Cani-cross
is the sport of cross-country running while hitched to a dog. It is popular in
Europe. It is related to the winter dog-powered sport of skijoring and
bikejoring, wherein a skier or cyclist is hitched to one to three dogs.
The first World Championships were arranged in 2002 in Ravenna, Italy.
Equipment needed is basically the same as in skiing with dogs: running harness, waist belt and a flexible line. In competitions there are more detailed requirements to the clips, and the length of the line.
Canicross is growing throughout North America with many dryland events for competitive teams. Canicross is also becoming a very popular recreational activity for people who simply want to walk, jog, hike or stroll hands free with their dog or multiple dogs without holding a leash.
Joggers can run without compromising their stride while holding leashes while using canicross gear which includes a belt, bungee line and harness for the dog to run in front and pull.
source:
For some of us, the beginning of the festive season is a start-up button for worry and panic. Not because some of us don't like Halloween or Christmas, but because this season is plagued with overwhelming amounts of unexpected noise and strong lights from a bright and happy display of fireworks. I'm very lucky not to be one of those people. However roughly 45% of the canine population in the UK, is absolutely petrified of the gorgeous blasts of light, that so many of us, absolutely adore. The reactions some pets have to fireworks can be heartbreaking to witness, and many pet owners become anxious about what to do.
But what does a bad reaction look like?
For dogs, fireworks present a sudden and abnormal threat, launching them into a state of flight mode which causes them to try and flee the home, or into a state of complete withdrawal and shut down. Some dogs become so anxious they will hide, shaking helplessly, making it difficult to reach if their situation gets worse - like having a fit.
It doesn't take long to find a river of videos of dog's reactions to fireworks on Youtube to understand how scary these displays can be for both us and our dogs, and although some people can find said reactions funny, it is really an ignorant judgement of the situation. Some people even unknowingly subject their pets to fireworks without realising the impact they can have.
So what can we do?
Start by introducing products that release appeasing pheromones - at least one month prior to the beginning of the festive season, and keep it up. These products have proven to help your dog deal with scary situations and have an array of other uses.
On a firework night, keep your windows and blinds shut, have some music play and give your dog something interesting to interact with, such as a filled kong or puzzle toy.
Now, regardless of your work to make life for your dog easier, some dogs will still be afraid. If the situation rises, simply reassure him and if he tries to hide, let him, always trying to be reassuring. Try not to pull your dog out of the hiding place, because it will make things worse.
If you have a new dog or puppy, don't wait to find out if he or she is afraid of fireworks. You can start getting your dog used to fireworks by playing firework noises in a very low volume in your home, as your dog is listening to music and is busy with his toy. Then, slowly raise the volume of the bangs in a controlled and safe manner, always checking for your dog's reaction to said sound. This should be done in a progressive way for a period of a few weeks. Don't rush it, as it can suddenly become overwhelming too quickly.
In the long term, if your dog is particularly afraid of fireworks to an extent that you deem life threatening or too difficult to deal with, seek the help of Professional Animal Behaviourists - such as ourselves - that will use positive reinforcement only. You can't force fear out of someone, so you can't hope to force fear out of a dog either - it will just make it worse.
Happy training!
But what does a bad reaction look like?
For dogs, fireworks present a sudden and abnormal threat, launching them into a state of flight mode which causes them to try and flee the home, or into a state of complete withdrawal and shut down. Some dogs become so anxious they will hide, shaking helplessly, making it difficult to reach if their situation gets worse - like having a fit.
It doesn't take long to find a river of videos of dog's reactions to fireworks on Youtube to understand how scary these displays can be for both us and our dogs, and although some people can find said reactions funny, it is really an ignorant judgement of the situation. Some people even unknowingly subject their pets to fireworks without realising the impact they can have.
So what can we do?
Start by introducing products that release appeasing pheromones - at least one month prior to the beginning of the festive season, and keep it up. These products have proven to help your dog deal with scary situations and have an array of other uses.
On a firework night, keep your windows and blinds shut, have some music play and give your dog something interesting to interact with, such as a filled kong or puzzle toy.
Now, regardless of your work to make life for your dog easier, some dogs will still be afraid. If the situation rises, simply reassure him and if he tries to hide, let him, always trying to be reassuring. Try not to pull your dog out of the hiding place, because it will make things worse.
If you have a new dog or puppy, don't wait to find out if he or she is afraid of fireworks. You can start getting your dog used to fireworks by playing firework noises in a very low volume in your home, as your dog is listening to music and is busy with his toy. Then, slowly raise the volume of the bangs in a controlled and safe manner, always checking for your dog's reaction to said sound. This should be done in a progressive way for a period of a few weeks. Don't rush it, as it can suddenly become overwhelming too quickly.
