Dogs

How to Train a Dog

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Are you thinking of adding a new dog to your life? Would you like your current dog to be better behaved? Would you like to train your dog to serve your needs instead being trained to serve its needs? Attending dog classes led by a professional trainer is the best approach, but not everyone can afford classes. These tips are a good start to training your canine companion. There are many philosophies and approaches to dog training, so do your research and learn what works for you and your dog.[1]

Preparing for Dog Training

Choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. After centuries of breeding, the modern dog is one of the most varied species of animal on earth. While there’s probably a dog to suit every lifestyle, not all dogs will fit your specific needs. For example, if you like to relax, you should not get a Jack Russell Terrier, known for its constant barking and high energy.[2] Instead, you might want a bulldog that would much prefer to cuddle on the couch all day.[3] Research the personalities and care requirements of various breeds. Ask dog owners about their breed’s personality.

  • Since most dogs live for 10 – 15 years, getting a dog is a long-term commitment. Make sure the breed’s temperament is a good match for your lifestyle.
  • If you haven’t yet started a family, consider whether you’ll have young children around the house in the next decade. Some breeds are not recommended for households with children.

Don’t get an aspirational dog. Be honest with yourself about the compatibility of the dog you want with your lifestyle. Don’t get a dog that needs a lot of activity just because you want a reason to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle yourself. If you can’t follow through on exercising your high-energy dog, you and the dog will both end up frustrated.

  • Write down the needs and temperament of the breed, as well as how you will meet those needs.
  • If it’s going to take significant effort to change your lifestyle, you need to choose a different dog.

Give your dog a practical name. He needs to be able to learn his name easily, so you can hold his attention during training. The name should also have clear, hard sounds the dog can recognize. Names such as “Buddy” or “Rover” or “Bee Bee” have distinct sounds that stand out from the regular flood of human speech your dog hears.

  • Use your dog’s name often when you are playing, petting him, training him, or need to get his attention.
  • If your dog looks at you when you say his name, you know he’s learned it.
  • Create a positive association with his name so he’ll continue to focus on you when you say it. Praise him when he responds to his name, and give him treats.

Schedule enough time for training. You’ll need to set aside 15 – 20 minutes a couple of times each day for formal training sessions. Puppies have a short attention span and get bored easily, just like a toddler would.

  • Those sessions are not the only time you’ll train your dog, though. Training actually happens throughout the day when interacting with your pet. He’s learning from you every time you interact.
  • Bad dog habits develop when owners let dogs get away with bad behavior outside of dedicated training sessions. So, always keep an eye on your dog outside of training sessions. If he knows it during training sessions, then make sure he remembers it outside of training.

Prepare your mental state for training sessions. When you’re working with your dog, be calm and neutral. Any form of agitation and excitement on your part will negatively affect the outcome of training. You should be mindful of the fact that the goal of training is to be able to reinforce good dog behavior and to ignore or not reinforce bad ones. It may sound strict but producing a well trained dog requires the determination and conviction to see it through.

Choose the proper equipment. A 6-foot leash and flat collar or martingale collar may be all the you need to start, besides your treats. Consult a trainer for advice on other equipment like a “Promise Leader” head halter, a “No Pull” harness, a metal training collar, or other device. Puppies or small dogs generally do not need harsh equipment. Larger dogs may temporarily need specialized equipment (like the “Promise Leader”) to keep their focus.[4]

Applying General Training Principles

Manage your expectations and mood. Not every training day is going to be perfect, but don’t get frustrated and don’t take it out on your dog. Adjust your own behavior and attitude to encourage your dog’s ability and confidence to learn. If you have a calm mood, generally your dog will, too.

  • If the dog becomes afraid of your bad mood, he will not learn anything new. He’ll only learn to be wary and not trust you.
  • Dog training classes and a good trainer can help you improve your behavior which will translate to success with your dog.

Keep your dog’s temperament in mind. All dogs have different temperaments. Just like kids, different breeds learn differently and at different rates. Some dogs are stubborn and will challenge you at every turn. Others will bend over backwards to please you. You may need to adjust your training techniques to meet the need of your dog’s temperament.

Give immediate rewards. Dogs don’t understand long-term cause and effects. They learn fast. You must praise or reward your dog within 2 seconds of a desired behavior to reinforce that behavior. If you wait too long, he will not associate the reward with the action you asked him to perform.

  • Furthermore, you must make sure that your praise is fast enough to be accurate. Otherwise, you may reward behaviors that you don’t want.
  • Imagine, for example, that you are teaching your dog the “sit” command. He sits for just a moment, but by the time you praise and reward him, he’s started standing back up. In this case, you are rewarding the standing behavior, not the sitting behavior.

Consider clicker training. Clicker training is a method of delivering immediate praise with the help of a clicker. You can click faster than you can give a treat or pet your dog’s head. As such, clicker training reinforces good behavior fast enough for a dog’s learning speed. It works by creating a positive association between the click sound and rewards. Eventually, your dog will consider the sound of the clicker itself reward enough for good behavior. You can apply the principle of clicker training to any dog command.

