Surviving the Puppy Years - Destruction

I have heard so many stories about people's puppies eating their shoes, destroying the drywall around the house and it makes me wonder; where were the humans when this was happening? Do they let the puppy go wherever she wants? Is the puppy not in a crate when they go to work? How come they aren't seeing this destruction happening?

Since getting a puppy I am a firm believer in limiting their freedom in the house and back yard. This wasn't always the case. I once saw a neighbour with a puppy on leash in her backyard. Where I live we have huge backyards and my first thought was how cruel to have a puppy on a leash when the yard is so big. Now that I have a puppy I understand perfectly. She was probably training her puppy to go to the bathroom in a particular place. Or preventing her puppy from destroying her garden, etc. by teaching her where she can or can't go. If you’ve never had a puppy, that might be difficult to understand. It’s now crystal clear to me.

Puppies are very curious and therefore want to explore everything. A problem for us humans is that the way they explore is with their mouth. That is ok when they are exploring their chew toys, but not so great when it’s time to learn about your furniture. And until your puppy learns the rules, she is going to think anything is acceptable.

My puppy is very rarely out of my sight, especially inside the house. I am reluctant to let her go wherever she wants because I know what can happen. Don't feel bad if you have to leash your puppy inside the house. You are teaching her rules, boundaries and patience. You can either tether a leash to a table, couch or anything that can withstand her weight. You can have a bed set up with a toy for her, that's what I do. Or you can attach the leash to yourself. I personally find that my puppy calms right down when put on a leash inside the house. Of course if you haven't exercised your puppy enough, you may find her not responding the same way.

Of course the goal is to have her free in the house just like my other dogs. I adopted them both when they were 8 years old so this was never an issue. They were both calm and never once did anything to make me even consider confining them. So I know there's a light at the end of this tunnel. And the constant supervision is all for the best.

Our first puppy training class is starting tomorrow. I am excited to learn someone else’s training methods and introducing my puppy to another new experience. I am always happy to learn new things about dogs since I love them so much.

Happy puppy training.

Dog Artists

Most people are camera happy when it comes to their dogs. We want to capture all of those special moments to remember. Doesn’t it just seem like your dog is posing for you? They warm your heart with their silly antics and often look like they are smiling. I wonder if they know how darn cute they are.

These days it’s easy to have your favourite picture turned into a beautiful oil painting.

Dog Artists are based in London but deliver world-wide.  Their artists are “top dog”! You can even have them work from several of your favourite pictures to create the perfect portrait of your best friend. It’s a wonderful way to commemorate the special bond you have with your dog.

Check out the blog for interesting articles about the portraits. Or the FAQ section to learn everything you need to know about acquiring a portrait of your dog. If you’d like to see some of the work of the artists, go to the portfolio. You will get a good idea of the quality work being done and what you could expect to get.  Choose the portrait style you like and find out which artist would best suit your preference. The price guide is also listed so there’s no guessing. Shipping is free anywhere in the UK.

Create a masterpiece that will last a lifetime.

Pampered Paw Gifts

We all buy our dogs gifts. Pampered Paw Gifts not only offer unique gift ideas for your pooch, they also give back to numerous organizations that help save animals. They donate a portion of their profits to their local animal organizations.

Having three dogs of my own all from shelters it is so great to know that there are companies out there who care so much about animals.

They believe we can all help and they are right. Here is a list directly from the Pampered Paw Gifts website to show you how easy it can be to help an animal.

Donate items to your local pet rescue or shelter

  

• Blankets to use as pet beds
• New/used leashes, collars, cat and dog toys, crates, training equipment, baby gates, play pens, treats and food, cleaning supplies

  

Donate money to your local dog rescue or shelter

• $50 can help spay or neuter a cat or dog
• Planned giving—leave money to your favorite pet charity in your will
• Fundraise for a specific shelter by setting up an online fundraising page

  

Offer Your Professional Services

• If you’re a trainer, donate time to help with obedience training.
• If you’re a vet, give a discount for your services for rescued animals.
• If you’re a groomer, donate your services to pets awaiting adoption.
• If you’re an event planner, help dog rescue organizations with event coordination and outreach.
• If you raise livestock, provide access to your flock to train herding dogs!
• Volunteer your time

  

Foster a pet

• Volunteer to transport dogs — to events, to prospective homes, etc.
• Post flyers for pets awaiting adoption
• Forward emails to your network of family, friends and colleagues
• Volunteer at or attend adoption days and events
• Help bath pets for adoption days
• Spread the word about pet rescue and pet overpopulation
• Walk a dog at the shelter or play with some toys with a kitty
• Call an animal shelter or rescue — ask at your local shelter how you can help.

  

Take action

Suspect a dog is being neglected or abused? Report it! Trust me you can make a difference, I have and it is so rewarding!

