Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a subject that is all to common. Especially in our "oh-to-busy" world. It occurs at any age or breed dog. It can occur when any household situations change. This article will be a three part addition to our blog.

What is Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is the exaggerated fear of being separated from his owner. They are simply afraid of being left alone.

Signs of Separation Anxiety

One must recognize Separation Anxiety is not the same as boredom.Boredom can present itself in some of the same ways, chewing, digging, pawing and bad behavior.
Separation Anxiety occurs the moment you leave, boredom occurs several hours later.
Dogs with separation anxiety, can make leaving the home an emotional and difficult situation. Separation anxiety can cause a dog to whine, bark incessantly, vomit, get diarrhea, pace, have depression, exhibit aggression, chew furniture, destroy blinds, rip up carpeting, eat drywall, climb bookcases, mutilate plants, scratch woodwork, windows and doors. If a dog has severe Separation Anxiety it can do thousands of dollars worth of damage, they can demolish everything in site. Not to speak of defecating and urinating everywhere. The list goes on and on. They may exhibit by dismay by barking, this can cause problems with neighbors and landlords.

Separation Anxiety presents itself in a different way than boredom. Example: When you go to the door to leave, he becomes anxious and may try to leave with you. You manage to get outside and close the door but you can still hear him whining and scratching on the inside. You are upset, your dog is upset and you do not know what you will find when you return. When you return, you find your house in a shambles, you get upset at your dog, who has been upset, and now, gets even more upset. This repeats itself time and time again, until you are ready to ship your dog away.

You will want to keep in mind with puppies Separation Anxiety is often normal, as in babies of the human kind, and with time they become more confident and adjust to being alone and on their own. Many times this can occur if the puppies are taken from thier mothers too soon. The other cause is puppie neglect.

With older dogs and adopted dogs there are other factors. Adopted dogs who may have been abused or had numerous homes are more likely to have Separation Anxiety. Older dogs may re-act when you move, or an new pet comes, or a baby arrives, even the death of a household member. It can be anything that disrupts the household structure. I once read "dogs and people with Separation Anxiety have parents and siblings with Separation Anxiety".

The Pack

Dogs are pack animals, once you bring them into your pack, they naturally wish to be with you all the time. Most adult dogs can be left alone for 8 hours or even longer if they have access to a yard to go to the bathroom. Normally they are bored but do not become problems. So consider these things and next blog will give helpful tips and information that can help.

Keep Your Dog Safe, Healthly and Happy!!

Who Walks Who?

When you take your dog for a walk, who is walking who?
If you have a small dog you may not feel this is a problem, though the constant tugging can be annoying during a walk. If you have a large dog or a new puppy that will be large it will become a major issue, if you do not have the control you need. Your task is to teach your dog to heel.

Heeling is not the same as going for a walk. Heeling is an obedience exercise in which the dog stays close beside you, paying attention only to you and where you are going. As your puppy grows up, heeling will become the safe way for you to walk your dog through crowds and across streets, ignoring all normal or unusual distractions.

You will want to start your puppy in a safe and quiet area so he can focus. Begin with your puppy on your left side, and step forward left foot first.
The next step is to get the pup's attention as he's along next to you, to make him conscious of what he is doing. Some pups will follow you easily, some will need to hear happy talk. As you move along, you can add an occasional, "Pico, watch me!" Some say to use only one-word commands, and I agree it should be very short, but with puppies they learn what you want, as you bond and grow together.

Start by walking just quickly enough to make the puppy want to keep up with you. If he's not paying attention, stop and begin again. No correction and never yell at them. Try to get a look of recognition from him, then left foot forward. Then it all begins with just one step in the right direction, followed by verbal praise. A treat that smells good may get him started. They can only focus for so long, and each dog is different, so if a young pup's attention is totally elsewhere, it may be time for the lesson to end. Maybe time for play. Which is wonderful for both of you. Always try to end your lesson on a good note. Be realistic in what you expect of a puppy. A few steps on command earn a reward. A few more steps earn a reward. A week later Pico is heeling nicely so praise him and quit practicing immediately! Practice can be just a walk down the hall, you may see he is attentive to you and trying to please, this is ideal, even thought it is not a planned practice time.

Next step is to try this exercise in an enclosed area, void of distractions, without him on a leash. Again this can be in your own yard or even in your home from room to room. I do not consider it a wise move, to go in public without your dog on a leash. This is for their own safety and being courteous. Best Wishes and Happy Tails!

