Tip(s) of the month:
Are you being a good leader for your dog?
Most dogs are not true leaders and look for leadership in a home. A dog is going to be more inclined to listen and follow those who are cool calm and collective. So be aware of your emotional state when you are around your dog, especially when working with your dog. Should your dog feel that there is emotional instability in the home, he/she will take over as best they can. The outcome is usually a dog in charge making poor decisions.
Some Previously posted tips:
Never let your dog pull you on the leash, it can cause damage to the dog and it instantly makes the dog the leader.
Practice fast directional change when your dog gets ahead of you.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking that your dog will "grow out of it". Many small issues turn into big problems later on.
Address issues immediately and use each undesired event as an opportunity to teach your dog the house rules.
If you have been working on a issue or trick with your dog and find that it is not working out you may start to get frustrated and think your goal is unattainable .
Step back and try and see the big picture, did your dog show any sign of improvement? Are you working with your dog on something boring like a sit stay for more than 20 minutes? Are you in the right emotional state to be training? Break down the wanted behavior to something a little more attainable for the dog and work your way slowly to the goal. Some things take only moments for a dog to master while others could take days, weeks or years.
Having a hard time diagnosing why your dog is acting a specific way?
Be more scientific about it. Start to observe your dog's body language and look for the moment you see a change in ears and tail when first trying this.
Not sure of how to introduce your beloved friend to a new dog?
A good introduction should be done after both dogs have been exercised and fed in separate locations, then brought together on neutral ground, have both dogs go for a controlled leash walk. When the dogs are calm allow them to greet and sniff each other. Do not allow tension to build on the leashes because this can cause miscommunication between dogs.
Want to make your dog feel more fulfilled in life?
There is research on dogs that have helped determined what dogs want. It can be very rewarding for dogs to have some time to just stop and "smell the roses". A dog's best sense is the sense of smell. Dogs typically can not see "right under their nose", but can smell an old footprint or a trick or treater approaching. After structured time of walking and playing give a real treat and smell the roses with your friend. This is not intended to allow for your furry friend to mark the fire hydrant.
Daylight savings can make it harder to exercise your furry friend....
Exercise is extremely important for dogs of all sizes. It keeps them healthy and trim as well as a great way to relieve pent up energy and stress.
Some dogs respond very well to a laser light on the ground. They cost about $5. It is suggested that you use a semi-structured play routine which acts as a 2 fold system. It is an outlet for play, and also teaches your dog to follow your commands of when it is ok to chase and when it is not.
Other great activities that do not require day light is playing hide and go seek with toys around the home. This fun activity reinforces the stay command and is lots of fun for all!
Does all play with a dog have to be structured?
Research has shown that non-structured play results in less "stress hormones" (cortisol) being released then structured play. So, feel free to let loose and just have some fun every once and awhile. Ultimately, you should always be able to initiate and terminate play. If not, stick to a structured routine until general rules are well established.
Wondering how to have a good dog at the vet?
Start early! Although most puppies are great at the vet, as they get older things can change. You only get to practice once or maybe twice a year during a real visit. Have that great dog and start early in life. Practice a 1-3 times a week by making your dog stand and stay while you inspect every inch. Check the ears, tail, teeth and feet. Now is the time to teach your young pup the rules of being inspected. Brushing teeth with a moist tooth brush early in life allows you to avoid future dental needs. Do NOT use human tooth paste. If your dog is older, you can still make improvements with baby steps, always ending on a good note.
Want to start the new year on the right paw?
Have you tried any of the posted tips of 2012 and have not been successful? As a holiday gift to you, call for free advice on any of the "Previously posted tips" for the entire month of January. No catch, no gimmicks, just a way of 4 Paws Law wishing you and your family a happy new year. Please feel free to leave a brief message should 4 Paws Law not answer the phone during this busy season and we will return your call.
Wondering if your dog gets anxious?
There is scientific evidence that dogs get anxious. One of the tell tale signs of anxiety is needless panting. Ask yourself several questions to help figure it out. Did my dog just exercise? Is my dog in Pain? Is my dog's water bowl empty? If all the answers are no, then there is a good chance that your dog is anxious/nervous about something. Never give comfort to an anxious/nervous dog, this only rewards the undesired behavior. Do pet and reward your dog when your dog is completely calm to help a dog get over anxious situations. Calm looks similar to sleeping but eyes open. Anxiety can be caused by many factors: lack of exercise, feeding anticipation, thunder storms and much more.
Never underestimate the power of reward:
Almost all training and behavior modification systems use reward at some point. Many people tend to for got about one of the most powerful forms of reward. Thinking food?.. nope, it is the power of positive touch, aka petting. Like any reward, timing is everything.
A dog acting out?
Dogs act out for many reasons. Tail chasing, obsessive licking or chewing, pacing, or jumping up at even the smallest stimuli can all be good tell tail signs that your friend is communicating the need for more exercise.
This month is being dedicated to our beloved friend and family member Mr. Sebastion the basset hound who has recently passed.
It never gets easier no matter how many times we experience a loss
Have a panting dog during the hot days?
A panting dog does not always mean a thirsty dog. Panting can be a result of the dog just releasing excess heat, thirst, pain or anxiety. Always keep your water bowl full during these hot days but there is no need to force a panting dog to drink.
Need some ideas to have cool fun?
Swimming is a great way for your dog to release energy and stay cool. Ask around for some local swim holes or email 4pawslaw. Some dogs love to play with hose water. Hide and go seek with objects forces dogs to use their nose and not run as hard. Tossing ice cubes can be a cool way to play fetch.
Is your dog ready for all the action at the door?
Now is the time to get your dog use to his/her spot for when the door bell rings. Start off with a leash and bring your dog to a good spot and reward once there. Start introducing the door bell and continue to bring the dog to that spot and reward. Be sure you are not accidently rewarding bad barking excited behavior. With consistent practice 3 days in a row you should notice a huge improvement, if not drop us a call or email for some quick advise.