In the long term, if your dog is particularly afraid of fireworks to an extent that you deem life threatening or too difficult to deal with, seek the help of Professional Animal Behaviourists - such as ourselves - that will use positive reinforcement only. You can't force fear out of someone, so you can't hope to force fear out of a dog either - it will just make it worse.
Happy training!
The feeding time harnesses a power most people ignore, mostly because they're unaware of it's potential. But making sure you're using your dog's feeding time as working
time, is immensely easy, useful and provides great long-term effects. And that's why I don't feed my dog off a normal food bowl.
So let's look at the most common way people feed their dogs!
'Round the clock feeding
This is the worst type of feeding as it usually leads to a fat and lazy animal that is impossible to train due to lack of interest in food. And why would he? His food is always there waiting for him, harvesting bacteria and slowly decomposing. So why on earth should he sit when you ask, or come when you call, if he can just take him self to the bowl to eat... anytime.
Feeding times off a food bowl at meal times
Feeding off of a normal food bowl, gives the dog the chance to eat in 5 seconds - some dogs taking less time - in an inhaling fashion that can lead to bloat and blockage of the airways, amongst other things. It also provides the dog with no mental stimulation and makes the food, whichever food it is, a boring and ordinary supply of energy that has no hope of becoming more.
Feeding times off a feeding device/toy/activity
Using a dog's feeding times to your advantage is a remarkable idea, keeps the dog mentally active, tiring him or her out, gives the food value, as the animal has to work for it, and it's a doggy activity that doesn't have to involve you, besides the short lived preparation time. But what does that look like?
I ditched the food bowl for a selection of things to make my dog work for his food and keep him busy.
Option 1 is a slow feeder, where I put the food, much like a normal food bowl. This food bowl however has lots twirls, ups and downs, and small barriers to keep the food safe from inhalation, so the dog has to actually use his brain to find out how to access it.
Option 2 is a treat ball or kong wobbler. This is a hollow toy with a whole or removable part, through which you place your dog's food. The animal has to make the ball roll, or the wobbler wobble, in order to access the few - if any - bits of food that come out. This generally takes longer that the slow feeder but it doesn't work with wet food.
Option 3 is scatter on a snuffle mat, which is a small mat full of long fleece strands in which the food gets lost, giving the dog a great time, trying to find it to eat it. This helps with problem solving and develop the use of the nose.
Option 4 is a scatter feed (often in the garden), which means the animal has to physically search for every individual bit of food between your weeds/grass/rocks/etc.
Any of those, ups my dog's feeding time up to 8 minutes, giving me a nice dog free breakfast and dinner. He gets to exercise his noggin and learn about problem solving, spatial awareness and how to use his body - thrashing the kong or ball, using paw or tongue for slow feeder, or using the nose to slowly finding every bit of food.
Other tips!
If you don't have any of these, simply putting a tennis ball inside the dog's normal food bowl also helps, as he has to work his way around the ball to access the food.
Give you dog a raw cracked and leaking egg still in the shell (also known as calcium) on top of his dinner - slow feeder only.
Give your dog a whole carrot or broccoli stork, keeps him busy for ages.
So let's look at the most common way people feed their dogs!
'Round the clock feeding
This is the worst type of feeding as it usually leads to a fat and lazy animal that is impossible to train due to lack of interest in food. And why would he? His food is always there waiting for him, harvesting bacteria and slowly decomposing. So why on earth should he sit when you ask, or come when you call, if he can just take him self to the bowl to eat... anytime.
Feeding times off a food bowl at meal times
Feeding off of a normal food bowl, gives the dog the chance to eat in 5 seconds - some dogs taking less time - in an inhaling fashion that can lead to bloat and blockage of the airways, amongst other things. It also provides the dog with no mental stimulation and makes the food, whichever food it is, a boring and ordinary supply of energy that has no hope of becoming more.
Feeding times off a feeding device/toy/activity
Using a dog's feeding times to your advantage is a remarkable idea, keeps the dog mentally active, tiring him or her out, gives the food value, as the animal has to work for it, and it's a doggy activity that doesn't have to involve you, besides the short lived preparation time. But what does that look like?
I ditched the food bowl for a selection of things to make my dog work for his food and keep him busy.
Option 1 is a slow feeder, where I put the food, much like a normal food bowl. This food bowl however has lots twirls, ups and downs, and small barriers to keep the food safe from inhalation, so the dog has to actually use his brain to find out how to access it.
Option 2 is a treat ball or kong wobbler. This is a hollow toy with a whole or removable part, through which you place your dog's food. The animal has to make the ball roll, or the wobbler wobble, in order to access the few - if any - bits of food that come out. This generally takes longer that the slow feeder but it doesn't work with wet food.
