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How to Put Together a Dog First Aid Kit

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Put Together a Dog First Aid Kit

Photo by Show 131/ CC

No matter how careful you may be with your dog, accidents and emergencies can always happen. This is why it is always best to be prepared with a well-stocked dog first aid kit.

Don't have one yet?

Here is everything you will need to put one together.

A Sturdy Box or Bag

Before you begin to put your dog first aid kit together, you will need a container to hold all of the items. A plastic or metal box should be strong enough, and will be easy to pack.

Alternatively, go for a bag, especially if you and your dog frequently travel. You could also purchase a pre-made human first aid kit. Then, simply add your dog first aid kit items to this.

Bandages, Tape, Scissors and Rubber Gloves

If your pet is ever injured and starts to bleed, bandages are a must. These may be enough to stop the bleeding completely. If not, it will still slow the bleeding down enough to buy you some time to take your pooch to the vet.

Many different items can be used as a bandage, whether this may be a roll of gauze, a strip of cloth, or even some socks. Whichever you choose to include in your dog first aid kit, make sure that the bandage material is clean.

The tape is necessary to enable you to hold the bandage in place, while the scissors mean that you can cut the bandage and tape down to the perfect size.

Why do you need rubber gloves?

Because it is always best, for both you and your dog, for you to be wearing rubber gloves when handling blood. It will help to keep the wound cleaner, preventing an infection from setting in.

Medications

If your pet is already taking medication for an illness, make sure that you have some spares in your dog first aid kit.

Even if your pet is currently medication-free, there are a few over-the-counter drugs that may be worth including. Here are a few ideas:

  • Antihistamines for an allergic reactions

  • Antacids for stomach irritations

  • Approved sedatives for travel

  • Approved pain relief medications

  • Sugar tablets for low blood sugar

A Gallon of Water

Water is always so important in a medical emergency. You can use water to clean a wound, flush out the eyes, calm a burn, wash off allergens, and so much more.

A gallon of water should be more than enough for a dog first aid kit, but make sure that you also include a collapsible dish that you can pour the water into.

A Tick Remover

While ticks aren't necessarily an emergency, these pests are easy enough to remove on your own, saving you from having to make a trip to the vet.

Many of the home remedies you read about online when it comes to tick removal can actually be quite dangerous. For example, smothering a tick in Vaseline to suffocate it can sometimes cause the tick to regurgitate its contents back into your dog. This can lead to even more problems. Similarly, pulling a tick straight out can result in the head being left in your dog.

This is where a tick remover tool comes in...

These are so easy to use. You simply place the small tool over the tick and twist the tick out. Try to get a small and a large size to ensure that you are covered for all tick types.

A Dog First Aid Book

Do you know how to administer CPR on your dog? Or how about stopping a strong bleed?

Even if you already know all of this, a serious emergency can cause you to panic, resulting in your mind going blank.

This is why it is always handy to keep a dog first aid book in your dog first aid kit. This way, if there is ever an emergency that you aren't quite sure how to deal with, you will always have something reliable to refer to. It also wouldn't hurt to read this book in advance, just to brush up on your general dog first aid knowledge.

A Muzzle, Leash and Blanket

Your dog may be the tamest and friendliest pooch you know, but an injured animal can be so unpredictable.

For this reason, it is always advisable to make sure that your dog first aid kit contains a few restraints. A muzzle and a lead will give you some extra control over your dog if he becomes aggressive from pain. A blanket is also useful. You can use this to wrap your dog up, making transportation so much easier.

Treats and Home Comforts

While you will always want to tend to a medical emergency as quickly as possible, it is also important to take the steps necessary to ensure that your dog is feeling as comfortable as possible throughout all of this.

Treats are a good way to relax a food-motivated dog, and to encourage them to focus on you. They can also be used as an intermittent reward while you are performing first aid on your dog.

Other home comforts, such as a toy or your dog's favorite blanket, will also help to keep your dog calm and happy.

Paperwork

There are a few different pieces of paperwork that you should include in your dog first aid kit.

The first is your dog's medical history and vaccination records. These may not seem important right now, but if your dog has a serious medical emergency, it always helps to have these easily to hand.

A list of emergency phone numbers can also be useful.

Whose phone numbers should you write on the list?

Your vet's number is crucial, along with the number of an emergency vet if your regular vet doesn't provide this service. Animal poison control numbers, along with animal control, should also be listed.

When a dog is hurt or injured, this can be frightening, not only for your dog but also for yourself. In order to prevent more damage, it always helps to deal with the problem as quickly as possible, which is why a dog first aid kit is essential for every dog owner out there.

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Get Your Dog’s Prey Drive Under Control

By Alina Jumabhoy

Get Your Dog’s Prey Drive Under Control

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Prey drive varies hugely in individual dogs. While some dogs naturally have a low prey drive, others simply cannot resist chasing every moving thing around them.

It goes without saying that this can be extremely difficult to deal with...

Fortunately, you don't need to worry too much. By putting some time and effort into training your pooch, you will soon be able to get that prey drive under control.

KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEASH

It may be tempting to un-clip that leash so that your dog can have a good run, but this is something that you need to avoid doing until you have managed to gain some control over your dog's prey drive.

Keeping your dog on a leash gives you much more control to begin with. You should also make sure that your dog does not have any access at all to prey animals.

Each time your dog chases an animal, this reinforces the behavior. This means that your dog will be even more likely to do the same thing again in the future.

By putting a stop to this right away, you will notice results from your training much faster.

REDIRECTION

Redirecting your dog's attention is one of the most important strategies to learn when trying to control prey drive.

What exactly is redirection?

