Blog – Page 10 – Positive Puppy Dog Training

Calming Therapies for Dogs

Fran Jewell

Somehow in the past couple of years I ended up on an email list for veterinarians. I have no idea how that happened, because I sure am not a doctor, but I get some really wonderful news about what’s new in veterinary medicine. Things that keep popping are new devices, supplies and medications to help calm dogs. Everywhere on the internet and through any animal retailers are devices, hormones, homeopathics, essential oils, flower essences, medications, and behavior modification techniques to help dogs cope with their anxiety and anxiety producing aggression.

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Breed Differences and Why That is Important

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Because of the popularity of rescues, there are many mixed breed dogs in our lives. There are many pros and cons to mixed breeds, however we can do a few things to help us see more clearly how to live with and nurture our mixed breed dogs. We are now capable of doing fairly reliable DNA testing, which is so easy to do with a cheek swab, to find out why our dog may be behaving a certain way.

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Bells and Whistles

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

One of the reasons many of us live here in the Wood River Valley is because of the many hiking opportunities for us with our dogs. Unfortunately, there are dogs lost all the time in our National Forests due to chasing animals, not coming when they are called or sometimes because something scared them into running away. Dogs and their owners that come from the cities may have no idea of the dangers of allowing a dog to run loose without prior training.

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“Balance” in All Things Dog

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

These days, if you do an internet search about dog training, you will find extremes from one end of the spectrum to the other. I read an article the other day that talked about “the state of your dog’s mind” in how it relates to the dog responding to a simple command like “sit.” It was encouraging that we consider what the dog was feeling before we ask a dog to do something. My thoughts about this came quickly.

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Backyard Paradise

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

As our love for dogs and these incredible natural surroundings grow, so does the pressure on our dogs and the environment. Sadly, many popular places where we walk our dogs are becoming filled with trash – dog trash, as in poop. The risk of disease comes along with that, especially for younger puppies. Pressure mounts on our dogs in terms of having to deal with other dogs that are true bullies. Bullies are dogs that disrespect another dog’s personal space by rushing up to them, barking and flagging with a stiff tail.

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How to Play Appropriately with a Puppy

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Most of us are so enamored with a new puppy that we get on the floor, roll around, play rough house, among a myriad of other things when trying to bond with our new family member. What is critical to remember is that what we teach our dogs as a puppy is what they will do when they mature. I hear excuses all the time that the mouthing and biting is, “soft” and just because they are a puppy, “It’s okay.” NO! It is NOT!

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The Canine Identity Crisis

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

Just how does a dog lose her identity enough to call it a crisis? The big word to describe this crisis is called anthropomorphism or humanizing dogs. The media and pet suppliers, the dog training community and dog care specialists have begun to refer to dogs as “fur babies”, or “fur children”. Not a day goes by that we don’t see dogs in clothes that make them look like little children. They wear dresses and jackets. Now, it’s dyed hair and tails, too!

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After the Bite

Fran Jewell

Wood River Weekly A-M

I am called so many times being asked to help a family save their dog once it has bitten. There are so many things that go into making a decision about how to handle a dog that has bitten, and there is no easy solution. What I think, however, is very rarely addressed are the liability issues involved once a dog bites. “My dog would NEVER DO THAT!” or “I can’t believe my dog bit someone! He’s never done that before!” In almost all cases, the situation is that the dog has been screaming for help a long time and no one noticed.

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Mariah’s Puppy Journey – RUN, Puppy RUN!!!

Fran Jewell

Weekly Sun F-Mariah

The pups are now almost 5 weeks old and the best way to describe them is FAST! They eat fast, they run fast, they escape fast and they learn FAST! Every day, I am chasing them as they try escape from their giant exercise pen in the house to chase Mariah! They are now being weaned by Mariah because they have teeth that are incredibly sharp! She no longer wants them to nurse and hasn’t for the last week. She is still determined to spend time with them, but they chase her down and use those sharp teeth.

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Mariah’s Puppy Journey – A Whole New World!

Fran Jewell

Weekly Sun F-Mariah

The puppies are now 3 ½ weeks old. The changes from last week to this week are beyond remarkable!! Their eyes are open and they can hear everything now. They are walking and galloping in a toddler sort of way. Real food is now on the menu three times a day. Little stuffed toys, soft toys, balls and a few tiny agility items are now a daily activity. They are play bowing and biting each other. Teeth are coming in and Mariah does not want to nurse them much anymore because it hurts!

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