Houndog News

Fido Feature – Cooper

Welcome back to another Fido Feature!

We hope you enjoy getting to know our pack just that little bit better!

Cooper has been part of the Houndog Family for many years.
He is our Golden Boy with the distinguishable blue mark on his tongue.
On a Tuesday morning, he patiently waits for his Goat Liver Treat upon arrival.
He voluntarily offers the sit position because he knows this guarantees he gets a treat!
He also knows where his seat is in the Doggy Bus –
and that’s where he heads to without me even asking.
Talk about compliance; this guy knows how to make anyone’s day easier.
In fact he’s a model ‘fur citizen’. Once he jumps into the Van he gets another treat.
When we get to the Park, Cooper likes to play with anyone, especially the young
fast male dogs who run around the park just wanting him to chase them.
He loves to get in on all the action. He also likes to tumble around
on the ground and can’t resist a roll around in the sandpit! Being very popular
among the other dogs in the group ensures he gets plenty of exercise and maximum
benefit from each doggy adventure he attends.

Cooper enjoys cooling off at the beach and his favourite trick is to hold his own lead
in his mouth or another doggy’s lead in his mouth while swimming.
Holding the lead in his mouth is just his own quirky little thing and we find it very amusing.
He just letting us know he’s in control of the situation.
Cooper would probably offer to drive the van too if he thought his
paws could reach the pedals. After he gets home from his Tuesday adventures,
his Mum always leaves a bowl of yummy food for him because she knows
his day care is just like boot camp and he’s definitely going to be tired and hungry!

All of our dogs are such loveable characters!

Have a suggestion for who we should feature next?

Let us know in a comment on facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/HoundogDayCare

Previous Fido Features:

Coco (Lab)

Ziggy

Honey

Alf

Horace

Dougie

Masen

Fido Feature – Alf

Welcome back to another Fido Feature!

We hope you enjoy getting to know our pack just that little bit better!

Meet Alfie, our excitable cutie!

Our lovely Alfie is a never-ending source of excitement, from the moment of pick up
right through to drop off you can hear Alfie’s tail going a mile a minute! If we could harness
all that energy we’d never have to pay another power bill.
Alfie lives by the expression ‘move it or lose it’ and figures there will be plenty of time to rest later.
Alfie adores dogs and our trainers equally, loving one on one cuddles as much as getting in on the big chase! He’s a rough and tumble boy, and relishes the chance to roll around with one of his playmates!
Alf does not like to get out of the water especially if there’s a squeaky ball involved.
This guy intends on making the most of every opportunity to get active.
He’d make a great personal trainer becausehe is super-fit and a very motivating guy.
We are thrilled to say Alf is a regular on our trips to Straddie Island and Canine Country.

All of our dogs are such loveable characters!

Have a suggestion for who we should feature next?

Let us know in a comment on facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/HoundogDayCare

Previous Fido Features:

Horace

How do Thunderstorms & Fireworks affect your dog?

This time of year dogs can be thoroughly spooked by thunder or fireworks. You might like to consider having an app to alert your mob phone of severe weather warnings. This way you’ll have extra time to prepare and try to move your dog inside.

New years eve is a little easier to forecast. Again, keeping pets inside is usually the best way to keep dogs safe.

There are also products on the market to assist you in helping desensitize your dog to thunder and loud noises. Thundershirts work on the principle that pressure has a calming effect on dogs and humans alike. There are CD’s with recordings of a multitude of sounds, natural and engineered. Addressing these types of issues are often more involved than just playing a sound track in the background of e.g. thunder at other times. It’s ok to let your dog be close to you if he is stressed by noise by please don’t fuss over him, pet him whilst he is in a stressed state as this can compound his fears.

Make sure your dog wears identification and always have a pic of her available in case she does get out. One year we had a soaked-to-the-skin retriever turn up at the front door during a storm. She came in and paced until she fell asleep on the kitchen floor. She wasn’t wearing any tags and it was a Saturday night. The next day my cousin took her for a walk in the local area and thankfully her owner spotted her. Please report missing/found animals to your local shelters and the RSPCA (1300 363 736). Consider using a local facebook page to advertise as many people will check those first. However, if you have found a dog avoid giving every detail. The true owner should be able to describe the dog in great detail and bring some proof of ownership.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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

Can you still holiday if your dog has separation anxiety?

Have you considered ‘not’ making plans due to your dog’s separation anxiety issues?