It means being able to shift your dog's attention away from the prey and onto yourself. It is much easier to do this before your dog fixates on the prey, or very soon after. If you wait too long, it will be difficult to break your dog's focus.

So, how do you redirect?

Each time you notice a prey animal in the distance, simply go in the other direction. Keep things positive, rewarding your dog for following you.

What happens if you have no choice but to go in the same direction as the prey animal?

Make sure you have a squeaky toy or a high value treat to hand. Use this to distract your dog, making sure that you only pass by the animal once your dog is fully focused on you. Once you have made it past, you can then reward your dog with the treat or toy.

Ideally, you should work on redirecting from a distance. Once your dog understands that it is more rewarding to stay focused on you rather than the prey animal, you can then shorten this distance and practice this at a closer range.

A clicker can help your dog to pick this up even faster. Simply click and treat each time your dog focuses on you rather than on the distractions around him.

BE AWARE OF YOUR DOG'S BODY LANGUAGE

As mentioned above, you will have much more success at controlling that prey drive if you catch it in its early stages.

There are five main stages to prey drive:

  • Searching for the animal

  • Stalking the animal with the eyes

  • Chasing the animal

  • Grabbing the animal

  • Biting to kill the animal

Ideally, you want to get yourself involved at the very first stage, before your dog manages to latch his eyes onto the prey. This means that you will need to continuously be looking around you, so that you can spot any prey animals before your dog does.

You will notice your dog's eyes scanning the environment when the two of you are out. Keep interrupting this, encouraging your dog to focus on you instead. Make sure that you reward him heavily each time he does.

If your dog's ears have pricked up, and his eyes are focused on something in the distance, then this means he has moved on to the eye stalking stage. You will need to tighten your hold on your dog's leash and work even harder on redirection.

WORK ON IMPULSE CONTROL

Prey drive is an impulsive behavior.

Fortunately, impulse control is something that dogs pick up on quite quickly.

There are certain commands out there that are really useful for this, such as:

  • Leave it

  • Look at me

  • Place

  • Come

  • Drop it

These are vital commands to teach to a dog with high prey drive.

You will need to begin by working on these commands in a calm and controlled environment. Slowly introduce distractions, such as balls and frisbees. Dogs with a high prey drive will want to chase these just as much as they will want to chase a prey animal.

Once your dog has mastered the above commands, you can then move on to practicing them around a wider range of distractions.

One thing to keep in mind...

Make sure that you remain calm throughout your dog's prey drive training.

If you end up shouting a command or getting too excited, your dog will quickly pick up on this energy. It will likely lead to over-excitement and hyperactivity in your dog, which will only slow down his progress.

KEEP YOUR DOG MENTALLY STIMULATED

Many people think that if they exercise their dog enough, then prey drive will be reduced.

However, physical activity alone is not enough to help with this...

Instead, you need a good mix of both physical and mental stimulation.

When it comes to mental stimulation, nose work is always beneficial. Even hiding treats around your house or garden, or providing a sandbox for your pooch to dig in, can help to tire that brain out. There are plenty of other mental games out there too, especially if you get creative. 

You should also be opting for plenty of variety when it comes to the physical, in addition to walks. Try taking your dog swimming or hiking uphill, as these are great forms of exercise. Keeping the physical activities varied will mean that your dog gains mental benefits from them too.

If you do not do anything about your dog's prey drive, it will not be long before this gets out of control. Make sure that you start managing these behaviors as soon as you notice them, because this will give you a much happier and more well-balanced dog in the long run.

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How to Choose a Dog Breed That Suits Your Lifestyle

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a Dog Breed That Suits Your Lifestyle

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Thinking of adding another pooch to your family?

While every dog is individual when it comes to their personality, different breeds usually have distinct traits that are unique to them. It is always a good idea to keep this in mind when choosing a dog breed, so that you can ensure that the dog you pick is one that will easily fit into your life.

What Sort of Home Do You Have?

This should be one of the first questions you ask yourself when choosing a dog breed...

If you live in a small apartment, then it goes without saying that giant breeds, from the Great Dane to the Great Pyrenees, would not be a good choice. You would be much better off with a smaller breed.

Having said that, terriers are popular small breed dogs, but they are also known for being quite noisy. If you live in a crowded area, you would be best off with a dog that doesn't have that same predisposition to excessive barking.

Yes, many giant breeds can actually be quite sedentary in nature, but they do still need space to move around. Think about when they get excited – you don't want a giant dog racing in circles around your small apartment!

Do you live in a rural area?

This does give you more choice when it comes to choosing a dog breed. However, keep in mind that you may find it harder to keep your dog clean. From dirt to bugs to sticky plants, a long-haired dog can sometimes be a nightmare to care for in a rural environment.

How Big is Your Family?

If you live on your own, and know that your family is not going to be expanding in the future, then this gives you quite a big choice of breeds.

However, if you have a large or growing family, then you need to take this into consideration.

Certain breeds are known for being better with kids than others. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are known for being fantastic family pets, but they do also have quite a bit of energy...

You may want to choose a dog breed that does not require an excessive amount of daily exercise, since your human family will be keeping you pretty busy too. However, if you know that your entire family will be chipping in when it comes to looking after the dog, then you may want a more energetic breed to be able to cope with all of those walks and games!

How Active Are You?

Are you generally quite active?

If so, you need to choose a dog breed that can keep up with this. Border Collies are known for having an endless amount of energy. The same applies to Spaniels, Huskies and Australian Shepherds.

However, even if you are quite active on a daily basis, you do still need quite a large home and garden for a high-energy breed. They require this space through the day to burn off excess energy.

If you are not very active but have enough space at home for a giant breed to roam around, then this may be the dog for you. Breeds such as Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds are surprisingly low-energy. Greyhounds are similar in a way – many require a speedy ten minute run before happily curling up on the sofa for the rest of the day.