Is A New Puppy On Your Christmas List?

The Christmas season is coming all to quickly. The time for shopping for that perfect gift. It takes alot of thought and consideration to make the right choice. Are you thinking of a new puppy for a special someone? Keep in mind this is a big responsibility for the next 13 or more years. Not only is this a thought to consider, one should really do their research on the type breed dog one wants to get.

CONSIDER

Each breed is unique in their characteristics. Some are mellow, some are rowdy, some are extremely energetic, like Terriers. Some are large, some are small. Some shed, some do not, like poodles. There are even dogs with coats that do not affect people who are allergic to dogs, like the Havanese. Some are very shy and timid. Some are bred to be hunters. Also some breeds have genetics that produce health issues.

Once you decide the perfect breed of your choice you then will want to find a breeder with a good reputation with a proven track record. You will want to look into the history of the sire and bitch that are the parents of your new puppy. Now this may seem like alot but you can save yourself alot of heartache by doing the work. Verses finding our you have a young dog with severe genetic health issues.

I am very pro adoption. The saying "Mutts are the best", can be true. Many dogs of breed can also be found at shelters and breed rescue. Dogs with problems are dogs are brought into the shelters or abandoned on the streets. Sad to say alot of these dogs have been raised badly. In some cases "Not raised", many treated badly. They were purchased on an emotional whim, not understanding the responsibility and then "Gotten and Forgotten". So again you really would have to do your research, and of course involve the person or persons the dog is for. Compatibility is number one here also.

PUPPIES
Then the happy day arrives and the darling puppy is brought into his all new world. They are such fun and a joy to have around. They can certainly make us laugh. BUT What now? What to feed your dog? How to potty break him? Why is it when I take him out he does not go, but when I bring him in he goes? Why does he cry all the time? Where do I keep him? Where does he sleep? Who will care for him when we are at work? When do I take him to the Vet? What about spayed and neutering the dog? Do you know what shots are needed to protect him from illness? Why is he chewing up everything in site? Why does he destroy anything in his path? Why does he get into the trash?

These questions are easily answered and I will gladly help you with these, or any others. My point I am sure you can see, please seriously consider the time, responsibility and care needed for a dog. Don't make the choice on a whim. We don't need more dogs in the shelters and rescues. Remember it really is true "Dogs are humans best friends." UNLESS you are a Cat owner. They are all wonderful creations. Enjoy.

Animal Poison Control Center 24 hour hotline.
1-888-426-4435
A fee may apply so be prepared.

Fall Great Time for Hiking in Yosemite!

Fall is a wonderful time for hiking. Recently Pico and I took a two day adventure to Yosemite National Park. Perfect time. Very few people, compared to how summers can be, it was void of the masses.

It is so important to obey the rules. It's not a right for your dog to be in the wilderness, it's a privilege. Don't jeopardize that privilege for yourself and others by ignoring prohibitions on dogs or leash restrictions. Always make sure you know the rules for the area you want to hike in. Dogs are not permitted on National Park or National Monument trails. National Forests may allow dogs on their trails, but there are exceptions, so check first. Dogs usually are allowed on wilderness area trails but, again, check to be sure.

Yosemite National Park will allow dogs kept on leash in certain areas, they are not welcome on all trails or in all camping areas, regardless we found enough to keep us busy for two days. This was not even the tip of the iceberg, because we were in the valley. The park has 1200 acres. Just make sure of the individual park rules before you arrive.

The first day we arrived about 11 a.m., we drove and took light hikes until sundown. All tolled, we hiked, in segments, 2 1/2 hours, the rest we traveled by car from site to site, jumping in and out of the car and taking photos and doing some short walk-abouts. We walked along pristine mountain streams, up winding paths, over logs and under logs. Ah, the simple adventures we found. To a four month old puppie there were many new sounds and smells. Dogs are no different than people. They must be in shape before undertaking a strenuous hike. If you're not sure about your dog's fitness level, start off small and then work up to longer hikes. Make sure that all of your dog's vaccinations and medications are current, including rabies, bordatella, and heartworm. If you're hiking in an area with Lyme disease, ask your vet about vaccinations. Even though Pico is still a puppie he has an advantage because he walks with me daily "on the job", and has built up to it. He did very well and is such a good little hiker, we look forward to longer and more advanced hiking.

