Houndog News

Honouring the breed of your dog

When analyzing dog behaviour we need to examine breed and environment. It is arguable just what percentage nature and nurture contribute in a dogs profile but one thing for sure is that breed traits will show up.

The physical build of a breed makes him more or less suitable to what is likely to interest him most. Then even behind all that ‘make-up’ a few hundred years of domestic breeding has given him, he is still essentially canine. Learn his language.

When choosing a breed suitable for your household, look at your lifestyle, the level of exercise you can provide and preferences such as whether you want a quiet companion at home or a dog who will go everywhere in the utility with you. Selection should be based on energy output and secondly breed however please speak to others who own the breed you are thinking about. For e.g. A lovely lady we see at the park tells others… “If you are out all day long each weekday don’t buy a cavalier because it is simply going to be miserable”. Naturally within a breed there are individuals but if you are going to be upset your dog ignores you when there is a strong odour around, a beagle or scent hound is probably not your best bet. Herding dogs love rounding things up so if you have one create the appropriate opportunity to do it.

Whether you dogs ‘thing’ is tracking, retrieving, tugging or fetching, explore and provide ways for him to channel his natural traits. This is one of the best ways to give him a fulfilled life. Dog enthusiasts have gone step further and designed activities such as lure coursing and fly ball to provide exercise and satisfaction for their canine friends.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

2017 Million Paws Walk

How would you like to combine a walk with your dog whilst raising valuable funds for the RSPCA? This year Sunday 21^st May is the date for the annual Queensland ‘Million Paws Walk’ with a goal of raising $645K. The event sometimes has over 20,000 people and their dogs participating.

Every year RSPCA Qld provides care for in excess of 15,000 dogs. All these lovely pooches require feeding, shelter and veterinary treatment. The RSPCA rely on a lot of voluntary help as well as fund raising and really look after their volunteers. The Million Paws Walk is a great way to raise awareness and give the public a chance to assist too. Every single dollar raised is helpful.

There will be plenty to keep participants amused with competitions, food, stalls, giveaways and entertainment too. It’s a great day out and any animal lover will have a feast for their eyes with all breeds and sizes of dog welcome. If you plan to join you need to register for the event and the requirements for your dog is to be fully vaccinated, friendly and well-socialised.

If you would like to help animals in need, check out the website below to find out more details, registration and find the proximity of where walks will be held in your area…

https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/QLD/home

You don’t even need to have a dog to participate. Everyone is welcome to join in. Perhaps you’d like to bring the whole family or even just make a donation.

If you have a foster dog and wish to join it is best to speak to your foster coordinator about your dogs suitability for the event, as there is a lot of stimulation on the day.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Selecting a dog vehicle harness

When selecting a harness for your dog you should know your dogs body measurements and weight as well as how your car is fitted out so you know whereabouts you will attach the harness inside the vehicle. Ideally you would take your dog along to be fitted for a harness. When fitted correctly it will not be too tight or loose on him and he be secured in a way he’s not going to get tangled up. Swivel style attachments with a short tether can help alleviate this.

Although there are a number of products on the market for car doggy travel quality of materials and design is paramount and as the old saying goes… You usually get what you pay for. To see how different designs vary in effectiveness you can find some footage of (canine imitation) crash test dummies wearing harnesses on the following link. In the event of an accident your dog will become a moving missile. This viewing is not for children.

http://www.centerforpetsafety.org/test-results/harnesses/2013-harness-crash-test-videos/

You cannot always rely on a shop assistant to correctly fit your dog’s harness so if you have any concerns speak to the manufacturer. If you take your dog on the back of a utility he still must be secured and care should be taken to ensure no load could potentially slide onto him. Please provide surface or matting which will not burn his feet as trays heat up in the sun. His nose should not be able to reach past the side of the tray. Cages are strongly recommended for open vehicles.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Tell your Pup the Surf is Up

If you love visiting the beach with your dog and are on the lookout for a new product to try this one could be right up your pipeline. Surf Dog Australia has created a dog leash especially for the beach with features to suit and salty, sandy environment. In true surf style they’ve named the product “Radical”. We’ve road-tested (or should we say beach-tested) the leash and are very happy with the result.

The padded neoprene handle is very comfortable in your hand. The leash is available in a variety of colours and a poop bag can be attached.

A marine grade clip made of grade 316 stainless steel, offering super strength. It snaps on in a jiffy and has a swivel, which reduces stress on the leash itself, and if your dog is in a spin it won’t get twisted up.

Perhaps you’d like to check it out for yourself on their website…

https://www.surfdogaustralia.com/products/radical-beach-leash

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Household order amongst dogs

You may have a household of more than one dog due to choice or perhaps a family member has decided to move back in with their dog. In many cases this is a harmonious balance but when it is not it can create quiet a juggling act for owners. And for every extra dog in the mix the dynamics can change again.

If you recognize that one of the dogs is ‘top dog’, regardless of size, age or whether that dog lived in the house first, it is wise to respect this. We recommend employing a profession trainer to help guide you through dog/dog trouble and hierarchy. If two dogs have established that one is above the other in pecking order allow that dog to enter and exit doorways ahead of the other. Forcing the ‘lower’ dog to go first can create a conflict between them. In restricted space be aware that the top dog may object to the lower dog/s entering.