How Often Do You Travel?

Do you travel frequently?

If you plan on leaving your pooch at a boarding facility, you need a breed that would be happy with this.

Some breeds, such as the Bichon Frise, are more prone to separation anxiety than others.

Alternatively, if you plan on taking your dog with you while you travel, you need to choose a dog breed suitable for this.

Are you and your pooch going to be flying quite regularly?

Make sure that the size and weight of your chosen breed fits in with airline regulations.

How Much Time Do You Have for Grooming?

Those long-haired and ultra-fluffy dogs may look adorable, but they do require quite a lot of upkeep.

Certain breeds, such as Poodles, the Bichon Frise and Cocker Spaniels require daily maintenance when it comes to their coat. You will need to keep them well-brushed to avoid mattes. They also require regular grooming sessions, which is an extra financial investment.

How Much Money Are You Willing to Spend on Your Dog?

Let's face it, health issues can affect just about any dog out there, no matter their breed.

However, some breeds do tend to have more health issues than others.

Fallen in love with a flat-faced breed?

Keep in mind that these breeds often have breathing problems, as well as skin and ear issues.

Other popular breeds, from Boxers to Labrador Retrievers, are also known for their health problems.

If you have an endless amount of funds to put towards veterinary care, then this may not matter. However, if your budget is limited, then look into some of the healthier breeds out there.

Are you willing to spend money on grooming?

As mentioned earlier, grooming costs can quickly mount up over a dog's lifetime.

If you are not willing to spend money on this, then choose a dog with a low-maintenance coat. Alternatively, you could also look into grooming your dog yourself. You will need to invest in some initial supplies, but these should more than pay for themselves over time.

Make a List

As you work your way through these questions, write your answers down in list-form.

You will then have a list of requirements and specifications to help you to choose a dog breed that will suit your lifestyle. You will need to spend quite a bit of time researching various breeds, and also speaking to owners that own dogs of those breeds.

However, all that effort will be worth it, as this is what will ensure you choose the perfect breed for you.

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6 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Is your dog reactive when the two of you are out and about?

Whether this reactivity may be triggered by other dogs, people, cars, or anything else, here are six tips to keep in mind when walking a reactive dog:

1. Set Off With a Calm Frame of Mind

Do you often feel stressed and tense before you even begin walking your reactive dog?

Well, this is something that your dog will be able to pick up on. This will put your dog on guard, making him worried that there is something around him that is concerning.

Beginning your walk in a calm and positive frame of mind can really make a difference. This may seem easier said than done, but this just means that you will need to spend some time finding a few ways to instantly de-stress. For some, this may be listening to music while others may find deep breathing exercises helpful.

Of course, the calm frame of mind applies to your dog as well as to you...

Make sure that your dog is calm before the two of you set off.

If your dog is over-excited or showing signs of anxiety, work with your dog to deal with these issues before you begin your walk.

2. Avoid Triggers When Walking a Reactive Dog

Yes, you do need to teach your dog how to overcome the obstacles that trigger his reactivity, but you need to do this gradually, in your own time.

In the meantime, avoid those triggers as much as possible.

If your dog is dog-reactive, try to walk your dog in places where other dogs don't frequent. This may also require you to adjust the times at which you walk your dog in order to avoid others.

Of course, completely avoiding all triggers is near impossible...

So, what do you do if you unintentionally come across a trigger when walking your reactive dog?

You put as much distance between that trigger and your dog as possible.

Try to block your dog's view of the trigger, whether this means turning around and walking the other way, or even darting behind a tree for a minute or two.

3. Turn Triggers Into Positive Experiences

Turning a trigger into a positive experience takes quite a bit of time and effort, but it really does pay off.

The key is to take things very slowly, beginning with a large distance between your dog and the trigger. Practice teaching your dog to focus on you, rather than on the trigger ahead.

How?

You can do this in a number of ways. Treats are great for food-motivated dogs, while a squeaky toy is a great distraction for toy-motivated dogs. You could also teach your dog to target your hand or another object, as this can be a very effective method for diverting their attention.

As soon as your dog focuses on you, provide plenty of praise and rewards.

Work on this for a few more sessions, before gradually decreasing the distance between your dog and the trigger.

What happens if your dog starts reacting again?

Then this means that you are moving too quickly in your training. Take a step back, putting more distance between your dog and the trigger, and work from this distance again for a while.

4. Enlist the Help of a Friend

If walking your reactive dog is something that you usually do on your own, it will surprise you how much of a difference it can make when you have another person with you.

So long as you choose the right person, they will likely have quite a calming influence over both you and your dog, while also instilling a greater sense of confidence in yourself.

Try walking your reactive dog in between you and your friend, so that you are both on-hand to reassure or distract your dog when you see an approaching trigger.

5. Keep Walks Fun and Interesting

Since your dog's reactivity will likely limit you when it comes to your choice of walks, you need to make sure that your walks are still fun, exciting and relatively unpredictable for your pooch.

How?

There are a number of ways you can do this, even if you can't take your dog to many new places.

Try simply switching up your pace on your walk, sometimes going slower and sometimes going faster. Changing directions at random times will also keep your dog guessing. Don't forget to shower your dog with plenty of praise whenever he follows your lead.

You could also try bringing a new toy on your walk with you. Stop at a random point for a quick play session.

Treats are also great, especially if you use a mix of both high value and low value treats. These are pretty much a necessity anyway when walking a reactive dog, but you could also stop mid-walk for a quick training session, using the treats as motivation.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Stand Up For Your Dog

When walking a reactive dog, there will be certain situations in which you will need to stand up for your dog.

