This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. We are definitely in the dog days of summer now and one of the best ways to cool down in this heat is by taking a dip in the pool. Swimming pools are a must …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. It has been incredibly hot here the last few days in Virginia, (I’m talking 100 degrees by 11am hot), and it has been miserable. Whenever that summer heat starts to get to me, my favorite …
If you’re part of the dog community in person or on social media you probably hear the word “recall” being thrown around a lot. Teaching your dog recall, otherwise known as “coming when they’re called”, is so important for their safety but can be a tricky command for them to master. Today, I’m sharing 6 tips for teaching your dog reliable recall.
Reliable recall refers to your dog consistently coming to you when you call them. In short, if you call for your dog to come and know that they always will, they have a reliable recall. If your dog only comes occasionally when you call them, their recall is not reliable and if they almost never respond to being called, they have no recall at all.
Having a reliable recall is so important in order to keep your dog safe. There are many cases in which knowing that your dog will come when called could save their life such as:
Your dog should only ever be permitted off leash if they have a reliable recall. Unleashed dogs without recall are putting themselves and those around them at an extreme risk.
Teaching your dog a reliable recall can be really difficult. Unfortunately, the freedom they have while running free is often too great of a reward for your dog to care about coming back to you when called. Working on a reliable recall should be a priority from day one of bringing your pup home and you should be aware that your dog may not ever get to the point of it being 100% reliable. Here are 6 tips to teach your dog a reliable recall:
1. Use Recall Games
Recall games are great for engraining the command into your dog. Games like “catch me” are perfect for dogs who wouldn’t otherwise pay you any attention. To play “catch me”, while on a walk with your dog, turn around and run in the opposite direction. As they follow you yell out “come!” And reward them heavily for following.
Another game you could play involves you and a couple of friends standing in a circle around your dog with high value treats. Take turns calling your dog and using the command “come” and then praising and rewarding them as they go to the person who calls them.
The goal here is to show your dog that coming to you is always the “fun” and “rewarding” option compared to running away from you.
2. Don’t Repeat Yourself
As with any command, you don’t want to have to repeat yourself in order for your dog to listen. The goal should be for your dog to recall to you as soon as they hear the word “come”. If you repeat the word over and over you’ll just teach them that they don’t have to come as soon as they hear you call.
3. Never Punish Your Dog for Coming to You
You should be heavily praising your dog every single time they choose to come to you (even if they ran for 3 miles and chased a bunch of squirrels before doing so). Scolding your dog when they come to you will teach them that they could possibly get in trouble for it, and may deter them from doing so in the future.
4. Never Chase Them
In an emergency situation, when your dog is refusing to recall to you, do not chase them. Dogs think of chase as a game and it’s likely that they will continue to run in the opposite direction. Instead, stay firmly in one spot and call them. As long as you can see them, you don’t need to panic. In most cases they will eventually recall back to you.
If you really need your dog to come to you ASAP, start running in the opposite direction of them. In most cases they will follow right after you, thinking it’s a game. Remember to praise them once they do come back to you!
5. Practice Daily
Recall is one of those commands that needs to be practiced consistently for the remainder of your dogs life, even once you think they’ve mastered it. Be sure to practice in new environments all the time, and as they get better at it, make the environments more tricky.
If your dog has perfect recall in the field you’ve been practicing in, move to a location with more to distract them. You want them to have reliable recall in every situation so that you don’t have to worry in an emergency.
6. Make Yourself the Reward
When a dog is running away, it’s always because the animal they’re chasing, dog they are running towards, or in general freedom they have in that moment is a much better reward than you are. In order to perfect your dogs recall you’ll want to make yourself the ultimate reward.
Work with your dog constantly to form a close bond so that they feel immense joy when doing what you ask of them and making you happy. The better bond you have with your dog, the more likely they are to want to please you.
What are some steps you’ve taken to teach your dog a reliable recall?
A couple of years ago I decided it was time to leave my job as a dog daycare attendant to pursue another career in the animal field and become a vet assistant. While looking for jobs I came across a holistic veterinary clinic that was …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. Amazon Prime Day is a once a year event for Amazon Prime members with some of the best deals you can get all year long. This year, Prime Day falls between July 12-13 but for …
There is a popular myth that states mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebred dogs. While owners of well bred purebred dogs will quickly tell you that statement isn’t true, the myth came about for a reason. The fact is, the majority of purebred dog breeds are predisposed to a health problem (or two or three), and even the most well bred pups are at risk. Today, I’m sharing 10 of the most popular dog breeds and their common health problems.
If you’re looking into getting a specific dog breed, you need to be well aware of the health concerns that may come with it. For starters, the health problems that a dog breed is known for could influence your decision to buy a dog of that breed. While some dog breeds are known for less severe or more manageable issues such as obesity, others may have more serious problems such as cancer.