  • Click the clicker device, then immediately give the dog a treat. This creates a positive association with the click sound. Later, that sound will “mark” a behavior as correct so the dog knows that he did something right.
  • When the dog performs a desired behavior, make the click sound, then give him a treat. Once he’s performing that behavior consistently, you can give the behavior a command name. Begin tying the command and the behavior together with the help of the clicker.
  • For example, before you ever teach your dog the “sit” command, give the click sound, a treat, and praise when you find him sitting. When he begins sitting just to get the treats, start saying the word “sit” to get him into position. Pair it with the click sound to reward him. Eventually, he will learn that sitting in response to the “sit” command will earn him a click reward.

Be consistent. Your dog won’t understand what you want from him if his environment lacks consistency. Everyone who lives with your dog should understand and be on board with his training goals. For example, if you are training your dog not to jump on people, don’t let the kids allow the dog jump all over them. This will undermine all the training you’ve done.

  • Make sure everyone uses the exact commands your dog learns in training. He doesn’t speak English, and can’t tell the difference between “sit” and “sit down.” Using those terms interchangeably will only confuse him.
  • Because he won’t make a clear connection between a single command and a single action, his response to the command will be hit or miss.

Always reward success and good behavior with praise, and sometimes a small treat. Small treats help motivate your dog to learn his training. The treat needs to be small, tasty, and easily chewed. You don’t want it to interrupt the training session or make them full too quickly.

  • Consider how long it takes to chew a hard treat versus a semi-moist treat like “Bill Jack” or “Zuke’s Mini Naturals.” Treats about the size of a pencil eraser head are enough to get the positive point across, and you don’t have to wait long for your dog to eat it.

Use “high value” treats when needed. When teaching difficult or important a command, use a “high value” treat to raise the stakes for him. Examples include freeze-dried liver, roasted chicken breast chunks, or slices of turkey lunch meat.

  • As the dog learns the command, phase out the high value treats and bring them back as needed to advance your training, but always give him praise.

Train on an empty stomach. Don’t feed as large a meal as usual a few hours before training your dog. The more your dog wants the treat, the more focused he’ll be on the task he needs to perform to get it.

Always end training on a positive note. Even if the training session did not go well and your dog didn’t catch on to a new command, end on something that you can praise him for. By ending the training session with a command he’s already mastered, the last thing he remembers will be your love and praise.

Discourage barking. If your dog barks at you when you don’t want him to, just ignore him until he stops, and then reward him with praise. Sometimes they bark at you for attention, while other times it may be out of frustration.

  • Do not throw a ball or toy. This only teaches him that if he barks, he’ll get you to do something he wants.
  • Don’t yell at the dog to be quiet, as this rewards him with attention.

How to Prevent Bloating in Dogs

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Bloat in dogs is a very serious medical condition that should be treated as an emergency. The technical name for bloat is gastric dilation and volvulus syndrome (GDV) and it occurs when the stomach dilates or expands with fluid and gas. Once the stomach expands the problems increase, as the stomach twists and rotates around its short axis.[1] GDV needs to be treated quickly, as the twisting action can irreparably damage the body tissues, leading to death.

Assessing and Lowering Your Dog’s Risk of Bloat

Assess genetic risk factors. We are not entirely certain why bloat occurs but we do know that it can run in families. Determine your dogs relatives (littermate, parents) have had bloat. If they have, then your dog has a higher risk of getting it.[2]

Determine if your dog has a build that would boost its chances of getting bloat. Middle-aged and older large and giant breed dogs are more likely to experience bloat. Most of these dogs have a deep chest and a thin body frame. These physical traits can contribute to the incidence of bloat.[3]

Evaluate whether your dog’s eating habits will increase its likelihood of getting bloat. How your dog eats will influence its risk of getting bloat. Feeding habits that can increase the likelihood of bloat include: [4]

  • Feeding a dog from a raised bowl.
  • Feeding a large amount of food or water at one time or over time.
  • Once a day feeding.
  • Vigorous exercise around feeding time.
  • Rapid eating of food which means more air in the stomach.
  • Conditions in which the outflow of food from the stomach is slowed or impeded.
  • Feeding dry foods with a high oil or fat content.

Eliminate risk factors. While there are some factors you cannot change, such as the genetics and the build of your dog, there are some things you can do to lessen the risk of your dog getting bloat. Researchers at Purdue University performed a major study on bloat in dogs.[5] Study results determined that there were some steps that dog owners can do to help prevent bloat. These steps are:

  • Divide the food into two or more smaller servings a day.
  • Do not feed from a raised bowl. Feed from a bowl on the ground.
  • Make sure that fat isn’t in the top four ingredients of the food you feed your dog.
  • Do not feed an all dry food diet. Include wet foods or large meat chunks in the diet.
  • Do not moisten dry food.
  • Wait one hour before feeding and two hours after eating before letting your dog exercise or before going for walks, etc.
  • For dry food, feed no more than one cup per thirty pounds of body weight per meal (divided between at least two meals).
  • If your dog is a greedy eater and gulps its food, invest in a food dish that forces the dog to eat slower, such as the slow feeder or fun feeder.

 

Consider preventative surgery. Discuss with your veterinarian if your dog would be a good candidate for a precautionary gastropexy. Military service dogs (large breeds like German shepherd and Belgian Malinois) are frequently given a precautionary gastropexy to avoid any emergency situations when they are on the battlefield.[6] However, most owners opt to monitor their large and giant breed dogs instead of taking this measure.