For example, if your dog hates strangers touching him, you may need to be quite firm when it comes to well-meaning dog lovers reaching out to stroke your dog. In the heat of the moment, this could even come across as you being rude, especially if you need to raise your voice to get your point across. However, don't be afraid to do so – you are the only person who can really advocate for your dog.

The same applies with dogs who are dog-reactive, and are being approached by an off-lead, out of control dog. Even if you need to shout across a long distance at that other dog's owner, do what you need to do to keep your own dog safe and protected.

Walking a reactive dog is rarely easy, but, so long as you take things slowly, there will be plenty of small victories along the way. Make sure that you celebrate these as a reminder of how far you and your pooch have come, as these moments will provide motivation for all of your future walks.

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Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

By Alina Jumabhoy

Put a Stop to Puppy Mouthing

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of congerdesign @ Pixabay

When a puppy is still young, puppy mouthing is completely normal behavior. After all, this is how a puppy explores the world, interacting with different objects.

However, while puppy mouthing may be necessary during the earliest stages of your pup's life, this isn't something that should continue on into adulthood.

Why?

Because an adult dog is much stronger and heavier. What used to be gentle puppy mouthing can unintentionally cause injury as a dog grows up. Plus, puppy teeth themselves can be quite sharp, especially if they come into contact with a child's skin. This is why it is so important to put a stop to puppy mouthing once your pup is a couple of months old.

Bite Inhibition

Bite inhibition is the ability that a dog has to control how hard he mouths and nips. This is usually something that a pup will learn from his mother, as well as his littermates.

How?

Well, when a puppy bites another pup too hard, that other pup will usually let out a yelp and immediately stop playing. This causes the first puppy to stop playing too, teaching him that biting too hard puts an end to the fun.

This is a method that you can copy when teaching bite inhibition to your puppy...

When your puppy mouths you, yelp in the same way that a pup would. Make sure that you immediately stop playing too, leaving your hand to go limp.

Your dog will likely stop too, if only for a second. Make sure that you quickly praise your dog as soon as he has stopped, and then immediately carry on playing.

It will take quite a bit of repetition, but it won't be long before your puppy soon learns not to mouth.

Already tried this method with no success?

Instead of letting your hand go limp, try putting a stop to the play altogether. Walk away from your puppy after you have yelped. Then, wait for your pup to remain calm for about half a minute or so, before returning to play.

This will help to reinforce the idea that mouthing is bad, but playing in a gentle way is good.

Provide a Safe Alternative

While many puppies mouth while playing, others do this simply because its an instinctive behavior. Puppies have a natural urge to chew and bite.

If you don't want this urge to be carried out on you, or any of your belongings, then you will need to provide your pup with a safe alternative.

What sort of things should you give your pup to gnaw on?

Try some of the following:

Don't forget, every puppy is different when it comes to the things he enjoys chewing on. Make sure that you try a few different chews and toys until you have found some that you know your puppy genuinely enjoys.

Remove the Temptation

Many puppies only mouth when they are playing certain games.

So, to prevent puppy mouthing, simply stop playing those games. For most pups, these involve rough play games, such as wrestling.

There are many other non-tactile games that you can substitute this with. Try playing tug of war, or a game of fetch. Introducing your dog to other pups his age will also help your pup to release all of that energy, making him less likely to mouth you when you get home.

Make sure that you also never tease your puppy with your fingers or your hands. Even using an item of clothing can only end up encouraging the mouthing.

Is your puppy mouthing your belongings as well as your skin?

This is another temptation that you should remove.

Make sure that all of your belongings are well out of your puppy's reach, in the same way that you would baby-proof a house if you were bringing a new baby into it. Baby gates and other types of barriers can also be useful to limit your pup's access to certain parts of the house until you have the puppy mouthing under control.

Basic Obedience Training

Giving your pup a treat or a toy as a distraction is always a good idea, but what happens when you don't have a treat or a toy around?

This is where basic obedience training comes in...

This will give you an extra tool when it comes to distracting your pup. By teaching your puppy various commands and tricks, you will be able to use these to encourage your pup to control his impulsive behaviors.

Wondering what basic obedience training involves?

Teach your puppy the following commands:

  • Sit

  • Stay

  • Lie down

  • Recall

  • Leave it

When it comes to puppy mouthing, the two most-useful do tend to be “sit” and “leave it”.

Once you have these commands cemented into your pup's brain, your puppy should automatically listen to you each time you say one of them, even if they happen to be mouthing at the time.

Don't forget, each time your puppy stops mouthing to listen to your command, make sure that you provide plenty of praise, and even a treat. This will really help to reinforce that good behavior.

Don't Punish Puppy Mouthing

As mentioned earlier, mouthing is an instinctive behavior.

Your puppy isn't doing this on purpose, meaning that puppy mouthing isn't something that can be stopped immediately.

For some pups, it takes quite a bit of time to ease away from the mouthing. Punishing your puppy for not learning this fast enough will definitely not help the situation. Instead, it is likely to just make your puppy fearful of you, especially when your hands are near your pup's mouth. This could make certain situations quite tricky in the future, from vet visits to being able to remove a dangerous food item from your dog.

Rather than punishing your puppy for unwanted behavior, focus on rewarding your puppy for positive behavior instead. This will give you so much more success in the long run.

Although puppy mouthing is a natural behavior, this is something that you need to take control of quite early on. Fortunately, with plenty of consistency, it doesn't take long at all to put a stop to puppy mouthing, even for the more playful pups out there!

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6 Ways to Stop a Dog from Digging Up Your Garden

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Ways to Stop a Dog from Digging Up Your Garden

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of freestocks-photos @ Pixabay

While digging is an instinctual behavior for a dog, it is definitely frustrating to deal with a garden full of holes. While this may initially seem like difficult behavior to deter, here are six effective ways in which you can stop a dog from digging up your beautiful garden.

