Month: June 2019

Don’t help!

Is your dog helpless? Find out how you can help him help himself!

Resist the temptation to “help” your dog figure stuff out!

Teddy was proud of himself after figuring his way out of a tight corner!

One of our best dog-training mentors said “The more you help, the more helpless you make your dog.” 

Remember when you were a little kid and you were practising a new skill (maybe tying your shoes)? And your mom or sibling jumped in and interrupted? You forgot where you were and you had to start all over again.

Your dog needs time to think things through and practise his/her thinking and decision-making skills. 

If your dog is frustrated, he/she may look at you for help. Bark, fuss, make eye contact, and try to get you to help, Don’t do it! As long as he/she is trying – resist the temptation!

If your dog turns away and gives up, then you can move on to something else and try again another time.

Hope’s Teddy (French Bulldog) wasn’t the brightest bulb in the chandelier. He heard a noise in the alley and dashed underneath and around some yard equipment to get down a narrow path to check it out. When he was ready to come back, he couldn’t figure out how he’d gotten there. 

He started fussing and looking for some help. Instead of clearing the way, Hope just waited for him to figure it out – as noisy and difficult as that was. In time (it was only a few minutes), he did figure out a path back and was proud of himself for the rest of the day!

So – don’t be so quick to help. Encourage your dog’s problem-solving ability.

Give Your Dog a “Secret Identity”

When you want to yell at your dog, don't use their name! Make up a "Secret Identity" name!

When you’re frustrated or angry with your dog – don’t use his/her name. Give him a secret identity. The sillier, the better!

Yelling “Bingo!” instead of your dog’s name will make you feel better, change the mood, and keep your dog’s name from becoming a curse word.

It’s crucial that your dog always thinks his/her name is a good thing. When you say it, your dog’s tail (if he/she has one) should wag, never sag. Calling your dog should always be a good thing. 

So next time your Fido overturns the wastebasket, or goes counter-surfing, or knocks over your plant; by all means yell. At the top of your lungs scream “Gosh darn it, Jehosephat! Didn’t I tell you not to do that about a million and a half times!” As long as your dog’s name isn’t Jehosephat, you’re golden. 

If your dog’s name is Jehosephat – you need to pick an easier name!

Keep the crate!

For more than housebreaking

Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog. 

Your dog’s crate is his safe place!

Simon, Boston Terrier, is perfectly comfortable in his crate.

But even after your dog knows not to mess in the house, there are reasons to keep that crate around. 

Being secure and unstressed in his/her crate will give you the freedom to board your dog if necessary. Simon, Boston Terrier, above, certainly looks comfortable in his crate!

And Booker always dashes into his crate, knowing that there will be a treat for him:

Boarding …

Even if you plan on taking your dog on every vacation – what if there is an emergency and you need to travel without him/her? Most boarding facilities use crates, especially at night – even if dogs are loose, playing, during the day.

Motels …

And if you are traveling with your dog, most hotels that allow pets require you to crate them if left in your room – even if you just dash out to pick up a meal.

Traveling

Booker (Boston Terrier) and Tango (Brussels Griffon are ready for a road trip, safe in their crates.

And speaking of traveling, having your dog in a crate is the safest method of having him in the car. If your dog is in a crate, he won’t be a distraction to you, the driver. And he won’t be a projectile if (heaven forbid) you’re involved in an accident. Booker (Boston Terrier, left) and Tango (Brussels Griffon), above, are ready for a road trip, secure in their crates.

At the vet

Knowing your dog is content in a cage will eliminate a cause of anxiety if your dog has to be hospitalized for any reason. We hope it never happens – but it could. Even after common procedures (like spay and neutering) a crate will ensure that your dog gets the rest that your veterinarian prescribes.

If Aunt Susie is afraid of dogs …

It’s even an option if you have guests who are afraid of dogs, or if you’re hosting a gathering and can’t keep an eye on your dog. Your pup “chilling” in his/her “house” lets you concentrate on immediate needs, without worry.

Turn the crate into furniture!

Keep the crate.It makes life easier. You can always get an attractive top and turn it into an end table!