Diagnosing and Treating Bloat

Keep a look out for symptoms of bloat. The signs of bloat usually come on rapidly. These include:[7]

  • Pacing and restlessness
  • Excessive salivation
  • Enlarged abdomen (belly)
  • Reluctance or inability to stand or walk.
  • Rapid or weak pulse
  • Pale gums
  • Retching or dry heaving without bringing anything up. The esophagus is involved in the twist so nothing can come back through the mouth.

Take your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you see the symptoms of bloat. Keep in mind that this is a medical emergency and the dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian as soon as possible if bloat is suspected. Dogs can die soon after the signs appear due to damage done to internal organs, collapse of the circulatory system, toxin buildup, and shock.

  • A dog that is brought into the veterinarian’s office is first given a physical examination and blood is checked for responses to internal organ damage. Radiographs (X-rays) are generally taken, which will show the bloated stomach along with the twist in the stomach.
  • In some cases a needle is advanced into the abdominal cavity and suction is applied to the syringe. This is done to determine if the stomach has ruptured, an unfortunate outcome in some cases of bloat.

Get bloat treated. A tube may be passed through the dog’s mouth and into the stomach to relieve the pressure of air buildup. Occasionally a tube will be placed directly through the skin and muscle into the stomach to relieve the pressure in the stomach. An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a vein to provide medications and fluids.[8]

  • The treatment of bloat is surgery to untwist the stomach and to suture part of the stomach to the inside of the abdomen wall to prevent it from recurring. This is called a gastropexy. If the stomach ruptured the stomach will be repaired and the internal abdomen will be flushed.
  • Dogs will be closely monitored after surgery. Generally the dog will be placed on antibiotics and pain killers before and after surgery. Depending on your veterinarian clinic and how intensive the surgery was, the dog will need to remain hospitalized for up to 7 days.
  • Sadly up to 15% of dogs with gastric dilation and volvulus do not survive surgery despite the skill of the veterinarian.[9]

Sources:

 

 

How to Calm an Aggressive Dog

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Dogs can display aggressive behavior for a number of reasons. Knowing what your dog’s triggers are, as well as exposing them other dogs and individuals, will help curb their aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior is not permanent and there are many methods and approaches to change and calm your dog’s aggressive behavior.

Preventing Aggression

Exercise your dog. Many dogs that demonstrate aggressive behavior benefit from extensive exercise regimens. The more energy your dog burns the better their state of mind and the less likely they are to exhibit aggression.[1]

  • Take your dog for regular daily walks at least twice a day.
  • Take your dog to the park to let them burn off excess energy.

Socialize your dog. Socializing your dog as early as possible will help them get used to encounters and interactions with both humans and other dogs. Take your dog to a dog park or create one on one play dates with other dogs to give your dog the social interaction it needs.[2]

  • Consult your vet for recommendations for enrolling your dog in a socialization class.

Enroll your dog in behavioral courses. Aggression training camps can help deal with past traumatic experiences as well as provide both you and your dog with tools for dealing with aggressive behavior. Consult your vet for aggression training camp or behavioral class recommendations.

Know your dog’s triggers. Knowing what your dogs triggers are will help you avoid aggressive behavior and address it appropriately. Consult your breeder or shelter about your dog’s history to see if their aggression is learned or caused by trauma. Check the humane society to learn more about the causes and types of aggressive behavior to better understand what your dog’s triggers might be.[3]

  • Bring your dog’s triggers to the attention of your vet to see if their behavior can be treated with medication.
  • Make your dog’s triggers known to any trainer should you enroll in a aggression training camp or behavioral course.

Surrender your dog to their breeder or shelter. If you do not have the time, money, or resources to deal with and prevent your dog’s aggression you might consider surrendering you dog back to their breeder or shelter. Be honest about your concerns and the dog’s behavior so that they have the possibility of being re-homed to another owner who may be able to deal with their aggressive behavior.[4]

  • Many shelters have a euthanasia policy in place for aggressive animals. Check with your shelter to discuss their aggressive animal policy.[5]

Dealing with Dog to Dog Aggression

Be calm and decisive. Dogs are sensitive to the moods of others, especially when they are in a state of aggression. The more calm you are when other dogs are approaching the less likely your dog will be to exhibit aggressive behavior.[6]

  • Avoid tensing up the leash, forcing your dog to move quickly, or raising your voice if you anticipate a aggressive outburst. Instead, calmly lead your dog away from approaching dogs or if they are already displaying aggressive behavior.[7]
  • Remember, the calmer you are the calmer your dog will be.

Create space. If you see another dog approaching, move to the other side of the road, walk to another side of the park, or take a safe distance and wait for the dog to pass. Creating space between your dog and the other dog will help you avoid any aggressive interaction.[8]

  • Try using a blockade, like a car or tree, when another dog is approaching.
  • Avoid pulling back on the leash when pulling your dog away from other dogs. Instead, pull your dog to the side and calmly lead them away.

Desensitize your dog to other dogs. The more frequently and consistently your dog interacts with other dogs the less likely they are to display aggressive behavior. Scheduling regular play dates with other dogs, walking calmly by other dogs, and have brief encounters with dogs at the dog park with help desensitize your dog.[9]

  • Keep a long distance when first desensitizing your dog to other dogs. Once they seem comfortable continue approaching at a steady rate and stop and wait once their aggression is triggered again.[10]

Dealing with Dog to Human Aggression

Act calmly and quickly. Both dogs and people can be sensitive to the others moods. If you sense a potential outburst, or if your dog is already displaying aggressive behavior, stay calm and respond quickly. Restrain your dog on their leash or grab their collar and redirect them if they start displaying aggressive behavior.[11]

  • Ask the individual to slowly back away and re-approach once your dog has calmed down.