There are areas that he was not able to go to, this allowed time for him to nap in his kennel in the car. The temperature this time of year safely allowed for just that. I packed his favorite chew toys and blanket to keep him company inside. He knows it is a good place and he is happy to nap there. He does not bark when left, if one has a dog who does this it would not be something you would want to do, even for short times like I did. Be a responsible dog owner. Another thought, I always carry extra water from home so he is not having to change water, that avoids another stress of travel. Pack your dogs water with you to keep them hydrated.

You always want to watch what they are picking up to chew on. I am always surprised at what puppies find. For the most part that is controllable. Keep in mind Pine needles are bad for there stomachs and intestinal tract.

I always carry and use my doggy waste bags. Remember "Pack it Out". It is not healthy for the park wild life or their environment. I could see people are just as un-caring, leaving their dog waste in the woods as they do in the cities. Have you ever wondered why they bother to pick it up, in the bag, then leave it bag and all?? Guess some things never change.

You can find dog friendly accommodations. They all require a pet fees. From $10.00 to $100.00. Depending on which you choose. We chose to sleep out of the park and stayed at the Comfort Inn in Oakhurst, $10 pet fee. The rooms were very clean, nice comfortable beds, and they have a delightful continental breakfast. Jodi the breakfast lady was great and very friendly, thank you, Jodi. We will be staying there again. Oakhurst is near the south entrance of the park. This allowed us an early start and we worked our way back up to the valley. Seeing the sites as we went. Don't pass up anything, may turn out to be be the best spot ever.

Happy, Safe Hiking and Traveling with your Dog!

Check this site out.
http://www.hikewithyourdog.com

Dog Park Manners

What a wonderful place the dog park can be for you and your dog. A place to meet new people and it is an excellent way to socialize your dog. They are able to run free in a natural environment and play with other dogs and be around other people. What more could you ask for?



"Good social skills at both ends of the leash."

Often we find dogs with no social skills. The owners could care less what their dogs are doing, they have failed to teach these skills to their dogs. Then when the dog is placed in the dog park environment, the level of activity, causes problems to occur. It is not the dogs fault, it is the owners.

When we bring our dogs to the dog park, we expose them to people, animals and debris.
Most dog parks allow all breeds, from small to large, to enter. This means that your small dog could potentially be exposed to bigger, or aggressive breeds. This risk is not limited to little dogs. In California we are fortunate to have lovely parks with small dog sections and large dog sections. Of course this does not define who will use which section. There are small to Medium size dogs who can be aggressive and literally do harm to another. We will skip the Pit Bulls, since they always get the bad rap and talk about the Terrier breed, I can speak of this, because I am a Terrier owner and I know the training and responsibility needed to handle this breed. They can be very protective of their owners and exhibit excessive energy. Why even small poodles can bite out in defense. With any dog,if the owner can not control the dog and it shows aggressive behavior to other peoples dogs or people in general,they should remove the animal.If it is questionable always keep the dog leashed and walk around in the park and establish the a proper attitude with your dog. It is true being on a leash at times will frustrate the dog, but this is where the owner must maintain control, for the safety of the other dogs and even owners.

Any dog can potentially be a hostile dog if provoked. Natural dog play can appear aggressive—biting, chasing and rolling around together—but it’s crucial to pay close attention, especially when they first meet. Dogs are pack animals and one or more may want to establish their dominance. Should two dogs begin to truly fight, clap and shout to get their attention. If nothing else works, the safest way to separate them is by grabbing one dog’s tail, haunches or whatever you can reach and pulling the dog backward. Never put your hands or face anywhere near a fighting dog’s mouth or front paws. While you may not be a canine expert, you don't have to be a genius to recognize friendly versus aggressive dog behavior.

Germs and Disease:
Although many dog parks require visitors to have current immunization records, there’s no guarantee that every dog there has received his shots. Any contact your dog has with an infected surface—including grass and dirt—or another dog in the park leaves him vulnerable to the many diseases and germs that can run rampant in dog parks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single gram of dog feces can contain as many as 23 million fecal coliform bacteria, which can cause serious kidney disorders and intestinal illness in humans. And since dog feces doesn’t absorb into the ground like cow manure does, the danger doesn’t end when the feces gets picked up. The Centers for Disease Control says that the eggs of certain parasites and roundworms found in dog feces can remain in the soil for years.That means that by simply stepping on grass that previously held infected feces, you and your dog risk coming into contact with those eggs. Scoop your dog’s feces as quickly and thoroughly as possible to help reduce his contribution to dog park germs. Keep a couple of plastic bags in your pocket for this purpose—better to have too many than too few. Ensure your dog never misses a checkup and is current on his vaccinations.

