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How to Handle a Rescue Dog

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rescue-dog

Many dogs you find in a rescue shelter have been abused or neglected. Others are found abandoned or handed in for a range of reasons. Some dogs, such as Staffies, end up in homes because of notions that aggressive behaviour is typical of that particular breed. In reality, these dogs make for some of the most loving and dependable pets and a dogs behaviour is in many ways dependant on the behaviour of the owner!  When taking home a rescue dog, it is essential to properly prepare for the commitment, patience and training required when re-homing one of these dogs.

Before

    • Prepare the Family – Lay down the ground rules for the whole family and ensure they stick to them. Set boundaries and, in particular, ensure your children know that the new dog is not a toy. Make sure they know to respect the dog’s space. Coming into unfamiliar territory will take a few weeks for your rescue dog to adjust.
    • Give it Time – Know that when your dog arrives you’ll need to give it time for them to settle in. Especially in the first 3 weeks, use a warm tone when addressing him/her but try not to handle them too much and give them time to relax .Many owners make the mistake of over handling their new dog and introducing him /her to all the family and friends within the first few days. Often this overwhelms the dog and they sometimes nip out of fear. Then what happens?…….they end up back at the shelter!
    • GIVE THEM SOME SPACE! – Pay little attention to the dog’s advances at this time to establish dog style leadership. Honestly they will relax more if you sometimes ignore their demands for attention …it’s what happens in a dog pack.
    • Sleeping Arrangements – Provide a warm, comfortable area for your dog to sleep in. Your dog should also sleep beneath/away from other family members to establish its place in the pack. I recommend getting a crate as this gives your rescue dog a safe and dark area to retreat to while they adjust to a new environment. If your dog is sleeping, make sure family members know not to disturb him/her.
    • Identification – Micro chipping and traditional collars are a good way to ensure you can find your dog if he/she were to become lost. Especially in the beginning, noise or lack of training might trigger your dog to run away. Be prepared for this. Also, if you’re uncertain about how they’ll react to other dogs then consider buying a muzzle to have better control over him/her while you’re out walking.
    • Secure your Garden – Before your dog’s arrival, make sure you have a secure garden or area you can let him/her explore. Make a habit of scattering some of their dog food and fresh fruit and veg in the garden. This lets the dog feel more secure in its surroundings. It’s also a lot more natural and fun to sniff out their food rather than eat it out of a bowl.

Training

  • Discipline – Use ONE word in a low tone to indicate when your dog has done wrong. A different word delivered in a soft tone should be used for praise. Use as few words as possible when interacting with your dog and never tell your dog off by using his/her name.
  • Body Language – This is an essential part of training as dogs mirror our own body language. Avoid aggressive handling of your dog i.e. tapping its nose or grabbing the scruff of its collar. Other than your key words for discipline and praise, adopt a steady and soft tone when communicating with your dog. Use your own body language to indicate what you’re trying to communicate. Be patient with your rescue dog during this time.
  • Leadership – Make sure your dog doesn’t pull on its lead but walks beside you. If out in the park, use a long training lead first to ensure your rescue dog knows who its new pack is and will come back to you. When at home, make sure you keep him/her from running to the door when someone calls. It’s your home so you answer the door.
  • You must be the dogs leader not its follower!

Care

  • Separation – Try to establish separation between you and your dog. Taking him/her everywhere you go will only create problems if you eventually have to leave them for short periods of time. If you do go out for the day then make sure your dog has a constant supply of water and some crunchy vegetables to eat.
  • Speaking their language – Show your rescue dog plenty of love and patience while they settle into their new environment. Communicate with your dog in a way that he/she will understand. Simple tones, few words and clear body language will ensure your new dog knows its leader.

Most all have FUN with your new dog.

6 Surprising Dog Facts

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surprising-dog-facts

We sometimes like to think we know everything about our pets but occasionally a fact crops up that takes us by surprise! Here are a few surprising facts you might not already know:

  1. Dogs can be scared of extreme weather because of their acute hearing – Ever wondered why your dog doesn’t like to go out in heavy rain? It isn’t because they mind getting wet (although they possibly  do), it’s because the sound of raindrops is far greater to their sensitive ears than it is to ours. A dogs hearing is 10 times more acute than ours. Ever noticed your dog start to pace and whine long before you hear the clap of thunder? Your dog will know a storm is coming well before you do. Be firm when going outside in bad weather – your dog will mirror your body language and if you have nothing to fear, then neither will they.
  2. A dog uses its wet nose  to suss out the direction of scents–   Healthy dogs generally have a cold wet nose. If your dog’s nose consistently becomes dry and warm then it could be a sign of poor ventilation in the house, sunburn or a skin disorder (if scabbed or flaking). An occasional dry nose is not an issue but if it  persists then it may be wise to seek veterinary guidance.
  3. Dog’s don’t sweat – Unlike humans, dog’s do not have sweat pores on their skin although they do have them on their paw pads (which is why paws should be cleaned and dried). As a result, if they’re warm then they’ll pant to cool down.
  4. Myth of black and white – It’s a myth that your dog can only see in black or white. It’s largely believed that dogs can see in shades of blue, grey and yellow-green. Regardless, your dog might not see in colour but it can however see and scent in the dark!  Unlike us who need to rely on torches and reflective clothing in the winter months!
  5. Dream Dogs!  – It is absolutely true that dogs dream just as we do! You can usually tell when they’re dreaming if they’re twitching or whimpering however DON’T wake them. It’s important not to disturb dogs when they’re sleeping, eating or feeling unwell. Keep your distance and give them space.  It’s advisable to  teach young children not to disturb a dog in these circumstances as a dog will react completely differently to a human when caught off guard.
  6. Old Dogs and New Tricks – Dogs, like humans, can be taught new things at any age so even older dogs can benefit from training! Again like us it’s harder but certainly  possible to change bad habits but it  can take more  time and a great deal of  patience. It’s so much easier to establish a firm training schedule from the beginning.

A Few Fun New Year’s Resolutions for You and Your Dog

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newyearsresolutions-dog

The New Year is a great time to make new goals for yourself but it can also be useful to make some for your dog. Fitness, diet and grooming are all important aspects of everyday life and if you got a new puppy for Christmas then some simple goals can make all the difference in the quality of your dog’s life (and your own!).

Goals can be easier if you’ve got the support (or responsibility) of someone else – in this case, your dog! Be firm and committed to the goals you set. A new dog, or any dog for that matter, can be hard work but if good habits begin to fall by the wayside then simply start over again! Don’t be discouraged as you’ll have a happier, healthier dog if you establish and maintain a few simple goals.

New Year’s Resolution #1 – Fitness

It’s a classic goal for the New Year that nearly everyone sets so why not make it a resolution for your dog too? Aim to go at least one half-hour walk a day if you don’t already and, if possible, let your dog run around off-leash given the area is secure and you have him/her under close control.

Depending on the breed of your dog, it may need more exercise than you think. Do a bit of research – does it need lots of exercise or is it a smaller dog suited to regular leisurely-paced walks? Is your dog older and can’t walk too briskly due to arthritis? Or is it a new puppy under 6 months who isn’t yet able to be walked or over-exercised due to soft bones and developing legs? Make sure your dog’s fitness goals are tailored to suit its health and age.

New Year’s Resolution #2 – Diet

We’ve all said it before: ‘This year I’ll eat more healthily’. But how long does it last? Balance and moderation is the key to keeping a good diet but establishing some new habits is a good way to start.

Dogs, like humans, can get fed up eating the same thing every day. Would you fancy sitting down to a plate of dried kibble every day?…Well neither does your dog. Try to vary your dogs diet. Add lots of crunchy vegetables like carrots, beans, broccoli, even cauliflower florets if your dog likes them. You can also give your dog bits of fruit like apple, pear, banana etc. but avoid grapes and obviously remove any core and stones. Cut up bits of raw veg and fruit and stuff into a Kong type toy where your dog can have lots of fun trying to get the food out.  Fruit and veg are great appetite fillers and in moderation will not put on weight unlike most shop bought treats.

There is nothing wrong with some of your non-processed scraps but make it a resolution to scrape them into his bowl and in this way you will not encourage begging.

New Year’s Resolution #3 – Grooming

Look good, feel good is a motto you hear time and time again. It’s definitely important to take care of yourself but it’s equally important to look after your dog.

Spend time brushing your dog with a high quality brush to remove casting fur. If you have a long-haired breed then you may want to keep their coat trimmed so it’s cooler in summer and warmer for winter. A groomer can take care of this for you if you don’t feel comfortable trimming tricky areas like around the eyes and most will also clip your dog’s nails which can be troublesome if you’re unsure how to do it yourself. As for tear stains then gently apply cotton wool dipped in warm water to soften and remove the stains.

