Houndog News

I Love Chew

“And I-I-I, will always love chew-ew-oo.” Whitney knew what she was singing about… dogs love to chew. In todays world where many of domestic dog foods don’t require much chewing, we need to provide ways to exercise this essential movement.

When your dog is young the action of chewing using jaw and head muscles even helps the pups ears to stand up. There is no way a dog can be expected to know what he can and cannot chew so it is up to you to provide something satisfactory for him.

Young dogs are a little like babies in the way that a lot of things will go into that mouth. It is a crucial way to explore their world. But wait…

Is that your dog hanging from the curtains by his teeth? Immediately distract him with a chew toy and your playful encouragement. He will soon get the idea of what provides more fun and satisfaction. Adding food into the equation such as a stuffed Kong will go a long way in providing a preference for his doggy toys. This can also be used for crate training and is helpful for both young and mature dogs. Just make sure you provide toys appropriate for his age and strength and praise him when he uses them.

We recommend dog toys should be digestible or indestructible.

Do not give puppies or dogs cooked bones and speak to your vet about bones suitable for your dog.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

The Next ‘Best Thing’ in Dog Training

I remember hearing about a conversation with a dog trainer who was asked what they thought made clicker-training so popular. The response was ‘the clicker’. They had a point there and it is to do with the human psychology. We love gadgets. Us humans can’t get enough of them and we kind of fall in love with the idea of what they might achieve for us. E.g. We could mark a dogs behaviour with any number of sounds but here is a ‘tool’ which does the marking. What we need to remember is that the timing of the human holding the clicker will probably be more important than the actual sound of the clicker.

For every product you have seen promising to be the next best or biggest thing in dog training you will see many more. Personally I think clickers are great but have still achieved plenty without one. The last one I had was loaned out never to return so someone else must have liked it too. Like many of us, you may have a closet full of equipment used at one time or another with your dog. Leashes, collars, harnesses, toys… before you know it there’s a whole array of products in your stash.

In the last few years there has also been an increase in on-line training videos, mostly where a customer subscribes for a fee and has access to the videos for an amount of time. These usually begin with a hefty teaser making a lot of suggestions about what ‘their’ dog training method can do for you and your dog. Then you listen to a seemingly endless advertisement before they hit you with the price. We have seen a few of these products and most are quite good but have to admit we’re more often seeing a method which another trainer has described in a book or has demonstrates elsewhere on a youtube video. Times we see a truly original idea it’s time to get out the champagne.

Now we are not saying you shouldn’t bother with these products and it is a great feeling to identify with a trainer. Maybe a certain presenter just resonates well with you. (Personally I would be more likely to spend money on a product from a trainer who has already offered a lot of information for free. I shall name Fernando Comacho as one and no, he didn’t ask us to say that. Fern if you’re reading this I know you’ll approve.) Between owners and their dogs it’s often just a battle of the wills. Dogs are thinkers and feelers. If we appreciate their intelligence we should also appreciate that they have a will of their own and just like children, they are going to want to use it.

Dog training approaches should always address the handler first and determine their current level of knowledge. After that we look at methods. Being in charge around your dog will help you ahead of any tool and you need not be harsh. Letting a dog know who’s in charge can be achieved through subtle behaviours which do not involve touching or using any type of gadget. We’re not talking dominance and submission, just simply being in charge through giving directions, timing or gestures with our own bodies. Establishing where you will appear in your dog’s eyes can be so liberating. Remember that if you take the position of responsibility you can also take a load off your dogs mind. If you choose to use any type of tool with your dog, understand the science behind it beforehand and remember one day, it may also join the ‘gadget’ collection.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Doggy Doo Doo bags with a Conscience

‘Oh Crap’ have come up with a savvy way to help save our environment with a new type of doggy doo doo bag.

With several million dogs in Australia, every dog owner can ‘doo doo’ their part to help reduce landfill. Even biodegradable bags can take years to disintegrate. The founder of ‘Oh Crap’ saw the need for a better solution and went about creating a new type of bag to help address the degree of waste we create when dealing with our dogs waste. This PVA based product is catching on fast and we are so glad to hear it, especially seeing as ‘Oh Crap’ donate 30% of all profits from orders to a pet rescue charity. What a great way to support dogs.

