Blog

7 Tips for Helping Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Comments Off on 7 Tips for Helping Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Many dogs endure separation anxiety whenever their person leaves the house without them. That anxiety can manifest in shredded furniture, neighbors complaining about barking or howling and daring escape attempts. The worst part for any dog lover is knowing that these behaviors can arise from canine stress and unhappiness. Dogs are pack animals and you are pack leader, so it should be no surprise if your absence is difficult for your dog.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Severe cases may call for a visit to the veterinarian to determine the nature of the distress and address it. But if your dog’s separation anxiety is mild, there are a number of ways to help him stay calm and happy.

Retrain yourself

Try breaking up your own routine to downplay the significance of your departure and return. Behaviorists note that dogs sometimes interpret dramatic human goodbyes and greetings as a sign that being separated is a big deal. Some dogs become anxious if they hear their person jangle keys or see them putting on shoes. Your dog has a better chance of staying calm if you do.

Music, not noise

A recent study from Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow supported the idea that classical music can calm dogs. You can even get music compilations that are specifically geared toward canine calming. However, the same study showed that other types of music had the opposite effect. The Humane Society reports that radio, TV, static or white noise is unlikely to help.

Tech gadgets

If your dog loves to fetch, you can entertain him with a product like iFetch, an automated ball launcher. Physical activity is an antidote to anxious behaviors.

WiFi security cameras can keep you connected to your home no matter where you are. These cameras not only allow for two-way audio communication, but also enable you to view your home remotely from your smartphone to check on your dog. Watching your dog’s behavior remotely can also help you determine what works best for keeping your dog calm.

Dog toys

Toys can keep your dog occupied and interested — a bored dog is more prone to anxiety and restlessness. Kong toys are durable and popular. If you stuff a Kong toy and give it to your dog as you leave, your dog may come to equate your departure with pleasure instead of anxiety.

Besides a Kong, there are many other interactive dog puzzle toys that utilize tempting treats as motivation to keep your dog engaged in “solving” the puzzle. Anything that keeps your dog’s energy focused away from destructive behaviors is going to be a helpful part of reducing anxiety.

Take your dog to work

This isn’t an option for everyone, but if you can why wouldn’t you? A recent study from Virginia Commonwealth University showed that having dogs at work reduces human work-related stress.

Calming over-the-counter products

Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) have been shown to reduce anxiety in some scientific studies. Products like a diffuser such as Comfort Zone with Adaptil can help dogs feel safe by mimicking natural pheromones.

Consult your vet

Talking to your dog’s veterinarian is always a good idea when dealing with new or worsening behavior issues. Sometimes behaviors indicate an unexpected underlying medical condition that needs attention. Severe separation anxiety may require medication or help from a canine behavior specialist.
May 27, 2016 |

Your Furry Best Friend: The Ultimate Workout Buddy

Comments Off on Your Furry Best Friend: The Ultimate Workout Buddy
Dog Friendly Workout

Working out requires a lot of mental motivation and incentive, however, the process of exercising can be less strenuous with a good friend. Utilize the pal that’s always around as your new exercise buddy: your beloved dog. Your furry best friend will help motivate you to be active and will benefit from the workout just as much as you. Here are some activities that you and your dog can do for a fun fitness experience.

Running

Dog Friendly Workout

Take your dog for a run outdoors. Choose a fun environment that both of you will enjoy, like the beach or a large park with an extensive trail. Train him to stay at your heel and keep the same pace as the two of you run. This will keep him from running right in front of you and will also keep him safe at any intersection crossings. If you’re in an area that has more traffic, utilize a running leash. There are hands-free leashes that you can comfortably wrap around your waist.

Doga

Doga is a dog-yoga exercise that engages both the owner and the pet. The activity can bond you and your dog, as it provides a relaxing environment where the two of you are focused on one another. It is a gentle practice that includes lots of massaging, light stretches and relaxing. Doga can be practiced with any sized dog, as the poses can all be modified. There is minimal dog training for this exercise, though make sure they do receive a positive reward, like a small treat, after their doga session.

Paddleboarding

Enjoy the ocean breeze on a stand-up paddle board with your pup. A stand-up paddle board will usually fit both dog and human, as it’s 10 to 12 feet long, closely resembling a longboard surfboard. Your dog can sit at the front of the board or move around while you propel forward. The exercise provides a great workout for your upper body. It enhances your ability to balance and also gets you out into the fresh air. Any dog can enjoy the sport, regardless of size or breed. For enhanced safety, purchase a doggy life jacket for your furry friend and one for yourself, you’ll also want to wear sports sunglasses to help block any glare.

