two years and older are suffering from a dental disease. Gingivitis, Plaque, and Tartar build-up are all contributors to dental disease in dogs. While dogs may not suffer from cavities like humans do, periodontal disease, which destroys the gum and bone around teeth, can cause dogs to loose teeth quickly. Loose teeth, inflamed or bleeding gums, and bad breath are signs of dental disease.

As it takes only two days for tartar and plaque to harden around a dog’s teeth it is important to maintain a daily brushing schedule. While dental visits and doggy dental treats can assist in keeping a dog’s teeth healthy the only way to prevent dental disease is to brush your dog’s teeth once a day. It is recommended that you use a special doggy toothpaste, infant toothpaste, or baking soda to brush your dog’s teeth because fluoride and other additives in human toothpaste can make dogs ill.

Dog Manners: The Perfect Houseguest

Filed under: Dog Life — Chantee Hale on January 16th, 2010

If you’re taking your dog on a visit to family and friends knowing how to help your dog conduct his or her self will make a lasting impact. Dog guests and hosts alike often assume that a dog’s visitation will be easy and hassle free, but a smooth visit requires planning and communication.

Before you go to visit your friends and family, inform your host that you’ll be bringing your pet with you. If your dog has any special needs that might affect your visit, be it a food allergy, dietary restrictions, or needing to be curled up in their human’s bed to sleep at night, inform your hosts ahead of time. By being clear on your pet’s needs there will be less unpleasant surprises for your host and everyone will be happier. Also make sure to ask about the rules for pets in their house. You will likely find that many of your host’s pet rules are different than your own. Don’t try to change your host’s point of view, but instead make sure to apply rules that are different from your own while you’re in their house.

Make sure to take your own dog food, toys, bedding, bags to pick up your pooch’s poop, and a kennel. By being prepared you can ensure that your dog feels comfortable in a new environment. Even though you might think a kennel is unnecessary, after all you’ll be there all the time, you never know when your four legged pal may need a little alone time, and his or her kennel is the best place for them to feel at home.

When you get there, try restrict Fido’s access to the household pets until you have greeted your hosts, then make sure to do the pet introductions before you get engaged in visiting. Since we all love our pets dearly, making sure introductions to new animal buddies go smoothly will keep the peace between the humans as well.

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