Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
KLINGER
Hi Everyone,
While still on the subject of puppy behavior, I though I would share a funny story of my "wild child", a Beagle name Klinger.
I brought him home at 7 weeks, (have since learned, never bring a puppy home before 8 weeks). He is now 8 years old and has accumulated names such as "devil dog" and threats of "I'm going to make Beagle Stew out of you"!, but boy do I love him!
Klinger acquired a new nickname during the visit of my dad and Aunt Marie. It is"Kleptomaniac". During my relatives stay he managed to drag a number of articles through the doggie door. Some of those articles were: my Aunt's bathrobe, my pajama bottoms, my aunt's purse (with articles strewn throughout the yard), my sneaker's, Gene's sneakers, a few unmentionables?, screwdriver, flashlight, Aunt Marie's sandals, Gene's sock, my socks and last but not least, my Dad's brand new camera. I happened to step out the back door, there stood Klinger with those beautiful soft brown Beagle eyes looking at me.
With an innocent face that said, "What mom, I didn't do anything", my Dad's camera encased in leather dangling from his mouth. I panicked, trying to quickly think how I could retrieve this camera before my Dad discovered it's whereabouts. As I started to sweet talk Klinger into dropping the camera, I heard a booming voice inside "THAT MANIAC HAS MY NEW CAMERA!!" To late we were caught. But by the time Dad came barreling out the door, I had retrieved it from Klingers grasp. Luckily my dad is as much an animal lover as I am, so Klinger came out of the incident with all body parts still attached. Once my relatives arrived back in California, Aunt Marie called. It seems not only did Klinger carry her purse out to the backyard, he also chewed the inside up. Aunt Marie threatened to sue Klinger and I told her I would hire him a lawyer.
Actually Dad and Marie were in hysterics their entire visit over Klinger's antics There is never a dull moment with him around. Although Aunt Marie has replaced her purse, I'll be making a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase another one and send it to her with love from Klinger. Moral of the story: When you have a puppy, shut closet doors, shut bedroom doors, put your shoes away, hang your clothes up, put your tools away, buy a bathroom trash can with a lid, buy a hamper with a lid and for gosh sake's put your camera up, if it's not tied down, it will be out the doggie door with Klinger for sure.
Animals are such agreeable friends they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.
George Eliot
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The New Puppy
The calls I receive for dog problems, are usually for puppies 3-4 months and puppies 6-9 months.
Many of the owners complaints show a lack of understanding of how puppies operate. The owners usually look at these behavior as "bad", when in reality they are perfectly normal behaviors. In the owner's frustration of these puppies, they unknowingly escalate the "bad" behaviors with punishment and improper management of the home.
So what are the most common complaints?
1. Biting, Mouthing on hands
2. Grabbing items they can access and running around the room with them
3. Chewing on furniture, anything they can reach
4. Pooping, peeing in the house right after being outside!
5. Chewing house plants
6. Digging outside flowers up
7. Digging holes
8. Not coming when called
9. Jumping up on people
10. Grabbing and biting feet, shoes, pants legs, bathrobes.
These are all normal puppy behaviors. You have just brought into your home a 4 legged animal that still due to genetics carries some of they're wild ancestors traits.
However, all is not lost. These behaviors can be managed and once you have an understanding of what is behind these behaviors, you'll even be able to see a humorous side of this. Honest!
Proper Management of the home is key to reducing these behaviors. Remember the words "Puppy Proof".
Your home is like a giant candy shop to a puppy. Expecting your puppy to know enough to leave all these enticing items alone is expecting way to much.
First, give your puppy only one area of the house. Most people use the kitchen, where there is less to get into and usually a lineloun floor which makes clean up easier. A metal swing gate is the best way to keep your puppy confined. If you have a larger opening to gate, check online pet catologs, where they have gates to fit large entry ways.
The only time your puppy should be outside of his area is when you can give 100% attention. If you want him with you while watching TV, gate off access to other rooms.
Plants should be put up, electrical cords sprayed with a bitter substance (bitter lemon), shoes, socks, kids toys, should always be put up.
Look at things from your puppies level. Proper Management of the home will not allow the puppy to get into trouble while he is going through this stage and you will save yourself from having to fuss so much at the puppy, to the point where he will ignore you anyway.