Address this so your dog can cope with your ‘regular routine’ absences. The object is not just so you can eventually go away, but to get your dog accustomed to your absence regardless of the reason. Even shorter breaks without you such as when you are at work needn’t be a daily major event for your dog. It’s not fair to subject them to that. And if the sound of the car keys being picked up sends you dog into some kind of frenzy you should act now.

An otherwise well-behaved dog may appear to acquire ‘super-canine’ ability when they are stressed. You might find they have chewed things they never have before, and be able to jump fences they otherwise wouldn’t (due to the extra adrenalin in their system).

Speak to your vet and trainer to address destructive behaviours and to help determine the reason for stress during your absence. Leaving for short periods at a time to start with and making your leaving a more pleasurable event will help desensitize your dog. E.g. if she gets her favourite chew toy stuffed with food when you go out or a trail of cheese crumbs to clean up she is less likely to hit the ‘panic switch’ each time you leave.

Holiday care and pet sitting are ideal ways to ensure dog has company and can keep occupied whilst you are gone. If your dog is to be minded by someone else have a meet and greet. Be sure to discuss any potential difficulties of which you are aware.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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

How can you keep Christmas merry for your Dog?

It’s that time of year when the usual routine changes. This is something to which pets, pay a great deal of notice. Here are a few ways to help keep it enjoyable.

It is best to provide a space to which the dog can retreat without being pestered. A crate or designated room is an ideal way for your dog to take a rest from all the extra activity. You can position him so that he can still see the action or in his own room with his favourite toy or stuffed kong. If you are going out, some music can help soothe him and block out other noises of the neighbourhood. With temperatures so high right now, make sure your dog has access to water and some cool concrete or a tiled floor to stretch out on.

Be reminded that hugs and kisses are not encouraged. Even a dog which normally tolerates this from his family members may not appreciate it from a newcomer, especially with all the other noise and distractions in the background. A responsible adult (someone who is able to recognize when it is time to give the dog a break) needs to be supervising children around the dog at all times. Signs of unwelcome attention can include one or several of the following… backing away or under furniture, mouth closed, still body, staring, growling, raised heckles, lip-licking, yawning or subtle look-aways.

Politely ask guests not to feed the dog so there are no nasty surprises later. Fireworks can be a very scary prospect for your pooch and more dogs escape at this time of year than any other. Ensure that doors and gates are closed properly to keep your pet secure.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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

What is the purpose of those little Dachsie legs?

In Germany badgers are ‘dachs’ and the hound ‘hund’ bred to catch the badger is naturally the ‘dachshund’. He is a scent hound who was also apt at catching other animals that burrow such as foxes and rabbits. He usually grows to around 23cm tall. Short legs allow him better access to burrows and confined spaces whilst his muscular body provides strength.

Though some varieties have wirehair or longhair, it is usually the smooth shorthair you will see. A short coat means he is not well suited to cold weather but he is reported to be great with kids and adapts well to apartment living. He has a high prey drive as well as a high play drive. The longer coat variety has a touch of spaniel heritage.

Sometimes the dachshund is referred to by other names such as a doxie or sausage dog. As far as this fella is concerned there’s no ‘snag’… if there’s fun to be had, he’s up for it. Loyal and comical clowns, these guys and girls know how to raise the roof but can be independent thinkers due to their terrier streak. They require moderate exercise but their tunneling instinct may result in them helping you dig holes in the garden without invitation.

Please don’t encourage them to launch their bodies from the couch or other high places, as their proportions make their spine susceptible to injury. As with any breed, socialization from an early age is recommended.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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

Is it time you told your dog where to go?

How on earth would a dog know where he’s ‘not’ supposed to poop?

Dogs don’t actually like to relieve themselves in their bed or den so anywhere outside that area is probably ok to them but it’s not for you. We’ve blogged previously about the value of crate-training your dog. To him, outside the den might include the hallway, your bedroom or anywhere which is not his bed or crate.

This is why it’s so important to teach your dog know where he should ‘go’. If only dogs could read our minds. Oh yes, and our partners…if only they could read our minds too.

Provide an area –

Nominate a place in the yard, and then you can take him right there at time intervals, wait until he goes and then praise and reward him immediately. You can take him on a leash so he doesn’t have the entire yard to choose from. It’s easier to train a dog what ‘to do’ than what ‘not to do’. Gradually as training progresses and he is capable of ‘holding it’ for longer because of his age you will be impressed with him. Interruptions to your rest time now will save you many hours cleaning up after your dog down the track.

Provide a reason to go there –

A decent stream or a number 2 in the correct place deserves reward & praise. Don’t interrupt the process, just wait until he’s done and be poised ready to treat him.

