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

Pet Danger! - The Sonoran Desert Toad

A Guest Blog by TeriAnn Tate

I’m sure you’re all saying, “poisonous toads in Arizona and Southern California….whatcha talking about Teri Ann?” This Toad is known as the Colorado River Toad, or the Sonoran Desert Toad, and is one curious looking beast with warts all over its brown and green skin. It can be as small as three inches and as long as seven inches.

"How is the toad poisonous to your pet(s)?” 

 

The Colorado River Toad secretes toxins from glands on its head. An animal approaching a toad will sniff it, then may lick it or try to bite it. By doing so the animal ingests the toxin. Because of the bad taste, the animal leaves the toad, which is how the toad survives its predators.

The toad lives in various habitats, including desert scrub, golf course landscape, and canal and irrigation areas. They emerge from underground burrows in late Summer and Fall after monsoon storms, then return underground to hibernate.

Toads eat insects and are therefore attracted to light, which is why you might find the toad sitting under your porch light. 

If you have a curious dog who must stick its nose into everything, including whatever jumps and hops, this can cause a problem. The thing about this poisonous toad is that your dog doesn’t even have to lick it to be poisoned. The toad is attracted to water, including pools and water dishes, so all the toad has to do is sit on the rim of your dog’s water dish. When your dog drinks from the dish, s/he may lick the rim of the dish, thus ingesting the poison. This makes it important to monitor your pets and clean out their water bowls, including the rims, thoroughly, on a weekly basis, and more often during the monsoon season.

Unfortunately, you may not even know your pet has come into contact with a toad. You may find your dog stumbling around acting strange. Your biggest clue will be the foamy salivation.

Signs and Symptoms of Toad Poisoning:

 

• Depression

• Foamy salivation

• Irregular heartbeat

• Seizures

• Fever

• Diarrhea & Vomiting

• Weakness or Collapsing

Treatment for your Pet

 

If you suspect toad poisoning, immediately rinse out the dog’s mouth with a hose (do not stick the hose down the throat and drown the poor thing). Your objective is to dilute the poison in the mouth as much as possible. Next, call your veterinarian for further advice/treatment. Depending on the severity of your pet's symptoms, you may be asked to bring your pet in. For those pets that are very anxious or frightened, your vet may want to give a sedative, and for those with elevated heartbeats, perhaps an overnight stay and fluid therapy to treat dehydration.

If possible try to remove the toad from your yard. Do not touch it with your bare hands! Use gloves and a shovel or scoop it into a bucket and remove it from your area. I also recommend that you teach your child(ren) not to touch the toad and to alert an adult immediately. Remember, picking up a toad with your hands, makes your hands toxic, too!

Teri Ann Tate is a Professional Pet Care provider, who owns Comfy Pets of AZ. As a Certified Equine & Pet First Aid Instructor, Teri Ann teaches animal first aid classes in Arizona, California and New Mexico. Visit her at www.comfypetsofaz.com or contact her at (602) 579-1437.

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

Train Your Dog to Run Next To Your Bicycle - Video Blog

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

.

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.

Crate Training 101: 5 Easy Steps to Make Your Dog Comfortable in the Crate or Pet Carrier

We highly recommend crate training for our customers. It can be very helpful during housebreaking, is needed when you want to transport your dog via airplane or train, and can be very useful for transporting your pet in the car. Another aspect of crate training is training a small dog to be comfortable in a pet carrier. In this blog post, we cover 5 easy steps to follow in the training process, so your dog learns to associate the crate, or the pet carrier with a comfortable place to be.

Training your dog to see the crate, or the carrier as a safe and comfortable place is very important. Follow the 5 easy exercises below, and your dog will learn to love the crate (carrier).

1. Start out on the Right Paw

As with any training, make sure you set up a nurturing and supportive training environment. When you first introduce the crate, or the pet carrier, just allow the dog to explore it on his own terms. To do so, set up the carrier or crate inside your home, close to the area your dog normally sleeps. Put a used dog bed or blanket inside. Don't use a new one, because you want your dog's familiar smell inside the crate/carrier.
You can place a few of your dog's favorite treats near and inside the crate/carrier and allow the dog to sniff around it for the rest of the day.
Please do not lock your dog inside the crate or carrier right away. Leave the door open, so the dog can enter and exit on his own terms.

2. Make it a Game

The next day, play a fun game with your dog by tossing her favorite toy inside the crate or carrier. If the dog is still hesitant to go inside the crate/carrier, place the toy just inside the entrance, so the dog only has to reach in. As she gets more comfortable, you can place the toy (or treat) further toward the inside of the crate/carrier until the dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate/carrier.
Use a command, like "kennel" every time you toss the toy or treat inside the carrier/crate. This will teach your dog to go into the crate/carrier on command. Don't push or physically drag your dog into the crate/carrier. Allow the dog to go in on her own terms.
Ensure the crate is not making a lot of noise. It is helpful to place it on a carpeted area, and for real timid dogs, take the door off completely in the first few stages of crate training.