Unaltered Dogs:
A female dog that has not been spayed is in great danger at a dog park. Unaltered males could mount the female in a matter of moments, opening her up to the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. And female dogs in heat could bring on an onslaught of attention from males, who might then become aggressive with each other to win over the female. If you’re bringing your unaltered female dog to the dog park, do so with extreme caution. Avoid taking her there when she is in heat.
When you do visit the dog park, monitor her interaction with other dogs very closely.Unaltered males will waste no time mounting an unaltered female, no matter how highly trained they are. Instinct drives them, especially when a female is in heat. It’s also thought that although every breed and dog is different, unaltered male dogs are more aggressive than their neutered counterparts.

Food and Toys:
Your dogs food and toys are a joy—these are your dogs joys . Another dog’s food and toys are an invitation; your dog will want to take back these desired objects by any means possible. Outside toys can bring upon fights, potentially causing injury and passing germs. If possible try to avoid all the old tennis balls that seem to remain there and are mauled by dog after dog, slatherd in saliva.

A side thought: I actually observed a women bringing her lunch, spreading it out on a bench, what did she think would happen??

Foreign Objects, People and Animals:
You’d think that a dog park would typically only contain dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. When leaving and arriving watch your dog and others, they can run in front of cars that pull out unexpectedly, or they can try to hide underneath parked cars. Develop a command for your dog in case of danger like “Stop!” As he becomes well trained in following the command, he will stop in his tracks and lay down. Some dog owners bring their children with them to the dog park. When done safely, this is an excellent way for your children to bond with their pets. However, very young children may not know how to play with a dog. Their diminutive height places them at muzzle level, so children are always among the first injured. Your child is every bit as susceptible to germs and disease as your dog is, so make sure she doesn’t sit or play too much in the grass.

Puppies and the Dog Park:
There are two schools of thought regarding puppies at the dog park. A puppy must be socialized and exposed to other dogs at a young age to grow up a well-adjusted adult dog. However, puppies’ immune systems are young, and the multitude of stimuli at a dog park can prove overwhelming to a puppy’s health.Consult your veterinarian and follow his or her advice before you take your puppy to a dog park. Your veterinarian may have alternate socialization techniques to try before you take him to a dog park. If you decide to take your puppy to a dog park, it is imperative that his vaccinations remain current. Keep your dog’s immunization dates on your calendar, and keep to them. A healthy dog is a safe dog. By exercising caution and responsibility, you and your dog can safely enjoy a day at the park.

DO ABIDE BY THE POSTED RULES

DON'T BE A KNOW-IT-ALL. Even if you consider yourself the next Dog Whisperer, keep quiet when it comes to dog-rearing techniques unless asked. Never discipline someone else's dog.

DO LEAVE THE HOT BEVERAGES AND AlCOHOL AT HOME. Collisions with rambunctious dogs are common, and it doesn't take much to upend a steaming beverage on someone else or a dog. And even if it's not already prohibited by the posted rules, don't bring alcohol or come tipsy.

DON'T OVERDRESS. No, it's not polite for dogs to jump on people. But it is also impolite to throw a fit if Fido, that lovable galoot of a Aussie shepherd, slings mud on your new white slacks. Grime is part of the scene and is prepared for the mess.

DO BRING EXTRA ESSENTIALS. Always carry a spare bag and use the waste bag stations. There is no need to be the owner caught off guard by a pet's needs and be bagless.

DON'T PLAY DUMB. No one likes an owner who pretends not to notice when his pooch is relieving itself five feet away. Or when his dog is repeatedly trying to deflower the poor beagle in the corner. Or when his dog is trying to be "Top Dog" in a hostile or aggressive manner, to the irritated or scared four-legged peers and their owners.

DO KNOW WHEN TO LEAVE. This is perhaps the biggest etiquette breach of all. If your dog is being too aggressive (teeth bared, growling, biting, eyes narrowed), get it out of the park immediately. This behavior can quickly escalate to an injury of beast and maybe man. "It gets so confrontational, and you as the responsible owner of the out of control dog must vacate. It will not go away to stay.

Dog parks are such a good thing. Our goal is to keep our dogs safe and healthy, mentally and physically.