1. Work Off That Energy

Some dogs are couch potatoes, whereas others require more exercise than average to keep them happy.

One of the most common causes of digging is a lack of exercise. This quickly leads to boredom. It then doesn't take long for a dog to realize that a great way to work off his energy is by using his paws to dig!

If you think that this may be why your dog has been digging...

There is an easy fix to this!

Simply take your dog for a long walk or a good run. This will allow them to work off excess energy. Other types of activities are great too, from swimming to playing fetch.

Once you take your tired pooch back home, you will likely find that he won't have the energy to dig any more!

2. Check for Rodents and Other Animals

Is your dog a natural hunter?

Many breeds, from terriers to pointers, are. This means that they will constantly be seeking out prey to satisfy their urge to hunt. This will often be in the form of rodents, who tend to burrow their tunnels deep underneath a garden. The only way for your dog to get to them is by digging.

So, how do you stop a dog from digging for rodents?

This is a hard one, because a hunting dog's drive to hunt is really so strong.

Your best bet would be to take the steps necessary to clear any rodents or other unwanted creatures away from your garden.

This can be difficult to do on your own, so you may need to call in the help of some professionals. However, once they are able to empty your garden of those creatures, your dog won't have anything underground to hunt for any more. This should be enough to stop him from digging. 

3. Offer Up Some Distractions

As mentioned above, dogs often dig when they are bored. However, this can quickly turn into a habit, meaning that they then start to dig even when they aren't bored.

The best way to tackle this is by offering up a few distractions to your dog whenever he starts to dig.

Can't think of anything that would distract your dog from digging?

A long-lasting chew tends to work quite well! Not only will this give your pooch something tasty to gnaw on over a long period of time, but it will also do the world of good for his gums and teeth (so long as you pick the right chew).

Interactive treat toys are also a good idea. These encourage a dog to work for their reward, providing both physical and mental stimulation.

A chew is a good way to stop a dog from digging
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of guvo59 @ Pixabay

 

4. Set Up a Doggy Sandbox

Some owners don't want to discourage their dog's natural digging behavior, but also don't want to see their garden full of holes.

Well, one way to stop a dog from digging up your garden is by providing your dog with a designated area where he is allowed to dig.

A sandbox is perfect for this, whether you opt for a free-standing box or simply create a pit of sand in the corner of your garden.

One thing to keep in mind...

You will need to spend some time training your dog with the sandbox. Make sure that he understands that while he is allowed to dig in the sandbox, digging anywhere else is a big no-no.

5. Create a Shady Area for Your Dog to Cool Off

Does your dog like to lie down in the holes that he has dug?

If so, the reason that your dog is digging is to find a cool spot to relax. The soil underground is so much cooler than surface level. This is why it is common for dogs to dig themselves a cool hole in hot weather.

The best way to overcome this is by providing your dog with cool, shady areas. This means he won't have to dig in order to find comfort. 

Trees and hedges are great for this. If you already have a few trees in your garden, try stretching a tarp between two of them. This will create a cool, shady spot beneath. You could also invest in an umbrella or tent for your pooch to relax under. If your dog tends to get extremely hot in the heat, you may want to consider placing a cooling mat, or even a damp towel, in a shady spot to encourage your dog to relax there.

6. Deter Your Dog From His Favorite Digging Areas

If there are certain spots in your garden where your dog seems to dig the most, you can place a few deterrents around to stop a dog from digging.

Many people find that placing citrus peels around their garden works quite well. Most dogs hate the smell of citrus, so will stay away from these. Cayenne pepper, and even vinegar, work in a similar way.

If your dog does not like water, then a motion-detecting sprinkler system could be a good idea.

If you would prefer to go down a more natural route, look for plants that will prevent a dog from digging. Any shrubs that have thorns would work, as would rose bushes.

Another option would be to bury some netting or chicken wire in the areas where your dog commonly digs. Flat rocks work well too. These will make digging much harder, hopefully deterring your dog.

If you want to stop a dog from digging in your garden, it is important to get started as soon as you begin to notice this behavior. Each of these six methods are extremely effective, so long as you are able to work out why your dog is digging in the first place.

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How to Create a Sensory Garden for Dogs

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Create a Sensory Garden for Dogs

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Lucian Aeris @ Pixabay

A sensory garden for dogs is a safe, outdoor space that encourages a dog to use all of his senses. Not only can a sensory garden provide so much mental stimulation for your pooch, but it is also confidence-building, stress-busting and highly enriching.

Here is everything you need to know to get started...

A Selection of Dog-Friendly Plants

The best sensory gardens are home to a wide range of different plants.

Now, keep in mind, not only should these plants be safe for your dog to nibble on, but, ideally, they should also provide your dog with some health benefits too.

Many dogs are great at self-medicating, meaning that whenever they are feeling unwell, they will head out into their sensory garden and munch on whichever botanicals they need to help them feel better. You have probably noticed your dog snacking on grass when he has an upset stomach – well, this is pretty similar, except that you're giving your dog so much more choice!

Here are some of the best plants to include in a sensory garden for dogs;

  • Catnip – this is great for dogs as well as cats, offering relaxation benefits

  • Lavender – a good plant for calming anxiety and nerves

  • Marshmallow – your dog will seek this out if he ever has an upset stomach

  • Valerian – another herb that is fantastic for anxious dogs. This one is often sold as a supplement

  • Yarrow – helps with inflammation and urinary issues

  • Marigold – can soothe emotional distress

Keep your dog's own individual issues in mind when choosing plants for your garden. Try to go for plants that would be as beneficial to your pooch as possible. It would also be a good idea to read up on plants that are toxic to dogs, so that you can ensure that none of these make it into your garden.

