Things To Consider When Bringing An Additional Dog To Your Family

I have had Wolfie as a great member of our family for years and am thinking about adding another dog.  Ive heard stories, good and bad, about families bringing additional dogs into their fold.  What are some things that I should watch out for and what things should I consider?

The very first thing that you should consider about getting a second dog is if you are prepared for the additional responsibilities of owning a second dog.  Your neighbor that was fine in baby sitting one dog while you were away for the weekend might not have the ability to watch two dogs.  The places you travel that dont mind you bring Wolfie might not accept a second canine guest.  Your Vet bills and dog food bills will now be twice as much.  Your association might not allow a second dog.  Do you have time for a second dog? Your home owners insurance might drastically change.  Again, these are just a few real life things to consider before you even continue your thoughts about more doggies.

Now, lets way you got past those first, few hurdles.  You need to consider Wolfies temperament and the type of breed you might consider.  Here are some tips:

• If Wolfie is dog aggressive, territorial, or over protective of you, you might want to stop thinking about another dog.
• If Wolfie is more of a "couch potato" or over seven years old, you probably dont want to consider getting a puppy.
• Consider a dog that is roughly the same size as Wolfie.  This will make play time safer for both of them.
• In my opinion, I would make sure that both dogs have been neutered or fixed.
• If you are not prepared for a high energy environment, do not consider breeds like Jack Russels, Boxers, Labs, or Dalmatians.  (Great dogs, just high energy!)  

With these things handled, it is now time to start your search.  Here are some more tips:

• Start your search with a family meeting with the open ended question, "What kind of dog would you like?".  Dogs you have had in the past, favorite neighbor dogs, or the "I always wanted a ..." normally will be mentioned.  Go on the internet and research these breeds to see if there are any red flags that would pop up about them.  Dog Breeder Info Center is a great place to look.
• If you have small children, large, high energy dogs might not be a good fit.
• Large dogs in apartments or homes with small back yards might not be a good idea.
• If you work long hours, dogs that require a good amount of exercise or require a good amount of interaction might not be a good match.
• Check out the local Humane Society, Animal Shelters, and Rescue Groups to locate your next doggie.  There are so many great dogs already out there, it really isnt necessary to go to the pet stores or local breeders.

Now, you have found your next doggie and he appears to meet all the above criteria.  Now is the time to see if it is really going to work.  Now is the time to see if Wolfie will really get along with this potentially new member of the family.  More tips for you:

• Have Wolfie and your potential doggie meet at the Shelter, Humane Society, or Rescue location.  Be in a fence enclosed, outside environment and have both doggies on leashes.  Allow them to approach each other and exchange their doggie sniffs.  If there is any sign of fear or aggression, separate them and try again.  Once they are "used to each other", drop the leashes and allow them to wander.  Always be right there in the event they become aggressive.  If needed, step on the leash, pick it up, and separate them.
• Repeat the above process for a second and possibly third visit to assure that they are fine with each other.  If, after three sessions, there are still signs of aggression or fear, this is not the right fit.
• If they appear to be the right fit, it is now time to bring the new canine family member home.  Have your new doggie and Wolfie meet in the front of your house.  Let them sniff and re-greet each other.  You might want to take both of them on a little walk up and down the street.
• Now, take Wolfie inside the house to an open area in sight of the front door.  Bring your new doggie in and have Wolfie and him greet again.  Walk them around the house (on leashes).  Now you can drop the leashes but still keep both of them in sight.
• Take both of them to the back yard and let them play.  Use new toys so that there will not be a "possessive issue" with Wolfie.
• Feed them separately for the first few days.  After that, try feeding them together (much easier) while being on the lookout for any food possessive/aggression issues.

If you follow these guidelines, you are on your way to having a great life with your larger human/canine family.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.. 

Read More..

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.

Read More..

More Quick Tips When Walking Your Puppy

There are so many things I have to remember when walking my puppy.  What is a quick safety tip that I could be overlooking?

