DogSense Obedience Blog Page

What you should know about paper towels

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:40:00 -0500

I have used Bounty paper towels for years, they are really the hardest working paper towels around. And I still use them for certain jobs, in certain parts of my house. I don't use them in any area my dogs have access to and don't dispose of them anywhere my dogs can get to. The reason they are the work horse of paper towels is they don't break down (digest) readily....that means when your dog eats them they don't digest well and can often create a blockage that has to be surgically removed. Talk to your vet, mine says she often has to remove paper towel blockages from dogs. So think about this little known danger and be very careful where you use and dispose of your paper towels!

Stressful adjustments

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 12:50:02 -0500

Not long ago a friend of mine came to me with a situation she needed to have explained. She had been watching one of those judge/courtroom programs where the TV judge decides who owes who what.

This case involved a young adult dog that was purchased from a breeder then driven a couple hours to its new home. The drive home was uneventful, but the dog panicked when it arrived and realized that it wasn't in familiar territory, and there was no other dog there to take cues from. (remember this was a kennel raised dog and had never been in a single dog environment) The dog hid under furniture for days and would not come out for food or potty, would not allow the new owners to get near it or touch it. The new owners returned the dog to the breeder saying there was something wrong with it.

My friend wanted to know if I thought there was really something mentally wrong with this dog, or what....how strange did this story sound to me? Actually, I hear similar stories of dogs in stressful situations like this on a regular basis. It isn't always from being sold or given to a new home, sometimes it is from a favorite family member (dog or human) leaving the household.....sometime it is from the whole family moving into a new house....this kind of behavior, although not always as dramatic as the TV story, is common for a dog that is in emotional stress.

We recently/suddenly lost an old Golden Retriever to cancer. Brown was the companion dog for our equally old, blind and deaf Cocker, Molly. For weeks after Brown died Molly did not want to eat, we had to beg and hand feed her. She stayed in her dog bed not socializing with the rest of the family, which was very much not like her. About the time we thought she surely must be deathly sick, she started to return to normal and is now fully adjusted to her life without her dear companion.

It does take time, work and compassion on the owners part to help a dog through a stressful time of adjustment. The more you know about a dog's past lifestyle when you adopt or take in an adult dog, the easier you can make the adjustment by trying to avoid drastic changes at first. You may also need to seek out professional help either from your vet or a training instructor. Just try to keep in mind what the dog is going through and that it will take time and effort on your part to help her make the adjustments necessary to be a wonderful family member in your household.

Face the Facts

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:11:00 -0500

I am a dog obedience trainer/instructor by passion and by trade. In the past 35 years I have been snapped at, snarled at, growled at, charged at, and bitten, all by dogs whose owners were standing there saying "Oh, but he/she just wants to play." I call this denial, and it is something I see quite often in my human students.

Not accepting your dog's issues for what they really are...sometimes not even accepting that the dog is a dog (think about that for a minute, does is fit?) It is difficult for us to not apply human traits to our beloved companions, but the truth of it is that they are not little humans in fur coats. They are dogs with dog instincts. They think like dogs, not like humans, even the smallest little guys that we like to cuddle up with on the couch. They view situations differently than we do, they communicate differently than we do, and they learn somewhat differently than we do.

A huge part of dog training, either for competition or for shaping a well mannered pet, is to accept your dog for what he/she really is. For example, if you have chosen one of the aloof Oriental breeds (they are wonderful, loyal companions), don't expect them to always be outgoing and gregarious like a Golden Retriever tends to be. Don't try to change them into something they can't be. It's not in their nature, they were designed to be cautious and watchful around people they don't know. That's what makes them good at what they were bred to do. If your dog is exhibiting shy, fearful, or aggressive behavior (towards people or dogs), don't ignore it or pretend it is something else....get help to fix it. Most behaviors are fixable or at least improvable if you acknowledge what the problem really is.

Sweet ol' Souls

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:07:00 -0500

I just love old dogs... with their gentle spirit and that wise look in their eyes. We always seem to have a number of old dogs living at our house. A couple of years ago we had 5 dogs over the age of 12, and 3 of them were over 14. We only have 2 of the old ones left now, Molly who is pushing 17 years old, and Trooper who will be 14 in January, 2010. Molly is a Cocker Spaniel who is totally blind and deaf, but she gets around our house and yard great. Trooper is, and always has been just what everyone expects of a Labrador Retriever....a wonderful, gentleman of a dog. He is stiff and slow to get up, but is still eager to eat and wander the yard to see what might have crossed through while he was inside. The old dogs offer us a quiet peacefulness that only comes with age.