Add in Some Texture

Adding in plenty of texture to a sensory garden for dogs is important, and even more so if a puppy is going to be using your garden.

How do you add in different textures?

The easiest way is by getting creative with different floor surfaces, meaning that each part of your garden would feature different flooring.

A few of the materials that you could experiment with are:

  • Astro-turf

  • Long grass

  • Cushions

  • Tree bark/ wood chip

  • Gravel

  • Sand

  • Water

A covered area would also be a good idea, especially if your pooch doesn't like to get wet on rainy days.

Make it Fun

Your dog needs to enjoy spending time in his sensory garden in order to really get the most out of it.

How do you make a sensory garden for dogs fun?

One idea would be to include a small paddling pool, so that your dog can splash around on hot days. You can even throw in a few waterproof toys to make it even more enjoyable for your pup.

Pug in paddling pool in sensory garden for dogs
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of SNGPhotography @ Pixabay

 

A digging pit will also be appreciated by dogs who love to dig.

How do you set up a digging pit?

The best way is by using a child's paddling pool, preferably one with rigid sides. Fill this with sand, and then hide a few treats in the sand to get your dog going. If it rains, or if you have cats roaming around looking for a new toilet, you can easily shut the paddling pool to keep the sand dry and clean.

You could also just use a raised flower bed and fill this with soil, although you may need to spend some time teaching your dog to distinguish between his digging flower bed and your own flower beds.

There are plenty of other ways in which you can make a sensory garden for dogs fun, but this does depend on your individual dog and their personality.

Some dogs will love steps and ramps to climb, while others would be happy playing in a cardboard box. If your dog enjoys agility, try setting up a home-made agility course in your garden. You can make use of natural materials for this so that it fits in with the look of your garden. For example, use tree branches instead of plastic jumps.

Use treats to encourage your dog to play and explore the garden when you are first getting started. If your dog is extremely food-motivated, you may want to consider purchasing an interactive treat toy to include in your sensory garden.

Calming Sounds

The plants in your garden will stimulate your dog's sight, taste and smell, while the textures will stimulate his sense of touch.

However, with dogs, hearing is an extremely important sense, making this one that you shouldn't neglect when creating a sensory garden for dogs.

How do you add different sounds into your sensory garden?

There are a few different ways you can do this, and the key thing to remember is that you want to keep the sounds as natural-sounding as possible.

Why?

Because this will have such a calming and soothing effect on your dog.

Wind chimes are a great place to start. Go for wooden ones, since these tend to be the most relaxing, and place them at strategic places around your garden.

A water feature that provides the sound of trickling water can also be so relaxing, not only for your dog but also for you! You can either put one together yourself, or purchase a solar powered fountain for your garden.

If you want something bigger, consider a pond. Many dogs love watching fish swimming around a pond, but you would need to install some sort of safety barrier to prevent your dog from jumping in and drowning.

A sensory garden for dogs is so easy to create, and really does not need to cost much. As long as you have a small outdoor space where you can set this up, you can get creative with the different plants and items you include in your garden, choosing ones that work well for both you and your pooch.

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How to Bond with a New Rescue Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Bond with a New Rescue Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Purchasing a young pup from a breeder usually means that you begin with a relatively clean slate. However, adopting a rescue dog, even if that dog may be quite young, means that that your new pooch will likely come with a bit of baggage.

This can make bonding with a new rescue dog quite challenging, so here are a few tips to speed that process up.

SPEND TIME WORKING ON OBEDIENCE TRAINING

Even if your rescue dog is already trained in the basics, spending some time going over obedience training together can really help you and your pooch to bond.

How?

Because obedience training requires two-way communication. This makes it a great method for teaching a dog and a new owner how to work together.

The two of you will be fully interacting when training, and this is something that will help your rescue dog to feel more comfortable in your company.

COMMIT TO PLAYING

Just about every dog owner out there is guilty of sitting back on the sofa and watching TV, while absent-mindedly tossing a ball around every few minutes for their dog to catch.

Well, don't kid yourself...

Your dog knows very well that he doesn't have your full attention!

This may not seem like a big deal, but playing is an activity that enables your dog to let loose and really enjoy life. You want your dog to associate this with you as much as possible.

So, make sure that you commit to properly playing with your dog a few times a day. Get moving with your pooch, giving your full attention to the game the two of you are playing.

Showing your new rescue dog that his happiness is important to you will help your dog to associate your presence with happiness and fun.

DAILY WALKS

Woman with her rescue dog on top of a mountain above the clouds
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Walking is one of the best ways for an owner to bond with their dog. The fact that daily walks tend to be the best part of a dog's day is an added bonus for your pooch!

Dogs love being able to explore new places and sniff exciting scents. Having you at the other end of the leash will help your dog to feel safe and secure with you around.

Of course, off-leash time is important for your pooch too. However, you never quite know what may trigger your rescue dog to go speeding off into the distance, so keep your new pooch on a lead for at least the first few weeks. Making sure that your dog has a solid understanding of the recall command is also vital before unclipping that leash.

Getting bored of your daily dog walks?

Try mixing things up a bit!

Take your dog along different routes as much as possible. Not only will this be more interesting for you, but it will also help to keep your dog more mentally stimulated. 

If you aren't able to keep trying new routes...

Make your own route more exciting!

How?

Try hiding some treats along the way for your pooch to sniff out, or invite another four-legged friend to join you on your walk.

THE IMPORTANCE OF POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT WITH A RESCUE DOG

Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog when he has done something good.

When it comes to a new rescue dog, emphasizing these positive reinforcements can really help to strengthen your bond.

How should you go about doing this?

