Crate Training Your Dog Creating a Home Sweet Home atmosphere

Ive been working with many new puppy parents, as well as families that have recently adopted adult dogs. From each and every one, Ive received the proverbial crate question: "What do you think about me crate training my dog?" Fortunately I have an answer: I think you should. Why? For a few reasons.

1. Bedroom: Just like us humans, our domestic dogs need a place to call their own. A safe, comfortable, warm, cozy environment where they can be by themselves. 
2. Retreat: A crate can also be that safe-haven "den" (or bedroom or crib) where they can retreat in times of stress. For instance, if youre having lots of company, and your dog is overwhelmed, they can go off on their own, with a yummy chew toy, and chew until they fall fast asleep. 
   
3. Management: Those times when you dont have time to train your dog, or supervise and monitor their behavior, a crate can act as confinement to help set them up for success. If theyre in their crate, theyre not roaming about eliminating on the new rug or chewing up furniture. 
4. Pet Preparedness: You never know when you might need to put your dog in a crate. Crate training is a huge part of Pet Preparedness. If you even need to evacuate because of disaster, many places will require that your pet be in a crate. As I mention in all of my dog training classes, dog training workshops, and private dog training clients, you want train it before you need it! 

So, what are some of the best ways for you to get your dog used to their "sanctuary"? The training steps are pretty simple actually, but just like any new behavior, you need to teach them slowly, helping them create a positive association. 

Creating a Home Sweet Home For Your Pooch: Crate Training Overview

• How to make the crate the best place to be: The "Dos"
• Take the time to teach your puppy or newly adopted adult dog that their crate is a fun, safe, relaxing place to be. Make it comfortable with bedding the individual dog finds comfortable (not what we humans think is)
• Make sure the crate is large enough for your pup to be able to stand up turn around, and get comfortable. 
• Teach your pup to associate their crate with all good things. 
• Start slow and easy - treats for looking at the crate, going into the crate, then staying in the crate - for only a few seconds at a time. While youre still there with them. 
• Keep the door open until your pup is going in their on his own. Once your pup is going in on their own, you can begin closing the door, feed treats through the door. Let your pup out, then all treats stop. Hell soon learn that being in the crate is much more fun than being outside of it. 
• Feed him his meals in the crate 
• Chew bones in the crate 
• Food toys in the crate
• Crates can still be used for a "Time Out" since the punishment is more about losing out on something the dog wanted, like freedom or playing with a family member or friend. A Time Out for a dog should only be for about 20 seconds. And, if they already have a positive association with their crate, and 99% of the time good things happen in their crate, then they shouldnt end up hating their crate. Just like when children are sent to their room, its not the room they hate but the fact that they lost out on participating in some other activity. 

• How to teach your puppy or newly adopted dog to hate their crate: "The Do NOTs" 
• Refrain from shoving your pup into the crate and slamming the door, and walking away. 
• Refrain from pushing your dog into the crate and leaving them there on their own, after never being left alone before. 
• Refrain from leaving them in the crate for so long that they soil their crate. 
• Refrain from using the crate for punishment only. 
• Refrain from using the crate as a "Time Out" because of house soiling or some sort of house destruction. The crate can and should be used for confinement when house-training. But, if a dog soils the carpet, its the humans fault, not the dogs. You dont want to inadvertently punish your dog for greeting you when you get home. 

With time, patience, and consistency you too can get your dog to love their crate. You might create such a wonderful environment youll want to crawl in there too! 

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Dog Ear Infection Types Causes and Home Remedy Treatments

In this post of Dog Ear Infection Types, Causes and Home Remedy Treatments, well get to find out the problem and hopefully the solution to it.


Depending on a host of different factors, your pooch could end up suffering from a dog ear infection.


The condition can cause a substantial amount of pain and discomfort in a dog, so youll want to know how to recognize it and what you should do about it. The good news is that ear infection in dogs is highly treatable and preventative measures can also be taken to help ensure that problems dont arise to begin with.

Depending on the type of dog ear infection that your pal is suffering from your veterinarian could prescribe or suggest several different medication options. These include Otomax ear drops and Cephalexin antibiotic for bacterial infections, and Mometamax ear drops for yeast infections. In either case, Epi-Otic Flush or Temeral-P can also be used depending on your vets recommendations.


