Halloween Safety Tips for Pets, Making Fright Night Fun and Safe
Oct 7th
Halloween Dress Rehearsal
Well folks it’s that time of year again when my dog trainer mom encourages yours truly to play dress-up. Yep, it’s Halloween! This means costumes – but it also means TREATS! And when it comes to being dressed as something like a skunk, it means CHICKEN!
As much of a hippie as I am – cuz I’d rather be naked, when it comes to chicken I’ll do just about anything. I’m not sure what she ordered this year, or how many outfits I’ll have – I’ve been told I have more than Cher. Hmm, I wonder if she gets chicken too?
Anyway, as an inquisitive canine who enjoys this “fright night” as much as all the little ghosts and goblins, I thought it’d be a good idea to throw in my two cents on helping to keep your pets safe. Read the rest of this entry »
Holiday Pet Safety for the Fourth and Year-Round Social Graces
Jul 1st
Dear Inquisitive Dog Guardians,
According to my calendar, the summer season has officially launched. This means warmer weather, parties and vacations! Wow, time flies when you’re working hard and having fun (like answering Dear Inquisitive Canine questions and barking at trucks — two of my favorite activities).
This month kicks off with the long Fourth of July weekend, including lots of partying and fire-works, so before I talk training and management tips for having company over, mom recommends we share a few gentle reminders to maintain a fun but safe environment for you and your own inquisitive canine.
Holiday Safety Tips for Pets
Independence Day can be very stressful (and dangerous) for many animals, not just us dogs. We encourage you to go through your safety checklist to help protect the furry friends in your life:
Read more tips from mom for protecting your pets during this high-spirited holiday, or check out tidbits from yours truly on precautions for pooches.
OK, now that we’ve covered the topic of safety, it’s time to share some tips for refining those canine social skills!
Year-Round Training Tips for a Well-Mannered Pooch
Summertime is the social season, as our schedules fill with parties, picnics and other outings. That means plenty of situations when you might need your pooch to mind his or her manners. But my certified professional dog trainer mom [ LINK TO: http://www.inquisitivecanine.com/about-inquisitive-canine/joan-mayer/ ] is a big believer in “Train it before you need it” to ensure that you and your inquisitive canine are prepared. Similar to school children practicing fire drills before there’s an actual fire, she recommends rehearsing behaviors you’re likely to need before you ask your dog to perform them.
I know when we have company, the following things may be asked of me:
- Greeting people (and other dogs) politely at the door: Sitting or standing is the preferred way humans would like to be greeted by us canines. They also prefer if we stay within our own property lines, meaning door-dashing is not on the approved list!
- Being able to chill out quietly in a specific location: Sometimes our guests want time to themselves, so when I'm asked to “Sit” or “Stay” I do so where mom prefers. This includes near the front door, living room, in the kitchen area and/or outside in the yard or on the patio.
- Leaving things alone when asked: We doggies are scavengers and enjoy hunting and gather-ing as much as you humans, so if you leave food lying around, then it’s fair game!
- Coming when called: Just in case someone isn’t familiar with your house rules or you get sidetracked and leave a door or gate open.
Manage, Manage, Manage!
If you’re really busy and don’t have the time to train your dog, or are caught up in the festivities, then I’d suggest you opt for plan B: Management! Manage your dog and/or his or her surround-ings, whether at home or out and about. This means setting up barriers and boundaries to help create an environment in which your furry friend isn’t able to practice unwanted behaviors. (’Cause every time we practice, we get better at it!)
For example, if your dog hasn’t been taught to greet people and other dogs politely at the door, it might be best for you to either have your dog on a leash, or sequester him or her to another location while you escort friends and family inside. If you choose to sequester your dog, pick a place where he or she can hang out that is safe but still fun and rewarding. In other words, create a playground for your dog, not a dungeon.
To create an area of recreation while avoiding time out situations, make sure your dog has enrichment — such as interactive food toys or chew bones, along with water — at his or her disposal. This way, your dog will actually look forward to hanging out in his or her “fun zone.” Once you have a break and everyone has settled in, then you’ll be more relaxed to bring your dog out to meet the guests.
For additional dog training tips about creating a rewarding environment for your dog, read this previous post about enrichment for dogs.
