October 25, 2016
Tips for House Training Your Dog

Happy Dog at Happy Dog Inn

There are few things more adorable than a puppy.  They are so cuddly, loving, sweet, and playful.  And, while puppies are incredibly cute, what is not so cute is when they have an accident on your flooring or furniture.  If you do not set out to properly house train your puppy you are likely in for a long and frustrating relationship filled with odors and stains.  When house training a puppy there are a variety of ways that you can set you and your dog up for success while sidestepping common pitfalls that can lead to a lot of headaches.  Below are a list of tips and tricks to implement when house training your dog so that you do not have to constantly scold your dog for accidents in the house.  Regardless of what method you pick, it is important use positive reinforcement and to pick a method and stick with it so that there is no confusion over what you expect of your dog.

  • Crate Training
    • Crate training can be controversial but there is a way to do so lovingly and humanely. If you opt to crate train your dog for times when you are at work or just away, it is important to take your dog to the bathroom as soon as you return as they may have been holding it for some time.  Dogs naturally enjoy being in a crate when it is not used as a punishment because they have a natural den instinct.  When you puppy is young they should not stay in the crate for more than 3 or so hours because they do not have enough bladder control to hold it for longer than that.   By always using the crate in a positive way, your dog should walk freely into the crate, knowing it is a safe and secure place.
  • Paper Training
    • Paper training should not be your only method of house training yoru do gbut can be used strategically. If you want to use newspaper or a potty pad for your dog in a confined space be sure that there is enough room for your dog to lie down and walk around with the potty area separate so that they know that it is specific for that use.
  • Frequent Trips Outside/Dog Door Training
    • Teaching your dog where to go potty by taking frequent trips outside will help them quickly associate where they are supposed to go with success. Frequent trips, at first, will help avoid accidents and frustration.  Take your dog to the same spot every time so they always know to associate that with going to the bathroom.  If you want to train them to use the dog door, take them to the door every time and have them go through the door then meet them outside to show them where to go potty.  Soon, they will know exactly what to do all on their own.
October 18, 2016
How Much Food Does Your Dog Really Need?

 

Happy Lab.

No two dogs are the same.  Some are tiny, some are large.  Some are young, some are old.  Some are playful and some prefer to snuggle.  Because every dog is different it only makes sense that every dog has very different nutritional needs.  There are many dog foods that are specially formulated for different types of dogs and their unique needs but, in addition to purchasing specific dog food for your dog, I tis important to know how much you should be feeding your dog.  While some dogs are good self-regulators and will not overeat, other dogs will overeat if given the opportunity.  Knowing how much to feed your dog can help your dog remain healthy, help you spot if they are not eating enough which can be a sign of illness, and give you peace of mind that you are taking good care of your dog.  Below is a guideline for feeding your dog, but, it is important to consult your veterinarian before making any changes so that they can offer advice based on your unique dog.

  • Puppies
    • Puppies generally are more rambunctious and energetic than older dogs. They also tend to have a faster metabolism and then, as they age, it slows down.  Because of this, puppies often require a larger portion of nutritionally dense food to provide the fuel they need.  Puppies need a lot of protein to support the rapid growth that occurs at such a young age.  Puppies may need to eat three times a day  and then, as they age out of puppyhood, between 6 months – 1 year, their feeding schedule can be reduced to two times per day.
  • Adults
    • Adult dogs, typically over the age of one, may eat once or twice a day, depending on their preferences and personality. It is important to monitor your dog’s weight and, if you notice your dog gaining weight, consider reducing the amount your feed or changing the type of food you feed because obesity can lead to a number of health problems.
  • Recommendations Based On Weight
    • Under 10 pounds
      • Smaller breeds of dogs that are less than 10 pounds are obviously going to require less food than a 75 pound dog. They often only need ¼ cup – ¾ cup of dry dog food each day.
    • 10 to 25 pounds
      • Dogs that are between 10 to 25 pounds are still considered on the small side. Because of this, they often only need ¾ cup – 1 cup  of dry dog food.
    • 25 to 50 pounds
      • Medium size dogs typically need between 1 cup – 2 cups of dry dog food each day.
    • Over 50 pounds
      • Large and extra-large dogs over 50 pounds need more to sustain their size, often requiring as much as 2 ½ cups of dry dog food each day.
October 11, 2016
3 Tips for Giving Medication To Your Dog

Pup staying at Happy Dog Inn

Nobody wants to take their medicine.  Kids are notorious for fighting taking their medicine and, just like kids, dogs are not exactly eager to swallow a pill or liquid medication.  But, unlike kids, you cannot exactly bribe or reason with a dog.  When your dog needs to take their medication, do not panic, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you get medicine in your pet without a hassle or fuss.