3. Food makes the heart go fonder

After your dog is comfortable to walk in and out of the crate, start to feed him inside for several days in a row. Put his food in the far back of the crate/carrier. If you feed dry food, you can even put the food into the carrier or crate without a bowl. Don't place any water inside, it usually just makes a mess.

4. Positive association

Please be sure to start your crate/carrier training early on. Give your pet several weeks before you actually travel with him in the crate/carrier. Now that he has eaten his meals inside the crate, you can start putting the door back on, and teach him to stay inside the crate/carrier for a few minutes at a time.
Say the command, and toss a treat inside the crate/carrier. Gently close the door when he is inside. Wait for a few moments, then let him come back out.

5. Consistency over time teaches 

Start using the crate overnight, or when you leave the home for short periods of time. If you are training a dog to love the pet carrier, start taking your dog with you on short trips. Have her spend some time in the carrier while you carry it around. Remember, your dog will have to stay in the carrier for longer, if you will travel with her. Condition her to stay quiet and calm.

I hope the information provided is helpful to you or someone you know. Please share the post to your Facebook feed, and comment below on your experience with the pet carrier or crate.

Until next time: Keep Your Paws on the Road!

Bee

Simple Exercises to Help your Dog with Separation Anxiety

You leave your house and your dog is barking up a storm and won’t stop all day. You come home after work and your dog has destroyed the blinds on your living room windows. You put your dog in his crate and he digs at the gate, trying to get out. These are some canine behaviors signaling your dog may suffer from Separation Anxiety.

Before you label your dog as having Separation Anxiety, make sure that the behavior only occurs when the dog is left alone. For example, if you have a dog that is destructive while you are at work, does he also tend to chew your valued belongings when you are at home?

Provide physical exercise:

One of the reasons why dogs are anxious when being left alone, is a lack of exercise. When you have a dog with behavior issues, such as constant barking or destructive behavior, the first step to eliminate the unwanted behavior is to provide physical exercise for the dog. A good 30 to 45 minute walk, just before the dog is to be left alone, is the best way to provide such exercise. The walk, on-leash, actually provides more stimulus and drains more energy, than a similar off-leash exercise.

When you walk your dog, ensure you require him to behave on the leash. Don’t allow the dog to walk you. You should expect your dog to walk on a loose leash, preferably next to you, not in front of you.

For exercises on proper leash training, see our previous blog: “Stop Your Dog from Pulling on the Leash”, or view our YouTube Video: “How to get your excited dog to behave on leash

Review your arrival and departure ritual:

Another reason  why a dog might display anxious behavior when the owners are not present, is that the dog has become accustomed to high level of excited energy at the owner's departure and arrival. Dogs learn over time, so if you and other family members always make a big deal out of leaving and arriving to the home, the dog has been conditioned to associate the happy, excited energy with these times. He is using the barking or destructive behavior to recreate this level of excitement when he is left by himself.

Teach your dog to be in a more calm and balanced energy, by not speaking to him when you first arrive after being gone. In fact, if the dog is very excited, it is best to not touch or pay any attention to him in the first few minutes. Simply come in and put your things away and ignore the dog, until he has calmed down.

Do the same as you leave him each day. Ask him to lay down and expect him to be calm. Don’t allow him to follow you to the door. Instead create a habit of him giving you space around the entryway of your house or apartment. To teach this, see our blog on teaching your dog not to bolt through doorways.

Provide a comfortable and nurturing environment:

We highly recommend that you crate your dog if he is displaying destructive behavior while you are away from home. Please be sure to introduce the dog to the crate slowly, and allow him to be comfortable being in the crate first before you leave him in the crate for long periods of time. The best way to introduce a dog to the crate is to remove the door and feed the dog inside the crate for several days. Put a comfy blanket or dog bed inside and let him sleep in the crate, without being locked in it.

Make being left home alone more fun by providing a special treat, like a bone or a chew toy, when you plan to be gone for a while. This will give your dog something to do, while you are away. Reserve this special treat for times when you are not at home, and take the treat away, when you are at home.

If your dog barks a lot in the home, when left alone, play some music or talk radio. This background noise helps to calm the anxious dog and can also drown out any outside noises, that may cause an anxious or excited dog to bark for attention.

Practice while you are at home:

Dog behavior modification takes time. You have to repeatedly condition the dog to the new and wanted way to behave. To do this, practice often, for short sessions, when you do not have to leave your pet.

Calmly set up the home as though you are leaving, put on the background music, give the special treat and leave the home as you usually would, but only for a very short time. When you come back, do not make a lot of fuzz over the dog, but rather be calm and ignore him. Take away the special treat and just go about your day.

Repeat the short exercise again, each time allowing the dog to be left behind. The dog will associate your leaving ritual with calmness and with the understanding that you always return shortly.

I hope the information provided will be helpful to you, or someone you know. Please share our blog on your Facebook feed, and please comment below.

Until next time: Keep Your Paws on the Road!

Bee Walker


Modern Canine Services  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.

