How to pick the right kind of Dog Boots

So it's been hot here in Arizona! The long summer months make it hard to do things with your dog. If you want to take your four-legged best friend with you, you probably considered getting him/her some doggie boots.
In this blog, I want to answer some commonly ask questions about dog boots. How to choose the right type of boot, how to properly fit them, and how to get your dog comfortable wearing them.

Why get them?

 

If you walk your pet on asphalt or concrete you should consider them during the hot summer days.
Dog boots aren't just great for protecting your dog's paws during extreme temperatures, like hot summer days in Arizona. For cold winters, boots can insulate your dog’s feet from cold snow, ice, and salt, and are great for keeping your dog's feet clean when it's really muddy outside. If you hike in different kinds of terrain, boots can make sure your dog's paws aren't injured by protecting from the dangers of sharp rock, brambles, burrs, cacti, and foxtails. If you have a senior dog or one with mobility issues, boots can help with traction on slippy floors in the home.

 

What kind should you get?

 

There are plenty of choices when it comes to buying dog boots for your canine companion. In general, depending on the need for boots, different types should be considered.

• Boots with thick rubber soles are best for extreme temperatures and rough terrain.
• Waterproof boots are great for mud or during winter time
• Breathable mesh boots are better for hot summer days
• Lightweight sock like boots are great for indoors to help with traction on slippery floors
• Taller boots are better for rain and snow 

 How to get the right size boots for your dog

Sizing varies with style and manufacturer, so don't just buy by size, but rather take a moment to carefully measure your dog's paws. To do so, take a blank sheet of paper and let your dog stand on it with his front paw. With a pen mark around the paw. Do the same for the hind foot. Now measure the width and length of the paws using the outline on your paper. The most important measurement is the width, as it mostly determines the size. With these measurements in hand, review the sizing chart of the brand you are buying.

Train your dog to be comfortable with his boots

It's important to give your dog some time to get used to the boots. Don't just put them on his feet, rather take the time to gradually teach him/her to be comfortable wearing them. The biggest mistake owners make is to just put the dog boots on their pet and leave them to get used to them.

Start with only the fronts and make sure the boots are properly secured so they will not fall off. Then put your dog on the leash and walk around the house or backyard for a few minutes. By walking around, you give your dog something to do, and s/he will not just sit and chew off the new boots. Once your dog is walking normally with the boots on, you can toss a toy or ball off-leash.
After a few minutes, take the boots off, but continue to play to reward the dog. Repeat for a few times and eventually add the hind boots to this routine.

Once you use the boots for regular outings, make sure to check his/her paws for soreness or wear marks. Just like human shoes, dog boots fit differently on each dog and you want to be sure your dog is wearing boots that fit without hurting his feet.

You may also like our YouTube video on the same subject:

I hope this information is helpful to you and would love to see your comments on the subject.
As always stay cool and keep your paws on the road!

Bee Walker

5 Canine Travel Experts share their travel tips

With summer vacations at it’s peak, I decided to interview a few Canine Travel Experts.

 I've asked them to tell me about their main reason for traveling with their furry friends and what they feel is essential to take with them on their journey. They also shared some helpful online resources they use and what they find most challenging during their travels with pets. Lastly, they share some tips on skills they feel are important to teach dogs to make them good travelers. 

1. Shandos Cleaver

Shandos currently travels around Europe with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Shandos is the founder and blogger-in-chief of Travelnuity, a travel blog focused on dog-friendly travel around the world.

“I love to travel, but I also love my dog, a Miniature Dachshund called Schnitzel. Like most pet owners, both my husband and I miss Schnitzel greatly when we travel without him, plus he misses us. All of us are a lot happier when we travel together, even if it complicates travel somewhat.

We found it's a must to have a pet carrier that meets the transport guidelines but also allows your dog to be comfortable. Schnitzel loves his bag so much that he tries to get inside, if he thinks we're leaving. If you travel by car, ensure your dog has a seat-belt or harness so the dog is secure at all times.

Unfortunately, there's not a single app or website we can turn to when preparing for our trips. We travel through different countries in Europe and use a variety of sites. Whether booking accommodation or flights, it's necessary to plan far ahead. It’s often difficult to find dog friendly options, so we learned to be flexible, especially when something doesn't turn out to be dog friendly that we expected to be.