Practicing blocking. Standing in front of your dog and blocking them from approaching others will keep their aggression at bay. Your dog’s line of vision will also be blocked, which may relieve them of their trigger entirely. Remember, you know your dog better than anyone else so it is your responsibility to mediate for them.[12]

  • If you have enrolled in behavioral classes use some commands or directives to relive your dog of tension.

Slowly introduce your dog to new people. Many dogs are aggressive toward new people. Introducing them slowly will help your dog gradually become used to their presence and curb aggressive behavior. If you are trying to introduce your dog to someone specifically set up regular play dates where your dog can continually get used to the individual.

  • Have the individual slowly extend the back of their hand and offer it to your dog to smell. This will help them become familiar with the individual and will allow for them to approach your dog.

Sources:

 

 

How to Live with a High Energy Dog

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Activity is key to any dog’s health and happiness. Many breeds instinctively “work” through physical activity.[1] But some breeds such as shepherds, herding dogs, terriers, and retrievers have a lot more energy than their counterparts including bulldogs.[2] If you have a high energy dog, it’s important to give it enough activity to prevent boredom, frustration, and destructive behaviors. It can also help maintain your high energy breed’s health.[3] You can live with a high energy dog by giving it enough exercise daily, incorporating it into daily tasks, and keeping it occupied.

Recognizing Activity Needs for Your High Energy Dog

Identify high energy breeds. It’s important to know if your dog is a high energy breed. This can ensure that you get it enough activity so that it doesn’t get bored or exhibit destructive behaviors. Most dogs in the hunting, working, or herding groups are high energy. These groups include retrievers, hounds, collies, spaniels, pointers, terriers, and shepherds. Some specific dog breeds that are high energy include:[4]

  • Alaska Malamute
  • Bernese Mountain
  • Norwich Terrier
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Weimaraner
  • Parson’s Russell Terrier

Figure out your dog’s exercise needs. Simply taking your high energy dog for one or two short walks isn’t enough activity, nor is letting it loose in the backyard. High energy dogs need more exercise than low energy breeds. In general, they will need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day as well 1-2 hours of additional activity. Some great ways to meet your high energy dog’s both indoors and outdoors include:[5]

  • Walking
  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Climbing and/ or running up stairs
  • Throwing toys
  • Enjoying time in a fenced-in yard
  • Obstacle courses[6]

Watch for warning signs. High energy dogs are easily bored if they have nothing to do and destroy furniture, pillows, clothing or other household items as a result.[7] Watching your high energy dog’s behavior can signal if it needs more exercise or activity.[8] Some signs your dog may have energy to burn include:

  • Barking or whining
  • Digging
  • Jumping
  • Restlessness
  • Chewing, nipping, or biting
  • Scratching[9]

Incorporating Activity During the Day

Establish a regular activity schedule. High energy dogs need regular exercise as a result of their evolution. Your breed may require as many as 2 ½ hours of activity every day.[10] This may be a lot of time if you are very busy. Setting a daily activity schedule can keep your high energy dog healthy and happy. The routine helps your dog anticipate it and may minimize unwanted behaviors.[11]

  • Establish a specific time every day for 30 minutes of vigorous activity with your dog. For example, set aside 30 minutes every morning to run. If you don’t run, let your dog run in an enclosed yard or dog park for 30 minutes. You could also play fetch or blow bubbles specifically designed for dogs to chase.[12]
  • Incorporate a brisk walk of about an hour every day, too. Break this into two 30-minute walks if need be.
  • Adjust your dog’s exercise routine as necessary. For example, if you have an appointment and get home early, use the extra time to engage your high energy dog.

Get activity you and your dog enjoy. Just like people, every dog has a distinct personality. Your dog may run or play harder in certain place or with specific activities. Take at least one day to do something with your dog that you both enjoy but can’t get to daily. You could do any of the following “doggy and me” activities:[13]

  • Running
  • Inline skating
  • Bicycling
  • Hiking[14]
  • Swimming[15]
  • Jumping over obstacles[16]

Have fun indoors. If it is extremely cold or hot outside, it’s safer to keep your dog inside except for potty breaks. You can still give your high energy dog plenty of activity even if you are indoors.[17] This can also be a great way to give your high energy dog activity if you are worn out or physically unwell. Doing any of the following can ensure your high energy gets enough activity and exercise so that it doesn’t get bored:[18]

  • Running up the stairs with your dog
  • Playing fetch. You can increase the energy by trying this game on the stairs.[19]
  • Hiding treats around the house or in toys[20]
  • Playing keep away
  • Kicking around dog exercise balls[21]
  • Setting up an obstacle course

Create a safe outside space. A backyard is a great space to give your dog some activity. It’s not sufficient as a form of exercise, but can help burn off extra energy if you are worn out or otherwise unwell. Make sure to always supervise your dog in a fenced-in yard space.[22]

  • Turn outdoor time into exercise time, even if you are unwell or worn out. You can easily do this by sitting outside or in a doorway and throwing your dog a ball, Frisbee, or other item to retrieve for you. Incorporate some games of tug while you’re watching your dog for added activity.[23]
  • Consider a dog park as an alternative to a yard space. This can help your dog get exercise and activity that burns energy—and boredom.