Hiking

Embark into the great outdoors for a hiking excursion with your pooch. Outdoor exercise will stimulate both the body and mind of you and your dog, as natural terrain will test your physical limits and also provide a captivating workout environment. For long trips, have your dog carry their own dog backpack. Have them first wear the pack around the house or on walks in the neighborhood to get used to it. For the first hike, make sure the backpack is light. You can eventually increase the load, which can safely weigh up to one-third of your dog’s weight.

April 30, 2016 |

Not Your Average Collar: When and How To Use Halters, Headcollars And Harnesses

Comments Off on Not Your Average Collar: When and How To Use Halters, Headcollars And Harnesses
Picking the right dog collar

Ever walk through the aisle at a pet store wondering what type of collar I should get for my dog? Well… it all depends on what you are trying to do. Our friends at Petco created the below infographic to help make your decision.

 

Picking the right dog collar

 

March 31, 2016 |

Picking the Right Dog Sitter

Comments Off on Picking the Right Dog Sitter
Picking the right dog sitter

You always want to have your best friend with you at all times but sometimes you just can’t. Whether it’s travel for business or pleasure, have a trusted dog sitter watch over your family helps you relax more. See the tips below to help you find the right dog sitter for your family and find a dog sitter near you here.

Picking the right dog sitter

March 17, 2016 |

How to Create the Perfect Home for your New Dog

Comments Off on How to Create the Perfect Home for your New Dog
dog friendly home

dog friendly home

In many ways, adopting a dog is a lot like becoming parents to a brand-new human baby: You’re excited, you can’t wait to meet the new addition to your family, and you have a lot of work to do to get your house ready.

Whether you are adopting a 6-week old purebred puppy or have fallen in love with a senior mixed-breed fella from the pound, take the time to prepare your home for your precious new family member. Check out these tips:

Shop for supplies

Don’t wait until you sign the adoption papers to do your shopping; instead, buy everything far in advance. Basic supplies include food and water bowls, chew toys, bedding, a collar and leash, pet ID tag, food and perhaps a crate. If you want to wait until you name your new four-legged friend to get the ID tag that’s fine, but try to get your other doggie gear ahead of time.

Look around the house for hazards

Dogs are pretty curious critters at times, and puppies are notorious for getting into everything. Take an honest look at your home and do everything you can to dog-proof it. Some dogs adore chewing on electrical cords, so if you can either tuck them behind furniture or unplug the lamps and other devices and put up the cords when they are not in use. Home Depot carries cord covers and other sorts of safety devices.

Many dogs will try “counter surfing” at least once, so be sure all of your counters are free from foods and beauty products that will hurt your dog. This includes fruit bowls filled with grapes or avocados, boxes of chocolates, cookies with raisins in them and bottles of yummy-smelling shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom.

Determine your dog-safe areas

While you hope to let your new family member eventually have full run of the house, it’s a good idea to set aside a dog-safe area for your pooch to hang out in, especially when you are at work or running errands. Depending on the size of your new dog, you can cordon off a large room in your home with either the door or baby gates, or you can confine her to a smaller space like a laundry room. Again, it’s important to have safety on the brain, so dog-proof the designated spot and also think about the overall comfort of your home.

In addition, summer is coming up, and your new family member needs to stay cool and comfy while you are away from home. Make sure your A/C unit is in good working order. You might look into protecting the A/C unit with a comprehensive and trusted home warranty — the money you save on repairs can be used for other expenses, like tennis balls, Frisbees and stuffed toys for your new pooch. TotalProtect.com outlines the typical costs to repair and replace a variety of home appliances and systems.

Keep your dog’s mind and body active

In order for your pup to be as happy and healthy as possible, it’s important to find ways to keep him mentally and physically active. Consider buying a puzzle cube for your dog and fill it with dry kibble. It can help keep your pooch happily occupied while you are away from home. Sign up for a dog obedience class to learn some basic commands and manners, and take your dog on lots of walks to get exercise and opportunities to come in contact with other pups and their people.

Finally, learn how to perform CPR on your dog. We feature a comprehensive guide on how to do it. It could just save his life one day!

March 15, 2016 |
Skip to toolbar