Archive for the ‘Dog Training’ Category

Whining, panting, yawning and licking are some of the signs of a ‘stressed-out’ pup. Stress can come from fear or frustration or can simply be a sign of a challenge that the dog is facing. Reacting correctly to your pet’s stress is the key to helping him cope.

When you take your dog to class or to a ne place, he may feel stress and exhibit a number of stress signs including:

• Whining
• Panting
• Paw Sweating
• Sniffing
• Yawning
• Licking
• Shaking
• Tail carriage down
• Blinking
• Barking
• Excess movement

As soon as you are aware of your dog’s discomfort you should respond with some action to sooth or calm your pet.

What you should NOT do is to respond by hugging and comforting the dog with words like ‘It’s O.K. – You’ll be alright.’ Since dogs react ‘in the moment’ only, such reassurance is likely to be interpreted by the dog as his actions are correct – he SHOULD be anxious or afraid.

There are a variety of better responses to a stressed out pet. Different methods will work for different dogs on different occasions. Here are some things to try.

1. Distance – Simply increase the distance from the dog to the stress producing object or activity. Then gradually work your way closer to the action.
2. Distraction – Use food, a favorite toy or ball or a game of tug to distract your pet from the stress object and give him some time to get more comfortable and relaxed.
3. An Alternate Activity – Choose a trick or series of behaviors that your dog likes and performs reliably or simply get him moving. The change in activity may be enough to change your pet thought patterns.
4. Touch – For some dogs a firm but soothing massage of the neck, back or thighs may be enough to deflect his anxiety.

Remember, not all stress is bad or damaging. It may be a fleeting sign of your dog trying to master a new task or sort out the solution to a perceived problem. It is continued and clustered stress signs that should be responded to quickly.

Know your dog’s normal state. Watch for stress signs and respond to them quickly when you see them and your dog will learn to cope consistently with stress in a positive way.

Martingales. Greyhound Collars. Limited Slips. All are names for the best choice in collars on the market.  This collar is strong and secure while being comfortable and attractive. We recommend them for many reasons. There are very few dogs who would not benefit from a martingale collar.

One of the biggest positives to a martingale is its no-slip aspect.  Often referred to as a greyhound collar, it is thus named because greyhounds along with other sighthounds, tend to have a head that is smaller than their neck is wide.  This makes them completely capable of slipping any regular buckle collar with ease.  A martingale makes this endeavor impossible and will do the same for any breed of dog.  Most buckle collars if made tight enough to prevent any and all “slippage” are uncomfortably tight.  Martingales tighten only when the dog is attempting his escape – they lie comfortably loose when the shenanigans are over.  No slip means less danger that your dog will disappear, get hit by a car, meet up with another loose dog etc.

Control is another plus.  When fitted properly on a dog, the martingale offers a snug fit that stays where you put it.  Unlike a traditional choke chain collar, the martingale is limited.  It only tightens to fit snugly around the dog’s neck – never enough to choke the dog or cut off his airflow as a choke collar does.  When fitted correctly and placed high up behind a dog’s ears, the martingale offers superior control as well as lets your dog know, gently, that pulling and twisting will get them nowhere fast.  Control the dog’s head, control the dog.  Martingales also offer a “handy” handle when walking your dog in close quarters with other dogs or people without having to invest in a short tab leash that would necessitate you switching leashes as you walk along.  Convenient!

We recommend and offer Lupine brand martingale collars here at A Place For Paws.  Why Lupine?  They are strong, durable and pretty snazzy with a plethora of patterns and designs in several sizes and widths.  They are also GUARANTEED for life.  Your dog chews his collar or fancy matching leash?  Simply send them back to Lupine for a complete replacement.  It doesn’t matter HOW it was destroyed, Lupine stands behind its product like no other company we’ve encountered.  Made completely of nylon, there are no chain parts to the martingale at all which makes handling the collar while its on the dog more comfortable for you and for the dog.  A stationary D ring offers a place for you to put your dog’s tags without interfering with leash placement – many other martingales on the market don’t offer this perk.

So if you are frustrated with your current collar be it buckle, choke or prong, consider trying a martingale – they aren’t just for greyhounds anymore!!!

Chewy Tricky Trainers in three great flavors!

All new from the people that bring you Chewy Buddy Biscuits and Jerky Treats – Cloud Star Tricky Trainers!  These bite sized soft treats are perfect for training sessions and to keep in your pocket for quick rewards.  Available in Salmon, Liver and Cheddar flavors, your dog is sure to like one or all of them.  Corn free, wheat free, soy free with no artificial colors, flavors or by-products.  If we judge by the way our own dogs love the Chewy Buddy Biscuits, these Tricky Trainers are sure to be a huge hit as well.  We are also pleased to see that these Tricky Trainers will be perfect to put into our treat

Perfect for filling with Chewy Tricky Trainers

dispensing toys and expect that they’ll be a big hit with the dogs too.  Join us in welcoming Chewy Tricky Trainers to our product line up and why not pick up a couple of bags along with a few toys while you do?