Or, you may try home remedy dog ear infection treatment using white vinegar (also called as acetic acid). You have to dilute the vinegar using 1 part vinegar with 1 part water. After that you apply it with a squeeze bottle with a nozzle. This will change the pH in your dogs ear canal and make it an unpleasant place for yeast or bacteria to grow.

Picture shows a Vet is checking a dog for ear infection.


The two primary sources of dog ear infection are bacterial infections and yeast infections. There are natural balances of both bacteria and yeast in your dogs inner ears. Either one of these can become out of whack for a variety of reasons, potentially leading to overgrowth and a resulting infection. While these two problems are somewhat related you should be able to differentiate between fairly easily.


A bacterial ear infection in dogs could lead to unusual or excessive discharge from the ears, swelling and pain, and redness. The most important distinguishing characteristic is a pungent odor that youll notice, and definitely recognize if you clear out your dogs ears from wax.


A yeast dog ear infection will carry some of those same symptoms, but could also lead to scaling, dryness and itching. This kind of infection can also spread to other areas of the dogs face. The odor from a yeast ear infection in dogs will be chalky, so you should be able to differentiate between these two primary causes.


Dog ear infection can be caused by a variety of different factors. Often times they can be caused from a situation in which the dog was immersed in water. Water that then doesnt get removed from the inner ears can lead to imbalances and growth changes. So if you take your dog swimming or give him a bath, be sure to dry those ears out. Also regularly clean out your dogs ears in any case. Instead of using Q-tips those, use soft cotton balls. You can coat these in an ear cleanser for an effective and quick preventative cleaning.


Ear infection in dogs can also stem from hormonal imbalances and hereditary or genetic conditions. For example hypothyroidism can lead to a dog ear infection and can be treated with Soloxine from your veterinarian. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone than others and dogs with very floppy ears are also more likely to suffer from dog ear infection because its easier for water and other substances or materials to get trapped in their ears.


Its also common to mistake certain ailments with ear infection in dogs when there are actually other causes. For example if your dog rolls around in the grass a lot, particularly high or weedy grasses, a foxtail could get caught in his ear. This can really get lodged up there and it will be very painful to the touch, causing a lot of discomfort. You can try to remove this with a pair of tweezers but they could become so deeply rooted that you may need to go to the vet for help.


Other ear problems that your dog can run into besides a dog ear infection will be infectious ear mites. These are usually received via contact with another animal that has the problem, and can be treated with specific medications. Fleas, ear tumors and of course direct trauma or impact on or near the ear can also lead to ear problems and can be mistaken for ear infection for dogs. Be sure to consider all of the possibilities and do your best to find out whats really causing the symptoms so you know how to proceed.

You might love those floppy ears on your pooch but they can make your dog more susceptible to ear infection in dogs. Even other breeds with smaller or pointed ears can be susceptible to dog ear infection. Learn to recognize between bacterial and yeast infections, along with all of the other potential ear ailments your dog could be suffering from and youll be able to find the right course of action.


So read out this Dog Ear Infection Types, Causes and Home Remedy Treatments for the better of not just your dog, but anything around it too.

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Hes a prince that needs a home

I have a breeder friend who took back a dog after being in a home for 5 years. This is what a good breeder does. They either take back a dog they bred when it needs a new home OR helps the owner find the dog a new home. THIS is just one reason why I support reputable breeders.

This obviously gorgeous Chow Chow boy needs a new home. One where limits will be set fairly for him. His is a bit of a Cinderella story, only in reverse. He was spoiled on an estate and had acres to roam, kids to play with and staff to attend to him. (yes, he literally had staff) Sadly his owner was uncomfortable when he protested being pulled out of the car (one of his favorite spots) and decided he was to much dog for her. Now he is back at the kennel and wishing he was in a home he can call his own again. To protect his identity I will call him "Prince".

He has lived with kids and does fine with female dogs. He is VERY social and loves people. He also has a great willingness to learn and might make someone an excellent obedience prospect. (He still remembered his High Five trick I taught him when he was a pup.) If I didnt already have a big hairy dog in residence he would probably have come home with me.

Now I admit I am slightly biased about him. He was here for training when he was a puppy and I got to work with him when he spent some time with the breeder while the family traveled. ( http://k-9solutionsdogtraininginc.blogspot.com/2008/01/good-day-at-office.html ) I also LOVE this breeders dogs. She breeds with health in mind and her dogs have wonderful temperments.

