Guest Article - The Importance of Puppy Training

Puppy training and socialization are extremely important, since the puppy stage is the most critical time in the development of the dog.  The training that is done (or not done) during this stage of development will forever affect the behavior of the dog.

A puppy that is well adjusted and properly socialized will make a good companion. It will be neither aggressive to nor frightened of anything or anyone it would typically encounter in day-to-day life. A dog that is not properly socialized will be untrustworthy and possibly even a liability, because it could become a fear-biter and get into fights with other dogs. Unsociable dogs have difficulty adapting to new environments, and a routine visit to a veterinary clinic could turn into a nightmare for everyone involved. Avoid the hassles by starting puppy training right away.

The period of socialization lasts until the puppy is approximately 12 weeks old. However, at that three-month mark, the socialization process does not end, as it is important that your dog’s socialization skilled continue to be refined. It is easiest to socialize the puppy before it is three months old. Any later and it becomes a time-consuming process that few owners will have the patience, energy or money for.

Puppy training can assist you in creating and maintaining a balanced and healthy state of mind in the growing pup, since you will understand how it operates and might react in different situations. Being aware of the personality of the puppy enables the owner to step in to correct possible behavioral issues prior to them becoming problematic. 

Teaching the puppy how to sit, come, stay, drop it and not to bite could prevent the pup from eating something it shouldn't, save some fingers, or just make life less hectic when the puppy listens from the start.

Bear in mind the importance of remaining patient at all times. Training assists the pup in learning confidence and feeling good about itself. Gain its respect and trust by showing respect, and an unbreakable bond will be formed.

Calming Signals

This article was inspired from the book by Turid Rugaas “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals”.

We know dogs speak a different language then us. And the more we understand that language, the better relationship we will have with them.

Dogs use calming signals in order to maintain good social relationships with each other. These signals help them keep the peace when meeting new dogs, playing and in stressful situations.

Some common calming signals include:

• Licking/Smacking the lips – dogs that are uncomfortable with a situation, for example having a camera too close to their face will often start licking or smacking their lips.

• Yawning – many people assume a dog yawning means he is tired. He might be but more likely he is feeling stressed for some reason and trying to calm himself. Or he is yawning to reduce the stress of another dog, or even you. In turn you can do the same for your dog. And you can even fake it.

• Averting eyes/Blinking/Turning Away – staring is often considered a challenge in a dog’s world. A confident dog can help an insecure dog by deliberately avoiding direct eye contact by blinking, averting the eyes or even turning away.

• Sniffing the Ground – this can be easy to miss since dogs spend half their lives with their nose to the ground. Dogs will sometimes sniff the ground when first meeting a dog or if a human is walking straight towards them. It’s like he’s minding his own business or at least wanting to look that way.

• Lifting a Paw – dogs may lift a paw if they are unsure and nervous or if they are trying to calm down another dog.

• Sitting/Lying Down – dogs will often sit or lie down to diffuse a potential fight. This is also a common way of trying to calm down an angry human. If you ever approach your dog with an aggressive energy, your dog might just spontaneously sit or lie down.

• Freezing – it’s not uncommon for smaller dogs to freeze when bigger dogs approach and sniff them, or if they feel threatened by a human yelling at them.

• Moving Slowly – have you ever noticed your dog move toward you slowly when you call him with either frustration or anger in your voice? Moving slowly helps calm dogs down. They may also calm down another dog by approaching them slowly.

• Moving in an Arc – this is considered a more polite way for dogs to meet as opposed to face to face. This approach allows both dogs to sniff each other at the same time. You can also help a nervous dog by approaching him the same way.

• Splitting – often misread by humans as a dog being jealous by getting in between two dogs or a dog and person. You may see dogs do this when play gets a little rough or when dogs are fighting. Getting in between fighting dogs can be a more effective way of diffusing the situation as opposed to when we pull them apart which often increases their intensity.

If you start paying more attention to your dog, you will likely notice him using the various calming signals in different situations. Once you do, it can open up a whole new world for you and your dog.

 

DogSpin

This one is for you dog people living in or visiting the Big Apple. You and your pooch will have plenty to do together.

DogSpin is a website that will help you navigate your life with your dog in NYC.

It features articles and resources to help people navigate life with their dog in NYC. DogSpin has things like:

• Weekly write-ups on dog friendly excursions in NYC such as a cruise on the Staten Island ferry, hitting the Chelsea galleries with your dog, checking out the Union Square Green Market and its pet jerky, Dog Day with the NY Mets, the Broadway Barks event, or getting Pooch-inis at the Shake Shack.
• Dog run maps, with info and photos so people can learn more before they go.
• Info on 101 of the dog friendly hotels in NYC.
• Dog trip ideas out of the city like to Montauk, the Catskills and Glen Highland farms.

You can also find local pet stores, vets and hospitals, daycare and boarding, trainers, dog walkers and so much more.

