A Poorly Behaved Dog, Not Separation Anxiety

I have written about separation anxiety many times and I always mention that it is always possible that the dog is not suffering from separation but is simply a poorly behaved dog. Well, I just found another poorly behaved dog that was misdiagnosed and I thought I would tell you how we solved the problem.

This dog was a 9 month old lab mix that came from a shelter and then was moved a couple of more times with its new family. The owners were using a wire crate (YUCK) for the dog when they were at work. Unfortunately, the dog had learned how to escape and was doing it on a regular basis.

The new family vet suggested medication along with training and behavior modification to help solve the problem.

When I met the dog owners they had already received complaints from neighbors along with a warning letter from their new apartment management.

We started the training and the dog seemed to do well with its new exercises however it was still noisy when they were at work so they decided to leave it loose in the apartment while they were gone. That wasn't good because it became destructive and started a new bad habit chewing.

When I received their phone call asking for help they told me this was the final chance for the dog it had to be fixed or else it was back to a shelter. I hated hearing that but understood so I suggested a new plastic crate that gives more of a den feeling than the old wire crate and a bark collar.

They followed my instruction and got the bark collar as well as an internet camera so that they could see what was going on with their dog using an app on their smartphones. The barking continued even with the bark collar properly fitted.

That evening they took the final step and purchased a plastic dog crate set it up and allowed the dog to play some retrieve the treat from the crate games. The next morning the dog went in the crate as they left for work. The dog barked for less than 5 minutes and then quit. Yes, peace for the neighbors at last.

So was it separation anxiety, no. That was my diagnosis from the beginning. What fixed the problem the bark collar? He barked through it with the wire crate. Was it the new den like crate? I think it helped tremendously. I have had several clients switch from wire to plastic with very similar results.

If you have a dog that barks and whines in the wire crate upgrade to plastic and see if that solved the problem. Remember that separation anxiety is not always the problem.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Poorly-Behaved-Dog,-Not-Separation-Anxiety&id=9029095

Which Type Of Crate Is Best For My Dog?

Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

A crate is the greatest gift you can give your dog. Why, because dogs are den animals and the crate becomes your dog's den. So which type of crate should you select for your dog, the plastic crate or the wire crate? In my opinion there's no comparison the plastic crate is the all-out winner and I'll tell you why. 

If you were to crawl inside of the wire crate and look out where would you feel like you are, probably in jail? The wire crate just doesn't have that den like feeling that the plastic crate does. The plastic crate is darker and doesn't have all those bars. 

If you have a male dog a plastic crate is nicer because your dog can not hike his leg and pee out onto the floor. If your dog does have an accident because of the deep floor there's less chances of any of the mess leaving the crate. 

Petmate Sky Kennel

I understand that if you're traveling the wire crate might have the advantage because it collapses however it certainly isn't the safest crate for your dog to be in while traveling. In fact the airlines require that you use an approved plastic crate to fly your dog. You don't want to take a chance of traveling with your dog in a wire crate and having a situation arise where you have to slam on the brakes and your dog's leg goes between the bars and your dog gets hurt. 

So now that you have decided on which crate is best for you how big should it be. The dogs crate should be big enough for it to stand up and turn around and lay down. It should not be big enough for your dog to invite his friends over for a party. Actually what I'm trying to say is that if it's too big it loses that den effect where your dog feels that he's filling up the den. 

If you have a puppy then the crate is the ideal way to house train your dog. An added benefit of crate training is that your dog will get past the chewing stage and hopefully never chew up your furniture. 

Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

When it comes to price I think you may find that the wire crates are slightly less expensive than a comparable plastic crate however in the long run I think you'll find that the plastic crate is the best choice for you and your dog.

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Which-Type-Of-Crate-Is-Best-For-My-Dog?&id=8489484

Puppy House Training, The Easy Way, Part 1

Now that you brought your new puppy home it's time to house train that little guy. House training your puppy is one of the most important things you can do for you and your dog. Most people aren't aware that the number one reason dogs end up in shelters is because of house training issues.

Quite often a puppy owner will tell me that it's okay we understand if it has accidents, it's just a puppy. And I reply but it is nine months old and your dog should be house trained by now.

However some time between 12 and 24 months old I always get a call from that same client that says we have to either get the dog house trained or my husband says it has to go. It has ruined the carpet, and our home smells like urine.

It would have been so much simpler to do this in the beginning when the puppy first came home. Here are some ideas to help you get that puppy house trained quicker and easier.

Potty Training Methods

Of course like everything else there's more than one way to potty train a puppy. But in this article we are going to talk about the method that I have found with my decades of dog training experience to be the easiest.

Crate Training

The easiest method to house train a puppy is by using a crate. Occasionally I'll have a client who says "oh that seems so cruel to put the puppy in a crate". However that's the farthest thing from the truth.

In fact the crate is the greatest gift you can give your dog. Dogs are den animals and they learn to love their crate as if it were their den. While we are talking about crates let's make sure you choose the right one.

Wire Dog Crate

There are two types of crates available, the wire crate and the plastic crate. I explain to my clients that the wire crate does not give the den feeling. In fact if you were in the wire crate looking out you would feel like you were in a jail.

