What To Do When Doggie Sitting a Friends Doggie

I know that I am a "push-over", but I just agreed to doggie sit my friends dog while he is away over Thanksgiving.  How can I make sure that Wolfie isnt going to go "Cujo" on the dog?

The good news is if Wolfie doesnt have a history of being unsociable with other dogs, you have a fighting chance of making this work.  With that said, you cant just throw them in the same room and hope for the best.  What you must do is to initially socialize the dogs and then establish boundaries (Hey!  Dont use my toothbrush!).  Here is what you do:

• Before your friends dog comes over to stay, have his dog and Wolfie meet several times in a neutral territory.  Have them both on leashes and allow them to sniff and exchange doggie pleasantries.  Take them for walks and even play catch with them.  This builds up  a social understanding between the two dogs regarding their individual levels of assertion and respect.  This is important when you bring them into your home.
• When your friend brings over his dog to your house, have the dogs meet outside and let them sniff and play for a little while.  Now, take Wolfie inside to the family room.  Make sure he is on a leash.  Have your friend bring in his dog into the family room on a leash.  Let the dogs sniff and walk around.  Drop the leashes and have everyone "just hang out" for about 30 minutes.  If the dogs show any sign of aggression, correct them and have them sit by their perspective masters for a minute or two before releasing them again.  If Wolfie is over-possessive with any particular toy or object, it would be a good idea to remove them during your friends dogs stay.  
• If everything is fine after about 30 minutes, it is time for your friend to be on his way.  Dont have your friend make a big thing about leaving.  He should just get up and leave.  
• During the stay, remember these simple rules:
• Feed the dogs separately.
• Never leave the dogs together, unattended for the first few days.
• Never leave the dogs together if someone is not going to be home.
• Be sure to let them out and have a good amount of supervised play time every day.
• Never allow your friends dog in Wolfies crate, on Wolfies bed, or in your bedroom.
• If your friends dog has a potty accident in the house, be sure to clean it up immediately using an enzyme cleaner or vinegar & baking soda.
• Give equal amount of attention and love to both dogs.

Follow these simple rules and your friends dogs stay should be happy and uneventful.  And remember that now, your friend owes you!  For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Dog Training is a Family Event

I am trying to train Wolfie, but the rest of the family just doesnt want to get involved.. They then complain when Wolfie nips their pants and never listens.  What gives?

Having trained over 2,000 dogs, it has become quite clear to us that training your dog is a family event.  To give you a quick example, when you were a child, what if your mother was the disciplinarian and tried to teach you right and wrong?  When  your father came home, he had nothing to do with you and could care less what you did or said.  You would probably turn out as a "messed up" kid.  The same can be said about the dog-human family dynamic.

Dogs crave consistency and rules.  If one family member responds to Wolfie in a specific way, he expects that the next family member will also act in the same way.  If they dont, it creates an inconsistent environment for the dog.  This will result in the Wolfies lack of focus or obedience to you or anyone in the family.  In Wolfies eyes, why should he listen, you are all nuts!  The more the family is inconsistent, the more that Wolfie ignores and disobeys their wishes.  Frustration among the family members mounts and could even escalate to harmful, physical acts or having Wolfie surrendered to the Dog Pound.

The bottom line is that this doesnt have to happen.  Before you get a dog, have a family meeting to discuss the responsibilities the family is about to undertake.  A few things you should include in your discussion are:

• Everyone must agree that they want a dog.  (Wolfie cant be unwanted from the very first day!)
• Everyone will agree to the family rules between them and Wolfie.  Items to include are:
• What rooms will Wolfie be allowed to enter?
• On or off the furniture?
• Jumping or not jumping?
• What kind of play in the house?
• etc.
• Everyone will agree that they will be involved with Wolfies training and socialization.
• Create a feeding, playing and walking schedule.  Assign names!
• Discuss how you want Wolfie to act with anyone coming into the house.
• Talk about how these new responsibilities come at a cost.  Some of your current "free time" will now become "Wolfie time".
• Discuss how you will resolve disagreements between family members when they are treating Wolfie differently.

A family is a family.  One for all and all for one.  Having Wolfie as part of your family does not change that.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Dog Training Tips for Potty Training and Food Management

Dont you just love it when there is a free buffet? Guess what? Your little puppy loves it too...

One of the most common errors that our clients make when attempting to potty training their puppy is food management. They leave the puppy’s water and food bowls down and available to the puppy all day long.  With this said, they wonder why their puppy is going to the bathroom all over the place at different times.