Make a difference http://www.pet-abuse.com

Sponsor a Dog

• Contact a shelter to learn about pets in need
• Choose a cat or dog to help and learn that kitties or doggies' story
• Set up a personal fundraising page for that cat or dog using firstgiving.com
• Send that page to all your friends and ask them to keep forwarding
• With a little help from your friends you can help pay for an expensive surgery that might not have taken place without your efforts

Help to spread the word by posting the list on your blog or website.  Together we can stop the suffering of innocent animals everywhere.

Website:
http://www.pamperedpawgifts.com/community-corner.html

Surviving the Puppy Years - Off Leash Dog Parks

I cannot say enough about off leash dog parks, especially since getting a puppy. Our other dogs have enjoyed going to the local dog park over the years but I've never considered it a lifesaver until now.

If you have a dog park near you or within a short driving distance, I highly encourage you to try it out. It's like an intense workout; it drains energy and is fun all at the same time.

We have been taking our puppy to our local dog park as often as we can, mostly on weekends due to work and time constraints. I can tell you that an hour or so at the park and you'll have a puppy that is too tired to get into trouble. The saying "a tired dog is a good dog" is very true.

The dog park is fun for us too, it's good exercise, we're out in the fresh air and surrounded by dogs. We have even started recognizing the regulars and they us.

Socialization

All dogs need to be socialized. It's one of the most important things you'll do for your puppy. It's so important for them to meet other dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. And the bonus is they will also be exposed to all the different dog owners as well.

Play time

Play time is a big part of socialization. Your puppy will be meeting so many different dogs, dogs with different temperaments and tolerances. That is so valuable for your puppy to learn that not all dogs want to play at the same intensity as them or at all.

At times you may see things at the dog park that seem aggressive or unfair but for the most part the dogs are taking care of things the best way they know how, without our interference. That being said you should have control of your dog and be aware and ready to intervene if things do get out of hand. Inevitably there are incidents but they are few and far between.

It's interesting to watch and see how your puppy interacts with different dogs, especially when they first approach each other. Without being leashed with anxious or tense energy from us, they are free to meet each other their own way.

I have seen many dogs not appreciate the approach my puppy sometimes takes. She's a runner and loves to pounce on other dogs. This is cool with many dogs as it usually prompts immediate play but not so cool with others and they let her know it. This is valuable information for her. She lives with two senior dogs and is sometimes just too excited to respect them. But the more she learns at the dog park, the more she will bring those lessons home.

Keep socializing your puppies!

My puppy looking for some dogs!

Two of my dogs enjoying a quiet moment at the park.

Surviving the Puppy Years

Puppies! They are cute, adorable, innocent, playful, energetic, full of beans and often holy terrors!!!

As a brand new puppy owner, I've decided to document my journey and progress with my puppy in a series of articles.

All puppy owners have challenges and unique situations. My current situation includes my new puppy of seven months old. She is a Samoyed/Husky mix. I also have an 11 year male Belgian Shepherd mix and a 14 year old female German Shepherd/Collie mix. And just to add that much more of a challenge, I also have two senior cats, both over 15 years old. So you can imagine with all of us old ones, this young puppy has been an absolute shock! I knew  puppies have a lot of energy. But knowing that and actually experiencing it are two very different things.

I'm constantly being reminded that I don't have as much patience as I thought I had. And I don't like to admit it, but I've questioned my sanity a few times to bring a puppy into a house with two other dogs and cats.

But besides the obvious challenges of a multi dog household, there are advantages to having older dogs around. Their corrections are much better timed than my own, and just the right intensity to stop a puppy in their tracks. And their calm dispositions do have a positive effect on her.

Whenever my puppy does something that my older dogs would never do, I have to remind myself "she's a puppy". I must think that about 20 times a day. It's so hard to remember that everything is new to a puppy and they are curious, have endless energy and want to play all the time.

So far the absolutely most important lesson I've learned is that getting frustrated makes everything worse! But why is keeping your cool so difficult sometimes? How can a little tiny puppy push your buttons to the point of sheer anger? It's happened to me more times than I care to say, but I do know that if I just keep at it and remind myself that I am in control, it will get better. I won't give up.

One lifesaver we have discovered is our local dog park. It boats acres and acres of wooded trails and open areas. Whenever we go we always see many dogs of all ages and sizes. The dog park serves many purposes. It's absolutely wonderful for draining your puppy's energy; it provides your puppy with much need socialization skills, with both dogs and humans. And allows your puppy to run and play.

Another important lesson I've learned is that time outs are not just for children. My goal is to have a calm household. I realize puppies have a lot of energy and that draining that is essential. And in return I expect good calm behaviour. When my puppy gets too excited she  goes berserk. I've discovered that tethering her on a leash in the house forces her to calm down. Some people may think that's cruel but I disagree. I am simply disagreeing with the behaviour and controlling it. Once she calms down, I praise her and remove the leash. If she stays settled down, she can be free with the rest of us.