Option 3 is scatter on a snuffle mat, which is a small mat full of long fleece strands in which the food gets lost, giving the dog a great time, trying to find it to eat it. This helps with problem solving and develop the use of the nose.
Option 4 is a scatter feed (often in the garden), which means the animal has to physically search for every individual bit of food between your weeds/grass/rocks/etc.
Any of those, ups my dog's feeding time up to 8 minutes, giving me a nice dog free breakfast and dinner. He gets to exercise his noggin and learn about problem solving, spatial awareness and how to use his body - thrashing the kong or ball, using paw or tongue for slow feeder, or using the nose to slowly finding every bit of food.
Other tips!
If you don't have any of these, simply putting a tennis ball inside the dog's normal food bowl also helps, as he has to work his way around the ball to access the food.
Give you dog a raw cracked and leaking egg still in the shell (also known as calcium) on top of his dinner - slow feeder only.
Give your dog a whole carrot or broccoli stork, keeps him busy for ages.
So your dog does a beautiful recall. He was about to chase after another dog and once you called, he came running straight back without a second thought. He gets to you and nothing... Maybe a pat on the head and a cheer as you assume your dog speaks English and understands the value of verbal praise.
Next day, same scenario but different outcome. Your dog stopped once you called him, looked at you, and then decided to go after the other dog any way. You stood there helpless, calling him again and again. Your frustration starting to turn into anger and you just ask yourself why, maybe thinking "he is doing this on purpose to annoy me".
Did that scenario feel familiar?
What's wrong with that picture is that the dog wasn't told in a clear and obvious way that the first recall - the beautiful one - had been a great one, aka the behaviour wasn't reinforced. Imagine that for the dog, this scale appears in his minds eye depicting two very different weights. On one side you, and on the other side, an animal of the same species. Based on previous experience, which one do you think your dog is more keen to run up to? His friend or you?
Dogs only care about a few things in their naive and lovely heads. One of those is if things are worth their while. So if you don't tell your dog via a reinforcer, how do you expect him to know that he is to try that again? It's like you doing an amazing job at work and receiving the same feedback as when you do a very poor one. Wouldn't you then relax a bit and just do less? After all, is it worth it? So be more attentive to your dog. Take rewards with you and let your dog know, "you did a brilliant job dog, here is your pay cheque".
Check our s tore for a practical treat bag.
Happy training!
Next day, same scenario but different outcome. Your dog stopped once you called him, looked at you, and then decided to go after the other dog any way. You stood there helpless, calling him again and again. Your frustration starting to turn into anger and you just ask yourself why, maybe thinking "he is doing this on purpose to annoy me".
Did that scenario feel familiar?
What's wrong with that picture is that the dog wasn't told in a clear and obvious way that the first recall - the beautiful one - had been a great one, aka the behaviour wasn't reinforced. Imagine that for the dog, this scale appears in his minds eye depicting two very different weights. On one side you, and on the other side, an animal of the same species. Based on previous experience, which one do you think your dog is more keen to run up to? His friend or you?
Dogs only care about a few things in their naive and lovely heads. One of those is if things are worth their while. So if you don't tell your dog via a reinforcer, how do you expect him to know that he is to try that again? It's like you doing an amazing job at work and receiving the same feedback as when you do a very poor one. Wouldn't you then relax a bit and just do less? After all, is it worth it? So be more attentive to your dog. Take rewards with you and let your dog know, "you did a brilliant job dog, here is your pay cheque".
Check our s tore for a practical treat bag.
Happy training!
Do you find yourself saying "my dog knows how to do this at home" when explaining yourself as to why your dog won't sit/lie down/roll over or come when out and about?
There may be a few reasons for that... so ask yourself some questions.
We can look at a lot of things, but there's one that stands out.
It's important to understand that when you're at home with your dog, there are probably much fewer distractions than when out, and you're probably rewarding the behaviour you've requested by using food, play or something your dog finds rewarding.
But suddenly you're out with your dog and there are so many interesting things in the world, like a dog that wee'd over by that bush, or the smell of something that died around the corner last month, or a sticky candy wrap begging your dog to be licked, etc.
So the norm is broken, the picture for your dog doesn't look the same, and the question in your dog's head starts to form - 'Why should I do what you say?'. In the end of the day, it's a free country and unless you're the King/Queen of the Universe, no one or nothing shall ever do something just because you say so. Even if you feed them and walk them and provide a safe place to live.
Perspective now.
When you're at work and your boss asks you to do something, will you do it just because he says so? And if you do, are you doing it for free? Isn't there an end goal in the back of your head?
If you are used to work in an office, would you have the same performance as when working from home? And when being used to working from home, would you have the same performance as when working from an office, a park, a shopping mall or a friend's house?