I was at the off site adoption location of the SPCA a few days ago and met a grand old lady Labrador mix named Brandy. She wasn't the most beautiful dog I have ever seen (Labradors do not age well most of the time) as far as physical looks, but her eyes said it all...she is a sweet ol' soul. She was eager to see everyone and more than willing to give chin kisses to all who would get down within her reach (she seems to be well out of that jumping up stage). I think they told me that she is 10 years old. She was searching everyone who walked through the door, hoping that special person who would be willing to share in her golden years would come in. What a life story she would tell if only she had words. A wealth of life experiences, some good and some not so good. Lots of love to share reflecting in her eyes. I hope her special someone comes in soon!

I do love the sweet old dogs, they have so much to offer us if we only take the time to notice...

Cheer Leading

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:46:01 -0500

I love cheer leading...no, not the kind of cheer leading you see at sports events. Cheer leading is what I call genuine, enthusiastic praise when your dog gives you the behavior you want. Primarily dogs learn what we want from them by guessing. You make a noise (that's what our words are until the dog learns what they mean) and the dog makes a guess as to what you want....when he gets it right we need to start the cheer leading (Yea! Good Girl/Boy! Yes! That's it! Yes! Yes! Yes! , etc.) When he is wrong we indicate that, with something negative (that seems to come naturally to us), so we need to be just as quick, or quicker, to indicate when the dog is right. Cheer leading makes the dog feel good, builds confidence, and sure makes training more fun for both of you.

What Do I Feed My Dog?

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 12:27:00 -0400

Now the new puppy is home and everyone is adjusting well. If you didn't consider dog food before the puppy arrived, it is time to start thinking about what to feed the new family member, and there surely are a lot of choices. Some breeders send food home with the new puppy; it may or may not be the best food to stay with. Don't fall for cute ads that show your favorite breed gobbling up a huge bowl of food, don't buy what is cheap this week, stay away from "house brands". It is your job to educate yourself so you can select the best food for your dog's needs.

Dogs need a food that is nutritious, with as few chemicals, dyes, and preservatives as possible. Dogs don't need a lot of filler products or low quality proteins such as wheat, rice, corn, and soy. Proteins should be quality meats like beef, chicken, turkey, fish, venison, etc., and these should be the first several ingredients listed on the bag. Carbohydrates should be brown rice or sweet potatoes. If there are vegetables listed that makes it even better. There should be vitamins added like C and E. The list of chemicals, dyes, and preservatives should be very short, if any.

Think about the activity level of your dog. Most dogs that are family pets don't get a lot of exercise unless they jog or run with a family member. These dogs don't need a food high in protein; avoid the brands that say things like "high pro", "pro plus", etc. Those formulas would be better for working dogs, but could provide too much protein for the family pet. A better choice would be a brand that says "adult maintenance", or "large breed, adult formula", etc.

Dry kibble is usually considered more nutritious than canned or moist food, unless it is a prescription canned food. Dry kibble also results in far less dental problems as the dog ages. Small breeds are very prone for dental problems so dry food is even more important for them.

What to do about giving your dog human food? As long as you don't give it at the table, it won't create a table beggar. Fresh cooked vegetables, and even some raw veggies are quite good for dogs. Don't give the skin from the chicken or turkey, meat fat, cooked bones, or sweets. But vegetable and most fruits (never give grapes or raisins) are fine in moderation! Dogs don't digest dairy very well so avoid sharing ice cream, milk, etc. Raw egg whites also don't digest well, so separate them or give well cooked eggs. There are several very good books available that will help you with how to prepare a homemade diet or supplements for your dog if you are interested in preparing your own dog food.

Selecting the proper food for your dog isn't as difficult as it may seem. It is very similar to a healthy diet for your family. Talk to your vet, avoid advertising ploys, read and compare labels, make an educated choice.

Preparing for Puppy's 1st Day Home

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:14:00 -0500

You found the perfect puppy! She's coming home tomorrow, but wait! What will you need to make sure she is safe and comfortable?

The very first thing you will need is a sense of humor. A puppy is a baby and they take time and effort. A sense of humor will help you get through the first demanding weeks and enjoy them. The relationship you develop now with your puppy will pay off throughout her life.