I highly recommend three things: get your dog used to being in a crate, used to being in different environments with lots of people, and train your dog to be well behaved while dining out.”

 

Find out more about Schnitzel and Shandos at Travelnuity.com

 2. Preston Schutte 

 

Preston lives in England and travels with Zeus and Hades, his two rescue-puppies through Europe on his motorcycle.

"I love that I don't have to leave them behind for weeks at a time and don't have to bother my friends to watch them. Seeing Zeus and Hades on the back of my motorcycle seems to bring joy to other people as well.

I make sure to bring their goggles and helmets. I would hate for them to catch a bug or rock in their eyes. Waste bags because nobody likes to find a strangers' dog waste. The only other thing important for me is a tie out stake, so I don't worry about finding something to hold them with while tenting. I have checked out a couple of Apps (Petlas, Dogbuddy, SiteSeeker) but haven't used them. I am not that interested in planning my trips with such detail. I used to get so focused on the plan that I would miss a lot. Most campsites seem to be pet-friendly.

Zeus and Hades aren't that well trained, so I would feel a bit of a hypocrite to tell others what to teach their dogs. I would say most pet owners would benefit from having a dog with a bit of obedience training; a house-trained dog is definitely important and so is a well-socialized dog. Know your dog's limitations!" 

If you would like to follow Preston on his motorcycle adventures, subscribe to his YouTube Channel "UncleRocco's Modern Life", as he intents to vi-blog about it there.

3. Kayla Fratt

 

 

Kayla is a freelance writer and dog behavior consultant. She currently travels with her boyfriend and border collie, Barley, from Canada to Argentina.

“I’m a big runner and hiker, so traveling with Barley means I always have a partner for adventures! He travels really well, so it’s like having my best friend and a piece of home with me everywhere I go. As a professional trainer, having my dog with me is also good advertising.

We don’t travel with much beyond the basics: leash, collar, KongWobbler, collapsible water bowl and a few toys.

To prepare for travel, I’ve used BringFido.com for some things. Mostly, I just find dog-friendly AirBnbs and take it from there.

One of my challenges is that I don’t want strangers to come up to pet my dog, and it’s often hard to avoid that when your dog goes everywhere with you. On long driving days, I often worry about stopping for lunch in the heat.

I recommend Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol for dogs that travel. It’s almost the only thing I used to teach my dog to calmly lie under tables at coffee shops and bars. I tell everyone about it! Teaching your dog to come when called and leave it are absolutely life-saving skills any dog should know. And, of course, walking nicely on leash will make taking your dog places just a lot easier and more pleasant.”

Read about their travel adventures at Kayla’s blog “El Perro Tambien” or visit her on her website JourneyDogTraining.com.

4. Courtney Dickson

 

Courtney, a Travel and Lifestyle Producer and creator of A Bulldog Abroad, travels the world with her Frenchie, Cutter.

 

“Our Frenchie Cutter comes with us everywhere! When we're home he is always by our side, so why not continue that as we explore the world? Also, it saves us needing to get someone to look after him while we are gone. He travels well, and there is nothing better than knowing he's waiting to greet us at the hotel if we've had to leave him there for a few hours.
We always take his blanket so he has familiar smells. He knows to sit on it in the hotel room, car, or at the airport. It's his spot and a little piece of home.
We pack a couple of his toys, food and if we have room his food/water bowl. These are the basic essentials we pack on our trips. To check pet passport rules and regulations we use PetTravel.com, before visiting a new country. Sometimes it just takes a little extra time to find the right pet-friendly hotel in the location we are staying in the comfort level we like.

Many hotels will not allow dogs to be left alone in the room. When you are able to leave your dog alone, he/she shouldn't disturb other travelers by barking. If your dog is a barker, you should work on this before you travel with him/her, otherwise you may wish to leave the dog with someone you trust.”

Follow Courtney and her Frenchie Cutter at A Bulldog Abroad – Luxury travel with your pet.

