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The good and the bad an update
So many things, so little blogging. I know I have been lax about blogging. It is what it is I suppose. I am better at keeping my FB page updated if you want real time info for the record. This cutie is Dora. She just finished her stint on the K-9 Corrections program and headed to her new home today. They are a very lucky family. She is very smart and was a lot of fun to work with. Cute no?
The tug was a donation from the Loyal Biscuit Tug ME Toy Co. Tug is one of my Jacks favorite games and one that can really help build a relationship with a dog. Check out this great article on playing tug with your dog: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_9/features/Fun-Games-To-Play-With-Your-Dog_16059-1.html?s=FB12412
I am taking a bit of a hiatus from K-9 Corrections until spring. I need some time to recharge my batteries and figured this was a good time of year to do it. I have never been a fan of driving in the snow. Plus they are going through some changes at the facility so this will give them time to settle in to their own new routine.
On a sad note the french mastiff I told you about before that got adopted passed away unexpectedly. He had been having some behavior episodes that wasnt like him so we think perhaps he had something neurological happen. He was found curled up in his bed like he was asleep in the morning so we believe it wasnt painful. I am just grateful he had the opportunity to have a great home for awhile first. R.I.P sweet Brutus.
Zola is still doing ok. She has had a few mornings of not eating her breakfast. I think it might be because eating takes a long time for her now. Some days I have to puree her food. Her mouth only opens about 3/4 to 1/2 an inch. She is still very happy and is as spastic as always. Even the days she hasnt eaten well she still loves her stuffed Kong and chewing on her antler. She gets medications 4 times a day (for her liver shunt) and is still good about taking them all too. (luckily for me)
It is an odd thing to live with a dog you know has a short time left. In some ways it is good that you know it is coming. In theory it gives you time to prepare and you live in the moment. In other ways it sucks. I try to focus on the fact she didnt have much time left when we took her in and yet she surpassed that time. We have had her over a year when we expected to have her for only a few weeks or months. Her second birthday is in February. My fingers are crossed. We are getting a new digital x-ray machine at work soon so I am hoping to take her in to get a better look at what is going on. Maybe we can also try stretching her jaw while she is under for the x-rays. We shall see. I dont want to do anything that will bother her or put her at risk either.
Regardless what happens I am happy I took her in. She is the personification of joy. She has no idea what the future holds and she is happy and having fun. That is all that really matters. Ignorance is bliss.We should all be so lucky if you think about it. Live in the moment and have fun while you can.
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The tug was a donation from the Loyal Biscuit Tug ME Toy Co. Tug is one of my Jacks favorite games and one that can really help build a relationship with a dog. Check out this great article on playing tug with your dog: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_9/features/Fun-Games-To-Play-With-Your-Dog_16059-1.html?s=FB12412
I am taking a bit of a hiatus from K-9 Corrections until spring. I need some time to recharge my batteries and figured this was a good time of year to do it. I have never been a fan of driving in the snow. Plus they are going through some changes at the facility so this will give them time to settle in to their own new routine.
On a sad note the french mastiff I told you about before that got adopted passed away unexpectedly. He had been having some behavior episodes that wasnt like him so we think perhaps he had something neurological happen. He was found curled up in his bed like he was asleep in the morning so we believe it wasnt painful. I am just grateful he had the opportunity to have a great home for awhile first. R.I.P sweet Brutus.
Zola is still doing ok. She has had a few mornings of not eating her breakfast. I think it might be because eating takes a long time for her now. Some days I have to puree her food. Her mouth only opens about 3/4 to 1/2 an inch. She is still very happy and is as spastic as always. Even the days she hasnt eaten well she still loves her stuffed Kong and chewing on her antler. She gets medications 4 times a day (for her liver shunt) and is still good about taking them all too. (luckily for me)
Nom, Nom, Nom.
