Holy cannoli! What used to be your little puppy potato is now a one-year-old!
First of all, give yourself a high-five for surviving the whirlwind of the first year. Seriously, you've done an amazing job getting to this point! While they may have outgrown some of their puppy habits, such as excessive chewing or accidents indoors, they are still in the throes of teenagehood, which has its own challenges.
Adolescent dogs love to find your button and push it ... again ... and again... Patience is paramount! Embrace this new chapter with open arms and continue to nurture their physical and mental well-being through regular exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of love.
This week's focus:
Dealing with leash reactivity
Preparing to travel with your pup
Tips for moving with your dog
Clear the air: steps to take if a wildfire were to break out
Baking your pup a birthday cake, and more
Is Your Dog Leash Reactive?
Oh boy, dealing with a leash-reactive pup can be ruff! The majority of leash-reactive cases are actually based in fear or frustration.
Training is key!
You can get started by pairing the appearance of whatever makes your dog react (like another dog, person, or unicycle) with something they absolutely love (like turkey hot dogs, cheese, or fresh chicken).
Then, connect with a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in leash reactivity. They'll work with you and your pup to build confidence and teach new coping mechanisms for those bouts of barking and pulling.
Are you planning a road trip or taking to the skies with your pup soon? Safety first! Start by making sure your doggie co-pilot has a comfortable and secure travel crate. Be sure to pack plenty of food, water, and treats (including calming ones and calming pheromones), as well as needed bedding and a favorite toy or two.
Remember, it's always a good idea to do a trial run before the big trip to ensure your pup is comfortable and calm. If you plan on flying with your dog, the rules and regulations about dogs on planes are becoming more restrictive. And flying them in cargo is not always the best choice.
Be sure to check your airline's requirements way in advance and make sure you and your dog's veterinarian are comfortable with them.
You may find that you'll be moving at some point with your dog, whether it's down the street, across town, or across country. Moving is stressful enough, and add in trying to prepare your dog, keep them calm, and help them acclimate to their new digs is a lot to handle. Don't worry – with a little planning ahead, you can make it easier for both of you.
If moving locally, it can be helpful to introduce them to what will be their new neighborhood beforehand — like taking a sniffari in that area to familiarize them to the sights, smells, and sounds.
On moving day, it's best to have your pooch stay with a friend or pet sitter away from all the hustle and bustle and to prevent them from bolting out open doors and getting lost.
When you finally arrive at the new home, make sure their favorite toys and belongings are unpacked first so they can sniff out some familiarity amidst the chaos. Spraying calming pheromones and giving them a calming treat can help soothe their stress and anxiety.
One of the harder training skills for dogs to learn is walking politely on leash. This takes time and practice, so at a year old, it's not uncommon for a dog to still be learning this.
Don't give up, and stay patient and consistent. A great game to play at home indoors or in a fenced yard is Heel Tag. Practicing off-leash heeling makes on-leash manners even better!
If you're planning a boat trip with your furry first mate, it's important to prepare them for smooth sailing. Start by teaching them how to safely board and disembark with their life jacket on — imagine yourself as a doggie boat captain, directing your pup to hop on and off with style.
Once on board, help them settle in by practicing the "place" cue, so they know where to comfortably plop their adorable tush while you navigate the waterways.
With a little training and a lot of love, you and your pup will be ready to set sail on unforgettable boating adventures!
The news advises us to stay indoors when the air quality is poor – the same applies to our pets. This is especially true for pets with heart or respiratory issues. Besides those with known medical issues, brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced pets), puppies, and senior dogs are at higher risk for inhaling too much smoke. As wildfires are becoming more common, it's essential to know how to best help your pup avoid inhaling the resulting smoke.
Most of us know that ticks can carry various diseases that can be very detrimental to our health, and the longer they remain attached to us, the more likely they are to transmit these diseases. The same is true for dogs. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for dogs to prevent illness, and it's good to get in the habit of checking your dog's fur/skin after each walk or hike in an area where ticks live.
Before you can remove a tick, you need to know where to find them on your dog's body. Ticks tend to hide in warm, moist areas. Think armpits and groin, between toes, around the tail, eyes, and inside or outside ears.
Become a canine pastry chef and whip up your own doggie birthday cake for your pup! But if baking ain't your thing, no judgment if you go out and buy a special-made pupcake for your birthday dog.
Foxtails can lodge into your dog’s ears, paws, and nose, sometimes with serious consequences. Foxtails (grass awns) are nearly impossible to avoid and pose a real danger to your dog if left unchecked. But don’t start thinking you need to go into permanent indoor hiding. You can do a lot to keep your dog safe from foxtails.
It can happen fast. And it's devastating. Pets can suffocate when they get their heads stuck in snack bags, and it happens more often than you think. Knowledge is power! It's easy to prevent these tragedies. Pour snacks into bowls, store cereal or other bagged foods in containers, and always cut bags twice before throwing them away.
We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.
Harnesses that help with loose leash walking
A harness won't completely fix (or cause) pulling – only training will teach your dog what to do instead. But certain harness designs can make it easier and safer for you to walk your dog on leash.
If you find a tick on your dog, use a tick-removal tool (your best and easiest option) or a good pair of fine-tipped tweezers or curved hemostats to remove it as close to the skin (and the tick’s mouthparts) as possible.
If your dog is struggling with behavior problems or you're just not sure what the next steps are in their training journey, connecting with a certified professional trainer is a great option. We're here for you!
Meet virtually with Cathy Madson, our very own dog expert and Family Dog Mediator who specializes in behavior problems like aggression and anxiety. Getting support early on is always better than trying to fix a bigger problem later.
.jpg?width=1120&upscale=true&name=Version%20B%20Pupstanding%20All%20About%20Barking%20Virtual%20Workshop%20(1).jpg)