5. Bruno Maiorana

Bruno is a teacher and writer, who travels the Americas with his dog Bong Gu, as a way to raise awareness about animal abandonment issues. His message: “There's no excuse to abandon our pets.”

 

“What are my favorite things about traveling with Bong Gu? Waterfall showers, finding wild animals, sleeping under the stars, feeling her warm body during cold nights and the sounds she makes when she's dreaming and imagining she's probably dreaming of me.
To ensure we will never get separated, the most important item is a capsule she wears in her collar with my email and phone number on it.
Bong Gu and I travel mostly on foot, sometime we walk 10 or 12 hours in a day and I couldn't have done most of it without maps.me a GPS app. On our travels, packs of wild stray dogs in the outskirts of towns have been most challenging for us.

If I would recommend one thing to teach your dog while traveling: Teach your dog to stay by your side and trust you completely. If I tell Bong Gu to wait, she knows, I have a good reason to ask her!”

For more information on Bruno and Bong Gu, visit them on Instagram MyLastVacation or see Bruno’s website Best Friends stick together.

I hope you enjoyed our Expert Roundup on traveling with your dog. Please leave your comments below and check back for more exciting canine travel tips and other dog related subjects.
To share your own travel adventures with us, join our Facebook Group 

Until next time: Keep Your Paws on the Road!

Bee

 

Pet Safety for the 4th of July Celebration

Just a few more days and it's the 4th of July! Everyone around the US is looking for some way to enjoy the holiday. Whether you plan a get-together at your home or away from home, please take a few moments to plan for your pets this 4th of July.

Unlike people, most pets do not enjoy the whistle and bang of the fireworks to celebrate our Independence day. Although not all pets get scared of the noise, many do feel uncomfortable with the celebrations. The 5th of July is historically the busiest day for shelters around the country. This is due to the fact that many animals are so frightened by the noise of the firework displays that they run away from home.



1. Make sure your tags are up to date! 

One of the most basic precautions you can take is to ensure your pet's tags are up to date. Especially if you are traveling, check to make sure your pet's tag has your current mobile number on it. You may also wish to include your email address. This ensures anyone will be able to contact you in case your pet is lost during the hustle of the 4th Celebration.
If your pet is microchipped, you also want to go to the hosting site and review your contact information. Your pet's collar can be lost, but the microchip is with him/her at all times!

2. Bring Your pet inside!

This may seem obvious, but if you have a pet door that allows your pet to go in and out, you need to make sure it is closed. You may not think your pet will run away, but animals that are frightened will flee from what they perceive to be the danger zone. So if your pet feels afraid at your home, it may try to escape the scary situation by running away. Many pets that are otherwise comfortable at home have jumped fences or escaped enclosures during the 4th of July.

3. Create a safe comfortable place!

Close off the pet door and make a comfortable place in a quiet room for your pet. You  may even want to play some quiet background noise to  drown out some of the noise. Even if you are home, your presence alone may not be enough to keep your pet comfortable. The banging and wheezing of the firework displays in the neighborhood is very scary!  You can provide some distraction by offering a favorite treat or chew toy, but don't be surprised if your pet isn't interested during the hight of the celebration time. Many pets are rather afraid of the loud and unusual noises. Allow your pet to hide under a blanket or furniture. Don't try to console them, it is best to allow them to find a comfortable spot where they want to 'hide.'
Unless your pet chooses to be close to you, don't try to pet or hold your pet. Petting actually enforces the anxiety, because your 'approval' signals the pet that he should be afraid. Be a calm and soothing presence that encourages your pet, but don't overdo the attention to the anxious behavior.



4. Leave your pet at home!

Taking your best friend to the festivities may not be a good idea if there are going to be firework displays. Even if your dog has never shown any panic around loud noises, the combination of loud bangs and wheezes and the smell of the burning sulfur, together with the hustle of the party is hardly a fun activity for any dog. it's great to take your dog with you to all kinds of activities, but 4th of July celebrations are  likely the least favorite on your pet's list.

The safest and best bet for celebrating this 4th of July with your pets is to exclude them from holiday festivities. Instead, find a safe, secure spot in the home for your pets while you go out and enjoy the loud bangs, bright lights and spectator fun. Your pets will appreciate the quiet a lot more than you’ll enjoy the noise.

