Pups on the Move

As I prepare to move into a new residence, I wanted to share with you the emotional roller-coaster that moving can be for your dog as well.

Moving in itself can be a stressfull project. It can also be a time of cleansing and reorganizing. We get a chance to throw out old and unused items, we find items we had thought were lost and we begin to organize our disarray. Our pups look at this situation as change. Change is terrifying for most dogs. Most dogs are not naturally use to change. They are creatures of habit, and we are about to uplift them from their comfort zone. In doing this, one can experience behavior problems. Separation anxiety, excessive panting, drooling, or drinking of water, pacing, destruction, chewing, digging, defication or urination in the home, loss of appetite and loose stool are all examples of what you may experience with change. The best way to prevent or keep these behaviors from revealing themselves is to keep routines and habits as normal as possible.

Keep exercise routines in place: daily walks or runs will help keep the energy level low and prevent anxieties from building up. Don't just substitute with backyard playtime. They need their workout too, even if you are exhausted from the move.

Feedings and bathroom breaks: If you have them on a regular feeding schedule, keep the schedule as constant as you can. Don't overfeed or offer more water. They will most likely want to drink more, but that will only encourage more bathroom breaks.

Immediately start consistent routine in your new home: Show your dog the exit and entry points in the new house.  It may have multiple entry ways, so make sure your dog knows the bathroom exits and keep it consistent.  Also, begin to set exactly where you want their things like toys, beds, food and water bowls, crates, etc..  You want to avoid moving things around too much.  Your dog needs to know where his things are and where a good place is for them to settle away from the commotion.

Training training training! Take a break from moving and spend a little time with your dog training. This will mentally exhaust them and keep them a little calmer during the process.  When you keep the bond of training going through a move, it helps offset things that may lead to separation anxiety and other unwanted behaviors.

Keep them away from the hustle and bustle: There are going to be a lot people coming and going during the actual move out/move in. Keep your dogs safe and secure and away from the commotion. Play a radio or tv so they don't hear as much of the activity, this will help to keep the anxiety at bay as well.

I hope these tips help out in any future moves you may have. These tips also will help with vacations or pet sitting. Change does not always have to be a bad thing, but it can be scary and ALOTof work. Happy Training!

dJf

Dog Parks....the treat not the exercise

Dog parks are becoming more and more popular, and as spring is approaching, it will flourish even more. They provide a place where dogs can run freely off-leash and socialize with other dogs. Although they are not for everyone, dog parks can be beneficial for both people and their pets if used correctly. Common misconceptions about dog parks can lead to dog fights or behavior problems within your pack.

MYTH #1: Dog parks are used to exercise your dog after being locked up all day.

Your dog is often excited, anxious, and ready to run after being confined during a work day. This high energy can lead to a dangerous combination of rough play and instability within a pack and ultimately lead to an altercation. Dog parks should not replace The Structured Walk. Your dog needs the guidance first, and the opportunity to calm down. Only stable, exercised, and well-behaved dogs should attend dog parks, and be allowed to roam off leash.



MYTH #2: Dog parks are a great place to socialize your dog.

Yes and no. For those who have "doggy play dates", a dog park may be an excellent place to meet up. The dogs within the group are already familiar with each other and have established their pack role and boundaries within the group. A dog park is a larger all-fenced in area for them to play and socialize with each other after they have received their walk. If your dog has behavior issues (ie. anxiety, fear, aggression) consult with a trainer to work on socializing and know your role as the owner on how to take the leadership role with your pup within the dog park.



MYTH #3: When my dog is off-leash, it is their opportunity to run freely without structure.


Many owners do not understand pack mentality. Most dogs prefer to be followers, so they look to their owners for guidance. When they do not receive that guidance, there is confusion and they will often try to establish it on their own. Leadership is a must within your pack. Controlling your dog's behavior and actions, even when off-leash, is a must within a dog park.  This is an opportunity to train and interact in a controlled off-leash environment.  Try practicing your recall and focus tricks when you dog is distracted.  With consistent practice, this will become a powerful tool in your training.  Be sure to also supervise and control play, greetings, and other interactions to avoid altercations BEFORE they start.  Just because your dog is stable and well-trained does NOT mean that the other dogs in the park will be.