Except for health reasons (consult your vet) or hydration reasons (it is really hot, your puppy is playing like a crazy dog), you don’t need to leave his water and food bowls down filled with food and water for him all day long. The one exception to that is in regards to the special needs of a young puppy and water.  We will get to that in a second.

Many times a puppy will drink or eat out of boredom.

"I have nothing to do. Look! There is a bowl of water! I think I will wonder over there and have some water..."

This leads to the puppy over eating and over drinking. They will go to the bathroom more frequently with less predictability.

So here is what you do:

Put the food and water down at meal time and then pick it up when the meal is done. I normally like to leave the bowls down for about 30 minutes. This will allow you to clearly manage the amount of intake and the time of intake. 

Now, let’s discuss the water and special hydration needs of a young puppy.  What I want you to do is to pour the water out of the water bowl and then to refill it with about ¾ inch of water (this is about the thickness of one of your fingers).  Put the water down for him and manage it.  Check the water every 90 minutes.  If he has consumed all the water, wait for 30 minutes and then give him another ¾ inch of water.

What we are accomplishing here is to manage when our puppy eats and drinks.  If we know when he eats and drinks, we can have a far better idea when he will need to go to the bathroom.

Please note: This is only part of the Potty Training process, contact Bruce and Robin Edwards for complete Puppy Potty Training Information at The Best DogTrainers in South Florida.

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Quick Tips on Doggie Allergies

Wolfie was scratching and chewing himself and I knew it wasnt fleas.  A friend of ours  mentioned that he might have some skin allergies and suggested to feed him grain-free food.  I gave it a shot and he is still scratching.  What next?

I first want to make it quite clear that I am not as qualified as my Veterinarian to diagnose solutions for skin allergies and the like.  I simply want to pass on some information that my Vet told me to "try first".  

The "quick and dirty" and inexpensive solution for canine skin allergies is to switch to a grain-free food.  Many times this will solve the problem and wont incur large medical expenses.  The one thing we forget when we switch to a grain-free food is the "hidden grain" that might still remain.  A local natural dog food supplier recently provided us with an epiphany that makes perfect sense.  

When you switch to a grain-free dog food, make sure that chicken is not the meat in the food.  For most chickens, their main food is corn.  So when you have chicken in your dog food, you are also adding corn.  Pick another meat such as lamb, duck, salmon, etc. as the main meat ingredient and you will eliminate that "hidden source of grain".

As always, talk to your Vet concerning any health issues with your dog.  This is the advise given to us by our Vet and natural dog food supplier.   For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Stupid Things We Humans Do When Walking Wolfie

I just dont know... Sometimes when I walk Wolfie, everything is fine and we have a great walk.  Other times, the walk is just a nightmare. Is there something I am missing?

Many of us think that walking our dog is just throwing a collar and leash on him and then "away we go".  This is not the case.  As dog owners, our dogs need to look up to us as the ones that are keeping them safe and caring for their needs.  We have responsibilities and tasks in order to accomplish this.

When we walk Wolfie, he must feel safe and understand that, whatever happens, we are in charge and he will be fine.  Wolfie must be focused on us to provide him the proper signals and we must be aware of the changing environment of the walk in order to provide Wolfie with the security he needs.

I would like to give you a scenario of a walk and what you should be doing in order to have a successful and productive experience...