 He comes from completely health tested lines, is already neutered and crate trained. He is used to going to the groomer regularly as well. He is 5 years old, which in her lines isnt even close to old. (15 years is average)

While he does need a home that will set limits, macho owners need not apply. These dogs do not do well with force methods that insult their intelligence. 

"Prince" in action. 

One of the things I have found ironic is how fast people leap into action with a dog that has a sob story. Show a photo of a dog that has been abused, or suffering from a medical condition and people line up around the block to help out. Post a dog that isnt in danger of being euthanised and comes from a good background and you can hear the crickets chirping. I understand why, people love a sad story. And people want to see those dogs get a good home fast. Yeah his previous home was nice enough, but it still wasnt all it could have been or he wouldnt have been given up. "Prince" would like a real home too. So please pass this on so he can get his own storybook ending. Thank you!

Serious inquirys can e-mail me at CanineHelp@aol.com or call me at 207-354-6488. His breeder isnt online as much as I am so I am helping by screening calls. He is located on the coast of Maine. 

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Anaheims Dog Stolen in Home Invasion Robbery Reunited with Family

The Story of Anaheims Dog Stolen in Home Invasion Robbery Reunited with Family - It happened on Wednesday morning at a home in the 10400 block of Brookhurst Street, near Cerritos Avenue, in an unincorporated area of the county.


Police are looking for an armed home invasion robber who terrorized a grandfather in Orange County, before stealing some electronics & the familys dog.


The 59-year-old victim, who spoke to KTLA, said they saw a man come in to his yard & try to steal his cockatoos.


"I saw the man carrying my birds, & then I asked him what is they going to do with my birds? & then they lays it down, pick[s] up the gun, & I start jogging inside."


The man said they locked the back door behind him, but the suspect, armed with a semiautomatic handgun, broke it down.

The suspect found him hiding in a back bathroom, & pointed the gun at his head.


"He was pointing the gun at me. I said, Probably, this is my last," the man told KTLA.


They pleaded with the suspect not to shoot him.


The suspect ran away with a computer, some other items & the relatives pet, a one-year-old Chihuahua named Blanca.


Fortunately, Orange County sheriffs spokesman Jim Amormino was at the scene, & decided to drive around the neighborhood & look for the dog.


They found her only a few blocks away, & returned her to the relatives.


Someone with information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriffs Department.


The suspect remains at giant.


Other than that dangerous story about that robbery, anaheim is actually a very nice place with lots of vacation spot, check these out for more access to the beautiful state:
anaheim sports tickets
costa mesa tickets
del mar concert tickets

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Home Remedy For Dog Vomiting

If you were looking for Home Remedy For Dog Vomiting, then you are at the right place now, this is the tips on home remedy for dog vomiting.


Think about this for a second.  Every dog is going to go through a bout of dog vomiting at some point in their life.  It is simply a natural reaction to remove a substance that is irritating the stomach lining or intestines.  As you probably already know, dogs are not terribly discerning in what they eat and that can often get them in trouble.


If you are asking the question”What can I give my dog to stop vomiting?” the answer is nothing.  Literally withhold her food for 24 hours and let her vomit the substance up.  Make sure she has access to plenty of water so she doesn’t dehydrate.

If your dog starts having dry heaves, give her a couple of dollops of plain yogurt and that should settle her stomach.  After 24 hours start your dog on a bland diet.  Actually baby food is a great solution, particularly rice as it is bland but packed with nutrients.  Chicken broth is also a good starter as it will replace salt lost through vomiting.

Vomiting and regurgitation are common in puppies and small breeds for another reason.  If they are on dry dog food, they may simply eat too much.  When the dry food hits the stomach it will absorb fluids and expand, literally filling the dog up.  When dogs eat too much, the fastest way to get rid of the excess is to throw it up.  If this is a common occurrence with your puppy or small breed, simply reduce the portion that you serve for each meal.

So long as your dog remains alert and active during the vomiting bout there is probably nothing wrong and it will run its’ course within 24 hours.

Aren’t you glad?

There are instances however, that can be signs of serious problems.

Parasites such as round worms which are passed from the mother tothe puppy can cause an intestinal irritation.  Mature roundworms can reach seven inches in length and look like spaghetti.  If your dog’s sputum has these creatures in it, it is time to see the vet.