If you can, schedule to bring home your puppy at the start of a vacation period, the beginning of a three day weekend or at least at the beginning of a weekend you are not scheduled to work. Holiday times such as Christmas are generally not the best because of the distractions and demands a major holiday tends to place on a family. The idea here is to allow yourself as much time as possible to help the puppy settle in and create a routine for you and your new friend. Be careful not to spend too much time that first weekend holding the puppy. Get the puppy used to her crate and spending short amounts of time alone. This will help ease the shock of being alone when you go back to work, or have to be gone for a while running errands. Puppies should not be allowed the freedom of the whole house. Housebreaking will be much easier, bonding with the family members will happen quicker, and destructive chewing can be avoided if the puppy is
1) in her crate,
2) in a securely fenced yard, or
3) tied to the waist of a responsible family member.

No loose time running around the house unsupervised. Puppies get into trouble or have potty accidents in a split second when we have our backs turned or are on the phone...just taking our eyes off for a second will result in a problem. If you spend the first few months following this routine it will make the rest of puppyhood much easier. Don't forget to look at your yard. Is it fenced? If so, make sure there are no openings that a small puppy can crawl through. A fence that is known to keep an adult dog contained may not be as safe for a puppy. If you don't have a fenced yard, be prepared to walk the puppy using a lead. Remember that she won't know any commands and may be easily distracted chasing a squirrel.

Investing in a crate, large enough for the adult your puppy will grow into (you will section it off to a smaller size for the puppy and adjust it as she grows), is your best bet to make puppy training safe and enjoyable for everyone. By crate training your puppy now, you will ease housebreaking, give your puppy a safe "cave" to sleep and rest in, and create the puppy's home inside your home. The crate should never be used for punishment, it is a good place, a safe place. When putting the puppy in the crate, always give a treat to go in...use a command like "load up", "kennel up", "go to your house", etc., toss the treat in and help the puppy to go inside. It is a good idea to serve the puppy's meals in the crate, that helps to quickly make the crate a good place. Food is not left in the crate, but the meals are served there, and leftover food is removed after about 20 minutes. Until the puppy is past the destructive chewing stage you don't want to put bedding in the crate. You don't want anything in the crate that can be chewed and swallowed.

You will also need some basic puppy supplies such as;

1) Chew toys such as made by Kong, sturdy squeaky toys and/or puppy specific Nylabones.
2) Puppy food and tip proof food and water dishes. Ask your breeder or vet for advice on appropriate food and feeding schedules.
3) Puppy collar and leash

Plan to work out a daily schedule with your puppy. If you start immediately with a regular feeding schedule, you will help make house training more predictable. Set aside time at regular intervals for the puppy to play and rest. When puppies are young, they require time to sleep throughout the day. These periods of sleep usually follow periods of high energy. Make sure your puppy gets plenty of opportunities to burn off all their puppy energy, several times a day. They also require time outside to relieve themselves at night. While house training is a subject of it's own, for the first few weeks, plan to set your alarm to take her out to potty during the night. After these middle of the night potty breaks, the puppy should be put right back into the crate to go back to sleep. Be careful not to let playing get started or the puppy will assume that it is time to get up for the day. Do NOT let the puppy sleep in bed with any human family member! This creates leadership issues that can be difficult to resolve later.

Thinking About A New Puppy?

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 11:02:00 -0400

Okay, the family wants a puppy, or maybe the kids want a puppy. But whatever the case, the topic has been presented and is up for discussion. This is an important decision and should not be taken lightly. .Birthdays, Holidays, or the latest fad, these are the times that so many puppies enter new families. If a new puppy enters your family as an impulse purchase, then you may be headed for trouble sooner rather than later. Is this an attempt to talk you out of getting that puppy for the family? NO! Actually, my hope is, as you read this, it will help you anticipate the degree of responsibility a puppy or a dog will entail and should help improve the quality of life your family has with the new pet

Whenever I get a phone call asking for help, one of my first questions is "How old is your youngest child?" If your goal in adding a family pet is to add memories and friendship to your children's childhood, then you will want to consider that a child under age 8 will remember only the pet's senior years. Dogs age so much faster than people, that a toddler's pet is slowing significantly by the time the child is old enough to interact in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, very often people call asking for help because the family dog has become aggressive due to a young child's "rough" or "loud" play. Toddlers do not have the ability yet to understand their own strength, or to play with a dog without hurting it. If you add a puppy to a family with young children, please be aware that extra care needs to be taken when the puppy and children interact. If you expect a child to learn life skills by helping take care of the dog, then age is also a major concern. The responsibility of feeding, brushing, washing, exercising (regardless of weather) and training is almost always too great for young children. Very often I receive calls from frustrated parents who are trying to devise ways to ensure their child is assuming the responsibility of the pet. Ultimately, if your child is't already responsible enough before getting the puppy, you will end up taking care of it.