The key to a successful visit to the dog park is: Socialize your pup before entering a dog park. Take on the leadership role, keeping your dog occupied with you and under control. Do not allow bullying by your dog or to your dog. Watch your dog! This is not an opportunity to read a magazine or catch up on emails. Make sure your dog is exercised and calm before entering the dog park, don't forget the walk.

Dog parks can be fun for both owners and pets. They provide a large fenced in area to allow your dog to be off leash, but this can also be a scary idea for a dog who is unsure of himself. Know your dog, know his behavior and temperament, do not make it an experiment.

DJF

Valentines Day Safety for Your Pets

Valentines Day can be especially hazardous to our furry little friends. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe and out of harms way during this lovable holiday.

If you are a chocolate lover, a bit of caution can save your pet's life. Keep the chocolate out of Fido's reach. It is toxic and can cause comic actions if ingested in large amounts. Symptoms of ingestion are tremors, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, and seizures. Chocolate can also cause liver damage.

Remember some plants can also be toxic to animals. So ensure all bouquets are out of your typical counter surfers reach. You can check online for a full list of toxic plants.

Alcohol and decor can be hazardous as well. Pets love to chew on anything. They may enjoy unwrapping your surprise gifts. Keep balloons, cellophane, ribbons, and wrapping papers from their paws and claws and increase their toy box to keep them occupied.

Lastly, we all love a nice romantic candlelight dinner right? Have a watchful eye around the flames to ensure the furries don't get too close, and keep those table scraps to yourself. We don't want to risk an emergency trip to the vet during your romantic date.

Keep in mind these tips can help at any given day, there is just an increased likelihood during the holidays. Happy Valentine's Day to all and your pets.

Consider Adopting before Buying!!

Most of you know I am all in favor of rescuing, but why?

I can understand sport enthusiasts, show, formal obedience, or other drive work, but family companionship??? Why do you require a paper that guarantees your dog's bloodline if you are not participating those activities. Yes, you have a better idea of the temperament are getting based on the parents, but is that always a good thing? I have run into many people who want a German-line pure bred German Shepherd, who have never had a GSD before. They end with my number for training with behavior problems. Yes, pure breeds have behavior problems too!!

Many think rescue pups always behavior problems, but no more than the breeder pups. Rescues intake breeder pups all the time as well and depending on the family that owned them and what they were subjected too determines if I get a phone call for training. So don't be under the impression that only rescue pups, mix breeds, or un-pedigreed dogs have "issues".

I am all for reducing the pet population problem that plagues us. There are so many unwanted animals in the shelters. Please consider helping one of these by adopting before you take the breeder route. Below are a few of my foster pups thru VA German Shepherd rescue.

New Years and our Pets!

As the new year creeps upon us, we gather our family together and celebrate another blessed and successful year with resolutions on how to better the oncoming. While we are celebrating let's not forget our dear pets who unbeknownst take part in the festivities. This time time of year can be very frightening to pets of all species. The onslaught of crowds or lack there of can cause anxiety and loud noises, such as fireworks or gun fire can be very unsettling. This time of year is heavily saturated with lost or missing pets as well, resulting from fear and darting out an open door. Here is a small list of pointers to ensure your pet is safe and secure during the New Year festivities:

Make sure your pet has his ID collar with appropriate contact information. This will help ensure a safe return of your pet if found. Also, consider microchipping your pet. We now have the ability to "track" our pets whereabouts and this can be very helpful in finding your lost pet.

Have up to date photos of your pets. You may need these to update an online pet search profile or print posters.

In the home, ensure your pet has a "safe haven". With many guests in the home your pet may become anxious, give them a quiet area where they can rest and detox from the commotion.

