Posts Tagged ‘kids and dogs’
Dog Halloween Information, Common Problems and Solutions
December 10th, 2009
Its the time of year a lot of us love. Cooler weather, changing leaves and of course, that fabulous day of candy – HALLOWEEN! Remember, it can be fun for us, but our pets may not enjoy it quite as much. Here are some tips to keeping them safe and happy.
Candy – YUM!
Dogs love candy as much as most of us, unfortunately it just isn’t good for them and can even be toxic and deadly. Try to keep your candy out of your pups reach or locked up somehow. If you just have to give your furry friend a treat, try one of these delicious treats. Or even buy some frosty paws at your local grocery store. You can even make a homemade treat for your friend. If your pet does get something they shouldn’t call your vet for advice.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Here is a recipe for homemade doggie biscuits –
Ingredients:
4 1/2 cups flour
1 1/3 cups cornmeal
6 Tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup applesauce (with one batch, you can puree a regular raw apple)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup sunflower or sesame seeds, optional
1 egg for basting
Mix all dry ingredients. Add peanut butter, milk, eggs and applesauce.
Mix well until dough is firm. Let stand for 15-20 minutes. While
waiting, set oven at 350 degrees. Roll out dough on floured surface to a
1/4″ thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutter. Baste with egg and
then sprinkle with seeds (if desired). Bake 30 to 40 minutes. Cool on
wire racks. Makes approximately 4 dozen biscuits, depending on the size
you cut them.
Use a pumpkin cutter to make this festive!
Scary goblins!
Your pup may love people and kids but they probably aren’t used to costumes. They can be awfully frightening even for the most socialized dog. Keep this in mind and consider putting your dog up where they won’t get spooked. Maybe offer them a fun treat and let them have a nap for the night. If you do keep your dog out, make sure they are protected so they can’t run out the door!
Doorbell Woes
So your dog barks like crazy EVERY time the doorbell rings? Here are two options – first, sit outside and wait for your trick or treats or have two people available. One to pass out candy and the other to work on nice quiet sitting with the pup. The easy way to do this is to have some yummy treats ( I like homemade liver or chicken ) and go to a room where the doorbell can be heard, but nobody can be seen. When the doorbell rings, start feeding the dog. As the evening goes on, try to feed the dog less and less but make sure you are feeding when the dog is quiet. If the dog DOES bark, show them the treat. When they stop, feed them. If this proves to be too difficult for your dog ( you aren’t getting any quiet out of them ) then I would work on this on a different night from halloween when you can spread out the rings more. Read this article on dog barking.
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Crate training a puppy or dog
December 9th, 2009
Crate training can be an easy process when done properly. To begin, start by putting the crate somewhere the puppy (or dog) enjoys being. Try the family room or wherever everyone "hangs out". Open the door and just let your puppy explore at his own pace. Reward him for going near it by tossing a cheerio or some other small treat. You can also try feeding your puppy in the crate or even put a stuffed kong or other toy in there.
Put the behavior on cue! If you want your dogs crate training to involve going into their crate with a command – just teach it by saying the word (phrase) and tossing in a treat. Crate training is meant to be a fun positive experience for you and your pet. I taught my dogs, get in your house.
If something good happens every time your dog goes into the crate your dog will be more likely to keep a positive association to the crate and crate training will be a breeze for both of you. If you find you or your dog resisting then stop whatever you are doing, and start over using this advice.
Sometimes when dogs are going through the crate training process, some dogs try barking or whining. Try leaving a dog toy that you can fill with food to keep your puppy busy. If your puppy whines or barks, do your best to ignore and don’t let them out. Crate training can be a little difficult for some puppies who dont like to be left alone, but if you follow this advice, it will get better. Wait until your dog stops barking and then let them out. Teach them that being quiet allows them to leave the crate.
Want a Christmas Puppy?
December 9th, 2009
Its every childs dream. A little puppy under their Christmas tree. But is it the best decision? Here is some information that you should think about when getting a Christmas puppy.
When buying someone a puppy, make sure they want it and understands what it means to own a puppy. Don’t try to surprise the person. If its for a child, recognize that this is a family pet for life. Research your breeders and get all the facts before running to the local pet store to buy your Christmas puppy. Christmas is one day, a puppy can live 15-20 years!
- A good breeder will have one parent on site that you can meet to determine if it has a good temperament
- A good breeder may not have litters at Christmas to avoid the "Christmas puppy problem", though many breeders do have litters. They will likely interview you to see if you are a good fit for their puppy. Don’t be surprised if they refuse to give you a puppy for Christmas, they may make you wait!
- Many dogs who are adopted are returned shortly after Christmas due to behavior issues. Find a training class to start in shortly after bringing home your new dog to avoid having to return your Christmas puppy.
- Beware of Christmas hazards – tinsel, wrapping paper, chocolate, and other Christmas goodies are all dangerous things for your pooch. If you can’t watch your new family member, please use a crate.
Having a new puppy or dog isn’t a bad thing, you just have to make the decision just like you would any other time of year, watch the puppy for common dangerous, and of course, join a training class!
Many shelters will not adopt out the week of Christmas. We support adopting dogs so if you really want one, wait until just after Christmas to find your new family member. Do not buy a dog from a pet store or puppy mill! Good luck and Merry Christmas!
New Baby and Dogs
December 9th, 2009
When I got pregnant with my son, I didn’t realize how my first babies (my two dogs) were going to lose their place in life. I figured once I had the baby my dogs would have a little transition, but we’d be back to normal doing our daily walks, obedience classes, and our fun times that we had. Boy was I in for a surpise! Hopefully this article will help those of you expecting get your dogs ready so the transition happens with as little stress as possible.
Take advantage of your tiredness!
Most women feel the exhaustion of pregnancy early on. This is a great time to cut out ALL that exercise for your dog. Now I’m not saying you shouldn’t exercise your dog, but I am saying that its time to start getting OUT of the routine. You simply don’t know how you are going to feel when the baby comes and you don’t know if you will be able to do walks or run with your pup like you used to. Try to think of activities you can engage in after the baby comes. For example, you know that for at least 4-6 weeks after you have the baby you simply will NOT be allowed to exercise. So maybe its time for someone else to walk your dog if you have that option, or perhaps you can start throwing a toy in the yard. Read this article on exercise for your dog.
Rules Rules Rules
Think of what rules you might change with the baby and start changing them now. For example, if your dog was allowed to jump on the bed you might want to reconsider that rule. Maybe teach your dog to sit before jumping until you release him, or asking him to not get on the bed at all. Why? Imagine you are changing your babies diaper on your bed, or laying your baby down while you do something, then last thing you want is your dog jumping up on the bed and perhaps hurting your precious newborn.
Eating time
Another idea to lessen the stress is to start varying when you feed your dog. I know first hand that with a newborn things happen and that normal 7am feeding for the dogs just might not happen until 10am. For a while after my first son came the dogs would be going crazy wanting breakfast. After a while they learned not to expect it until I started moving their bowls. It helped since sometimes I would sleep in, and other times we’d be up bright and early.
The bottom line is to remember, that even though you have a new baby coming, it doesn’t mean your dog will never have your attention, it’ll just be different. Your dog will adjust and feel just as loved, and will come to find that this new little person will bring a lot more joy and fun to the house too