Have you thought about how much a dog will cost? Not just the purchase price since it is possible to get a dog at no or low up front costs. But over the first six months, a puppy requires multiple vet visits for shots and wellness check-ups. Older dogs require monthly heartworm and flea treatments as well as annual vet wellness check-ups and the cost associated with an unexpected illness or injury. Then there are food costs, containment costs, training and replacement of chewed items. It is a terrible feeling to have to give up the family pet just after you bonded with it because the unexpected costs became un-affordable.

Training is an important investment of not just money but largely in time. Housebreaking is the first and most important issue to resolve. Housebreaking is not a quick or easy job; it can take months of being diligent and patient. Very often, dogs are given up because they just never become reliable in the house. A surrendered dog's chances are not good. People tend to buy puppies, not dogs given-up to a shelter particularly if the dog has developed poor behaviors due to a lack of committed training. So that new buddy you brought home, needs to come home to a family prepared to work on teaching him polite behaviors so he can always be a welcome and treasured member of the family.

While a new puppy is an exciting opportunity for the entire family, if you have discussed with everyone their role, you are much more likely to have a lifelong friend whose behavior will make you proud. Young dog training takes time. Your friend's or neighbor's dog that seems so perfect didn't get that way by accident. It takes hours of teaching the dog exactly what you want, and what you don't want.

As a final thought, please consider the puppy's age before bringing him home. Puppies under 8 weeks of age, by Florida law are not allowed to be sold, and for good reason. The time from 6-8 weeks of age, puppies are learning social behaviors within their puppy pack and from their mother. This is the time they learn that it hurts others if they bite too hard during play, when to be dominant and when to be submissive. If you interrupt this pack time, you may end up with a puppy that is more dominant or submissive than he would have been, or without the sensitivity that biting hurts. This loss of socialization time often causes problems that requires special training as the puppy grows into an adult dog.

A Farm Dog Story

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:04:00 -0400

This is Brown Sugar (Golden Retriever) and Baby Bear (Collie/Border Collie mix). They are farm dogs that we inherited about a year and a half ago. Both dogs are about 12 years old, and had lived their whole lives on a 380 acre farm in Georgia with no boundaries. When they arrived at our home they understood only a few words. They thought fences were to contain cows, certainly not dogs. They had not ridden in a vehicle more than one time in their lives and had not been to a vet more times than that. Bear's primary job on the farm was to kill snakes that might be in the area in which his owner was working and/or the house and barn yards... he was very skilled at his job. Bear and Brown shared the responsibility of sounding the alarm when a car turned in the drive.

They now have a small, but growing vocabulary. They are very willing learners and are eager to please. Their health issues are improving everyday, they look so much better than when they arrived, healthy hair covering the whole body sure makes a dog feel better! Probably what they enjoy the most about their Florida retirement home is that meals are served twice a day on a very regular schedule and that there is no competition involved. They "load up" when necessary in the kennel and/or vehicle on a single command, they "come" quickly and eagerly when called on a single command, they walk politely on a leash and lay down when the person stops walking. They patrol faithfully the almost 3 acres we live on killing snakes, sounding the alarm if intruders come in the gate, and keeping the place free of wandering, wild night creatures

Emotional Therapy Dogs

nospam@example.com (Debbi Snyder) — Sun, 11 Jun 2006 15:29:00 -0400

Debbi Snyder is an evaluator for Therapy Dogs International, Inc. A volunteer organization founded in New Jersey in 1976 by Elaine Smith, dedicated to the regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers.

Emotional Therapy Dogs visit various places such as nursing homes, hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and schools. Sometimes ET dogs are called into hospitals for one on one visits with patients who are severely depressed, or in comas. A gifted Therapy Dog can pick out someone in a crowd, or a child in a classroom who is troubled, or stressed. Some types of Therapy Dogs are used to promote talking or interaction with patients who are depressed or non communicative.

There were a number of ET dogs working at the rescue stations in New York City after the tragedy of 9/11. These dogs not only supported victims and their families, but also the exhausted rescue workers.

Research has confirmed the positive influence pets have on people. Regular visits give nursing home residents or extended term hospital patients an event to look forward to. Dogs are also being used to encourage children to read. Their nonjudgmental presence builds confidence in a child who might be struggling with reading. Emotional Therapy dogs provide a unique and valuable service in caring for people.

To find an ET dog in your area, please contact: Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

To schedule a visit for your institution in the Lakeland / Bartow / Winter Haven area, please contact: Joe Rodoski at (863) 984-8227