Can Fido fly? - Your Dog travels in the Cargo Hold

In my last blog, Travel by Airplane - Dogs that travel in the main cabin I discussed travel with your pet under 20 pounds, flying with you in the main cabin. In this blog, I want to continue providing information on Airline Travel with dogs. 

If your pet is large and weighs in access of 18 pounds, he will need to fly in a crate as cargo.

Every airline has different procedures for dealing with pets. All that allow pets in their cargo hold will require that you have a IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved hard case pet carrier. There are also strict guidelines on the size of kennel for each dog. To measure your dog and make sure you purchase the correct size crate for him, follow the guidelines on the airlines website. I have decided not to include a sizing guide here, as different airlines have different requirements on their sizing. 

Purchase the right Sky Kennel 

The best source of information about traveling with a particular airline is their own website. They will have a page specifically for their requirements. You can print out the page and check off each requirement to make sure you understand and have the requirements that they need. Please be sure to carefully review your airlines pet policy and ask as many questions as you need answered to be clear about their guidelines. Once you know what size of crate your dog will need, you can purchase it at a local store or online. Most Airlines will require that the kennel is secured by wing nuts and screws, so be sure not to buy a crate that uses snaps. Kennels with snaps might open during travel and you definitely do not want that.

You can go to our website to find our favorite products for travel at www.moderncanineservices.com. Make sure you purchase the Sky Kennel in advance and allow some time to get your dog familiar with it. We recommend you remove the door and feed your dog inside the crate for several days to make him comfortable. It is also a good idea to allow him to sleep in the crate for several nights prior to your travel.

Required labeling

You are required to have information labels attached to your pet's crate for his safety. Do a web search or call your local Pet or Feed store and ask if they have any CS-345 Labels or “Live Animals” stickers. Tell them they go on your dog’s Crate for Airline shipping.

Federal regulations require that each kennel be properly labeled with the words "LIVE ANIMAL" on the top and at least one side of the kennel in 1-inch (2.5 cm) letters. The kennel must also have orientation labels. Indicate the top with arrows or "This End Up" on at least two sides.

You will also want to have labels with your dog’s name and your contact information. Be sure to put your mobile number, not your home phone, on the crate and also an address of another emergency contact, in case you cannot be reached. 
In addition to the label, make sure your dog wears his collar with an ID tag. Double-check to verify that the number is your cell phone number and not your home number. It is also a very good idea to have your pet chipped.

During Flights

While cargo area is climate-controlled, temperatures can and do vary. Therefore airlines may deny pets traveling in the cargo hold during extreme cold or hot weather conditions. You don’t have to worry about air pressure. Every compartment of every plane is pressurized for safety. If your dog is particularly sensitive to temperature or has breathing issues, the cargo area may not be safe. Pets that are brachycephalic –those with short muzzles and flat, “snub noses,” such as boxers, pugs and bulldogs – are more susceptible to breathing problems, and may have a hard time adjusting to air pressure changes during flight. If you choose to fly with your snub-nosed pet, check with your airline, as some have banned brachycephalic pets completely from commercial flights. 

Other considerations

IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the two hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.

The airline will want to see your vaccine records and any additional paperwork required for traveling outside of the US. Be aware that in some countries bringing Fido may include a quarantine for your dog. If your flight has layovers, you will want to find out how the pet will be taken care off at the staging area between flights. We highly recommend to find the flight with the least legs, so there are less chances of your dog getting left at a baggage area or not being put on the same flight as you are.

Upon arrival at your final destination, you will usually pick up your dog in the over-sized baggage area, but it is a good idea to check with your airline upon check-in to clarify this procedure.

Your dog Flies WITHOUT you.

Make sure you ask: “Will my pet be traveling on the same plane as I am?”

This might seem like a silly question however the flight that you are taking might not be equipped for live animals, therefore they might put you and your dog on different flights.

Don’t assume that when you travel with your dog, your dog must travel at the same time as you do. That might not be the case. Sometimes having your dog travel to your destination before you arrive might be a good option. You might take a multiple stop flight that would be too long for your dog. Or you might be in too much of a hurry to get to the airport and trying to get your dog situated.

You can put your dog by himself on a flight to your destination and have someone at the other end pick him up. A lot of times you can find a better flight for your dog then you can for your dog and people. If you do not have someone that can go to the airport and pick up your dog for you, there are companies that can pick up your dog for you.

One option is find a full-service boarding kennel at the location that you are flying to. Many offer an airport pickup service. For a fee, they will go to the airport and pick up your pet on your behalf and take your pet back to the boarding kennel until you get there. Now all you have to do is fly to your destination and go pick up your pet and start your vacation.

Another option is a local pet sitting service, many will offer transportation for dogs. Research online for Pet services and call around to find the right service to get your pet pick-up at the destination airport.

I hope this information is helpful to you or someone you know. Please share my blog posts on your Facebook feed, or other social sites.

Until next time: Keep Your Paws on the Road.

Bee Walker





Modern Canine Services  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.