New Year’s Resolution #4 – Quality Time

A lot of owners simply don’t spend enough time with their pets. It’s crucial to your dog’s wellbeing that you spend at LEAST 15 minutes a day playing with them and 15 minutes working on training. If you don’t, then troublesome behaviours can develop such as incessant chewing, barking and destruction.

Set aside a short time each day to play a memory game with your dog like hide and seek or ‘find the treat’. Ball games are excellent but just watch your dog does not become so fixated on the ball he ends up training you to play when he wants!! If you use a toy such as a tug-o-war rope only play if you can be sure you win! Praise your dog when it gets it right. Spending time with your dog helps to establish your authority as owner while mentally challenging your dog so it’s more familiar with your commands. Sticking to a regular routine like this will be mentally stimulating, fun and encourage obedience.

Track Your Progress!

Try to stick to these simple New Year’s resolutions by using a calendar to tick off the days you’ve exercised or the appointments you’ve made for groomers/vets. Does your dog’s coat seem shinier? It’s probably the great diet. Is your dog happy and obedient? Then you’ve made the effort to find time to spend  some quality time with your dog. Persevere and commit to small goals like these to ensure you and your dog are at your happiest and healthiest!

 

 

Puppy Bytes – Part 2!

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puppy-bytes-2

Rearing a new pup is rewarding but incredibly challenging. The months of disruption, chaos and mess that ensue mean that puppies aren’t for the seriously house proud! Fortunately, we’ve compiled some more handy hints that’ll help nip in the bud some common puppy problems…

Pup Problems 101:

Chewing:  Make sure your puppy gets plenty of healthy, crunchy fruit/vegetable food such as raw carrots, apples, broccoli stalk etc. Be patient and don’t tell your pup off unless you catch them in the act of chewing something they shouldn’t be.

Jumping up: As difficult as this can be, it is important not to immediately fuss your puppy as soon as it comes over to you. Don’t encourage your pup to jump up or sit on your lap uninvited. This can be tricky at first but is a good habit to get into the swing of as it lays the ground work for strong owner leadership.

Item Stealing:  Correct your puppy if you catch it stealing or try clapping your hands to distract them. Don’t chase your pup, but crouch down and encourage him to come to you.  When he does, praise him as he at least left the item and recalled to you.

Barking: Don’t encourage any form of puppy barking by saying “What’s that?” etc.  Nip early barking in the bud as soon as it starts and don’t allow your puppy to bark at you as this shows a lack of respect.

Separation Anxiety: Put your puppy outside (given that it’s secure) for varying periods of time during the day and evening (if it’s light) with items that interest him and which will keep him occupied. Try not to always have him/her with you. Don’t respond to whines or scratches by opening the door as he will associate this with a positive response from you which will be difficult to cure.

Puppy Bytes – Part 1!

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puppy-bytes

Puppies are lovely but they are a lot of hard work! Here are some snippets of advice that will aid in the preparation, feeding/training and healthcare of your new pup. Following these helpful tips will hopefully make the experience (and the inevitable soiling of the carpet) a little less painful for your home and a smoother transition into adulthood for your pup!

Preparation:

• Decide where your new puppy is going to sleep and have a crate with suitable bedding e.g. a blanket or an old jumper.
•Some puppies may already be used to a crate or puppy playpen. They soon realise this is their own area where they sleep and keep their toys. A puppy will quickly learn not to make a mess in the crate, providing he is given plenty of opportunity to go to the toilet to relieve himself.
• Ensure the home environment is safe. ‘Puppy proofing’ is wise to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
• For the children in the family, this will be a very exciting time. It should be explained that the puppy is not a toy and that he needs to sleep undisturbed. This is a good opportunity to teach your children about responsible dog ownership

Training:

• Training your puppy should start straight away to avoid him developing bad habits.
Make clear and simple commands and show him what you want him to do.
• The puppy is bound to feel confused at first. Be gentle and kind and allow him time to settle in his new surroundings. Introduce him to the areas of the house where he is allowed to go and show him where his bed and bowls are located.
• A common puppy problem is mouthing. When your pup does this, keep your hand still, keep fingers closed and say NO in a low tone.  When they stop using their teeth and start to lick your hand, give plenty of praise with your voice.  Never play rough hand games with them.

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Email: enquiries@pawsitivesolutions.com