We know that this time of year can be really fun for everyone, including the family pets. We appreciate and applaud you for taking the extra time to take care of your animals, including maintaining a safe and rewarding environment, and wish you a happy and safe holiday weekend!
_______
Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt that knows a lot about human and canine behavior. Their column is known for its simple, common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog.
Joan is also the founder of the Inquisitive Canine, and developer of the Out of the Box Dog Training Game, which highlights her love-of-dog training approach and the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog has questions about behavior, training or life with each other, please email them directly.
Dear Inquisitive Canine: Moving to a New Home With Pets, Part II
Jun 3rd
In our last column, “On the Move with Pets, Part I,” we addressed behavioral concerns from an inquisitive dog guardian who is on the move and relocating across the country with her husband and three dogs.
We shared our management and dog training tips for preparing for the move, easing any associated anxiety and traveling across country. We wanted to devote this installment to ways to make the transition as smooth as possible during the moving day itself.
As a dog guardian and certified professional dog trainer, I know how important it is to plan ahead and am happy to offer my best training and management advice to help ensure a safe and successful transition for everyone.
Moving Day!
- Minimizing stress: During the time when your household is being relocated, consider ways to make it less stressful for everyone — including your dogs. Ask a friend to help by watching your dogs when you’re doing last-minute packing or loading of the moving truck or while movers are trekking in and out of the home. Another option is setting up a doggy playdate with friends’ dogs. Alternately, you could hire a dog walker or pet sitter. If your dogs spend time at a doggy daycare, then that could be another option to keep your inquisitive canines busy while still having fun.
- Taking the comforts of home with you: Remember to pack items that are part of your dogs’ normal everyday lives. Consider the bare necessities such as water, food and treats, his or her favorite blanket (or bed/towel), a crate if this is what you use for transportation, medical records and medications (if any) and a leash. A favorite toy and/or chewies for times when at hotels or rest stops could be helpful, too.
Another “comfort” can be a sweaty T-shirt that you or other family members have worn that you place in his or her crate or bed. The “smell of home” can help provide reassurance through sensory memory that he or she is still with family. As a reminder, all of your dogs should be wearing collars with current IDs and rabies tags at all times. Also, having extra towels, sheets or blankets can be quite handy for a variety of reasons.
Movin’ and Shakin’: Heading Out on Your Journey!
- Safety in the car: Although there are no current laws for pet safety in cars, I am a huge proponent of safety belts for dogs. They’re inexpensive, work really well and help protect everyone. For smaller dogs, car seats with safety belts are available. If you choose to go another route such as a crate, make sure all safety latches are working well, and that each has a comfy mat/bed that doesn’t slide around. You’ll also want to ensure that each has ventilation and enough room to move about.
If your dogs haven’t been crate-trained, you can find out more about the benefits and get some basic training tips on my dog training blog. Choosing a form of safety restraint is ideal, as allowing dogs to roam free in a moving car is dangerous for everyone.
- Taking time for breaks: As much as you want to get to your new home ASAP, you’ll want to take the time to make frequent stops, giving yourself and your dogs the opportunity to potty, move around a little, stretch and get some fresh air. Finding an area to play a little fetch or run around will help reduce the energy factor, which in turn can help your dogs want to nap — but only if it’s safe to do so! Remember to abide by leash laws and be aware of your surroundings to help prevent your dogs from running off.
- Eating on the road: If either of your dogs has a sensitive tummy, you’ll want to limit food and excessive water intake. Light meals and a few treats here and there are usually adequate during the drive. You can check with your vet to make sure, though, since health conditions can factor into eating schedules.
- Fresh air can help with reducing tummy upset. Air controls turned on in the car or having windows down a few inches is fine, but allowing dogs to hang out windows while driving can lead to disaster, so that is something you’ll want to be aware of. Make sure the safety locks are on, too, to prevent heads or paws from getting caught in windows.
- Never leave your dogs alone in the car for prolonged periods: Short periods such as when you’ve stopped for a restaurant meal would be an exception, as long as you remember to leave them with plenty of air and water. You’ll also want to park where you can keep a watchful eye on the car. Another suggestion would be to offer your dogs a potty and stretch break before getting back on the road.
Home Sweet Home: The Big Arrival!
- Settling into your new home: This can be painless, provided you take a few extra steps to ensure it. Similar to humans, canines are homeostatic creatures. They like stability and the routines they’ve established as much as we do. This means you’ll want to do all you can to ensure your dogs keep within their routines as much as possible.