Puppies are cutting teeth until around the age of 6 months. Their gums hurt and the way they explore their world is by putting things in their mouth.
Providing proper teething toys and toys that mentally stimulate them will allow them to direct this behavior to the proper sources. Look for durable toys that you can stuff with treats, which helps with the teething and allows them to use their brain to figure out how to get the treats out. Nylabones make safe chew toys. I do not recommend rawhide, as it has caused blockages and choking. Check with your veternarian on this.
Providing physical exercise for your puppy is essential. If you do not give your puppy the proper forum to release this pent up energy, it will go elsewhere, which means more chewing, mouthing, jumping and getting into everything.
Do not count on leaving your puppy in a large fenced in yard all day as a definition of exercise. Dogs will entertain themselves left in the yard, but not in the way you wish for. Their energy will go into digging holes, barking, chewing hoses, etc..
Exercise for your pup means involvment with you. Take him for a walk 2 times a day for 20 minutes each. If he has an interest in retrieving, play ball or Frisbee for 10-15 minutes a few times a day. MAKE THE TIME. A TIRED DOG IS A GOOD DOG.
Tug is a game most dogs love and is a great energy burner, but their are strict rules that must be followed. Hide and Seek is a good game, plus it forces the pup to search for you, which help's with coming when called exercises. Short, fun training sessions also help to burn energy.
We will cover more information on this topic is our next post. Remember, this is a stage that all puppies go through and it does pass. My goal is to help you and your puppy pass through this stage with as little stress as possible.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Excercise
Lately, it has come to our attention that more and more dogs are becoming behavior problems due to a missing key ingredient: EXERCISE. When owners call and complain about their dogs "hyperactive" behavior, the first question I ask is "How much and what kind of exercise does your dog get?" The answers are usually "We have a large fenced in yard with plenty of room to run around". This does not count as exercise. Most dogs do nothing but sleep in a large fenced in yard or they run up and down the fence line chasing a dog on the other side. They need the stimulation and interaction with the owner. Most dog's behavior problems stem from not being given the opportunity to use their brain. Yes, they do have a brain and are capable of learning anything we throw their way. But we tend to leave them to entertain their selves and boy do they! Some of their favorite games are: How deep can I dig? This flowerbed needs arranging! How long can I bark without coming up for air? The couch cushions could use new covers. I'm tired of looking at this carpet, let's tear it up and put new down! Get the picture! You have to spend time with your dog. Dogs are social animals; they need to interact with you. What would happen if you left your 2yr. Old toddler on her own, entertaining herself? Find out what your dog likes to do, then spend some time doing it. Chase a ball, Frisbee, you! A fast paced walk, hide and seek (YOU hide, your dog seeks). Keep treats in your pocket; reward your dog for finding you. This fun game gives your dog mental and physical stimulation and teaches your dog to pay attention to you and to come to you.. Tug of War is a good energy burner, but must be played with some strict rules. If your dog is driving you crazy, try some exercise and you're sure to see a difference. Remember, a tired dog is a good dog!
Tug of War
Most dogs love to play tug of war. This game can be played as long as it is played with adults only and certain rules are followed. Tug of war played without rules can become dangerous. Dogs are predatory animals and tug of war allows them to use their natural instincts.
RULES
1. The dog should be taught to release the object with a command such as "OUT" "DROP IT" or "GIVE". Practice this exercise with your dog by offering the toy to your dog. Then give him the command you choose to release it. Don't tug the toy from him. Be still and wait for him to release. When he does, give a treat and lots of praise. Then give him a command to retake the toy, such as "TAKE IT". If he doesn't take it, simply put the toy down in front of him, then take it back and give a reward. Offer the toy again. Practice these exchanges several times, before you start implementing the game itself.
If your dog will not release the toy, let him see the treat in your hand and sniff it. The idea, you give me the toy, I'll give you this treat.
Once you have started playing tug of war, keep in mind that any refusal on your dog's part to release the toy on your command will end the game. When he does drop it, put the toy up out of reach.
2. Be sure that YOU are always the one to START the game and END the game. Teach him a command such as "GET YOUR ROPE", then present the toy. Only have one toy that is used for tug of war. Do not allow your dog to retake the toy unless you have invited him to do so. If he does, this ends the game.
3. When playing tug of war, sometimes dogs will make contact with your skin. If this happens, screech "OUCH" and end the game.
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