Make your dog work for its meal. Your dog may be hungry when it comes in from outside or after an indoor activity. Feeding your dog by using smart toys such as Kongs, Buster Cubes, Squirrel Dudes, and Tug-a-Jugs can provide vital activity and mental stimulation that requires little effort on your part.

  • Consider giving your dog some of its regular food when you get home so it’s not starving. Then put the rest into a smart toy.
  • Recognize that this is a great way to keep your dog busy when you are not home, feeling unwell, or unable to provide more activity because of external factors.

Ask family and friends for help. It may be difficult at times to live with your high energy dog. This is true if you are worn out, physically unwell, or stressed out. Enlist the help of family members or friends with your dog. Many people are more than happy to help out with a cute pet. This can give you a needed break and provide your dog with the necessary activity to burn its energy and stay content.

  • Consider asking friends who have children to give you a hand. Kids often love dogs and have similar amounts of energy to run around and play games.

Keeping Your Dog Busy While You’re Away

Create a “doggy den.” Dogs are social animals that live in packs in the wild. Because of this, high energy dogs need more stimulation and are more prone to separation anxiety. This can be especially true if you have to leave your dog for 8-10 hours a day. Separation anxiety can lead to inactivity as well as cause boredom and destructive behaviors. Making a safe space that mimics a den can ensure your high energy dog gets enough activity and doesn’t develop separation anxiety.[24]

  • Put the dog in a dog-proof room or its crate. Make it comfortable with familiar toys, food and water, and other things to keep it busy such as chew sticks.[25]
  • Leave a piece of your recently worn clothing to provide your dog extra comfort.

Place toys in the den. Your high energy dog will still need activity even in a doggy den. Providing it toys can help your dog get exercise and entertainment until you get home. Consider putting the following toys in your dog’s space:[26]

  • Hard rubber toys for chewing and carrying around
  • Rope toys
  • Balls
  • “Busy box” toys with hiding places for snacks.
  • Soft, stuffed and/or squeaky toys
  • Chew toys[27]

Try doggy daycare or a walker. Your high energy dog may have more activity needs than you can accommodate. If you need to leave for longer periods of time, consider putting your dog in day care. You can also employ a professional dog walker. Both can provide attention and activity when you can’t. Your dog should always return home happy and worn out from day care or time with a dog walker.[28]

  • Save the contact information for a couple of dependable dog walkers. They can help you in a pinch or if one is on vacation or otherwise unavailable.

Sources:

  1. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs
  2. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/characteristics/energy-level
  3. ↑ http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_exercising_with_your_dog101
  4. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/characteristics/energy-level
  5. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/12204-20-dogs-that-need-lots-of-exercise
  6. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/ways-to-exercise-your-dog-indoors
  7. ↑ http://www.canidae.com/blog/2013/10/telltale-signs-your-dog-needs-more-exercise/
  8. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  9. ↑ http://www.canidae.com/blog/2013/10/telltale-signs-your-dog-needs-more-exercise/
  10. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  11. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
  12. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  13. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=3
  14. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  15. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=5
  16. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=6
  17. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs
  18. ↑ https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-training/toys-and-play/ways-to-exercise-your-dog-indoors
  19. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  20. ↑ http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-training-exercise-behavior-tips-high-energy
  21. ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs?page=6
  22. ↑ http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/ktudor/2013/feb/dog-exercise-and-the-myth-of-the-big-backyard-29823#
  23. ↑ http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_6/features/dog-games-physically-impared_20758-1.html
  24. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  25. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/separation_anxiety.html
  26. ↑ http://www.caninejournal.com/why-dogs-eat-grass/
  27. ↑ https://www.paws.org/library/dogs/behavior/high-energy-dogs/
  28. ↑ http://dogtime.com/dog-health/fitness/49-exercise-needs

How to Exercise Your Dog in Cold Weather

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When exercising your dog outdoors in the cold, you will need to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your dog is safe and warm. Purchase a waterproof vest to keep your dog warm. You might also want to invest in a pair of booties to keep your dog’s paws warm and safe. Motivate your dog to exercise outside by introducing new games, toys, and paths to explore. If it is too cold to exercise outside, there are a variety of indoor activities you can do that will fulfill your dog’s exercise needs.

Keeping Your Dog Warm and Safe

Purchase a vest or coat. If your dog has a short coat, is a puppy or a small breed, or is older you will need to purchase a vest or coat for your dog. The vest will provide your dog with the additional warmth it needs to exercise and play outside. A vest is necessary especially if you and your dog are going on a long walk or hike.[1]

  • Purchase a waterproof vest from your local pet supply store.
  • Always make sure the vest is dry before putting it on your dog.

Massage petroleum jelly onto its paws. Ice, salt, snow, and the cold ground can all crack, sting, and dry out your dog’s paws. This can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. In order to prevent this, apply petroleum jelly or another protectorate onto your dog’s paws before going outside.[2]

  • Alternatively, you can purchase dog booties from your local pet supply store. Booties will keep your dog’s paws warm and protected. Before going outside, acclimate your dog to the booties. Place them on your dog’s paws. Praise and reward your dog with treats for good behavior.