Try rewarding your rescue dog for all of the small, but good, things that he does.

This could be any of the following, plus more:

  • Sitting down to wait for something

  • Not barking

  • Being affectionate

  • Showing confidence

  • Being calm

What should you be using to reward your dog?

Treats are usually the best thing to use. Make sure that you hand feed these rather than tossing them on to the floor. This will encourage your dog to trust you and be more comfortable around you.

The treats could be anything from dried liver bites to pieces of your dog's usual kibble. Try to keep your treats varied, as this will ensure that your pooch stays interested and alert.

Physical touch, from a belly rub to a pat on the head, can also be a good way of positively reinforcing certain behaviors. This is also a key aspect of bonding, but make sure that your dog is comfortable with this first.

DEVELOP A ROUTINE

Dogs thrive with a routine, making this so important when it comes to helping your new rescue dog settle in.

Try to involve your dog in your own routine as much as possible, while also setting aside set times for dog-related activities.

This could mean:

  • Feeding your dog at the same time each day

  • Walking them at the same time

  • Playing with them at the same time

  • Cooking your own meals around the same time each day

  • Leaving for and returning from work at the same time each day

It won't be long before your dog knows what to expect from each day. This will help them to understand your needs too, which will enable you to bond so much better.

KEEP YOUR EXPECTATIONS LOW

No matter how much success you may have had with dogs, or even rescue dogs, in the past...

It is important to keep your expectations low when adopting a new rescue dog.

Why?

Because every dog is unique, meaning that every relationship will take its own individual length of time to build.

Feeling disappointed that your experience is not going how you expected it too will only be a barrier when it comes to bonding with your rescue dog.

Many rescue dogs have gone through tough times in the past. This means that they require so much more time and effort when it comes to bonding, compared to other dogs who will immediately give you their whole heart.

With some rescue dogs, owners form an instant bond, but, with others, the bonding process can take quite a bit of time and effort. It is important not to give up, even if progress seems slow, because your dog will eventually come around and start to see you as his new best friend.

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8 Ways to Make Life Easier for Your Senior Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

8 Ways to Make Life Easier for Your Senior Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

As your dog gets older, you will likely notice a number of physical and mental changes taking place. These can be sad to see, and they also mean that your senior dog will start to struggle with regular daily activities.

Want to make your pooch's life a little easier?

Here are eight ways you can do so:

1. MEAL ADJUSTMENTS FOR A SENIOR DOG

You may have noticed that there are several commercial dog foods out there that are marketed towards senior dogs, and this is because senior dogs have different dietary requirements to younger pups.

Generally, a senior dog will require:

  • Fewer calories
  • Less protein
  • Less fat
  • More fiber

You can either purchase a pre-prepared food, or make your dog's food yourself, following those above guidelines.

Try to also add in plenty of fresh foods, from fruits and vegetables to oily fish and eggs, as all of these will help your pooch's body to adjust to the changes that it is experiencing. Supplements, from vitamin C to kelp powder, can also be useful.

2. A SAFE AND QUIET DEN

As your senior dog begins to experience cognitive decline, your dog will often end up feeling overwhelmed by noises, people or frantic activity.

Ideally, your senior dog should have a safe and quiet space in your home where he can go and rest whenever things get a little too much.

Make sure that this space is comfortable and easily accessible, so that you can frequently check in on your dog and make sure that everything is okay.

Keeping this space warm is also important. A senior dog will likely have stiff joints, and keeping your dog warm can definitely help to ease this pain.

3. COMFORTABLE BEDDING

As arthritis and stiff joints start to kick in, your senior dog will have a much harder time getting comfy.

Make this easier for your pooch by providing comfortable and quality bedding. An orthopaedic memory foam mattress is something that your dog will definitely appreciate. It will provide support for your pooch's joints, and make it easier for your senior dog to lie down, as well as get back up.

4. BE AWARE OF FAILING VISION

It is common for an older dog's vision to get poorer, and this is something that you really need to be aware of.

How will you be able to tell if your senior dog's eyesight is starting to decline?

Common symptoms include:

  • Bumping into walls and furniture
  • Not making eye contact
  • Not being able to easily locate toys, food, or other items
  • Anxiety
  • Clingy behavior

Don't worry, there are ways for you to help!

Make sure that you keep the layout of your house the same. This prevents confusion and will keep your dog from bumping into these new obstacles.

Keeping a night-light on is a good way to help your dog navigate the house in the dark.

It can also help to reinforce some of your dog's training at this point, adding in a few extra commands. Try teaching your dog directions, such as left or right, as well as the word stop. If your dog's eyesight starts to decline even further, at least you will have a way to guide your pooch and communicate better.

5. DOGGY RAMPS AND STEPS

Is your dog used to sleeping on furniture?

Whether this may be your bed, your sofa, or anywhere else, your senior dog will soon find it much harder to jump up onto these familiar items.

Yes, you can always pick your dog up and place him on the sofa or bed yourself, but your dog will really appreciate the extra freedom of being able to continue doing this on his own.

All you need are some doggy steps, or a doggy ramp.

You can either purchase some, with there being many options available online, or make some yourself.

Place these around your house by the sofa and the bed, and then teach your dog how to use them.

6. STAY ACTIVE

Your dog will start to slow down as the years go on, but it is important that you encourage your dog to stay active.

Why?

Because exercise keeps the joints lubricated, while maintaining muscle mass. This is so important when it comes to keeping your dog healthy and fit overall.

Of course, this doesn't mean that your senior dog needs to be running miles every day...

A short, leisurely stroll may be all that your dog needs. It may not seem like much, but the movement will still really help.

You can also practice different range-of-motion exercises with your senior dog at home. Physically moving your dog's arms and legs around can help to prevent the joint fluid within them from becoming too stiff.

