The tips from Wednesday’s post certainly apply to any age of dog. I read the following article on the Whole Dog Journal website which applies specifically to the adult shelter dog:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/15_01/features/Adopting-Grown-Up-Dogs_20438-1.html
I hope you enjoy it.
Rescue Mommy
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Tips for Life with Your New Friend - Updated
Congratulations if you adopted a new friend this Christmas. You’ll want to make it a success, so I have compiled a list of tips for you:
Your dog should be a party animal. The first 16 weeks of a dog’s life are critical for socializing with other pets and humans. Talk with your vet about socializing with other dogs because your new puppy has not completed his or her vaccinations. Also, make sure the other dog is both vaccinated and properly socialized. You would not want your buddy to have a negative first experience with other dogs.
Why is this time so critical? I have read that the first 16 weeks are the period in which your dog develops his/her views about the world. If the experiences are positive, you are less likely to have problems later.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. If you think you can toss the dog into the backyard “to do his business” and that will be enough, you are wrong. All dogs need exercise. How much exercise your dog needs depends upon the breed. That’s why it is so important to know how much work you are willing to do BEFORE you pick the dog.
Dogs that do not get enough exercise can be destructive. They can “act out” because they are trying to get your attention and relieve energy. We all need to exercise more so grab the leash and take your buddy for a walk. Walking/running with Gracie is lots more fun than a “traditional” workout.
Establish a routine. All pets appreciate a routine. We walk at X time, we eat at X time, et cetera. I have found that my pets are less anxious if we keep a routine.
In my opinion, it was especially important to Gracie in the early days. She is definitely an anxious dog. I am not sure what happened in her previous life. A routine laid the groundwork for establishing a safe, secure environment where she could relax and learn to trust us.
Engage the dog’s mind. A bored dog can be a destructive dog. Exercise helps, but your dog also needs something to do while you are away. The good news is lots of interactive toys are available now. For example, puzzles in which you can hide treats can provide mental stimulation. You can also try hiding toys and treats around the house. (See Friday’s post for a brand of toy I found that stands up to abuse.)
Train patiently and gradually. It is not about having a dog who can do cute party tricks. Every dog needs to know basic commands that you will use every day for walkies, grooming, et cetera.
Some dogs learn quicker than others, so be patient. Start slow, one command at a time, so he or she can have a chance at success. NEVER use choke collars, dominance, or punishment.
Treats are the best training tool; who doesn’t love a goodie? And, by all means, seek professional help if you are inexperienced or feel as if you are in over your head.
If you have a new puppy, look for obedience classes tailored for puppies. In addition to learning basic obedience all good puppies need, your new friend can socialize with other puppies, and you can meet new people too.
Read older posts, and you will see that our life with our furry friends is an adventure and a never-ending learning process. Good luck to all who have new, furry friends in their families!
Rescue Mommy
Your dog should be a party animal. The first 16 weeks of a dog’s life are critical for socializing with other pets and humans. Talk with your vet about socializing with other dogs because your new puppy has not completed his or her vaccinations. Also, make sure the other dog is both vaccinated and properly socialized. You would not want your buddy to have a negative first experience with other dogs.
Why is this time so critical? I have read that the first 16 weeks are the period in which your dog develops his/her views about the world. If the experiences are positive, you are less likely to have problems later.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. If you think you can toss the dog into the backyard “to do his business” and that will be enough, you are wrong. All dogs need exercise. How much exercise your dog needs depends upon the breed. That’s why it is so important to know how much work you are willing to do BEFORE you pick the dog.
Dogs that do not get enough exercise can be destructive. They can “act out” because they are trying to get your attention and relieve energy. We all need to exercise more so grab the leash and take your buddy for a walk. Walking/running with Gracie is lots more fun than a “traditional” workout.
Establish a routine. All pets appreciate a routine. We walk at X time, we eat at X time, et cetera. I have found that my pets are less anxious if we keep a routine.
In my opinion, it was especially important to Gracie in the early days. She is definitely an anxious dog. I am not sure what happened in her previous life. A routine laid the groundwork for establishing a safe, secure environment where she could relax and learn to trust us.
Engage the dog’s mind. A bored dog can be a destructive dog. Exercise helps, but your dog also needs something to do while you are away. The good news is lots of interactive toys are available now. For example, puzzles in which you can hide treats can provide mental stimulation. You can also try hiding toys and treats around the house. (See Friday’s post for a brand of toy I found that stands up to abuse.)
Train patiently and gradually. It is not about having a dog who can do cute party tricks. Every dog needs to know basic commands that you will use every day for walkies, grooming, et cetera.
Some dogs learn quicker than others, so be patient. Start slow, one command at a time, so he or she can have a chance at success. NEVER use choke collars, dominance, or punishment.
Treats are the best training tool; who doesn’t love a goodie? And, by all means, seek professional help if you are inexperienced or feel as if you are in over your head.
If you have a new puppy, look for obedience classes tailored for puppies. In addition to learning basic obedience all good puppies need, your new friend can socialize with other puppies, and you can meet new people too.