Wipe its paws afterwards. Icy and snowy streets and sidewalks may contain chemical de-icers. De-icers can be harmful to your dog if ingested. Therefore, after a day of exercise and fun in the snow and ice, make sure to clean your dog’s paws and belly. Use a clean towel with warm water to wipe its paws and belly down.[3]

  • Also, use a dry towel to wipe down your dog to ensure that its fur is dry.
  • Bring a towel with you on your walks so you can wipe away ice and snow as needed.

Up your dog’s caloric intake. Your dog’s body uses more energy to keep itself warm outdoors in the cold. Therefore, you may need to feed your dog extra food so its body can create enough energy to keep it warm.[4]

  • During the winter months, feed your dog 15 percent more for every 20-degree drop in temperature.[5]

Monitor your dog. When outside, make sure to monitor your dog for signs of being too cold. Signs that your dog is too cold are shaking/shivering, whining or barking, hunched posture with a tucked tail, and lifting its paws off the ground. Other signs include changes in behavior (seeming anxious or uncomfortable), a reluctance to keep walking, or wanting to go inside.[6]

  • Take your dog inside if it is displaying these signs.
  • In general, if the weather is too cold for you, then it is most likely too cold for your dog as well. Avoid going outside on these days.

Motivating Your Dog

Change your routine. A slight change in routine may just be the motivation your dog needs to go outside on cold days. Walk a different path in your neighborhood, or take your dog to the dog park or another hiking trail instead of the usual one.

  • New toys or games may also entice your dog to go outside. Purchase a new toy or introduce a new game to your dog.
Choose brightly colored toys. Heavy balls and neutral colored toys may get lost in the snow. Instead, choose glow-in-the-dark or brightly colored toys so your dog can find them. Additionally, purchase toys that will not sink in the snow, like Frisbees and balls made of lighter materials.[7]

Try skijoring. Skijoring is like dog sledding, but instead of pulling you on a sled, your dog pulls you while you are on skis. Your dog must be at least 30 pounds in order to do this activity. You will need to purchase an appropriate sized pulling harness for your dog. Your dog should also know basic commands before engaging in skijoring.[8]

  • You will also need to purchase a 6 to 10 foot gangline and a skijoring belt—a rock climbing harness or a weight lifting belt will work as well.
  • Attach the gangline to your belt and to your dog’s harness and enjoy skijoring.

Exercising Your Dog Indoor

Play fetch. Play fetch in a long hallway or open space in your house with one of your dog’s favorite toys. To make it more challenging, throw the object up a stairway. Tug-of-war is also a good game to play inside if your house is too small for a game of fetch.[9]

  • Alternatively, walk your dog up and down the stairs while on a leash. Run up and down, take two steps at a time, or climb the stairs sideways for an additional challenge.

Make a scavenger hunt. For dinnertime, place your dog’s food in different places throughout your house. Help your dog by making a trail of dog food leading from one spot to the next. This exercise will challenge your dog’s nose and stimulate its mind at the same time.[10]

  • You can also place your dog’s food in a food puzzle, like a Kong, to keep it busy for a couple hours.

Sign your dog up for an exercise class. Indoor exercise classes, like indoor swimming or yoga, are a great way to fulfill your dog’s exercise needs when you need a change of scenery. Sign your dog up for a class at your local pet supply store, or search for classes online.[11]

  • Exercise classes also have the added benefit of socializing your dog and increasing its mental agility.

Sources:

  1. ↑ https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/how-to-exercise-your-dog-in-cold-weather-2/
  2. ↑ https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/how-to-exercise-your-dog-in-cold-weather-2/
  3. ↑ https://www.petcarerx.com/article/7-ways-to-exercise-your-dog-in-cold-weather/669
  4. ↑ http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips
  5. ↑ https://www.utahhumane.org/our-programs/investigation/cold-weather-care-dogs
  6. ↑ http://ontariospca.ca/blog/cool-test-how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-too-cold/
  7. ↑ https://www.petcarerx.com/article/7-ways-to-exercise-your-dog-in-cold-weather/669
  8. ↑ http://www.petguide.com/petcare/dog/need-to-know-tips-getting-started-in-skijoring/
  9. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/5-ways-to-keep-your-dog-active-indoors
  10. ↑ http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/5-ways-to-keep-your-dog-active-indoors
  11. ↑ https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-care/how-to-exercise-your-dog-in-cold-weather-2/

Benefits of Community Dog Parks

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Off-leash dog areas, or dog parks, provide a community setting in which people can gather and socialize[1] and where they can observe the interaction of groups of dogs at play. Dog parks allow owners and their dogs to spend time together and offer dogs a space for play and companionship with others.[2] Leashes can cause dogs to become territorial.[3] Roaming free is beneficial for dogs.