Ideally you will aim to reduce the amount of opportunities for the top dog to feel the need to assert its authority. If feeding time has become turmoil feed them separately out of each other’s sight. Being a good dog parent by upholding rules and boundaries will help. Allowing both dogs plenty of space will also help. Expecting dogs to recognize fairness and equality is expecting too much.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Enhanced doggy dining

As we age and our bodies change our nutritional requirements can too. Ask your vet about your dogs diet in relation to their age and energy output. If teeth and gums aren’t in the best of shape you may need to reduce hard foods. Before embarking on adjusting a dogs diet please note that it needs to happen gradually.

Smell is a big part of a dining experience. For them and us, age can diminish our sense of smell. Heating your dogs’ food is one way to help in this matter. Heated food tends to smell stronger and can increase enjoyment. Blood temperature is warm enough as they should not be given hot food.

Tall dogs have further to bend to the floor so if your pooch has eg arthritis in his neck he may appreciate the option of eating from a raised bowl. Another way to add incentive is to include food in games and mental stimulation. If this is something your dog still enjoys, make his day and engage with him.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Dogs in black and white

Did you know that many of us have a preference for lighter coloured dogs? As a lover of black dogs I know how lovely the sheen on their coat looks, especially with the sun bouncing off. However, rescue shelters report that black dogs generally have more difficulty finding homes and often use the expression ‘Black Dog Syndrome’ to describe this phenomenon

Well we know black is beautiful and hope you do too. Don’t let a few spy movies with teeth-baring Rottweiler’s put you off. Every breed can boast wonderful companions.

The only thing you need to be aware of as a black dog owner is that black heats up faster in the sun and that facial expressions on a black dog can be a little harder to read. Owners also find out soon enough that black dogs are particularly difficult to photograph without some light expertise.

When looking for a dog to own, please make your selection based on the dogs energy suitability for your lifestyle, then breed, then colour. If you do have a dark coloured dog try a bright collar containing a reflective element to keep him safer at night.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Perils of a Hairy Dog

Brushing your dog is not just for good looks. It is an imperative part of a health care routine for longhaired breeds. Matted hair if not addressed becomes tangles closer to the skin in time and eventually causes pain as it pulls on the skin. Shedding hair that has not yet left the coat, burrs and bacteria become trapped and help to cause infection.

Regular brushing can be very enjoyable for your dog so don’t wait until there’s a problem. With longhaired breeds a brush may move over the surface easily but without addressing the underside of the coat. Detecting matted areas can even be done with your hands, as you can feel the lumps of tangled hair. If using a brush, do one small section at a time. It is best to work brushing out the end tips of the hair and gradually moving deeper into the coat. A trim or shaving may be suitable for your dog so speak to your vet or groomer. Please do not trim dogs’ whiskers.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Dogs at Sea

Dogs are very adaptable beings and if you have a favourite bay, lake or waterway you like to visit on your boat, you best buddy may be able to join you.

Wearing a canine floatation device is a must for your pooch and you can begin to acclimate him to this by having him wear it for the duration of his meal times. Make sure you buy one that fits snugly and buy one from a shop where you can take him along for a proper fitting. A grab strap or handle in the design is important.

Practice is the key to success, so allow opportunities for him to move about comfortably on the boat whist the boat is not moving. Dogs need to be able to grip as they are not born with boat shoes. Find a non-slip matting or product to put down for him. He will also need to be taught how and where to get on and off the vessel. (Some folks even have little ramps for their dog to use for swimming off the rear of the boat.)

Noises like rigging gear and motors should all be introduced slowly over time so there are no surprises. Practice partially raising sails too as they are so large and can flap about.

Find a ‘toilet method’ to suit him and teach him to use this on land first. Be sure to have some degree of control with your dog such as ‘down’ and ‘stay’ because people sometimes need to work very quickly in a small area on boats. He will need your permission to come on and off the boat and you will need a safe place to tether him if required.

Short trips to begin will give you a gauge of whether the ‘sea dog’ experience is going to be enjoyable for him. Important note: if you’re fishing keep that bait, hooks and line right from him.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Canine cognitive dysfunction

Humans and dogs can both develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Challenges can include, confusion, getting lost, getting stuck, forgetting what we were just doing or things that happened only moments ago, changes to interactions and repetitive behaviours. Your previously housetrained dog may regress and begin having potty accidents indoors.

For physical changes we need to rule out other problems. E.g. a dog suddenly starting to mess indoors may have a U.T.I. One of the most difficult changes for dog owners to accept may be the way their pet interacts with them.

Studies are in progress to compare age, rates of onset, patterns and trends such as size. Larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan than cross breeds or smaller dogs so studies will help determine whether the rate of C.C.D. raises proportionally the same rate across different breeds.

If you have any questions about your dogs changing behaviours please consult your veterinarian. It is very helpful for you to take some video footage of the behaviour/s happening at home so your vet can see what you are referring to. Barney photographed here has no concern as he can always remember where he left his bone.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)