Down here in South Florida it is hot and humid most of the year.  Because of this, we have a lot of standing water and mold.  Little puppies love to sniff and lick just about anything.  The one thing you dont want them to do is to ingest mold and run the risk of stomach infections, loose stools, or even worse.  Here are a few, simple suggestions you might employ while walking your little puppy, Wolfie:

• Always be aware of your environment and avoid standing water or really dirty sidewalks.
• Walk at a brisk pace and stop only when you think it is safe for Wolfie to sniff and just be a puppy.
• Dont just blindly look off into the distance when you are walking.  Always keep your eye on Wolfie to make sure he is keeping his nose and mouth off the ground.
• Walk Wolfie on a short leash.  This takes away a great deal of the opportunity for him to get into trouble.  It also make is easier for you to keep him in control.

Always be observant of Wolfie when you are home.  If you see he is having loose stool, becomes listless, or his eating habits change, give your Veterinarian a call right away and discuss the problem.  It is our responsibility to keep our little puppy safe for his entire life and part of that is just being a smart and observant leader.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

Read More..

Preparing Your Dog for The Start of School

School time is just around the corner and the kids have been playing with our family dog all summer long.  What happens when our dog is left alone all day?

 

This same scenario happens every year and is something that is easily solved if you prepare for it now.  Two big problems that your dog could experience are boredom and separation anxiety.  Both of these could lead to inappropriate behavior such as destruction and continued, crazy barking.  Here are some tips to work on now before your kids go back to school:

 

Boredom

While dogs naturally sleep a lot during the day, when they wake up, they want something to do. Seek out toys and activities that can keep your dog entertained, even when youre not at home.

• Scatter food.  Dogs are natural foragers who enjoy sniffing out food on the ground. Before you leave the house, scatter a variety of foods -such as bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that wont attract wasps-around the yard or house. Hide a few ultra-tasty treats, too, so your dog spends extra time looking for them. Be sure to provide fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.
• Toys.  Dogs love toys, but they can get bored with or destroy them.  Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys that your dog will always enjoy, especially those that hold treats like the Classic KONG.  Every week or so, rotate what toys are available to your dog to give him something new and fun to hold his interest.

Separation Anxiety

With everyone away from the house all day, dogs left alone can become stressed. This stress can result in destructive behaviors and endless barking. Follow these tips to help reduce the potential anxiety of separation.

• Start early.  A few weeks before your children return to school, get your dog used to being alone.  Begin by separating him from the kids and the rest of the family.  For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to run errands, leave him at home instead.
• Pay less attention to your dog.  While your dog may be the center of attention when the kids are home all day, you need to change this scenario before they return to school so that he can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. About a week before school starts, pay increasingly less attention to your dog each day.
• Practice leaving the house.  Go through the motions of leaving the house.  Pick up your keys and go out the door, but then come right back in again. The dog will cease associating the routine of your leaving the house with your departure.  This will help him to be more relaxed when you actually leave.
• When you leave When the last person leaves the house for the day, dont confuse your dog by saying soothingly, "Dont worry, Wolfie-well be home soon. Be a good boy." If he is feeling concerned that youre leaving, your sweet-toned voice can make him think its okay to feel anxious. Dogs are animals that instinctively rely on a defined social structure, and so they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the group. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.

As I mentioned earlier, it is important that you start this new routine BEFORE everyone starts back to school.  This allows you the time to work with your dog to acclimate him with your new “school-time” routime. As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please contact us at Great South Florida Dog Trainers.

Read More..

Things People Say to Service Dog Handlers

I pulled this great video off of You Tube, which I think is great! It just basically quotes the things that people to say to service dog handlers.

Since I have had my service dog, I have had many, many people come up to me and say the strangest things. Most of these things are quoted here in this video, but there are others, such as, "Youre not blind, what do YOU need a dog for?!" Yes, people never cease to amaze me.  Because I was educated about service dogs, even before I had one, I assumed that other people were educated about what a service dog is as well. BOY was I WRONG!!! That has a big part in me starting this blog in the first place.

I try to always take the opportunity to educate people when they come up and ask me questions, if I have time, but some of these comments are just downright RUDE and ANNOYING!  Besides making strange, and sometimes very rude comments, Ive had grown adults just come right up and start petting my service dog, talking to her, and hugging her! Then Ive had little children, 4 years old, come up and ask me if they can pet my dog, which I can respect.  I try to always talk to the children about what a service dog is and how it should be handled.  The adults, well....I think they should know. Some of them know and dont care....for example, I had a woman come up to me at the grocery store and say (in a little baby voice), "Youre such a pretty doggie! I know Im not supposed to be talking to you, but youre just so cute! Yes, you are!"  What the hell!? How does one respond to such ignorance?