Organizations like the ASPCA view that dog parks are beneficial to dogs and dog owners.[4] According to Dan Emerson of DogChannel.com, proponents of dog parks cite the following benefits: “They promote responsible pet ownership and the enforcement of dog-control laws; give dogs a place to exercise safely, thus reducing barking and other problem behaviors; provide seniors and disabled owners with an accessible place to exercise their companions; and provide an area for community-building socializing.”[5] Dog park regulations vary from park to park, but some are quite extensive and comprehensive.[6]

In the United States, Great Britain, and Australia, the number of dog owners has grown by several millions from the 1990s to the 2000s, and the number of dogs per household has also increased.[7][8][9][10] In her 2007 Master’s Thesis, Dog Parks: Benefits and Liabilities, author Laurel Allen wrote:

“In urban environments dogs are generally confined to a crate, portions of the home, or small sections of the yard most of the time. Typically, dogs are taken on daily walks, but because of strict leash laws, they cannot run free or easily socialize with other dogs.”

Studies have shown that people find it easier to talk to each other with dogs as the initial focus, breaking down the usual social barriers that make people perceive others as strangers.[11][12] many of whom are unable to properly exercise their dogs and who could benefit from taking their dogs to a dog park.[13]

Additional benefits of a dog park to the community include promoting responsible dog ownership[14] as well as accommodating dogs and their owners in a public open space, which has been shown to lead dog owners to higher levels of compliance with relevant laws.[15]

  1. The benefits of exercise for dogs are well documented,[16] although dogs can learn and reinforce bad behaviors if owners are not vigilant or careful.[17] Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, cautions that the dog park should not be used as a substitute for a daily walk. He suggests that the owners walk their dogs briskly for 35 minutes to calm them before placing them unleashed inside a dog park enclosure.[18] Dogs that are highly socialized and exercised are healthier, happier, and less aggressive in behavior. They are less likely to bark or be destructive or aggressive if they are able to expend pent-up energy during regular play or exercise.[19]

Notes:

  1. “Dog Parks”. ASPCA. Retrieved 2013-06-10.
  2. “Creating a Dog Park for Your Community”. Bestfriends.org. 2004-09-06. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  3. “Avoiding Onleash Dog Aggression”. Canineuniversity.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  4. “ASPCA Position About Dog Parks”. Aspca.org. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  5. “How to Start a Dog Park” (PDF). Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  6. “The New York Council of Dog Owner Groups” (PDF).
  7. The Humane Society of the United States: Pet Ownership Statistics Archived March 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  8. “U.S. Pet Ownership 2007”. Avma.org. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  9. “Dog Owners Dish Out More Dosh on Their Pets”. Petclubuk.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  10. “PetNet – Promoting Socially Responsible Pet Ownership”. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  11. “Studies Show Walking the Dog Helps Meet People”. Petplace.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  12. Therapeutic Aspects of the Human-Companion Animal Interaction, Sandra B. Barker, Ph.D. Retrieved 3-18-2009
  13. “What Are the Community Benefits?”. Lowgapdogpark.org. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  14. “Dog Parks”. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  15. “Why Go to a Dog Park?”. Sequimdogparks.org. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  16. Sally Elliott. “Exercise an important routine for pets and their humans”. Newsadvance.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  17. Top 10 dog park etiquette rules Retrieved 1-15-2017
  18. “Tips For Walking in The Park”. The Dog Bus. Retrieved 2015-03-13.
  19. “Why It’s Important for Dogs to Play”. Petplace.com. Retrieved 2012-05-08.

 

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How to Do Yoga with Your Dog

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Doing yoga with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience. Yoga with your dog, also called doga, helps form a connection between you and your pet while you stretch and relax together. If you are interested in doing yoga with your dog, you can find a doga studio in your area or perform poses at home.

Performing Yoga Poses With Your Dog

Start with relaxed breathing. To relax yourself and your dog, start by sitting down with your legs crossed. Your dog should be sitting near or on you. Start to breathe, focusing on each inhale and exhale. Start thinking about your dog and becoming in sync with him. Focus on his breathing and how much you love your dog.[1]

  • Rest your hands on your dog. You can start gently massage him if you need to help him relax.[2] Remain sitting up straight.
  • Sit still for two minutes.
Try Chaturanga. Another good pose to start with is Chaturanga. Get your dog to lay on his stomach. Stroke and massage his back lightly.[3]
Perform the Heart-to-Hound Mundra. This pose is good for connecting with your dog. Sit on the floor with your legs crossed, your dog in front of you facing forward. Place a hand over your heart, and place the other over your dog’s heart. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing.[4]

Perform the Chair. A simple, good yoga pose for dogs is the Chair pose. Get the dog to sit back on his hind legs. Hold the dog around the middle of his back. Then, help raise the dog’s front paws.[5]

  • Gently massage your dog’s shoulders as you lift the legs to give him a good stretch through his back.[6]
  • This pose stretches your dog’s ab muscles and front legs. It also helps strengthen the joints in the back legs.[7

Do a sun salute. Sun salutations help stretch your dog’s muscles and get his body moving. You start in a seated position. Carefully lift your dog’s hind legs towards the ceiling. While you hold his thighs, start massaging the upper thighs with your hands.[8]

  • While in this position, try to get your dog to stretch his torso. This pose can help stretch the abs and the hips while strengthening the joints of the front legs.[9]
Bend forward. Bend from the waist until you are folded in half, your hands and head low. Pick up your dog carefully. The weight will help increase your stretch, and as you hold him, your dog gets a stretch in his limbs.[10]
Do a Puppy Paw Mudra. Get your dog to lie down with the front legs extended. Kneel behind your dog and bend down to place your head on his back. Place your hands over your dog’s front paws, both of your arms extended outwards. Turn your head to one side and breath.[11]

End with a Savasana. Lie onto your back with your dog on your chest. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Pet or massage your dog as you relax into the pose.[12]

  • The goal of this pose is to have your dog eventually snuggle against your as he settles down.