• No Extension Leashes.  I have commented on this over and over again.  The extension leash only allows Wolfie to be away from you without providing you focus and you providing him direction.  Get a regular, six foot leash!
• Leashie, Leashie, Walkie, Walkie, Crazy, Crazy.  If Wolfie goes crazy every time you pull out the leash for a walk, you already have a nutty dog before you begin.  Put the leash on at different times during the day while you are home.  Just drop it on the ground and let him walk around with it.  Wolfie will very quickly learn that the leash doesnt always mean he is going on a walk.  He will no longer react to the leash in a crazy manner and you will have an easier time getting it on him and starting your walk.
• No Running Out The Front Door.  The beginning of the walk is not the start of a race.  If it were, we would call it a "race" and not a "walk".  Go to the front door and have Wolfie sit.  Open the door and step out first.  Once you are outside, invite Wolfie out and tell him to sit again.  Once he is calm and sitting, you can start your walk.
• Wolfie Watches You.  Have Wolfie on a slightly loose leash walking by your side.  If he is walking by your side, you only have to give him about a foot of leash to allow it to be loose.  We want him to be in position to have you in his peripheral vision so that he always knows you are there to keep him safe.
• Be the AWAC.  Always be scanning the neighborhood ahead of you and behind you for potential diversions that might make Wolfie feel unsafe or spike his adrenaline.  Squirrels, neighbors with their dogs, bicycles, large trucks, and gardeners with leaf blowers are a few examples of potential issues. Direct Wolfie away from them and capture his focus as they pass.  If needed, go in a different direction or make a large circle around them.  You want to allow Wolfie to experience them from a distance or stance where he feels safe.  It is your job to make that happen.
• Sniffie, Potty, Play Time.    A walk is more than going around the block until you get back home.  It is a time to bond with Wolfie.  The important fact is that you are in charge of Wolfies actions.  Stop and have Wolfie sit.  Then give him a command like "Free" or "Go Potties" indicating that you are allowing him to engage in an action he wishes.  Remember, you are allowing him to do what he wants.  You are still in charge.  When the "free time" is over, have him come to you and sit.  When you are ready, give him the command to walk and continue your trek.
• Oh, Can I Pet Your Dog?  If Wolfie is a cute dog, other people will always want to pet him.  Remember, you are in charge and must keep Wolfie safe.  
• If the other person is overly animated, they cant pet Wolfie. 
• If you get the "heebie jeebies"  from the other person, they cant pet Wolfie.
• If you see Wolfie back up or put his tail between his legs, they cant pet Wolfie.  
• If the person seems fine to you, you can invite Wolfie to approach them.  If Wolfie doesnt easily walk to them on a loose leash, no petting.  
• Have the person put the back of his hand down low and allow Wolfie to smell him.  If Wolfie is still calm, ask the person to take his hand around Wolfies chest and slowly stroke the back of his neck.  
• Never let the person move his hand directly over Wolfies face or lean over Wolfie.  
• When you are done, have the person stand still and allow Wolfie to move away.
• Arriving Home.  When you get back home, it is not the end of a race.  Have Wolfie sit at the front door.  Open the door and step through.  Call Wolfie to come inside and sit.  Close the door and release Wolfie from the sit.

Your walk is now done.  See, there are a lot of things you have to remember and do on a walk.  When it comes to walking with our dogs, it is far more involved than just a "lets go".  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Make Time for Doggie!

With the Holidays upon us and all the extra things taking up my time, I just don’t have as much time to spend with Wolfie.  Is this going to cause a problem or can I just make it up by getting him a bunch of great gifts?

First thing, you can’t bribe dogs like you can bribe your kids.  Just getting Wolfie a bunch of great gifts is not going to make up for the time you are neglecting him.  Dogs are social animals and need companionship to maintain the bond between you and him that is so critical in your relationship.

When you don’t give him the time needed to maintain your relationship, your dog will start to test you to see “what he can get away with”.  Let’s say that you have taught him that it is not OK to jump on people.  He will challenge you by taking a few “test jumps” to see what will happen.  If you are distracted with guests or out of town family members, you probably won’t react to his “breaking of your rules”.  You have now shown your dog that he can start to do whatever he wants.  You are not correcting, so why should he obey your rules?

When you leave Wolfie alone at home or in his crate for longer than normal, you are going to increase his need to play and get all of that pent up energy out.  Not being outside with him throwing the ball or going for a jog means that he will have to find another way to release all his “crazy”.  That normally means that he will be far more active in the house, demanding your attention and the attention of your guests.  Since you are already engaged in other activities, this normally means that he is going back in his crate or outside. 

With no bonding and interaction, Wolfie will have to escalate his actions to, “in his mind”, continue the bond you had established.  This normally means that he will start stealing things, showing you that he has them, and then run like a crazy dog around the house as you chase and scream at him.  This only puts you in a bad light as his leader and care giver.  It builds up your dog’s canine perception that he better be the boss and take charge.

If you notice, I am not painting a very rosy picture.  If you simply ignore or minimize the play and bonding time between you and your dog during the holidays, you will have an unpleasant holiday and a crazy, internally focused dog for the New Year.  Let’s make sure that this doesnt happen.

The answer is organization.  You must be organized enough to take the minimal free time you have during the holiday season and use it wisely.  Here are some simple steps:

• Write down your schedule for the upcoming week.  Put in your work, shopping, family obligations, church, parties, etc.  Now, find 45 minutes every day (broken down in 15 and 30 minutes) that you will devote to your “best friend”.  If you have to take some time away from another event, so be it.
• Make a promise to yourself and Wolfie that you will not miss those two times daily where it will be your bonding time.
• Make sure that those times are for you and Wolfie!  Do not be throwing the ball while you are on the phone. 
• After each play time, make sure that Wolfie is still with the family.  Do not simply put him back in the crate and say “Adios”.