It is an odd thing to live with a dog you know has a short time left. In some ways it is good that you know it is coming. In theory it gives you time to prepare and you live in the moment. In other ways it sucks. I try to focus on the fact she didnt have much time left when we took her in and yet she surpassed that time. We have had her over a year when we expected to have her for only a few weeks or months. Her second birthday is in February. My fingers are crossed. We are getting a new digital x-ray machine at work soon so I am hoping to take her in to get a better look at what is going on. Maybe we can also try stretching her jaw while she is under for the x-rays. We shall see. I dont want to do anything that will bother her or put her at risk either.
Regardless what happens I am happy I took her in. She is the personification of joy. She has no idea what the future holds and she is happy and having fun. That is all that really matters. Ignorance is bliss.We should all be so lucky if you think about it. Live in the moment and have fun while you can.
You CAN teach an old dog man new tricks!
Okay, let me first say hes NOT OLD! My "man" that is... But, he can learn new things... Yep, three years after becoming a trainer and establishing The Inquisitive Canine, a year and a half since opening the studio...and my own husband, father of our dog, love of my life, supporter of all I get into, has finally signed up for one of my classes with our dog Poncho! I couldnt believe it... but he said he finally believes that 1) the training does work, and 2) he needs to learn some of these techniques so Poncho will perform the same behaviors with him as he does with me.
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For years Ive said that dogs dont generalize (perform same behavior in similar situations) - and that we need to re-teach them in any new situation. A new place, person (different person training), situation etc... you have to re-teach the dog...its as simple as that. Im not too sure what finally sent my hubby over the edge of not being convinced to actually "believing", but Im thrilled hes finally there! And that he is excited about coming to class and learning... He even filled out his goal sheet and is reading through his workbook!
I have to say, this has made my day - and is SO rewarding to me! I love how we positively reinforce one another - makes for a great relationship... Now Id better go catch him in the act of doing what I love and reward him for it! (husband and the dog)...
Making an escape proof x pen and toilet training ideas for crates
If you have a Precision exercise pen, doesnt matter what the hight, and you buy one of the size of 24 inches in hight, you can take apart the 24 inch pen- so that you have two segments consisting of 2 panels. Then if you zip tie the two segments together so they form a square of 4 segments, you can then zip tie this roof to the top of your original x-pen when it is in the shape of a square- you will leave one segment free of zip ties to be used as a door. Once you have completed zip-tying, remember to cut off the hanging bits. You can use the fasteners that came with the x-pen to lock the door when you leave the dog alone. 
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If your dog is not yet house trained you can try this method of preparing the base of the crate, this particular method is for a dog that doesnt like chewing and tugging. For a dog that might eat the base, you could use a piece of linoleum. AND for dogs that are strong and learn how to lift the crates up and squeeze uder, you can create a secure base in the same way you created the roof- making sure to line it so the dogs feet arent on the metal grate. You can buy tops to the pens, but they are 50$ a cover, and the medium size 24 inch pen is 63$- which you can make 2 tops (or a top and a bottom from), so is a better deal.
If you need to leave your puppy in a safe environment but are unable to return to let the puppy out to use the bathroom, you can put a square of grass sod in one corner of the pen (preferably in front of the door, as that is were they will be most likely to go, bed to the back), or a pee pad in a litter box. Grass is way better to use than pee pads as pee pads can actually train your dog to pee on anything that resembles a pee pad- for instance white t-shirts on the floor of your bed room, your pillows, your sheets, your bed etc.
Here you can see an example of what do with a little dog with extreme toilet issues. You can create a crate that only has a bed and a toilet. You can also create a exercise pen that consists of one small bed and the rest of the pen- pee pads. Then all you have to do is reduce the pads to just being in one of the corners of the crate.
P.s. Crates are a training tool. The goal is to train your dog to be calm and loose in your house. The more choices a dog has during the day, the less hyperactive and frantic the dog will be when you return home. Crates are useful when you dont yet trust the dog to not destroy your house, or your dog is not house trained. It is essential to teach your dog to love crates regardless of if they need one at home so that they are comfortable when they have to stay at the vet or in an emergency situation- like Hurricane Katrina.
My dogs are both loose in the house now that they are trusted.
An interesting trick
Another find from facebook. I thought this was fabulous work and wanted to share.
I wonder if it could also be done with photo flash cards of the object?
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I wonder if it could also be done with photo flash cards of the object?