Animal Poison Control 24 hour number: 1-888-424-4357

Thanksgiving Left overs NOT for dogs!

Thanksgiving provides an abundant feast and we may think we are doing a wonderful thing to share with our best pals. Please consider the following information, you may not have known.

Turkey Skin - High-fat foods, such as turkey skin, can be hazardous to your dog. Since the skin is hard to digest, it can lead to pancreatitis. If you still want to share your bird, give your dog a small piece of white meat.

Turkey Bones - Cooked poultry bones are brittle and splinter easily. If ingested, they can lodge in the esophagus or cause stomach or intestinal irritation.

Grapes and Raisins - These common snacks can induce permanent and life-threatening kidney failure in some dogs. Though some pets seem to handle eating grapes just fine, it's safest to avoid grapes and raisins completely.

Onions - High levels of onion ingestion in dogs and cats can cause life-threatening anemia. Be aware of food at your table -- such as stuffing or casseroles -- that may contain this dangerous ingredient.

Chocolate - Most pet owners are aware of chocolate's danger, but with the recent popularity of dark chocolates -- which contain higher doses of toxic cocoa -- it's more important than ever to be vigilant about chocolate consumption. Ingestion can cause abnormal heartbeats, kidney failure, and death.

Xylitol - This sweetener is present in products from gum to sugar-free cookies. Even in small amounts, ingestion can cause low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure, and death.

Many other human foods, too numerous to list, and depending on your dog's particular medical background, any deviation from his regular diet can cause serious health issues. Consult your veterinarian for guidelines specific to your pet.

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested one of these foods or another harmful substance, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center National Hotline: 888-426-4435

Holiday Pet Safety

Tis the season...........

Up goes the Christmas trees, decorations and gifts. Many times both old and new pet owners are not aware of the danger they can pose to our pets, and even a seasoned pet owners must be conscious of new things brought into the home. What can you do to help keep your pets safe during the holiday season?

* Many holiday plants can lead to health problems in dogs and cats.

Among the plants to keep out of reach are holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies.

Pine needles can actually puncture holes in a pet's intestine.

* The Cords and plugs of holiday lights and other fixtures can look inviting to chew. Tape down or cover cords to help avoid shocks, burns or other serious injuries.

ALWAYS unplug lights when you are not home.

* Anchor Christmas trees with a string to keep it from falling.

* Snow globes often contain antifreeze, which is poisonous to pets.

* Do not let pets drink the holiday tree water. Some may contain fertilizers, and stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria. Check labels for tree water preservatives and artificial snow, and buy only those that are nontoxic, your pets health or even life can be at risk.

* Pets, can be tempted to eat tinsel, which can block the intestines. Hang tinsel high and securely to keep it out of reach of pets.

* Keep other ornaments out of reach of pets. Ingestion of any ornament, which might look like toys to pets, can result in life-threatening emergencies. Even ornaments made from dried food can lead to ailments. And remember, shards from broken glass ornaments can injure paws, mouths and other parts of the body.

* Small plastic pieces, twist wires, staples, styrofoam, candy wrappers, aluminium foil, ribbons, string, bubblewrap are common causes of choking and intestinal blockage in dogs. Ingested plastic or cloth toys must often be removed surgically.

* Avoid toxic decorations. Bubbling lights contain fluid that can be inhaled or ingested, snow sprays and snow flock can cause reactions when inhaled, and water in snow scenes may contain toxic organisms such as Salmonella.

* Keep candles on high shelves. Use fireplace screens to avoid burns.

* Holiday activity can be very stressful and even frightening to pets, with people coming and going. It can also trigger illness and intestinal upset. Make sure pets have a safe place to retreat in your house. Always make sure they are wearing current I.D. in case they escape out a door when guests come and go.

* Reduce stress by keeping your pets on a regular schedule.

* Always make time to care for your pets. During these busy times pet owners spend less time walking their dogs, thus causing the pet to be frustrated and leading to nuisance complaints and even dog bite incidents. So enjoy the holidays but don't take a holiday from responsibly caring for your pets.

* When pets are stressed by holiday activity or during travel, they may require more water. Keep fresh water available for them to drink.

* Do not let guests feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate and alcohol, that can cause illnesses from vomiting and diarrhea and other toxic reactions.

* Keep pets away from the garbage. Use pet-proof containers.

* If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

* If your pet ingests glass, broken plastic, staples or other small, sharp objects, call your veterinarian.