Dog Training Zone

It’s a sunny, beautiful day and you’re ready to ramble into the countryside. There’s no reason not to go and no reason not to take Fido with you.

Do be aware that while you know the sidewalks around your home, there are
increased risks in rugged, unfamiliar areas.

Louise Louis of www.ToyBreeds.com offers a few tips to help keep
Fido safe.

Don’t let him play with sticks

Some dogs love them but they can splinter and damage his mouth.
Bring a hard rubber Kong toy or ball for him to retrieve.

Have a first aid kit in the car or your fanny pack

It needed be elaborate - a wrap-type bandage, tape, ointment,
Swiss Army knife, tweezers and a ruler in case you need a splint.

Carry a cell phone or at least change for a pay phone

Carry some drinking water for Fido

Don’t rely on a pond, stream or lake. Most are polluted and algae
can poison dogs.

Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to
be back

Avoid walking along paths with gravel or small rocks
These can cut paws and cause falls.

Have something you can use to muzzle him if necessary
A scarf or leash can do in a pinch. Even Lassie may
bite if hurt and frightened.

Avoid taking him out in the hottest part of the day
Dogs can’t sweat and heatstroke is a real possibility in
hot weather.

Never leave an injured dog to seek help

He may panic and take off. Use a jacket to make a sling and
carry him with you.

Watch out for livestock

Most won’t bother a dog and owner but a cow with calves may
think she’s protecting her offspring by attacking the dog.
Especially avoid bulls or pastures where there’s just one bovine there.
Horses can be tricky - best to avoid them altogether.

To safely cross a field with livestock,put Fido on a leash and walk
quietly and gently around the perimeter of the field.

Respect other people’s property

Farmers may not like finding dog doo so clean up after Fido just
as you do in the city.

Protect your dog from fleas and ticks

Treat him with Frontline Plus before you take him into the wilds.

If you ignored the above and he gets a tick, try to remove it as soon
as possible. Easiest way is to cover the tick with petroleum jelly
(Vaseline) and leave it for a minute or so. Then, twist the tick off.
Do not pull which could leave part of tick in Fido and cause an infection.

Consider your dog’s age and general health in deciding where
and how long to go for a walk

You wouldn’t expect your elderly grandmother to walk six miles, and
you shouldn’t expect your older dog to do it either.

Fido will only cope with what he’s used to. Use some common sense,
and you’ll both have a great time.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and
creator of the popular website on small dogs,
http://www.ToyBreeds.com

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1. Run some practice sessions.

The sound of a doorbell or knocking
can send many dogs in a tizzy, exacerbated by a dog’s instincts to
guard his home from strangers. If your dog isn’t familiar with these
sounds, do some practice sessions. Have a friend come over and ring
or knock on the door.

Don’t immediately leap up and run for the door. Be calm and walk toward
the door at a normal pace. Remember your dog senses your excitement so
you want to remain controlled in your behavior.

Repeat this a couple times a day for several days prior to Thanksgiving
or whatever day your company is arriving.

2. Keep him under your control.

Put him in the sit or stay or down
(whichever command you’ve taught him) position as soon as you hear
someone approaching your door. Don’t let him run to the door as soon
as he hears a doorbell or knock. Don’t let him greet a visitor unless
he is calm.

If your dog is not trained well enough yet to obey a sit or stay command,
keep him on a leash while you greet company. You also may want to use a
head halter if you’re not certain how dog will behave or if he’s meeting
lots of guests at once for the first time.

3. Keep a water bottle handy.

If your dog goes into a tizzy or tries to leap on someone and is
beyond hearing your “no” command, spray him in the face with the
water. Almost every dog hates that but he won’t be harmed.

4. Train your guests.

If you dog starts to jump on a guest before you can get to him,
tell the guest to turn their back and ignore the dog. Grab your
dog and make him sit.

5. Don’t reward bad behavior.

Ask guests not to reward your dog’s bad behavior. The most natural thing
for a visitor to do is to say “good dog” to a dog that’s greeting them
by jumping up. This is terrible! Ask your friends not to say
anything to the dog; simply turn their backs until the dog stays on all
four paws.

6. Restrain your dog.

If your dog isn’t used to much company or guests are bringing
small children, put your dog in a room away from the guests
until everyone has arrived and all the initial greetings are over.
Don’t bring the dog out until the room is relatively calm.

There’s no reason Fido can’t enjoy the upcoming holiday season with you
if you teach him how to be a good host.

Louise Louis is a certified canine specialist and
creator of the popular website on small dogs,
http://www.ToyBreeds.com

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