An interview with
This blog is also what I use for my training business website. I forget that sometimes. I write about dogs because I am obsessed with my own dogs and I do alot with dogs. And I like to share info with everyone, not just potential clients. Besides my info is all there in the sidebar for anyone looking. I admit Im not the best at self selling. I give a lot of advicee away and dont do much in the way of marketing. I am working on getting my logo re-vamped however because I want to have some t-shirts to celebrate my 10 year anniversary coming up.
I was reading my APDT Chronicle recently and had this idea. Every month they profile a different member trainer to spotlight them. So I thought that I might do the same thing with their interview questions to post a little bit of info about me. Hopefully this isnt to cheesy. I will keep it simple and use the questions they used this month:
What services do you provide? I offer private in home training and behavior counseling. I also do phone consults for some of the rescue groups I am involved with.
How did you get started? The kennel club I was a member of needed to find a trainer to teach their group classes. I knew I didnt know quite enough to teach other peoples dogs so I found a trainer to apprentice with. It was a year long hands on course of work. I was fortunate in that I found a trainer who was one of the first of his kind (traditional trainers) to work with Dr. Ian Dunbar in this country. I came from a purely traditional background so positive training was new for me. While I learned how to properly use traditional methods (timing is everything in order to be fair to the dog) we worked mainly with the positive lure reward methods. I will always be grateful for that fabulous start in my training journey.
Are you involved with any dog sports or activities? I do AKC tracking for fun mostly with my pug. I think about trying for a title on occasion but havent put in the time to be really serious about it. I have shown a couple times in traditional obedience with our frenchie but got bitten by the Rally O bug more recently. I find it much more relaxed, realistic and fun for me. I also have a new interest in Treibball that I plan on pursuing.
How do you get your business, and what is your relationship like with the veterinarians in your community? Well I currently work for 1 vet full time so I have a great relationship with them! LOL Most of the area vets know me pretty well since I have worked for 2 others in the past and am very involved with my local shelter. I get lots of great referrals from them. Most of my business is word of mouth or they see me on the local cable access channel. I appear on occasion answering training and behavior questions on the humane societies show "Reigning Cats and Dogs".
Do you belong to a networking group, or otherwise consult with/refer to trainers in your area? Yes to both. I actually started a group on facebook for dog trainers of ALL methods as a way to share information in a positive setting. It is a group dedicated to promoting positive methods but in a way that isnt condescending or negative. I think trainers need to be able to share information and help educate others AND continue their own education. None of us knows everything after all. I have no problem referring to other trainers in the area. I dont offer group classes so I like to know where to best send those people looking for that service. I also know what sports other trainers teach and their methods. Because I specialize in serious behavior problems and do private training only I do not feel I am in direct competition with the other trainers. We are different in what we offer which I think is very helpful.
What is your communitys perspective in regard to positive training? I find most people who call are looking for a positive method trainer. I think we have the TV shows "Its me or the dog" with Victoria Stilwell and "The Greatest American Dog" to thank for that. They really put the spotlight on the different methods and helped teach people that they do have a choice! Its not all choking and alpha rolls out there.
What do you believe are the three most important things to teach a dog? This is sort of a trick question because every dog needs different skills to live peacefully in its own home. A 100lb dog who jumps on people would need to learn "off" while the 5lb dog could get away with that for instance. But in general it would be: Leave it, wait (going out the door, jumping out of car, etc) and the recall.
What cases do you find most challenging? What techniques or philosophies have you found helpful in dealing with them? The cases where people feel at their wits end. They have tried everything and want me to come in and fix everything in one quick session. I find that simply teaching them how to communicate effectively with their dog, and how dogs learn, is a huge help. Once they understand that part of the lesson it is much smoother sailing.
What advice would you give other trainers about working with dogs and their owners? Be patient! We make things look easy because we have been doing it for years. We understand how timing works. The client needs time to learn it and practice it. And, never ask a client to do something with their dog you wouldnt do with/to your own dog.
Can you offer a specific tip or trick for working with dogs or owners? My favorite trick to show clients is to teach a dog how to ring a desk bell. I find this is the best way to show how marker training works. It is also a great thing to teach a dog of an owner who wants their dog to have a clear signal for potty time. Win/Win!