Giardia is another single cell parasite that exists in at least 11% of all dogs.  This bacteria is easily transmitted by contact with other dogs or simply the soil they walk on.  Typically Giardia symptoms include both vomiting and diarrhea and needs to be treated at the veterinarian’s office.

Sudden violent vomiting, or attempt to vomit, can mean an obstruction in the stomach or intestine and requires immediate medical attention.  Dogs will eat anything that smells right to them, coins, ping pong balls, rubber duckies you name it.  When that item blocks the intestine it cuts off the blood supply and the intestine below the blockage will begin to die.  These obstructions are very dangerous and require urgent care.

Vomiting can just be a part of natural life for a dog or a signal of something far more serious.  I think you already know the importance of being able to make informed decisions about your pet’s health.  Your pet is counting on you to know what to do.


So we hope you find this Home Remedy For Dog Vomiting information could be helpful, see you till next time.

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House Training Dogs Who are Visiting Your Home

My inquisitive canine Poncho the dog was working overtime yesterday (while hubby and I were stuck in traffic) to help our friend Karen Lee Stevens of All For Animals. She had written to us about providing a few dog training tips she could use while taking care of a foster dog Tinker during the holidays.

Poncho did an excellent job of providing dog training tips on his Ponchos Prose blog, including making sure she was creating pleasant associations so Tinker would enjoy anything new &/or different - people she met, places she went or situations she encountered. Poncho also included tips that focused on house-training for dogs and how best to introduce cats and dogs, especially since Karen is the proud parent of Bella, a doggy loving kitty cat.

Karen, who is a columnist, editor and writer herself, had a follow-up question regarding the issue of house-training. Well, I thought Id give my hard working inquisitive canine some time to relax (it is his favorite day - Garbage Truck Monday) and Ive addressed it myself. The following is Karens question to me, with my answer - hopefully Poncho will approve.

If you too have any questions, please feel free to submit them to our Dear Inquisitive Canine dog behavior advice column that can be found on both Noozhawk and Powerwomen Magazine, both online news websites.

Thank you for such a thoughtful blog, just for Tinker and I!!! She spent the first night at my house last night and I quickly discovered that shes not housetrained!! Three accidents, including one on the bed. I take her outside every two hours and she wont go, but the minute I bring her back inside, she lets loose. Do you think scented potty pads will help?!

Other than that, she and my cat are doing great together -- Miss Bella is especially interested in the new variety of food being served in the kitchen. :)

Best, Karen

Hey there Karen! As a certified professional dog trainer (and in my personal opinion), taking the extra time to teach Tinker to eliminate outside (or the #1 place you want her to go) is ideal - as opposed to allowing her to potty in multiple places. Unless you live in a high rise building or your living situation (weather/your age/your physical limits/dogs age/dogs physical limitations) doesnt allow you to take your dog outside, then I personally like to avoid pee pads. Dogs dont discriminate too easily between pee pads and a nice soft mattress :-)

So, these are a few things Id suggest you do:

• First thing in the morning or 30 minutes after you feed her, grab your laptop, newspaper (for reading), DS, iPod, favorite book, a snack for yourself, and a yummy treat for Tinker, put her on leash, get her outside where you want her to go, and wait...wait...wait...walk her around to sniff...wait...wait...wait...walk her around...And as soon as she goes - reward her heavily with petting, praise, and that yummy treat youve been holding in your pocket! Youre basically throwing a huge potty-party! If its safe you can take her off leash too for fun and games...(freedom is another reward).
• The "enrichment" for yourself is so youre entertained while ignoring her. Try to refrain from saying things like "go potty honey" - because until she knows what that cue means, youll be wasting your breath - and probably getting more frustrated.
• If youve waited for at least 15 minutes, and she still hasnt gone to the bathroom, then bring her back in, but keep her tethered to you, or in your lap - Dont allow her to wander off on her own...Then, take her out every 20-30 minutes until shes gone! She will go, trust me! You just have to be patient.
• Oh, and finally, once youve started the reward process, continue doing it over and over and over....we can never be thanked enough times for performing behaviors others want from us :-)

Speaking of, THANK YOU for writing to me and trusting me to help you reach your goals!

Joan

For additional house-training tips for you and Tinker, please see Ponchos blog posts on house-training dogs from a canines point of view, and my own dog training house-training tips right here.

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