Holiday Safety Tips

As the holidays (Halloween, Christmas) are approaching us (and the snow for that matter) I thought it would be a great idea to give all you dog owners some safety tips for around this glorious season! Even though it's early it's never late to be prepared.

FOOD: Human Treats are NOT Dog Treats

1. Chocolate: We've all heard it before, "don't feed your dog chocolate". But do you know the reason why? Chocolate contains Theobromine (high doses of caffeine). Theobromine is a stimulant found in the coca plant, which can increase the heart rate and cause the dogs heart to beat too fast, then causing seizures and even a coma! Theobromine is absorbed differently into the blood stream in dogs than in humans.

2. Fruit cake: Raisins and Grapes have been known to cause renal failure in dogs, so don't sneak your dog any of your grandmas fruit cake!

3. Dispose of foil and other food wrappings safely. Even empty, they smell great to your dog. If she gobbles them down, you can face anything from a smelly mess to a trip to the emergency vet. Put that garbage away while your cleaning up!

4. Skip the leftovers, like turkey and stuffing to your dog. Onions can lead to anemia in dogs, and fatty, rich foods can cause pancreatitis. Even a taste can be trouble, dogs generally don’t handle new foods very well, and the result is messy. Trust me on this one, I've had to experience it hands on!

DECORATIONS

1. Beware of what you may or may not think your dog will chomp on. If your dog has an adventurous taste keep those decorations up high.

2. Candles and crackling fires are set the mood for a holiday night. But beware of wagging tails and tender noses. Keep an eye on your dog when lighting up your house.


3. Christmas trees are a must for the holidays. If you have a new dog that has never seen a Christmas tree, have your dog around when setting it up and decorating it. Let your dog sniff it out but SET UP BOUNDARIES or put the tree in a spot of the house where the dog is not allowed. I have known males in the past that figure marking a tree was a great idea. Don't forget about the presents under the tree, make sure your dog knows NOT to touch.

PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

1. Parties are fun for humans but some dogs find them very stressful. New people, loud noises, disruption of routines, different smells. For those dogs that have a hard time handling guests coming over make a designated spot for them, a safe haven. Give them toys or bones for distractions. Put a familiar bed/crate in a room for them. Here are some things to look for if your dog is stressed: Pacing, deep breathing/panting, barking, crouching or stiff movements, growling/snarling, excessive lip licking, trembling, or excess salvation. Do your dog a favour and tuck them away for the night with something rewarding and that they love.

2. Make sure your guests know the rules of the house for your dogs. No begging, no human food, no jumping up etc. You don't want to set back all your hard work of training.

3. If you're having family stay with you for an extended period of time your dog may become over tired from all the stimuli. Give your dog a break, nap time is a great way for a dog to rest its brain and body. Again have a safe haven for your dog to go and rest.

Using Puppy Pee Pads

A question I have been asked frequently lately.
"What is your opinion on Puppy Pee Pads or Fake Grass in the house?"


In my opinion they are a waste of money! Why do I think this? Dogs cannot tell the difference between peeing on a puppy pad from a rug, to the carpet, to a bathmat. You are setting up your dog to fail. When puppy pee pads are used the puppy never really understands why it is okay to eliminate inside sometimes, but not always. Why can it pee on this piece of cloth, but not that one? Why pee here, but not there? Sometimes they start playing with the pad rather than using it correctly.

The best way to train a puppy for house training is the crate method (at night). The crate is not used as a punishment, but rather as a den. The puppy does not want to mess in its den so is taken outside several times a day.

Before your pup goes into its crate make sure it has eliminated. At night if the pup cries and cries, and you know it has eliminated, do NOT let it out of the crate until it stops crying. If you do you are rewarding the crying behavior. If you think your pup has to eliminate, take it outside for 10min or until it eliminates, praise when it does. Note: do not make this a play time, this is potty business. If it doesn't eliminate bring it in and put it back in the kennel. As it gets older it can hold its bladder and bowls longer and longer.

Things to remember when you are home and the pup is out.

1. Keep a close eye on it.
2. Do not give it the run of the house. Puppies don't need the whole house.
3. Scheduled feeding. Helps you keep track of when your dog ate, so you know when to put it out to poo!

There are three keys to remember when a puppy will usually need to go eliminate.

1. After it eats (right after, not 30min down the road)
2. After it plays
3. After it wakes up from sleeping

Take your pup right outside, give it a key word (like, go pee pee, pee time), and praise praise praise when it does eliminate outside. If after 10 min your pup hasn't gone. Bring it back inside for 20 mins, then take it back outside to the same spot and encourage your pup again.

Remember, DO NOT get mad, discipline or rub your dogs nose in its pee or poo if they have an accident inside. Dogs cannot comprehend this like humans can. When you discipline for having an accident (after the act) they think you are disciplining them for what is on the floor NOT the actual act of peeing. Instead, if they do go inside, clean it up, take your pup outside to the same spot and encourage them to go pee or poo.

The best way to correct your pup is to catch them in the act. As soon as you see the "peeing squat" give them a good NOOOO! or clap your hands to surprise them. Then take them RIGHT outside.

If you stay consistent and get your puppy on a schedule training a puppy to go outside is not a difficult task. Yes it is time consuming and yes there will be accidents. But not difficult.

Interactive Toys

"My dog is bored, what can they do during the day while I'm away at work?".

This is a question I get ask quite a bit by my clients. There are many products out there to help keep your dog entertained during the day when no one is home. A lot of these products can also be put in your dogs kennel with them to keep them busy.

Why are interactive toys great for your dog? Boredom and lack of exercises can lead to destructive behavior. In addition to exercise, mental stimulation can help alleviate boredom. That is why interactive toys are great. They can keep your dog entertained for hours, when your gone from the house, have guests over, etc. Plus they are FUN for your dog!

Toys For Just Your Dog

My all time favorite toy is a Kong. They come in different sizes, different shapes, and different chew strengths. I give my dogs these in their kennel with a smear of peanut butter all around the inside. They can be stuffed with anything appropriate for a dog. Your dog will spend a lot of time trying to get its content out of the Kong. The Kong web page has many different ways to use the Kong for your dog. They are dishwasher safe too!<

Another favorite of mine is a food ball. These balls are a great way to feed your dog, they have to work for their food. Just like they would in the wild. Food balls come in many different styles, shapes and sizes. Some are easier for those novice pups and some you can make harder for those smarty pant dogs!

Another line of interactive toys are the Busy Buddies. I find these toys are for the mild chewers, NOT the hard chewers. There are dozens of different food toys in this line. What I don't like about some of their toys is you have to use the Busy Buddies treats, not all the toys use their treats but some do.

Toys Requiring Owner's Participation

Nina Ottoson has made up a fabulous line of toys that involve your dog to use problem solving skills. Great for the brain and development of a puppies brain.
*These toys require human supervision and they must not be left alone with your dog.

They come with a little handout on how to start your dog on them and how to make them more difficult. Her web page also has videos on how to use them. These toys are more expensive but are worth the money. They are great for 1:1 time with you and your dog.

Check out all your local pet stores as you can find different ones at each place. Global Pets in Grande Prairie has quite a few stocked up. But above all remember that the best thing for your dog is exercise. These toys do not replace exercise, they should be used along side it. Also something to remeber with food activities is take into consideration how much food you are feeding your dog then take that much away from there regular feeding time. It's easy to over feed your dog with these toys!