The same works for our dogs - except that they can't think ahead or think back like we do. For dogs, they need the payment right after the bill. Dogs are also creatures of habit. If you dog isn't used to practising and performing said requests at these exciting and random locations, with added varying levels of distraction, is it fair to expect them to perform the same way they would do when distraction free?
Next time you find yourself calling your dog 7 times and you're ignored, ask yourself "What is more valuable in this situation/time/space? Me or that the friendly play mate, smelly bush or retreating prey (rabbit, deer)? Is my dog used to doing these things in this space, with all these things around? Have I worked on it?
If you want your dog to be a super obedient pooch everywhere, you MUST practice those desirable behaviours in all the places you wish him to be able to perform them, with varying levels of distraction.
There may be a few reasons for that... so ask yourself some questions.
- How interested is my dog to perform certain behaviours in certain situations?
- How am I contributing for the behaviour to occur?
- Is this an absolute necessity?
We can look at a lot of things, but there's one that stands out.
It's important to understand that when you're at home with your dog, there are probably much fewer distractions than when out, and you're probably rewarding the behaviour you've requested by using food, play or something your dog finds rewarding.
But suddenly you're out with your dog and there are so many interesting things in the world, like a dog that wee'd over by that bush, or the smell of something that died around the corner last month, or a sticky candy wrap begging your dog to be licked, etc.
So the norm is broken, the picture for your dog doesn't look the same, and the question in your dog's head starts to form - 'Why should I do what you say?'. In the end of the day, it's a free country and unless you're the King/Queen of the Universe, no one or nothing shall ever do something just because you say so. Even if you feed them and walk them and provide a safe place to live.
Perspective now.
When you're at work and your boss asks you to do something, will you do it just because he says so? And if you do, are you doing it for free? Isn't there an end goal in the back of your head?
If you are used to work in an office, would you have the same performance as when working from home? And when being used to working from home, would you have the same performance as when working from an office, a park, a shopping mall or a friend's house?
The same works for our dogs - except that they can't think ahead or think back like we do. For dogs, they need the payment right after the bill. Dogs are also creatures of habit. If you dog isn't used to practising and performing said requests at these exciting and random locations, with added varying levels of distraction, is it fair to expect them to perform the same way they would do when distraction free?
Next time you find yourself calling your dog 7 times and you're ignored, ask yourself "What is more valuable in this situation/time/space? Me or that the friendly play mate, smelly bush or retreating prey (rabbit, deer)? Is my dog used to doing these things in this space, with all these things around? Have I worked on it?
If you want your dog to be a super obedient pooch everywhere, you MUST practice those desirable behaviours in all the places you wish him to be able to perform them, with varying levels of distraction.
Socializing is one of the most important things to do with any dog. It will help the dog feel more comfortable in many varied situations, with more added elements, without feeling overwhelmed.
Why
A poorly socialized puppy will possibly develop into an adult dog with fear or phobias, anxiety, frustration problems, and/or aggression towards other people, dogs, and other animals.
When we talk about socialization, we don't mean just other puppies and dogs. It is important to socialize your dog with all aspects of our lives, and more.
That's why some dogs have a problem with washing machines, hoovers, people with top hats, umbrellas, cars and bicycles, bearded men, long coats, etc. These puppies have probably never encountered these "things" and will have something to say about it.
A poorly socialized puppy can often be very unhappy and become difficult to live with. Eventually making these issues only possible to overcome, with a lot of training and hard work.
When
The most important time to socialize your puppy is up to 12 weeks of age. At this point, their little brains are like sponges that take in everything, good and bad. Therefore, make sure all intereactions are positive ones, and try to work around certain aspects you might not be able to control - eg. your puppy interacting with a dog that you had perceived as being aggressive.
Try different times of the day as different people are about and different days of the week/weekend.
What
Anything you can think of:
How
Just be careful that your puppy is making good associations. Take food with you at all times and feed as interesting things are happening or about to happen. If you feel like your puppy is feeling overwhelmed, do not force him. It's up to him to say when he's had enough.
My dog is older now
If your dog is now older than 12 weeks and is showing signs of being fearful of certain things, there's plenty of work that can be done still. So get in touch with us, and we'll help you out.
Happy training!
Why
A poorly socialized puppy will possibly develop into an adult dog with fear or phobias, anxiety, frustration problems, and/or aggression towards other people, dogs, and other animals.
When we talk about socialization, we don't mean just other puppies and dogs. It is important to socialize your dog with all aspects of our lives, and more.
That's why some dogs have a problem with washing machines, hoovers, people with top hats, umbrellas, cars and bicycles, bearded men, long coats, etc. These puppies have probably never encountered these "things" and will have something to say about it.