  • Get Sneaky
    • Yes, one of the easiest ways to get medication in your dog is to get a little sneaky and put it in their food. Don’t just put it in their food bowl and hope they eat it, though.  Try putting it in a hot dog, wrap a piece of turkey around it, put it in some peanut butter or whatever else your dog might enjoy and watch to make sure it gets eaten.  If you think your dog will see through your sneaky means or eat around the pill, consider crushing it up and mixing it into some peanut butter or a small amount of other food so that they cannot eat around it. It is important to approve this method with your veterinarian to ensure it is ok to eat food with the medication but it is one of the tried-and-true methods that simply works.
  • Toss the Pill in the Air
    • This is one of those tips you have to know your dog to use. If you know your dog is athletic and playful and likes to catch things in their mouth, then this trick is for you. Try tossing a small treat in the air first and get them excited.  Then, toss the pill in the air and they will catch it thinking it is simply another treat coming.  Once the pill is down, consider following up with one more small treat in case your dog bit into the pill and has a bad taste in their mouth.
  • Syringe
    • Syringes are great for dispensing liquid medication and there are even pill syringes that make administering pills far easier. Simply gently and calming hold your dog’s muzzle up towards the ceiling and put the tip of the syringe in the corner of your dog’s mouth and administer the liquid or pills, it should go right down and then you can give your dog a treat for being so well-behaved.

 

October 4, 2016
3 Interactive Toys To Keep Dogs Entertained

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A bored dog is often a mischievous dog so it is important to ensure that your dog gets proper exercise and has toys that entertain him.  Many toys on the market will entertain your dog for a minute or two but your intelligent dog will quickly become bored or uninterested in such a basic toy.  Fortunately, there are also many interactive toys on the market that are designed to occupy your dog’s attention for a longer period of time, providing challenging entertainment through problem solving and fun play.  Below are some of the best interactive toys for your dog.

  • Kong Toy
    • An oldie but a goodie, the Kong toy has lasting power for good reason – it works. Today, there are many different Kong toy designs but the standard, original design is made of incredibly durable rubber with a hole at one end that you can stuff with treats, peanut butter, or leave empty.  All of the Kong toys are made with the same durable, designed-for-chewing-rubber so that dogs can chew, throw, figure out how to get treats out, and entertain themselves for long periods of time.
  • Dog Twister by Nina Ottosson
    • Brain games are not just for humans, they are for dogs too! Your dog is intelligent and there are many fun toys, such as Dog Twister, that allow dogs to get rewards for exercising their mind.  Outward Hound describes the toy, “Nina Ottosson’s® Dog Twister treat game has so many challenges with so many rewards! With 11 treat chambers and 10 hollow bone locks, your pup will keep busy pulling, pawing, nuzzling, and working their way to a tasty reward. To start, simply fill each chamber with a treat or kibble and watch them work their way into each chamber. Step up the game by adding the locking bones, so opening each chamber is a two step process. Place a treat under the bone lock for even more rewards!”
  • Zip & Zoom Indoor Agility Kit
    • Does your dog have boundless energy? Running around playing fetch is great but perhaps your dog would like to try something a bit more challenging?  This indoor agility kit is ideal because it is fun, challenging and gets out energy, all in one kit.  Outward Hound describes the agility kit as follows, “Dogs don’t just want to play—they want to play with us. By inspiring interactive fun, this 7 piece dog agility kit nurtures the relationship between you and your pup.Agility challenges your dog’s I.Q. by presenting a variety of obstacles. To successfully work through the course, dogs must differentiate between their handler’s commands while using their natural problem-solving skills. It’s important to promote your dog’s physical health and wellbeing. Because it provides an outlet for natural canine instincts, agility encourages healthy exercise while also boosting doggie I.Q. Plus, it helps you get exercise too.”
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