Choosing To Do Doga

Reduce your dog’s stress level. Dog’s respond to your energy. If you are feeling stress, then your dog feels stress. Since yoga helps relax your mind and body, bringing your dog along with all help relax your dog.[13]

  • Some believe that doing yoga can help calm hyperactive dogs.[14]

 Strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Because you are sharing this time with your dog, you strengthen the connection you share. Not only are you touching, petting, massaging, and including your dog in yoga, but you are both sharing a calming, relaxing activity. Additionally, you are not distracted during this time like you might be while you walk your dog. Doing yoga with your dog can help the two of your become closer.[15]

  • Because you are touching your dog and spending time with him, doing yoga can help build trust between you and your dog.[16]
  • Some people believe that doing yoga with your dog can help get them used to being touched, which can help with things like nail clipping and other grooming tasks.
  • Since you are touching your dog’s body during yoga, you can also use the time to do a surface health check up.

 Decide if your dog is ready for doga. Before you take your dog to a doga class, decide if he is ready for this step. If your dog is social and relatively well-behaved, you can probably take him to doga. You can use treats to help keep him focused during the doga session.[17]

  • If your dog is not well socialized or not as well-behaved, start by doing doga at home. This might be a way for you to help him calm and become better behaved.
  • When you do doga with your dog, decide if he enjoys it. If he seems restless, resistant, or acts negatively, doga may not be for you and your dog.

Understand your dog’s limits. Doing yoga with your dog won’t be the same as doing yoga with your friend. Your dog can’t do complicated poses. While there are many yoga poses you can do with your dog, they are geared specifically for dogs.[18]

  • Don’t make your dog do normal yoga poses. Make sure to only go through yoga poses that are designed for dogs.

Finding Doga Resources

 Choose a place to do yoga. Some major cities have yoga studios, usually referred to as doga studios. These might be through yoga studios, speciality doga studios, or the Human Society.[19]

  • If you can’t find anywhere to do doga with your dog, then you can do it in your home. Many moves are easy enough for you and your dog to get maximum benefits.
  • Ask yoga instructors if they would be willing to start a doga class. Or ask if they would let you bring your dog to a traditional yoga class.

Know that doga classes may vary. Some yoga studios will offer classes that are for both the human and dog. In these classes, the human holds the dog and help him perform the pose. These classes offer modifications for larger or smaller dogs.[20]

  • Other classes may be a traditional yoga class where dogs just walk around while the humans do yoga.

 Consult doga resources. Since doga has become a widespread phenomenon, there are many resources available. These resources are especially helpful if you are doing doga at home. Check libraries and bookstores for books on doga and doga poses.

  • You can also purchase doga videos to help with home instruction. You can also find clips and videos on YouTube.

Sources:

  1. ↑ http://www.dogadog.com/Poses.html
  2. ↑ http://www.mindfulyogahealth.com/blog/doga-4-yoga-moves-you-can-do-with-you-dog
  3. ↑ http://www.thedogdaily.com/happy/play/dog_yoga/index.html?target=doga
  4. ↑ http://iamvancouverdog.com/how-to-do-doga-aka-dog-yoga/
  5. ↑ http://iamvancouverdog.com/how-to-do-doga-aka-dog-yoga/
  6. ↑ http://www.mindfulyogahealth.com/blog/doga-4-yoga-moves-you-can-do-with-you-dog
  7. ↑ http://www.exceptionalcanine.com/theanimalrescuesiteiframe/off_the_leash/doga_yoga_for_dogs/index.html#.VruPurIrK00
  8. ↑ http://www.mindfulyogahealth.com/blog/doga-4-yoga-moves-you-can-do-with-you-dog
  9. ↑ http://www.exceptionalcanine.com/theanimalrescuesiteiframe/off_the_leash/doga_yoga_for_dogs/index.html#.VruPurIrK00
  10. ↑ http://www.exceptionalcanine.com/theanimalrescuesiteiframe/off_the_leash/doga_yoga_for_dogs/index.html#.VruPurIrK00
  11. ↑ http://www.thedogdaily.com/happy/play/dog_yoga/index.html?target=doga
  12. ↑ http://www.mindfulyogahealth.com/blog/doga-4-yoga-moves-you-can-do-with-you-dog
  13. ↑ http://www.active.com/fitness/articles/yoga-with-your-dog
  14. ↑ http://iamvancouverdog.com/how-to-do-doga-aka-dog-yoga/
  15. ↑ http://thebark.com/content/doga-yoga-you-and-your-dog?page=2
  16. ↑ http://iamvancouverdog.com/how-to-do-doga-aka-dog-yoga/
  17. ↑ http://thebark.com/content/doga-yoga-you-and-your-dog
  18. ↑ http://www.thedogdaily.com/happy/play/dog_yoga/index.html?target=doga
  19. ↑ http://www.thedogdaily.com/happy/play/dog_yoga/index.html?target=doga
  20. ↑ http://iamvancouverdog.com/how-to-do-doga-aka-dog-yoga/