A poorly socialized puppy can often be very unhappy and become difficult to live with. Eventually making these issues only possible to overcome, with a lot of training and hard work.
When
The most important time to socialize your puppy is up to 12 weeks of age. At this point, their little brains are like sponges that take in everything, good and bad. Therefore, make sure all intereactions are positive ones, and try to work around certain aspects you might not be able to control - eg. your puppy interacting with a dog that you had perceived as being aggressive.
Try different times of the day as different people are about and different days of the week/weekend.
What
Anything you can think of:
- Dogs - as many different breeds as possible, different ages, male and female;
- Children - loud high pitch voices and screams, sticky fingers and using this opportunity to educate the child as well;
- Clothing - All sorts of clothes you can think of that might be different. Long coats, hats, beannies, caps, sunglasses, high heels, shorts and trousers, wide puffy jackets, etc.;
- People - different age groups, ethnicities, beards, moustaches, long and short hair, high pitch and deep voices, etc.;
- Objects - umbrellas, plastic bags, bin bags, skateboards, bicycles, street signs, park benches, etc.;
- Surfaces - different surfaces, higher off the ground, grassy, rocky, sandy, metallic, wet, etc.;
- Other species - cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, horses, cows, etc.;
- Equipment - putting on a harness and collar, having the lead on;
- Sounds - door bell, someone knocking on the door, hoover, washing machine, dish washer, phone ringing, alarms, etc.
- Locations - The lush green park, the sandy beach by the sea, the crowded city market, the local pubs, the car, the vet's waiting room, etc.
How
Just be careful that your puppy is making good associations. Take food with you at all times and feed as interesting things are happening or about to happen. If you feel like your puppy is feeling overwhelmed, do not force him. It's up to him to say when he's had enough.
My dog is older now
If your dog is now older than 12 weeks and is showing signs of being fearful of certain things, there's plenty of work that can be done still. So get in touch with us, and we'll help you out.
Happy training!
Some dog treats are exceptionally easy to make, and one example are these dry kidney treats.
You can use beef kidney, which is very cheap to buy at a butchers. After washing the kidney, start by patting it dry with a bit a kitchen towel, and partially freeze it for about 40 min. so it's easier to slice. Cut all the fat out and slice it thin so it breaks up easily later. Afterwards, pop it in the over for about 1 hour at 100°C. Remember we don't want to cook it, we want to dry it out.
Afterwards just let it cool and break it into little bites.
You can have the treats in an airtight container for about 3 days before it goes off, or you can have it in the fridge for it to last longer. Ultimately, if you decide to do a big batch, have it in the freezer and just take out what you need.
Happy training!
You can use beef kidney, which is very cheap to buy at a butchers. After washing the kidney, start by patting it dry with a bit a kitchen towel, and partially freeze it for about 40 min. so it's easier to slice. Cut all the fat out and slice it thin so it breaks up easily later. Afterwards, pop it in the over for about 1 hour at 100°C. Remember we don't want to cook it, we want to dry it out.
Afterwards just let it cool and break it into little bites.
You can have the treats in an airtight container for about 3 days before it goes off, or you can have it in the fridge for it to last longer. Ultimately, if you decide to do a big batch, have it in the freezer and just take out what you need.
Happy training!
When one has a dog, one loves a back garden. Many people move to a house with a big garden, with the intent of getting a pet dog and that is to be applauded. Dogs need space to run around, and most dogs still have a bit of energy left after that long walk at the park. So having a back garden can provide and extra play time in your well known environment, and put an smile on your face, as your dog zooms around - up & down, over & under, right & left - to then fall asleep.
However, not all gardens are pet friendly, so we need to make sure that ours is one.
#1 Escape proof
Most dogs like to roam, and given the opportunity, they might just take off to smell the corners of the world. Huskies are a good example of a dog that likes to roam. A Husky is probably able to escape most simple fences to go for a walk, but with such a poor sense of direction, he might not be able to come back.
Other problems might occur such as your dog going after the neighbour's cat, causing damage to someone's property, hurting someone/something, or hurting himself. Not to mention dog-napping (which is not a dog having a nap).
To have an escape proof garden, have a good fence/wall, bushes along side it - #4 - so he can't get to the wall easily, and for some dogs, a barrier underneath the fence or wall to prevent the doggy version of the Shawshank Redemption.
#2 Paw friendly pavements
Some types of material for some pavements may cause harm or discomfort for your dog. In the summer, some materials can get really hot and burn your pooches pads, which is extremely painful. So a dog friendly material is needed.