5. Provide additional comfort for anxious pets!

If you have noticed your dog is especially anxious during 4th of July fireworks (or at New Years), you may wish to take additional precautions for your pet. You can talk to your vet in regards to a sedative that can help alleviate some of the stress. I personally prefer natural ways to help my dogs with anxiety. You can use CBD oils or a Thunder Jacket, both are holistic ways to relieve stress in pets.

Thank you for coming by and reading my blog. I would love to see your comments on this subject.

Keep Your Paws safe and secure during the holiday!

Thank you,
Bee Walker

Why You Should Teach Your Dog to Potty on Command

When people ask me about skills that I deem important for traveling dogs, I always start with “Potty on Command.” Many people look at me in disbelieve. Really? Why would teaching your dog to do his business on command be such a big deal? But I insist, teaching your dog to potty on command is one of the most needed skills if you like to take your dog with you on day-trips or vacations. Read on to find out why.

Unfamiliar places are distracting

Whether you travel far or just to the local Farmers’ Market, all the new and unusual smells are very distracting for your dog, so he will be too busy taking it all in and he will forget to do his thing. Then, when you are walking in a crowded area, he will remember that he has to go and relieve himself in the most inappropriate area. Believe me, I’ve been there.

This is why being able to tell your dog when and where he should do his business is so useful. I make it a habit to find a nice grassy area and have my dogs relieve themselves, before I take them to any busy area. This way I am sure there won’t be any messes right outside the restaurant or in the aisle of the Farmers’ Market.

This is also convenient as you travel, as it allows you to decide where your dog shouldn’t do his business. When I travel with my dogs, I find there are a lot of places that say “No pets!” By being able to tell my dogs when it’s appropriate to go, I can make sure we don’t break any rules at campgrounds or hotels.

You don’t have a lot of time

Quite often when you travel, there isn’t a lot of time for potty breaks, especially when you travel by airplane. There is seldom a lot of time between flights and it can be difficult to get to an area your dog can use the potty at. Many airport terminals now offer dog areas. These small areas are usually lined with fake grass or even tile. Naturally they are constantly cleaned with heavy duty chemicals to prevent the spread of diseases. Many dogs will not relieve themselves in these places, unless they are trained to do so. When your dog has learned to potty on command, he is likely to relieve himself in any circumstance and no longer requires to walk around and sniff for just the right spot. For smaller dogs, it is ideal to use a potty pad in addition to the command, as this allows you to have your dog “go” in any area that you lay down the pad. This way you can take your pet to an appropriate area or even put the potty pad into his crate and have him relieve himself.

Sky Harbor Airport PHX

How to train your dog to potty on command

So now that you understand the benefits of training your dog to potty on command, here is how you can teach him:

On your regular walks, with your dog on-leash, go to the areas your dog usually relieves himself. When you get to the area, say the command. I use: “Do your buiz.” Now simply wait until your dog relieves himself. Do not talk a lot or walk around a lot, simply stand in an area you know your dog has used the potty before and say the command, then let the dog sniff around a little. When he starts to potty, say the command one more time. When he is done, praise him. Continue to do this from now on. If your dog uses the potty in your backyard, walk outside with him and use the command when he does his business, praise him when he is done.

It will only take a few days and you will notice your dog will relieve himself when you ask him to. Now practice in areas your dog usually does not relieve himself. Be consistent and soon your dog will know to potty on command.

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Birgit Walker is a dog trainer and canine travel expert. She and her husband, Jim Walker, train dogs in the Phoenix area. Visit their website at ModernCanineServices.com. Birgit and Jim also published a book on traveling with dogs, titled “Keep Your Paws on the Road – A Practical Guide to Traveling with Dogs”

5 Important Skills Your Dog Should Know Before Traveling

With the summer vacation time approaching, you are planning your next getaway and may want to take your dog with you. Statistics show more people are traveling with their pets each year. There are many dog-friendly restaurants and overnight accommodations to choose from. However, traveling with your dog does require a lot of planning and preparation. Planning a dog-friendly travel route is important, but you will also need to prepare your dog for the vacation. Whether you take your dog on vacation or a road-trip, your dog needs to have mastered certain skills to make her a good traveler and to ensure she is welcomed at dog-friendly places. So before you take your beloved pet, review this list of skills your dog should know before traveling.