What was your scariest moment with a dog? It was a second session with an aggressive shepherd. For some reason the clients did not have the dog on a leash when I arrived (tho they usually did) and he grabbed my arm as I came in the door. Fortunately he released me quickly and did not break the skin. I always remember to remind clients of aggressive dogs to leash them before my arrival now.
What are the top three things you have learned as a trainer? Never be afraid to ask for help if you are stumped. Always admit if you dont have an answer and then get the answer for the client. You need to take time for yourself or you will burn out.
What was the last training-related seminar you have attended? Self Control and Focus Games with Dee Ganley CPDT/CABC/CDBC
Are there any specific books, authors, DVDs, or seminars that have influenced you as a trainer? There are SO MANY great books and videos out there now! For books: "The other end of the leash" by Patricia McConnell Phd is a top fav. "The thinking dog" by Gail Fisher is a brilliant explanation of clicker training and has great historical info on traditional training. "How to teach a new dog old tricks" by Dr. Ian Dunbar is great. I love his lure reward training for deaf dogs too. "Aggression in dogs" By Brenda Aloff has alot of great info. For videos: I love "The power of marker training" by Leerburg. One of my favorite parts though is Ed Frawly admitting he was wrong about clicker training. "The language of dogs" by Sarah Kalnajs is a must have for anyone who works with dogs. Nowadays you also have websites and youtube videos that are excellent. My favorite website is http://www.dogstardaily.com/ and for youtube training videos none are better than the Kikopup channel.
I think everything you read and watch influences you as a trainer in some way. And I have been to some fabulous seminars over the years, all of which has helped me in my training journey. I say read as much as you can and watch as many training videos as you can and attend as many seminars as you can. I think it all helps when it comes to becoming a better trainer. No matter how many years someone has been working with dogs, there is always more to learn!!
Any other questions??
The memorial of an old friend
Todays post was written by a friend of mine about her dog Buster. I found it to be a wonderful tribute and thought it should be shared. So many people discount adopting older pets but they need homes too. This is also the story of how an older dog touched one families heart, and an example of how they can bring so much love into a home.
My beloved dog Buster went to Heaven today at the age of 16. He was, and always will be, the best dog ever. His contribution to our lives is so significant that his story needs to be told, and I will try my best to do him justice.
We adopted Buster from the Knox County Humane Society when he was 11 years old. We had no plans to adopt a dog that day, or even to visit the shelter. But as the kids and I were on our way home from shopping, the Spirit moved me to stop there and “just look”. That’s what I told the shelter attendant when she greeted us; that we were “just looking”. She immediately pointed out the dog in the lobby with her, Buster, who she explained was like the shelter mascot. Everyone loved him, she said. Visibly, it was obvious he had come in as a mistreated and neglected animal. He had a skin condition and was missing fur in a number of places. He had warts on his face and body, his teeth were rotten, his ears were infected. And there were two baseball-sized growths on the front of his chest. Then she tells me he is 11 years old. Well I can tell you that if I had no intention of adopting when I came in, I certainly didn’t plan on adopting an elderly dog with a laundry list of health issues. She must have sensed my skepticism and quickly pointed out that he acted very young for his age, that the growths were only fatty tumors, that his other conditions would resolve with time and care, and that he really was a very sweet dog.
We decided we would just check out the other dogs. As the kids and I walked through the kennel, it was surprising how few dogs they had that day. And all of them seemed aggressive and unsuitable for our home. So we headed back to the lobby thinking we would leave, and Buster greeted us there. He looked up at me as if to say, are we going home now? Before I knew it, I was filling out paperwork to take him home on their “slumber party” program, where you can bring the dog back within a week if things don’t work out. He hopped into the car like he’d done it a hundred times. Since we had no plans to adopt that day, we needed to buy dog food. Not knowing how he would act in the car, I waited with him while the kids went in the store. Buster went on high alert, watching them go into the store and never taking his eyes of the entrance until they came back out. I was amazed that he had become so protective so quickly. But they were “his boy” and “his girl” from the moment he got into the car. And before we got back home, there was no question that he was our forever dog. I finalized the adoption right away.