Providing a lot of grass space is ideal, because it will be gentle on your dogs paws and nails, and won't overheat too much in the hot sun. Shingle and Woodchip can be good options but can represent other problems such as your dog starting to make snacks of them. You may also consider fake grass, but make sure it is a pet friendly one and that this includes heat retention. Patio wise, consider sandstone, flagstone, concrete and brick, which seem to be OK in the UK. Always remember that almost every stone based pavement can have a high ability to retain heat, so if you are redoing your garden, make sure you install the right type of pavement.
#3 Water sources
Running around in the garden may result in thirst, so having a little pond or fountain is always nice as well. This water source bullet point can be as simple as having a hose in the garden. This way you can just get the hose and shower/mist the ground to make it cooler or simply to remove a bit of that doggy smell on a hot day.
However, if you do have any water features in your garden, make sure they are safe and that if they're big enough for a pet or child to fall into it, that they can easily get out.
#4 Greenery
I love gardening and plants and green. But not all green is good for dogs. Some plants can harm, injure and even cause death.
Plants like Daffodils, Wysteria, Hydrangea, Fox Glove, Azaleas, Lillies, Tulips, Daphne and Yew, can cause serious malfunction in your dogs system. So when in doubt, look it up to be safe.
If you also like your garden looking nice but you have a big dog, make sure you plant accordingly. Avoid having delicate or young plants where a dog can reach, as these can easily get ran over or dug up. Invest in more robust plants such as large perennials, and sturdy shrubs that can withstand a zooming dog. Lavender makes a good border that is sturdy and dog safe.
To keep our dog from getting out, plant climbing plants and vines next to your fence, which will also look beautiful as they cling and climb. Have several plants with thorns near the easiest access points of escape, as your dog will keep away from these. The rose bush is a good example.
#5 Poop area
One of the things one doesn't want, is poo showing up all over the place. Get your dog a specific soiling area and try to wash any residue away after picking it up. It's not safe to compost dog faeces since it contains dangerous parasites that won't die in a simple compost system.
#6 Resting area
Try to provide your dog with a safe and shaded resting area so your dog can take himself there to relax and escape for the hot sun. If you happen to have big trees that provide a good amount of shade, perfect. If not, try leaving a tent or parasol for your dog. If you have the space however, you can easily get a dog house or build one yourself.
#7 Keep snails and slugs out
Snails and slugs carry lungworm, which is extremely dangerous to dogs. But our pets don't know this and can sometimes try to eat them. There are many methods out there to keep these slimy animals out.
Avoid using non-organic slug pellets as these are toxic to dogs and cats, plus all the other animals that might visit your garden.
However, not all gardens are pet friendly, so we need to make sure that ours is one.
#1 Escape proof
Most dogs like to roam, and given the opportunity, they might just take off to smell the corners of the world. Huskies are a good example of a dog that likes to roam. A Husky is probably able to escape most simple fences to go for a walk, but with such a poor sense of direction, he might not be able to come back.
Other problems might occur such as your dog going after the neighbour's cat, causing damage to someone's property, hurting someone/something, or hurting himself. Not to mention dog-napping (which is not a dog having a nap).
To have an escape proof garden, have a good fence/wall, bushes along side it - #4 - so he can't get to the wall easily, and for some dogs, a barrier underneath the fence or wall to prevent the doggy version of the Shawshank Redemption.
#2 Paw friendly pavements
Some types of material for some pavements may cause harm or discomfort for your dog. In the summer, some materials can get really hot and burn your pooches pads, which is extremely painful. So a dog friendly material is needed.
Providing a lot of grass space is ideal, because it will be gentle on your dogs paws and nails, and won't overheat too much in the hot sun. Shingle and Woodchip can be good options but can represent other problems such as your dog starting to make snacks of them. You may also consider fake grass, but make sure it is a pet friendly one and that this includes heat retention. Patio wise, consider sandstone, flagstone, concrete and brick, which seem to be OK in the UK. Always remember that almost every stone based pavement can have a high ability to retain heat, so if you are redoing your garden, make sure you install the right type of pavement.
#3 Water sources
Running around in the garden may result in thirst, so having a little pond or fountain is always nice as well. This water source bullet point can be as simple as having a hose in the garden. This way you can just get the hose and shower/mist the ground to make it cooler or simply to remove a bit of that doggy smell on a hot day.
However, if you do have any water features in your garden, make sure they are safe and that if they're big enough for a pet or child to fall into it, that they can easily get out.
#4 Greenery
I love gardening and plants and green. But not all green is good for dogs. Some plants can harm, injure and even cause death.
Plants like Daffodils, Wysteria, Hydrangea, Fox Glove, Azaleas, Lillies, Tulips, Daphne and Yew, can cause serious malfunction in your dogs system. So when in doubt, look it up to be safe.