Given there are over a billion of these types of plastic bags going into landfill annually here is a great way to be more eco-friendly. ‘Oh Crap’ poo bags will completely dissolve in landfill within 6 months whilst regular plastic bags are taking decades.

If you’d like more information or to order, check them out at…

https://www.ohcrap.com.au

It’s certainly an easy name to remember.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Remembering Canine ANZAC Legends

In World War I dogs served a number of purposes. Some animals including cats were used as a kind of morale booster but dogs with their incredible sense of smell could help find wounded soldiers.

There were hearing dogs, casualty dogs, guards, mascots, dogs finding bunkers and those used as messengers. Stronger breeds were also able to help pull equipment. Trackers could detect ally or enemy alike and some dogs helped to detect tripwires. Medium sized dogs such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers were commonly found trained up for duty.

Smaller breeds such as terriers were handy ratters. The trenches often attracted vermin making conditions even more grotesque. These helpers smaller in stature were also given the task of delivering cigarettes to soldiers on the front line.

Our reliable canine friends were greatly trusted indeed.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Choosing your Dog Trainer

Employing a trainer is a fabulous way to enhance your dog’s life and your relationship with your dog but it can be a tough choice deciding who will be a good fit. As well as varying degrees of experience and qualifications, methods can differ greatly.

Some trainers will ask for a minimum booking e.g. $400 for 5 sessions and others you will agree to see you for a single consultation.
Remember that if you find a trainer who will offer you a single appointment that you might be paying around $100 but it would also usually involve a trainer providing you with a detailed questionnaire beforehand so they can get a clear picture of your dog, his history and how it fits into your household and lifestyle. So prior to even arriving at your home they have done some homework. Trainers who only book in blocks will also have a number of questions so please answer as honestly as possible. You are not there to be judged but people cannot help you unless they know exactly what has been going on. It’s your money so don’t waste it. Although block sessions are out of reach for some budgets they do offer a trainer the time to be able to keep a close eye on changes and improvements, help to keep you on track and potentially address a number of issues. Training can be conducted in your home, at a venue or you also may be given the option to send the dog to stay with the trainer for an amount of time.

Methods vary from purely positive to yank and crank with many variances in between. Trick training is a different angle compared to behavioural problems and be prepared to be trained yourself as most trainers will need to find out how you behave around your dog. Chances are that if your dog is not presenting a behaviour issue, you wouldn’t be employing a trainer. But if you are employing a trainer for a reason besides behaviour, that is wonderful news.

Ask him or her if there are any other notable trainers appearing on the Internet whom they liken themselves to. If they give you an example, you can check out a few videos and see if those methods are something which interest you.

If at any time you do not feel comfortable with what is required in encouraging a dog to comply with a request, call a pause and ask to have a discussion about that. Training is a two-way conversation.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

What’s in a Dog Back Pack Carrier?

A dog of course! This little invention is a very practical answer for folks with small dogs. There are now a number of designs to suit walking, hiking, biking and the like. You can find a unit to be carried on your front or back and carriers are designed with weight in mind so you must buy according to your dog’s size and weight

One benefit is that you can help keep your doggy safe. If you are in a busy marketplace it is very easy for unsuspecting folks to tread or trip on your dog. With a number of designs on the market it is wise to consider the way you need to use a back pack and if you are walking a distance whilst carrying try testing with a weight to make the fit will be comfortable on your body.

Look for a back-pack carrier in a high quality fabric along with plenty of mesh or breathability. Washable or a offering a removable liner is a must and be certain that the base is stable. The less the base collapses in the middle the more secure your dog will feel.

Some units are designed to double up as a car carrier as well but I am yet to see a product truly suited to both. Examine methods of closure, zippers etc. and check that your dog can not release himself without you.

Young puppies should not be walked too far so this can be a handy tool for when they need to rest but you’re keen to keep going. However, please remember that if they are not yet toilet trained you will need to offer them regular set downs.