Read older posts, and you will see that our life with our furry friends is an adventure and a never-ending learning process. Good luck to all who have new, furry friends in their families!
Rescue Mommy
Friday, December 23, 2011
People Food Hazards
Christmas is this weekend. We all know that chocolate is highly toxic to pets. Did you know that these foods are toxic too?
Coffee
Caffeine
Alcohol
Avocado
Macadamia Nuts
Grapes and Raisins
Yeast Dough
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Milk
Salt
*Source: ASPCA website
If your pet eats any of these or other toxic items, call your vet immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. They charge a consulting fee for the call, though.
Stay calm. Be sure to note what and how much your pet has consumed. If you are not sure what it is, grab whatever is left and take it with you when you head to the vet’s office.
Rescue Mommy
Coffee
Caffeine
Alcohol
Avocado
Macadamia Nuts
Grapes and Raisins
Yeast Dough
Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Milk
Salt
*Source: ASPCA website
If your pet eats any of these or other toxic items, call your vet immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. They charge a consulting fee for the call, though.
Stay calm. Be sure to note what and how much your pet has consumed. If you are not sure what it is, grab whatever is left and take it with you when you head to the vet’s office.
Rescue Mommy
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Take a Moment for the Pets
I am keeping all the blog posts short and sweet this week. We are all really busy right now.
Today, I would like you to take a moment and consider your plans for your pets. If you will have family over, consider what you will do with your pets. This is particularly important when you have overnight guests. There is nothing wrong with placing your buddies in a room all to themselves. The holidays are stressful for us humans, so they probably feel it too.
If you are travelling, hopefully, you have arranged for a pet sitter or plan to board your pet. I like to pack the bags early if I am taking Gracie with me. (I did the same when I boarded my other pets.) That way, I have plenty of time to double and triple check I packed everything. That’s just my little craziness, though.
Breathe deeply. We will get through it.
Rescue Mommy
Today, I would like you to take a moment and consider your plans for your pets. If you will have family over, consider what you will do with your pets. This is particularly important when you have overnight guests. There is nothing wrong with placing your buddies in a room all to themselves. The holidays are stressful for us humans, so they probably feel it too.
If you are travelling, hopefully, you have arranged for a pet sitter or plan to board your pet. I like to pack the bags early if I am taking Gracie with me. (I did the same when I boarded my other pets.) That way, I have plenty of time to double and triple check I packed everything. That’s just my little craziness, though.
Breathe deeply. We will get through it.
Rescue Mommy
Monday, December 19, 2011
Mind the Christmas Tree
Take a deep breath. The Christmas madness is about to reach its high.
In all the rush, let’s not forget our pets. The Christmas tree often becomes a big toy to the pets. We all know about the risks of some decorations. I heard about a new risk recently.
Keep an eye on the water if you are using a fresh tree. A coworker’s dog loves to drink the water from the tree stand. Some people add chemicals to the water to preserve the tree. If you do this, beware your dog drinking the water. I am not sure if these chemicals are pet safe.
Just one more thing to worry about during the holidays!
Rescue Mommy
In all the rush, let’s not forget our pets. The Christmas tree often becomes a big toy to the pets. We all know about the risks of some decorations. I heard about a new risk recently.
Keep an eye on the water if you are using a fresh tree. A coworker’s dog loves to drink the water from the tree stand. Some people add chemicals to the water to preserve the tree. If you do this, beware your dog drinking the water. I am not sure if these chemicals are pet safe.
Just one more thing to worry about during the holidays!
Rescue Mommy
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tuffy Dog Toys
In Wednesday's post, I mentioned that it is always nice to leave toys for your pet when you are away. You do not want to leave something he or she could destroy, particularly if the toy contains a potentially harmful squeaker. While no toy is indestructible, I found that these toys are pretty darn tough.
Available at PetSmart and independent pet stores
Check out the company’s website, mydogtoy.com
I found these toys over two years ago when I was looking for a toy I could leave with Dino. He would shred traditional stuffed toys, so I did not feel comfortable leaving him alone with that type. I bought him a big red lizard by Tuffy. He did not like it. He preferred soft stuffed toys.
Gracie, on the other hand, loves this line of dog toys. The toys are a bit firmer than a stuffed toy. The tag on the toys states the toys are built with three layers of material and five rows of stitching. Gracie still plays with the red lizard and several other Tuffy toys I bought. Her favorite is a red ring (see picture) that can be used for tugging or tossing.
The toys even survived the puppy who visited us recently. The edge of the toys was only slightly frayed in spots after a week of gnawing. On a long-term basis, they might not survive as long as they will with an adult dog. (Of course, no dog toy lasts forever.)
The company makes various styles. They have a “tuff-scale” for each toy. The scale indicates how durable the toy will be based upon your dog’s chewing habits. You can then select an appropriate toy from their line.
The toys are a little more expensive than other toys. The toys have been very durable for me, though, so they are worth the extra expense.
Rescue Mommy
P.S. I found a similar model at Petsmart. It is slightly less expensive and seems to be just as good as the Tuffy toys.