If you also like your garden looking nice but you have a big dog, make sure you plant accordingly. Avoid having delicate or young plants where a dog can reach, as these can easily get ran over or dug up. Invest in more robust plants such as large perennials, and sturdy shrubs that can withstand a zooming dog. Lavender makes a good border that is sturdy and dog safe.
To keep our dog from getting out, plant climbing plants and vines next to your fence, which will also look beautiful as they cling and climb. Have several plants with thorns near the easiest access points of escape, as your dog will keep away from these. The rose bush is a good example.
#5 Poop area
One of the things one doesn't want, is poo showing up all over the place. Get your dog a specific soiling area and try to wash any residue away after picking it up. It's not safe to compost dog faeces since it contains dangerous parasites that won't die in a simple compost system.
#6 Resting area
Try to provide your dog with a safe and shaded resting area so your dog can take himself there to relax and escape for the hot sun. If you happen to have big trees that provide a good amount of shade, perfect. If not, try leaving a tent or parasol for your dog. If you have the space however, you can easily get a dog house or build one yourself.
#7 Keep snails and slugs out
Snails and slugs carry lungworm, which is extremely dangerous to dogs. But our pets don't know this and can sometimes try to eat them. There are many methods out there to keep these slimy animals out.
Avoid using non-organic slug pellets as these are toxic to dogs and cats, plus all the other animals that might visit your garden.
The command drop it, is one that will save you a ton of hassle. Dogs pick up all sorts of things off the floor and it's essential to have a good cue for letting go.
Another reason to teach it, is so that you can play fetch or tug, without having a five minute break after every trow because they are so reluctant to give it up.
To teach drop it, you need to get your dog to pick something up first. If your dog likes to tug, play tug for a little bit before you ask for the command. Keep you dog on a lead and close to you so he can't run off with it and leave you stranded. Once you want your dog to drop the item, say drop it and stop pulling the toy towards you. If you keep pulling, you're still playing, and the idea is to make it as boring as possible.
You can also gently grab your dogs collar, as soon as you provide the cue, and bring the collar up a little bit. That way you can make it obvious that your're not pulling anymore and also make it just slightly uncomfortable.
Do not make eye contact! No one is trying to dominate their dogs into releasing the item. The situation will be very boring for your dog after a few seconds and he will drop it.
As soon as your dog drops it, say yes with enthusiasm, release his collar and start tugging again. By rewarding the release with more play, he will learn after a few repetitions that releasing actually makes him have more fun.
Tips!
#1 - Let your dog win every now and again. Would you want to play a game with someone if you know you'll lose? No, you wouldn't...
#2 - The toy only goes away 1 in 5 plays. That way you won't have the reaction "I don't want to give it to you because you're going to take it away".
#3 - If your dog likes to play tug with clothes, get them to drop the clothes and reward with food. Then try to play with tug or ball instead.
Any doubts, let us know!
Another reason to teach it, is so that you can play fetch or tug, without having a five minute break after every trow because they are so reluctant to give it up.
To teach drop it, you need to get your dog to pick something up first. If your dog likes to tug, play tug for a little bit before you ask for the command. Keep you dog on a lead and close to you so he can't run off with it and leave you stranded. Once you want your dog to drop the item, say drop it and stop pulling the toy towards you. If you keep pulling, you're still playing, and the idea is to make it as boring as possible.
You can also gently grab your dogs collar, as soon as you provide the cue, and bring the collar up a little bit. That way you can make it obvious that your're not pulling anymore and also make it just slightly uncomfortable.
Do not make eye contact! No one is trying to dominate their dogs into releasing the item. The situation will be very boring for your dog after a few seconds and he will drop it.
As soon as your dog drops it, say yes with enthusiasm, release his collar and start tugging again. By rewarding the release with more play, he will learn after a few repetitions that releasing actually makes him have more fun.
Tips!
#1 - Let your dog win every now and again. Would you want to play a game with someone if you know you'll lose? No, you wouldn't...
#2 - The toy only goes away 1 in 5 plays. That way you won't have the reaction "I don't want to give it to you because you're going to take it away".
#3 - If your dog likes to play tug with clothes, get them to drop the clothes and reward with food. Then try to play with tug or ball instead.
Any doubts, let us know!
When one goes to a Pet Shop to get a toy for our dog, we are faced with a ridiculous amount of toys to pick from. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some destructible, some indestructible. However, most people end up buying a ton of different toys, without realising how and what their main uses are.
I've met a ton of people that have a dog that happens to have a huge tugging drive, but doesn't show any interest to the ones at home. Or a dog that loves to absolutely kill , de-fluff and de-squeak stuffed toys. But what's the point of it all? Let's get in to it.
