A dog is not just a dog. Dogs were domesticated by selecting wolves that were the most able to work with and enjoy the company of humans. Once the wolves were brought into the human domain, man then started taking certain characteristics of the wolves and began to use those characteristics to help man. Dogs were not just companions, they were carefully developed as working companions to help with everyday chores man had. This was when different breeds were developed.
I am beyond horrified by the stories and experiences that have been occurring in the Wood River Valley between dog owners. The number of my clients and friends that have been ASSAULTED by off leash, aggressive or overbearing dogs is absolutely shocking and appalling. Just because we are a dog friendly community does not mean that every dog has the right to run off leash NO MATTER WHAT!
You’ve done your best to provide all the things a responsible dog owner should provide; a fenced backyard, good food, and training for your dog. Yet, she seems to bark all the time when she is outside. She barks at everything such as cars going by, the mailman, any voice she hears, or if she thinks there is a loose dog going by. It might even be that you are unaware of what your dogs does while she is home during your work day. Maybe she is barking non-stop while you are gone and only your neighbors know and could be quite annoyed with you!
It’s that time of year to hit the trails with our dogs! Nothing is finer than a great walk with your dogs through one of our wonderful National Forest hiking paths! We love to let our dogs off leash and run until their heart is content! What a wonderful opportunity we have! But, in doing so, we also have certain responsibilities. Those include being considerate of your fellow recreationalist. That might be someone hiking, too, with their dogs, or riding a horse, mountain biking or mode of travel.
When we have children, we are quick to start reading to babies, providing them with educational experiences, socializing them, even taking them to an educational pre-school. We would not lock them in a dark closet and expect them to come out when they are 2 years old as a well adjusted child. In the past 2 to 3 years, I have seen this phenomenon happening more and more with our puppies.
What fabulous idea puppy parties are for socializing young puppies! However, the best puppy parties do have some guidelines that should help ANY doggie gathering. First, be sure you have lots of enclosed, SAFE space for the party. When several dogs meet, puppies or older dogs, it takes only a second for someone to go missing and find themselves on a dangerous roadway.
One of the biggest complaints I get from my clients is that their dog won’t listen when there is a distraction, especially with the “come” command. I’ve talked before about teaching puppies and dogs to sit nicely before playing with other dogs to encourage reward (playing with other dogs) for quiet behavior and owners making decisions about which dogs their own dog gets to play with.
Many of us have heard of the “Fear Period” for puppies that usually occurs during the 9th week of a puppy’s life. From 6 to 8 weeks is also a critical period for puppies to learn bite inhibition from their mother and siblings. This is why many responsible breeders will not let a puppy go to their new home until after that time.
When we have children, we are quick to start reading to babies, providing them with educational experiences, socializing them, even taking them to an educational pre-school. We would not lock them in a dark closet and expect them to come out when they are 2 years old as a well adjusted child. In the past 2 to 3 years, I have seen this phenomenon happening more and more with our puppies.
Seems like an unlikely duo, really. However, I have observed this for so long, then all of a sudden I had this epiphany! I tell my clients over and over to make sure their puppies learn to go potty on a leash. It is critical to being able to travel with your dog. Some dogs will hold urinating for up to 12 hours or MORE when travelling if they have not been taught as a puppy to potty on a leash. This can lead to lack of drinking, dehydration, and bladder infections.
AFTER AN EXTENDED MEDICAL LEAVE, I WILL BE RETURNING TO WORK MARCH 1st!