Available at PetSmart and independent pet stores
Check out the company’s website, mydogtoy.com
I found these toys over two years ago when I was looking for a toy I could leave with Dino. He would shred traditional stuffed toys, so I did not feel comfortable leaving him alone with that type. I bought him a big red lizard by Tuffy. He did not like it. He preferred soft stuffed toys.
Gracie, on the other hand, loves this line of dog toys. The toys are a bit firmer than a stuffed toy. The tag on the toys states the toys are built with three layers of material and five rows of stitching. Gracie still plays with the red lizard and several other Tuffy toys I bought. Her favorite is a red ring (see picture) that can be used for tugging or tossing.
The company makes various styles. They have a “tuff-scale” for each toy. The scale indicates how durable the toy will be based upon your dog’s chewing habits. You can then select an appropriate toy from their line.
The toys are a little more expensive than other toys. The toys have been very durable for me, though, so they are worth the extra expense.
Rescue Mommy
P.S. I found a similar model at Petsmart. It is slightly less expensive and seems to be just as good as the Tuffy toys.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tips for Life with Your New Dog Friend
While at a party last week, someone asked me for tips. The family found a dog at Brother Wolf and was doing a trial adoption. The candidate, a Beagle mix, was a lot livelier than previous family pets. Since I have a Jack Russell mix, maybe I could offer some suggestions?
I have been asked this question on other occasions so I thought I would put together a list:
Exercise, exercise, exercise. If you think you can toss the dog into the backyard “to do his business” and that will be enough, you are wrong. All dogs need exercise. How much exercise your dog needs depends upon the breed. That’s why it is so important to know how much work you are willing to do BEFORE you pick the dog.
Dogs that do not get enough exercise can be destructive. They can “act out” because they are trying to get your attention and relieve energy. We all need to exercise more so grab the leash and take your buddy for a walk. Walking/running with Gracie is lots more fun than a “traditional” workout.
Establish a routine. All pets appreciate a routine. We walk at X time, we eat at X time, et cetera. I have found that my pets are less anxious if we keep a routine.
In my opinion, it was especially important to Gracie in the early days. She is definitely an anxious dog. I am not sure what happened in her previous life. A routine laid the groundwork for establishing a safe, secure environment where she could relax and learn to trust us.
Engage the dog’s mind. A bored dog can be a destructive dog. Exercise helps, but your dog also needs something to do while you are away. The good news is lots of interactive toys are available now. For example, puzzles in which you can hide treats can provide mental stimulation. You can also try hiding toys and treats around the house. (See Friday’s post for a brand of toy I found that stands up to abuse.)
Train patiently and gradually. It is not about having a dog who can do cute party tricks. Every dog needs to know basic commands that you will use every day for walkies, grooming, et cetera.
Some dogs learn quicker than others, so be patient. Start slow, one command at a time, so he or she can have a chance at success. NEVER use choke collars, dominance, or punishment.
Treats are the best training tool; who doesn’t love a goodie? And, by all means, seek professional help if you are inexperienced or feel as if you are in over your head.
Read older posts, and you will see that our life with our furry friends is an adventure and a never-ending learning process. Good luck to all who have new, furry friends in their families!
Rescue Mommy
I have been asked this question on other occasions so I thought I would put together a list:
Exercise, exercise, exercise. If you think you can toss the dog into the backyard “to do his business” and that will be enough, you are wrong. All dogs need exercise. How much exercise your dog needs depends upon the breed. That’s why it is so important to know how much work you are willing to do BEFORE you pick the dog.
Dogs that do not get enough exercise can be destructive. They can “act out” because they are trying to get your attention and relieve energy. We all need to exercise more so grab the leash and take your buddy for a walk. Walking/running with Gracie is lots more fun than a “traditional” workout.
Establish a routine. All pets appreciate a routine. We walk at X time, we eat at X time, et cetera. I have found that my pets are less anxious if we keep a routine.
In my opinion, it was especially important to Gracie in the early days. She is definitely an anxious dog. I am not sure what happened in her previous life. A routine laid the groundwork for establishing a safe, secure environment where she could relax and learn to trust us.
Engage the dog’s mind. A bored dog can be a destructive dog. Exercise helps, but your dog also needs something to do while you are away. The good news is lots of interactive toys are available now. For example, puzzles in which you can hide treats can provide mental stimulation. You can also try hiding toys and treats around the house. (See Friday’s post for a brand of toy I found that stands up to abuse.)
Train patiently and gradually. It is not about having a dog who can do cute party tricks. Every dog needs to know basic commands that you will use every day for walkies, grooming, et cetera.
Some dogs learn quicker than others, so be patient. Start slow, one command at a time, so he or she can have a chance at success. NEVER use choke collars, dominance, or punishment.
Treats are the best training tool; who doesn’t love a goodie? And, by all means, seek professional help if you are inexperienced or feel as if you are in over your head.
Read older posts, and you will see that our life with our furry friends is an adventure and a never-ending learning process. Good luck to all who have new, furry friends in their families!
Rescue Mommy
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