1. Proper Leash Behavior

A well-behaved dog walks without pulling on the leash and needs to be able to walk past other dogs, people, bikes and skateboards, or loud noisy motorcycles without lunging or barking. Although it’s impossible to train for every scenario, it’s a good idea to practice in your hometown before you take your dog on vacation with you. You can practice with your dog on-leash by taking her to crowded areas, such as Farmers’ Markets or outdoor festivities. If you haven’t taken your dog to local dog-friendly restaurants, it’s a good idea to go to a few in your area and teach your dog to lay under the table out of everyone's way. Your dog should be calm and remain off the tables and chairs. Remember, there are other guests, who may not want your dog to lick the plates or tabletops, and it also is against health code regulations.

Going for our walks together

2.Comfortable being left alone in unfamiliar surroundings

A well-behaved dog should be able to be left unattended in a hotel room or RV without barking or destructive behavior. Be sure to practice leaving your dog in unfamiliar surroundings before you go on an extended vacation trip. Always provide your dog with plenty of exercise before you leave her unattended. Exercise is a great way to make sure your dog is relaxed and comfortable. Bring her dog bedding from home to provide the familiarity of home to any overnight accommodation. If your dog is uncomfortable being left behind, the crate is a good way to ensure she will not destroy any furnishings in the hotel room or vacation rental.

Jaeger and Heidi in our vacation rental in San Diego

3. Staying in a Crate or Pet Carrier

Crate training is another important skill you should teach your dog before traveling. Many hotels and vacations rentals require dogs to be crated while left alone in the room and being in the crate or pet carrier is a must for dogs that travel by airplane or train. Most dogs feel comfortable and secure in a crate, but they have to be introduced to the crate properly and ahead of travel time. Purchase your crate or pet carrier well in advance. Let her explore it for a few days at home, in familiar surroundings. You need to teach her to remain in the crate for several hours. Have her sleep in it overnight at home. Start by putting her familiar dog bedding and her toys inside. Small dogs that will travel in a pet carrier, need to remain quiet and calm while traveling in this way. It is important to get your dog used to this. You don’t want your dog to whine or bark while traveling in the carrier on a long flight.

Apollo in his crate

 You may also like to read one of my previous blog posts on Crate Training:

Crate Training 101-5 easy steps to make your dog comfortable in the crate

4. Respecting Open Doorways

Teach your dog to respect open doorways and to never bolt through an open door. This is a very important behavior any traveling dog should know. Most dogs get lost during travel because they run out of an open doorway or the travel vehicle. Take the time to train your dog to wait and be invited to walk through any door, whether car door or hotel room door and to come to you when called.

This is an easy skill to teach. You can see how to teach your dog to respect the car door by watching our You Tube video:

5. Potty On Command

Here is a skill your dog can easily learn and it will make your travel time much more enjoyable: teach her to potty on command. This can be an invaluable behavior when traveling. Small dogs, that travel by airplane, can be trained to use a potty pad to relieve themselves in public bathrooms in-between flights. Also, this is wonderful when you take quick potty breaks on the road. Most of the time, your dog will be distracted by the new surroundings and to busy smelling all the new smells to think about relieving herself. If you train her to potty on command, you will always be able to get her to do her thing no matter how many distractions there are. It is a great way to be able to have your dog empty her bladder and bowels before you go to busy outdoor festivities, check into your hotel, or go to a patio restaurant.

Traveling with your dog is rewarding and fun, but it does require some added preparation. It’s a good idea to get started early and prepare yourself and your pet for your upcoming travel adventure.

Birgit Walker is a Canine Travel Expert and the co-author of Keep Your Paws on the Road – A Practical Guide to Traveling with Dogs.

