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Pet Tips & Training Tips

Sometimes you may notice your dog is just not acting normal, for instance your typically active dog has suddenly become a slug, or maybe it’s suddenly started growling.

Rule out medical first. Your dog may be sick or injured, so consult your vet. Would you want someone to scratch you ears if you had an ear infection?

“Our new puppy just bit our little girl!”

We’ve heard this one before. First of all the safety of a child is paramount. We don’t recommend a child be left alone with a dog, however it does happen. Children often don’t know how to properly behave around a dog and can actually provoke bite without being aware of it. A responsible pet owner looks out for the safety of his pet as well as those who might interact with that pet. You will be sure of what took place if you supervise.

“Our dog jumps up on everyone who walks through the door.”

Dogs are social and often will do anything for our attention. Pushing away a jumping dog or yelling at them is still giving them attention, however negative it may be it is still attention. Try ignoring your dog completely when he’s being too forward. When he sees he can’t get a reaction from you he’ll settle down. Praise him when he’s calm.

“My dog pees whenever I lean over to pet him.”

Some dogs can be very submissive and this is often a sign of respect for you. Leaning over a dog is a very domineering stance. Try standing sideways as you pet your dog, or kneel down so you won’t loom over them. If they’ve been cooped up all day, let them outside to do their business before you pet them. Your floors will thank you.

“How do I housebreak our new puppy?”

Get a plastic airline dog crate just large enough for your pup to stand and turn around in. When he’s not outside, or being supervised in the house, he needs to be in the crate. Oh, and supervised means both eyes on him. In the two seconds you might look away, your four pound pup might leave you an eight pound present. Take your pup out regularly, especially after he wakes up and after he eats. Consistancy will get you a house trained dog.

“My pup cries in his crate. It just seems so cruel.”

Dogs are den animals and in the wild will find a place to bury up and den, so don’t worry about him suffering from claustrophobia. Often they just want to be with their pack (you). If you let your dog of his crate when he’s crying then you will be rewarding the crying. Reward him when he’s quiet. Be patient, it may not happen overnight.