- Initially, you’ll want to keep him or her on leash even indoors, and especially outside when you first arrive. Walk your dogs around the entire home within each room so he or she has the chance to sniff and explore. If there were previous owners who had pets, various scents might trigger your dogs to mark his or her territory. Keep a watchful eye on this and interrupt gently with your happy voice to redirect away from the area. Reward your dog for ignoring, while making a note to yourself which areas will need to be cleaned.
- If you have a fenced yard, check each inch of the perimeter to ensure it is safe from your dogs getting out or other animals getting in. And unless you’re actively playing with your dogs outside in your fenced yard, you might want to consider keeping them inside until each one has made the adjustment and settled in comfortably.
- Feeding schedules, exercise routines and sleeping timetables are all routines you’ll want to maintain as much as possible. Taking walks together in your new neighborhood will give everyone a chance to check out your new location and maybe even meet your new neighbors. Who knows? You might even find some other doggies in the area for possible playdates. Remember to bring treats with you to reward behaviors you like!
Moving can be stressful on all animals, human and nonhuman. But with planning, a little legwork before you head out and management along the way, you’re sure to make this exciting adventure more peaceful and less traumatic for everyone. We’ll miss you in California, but we wish you all the best for a safe, stress-free and successful journey!
— Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt that knows a lot about canine and human behavior. Their column is known for its simple common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog. Joan is also the founder of The Inquisitive Canine, where her love-of-dog training approach highlights the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog have questions about behavior, training or life with each other, e-mail them directly.
Dear Inquisitive Canine: Moving to a New Home With Pets, Part I
May 9th
Pre-trip tips for easing anxiety and helping dogs adjust to changing conditions
Dear Inquisitive Canine:
My husband and I will be moving across country in a few months (California to Pennsylvania), and we have three dogs that didn’t adjusted well to our previous move to Northern California from Central California.
We are wondering what we can do to help ease their anxiety when packing up our home, spending two full days traveling and getting them accustomed to our new home. Do you have suggestions for making the transition easier on them? Thanks!
— Animal House on the Move
Dear Animal House:
Wow, exciting times for sure! As a dog guardian and certified professional dog trainer, I think it’s wonderful that you’ve taken the time to ask such great questions and are making an effort to plan ahead to make the transition as smooth as possible.
In the first installment of this two-part column, I will provide tips for helping you manage your dogs before the move. In the second part, I will offer my best training and management advice for you and your dogs on moving day to help ensure a safe and successful voyage east.
Before You Move — Plan, Prepare and Plan Some More
Planning ahead is key in making life easier for everyone. The months leading up to your move can be the time to strategize and begin your training program. As a certified professional dog trainer, I would recommend you begin these simple steps a few months prior to moving day.
- Desensitize your dogs to suitcases, boxes and the task of packing, in case these were prior triggers for creating feelings of concern and uneasiness. You’ve stated that your dogs didn’t adjust well to your previous move. Suitcases and boxes can often end up becoming environmental “triggers” to dogs, from previous learning, if he or she had issues with moving before.
- You’ll want to pack up a box or two of things that you don’t really need access to until you’ve actually relocated. Once packed up, leave the boxes sitting around your house. This way, your dogs will learn that all of the action of packing and various boxes and suitcases don’t really lead to anything in particular. No one is leaving, no one is moving, nothing else is changing. These packed up boxes don’t necessarily predict anything.
- Get acclimated to new environmental conditions. Pennsylvania most likely has different environmental sounds, smells and conditions compared to what your dogs are accustomed to in California. Take the time to find out what these new changes might be and then re-enact the experience for your dogs before leaving. One example would be playing sound effects of thunderstorms at low volume, increasing the level as the dogs become accustomed to the noise. These dress rehearsals can help preclude surprises.
- Be aware of environmental changes such as snow and ice, as well as different types of foliage, pollens, insects and wildlife your dogs are likely to encounter. If your dogs need additional vaccinations or topical preventive medications, you’ll want to speak with your vet before moving to determine whether specific vaccinations or preventive medications are recommended.
- Get your kicks on Route 66, or whichever road you’re taking. Hopefully your dogs enjoy car rides, for long periods. If not, you’ll want to take the steps to desensitize each one not to just tolerate but to actually enjoy the voyage. You’ll want to allow plenty of time for conditioning your dogs to enjoying being chauffeured across the country.