There are a lot of rude people out there, then there are people that genuinely just dont know. Those are the ones I try to talk with and educate about service dogs.

Watch this video, whether you do or do not have a service dog. If you do have a service dog, can you relate to this video?  If you dont, are you one of these people?? If so, stop it.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSn9WO1FCb0

Feel free to share your stories about this issue in the comments section of my blog.  Thanks.

Read More..

Five Great Things a Good Dog Owner Should Do for Their Dog

I really want to be a great dog owner for Wolfie and there are so many opinions and suggestions of what I should do!  Are there some general things that I really need to focus on?

There are bookstores and bookstores full of dog books.  We could spend the rest of our lives just reading about what we should do with our dogs.  Since we probably dont have time for that, let me cut to the chase and give you the five "you really shoulds" for your dog:

1. First, good dog owners walk and exercise their dogs. Most dogs love to run and play. It is both a physical and mental release and helps keep them physically strong and emotionally happy. 
2. Yearly check-ups. Ensuring that your dog has yearly check-ups to help identify any medical problems before they become problems is a very good habit. During the yearly exam, your veterinarian will also determine if your dog requires any vaccines, flea control or heart worm preventative medications. These measures will help to keep your dog healthy and comfortable. 
3. Good daily care. Daily monitoring of your dogs appetite, urinations, bowel movements are a part of be a good responsible dog owner. Healthy dogs have a good appetite, normal urinations, healthy bowel movements and maintain an ideal weight. Any abnormalities should be noted and any persistent changes should be reported to your veterinarian. 
4. Feed a good quality food. Good nutrition is one way a dog owner can proactively make a difference in their dogs health. Over the past two decades, there has been a lot of research and scientific information used to properly formulate dogs foods to optimize health. Many of the foods that we recommend have these enhanced formulas that helps burn fat, develop muscle and promote healthy digestion. They were developed by nutritionists and veterinarians, so these complete, all-in-one diets have the right balance of proteins, fats and fibers to help protect your dogs health. Please do your own research and select a great food for your dog.
5. Daily grooming. Monitoring your dogs nails and trim them when needed, brush his teeth at least every other day and daily brush his hair are important ways to prevent unnecessary problems such as dental disease, torn nails, matting, and needless shedding around your home.

Do these things and your dog will thank you with better health and months, if not years added to their lives.

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

Read More..

Wolfie Seems to Think He is the Boss

I just dont understand it.  I work with Wolfie on Come/Sit/Stay.  I play with Wolfie.  I walk Wolfie.  But it seems like he still thinks he is the boss.  I think I am doing everything right, but something must be missing!

Remember the old phrase  "Walk a mile in my shoes"?  Well, this is the problem that you are having with Wolfie.  Yes, you are providing him education, exercise, and bonding.  What you dont understand is that Wolfie sees the world through a canine perspective.  He judges you as if you were a dog and not a human.  You must understand his perspective to understand how and why he does what he does.

So why does Wolfie act like he is the boss?  The reason is because you are constantly telling him that he is!  You dont know that you are doing this because you view the world from a human perspective and your actions reflect that.  From Wolfies perspective (the canine point of view), you are constantly implying that he is the boss.

Here is what you are doing, why Wolfie believes he is the boss, and what you have do to...

It is a typical Saturday afternoon and you are sitting on your back porch reading the paper.  Wolfie comes up to you and sticks his nose in you hand asking for a pat on the head.  You think nothing of it and give him a big pat and maybe even throw the ball for him.  You have just told Wolfie he is the boss.  Since he is the boss, he can do whatever he wants because you will always comply.

In a human family, anyone can have an idea and the family can respond.  Nobody implies anything about leadership about the act.  We (humans) thought it was a good idea and did it.  Now, in the wolf pack you have the canine alpha leader and the rest of the pack.  The only one that tells the pack what to do is the canine alpha leader.