Keep an eye on your alcoholic beverages. Dogs can become very thirsty when they are in an anxious state and are liable to lap up anything. Alcohol has proven hazardous to pets at higher amounts.

We can't all avoid the fireworks or gunfire, but we can try to lessen the noise. Secure a spot for your pet away from windows where he can avoid the 12 am celebration. Turn on music to soothe them or distract from the loud erratic noise.

Lastly, if a quiet room is not available, then let's face the loud demons with a positive attitude. Get the really good "Kryptonite" out. Once the fireworks or commotion has begun give him his favorite treat, play a game with him for distraction, start training, or allow them to retreat to their favorite place. We want to associate the noise with positivity to avoid any further anxiety or problem behaviors.

These tips will help to keep your pet safe during the new year roll around. Our pets are our family, celebrate and enjoy them, just don't forget to protect them;) Happy New Year from Back in the Pack!!!

DJF

Happy Holidays from Back in the Pack

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Holiday Reminders

It's that time of year again! Last year BItP put out a similar blog reminding readers of a few things to be aware of during the holidays. So here we go again, take a chance and re-read "Family, Fun and Festivities with the Furries," and read on for a few more key tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season with your pups.

As the years go by our pups seem to be the youngest members of our families. We tend to overlook that with toddlers running around or tending to guests. Your pups are sure to get themselves in trouble, whether with boredom, lack of exercise, or appetite.

The Christmas Tree: If you are one of the millions who take in a live tree this year, remember that tree water can be toxic if added chemicals are put in the water. Many add aspirin to the water to keep the tree vibrant, and while some vets may advise Aspirin in small amounts, larger amounts can be hazardous. Keep the tree holder covered or a watchful eye on the water.

Ornaments and decor: Many use glass ornaments to decorate. Try using plastic this year. While they can still be digested they are less likely to cause internal injury than glass and will not break and shatter when stepped on. Tinsel and metallic mixed garland can be another problem and can cause gastric blockage if ingested in both children and pets. So be aware of your placement if you decide to use it.
Use plastic for decorative plants this year. I enjoy a lovely poinsettia and a doorway mistletoe just as much as anyone, but take note that the leaves and stem of the poinsettia are very toxic. The berries of the mistletoe are toxic as well. Go plastic!

Moving on to food:
Oh the joy of Aunt Martha's fruit cake! Remember to check gifts for digestibles. The nose knows!!! You may return home with your presents destroyed and a rush to the emergency care vet not knowing exactly what your pet may have ingested.

We also cook a little more during this time of year. Remember some foods are not safe for out pets. Chocolates should be inaccessible, and foods with heavy garlic and onion should not be left for counter surfers. Both are toxic to pets in larger quantities. Keep those garbage cans locked away or lids shut as well, there seems to be a bit more trash diving during this season.

Onward to outdoors!:
Okay, so it's not quite Christmas without a little snow. Ice melting products can cause damage to your pet's padded paws (say that 3 times fast! :-). There are pet safe ice melters out there, and they are a little less damaging to your walkways than salt as well.
Many of our pets have nice heavy coats, but some breeds lack this. If you have a dog with no undercoat or short fur, don't forget to bundle them up. They get cold, just like we do.

Last up, house guests and entertaining: Not everyone has pets who are used to meeting large crowds, screaming children, or rambunctious pet cousins. Don't forget proper introductions, gradual socialization, or providing a safe haven for your pet to go if he is overwhelmed.
Keep the daily routine consistent. Pets love normality. If we alter their routine you are sure to see a few mischievous behaviors this holiday. Regular walks, feedings, playtimes, and attention need to stay in our daily plan to keep these behaviors at bay.

We all want our holidays to pass with ease, fun and unforgettable memories. Why not make that a little easier and a bit less stressful this year, if that's possible. Back in the Pack wishes all a safe, happy holiday and blessed New Year to come!!!

Dari, Sean and the BiTP family