The plastic crate on the other is more enclosed and has that den

Plastic Dog Crate

feeling that your puppy will be looking for.

Make sure that the crate you purchase for your puppy is large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around and lay down. It shouldn't be so big they can do their business in one part of the crate and lay in another.

We want the crate small enough so that if your dog has an accident mother nature will tell it to hold it next time until you can allow it to go outside.

Another good rule to follow is to make sure there is nothing in the bottom of the crate that will absorb urine etc. (blankets or towels) Again this is so your dog with mother natures help learns to hold it until you take it out.

In Part 2 of this article I am going to give you more information on house training your puppy, The Easy Way!

Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Puppy-House-Training,-The-Easy-Way,-Part-1&id=8165343

The Benefits of Soft Dog Crates

Soft Dog Crate

Your pet may annoy you by creeping into the kitchen while you are in the middle of preparing a glorious feast. He may also frighten your guests.

Having him underfoot is maddening and dangerous. Crate training will prevent him from obstructing you at the wrong times.

You can choose from many dog crates available. The right one will put both you and your pet at ease. There are reasons why a soft dog crate brings out a pet's wagging tail.

The benefits of crate training

Before discussing why soft containers are helpful, understand the benefits of crate training.

Crate training may seem restrictive, and this is understandable. No one likes the idea of confinement. That said, it has many benefits for dogs and their owners.

a. For You

Parents get excited when they find out that their children have musical inclinations. They become eager to start when their kids can start their musical journeys.

When a child can begin lessons depends on whether he has the motivation to learn the instrument. It is a gargantuan task getting children who hate doing so learn an instrument.

Then, there is the fun factor. Educational psychologists all suggest that learning takes place when people enjoy the process.

Music lessons can start anytime, as long as the child shows interest in learning them.

Such a container will give you peace of mind. You will feel satisfied that your dog is safe while you are away running errands. If he is travelling with you, you can relax knowing that the crate will protect him from injury.

It also enables you to house train your dog. Your pet needs to know where his sleeping and toileting areas are. A crate is a resting area for him.

It prevents your dog from being in the way, at the wrong times. You can leave him it in while service personnel are doing work around your home. He can take refuge in it while you are in the kitchen.

b. For Your Dog

A crate is your dog's territory. It is a place where he can feel protected from any ongoing noise or activity in the home.

A dog's hearing is six times better than that of a human's. Loud sounds alarm him more than they do you. A crate shields him from these noises.

It also encourages him to control his bowels. Your dog is not likely to relieve himself in his place of rest. He will associate elimination with the outdoors.

You can introduce your pet to your friends if you use a crate. It stops him from jumping up and startling them.

6 reasons why a soft dog crate will make your pet happy

Three Doors for Easy Access

Securing your dog in a crate has clear benefits, but the wrong one can be uncomfortable for him. A soft-sided container will serve his needs better than a metal or plastic one. He is more likely to wag his tail when he sees it.

1. He can travel with you.

For a start, it is easy to store. Easy storage makes it ideal for traveling because you can fold it up and put it in the back seat of your car. Your dog will perk up knowing that he can journey with you.

2. He can be part of the family.

Your pet will be happy knowing that he has a place in the family room. You can integrate a soft crate with your furniture at home.

It fits well into any corner of your living room. Just tuck it away in your storeroom if you are not using it.

3. He can scratch it.

Manufacturers make soft dog crates out of durable nylon. This material does not tear even if your dog scratches it to no end.

4. He gets into it in no time.

These crates are easy to set up. Your dog can move into his home in no time.

Soft containers are easy to fold and unfold. There is no need to screw any nuts and bolts together.

5. Your pet can move about in it without making a sound.

A soft dog crate means less stress for you and your dog.

A great boon of using one is that your dog will not make too much noise if he turns around in it. A metal one, in reverse, gives off sounds.

6. Your dog will have a clean home.

Your dog will take a shine to his home because it is clean.

Materials used to make soft dog crates are hardy, yet pliable enough to wash. Just give your dog's a weekly rinse to get rid of pet odors.

Buying a soft dog crate

Soft-sided crates are ideal places of solitude for dogs. Of course, you must bear these pointers in mind when choosing one.

1. Purpose

Think about why you want to put your dog in a container. A soft-sided crate is ideal if you always take your dog on road trips.

A wire crate may serve you better if you wish to leave your dog outdoors. With more openings, it is cooler.

2. Security

You should be able to zip up a soft crate. Its base and sides should not feel as though they are about to give way.

3. Durability

When choosing a soft dog crate, assess its strength and quality. Your dog should not be able to tear holes in its base. Weigh your pet and choose one that is firm enough to hold him.

4. Usability

Foldable Dog Crate

 Find out how user-friendly the soft dog crate is. You should be able to zip and fold it. Do not buy it otherwise.

5. Attractiveness

If you plan to use the container at home, you will not want it to jar with the rest of your furniture. Soft dog crates come in various colors. Pick one that goes with the color scheme of your home.

6. Size

Size is an important factor when choosing a container for your dog. Of course, there is no point buying one if your dog cannot fit into it. Note that your pet may roll around and injure himself if the crate is too large.

The right soft dog crate will please your pet.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Benefits-of-Soft-Dog-Crates&id=9355869