As soon as Wilfie said "pet me" and you did, you submitted to his demand, placed yourself in the role of the pack, and promoted him to being the canine alpha leader.  We (humans) do this all day long.  We are constantly telling Wolfie that he is the boss.  Since he is the boss, he can do whatever he wants.  This normally equates to a misbehaved dog that is always annoying us.  So what can we do to fix this?

You must always make sure that it is your idea and not Wolfies.

When Wolfie comes over to you and wants to be petted, ignore him.  In a moment or two, he will turn away.  At that moment, you can call him to you and you can tell him that you want to pet him.  It is now your idea and when Wolfie comes to be petted, he has placed himself as the pack member and you as the canine alpha leader.

This sounds like a simple thing to do, but in reality, it is very difficult.  The reason is that (we humans) really dont care whose idea it was.  Dogs do care whose idea it was because that equates to leadership and ultimately their general safety.

So, if you want to be on the way to having Wolfie well behaved and understanding his position in the pack, you must always initiate, you must always begin, you must always implement your idea.  For more information, please contact us at The Best Dog Trainers in South Florida.

Read More..

Jades Day In Court

Early this morning, I had a court hearing for personal reasons, and as always, my trusty co-pilot, Jade, accompanied me, and boy am I glad she did! It was one of the toughest days Ive had so far, since Ive become too disabled to work.  Jade was, as she always is, there for me.

I was about as nervous as I could be getting up and getting ready this morning to head off to court, which I have to admit, isnt an easy task in itself when youre disabled. Thankfully I have help...I have my boyfriend, who is the best man Ive ever known, and my loyal 4-legged friend; both of them help me immensely.

After I got my first set of pills in me, and a little something to go down with them, I move about a bit easier, and strapped Jade into her service dog vest and collar, which lets her know its time to get ready to work.  My nerves started to settle some just looking at her loving face looking at me, while I strapped her into her seatbelt in the back seat of the truck and slowly climbed into the passenger seat.  I thought about how court would go on the ride, and when I started to feel very nervous again, Id look into the backseat, and see that face again.....deep breath...we can do this.

We got through it, and although Id wished we would never have had to, we did, and today I realized that Jade helps me in so many other ways than just doing the physical things she does to help me.  Yes, she picks up everything I drop, she opens doors, she puts clothes in the dryer and pulls them out, she pulls the laundry basket into the laundry room,  she holds things for me, she carries bags into the house for me after shopping, she lets the cat in and out so I dont have to get up, she helps set the table for dinner, and she fetches the phone for me, but today I realized how much she helps me emotionally.

Sometimes, its just about her being there with me, through the hard things, through the physical pain, and the emotional pain.  Just her being there, laying next to me, or looking at me with that silly smile, and wagging tail, with those pretty eyes of hers, that seem to say, "Smile, Im here for you!" seems to keep me going from day to day.  But then theres that look of hers that I get every evening after dinner, that says, "Well, are we going to the park now or what?" and I know, I have to get out.  I have to get out, see the sun, see the park, see other people, and think about other things...or not think at all; its unbelievable how much just getting out of the house, and going to the park helps with depression and stress. She makes me do that.

Today was difficult.  I sat in the courtroom, nervous, and wondering what would happen, but I could look down at my feet, under the table, and theres that face again, looking up at me, smiling, and making me feel like "yes, I can do it....and everything is going to be okay."  After it was over, and I was crying so much I couldnt stop, we left the courtroom, and I stopped right there in the hallway, squatted down slowly, and hugged Jade. She sat with me, just letting me, because she knew I needed to, then we shared a cup of water and regrouped.  I often wonder what Id do without her, but today I realized its for so many more reasons.

When I wake up in the morning, I find her right there, on the bed, laying next to me, after my boyfriend has left for work (or is sometimes getting ready for work).  I wake up and I pet her, and she rolls over for the belly rub.  She happily fetches my slippers and my cane, as if to say, "Cmon, lets get moving," and I do.



So, what I realized is that my service dog, is so much more than just my physical helper, and my partner.  She also helps me so much emotionally.  Shes my therapy, and my friend.

Thank you, Jade, for always being there.

 Dogs just have a way of making it better.

Read More..