The shelter gave me Buster’s file at the adoption. His history was shocking to me. He original owners had him for 10 years when they relinquished him to a shelter in southern Maine. The dog they described was not the dog I knew. They said he was aggressive, didn’t like children, and that the wife wanted him gone. But he was the sweetest, smartest dog I had ever met. To this day, I can not fathom how anyone who owned Buster for 10 minutes - let alone 10 years - could give him away. But based on his condition, they obviously didn’t love him. After that Buster was transferred in and out of shelters for over a year, and was adopted out for a 3 month period during that time. The people who relinquished him to KCHS cited the reason because he had a “bladder problem”. They also said he was left alone for 13 hours a day. That’s not a bladder problem, that’s a neglect problem. From this and other things we observed in his initial behavior, it was clear he had lived 11 years of abuse and neglect.
Even after we adopted him, he faced more struggles. We had Buster scheduled for surgery as soon as we could. He needed the large fatty tumors removed from his chest, as they were making it difficult for him to breath, and he needed many rotten teeth extracted. Surgery for an 11 year old dog can be rough, but he came through it with flying colors. In the few years that followed he was attacked by a neighborhood dog, and was practically ripped apart. But he completely recovered from that too. Then he suffered from canine vestibular syndrome, which is like a stroke. It was so bad that neither the doctors nor I thought he would survive. But not only did he survive, but he completely recovered again. He is the bravest, toughest dog ever!
God brought Buster and I together at one of the lowest points of my life. He gave me hope and peace and a joy that helped me face the trials of life. He understood me and cared for me and offered me companionship and comfort whenever I needed it. Some people say I rescued him. But the truth is that Buster saved me! And he taught me so many life lessons. For example, how to stop worrying about what people think of your appearances. Most people looked at Buster and saw his warts or tumors. But I saw his beautiful spirit. And so I learned not to be so critical of myself, and that what’s on the inside matters far more than what is on the outside. And he gave that unconditional love to my children too. It is entirely possible that without Buster, I might never have even met my husband. Buster also taught me how to slow down and look at life through kinder eyes. And especially in this past year as his body began to succumb to the ravages of old age, he helped me to cope with and accept my own physical disabilities. I took a lot of criticism from family and friends when I adopted “such an old dog”. But these years with Buster have been the best of my life and I wouldn’t trade my time with him for anything. My compassion for the struggles of the elderly has grown, as there is such a great need for people to open their hearts to the aged - both people and pets.
A friend shared this quote with me: “The magnitude of our grief when we lose someone special from our life is a measure of the magnitude of the love and blessings we have received from them.” This is true. However, there is no way to fully express all the joy and love he brought to my life. No way to truly honor what an amazing dog and friend he was. And there is equally no way to convey the grief our family is experiencing. We will miss him always and he will never be forgotten. What I pray for now is that his story will touch someone’s heart in a way that inspires them to advocate for animals and the elderly.
I believe with all my heart that God has taken Buster home with Him. I look forward to the day when he greets me at the gates of Heaven.
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My beloved dog Buster went to Heaven today at the age of 16. He was, and always will be, the best dog ever. His contribution to our lives is so significant that his story needs to be told, and I will try my best to do him justice.
We adopted Buster from the Knox County Humane Society when he was 11 years old. We had no plans to adopt a dog that day, or even to visit the shelter. But as the kids and I were on our way home from shopping, the Spirit moved me to stop there and “just look”. That’s what I told the shelter attendant when she greeted us; that we were “just looking”. She immediately pointed out the dog in the lobby with her, Buster, who she explained was like the shelter mascot. Everyone loved him, she said. Visibly, it was obvious he had come in as a mistreated and neglected animal. He had a skin condition and was missing fur in a number of places. He had warts on his face and body, his teeth were rotten, his ears were infected. And there were two baseball-sized growths on the front of his chest. Then she tells me he is 11 years old. Well I can tell you that if I had no intention of adopting when I came in, I certainly didn’t plan on adopting an elderly dog with a laundry list of health issues. She must have sensed my skepticism and quickly pointed out that he acted very young for his age, that the growths were only fatty tumors, that his other conditions would resolve with time and care, and that he really was a very sweet dog.