7. KEEP YOUR SENIOR DOG AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT

When dogs slow down and stop exercising as much, many of them end up piling on the pounds.

This is something that you definitely need to avoid, especially with a senior dog.

Why?

Because the extra weight will exacerbate arthritis. It will make it much harder for your dog to stand up and move about, simply due to the extra weight that now needs to be carried.

Being overweight can also lead to a number of health issues for your pooch, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Kidney disease
  • Cancer

You will likely need to adjust the amount of food, as well as treats, that you are feeding your dog as your dog ages.

8. BRING YOUR DOG HAPPINESS

Your senior dog will need plenty of love and support as life gets harder.

Find ways to make life more enjoyable for your senior pup.

How?

Think about the activities that your dog likes to do...

Anything from a car ride to a few extra belly rubs to a stuffed Kong treat could really make your dog's day.

Your senior dog deserves to be treated well, especially once life starts to get a little harder. You no doubt want to keep your senior dog as happy and healthy as possible, and these eight tips are a great place to start.

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Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

By Alina Jumabhoy

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Socializing a puppy is something that you need to do from the very first day you bring your pup home.

How exactly do you go about doing this?

Here is everything you need to know...

WHAT DOES SOCIALIZING A PUPPY MEAN?

Socializing a puppy means that your puppy should be meeting as many new people and animals as possible. It involves exposing your puppy to different environments, sights and sounds, making these experiences as pleasant for your puppy as possible.

Why It's Important to Socialize a Puppy

Socialized puppies grow into dogs that are comfortable with the world around them.

Proper socialization when young means that a dog is less likely to develop any behavioral problems. On the other hand, pups who are not socialized properly can often develop fear or aggression issues when they are older. This is particularly the case when the dog is exposed to something new.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SOCIALIZE A PUPPY?

Your puppy goes through what is known as a socialization period between the ages of seven weeks and four months.

The socialization that takes place during this period will have a permanent impact on your pup's personality and character as an adult.

It goes without saying that this is the most important time to socialize a dog.

Of course, if you are buying a pup, you won't be bringing him home until he is about eight or twelve weeks old...

This is why it is so important to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. They will know how to socialize the pup during this time, and will start doing so from when the puppies are just three weeks old.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A PUPPY

Socializing a puppy by introducing him to children at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When it comes to socializing a puppy, there are a few basic steps that everyone should follow:

Exposure to New Things

The world will seem like a strange place to your puppy, and an important part of socializing is exposing your pup to all of this.

Here are some examples:

  • Different people – including men, women and children of all ages. Exposing your puppy to people wearing different types of accessories, such as hats and umbrellas, can also be helpful, as can introducing your puppy to people in wheelchairs or men with big beards

  • Different animals – such as other dogs, cats, chickens, other birds and livestock

  • Different floor surfaces – including carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, marble, grass, mud, sand and wood

  • Chaotic environments – such as train stations, school playgrounds, crowded markets, construction sites

Involve Family and Friends

When it comes to socializing a puppy, this is something that the whole family should get involved in.

Your puppy needs to learn that these new experiences are safe, no matter who he may be with.

It can also be useful to have your puppy accustomed to being handled and looked after by other family members. If you need them to watch your dog while you are away, your pup won't mind this one bit!

Puppy Classes

Signing your pup up for puppy classes can also be a great tool when it comes to socializing a puppy.

What do puppy classes involve?

They will help you to teach your pup everything from basic commands to fun tricks. They are a great way for your puppy to meet other dogs and people in a safe environment.

Keep It Fun

Not only should your puppy be exposed to all of the above, but you need to also make sure that each experience is a positive one for your pup.

Keep your socializing time fun and playful, bringing along treats and toys to distract your puppy if he becomes fearful of anything. Reward positive behavior as much as possible. 

SOCIALIZING A PUPPY WHO IS UNVACCINATED

Socializing an unvaccinated puppy by carrying him around
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Well-bred puppies will naturally have antibodies from their mothers, but many veterinarians advise that puppies do not walk in areas where unknown animals may have walked. This is to prevent them from picking up a disease before their full course of vaccinations has been completed.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't socialize your pup...

You can still expose your pup to all of the suggestions mentioned above. Just hold your puppy in your arms, or purchase a bag that makes it easier to carry your pup around. Even allowing your pup to see the sights, sounds and smells of the world from an open car window can make a huge difference to his development.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A SHY PUP

Whether due to a traumatic experience, genetics, or their breed being particularly sensitive, some puppies are simply more shy than others.

This can make socializing a puppy quite the challenge...

A shy pup will react fearfully to new situations, but this makes socialization even more important.

However, you do need to make sure that you take it at your puppy's pace. If your pup seems fearful of something, put more distance between your pup and the object, and allow your puppy to explore it in his own time.

Your pup's body language will tell you when your puppy is afraid. Signs of this include:

  • Shivering

  • Excessively salivating

  • A submissive posture

When your puppy is showing signs of fear at a new situation, try not to provide too much comfort.

This can be hard to do, but you want your puppy to gain the confidence to deal with those types of situations on his own.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't reward your puppy. This is especially important when they have made any progress and shown their braver side.

While it is important to keep socialization fun and positive for any dog, this is even more the case with a shy pup.

Make sure that you do not intimidate or raise your voice at your pup. You need your pup to learn that he can really trust you. 

Remember, always set your puppy up for success.

Properly socializing a puppy is absolutely crucial if you want your pup to grow into a healthy, happy and well-balanced dog. The socialization period is not very long, so make sure that you put extra time and effort into ensuring that your pup gets as much socialization as possible during this time.

What are some of your favorite ways of socializing a puppy?

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