Keep in mind; it's your house and your rules. You are providing your puppy with food, water, shelter, health care, exercise, socialization, toys, love and countless other things. You have the right to expect certain behaviour in return.

• Set rules and be consistent
• Socialize with dogs and people as much as possible
• Exercise, exercise, exercise
• Give your puppy affection only when she calm

Crate training has been very helpful. At night and when we are out of the house, we don't have to worry that our puppy is messing things, chewing things or disrupting the other animals (other than having to listen to her whining). It's an easy way to potty train as dogs don't usually mess in their crate so the minute she comes out, she goes outside. If/when your puppy cries in the crate, be strong and don't give in. If you do you will be teaching them that making noise works and that is the last thing you want. At all costs ignore the behaviour. If you have just walked your puppy and she has relieved herself, she is fine. When you do let her out, make sure she is calm. And never ever put her in the crate as a punishment. Her crate should be a place to sleep and be associated with good things like feeling calm or getting her Kong or a treat.

I highly recommend taking some sort of puppy training class. Even if you have a lot of knowledge about dogs and already know how to train them, it's still a great opportunity for all of you. Your puppy will meet other puppies and  new people, and you will undoubtedly discover something you didn't know or didn't think of. And it's never a bad thing to explore different training methods. Not all dogs respond to the same to training so trying new things can be very beneficial.

If you are also experiencing the joys and challenges of having a puppy, remember that as difficult as it may be at times, all the hard work will pay off and you will have a loyal companion for life.

Bliss Paws Dog Massage

We already know how beneficial massage can be for humans. But did you know your dog can also benefit greatly from massage?

Massage benefits all dogs, from young to old and whatever your dog's lifestyle or activity level. It promotes relaxation, stimulates blood circulation, relieves stress and anxiety, can strengthen immunity, aids in digestion, improves joint flexibility and just feels good!

Dog massage requires extensive knowledge of a canine's anatomy and a love and passion for dogs. At Bliss Paws, you can rest assured that your furry friend is in good hands that are certified in both Canine Massage Therapy and Animal First Aid.

If you live in the Los Angeles to Orange County area, contact Bliss Paws and they will come to your location and give your dog one of the different massages types. The “Signature Service” includes all of the following:

• Swedish
• TTouch
• Acupressure
• Stretching
• Myofascial Release

If you choose the “Signature Service”, you can also add any of the following additional services:

• Cold Stone Massage
• Yoga Ball Exercise
• Aromatherapy Paw Care
• Aromatherapy

Visit the website for more information about each massage type.

Gift certificates are also available and a great gift idea.

Bliss Paws Dog Massage

Your Aging Dog

Aging is inevitable for us and our dogs. And it can be sad to watch your once strong and energetic dog struggle to get up the stairs and keep up on your walks.

Usually though, as the body ages, your dog's spirit is still there.



Behaviour

You will notice your dog sleeping more and more as she ages. And she may not spring out of bed like she used to in the morning or when you get home.

And she may seek more private places in the house instead of being near you all the time. When my senior dog started doing this I found it the hardest thing to except. For the entire time she's lived with me, she's been my shadow. Her retreating to the bathroom after dinner was the most significant sign to me that she's nearing the last stage of her life. Like humans, she has her good days and her bad days. Days where I'm sure we'll be parting soon and then days after that make me wonder how I ever thought that. The point is to cherish every minute you have with your dog. At this time of her life, she deserves your patience and understanding more than ever.

Health

Your senior dog will slow down and may show signs of hip problems or arthritis. Always consult your vet for advice, options and treatments for your senior.

Massage is very beneficial throughout your dog's life but especially as she ages. It's bonding time, relaxing and feels good on those achy bones and muscles. And it's a good time to check for lumps which are very common in older dogs.

Senses

Your dog's sense of hearing and sight will also dissipate as she ages. This can affect her behaviour if she is startled. Be careful to not suddenly wake her from sleep or sneak up behind her.

Diet

When your senior starts walking less, don't forget to adjust the amount of food you give her. If you aren't sure what amount is correct, the best way solution is to weigh her weekly and adjust it accordingly.

As many older dogs tend to have hip and joint issues, you might want to consider adding a glucosamine supplement to your senior's diet.

Exercise

Shorter more frequent walks, even if only walking around your backyard can be beneficial for your senior dog.

Senior dogs can still be very playful so don't forget to initiate play with them. Just adjust to their needs, throw the ball a shorter distance and do activities that won't push them too much.

Enjoy this time and try not to think about it as nearing the end of your dog's life. Your dog isn't thinking that way. She's just slowing down and enjoying her retirement. Cherish the time you've had and will continue to have with her.