A special thank you to this lovely dog owner for modeling with her gorgeous companion.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Why it is OK for your Dog to Growl

Many a dog owner has reprimanded their dog for growling but instead we should be relieved. A precursor to escalation, a growl can alert us to the fact our pooch is unhappy and take measures to fix the situation. He is telling us that either he is uncomfortable or the stimulus should cease. A dog can also be trained to growl in as a cue for e.g. to go out a door however this is not something we recommend. Save his critical language for critical situations.

The most important thing is to be grateful for this verbal display which does no harm but to warn. The second step is to intervene (immediately) so that he does not feel the need to step up the level warning which could indeed result in a lunge or bite. An owners verbal explanation that the stimulus means no harm to him is futile. Your dog does not understand human language other than a limited amount of words. Respect his language and take action. Reprimanding him for growling may leave little choice for him to warn you next time. A gentle reminder that a bite can still occur without a growl beforehand.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Dogs raised up according to law

In years gone by a dog or a child was considered property in the eyes of the law. This meant that they no more rights than for e.g. a chair. I can just imagine dogs now picturing… a big comfy chair. Or perhaps a soft place to snuggle a winter’s night?

Finally the law recognized that canines (and children thank goodness) are thinking beings with emotions and are deserving of protection. They were then, along with farm animals and other domestic animals formally classified as sentient beings. Some internet definitions of this term include preferences, intentions, matter, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness. Scientific studies of animal brains have helped to confirm this definition and provided basic guidelines for animal rights.

We’ve come a long way, but there’s still a way to go. Thankfully children are now offered greater degrees of protection. Perhaps there will be a model for dogs, which can offer canines a greater deal of sanctuary. Dogs are awfully easy to come by and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of funds available for policing things like puppy mills and care. A property may be entered and animals seized but an owner can easily fly under the radar with a dog.

Our hope is that we continue to study and educate ourselves about these complex and wonderful animals. As dogs have become such an important part of our lives may we strive to be their voice.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Fab book on Dog Body Language

We would like to introduce you to an invaluable reference guide called ‘Canine Body Language – A photographic guide’ by Brenda Aloff. This fantastic book contains hundreds of photographs accompanied be explanations of the canine language being spoken by the subject/s.

Aloff takes you into the images in an intimate way, enlightening the reader into the sometimes subtle and split second interactions and communications dogs display. Canines are photographed in a multitude of situations… single, groups, in the home, in the outdoors, at the park, beach, on a hike. The signals from the dogs all there so it is just a matter of us studying their language well enough to see them. Naturally the purpose of book is more or less about prevention because the more we can anticipate, the better dog parents we can be.

If you have not studied dog body language this book can give you a glimpse into their world that you have never seen and it can honestly change the way you see dogs from hereon. If only it included video footage. Then I might refer to it as the dog body language bible.

Being the winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for 2006, Best General Reference Book is quite an accolade so do yourself a favour and check out this marvelous guide.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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

Why crate train your dog

Clients often ask us whether they should crate train their dogs and the answer is ‘Yes’.

A crate offers a very safe place for a dog to be.

It provides a peaceful place to rest. Your dog can have his own bedding inside. Should there be any objects, poisons or trouble your dog can potentially get into, you can confidently close the door and know that he will be fine.

When at home the door on our dog crate can stay open most of the time. If the crate training is done correctly dogs will often choose it as their ‘go to’ space. It replicates the security of a den. When selecting size, the dog needs to be able to lay and turn around comfortably.

Having a dog used to a crate can be invaluable for occasions such as needing medical attention or being transported. Most canine transport companies will require dogs to be crated for transit and should your dog ever need extra recovery time at the vet it is highly likely he will be contained in a crate. Many owners crate their dog around shows and in rest periods at agility competitions. Also, as mentioned in our previous blog ‘Crating your dog’, a crate can be a fabulous tool for toilet training.

Choose design carefully and take precautions that claws and nails cannot be caught or snared. You can cover the top and a few sides with a blanket to provide extra privacy or warmth. If you do this, make sure the open side is facing the humans so you can keep an eye on pooch and he’ll still feel a part of the group.

We do not recommend crates as a means of containing your dog for prolonged periods if you are not present. They should not be a replacement for interaction and should never be used as a form of punishment.

Leah & Angela OMeara

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