For more information about the book go to our website at www.moderncanineservices.com/books

Why I Love Making my Own Dog Treats

Most dog owners enjoy giving treats to their pets. Some may use them for rewards during training, while others simply love to give a treat to spoil their pet. There are many choices when it comes to buying dog treats and high quality treats can be very expensive. Recently, I started to make my own dog treats and found out it is very easy and inexpensive and my dogs love them. However, making my own treats isn’t just less expensive, it also offers me the opportunity to carefully choose the ingredients I want to use. I can even add herbs and oils that have holistic properties. If you would like to make your own dog treats, here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Choose Ingredients carefully

The beauty about making your dog treats at home is that you are able to carefully choose ingredients based on your dog’s preferences or food sensitivities.

Making your own treats is a great way to include vegetables and herbs you may otherwise not feed. I love making dog biscuits with shredded carrots and spinach. I use blue berries and yogurt in one of my dog treats and even made up a recipe for fresh breath cookies that includes mint and parsley!

If your dog has a food sensitivity, it is easy to substitute ingredients. I use brown rice flour in a lot of my recipes, which is a great substitute for wheat flour. I have used applesauce instead of eggs if a pet had reactions to eggs.

2. Add Natural Remedies to Heal

There are many ingredients that I use in my homemade dog treats that help with my dog’s health. For example, to help with arthritis I add turmeric to my dog treats, it has anti-inflammatory properties. You can also use flaxseed, as it also helps with inflammation, in addition to providing the needed nutrients for a healthy coat and skin.

If my dog has a stomach upset, or a spurt of diarrhea, I make some delicious dog biscuits with canned pumpkin. Pumpkin also helps with constipation.

When I want to use holistic oils, such as CBD oil, which helps with pain or anxiety, I choose a no-bake recipe to ensure the oil does not loose it’s effectiveness due to high temperatures in baking.

3. Avoid harmful ingredients

The benefit of homemade dog treats is that they contain no artificial flavors, chemicals or preservatives. Be sure to choose only dog-approved ingredients, and never use any ingredient that contains artificial sweeteners. Also some ingredients that are healthy for humans, such as garlic, are toxic for dogs, so be sure to research new ingredient before using them in your treats.

I make sure that I use only natural unsweetened applesauce in my recipes. Many regular applesauce may include sweeteners, which can be harmful to dogs. The same applies to peanut butter. PB is one of the most used ingredients in homemade dog treats. Be sure to use a natural peanut butter and never use anything that has the words “light” on it, as this is a sure indicator that the item was made with artificial sweetener.

4. Make small patches and store treats properly

Homemade dog treats are healthy and contain no preservative. It is therefore important to store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator or freeze them. I prefer to make smaller patches that I can use up within one of two weeks. Never leave your homemade dog treats at room temperature, as they will quickly mold!

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5. Have fun and think outside the box

Once I started making my own dog treats, I realized that there are a lot of great recipes available on the internet and I started to experiment with my own. There are many ways to spoil your dog, from making baked biscuits and non-bake treats to pupsicles, which are frozen dog treats. If you enjoy cooking or baking for your family, you will love making your own dog treats.

When I started to share my recipes online, through my blog, I got a lot of positive feedback and I published my own dog treat recipe book. Check out some of my previous posts for recipes:

Applesauce Cookies

Cheesy Spinach Cookies

By Birgit Walker

Birgit is the author of two books Chew On This - Homemade Dog Treat Recipes, and Keep Your Paws on the Road - A Practical Guide to Traveling with Dogs. She also writes a blog and offers a lively Facebook group that shares dog travel adventures. Visit her on her website at ModernCanineServices.com

Proper Behavior at the Dog Park

Taking your dog to the dog park is a great way to exercise and socialize your pet. However, before you take your dog, make sure he is ready to go. First your dog must be healthy and fully vaccinated, before you take him to an area where there are a lot of other dogs. Secondly, your dog must respond to your recall command and be well-behaved. The most common problem with dogs at the park is hyperexcitment. Hyperexcited dogs are hard to control. Their energy can easily trigger dog fights.  

Here are a few tips to make your dog park visit a great experience for both of you.

1. Start outside the dog park

 We recommend that you take a few moments before you enter into the park to assess the situation. Walk around the perimeter and take notice of the different dogs and their behavior. Ensure your dog is calm and quiet. Do not enter the park if your dog is overly excited. Use the area outside the park to calm your dog and get him to relax.