Knowing what health problems your dog is prone to will help you stay on top of it from the very beginning. This means you’ll hopefully be able to catch any symptoms early and get treatment before the problem becomes too severe. You’ll also have a better opportunity to prepare financially whether that be through pet insurance or a hefty savings account. The more prepared you are before getting your dog, the less stress you’ll experience down the road.
When researching the perfect dog breed to suit your wants and needs, health concerns should be at the top of your list. If you aren’t going to be able to mentally or financially care for a cancer dog, a dog with cardiac issues, or a dog with a herniated disc, you need to rule those breeds out ASAP.
Note: it’s important to remember that mixed breed dogs can still experience the health problems of the breeds they are made up of. Your boxer mix will still be at risk for cancer and your poodle mix is still prone to ear infections. Mixing dog breeds does not automatically make them healthier.
Every dog breed is prone to some sort of health condition whether it’s an ear infection or heart failure. These are 10 of the most popular dog breeds and the health problems that come with them:
Beagles
Beagles are prone to epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes seizures. In most cases of beagles with epilepsy, they’ll experience their first seizure between 6 months and 3 years old. Although there have been cases where seizures did not start until much later in the dogs life. Epilepsy cannot be cured but can be managed with anti-seizure medication.
Boxers
Boxers are extremely prone to cancer. In fact, the UK Kennel Club estimates that almost 40% of boxers will get cancer in their lifetime. There are many types of cancer that we see in dogs, but boxers are most prone to mast cell tumors and lymphoma. Both of these cancers can be treatable if caught early, but they can also be fatal. If you own a boxer, it’s important to check them frequently for lumps and bumps and have bloodwork done annually to rule out any concerns.
Dachshund
Unsurprisingly, dachshunds are prone to back problems, specifically intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD, also known as a “slipped disc”, occurs in about 1 in 5 dachshunds. Their long bodies have a hard time being supported by their short legs, causing back problems in many of them between the ages of 3 and 8 years old. If you own a dachshund, it’s important to keep them at a healthy weight and keep their jumping to a minimum to prevent back issues in the future.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are prone to a heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This is a serious condition where the heart’s chambers become stretched out and don’t pump blood effectively. A study done showed that 58% of dobermans of all ages and gender had symptoms of DCM. If you own a doberman your vet will likely suggest regular cardiac screenings to watch for any abnormalities. In many cases, doberman owners did not even know their dog had a cardiac issue until the dog collapsed and it was too late. DCM can be regulated with medications but it is not curable.
English Bulldog
Based on their short muzzles and squishy faces, it should come as no surprise that English bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues. The small nostrils and narrow tracheas on an English bulldog makes it incredibly difficult for them to breathe, and as a result they are at major risk of becoming overheated and overtired. The breathing problems of these dogs is often life threatening and so it is incredibly important for bulldog owners to be monitoring their body temperature and exercise level at all times.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are prone to a joint problem known as hip dysplasia. This is when the joints ball and socket do not fit together properly and can cause pain, arthritis, and problems walking. Hip dysplasia in GSD’s can be prevented by choosing a reputable breeder that screens their breeding dogs for this joint problem. Since it is genetic, dogs with hip dysplasia are much more likely to produce puppies with hip dysplasia. You can also keep your dog healthy by feeding a good diet, exercising them appropriately, and starting on supplements such as glucosamine early. Hip dysplasia can be treated with physical therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture or in more severe cases surgery may be necessary.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are prone to skin allergies that cause severe itching and can lead to hot spots if untreated. Luckily, skin conditions in dogs are pretty treatable and manageable. Baths in specific shampoos, omega-3 oils, and a diet change can often help treat itchy skin.
Labrador Retriever
Any dog can become overweight but Labrador retrievers are specifically prone to obesity. Like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to a variety of health issues. A fat dog is not a cute dog!!
Obesity in labs can be prevented with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Labs are known to eat anything and everything, so you shouldn’t have much trouble replacing your dogs unhealthy treats with foods such as carrots or apples to help keep them at a healthy weight. With obesity, preventing weight gain is easier than losing the weight, so it’s important to put measures in place to keep them fit from the beginning.
Poodles
Any dog with long, floppy ears, is prone to ear infections and poodles are no exception. The lack of air flow to a poodles ear canal can cause a buildup of bacteria, ear mites, wax, or yeast, all of which can cause ear infections. Reoccurring ear infections in poodles is incredibly common and in some cases, the dog can build up a tolerance to medications, making treatment almost impossible. To prevent ear infections in your poodle, feed a less carb heavy food, clean them frequently (but not too frequently), and pluck the excess hair from their ears.
Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are prone to a variety of autoimmune diseases that can effect the skin, eyes, or even both. These diseases can cause hair loss, sores on the skin, and cataracts or glaucoma in the eyes. My Siberian Husky suffers from dry eye, also known as KCS, an autoimmune disease that stops the tear ducts from producing tears. There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but in most cases they can be managed with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.