As your dog’s leader and care giver, it is your responsibility to maintain a constant bond so that he will respect and obey you.  When you break that bond and trust, you are minimizing your relationship with him.  I know that you are going to tell me “But I am so busy with this, I am so busy with that!”  My response to you is to ask yourself if “this and that” is more important than Wolfie who gives you unconditional love, is always there for you, always wants to please, and always makes you feel great when you are down. I think you know the answer.

If you have any questions, we will be happy to help.  Please contact us at TheBest Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Wolfie is Eating His Doggie Bed

I think that my dog, Wolfie, has probably eaten his weight in doggie beds!  He never does it in front of me, but he just chomps on it at night or when I am away.  I dont want to take his bed away from him.  What would he sleep on?

In my early days of dog training, I wrestled with this question time and time again.  I came up with some interesting answers and scenarios I asked my clients to try.  The results were hit and miss...

Several years ago, I had one of those "Oh my gosh" moments about dogs eating their dog beds when we werent around to let them know it was wrong.  The first thing to remember is that dogs dont need a nice fluffy bed to lie on to fall asleep.  Look outside.  Wolfie is sleeping on the cement patio or on the rocks under the tree.  They love to sleep on the cool tile during the hot days of summer.  So, our first "truism"  is that we dont need to give Wolfie a bed.

Next, we have to understand that dogs build behaviors through repetition and direction.  If we are allowing them do destroy their fluffy beds because we cant catch them, we are instilling the behavior of "lets tear up fluffy things" with our dogs.  The next thing we know, it isnt the $35 dog bed that we find torn up, it is the $400 upholstered and fluffy family room chair that now has stuffing all over the carpet.

So, what do we do?  The answer is really simple.  I know that we "humans" dont like simple answers, but here goes...

Take the dog bed away and let Wolfie sleep on the ground.  We know that he is fine with the ground, so we are not going to give him back aches.  Also, we have removed that repetitive destructive behavior.  This will keep him from escalating that unwanted behavior to destroying more expensive things. Wolfie is still fine and we have saved a ton of money.  Win win for all!  For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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How to introduce a new doggie into the family

I am about to get a new dog, but how do I make sure that Wolfie and he will get along?

The biggest problem that we have when we bring home a "new dog" is to understand how our current dog(s) will react.  Remember, Wolfie didnt have a clue that someone new was coming to live with him.  Here are a few, quick tips:

• Before you actually bring the new dog home, take Wolfie to the Humane Society, breeder, or pet store to meet the new dog.  Keep both on leashes and allow them to sniff each other.  Watch their body language to make sure that you dont see any possible aggression or timid behavior.  If they both eventually just sit down and are not focused on the other dog, you are fine, so far.
• When you bring the new dog home, have Wolfie meet the new dog in the front yard.  This is a neutral spot for both.  It is also not Wolfies territory and you dont want to suddenly introduce a new "pack member" into Wolfies territory.  Allow both dogs to meet (on leashes) and sniff.  Walk them around the yard together for a few minutes and then walk them in the front door.  Make sure that Wolfie goes first.
• Now that you have them in your home, always supervise them when they are together.  You just want to make 100% sure that everything is going well.  When you cant supervise them, separate them in their crates. 
• After a few days, let them in the back yard by themselves.  Watch them from the house.  If you see friendly play and respectful interaction, you can assume that they are fine with each other.

Congratulations on extending your family!

For more information, please contact The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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Never Use an Extension Leash!

I know that I have said this in the past, but after a conversation with a client this week, I just have to reiterate...

Just as it says in the Taylor Swift song, "never, ever, ever..." use an extension leash when walking your dog!  It is unsafe and could end with your dog being hit by a car or truck.

Yes, I have told this to you before, but I now want to share a conversation I had with one of my clients this week.

My client is a Fire Paramedic who has a great puppy and a wonderful love for dogs.  She told me of an incident she experienced about two weeks ago while responding to a call early in the morning.

It was about 6AM and they were heading to an emergency call driving down a major street in Fort Lauderdale.  Ahead of them was a man with his dog.  The dog was sniffing the grass at the edge of the street.  The owner had the dog on an extension leash and really wasnt paying too much attention to the situation.  It was early in the morning with no traffic, so they didnt have the siren on at the time.

Just as they approached the owner and the dog, the dog leaped in front of the oncoming fire truck.  It happened so quickly that the trucks driver couldnt respond and they were sitting so high up, they couldnt immediately see if they had hit the dog.  My client said that everyones hearts were were racing as they looked in the rear view mirrors.

Luckily, they had missed the dog by inches.  My client said that this incident impacted every Fireman and Paramedic on that truck for the rest of the day.  If the dog had jumped one second sooner of they were five feet farther back on the road, the dog would have been killed instantly.

Can I state it any clearer than this?  Please, no extension leashes, period.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

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