We decided we would just check out the other dogs. As the kids and I walked through the kennel, it was surprising how few dogs they had that day. And all of them seemed aggressive and unsuitable for our home. So we headed back to the lobby thinking we would leave, and Buster greeted us there. He looked up at me as if to say, are we going home now? Before I knew it, I was filling out paperwork to take him home on their “slumber party” program, where you can bring the dog back within a week if things don’t work out. He hopped into the car like he’d done it a hundred times. Since we had no plans to adopt that day, we needed to buy dog food. Not knowing how he would act in the car, I waited with him while the kids went in the store. Buster went on high alert, watching them go into the store and never taking his eyes of the entrance until they came back out. I was amazed that he had become so protective so quickly. But they were “his boy” and “his girl” from the moment he got into the car. And before we got back home, there was no question that he was our forever dog. I finalized the adoption right away.
The shelter gave me Buster’s file at the adoption. His history was shocking to me. He original owners had him for 10 years when they relinquished him to a shelter in southern Maine. The dog they described was not the dog I knew. They said he was aggressive, didn’t like children, and that the wife wanted him gone. But he was the sweetest, smartest dog I had ever met. To this day, I can not fathom how anyone who owned Buster for 10 minutes - let alone 10 years - could give him away. But based on his condition, they obviously didn’t love him. After that Buster was transferred in and out of shelters for over a year, and was adopted out for a 3 month period during that time. The people who relinquished him to KCHS cited the reason because he had a “bladder problem”. They also said he was left alone for 13 hours a day. That’s not a bladder problem, that’s a neglect problem. From this and other things we observed in his initial behavior, it was clear he had lived 11 years of abuse and neglect.
Even after we adopted him, he faced more struggles. We had Buster scheduled for surgery as soon as we could. He needed the large fatty tumors removed from his chest, as they were making it difficult for him to breath, and he needed many rotten teeth extracted. Surgery for an 11 year old dog can be rough, but he came through it with flying colors. In the few years that followed he was attacked by a neighborhood dog, and was practically ripped apart. But he completely recovered from that too. Then he suffered from canine vestibular syndrome, which is like a stroke. It was so bad that neither the doctors nor I thought he would survive. But not only did he survive, but he completely recovered again. He is the bravest, toughest dog ever!
God brought Buster and I together at one of the lowest points of my life. He gave me hope and peace and a joy that helped me face the trials of life. He understood me and cared for me and offered me companionship and comfort whenever I needed it. Some people say I rescued him. But the truth is that Buster saved me! And he taught me so many life lessons. For example, how to stop worrying about what people think of your appearances. Most people looked at Buster and saw his warts or tumors. But I saw his beautiful spirit. And so I learned not to be so critical of myself, and that what’s on the inside matters far more than what is on the outside. And he gave that unconditional love to my children too. It is entirely possible that without Buster, I might never have even met my husband. Buster also taught me how to slow down and look at life through kinder eyes. And especially in this past year as his body began to succumb to the ravages of old age, he helped me to cope with and accept my own physical disabilities. I took a lot of criticism from family and friends when I adopted “such an old dog”. But these years with Buster have been the best of my life and I wouldn’t trade my time with him for anything. My compassion for the struggles of the elderly has grown, as there is such a great need for people to open their hearts to the aged - both people and pets.
A friend shared this quote with me: “The magnitude of our grief when we lose someone special from our life is a measure of the magnitude of the love and blessings we have received from them.” This is true. However, there is no way to fully express all the joy and love he brought to my life. No way to truly honor what an amazing dog and friend he was. And there is equally no way to convey the grief our family is experiencing. We will miss him always and he will never be forgotten. What I pray for now is that his story will touch someone’s heart in a way that inspires them to advocate for animals and the elderly.
I believe with all my heart that God has taken Buster home with Him. I look forward to the day when he greets me at the gates of Heaven.
Buster: Best dog ever!