What health problems is your dog breed prone to?
Tomorrow’s Independence Day, the holiday where American’s celebrate the day we officially became free from Great Britain. Whether you’re proud to be an American, or Fourth of July just happens to be your favorite holiday, there is better way to honor the country then a …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. In recent years, the use of essential oils has become increasingly popular. People have found essential oils to have many health benefits both physically and mentally. However, we commonly hear that essential oils are not …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
Fourth of July is in just a few weeks and for many dog owners this means a night of dealing with a panicked and stressed out pup. Fireworks are a source of fear for many dogs, and for good reason. The loud sounds, smokey smell, and flashing lights can all be scary to our dogs who don’t quite understand the celebration. Before the holiday arrives, it’s important to be prepared if you think your dog may have some firework fear. Today, I’m sharing 8 steps you should take right now to keep your dog calm during fireworks.
Before you start your preparations to keep your dog calm during fireworks this year, determine whether or not they’re actually going to be afraid and how severe that fear really is. If you know your dog has shown signs of fear or stress during fireworks in the past it is safe to assume this year will be no different. However, if this is your first firework heavy holiday or event with your pup, you may not know what to expect.
While many dogs are scared of the loud displays of light, that doesn’t mean all dogs will be. When trying to predict how your dog may react, ask yourself two questions: is your dog afraid of thunderstorms and are they a more fearful dog in general? If your dog has ever given you any reason to believe they might be afraid (jumps at loud sounds, scared of new surroundings, etc) then you should plan accordingly. If you genuinely have no idea how they’re going to react, plan to be safe rather than sorry.
It should go without saying that if your dog is scared of fireworks you definitely shouldn’t bring them to the show. But where should your dog be during the event? If you plan to be home while the fireworks are happening, it’s safest and probably most comfortable for your dog to be with you. Let them sit on the couch or in bed with you or another person they feel safe with.
If your dog is going to be home alone, determine where their safe space is and set them up there before you leave. This could be a crate, a bathroom, or even a bedroom. Wherever your dog feels the most secure is where they should be allowed to stay.
Note: do not leave your dog unattended outside during fireworks. More dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other holiday as dogs tend to run from their fears. If your dog must be outside, ensure they are properly restrained and cannot get loose.
While comforting your dog while they’re stressed is great, some dog owners tend to feed into the fear rather than console it. If you’re stressed, your dog will feed off that energy and become even more stressed. It’s important that you remain calm to show your dog that they can too.
When it comes to comforting your dog, talking to them in your usual tone of voice is best. Repeating statements such as “it’s okay, it’s okay” in a high pitched and frantic tone will only make their stress worse.
Distracting your dog is your best bet for keeping them calm during firework displays. Noise such as music, the TV, or even white noise can help drown out the loud booms and keep your dog calm.
You can also use toy or treat distractions. Buy a few new and exciting toys and give them to your dog right before the fireworks begin to keep them distracted. Other toys and treats that may work include:
Thunder Shirts are tightly fitting shirts that are designed to calm dogs. It works by applying a constant pressure to your dogs torso which in turn releases a calming hormone such as oxytocin or endorphins. Putting a Thunder Shirt on your dog before the noise begins may help to prevent some of that panic they’d otherwise feel.
I always say that the key to a good pup is a tired pup. Making sure your dog gets extra exercise during the day before the fireworks begin is a great way to tire them out in hopes that they’ll sleep through the loud noises. Both physical and mental exercise should be practiced during the day before the nighttime festivities are underway.
Take your dog on an extra long walk or two, feed them with an enrichment feeder such as a dog puzzle or slow feeder bowl, and spend some time playing fetch, working on tricks, or anything else that tends to tire them out by the end of the day.
Unfortunately, Fourth of July is known for being the day that the highest number of dogs run away. This is because fearful dogs tend to run away from what they are afraid of. If your dog is outside, or has access to a door that goes outside, they may run away as a result of panic.
Should this be the case for your pup, be sure that all of their identification information is up to date prior to the holiday. This includes name tags on collars and microchip information as well.
If your dog does run away, call every local animal shelter and vets office to let them know as this is where most stray animals are reported or dropped off.
Some dogs can be kept calm during fireworks with a little extra TLC and preparation, but this is not the case for all dogs. If your dog is known to have an absolute panic attack during fireworks, talk to your vet about medications that will sedate them just enough to keep them calm. Your vet should be able to prescribe something that’ll help so that everyone can enjoy their holiday stress free.
Is your dog afraid of fireworks? What do you do to help them through it?
I recently took a trip to Los Angeles, California with my boyfriend where we visited Universal Studios Hollywood and the Warner Bros Studio Tour which are both full of Harry Potter rides, experiences, props, and more. While I’ve never been a huge fan of the …