For training tips on car safety for dogs, click here for an Inquisitive Canine blog post written by my car-loving sidekick, Poncho.
Pre-Move Tips
In addition to your training plan, here are a few additional things to keep in mind and start checking off your list as moving day approaches.
- Every state, county and city may have different regulations when it comes to our pet dogs. You’ll want to investigate each jurisdiction regarding vaccinations, licensing, leash requirements and public zoning.
- As a reminder, each of your dogs should always be wearing a collar with identification. Make sure his or her tag has your current contact phone number, and that you’ve updated your pet’s microchip information.
- Arrange a check-up appointment for each dog with your veterinarian, just to make sure all are in “top paw” shape. You’ll also want to obtain a copy of his or her records to take with you in hand while on your journey east.
- Wherever you choose to sleep during your expedition, you’ll want to make sure each and every place allows dogs — and all three of them! Many hotels allow dogs nowadays, but having three might limit your choices. Check and reserve ahead while finding out what each place requires for pets to stay.
- Moving can be stressful on all animals — human and nonhuman. But with planning, you’re sure to make this exciting adventure more peaceful and less traumatic for everyone.
Stay tuned for our next installment of “Moving With your Pets” which focuses on useful training tips on moving day!
— Dear Inquisitive Canine is written by Joan Mayer and her trusty sidekick, Poncho. Joan is a certified professional dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach. Poncho is a 10-pound mutt that knows a lot about canine and human behavior. Their column is known for its simple common-sense approach to dog training and behavior, as well as its entertaining insight into implementing proven techniques that reward both owner and dog.
Joan is also the founder of The Inquisitive Canine, where her love-of-dog training approach highlights the importance of understanding canine behavior. If you or your dog have questions about behavior, training or life with each other, e-mail them directly.
Hop Into Responsible Bunny Adoption This Easter
Apr 7th
Welcome to Spring! April is here which means Easter is just around the corner. It also means bunny adoptions go way up! And with the movie HOP opening, they’re sure to skyrocket! But before you or someone you know heads out to find yourself a cute “Bugs” please take a moment to read the following information on tips for caring for rabbits, provided by our guest bunny expert Andrea Bratt Frick.
Andrea is a fellow certified professional dog trainer, but she is also very involved with rabbit rescue and education for the public on rabbit care responsibility. As a certified professional dog trainer myself I know education is key when it comes to bringing home a new pet. Rabbits are no different in that they have specific needs. Andrea is guardian to many animals, including rabbits. She is also very involved with rabbit rescue including the Santa Barbara rabbit rescue BUNS. I find her to be a great resource for what it takes to be a responsible rabbit guardian, so I thought it would be perfect to have her answer a few questions for us.
Inquisitive Canine: Andrea, what are your “top tips” to provide the general public on what to think about before adopting a bunny rabbit?
Andrea Bratt Frick: It is important to know that rabbits can be a long term commitment. Rabbits typically live 8-12 years or more. Rabbits need daily exercise in a safe area large enough to run around and jump. Most rabbits don’t enjoy being picked up and held for long amounts of time so they can become frustrating to small children used to cuddling stuffed animals.
IC: What do pet rabbits require as far as care? Including health and medical needs, nutritional needs, emotional and physical needs?
ABF:
- Rabbits don’t need vaccinations like dogs and cats but they do need to have you check them on a monthly basis so that you can catch any changes that are occurring and get them to a rabbit savvy vet right away. Things to look for during a well bunny check are skin, especially around the base of the tail and behind the ears. Healthy rabbits have nice clean pink skin. Check their eyes and nose which should be clear and free of discharge or crustiness. A healthy rabbit has quiet, easy breathing. Check your rabbits feet for sores on their heels or broken toe nails. Check their hind ends to make sure they are keeping clean. Any rabbit that doesn’t eat or eliminate for 24 hours needs to see a vet immediately.
- As far as nutritional needs, think HAY. All rabbits should have access to grass hay (or grass) and fresh water at all times. They should get fresh vegetables daily (at least 3 different kinds) and a measured amount of rabbit pellets. An average sized (5-6 pound) adult non-breeding rabbit should get 1/4 cup of plain rabbit pellets daily. The pellets with added fruit and nuts are much too rich for rabbits and can cause digestive problems.