Dogs Celebrating the 4th of July Can Create An Explosive Situation
I remember when I was very young going to Echo Park every 4th of July for the fireworks show. I also recall hiding under my pink blanket, tensing up, whimpering a little, all out of fear. My parents were very cautious, keeping me and my brother safe. But it didnt matter. I guess the sound of the explosives, the crowd, and all the smoke were way too much for me.
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As I got older I certainly understood the whole concept of the celebration of this festive summertime holiday, but it doesnt mean Im any less fearful. Ive been known to enjoy watching the various shows from afar...but Ill be honest, I still get a little twinge of anxiety whenever I hear the loud explosions. Maybe its because these "bombs" can cause damage and harm to all animals, and the environment. Especially when alcohol is involved.
Okay, my intention isnt to be a party-pooper...Im looking forward to going out and celebrating as well...spending time with friends and whatnot. But, as a certified professional dog trainer, and dedicated dog mom to Poncho, its my priority to keep him safe and out of harms way.
Im sure youre planning on protecting your pets as well, but Id like to pass along a few safety tips for keeping dogs (and kitties) safe this holiday:
- Manage your environment! If youre having a party, or going to be bringing your dog to a party, it might be best to have them confined to a specific out-of-harms-way area with proper enrichment such as chew bones or a stuffed food toy, or tethered to you with a leash. Ive said it before and Ill say it again: If something is within reach (including jumping up or climbing on tables to get it), it’s going to be investigated! Please keep any and all food items out of our reach. This includes closing the barbeque cover. Jumping up on a hot grill isn’t very smart, but some dogs haven’t learned that yet - like when kids touch a hot stove.
- Food items: Although some dogs have a rock-gut stomach, many others do not. Please make sure you you stick with your dogs regular diet. And ask all of the other humans to refrain from handing out snacks, no matter how much your dog begs. Some foods aren’t good for dogs and they might not know it. You can always post a reminder sign in plain view for everyone to see.
- BBQ Accessories: Lighter fluid, charcoal, matches, lighters: All of these items used for the barbeque are often placed in areas where many dogs like to sniff around. Please be aware of where they are placed, and to keep them out of reach from the top dog CSIs.
- Alcoholic beverages: Alcohol can be poisonous to dogs so please keep all beverage containers (except our fresh water) out of reach.
- Decorations: Candles, tiki torches, oil lamps, and other decorative products like this can be fun to investigate. Unfortunately they can cause harm if they fall over on dogs, or are eaten. So again, if your dog is running around the house, keep these items in a safe place or put away altogether.
- Keep all pets inside your home where it is safe. Sometimes the explosions scare us and we like to run away.
- ID and License: Make sure your dog (and kitties too) are wearing a collar with license and ID tag. Just in case they take off, the authorities will have a better chance of finding you.
- Stay home or have a pet sitter: Leave your dog at home. Fireworks shows are fun for all of you humans, but for many of us dogs they’re too overwhelming. If you aren’t able to stay home with them, consider hiring a professional pet sitter or have a friend come over to hang out and comfort your pets.
- Medications: If the anxiety is too much for your dog or cat to handle, contact your veterinarian about the various medication options for helping to reduce noise phobia anxiety.
Another step you’ll want to take is having phone numbers and other contact information handy.
- Animal Poison Control: If your dog or cat ingests something they shouldn’t have, you can contact the animal poison control center 24/7
- Pet Emergency Clinic: Know in advance where the nearest 24-hour pet emergency clinic is and the fastest way to get there. This is something I was reminded of in the Pet First Aid & CPR course I just took with Denise Fleck. The day that we had to rush Poncho to our own pet emergency clinic, VMSG, we had to think very hard of how the best way to get there was. The clinic had recently relocated, and we ended up going the wrong way - this was our own fault for not planning ahead! Its also doubly important if you are traveling with your dog and are unfamiliar with the area youre in.
I’m not a party-pooper. Trust me, I love a barbeque and a party as much as anyone. But whatever you end up doing this weekend, please make sure you take those extra steps in keeping your pets safe so you can enjoy celebrating more holidays together!
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