There are four different types of toys you can buy for your dog!
#1 Interactive toys
For me, these are the best toys because you can have fun with your dog, train them, and get them tired, all in one!
This group of toys consist of all your frisbees, balls and tugs. Your dog should be really happy about these toys, so we must set ourselves some rules.
Rule number 1
Leave these toys safe and away when they are not being used. They only come out when YOU are going to play with your dog. Once the play session is over, the toy is put away.
If you always leave these toys out, you will ruin the toys' value. By always being present, they don't value it, as it's taken for granted.
Rule number 2
Teach your dog to drop it. Some people are afraid of playing tug of war as it "makes dogs aggressive", but that is an old theory that has long been debunked. Simply make sure that you are not confronting your dog and reward for tugging.
#2 Chew toys
These are the kind of toys that are always left about. I mean deer antlers, nylabones, kong chew toys and other toys whose purpose is solely to be chewed.
Chewing will keep your dog busy if they are home alone for longer periods, it keeps your furniture safe, and mentally stimulates your dog's brain.
These toys can also help your dog calm himself/herself down, and can help with a large range of behaviour issues, when used alongside training and behaviour modification.
#3 Dental toys
These toys can also be left about, but they tend to have a purpose, which is to help clean your dog's teeth. Most of these toys have some rubbery teeth to help clean around the mouth, or grooves such as Kong's dental stick, in which to get treats or paste stuck in.
#4 Stuffed toys
These toys are NOT to be destroyed, de-fluff and de-squeaked. If you allow your dog to do these things to the toy, they will aim for your laundry, your mail and other possessions next. Especially if they squeak. Some dogs get overly excited over a squeaky noise and will aim for other things that also squeak, such us your child's pet rabbit or your baby niece Linda.
Stuffed toys are to be cared for and bring your dog to a calm. They should survive the extent of your pets life and no, they can't be just left about.
For example, my dog has a chicken toy. The chicken only comes out when it's settling down time. If trained, your dog will also associate the stuffed toy as a calming toy, so don't waste the amazing opportunity that is right in front of you.
Overall
Toys are fantastic when used according to their purpose, so please have a look at your dog's toy box/drawer/cupboard. Any toys that are getting too damaged must be replaced. Any doubts, give us a shout!
I've met a ton of people that have a dog that happens to have a huge tugging drive, but doesn't show any interest to the ones at home. Or a dog that loves to absolutely kill , de-fluff and de-squeak stuffed toys. But what's the point of it all? Let's get in to it.
There are four different types of toys you can buy for your dog!
#1 Interactive toys
For me, these are the best toys because you can have fun with your dog, train them, and get them tired, all in one!
This group of toys consist of all your frisbees, balls and tugs. Your dog should be really happy about these toys, so we must set ourselves some rules.
Rule number 1
Leave these toys safe and away when they are not being used. They only come out when YOU are going to play with your dog. Once the play session is over, the toy is put away.
If you always leave these toys out, you will ruin the toys' value. By always being present, they don't value it, as it's taken for granted.
Rule number 2
Teach your dog to drop it. Some people are afraid of playing tug of war as it "makes dogs aggressive", but that is an old theory that has long been debunked. Simply make sure that you are not confronting your dog and reward for tugging.
#2 Chew toys
These are the kind of toys that are always left about. I mean deer antlers, nylabones, kong chew toys and other toys whose purpose is solely to be chewed.
Chewing will keep your dog busy if they are home alone for longer periods, it keeps your furniture safe, and mentally stimulates your dog's brain.
These toys can also help your dog calm himself/herself down, and can help with a large range of behaviour issues, when used alongside training and behaviour modification.
#3 Dental toys
These toys can also be left about, but they tend to have a purpose, which is to help clean your dog's teeth. Most of these toys have some rubbery teeth to help clean around the mouth, or grooves such as Kong's dental stick, in which to get treats or paste stuck in.
#4 Stuffed toys
These toys are NOT to be destroyed, de-fluff and de-squeaked. If you allow your dog to do these things to the toy, they will aim for your laundry, your mail and other possessions next. Especially if they squeak. Some dogs get overly excited over a squeaky noise and will aim for other things that also squeak, such us your child's pet rabbit or your baby niece Linda.
Stuffed toys are to be cared for and bring your dog to a calm. They should survive the extent of your pets life and no, they can't be just left about.
For example, my dog has a chicken toy. The chicken only comes out when it's settling down time. If trained, your dog will also associate the stuffed toy as a calming toy, so don't waste the amazing opportunity that is right in front of you.
Overall
Toys are fantastic when used according to their purpose, so please have a look at your dog's toy box/drawer/cupboard. Any toys that are getting too damaged must be replaced. Any doubts, give us a shout!