2. Choose the right area

Most dog parks offer a fenced in area with a double gate. The small area between the two gates allows you to take the leash off your dog before you enter into the off-leash area within the confines of the park. Enter into the gate area, take the leash off your dog and then open the gate to the park. If the park offers two sections, often marked as "small dogs" and "large dogs," choose the area that best fits your dog’s size.

3. Walk around the park

When you arrive, some of the dogs inside the park will be coming over to the gate area to see the new arrival. Walk into the park and start strolling around. Don't just walk in and stand still.  Decide, based on the energy of the other dogs, where you will go.  If you notice a pack of dogs playing rough, walk into a different area. Your dog will usually follow you or stay close to you, so walk into the area that has the dogs you want your pet to interact with.
 

4. Let Fido play

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If your dog is outgoing and plays with other dogs in the park, relax and allow him to interact. You can watch from a distance. If you feel the energy is too high or there is some posturing that might turn into a dogfight, simply call your dog to you and walk toward a different area of the park. It is never a good idea to physically pull dogs from a dog-crowded area, as this can cause a dog fight. If you have worked with your dog on the recall command, he should follow your directions and come with you, when called.

Let your dog run with the other dogs, or, if there are no other dogs, walk the perimeter and let your dog explore the park. Be sure to pick up after your pet!

5.Throw the ball

We usually do not recommend bringing toys to the dog park, as they can stimulate the dogs into dominating behavior. However, sometimes you are the only one at the park and there are no other dogs to play with. In this instance,  it is a good idea to throw a ball or frisbee to give your dog some added exercise.

I'd love to hear from you, please comment below!

Until next time: Keep your Paws on the Road.

How to Teach Your Dog to Run next to Your Bicycle

Taking your dog with you on bicycle rides is a lot of fun and can be a great way to provide exercise for both of you.

Before you start the exercise, decide on what side of the bicycle you want your dog to run. I like Apollo on the right side of the bicycle. This way he is out of traffic when I ride down the road. A lot of people like the dog on the left side of the bicycle, because this is the side they walk their dogs in a heel position. Either side is fine, just remain consistent.
Choose an area that is safe to practice. It is best to have no traffic and little distractions. I started in our driveway and at a nearby park. 

Here are 3 easy steps to get your dog used to running next to your bicycle.

1. Walk between your dog and the bicycle:

Start by walking your dog on a loose leash next to you and push your bicycle at the same time. This helps the dog get used to being near the bicycle, while you provide him with the comfort and security. Walk slowly at first, in a straight line. As the dog gets used to this, make turns and increase speed.

2. Walk the dog next to the bicycle:

The next step is to walk the dog next to the bicycle, with you on the opposite side. This teaches the dog to be comfortable right next to the bike. Make sure he walks calmly and on a loose leash. Keep the leash short, so the dog stays to the side of the bicycle. You do not want your dog to get in front of or behind the bike. Control the length of the leash to ensure that he stays on the side.
To teach your dog to keep an eye on the bike and turn with you, start weaving back and forth while walking and eventually start making turns with the bike. Make sure he is comfortable with turning both ways before you proceed to the next step.

3. Ride your bicycle with the dog next to you:

Now get onto the bike and ride at a slow speed with the dog right next to you. Again, ensure that the dog remains to the side of the bike and does not get in front or behind it. The leash must be loose, do not allow your dog to pull, as this is both dangerous to you and him. A strong pulling dog can cause you to fall off the bicycle and pulling on the leash can damage your dog's airways. 
Ride slowly at first and make weaving patterns and turns in the controlled area. Give your dog time to get accustomed to running next to the bicycle before you take him out into areas with traffic or distractions. Running next to the bike is a great way to provide exercise, but start out slowly. Keep your training sessions short and make sure you have water for your dog.

Don't take your dog into heavy traffic until you have conditioned him properly.

 Continue to practice in areas that are away from traffic until you are comfortable your dog is properly trained. 
Any size dog can enjoy running next to the bike for exercise, but if you like biking and go on long rides, you may consider having a dog trailer or a basket, depending on your dog's size. This will give you the opportunity to have your dog with you on long bike rides. 
Thank you for stopping by, until next time: Keep Your Paws on the Road! 

