Crate Training

Sometimes sticking a puppy in a crate can seem really harsh... But it depends on the way you train your puppy to like it.

The crate should be a positive thing, that you can put your puppy in when you are away or he can be in it while you drive. Make sure your dog actually wants to go in the crate. Put some treats, toys, and bones in it. Have him willingly walk into it. Some dogs may just not like it, that's OK.

Your dog should think of it as his bedroom. Not his bathroom! Make sure he can only sit, and lie down in it.

Crates are only for sometimes. I would never have even a grown dog in a crate for 3 hours nonstop. Your puppy should only be in it for 2-5 hours a day, taking him out every hour to use the restroom. Once he is able to be home alone, you don't really need a crate unless he loves it like crazy and can't let it go!

Crate training is usually not hard and doesn't take very much work, just make sure your dog is happy and comfortable!

New blog posts every Thursdays

Blog Post

Blog post today! It will be a little bit later, blogposts are every Thursday now. And I may write on other days, randomly.

Blog posts

There is not going to be any dog posts this week! New pets!

Have a good day, and rest of the week!

Dog Socializing

I have mentioned dog socialization a ton in further posts. I believe it is very convenient and healthy to have a dog that can deal with anyone, or anything! When you socialize a dog it is always so much better to start out when they are the youngest. Sometimes people get dogs when the dogs are too old, that is fine. You can socialize from a old age (more like rehabilitate) but other times your dog can already be socialized! In my "Scaredy-Cat Dogs" blog post, you can read on how to socialize a old dog that was never socialized.

The best way to socialize your dog is to take it out of your house. Let it get use to the area, people, animals everything. Puppies are always very willing and open so they should not be afraid of much. But if there is something they are afraid of, let them see if every day until they are use to it.

Taking your puppies to dog parks is another great way to socialize it! They can meet all kinds of different dogs, and different people. Do not keep them on a leash or hold them because they may give them a bad impression. Let them run free (well, make sure the dog park is gated!) with the other dogs. They should have a good time and leave a good impression.

Thanks! Make sure to read the "Scaredy-Cat Dogs" post it has lots of other information as well.
New blog post next week on Wednesday and Thursday

Dog Safety

You want your dog to be safe, and you want other people to be safe too. Right? Here are some tips on how to keep your dog safe and happy.

• Do not let your dog get on anything high up-- unless he is trained and knows how to get down.
•  Check for signs of hurting other dogs when you're dog is playing with other dogs. Dominance and play-fighting aren't bad, but sometimes dogs can end up being very deadly

•  Make sure your dog has all his shots up to date, try and keep him healthy and happy. Regularly take him to the vet 

•  Be careful in the car, drive safely. If needed, use a doggy seat belt. Don't roll the window down all the way unless you are positive that there is no way your dog will jump out.
•  Don't let your dog eat any unknown plants.
• Make sure the toys, food, and treats your dogs are playing/eating are safe for your dog.
• Do not take your dog on a walk if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet. Dog paw pads are sensitive and can blister. Have your dog wear doggy shoes that can protect it from the pavement

•  Never leave your dog unattended in the car or anywhere that would make him too hot or too cold.
• Be careful of where your dog is, do not let him step on anything that would hurt his paws and do not let him eat anything but things that are meant for him. 

Watch out for your dog and help him be safe!


I may post another blog post tomorrow

Dog Clothes

You've seen the little Poodles, Yorkies, Bichons, Chihuahuas, ect. wearing the small little outfits, right? Or maybe you've seen them at the store. Putting clothes on your dog can be adorable, but does it hurt your dog?

Some people think it's not very reasonable to  put clothes on your dog. They may scratch at it and bite it until you decide it's time to take it off. But, if your dog doesn't do that and is acting perfectly fine, why would it matter? It doesn't!

Even though dog clothes is adorable, some people don't put clothes on their dogs for that purpose. Sometimes they may do it for protection, like hairless dogs may wear coats. Or sled dogs may wear shoes to protect their paw pads from the ice.

Lots of dogs tend not to like dog clothes. They're basically already wearing clothes. With there coats and all! So if you like dog clothes, and your dog doesn't, you can also just put a bandanna on them or have them wear a cute collar, maybe even a bow if your dog will go that far!

But don't worry, unless your dog is freaking out, it is probably OK to put clothes on your dog every once in a while.

New blog posts next week! Every Wednesday and Thursday.

Scaredy-Cat, Dogs!

In lots of 'rescue-dog' situations, dogs tend to be big scaredy-cats. Even if you got your dog from a breeder and raised it from a pup, it's personality may still be a bit bitter towards other dogs. Or maybe your dog just runs across the room, wailing, as he hears a crash of thunder! Dogs remember things, remember that. So if you leave a bad impression on your dog, it may stick for a very long time!

Socialize your dog as a pup. Let him meet everything. Water, darkness, thunder, all types of humans, all types of animals, vacuums, ect. Socializing your dog doesn't gurantee it will be perfect and love everything, but it does help a ton! Try not to leave any bad impressions, like I said before, your dog will remember it!

When socializing rescue dogs, you need to be extremely careful and it is probably best to have professional help. Here is an example on how to train a dog to be socialized with something it can't stand.

Example:
Your dog may hate kids, don't stick it's face right up to one. That's going to make your dog scared! Instead, take your dog places where kids might be. Make sure it is far away and can't get loose. (Muzzles are recommended in case your dog gets loose. But, some dogs get stressed because of muzzles.). Let your dog get use to the kids running and playing. Let him be able to sniff the kids scents faintly in the air. Let him do his favorite things. Maybe a nice belly rub, or some treats, or just a nice walk! Eventually your dog may go from tense to relaxed. He should be able to get use to kids! Do this all the time until your dog is completely relaxed around kids. Once he is relaxed, introduce the dog to a kid. (Not just any random one that you don't know! Make sure it is OK with the kids guardians and the kid. Make sure the kid is not scared at all around the dog). Put a muzzle on your dog and let the dog sniff the kid. If he just barks and growls, or shows bad body language, he is not ready to meet the kid and you need to continue taking your dog places around kids. If the dog is tense at first, it is OK it is better then growling or barking! Let your dog get to meet the kid. Once he is good around this kid, let him meet other kids. Over time your dog should be comfortable around kids!