For info on the go, follow them of Twitter or Facebook!

  

Useful Product – Etira Pet Dryer

Dogs are funny. Mostly everything they do is the best. Walk time is the best. Dinner time is the best. Play time is the best. Bath time is the best? Well maybe with the new “Etira” pet dryer, it could be.

We dog people know all about getting dirty, don’t we. Over the years we get a lot of bath time with our furry friends.

Now this looks interesting, a dryer made especially for your dog. This product features:

• Powerful  - it has 4 times the power to dry your dog faster.
• Quiet – the low-mid decibel frequency sound reduces stress for dogs who are sensitive to noise.
• Automatic/Hands free – automatically moves up and down to allow for hands free use.
• Ideal air temperature – optimal temperature (40-45 degrees Celsius) is just warm enough for your pooch but won’t damage her skin.
• Clean air – the antibiotic filters on both sides provide clean air for both dog and groomer.

Looks like a great investment for groomers and dog lovers.

Find Dog Stuff

I am passionate about dogs and I love to learn about them and in turn help others to learn about them. The more you know about dogs, the better relationship you'll have with yours.

It's so easy to learn these days, just pick up your device of choice, ask Google a question and voila you have unlimited information at your fingertips. That can be good and bad. It can be challenging to weed through all the information and find what resonates with you.

Find Dog Stuff will help you do just that, find dog stuff. It's for dog lovers and up and coming dog people. There are easy to read articles on subjects such as: how to choose the right breed for you, what you need for your new puppy, practicing leadership, dog behavior, how to choose a good dog sitter, what to expect in the senior years, age related issues, how to tell an illness from an emergency, what items are poisonous to dogs and what are good dog toys. This is the type of information us dog people need to know. No matter how many of us write about these things, it’s always good to explore another’s opinion.

The site is growing so check back often. Be sure to share an article if you like it, either on any social network, by tweeting or emailing it to another dog lover. We can never learn too much about our loyal and loving furry friends.

Iqaluit Humane Society

I don't live in Iqaluit. But I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for the Iqaluit Humane Society. You see my dog Judique was rescued by the IHS. My husband and I adopted her on November 28th, 2011. She was 6 months old at the time.

Just 3 months earlier they had to close their doors to housing animals due to a lack of volunteers and an abundance of animals. In desperation they reached out to other no kill shelters. As it turned out, the SPCA of Western Quebec was not only willing to help, but were able to adopt out all of the dogs they took and agreed to take more. And from that a wonderful partnership was born. Sending dogs south has since become a weekly tradition which is called "The Dog Run". These runs are courtesy of Canadian North airlines who donate cargo space. To date, over 250 dogs have been given a second chance to live the life they deserve. Our Judique was one of those lucky dogs. And we’ve met other dogs from Iqaluit too around town. It’s not hard to spot those Northern beauties!

“The Iqaluit Humane Society 2007 is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned animals and promoting the humane treatment of companion animals.”

The IHS is run by volunteers and is now a registered non-profit organization. They rely on donations and funds from events throughout the year. And they need help right now. They've recently launched a 60 day fundraiser called “Save Arctic Animals – The IHS Mission”.

Please consider donating to this amazing organization that does everything to better the lives of strays, abandoned and abused animals.

 If it wasn't for these two amazing shelters, we wouldn't get to look at this precious face every day!
  

Judique at the SPCA of Western Quebec

Judique enjoying life

Here is a video of Judique playing with her friend Kali at the dog park, who is also an IHS rescue.


Please share this post to help me raise awareness for this cause which is so near and dear to my heart.

Thank you.

Canada Day and your dog

As you gear up to celebrate Canada Day this year, please remember that fireworks and dogs don't usually mix well. They can be very traumatic for your dog. Most dogs aren't exposed to fireworks very often and therefore never get the chance to get used to them.

Outdoor Celebrations

If you are going to an outdoor event, it's best to leave your dog at home. Take him for a nice long walk before you have to leave. This is a good day to leave him on leash during your walk just in case you hear an unexpected fireworks around your neighbourhood. Some people just can't wait until the evening to start the fun. Play some classical music to help keep him calm him if the fireworks can be heard from your house.


House Parties

If you are having people over, make sure you are aware of where your dog is at all times. Even just the loud noise of people having fun can make some dogs anxious. Just be aware of how your dog is feeling and act accordingly. Take turns between having him outside with your guests and being inside the house in a safe place. If it's hot remember to have access to cold fresh water and shade at all times.

Remember not to baby your dog or use a high pitch tone to calm him if he does get anxious. It's important for you to assure him there is nothing bad going on. You can use distraction (a game, a toy or a treat) or take that time to bring him inside for some quiet time.


Keep this information in mind for any big celebration or party. They are all the same to your dog!


Have a safe and happy Canada Day!