Alternative Natural Herbal Supplements to Treat Pain and Inflammation in Your Dog

My sweet dog Jaeger is getting older. He is 12 now and has had some arthritis and joint pain. I have been giving him glucosamine and chondroitin supplements over the past years to help with these.

More recently, Jaeger was showing signs of increased pain and discomfort and I took him to the vet. The vet confirmed that Jaeger had arthritis and prescribed Carprofen, a non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs).  After just two days on this medication, I could tell Jaeger was not doing well. He became increasingly depressed, would hide in corners, and did not want to eat at all. I called the vet and he recommended we take Jaeger off the medication and see if the symptoms where caused by it or by the pain. Within a day of being off the medication, Jaeger became more alert and started to eat again. The vet suggested we try a different kind of medication, this time Meloxicam. Jaeger seemed to do better on the new medication. He was eating and drinking normally and had regular body functions. However, within being on the medication for 2 weeks, I noticed he was having difficulty walking. He seemed dazed and had a hard time getting up.  He would wobble and could hardly assume the position to do his business. At times, he would walk someplace and then just stand there, as though he did not know what to do.
I decided to take Jaeger off the medication and within a few days, he was back to normal. Now it was clear to me that I had to find alternatives to NSAID medications for him. I began to research natural supplements and reached out on several online groups to see what others were doing for their dogs.

Alternative natural herbal supplements to treat pain and inflammation in dogs

Here are 4 alternative natural herbal supplements I have found. The most important aspect of these 4 is that they have no severe side effects. As with any new supplement, it is important to start with small quantities and to gradually increase the dose. Make sure you follow the dosage based on your dog's weight.

1. Turmeric and Curcumin

Turmeric is a spice made from the turmeric plant and is the most widely used herb for arthritis and joint pain. It has been used in India for centuries to treat many ailments and has been studied in both humans and animals. It is an anti-inflammatory and also enhances circulation in the body. In addition, turmeric also benefits liver functions.
Curcumin is the chemical found in turmeric, that is the reason for the anti-inflammatory properties. When you look for supplements, the names turmeric and curcumin are often used interchangeably.

2. Fish or Krill Oil

Fish oils are used for their high omega-3 content. They contain EPA and DHA, two essential fatty acids. Many people with arthritis take fish oil supplements.  EPA is the ingredient that is the anti-inflammatory agent in fish oil. If you, like me, are concerned about the mercury, Krill oil may be a better option for your dog. Krill are a small shrimplike planktonic crusacean and are said to contain much less mercury. Their oil is equally high in the EPA and DHA.

3. Boswellia

 Boswellia is also known as Franincense. It is a resin extract from a tree bark.  Research has shown that boswellic aids a normal inflammatory response by blocking enzymes that then inhibit the synthesis of leukotrienes. It has also been shown to support healthy cartilage in the joints.
For more information on this amazing supplement and details about the Swiss research on it's effects on dogs, go to Springtime Inc: about-boswellia

4. CBD Tinctures

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a compound found in hemp. CBD is a cannabis compound that has significant medical benefits, but does not make people or animals feel “stoned.” Scientific and clinical research shows CBD as an alternative treatment for a wide range of conditions, including arthritis and chronic pain. To find out more about this amazing supplement online, go to Axis Hemp Company.  The owner of Axis Hemp Company says: " CBD is a great source for aiding dogs with arthritis, we have seen the benefits for many pets after adding it as a supplement."

Precautions 

There are a lot of other natural supplements out there and I am still continuing to research them. As with any anti-inflammatory agent, remember that they prolong time it takes for the blood to clot, so if you give them to your pet, be sure to tell your veterinarian. If your dog is undergoing surgery, it is important to stop use of any anti-inflammatory treatment at least 5 days prior to the surgery! 

Disclaimer Statement:

This article includes information regarding supplements for dogs with arthritis or joint pain. I am not a veterinarian, nor do I claim to have any special knowledge of any of these products. I have used these supplements for my dog with positive results. I am not being paid, nor did I receive any free or discounted products to include them in my blog.