- Rabbits require daily exercise in a space where they can run around, crawl under and climb on top of boxes or furniture. Make sure the space is in a safe place away from predators. Inside your home is best or a well fenced area in a yard that is predator proof. Rabbits enjoy digging and chewing activities so giving them a blanket, soft dirt or a hay box to dig in is usually appreciated. Bunnies like to chew on wood and plants besides their hay. Bamboo, apple branches, palm leaves, pine cones, citrus leaves and branches along with untreated wicker items can supply your rabbit with hours of chewing delights.
IC: What is expected of bunny guardians as far as schedule to ensure their bunny is taken care of?
ABF: Rabbits are crepuscular which means they are most active in the mornings and evenings. This makes them nice pets because that is usually when most working folks are home.
IC: Is it feasible for owners to leave rabbits alone for hours at a time?
ABF: Rabbits can be left alone for hours at a time privided you leave them with chew items and space to run around and exercise. If you are typically gone for long amounts of time you should consider getting another rabbit as a companion for your rabbit.
IC: What sort of lifestyle is suited for being guardian to a rabbit?
ABF: Quiet to semi-active households are good for rabbits. Bunnies don’t make good pets for young, active children. They can be easily frightened or injured. Children need to be closely and constantly supervised with rabbits to keep everyone safe.
IC: What is the life expectancy?
ABF: Average is 8-12 years.
IC: Common health issues?
ABF: Most common are GI (gastrointestinal) digestive tract issues. Next would probably be respiratory infections, eye issues and abscesses.
IC: What sorts of costs are needed to provide for a rabbit?
ABF: Vet care for rabbits can be expensive because they are considered “exotic” pets. They require special anesthesia and are often more difficult to operate on. It is important to have your rabbit altered if he or she isn’t already. Spaying and neutering rabbits is one of the biggest expenses you will encounter but well worth it. Altered rabbits have less smell, are more likely to use a litterbox and less likely to fight with other rabbits. Bunnies are usually less costly to feed than cats or dogs especially if you can grow some of your own veggies or get some from the farmers markets. Rabbit cages and pens can be expensive but there are some plans of enclosures that you can make yourself which are available on the internet.
IC: Is it best to adopt one or two?
ABF: Usually two if you have the resources. Rabbits can become quite bonded to each other and keep each other entertained. Make sure that you adopt spayed or neutered rabbits as unaltered rabbits will often fight or try to mate constantly.
IC: What are some resources for rabbit adoption?
ABF: Check with your local animal shelter or Humane Society. Search for rabbits on petfinder.com, check out adoptable rabbits at bunssb.org or
IC: Are there advantages adopting from a rescue versus buying from a breeder?
ABF: Rescue organizations often spend an overall longer time with their rabbits so they are more likely to know their individual personalities and which rabbits would be suited to each available home.
IC: In your opinion are baby bunnies better than adults? Or is it personality?
ABF: Baby rabbits are pretty darn cute but they grow up within just a few months. You can’t always tell how a baby rabbit will turn out personality-wise so it is often better to get an adult rabbit. So definitely I would go with personality!
IC: What is the general temperament of rabbits?
ABF: Rabbits, like people, have a variety of personalities. Some are highly social and some are pretty shy. Even shy rabbits can learn to approach people and enjoy being pet with proper training.
IC: Are bunnies more on the social side? How about living with other animals?
ABF: It really depends on the animals involved. Generally, full sized rabbits and cats are pretty compatible. Make sure the rabbit has hiding spots away from the cat’s reach and that the cat has access to high places where the rabbit can’t harrass it. Rabbits and dogs need to to be separated and well supervised. Even playing, a dog can accidently injure a rabbit. Some dogs are going to view bunnies as prey and should not be allowed near the rabbit at all.
IC: Where can people go to find out more?
ABF: A couple of great websites are Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS), and House Rabbit Society.
IC: Are there rescues where volunteers are needed so they can get a better sense of what life is like with a rabbit? How about fostering?
ABF: Yes, in Ventura County contact Kim Jones via email or Kimberly Jacinto via email. In Santa Barbara contact the BUNS organization directly. Foster homes are needed and appreciated as well. The above contacts can provide additional information on volunteering, fostering and for additional information on rabbit care and behavior.
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