Dogs and puppies alike should be taken out shortly after eating, drinking, playing and after waking to relieve themselves. Sometimes it might take up to half an hour for a dog to have a motion after food. Having a house lead on your pup (whilst supervising) gives you the chance to get him outside quickly if you see if pre-elimination signs. Making those outdoors trips with your dog preferably through the same door, will help cement his learning. Before long he’ll be letting you know when he’s ready to go out.

Punishing a dog for a ‘whoopsy’ is scary and futile. Puppies take time to control their bladders. Ongoing problems may mean there is a medical reason your dog is not able to hold it.

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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

What happened to this dog locked up for 2 years?

For many dogs, the point where they are dumped is a misfortune. For Penni the pitbull from the Bronx, New York City, it was a blessing. She had no idea what awaited her. In fact she was a stranger to everything around her. Since birth she had spent her entire life in the basement of a drug-house. At the age of two she was removed to the street to fend for herself. Her severe lack of socialization and with no prior exposure to traffic and crowds it must have been terrifying.

By the time police picked her up, Penni’s next ‘owner-to-be’ was already contemplating a new dog; one who would relish life as an adventurer. Blaine DeLuca was an experienced hiker, rock-climber, zip-liner and the list goes on.

Penni, who by now was on a euthanasia list, was welcomed by the non-profit rescue ‘Fur Friends in Need’. She needed a procedure to remove a tumor developing on her rib cage and the organization helped her to recover after surgery. But it was a concern whether she would ever recover from her rough start in life. Penni literally chose Mr. DeLuca by plopping herself on his lap and the rest is history. He’d been made aware of her anxiousness but decided to give things a go. She had to learn how to run. She didn’t bark for a year and in the beginning he had to carry her around town. Within two years she began to act like a normal dog. Her rehabilitation involved a lot of exploration and mountain climbing with her dedicated dog parent.

Check out the link below to see Penni & Blaine in action…

Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

How can a local council help keep your kids safe?

Children 8 years and under are sadly the most common victims when it comes to dog bites. Statistics show that most involve the family dog or the dog of a friend.

City of Logan proudly presents ‘Be Pet Smart’ to help educate children about safely interacting with cats and dogs in a non-threatening setting. Although running approximately two years now, the program is believed to be the first of its type in south-east Queensland.

Learning tools include a play-based activity book, cartoon characters, education toys and other activities to help engage the children and cement knowledge. The students get to share their discoveries with parents and carers as the activity book begins in-class and can be completed at home. Some children even get to practice their learning around a live dog. Experience helps build confidence and respect towards the world around us. We can see that this package is most definitely going to benefit many family pets too.

The teachers’ resource guide demonstrates how the learning can be worked into lesson plans and being a Council supported initiative, there is no cost to the school. Please help spread the word about this wonderful program, which could help save your child or a child you know from harm.

Leah & Angela O’Meara
Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)

Can you guess how many Christmas gifts never see their owner again?

In Australia, around 50,000 dogs in good health are destroyed annually due to not having a home. They may have been found wandering, surrendered for adoption or collected from after-hours acceptance pens. Another tragedy is that an average of less than 60% are reunited with their owners. This creates a big strain on resources and means masses of animals awaiting their fate.

Of course, not all these dogs were Christmas gifts but we want to impress that though it may be tempting to buy a dog as a gift for Christmas you should think many times before embarking on this. Please don’t buy a dog as a gift for anyone outside your immediate family. A pet is a very personal choice and only the owner should be exploring whether, and which type of dog will suit them. A minimum of costs incurred to feed and shelter a dog start around $1K per year but that does not include the most basic of veterinary expenses. The average of a 15 year commitment is very significant pledge.

If buying a dog to live within your own family then all family members should be consulted and considered. There are plenty of dog trainers who can advise you on the right dog for your family. Your local shelter can also help you find the most suitable for you.

If considering getting an extra pet, make sure you also check with your local council to find out how many pets you can keep in relation to local laws and land size etc. If someone is renting they need to seek permission via their rental agency. We do not recommend buying puppies or dogs from pet stores or back yard breeders. If you are buying a puppy you should be meeting the dogs parents unless the pup is from a shelter where they are not present. Remember that numbers in shelters are always booming in the new year period so if re-homing, this is a time when you will find lots of choice.

The video below will help ‘bring home’ the message about how we simply must vote with our dollars and decisions. Right now, dogs are paying the price.

http://www.animalsaustralia.org/issues/companion_animals.php

Leah & Angela O’Meara

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