I love the outdoors. I love the smell, the sights and the sounds. I also love the quiet. That’s why I enjoy taking one of my dogs with me when I hike, run, or go for a long walk. I enjoy their company and they don’t talk. 😉 They enjoy the outdoors as much or more than I.
Many of us enjoy the same. Running with our dogs is a very fun sport. Whether you are on a casual run or participating in Canicross, Cani-hiking or another mushing sport, there are a few things that are very important for the health and safety of your dog.
Start with short sessions and slowly increase duration and speed.
Dogs are like us in that their stamina has to be built. It isn’t safe to expect them to start running at full speed for a long distance. Take it at their pace and be sure to keep plenty of water on hand to rehydrate both of you! Check out this Couch to 5K program for dogs.
Warm up your dog.
Just like us, dogs need to warm up and cool down. They get sore just like we do and are prone to injury like us, so be sure to warm up with a slow 5 or 10 minute walk and some leg and neck stretches.
Run on unpaved trails and keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent pain and injury.
If you run on pavement often, I recommend using Musher’s Secret balm to protect your dog’s paw pads or condition your dog to some booties like these: https://amzn.to/3qgajnj
Not all dogs are designed for running.
Check with your vet to make sure your dog is ready to run. Never run a young puppy since their growth plate is not fully developed. Your vet should be able to provide you with an appropriate age for your dog. If your dog breed is prone to hip dysplasia, be sure to have them checked thoroughly.
To learn more about our Certified and Fear Free behavior and dog training services and programs, please visit our services page or give us a call at 706-830-7372.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/4-Essential-Tips-for-Running-with-Your-Dog.jpg5001040Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2021-11-04 15:34:002021-11-07 19:13:534 Essential Tips for Running with Your Dog
A few weeks ago, I met a client for a training session at the local park in town. This is a place where people and dogs go to walk and hang out. In Georgia, where we are located, there is a leash law. This means no matter how big or small, no matter how well-trained your dog is, and no matter how friendly your dog is, by law, your dog is supposed to be on a leash.
As we were winding down our training session, my client let me know that there was an off-leash dog behind me. I turned around to find a Yorkie and his tall male human. The Yorkie was about 20 feet away from his owner. Without so much as a “Hello” or asking if it was okay, the man told his dog, “It’s ok. Go ahead and say hello!” Mind you, this was a Yorkie, so you may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? Was he a devil dog?” He wasn’t but it was a big deal and I’ll tell you why.
This dog owner was only looking at the situation from his perspective. His dog is friendly. My client’s dog was on a leash. What’s the harm? Here’s the problem. This man had no information about my client’s dog. My client’s dog was at least three times the size of his. Had we allowed play between the two dogs, his dog was at risk of getting injured. While my client’s dog was not aggressive, he had no idea that she was in training, deaf and that she was working through fear and anxiety problems. He gave his dog permission to approach my client’s dog without asking if it was ok and without knowing anything about my client’s dog. True, he didn’t know what we were doing, but that’s no excuse.
You may be wondering what happened next? Well, I intercepted the greeting and told him firmly to please not allow his dog to come over. As he walked away, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. That was a tongue biting experience. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure his dog is loved. I’m sure his intentions were good. But often times, with dogs, our vision of how the situation will play out is not the reality. Other people’s dogs should be approached with respect whether you are with your own dog or not.
Here are some guidelines for interacting with other dogs in public.
Put your dog on a leash. Aside from breaking the law, you may be putting your dog at risk if you don’t.
Show respect by greeting other humans and asking permission before allowing your dog to greet their dog.
Be an educated dog owner. If you see a dog owner with what appears to be an out of control pup, have compassion and be inquisitive – not judgmental. Most owners of anxious dogs are doing everything in their power to get them better. Don’t make remarks or give them dirty looks. They suffer enough without added input.
If you’re the human of a fearful dog, don’t be afraid to speak up if someone approaches your dog without asking. You can nicely tell them that your dog is fearful, anxious, or in training and cannot be petted. You can also purchase personalized leashes or covers or patches from Etsy so that others will know not to approach your dog.
Responsible dog owners spend an enormous amount of time training their dogs. Many dogs have behavioral problems that owners are either trying to manage or working hard at repairing. Be thoughtful and respectful of others and their canine companions regardless of how innocent the potential encounter may seem. It’s difficult to understand a situation unless you’ve actually lived it.
“In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn’t merely try to train him to be semi-human. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog.”
-Edward Hoagland
If you have any questions about your dog’s behavior or would like to schedule a consultation, call or contact us today at 706-830-7372.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dogsgreeting.jpg306450Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2017-06-22 16:51:552021-07-14 14:17:29“It’s Okay Max! Go Say Hello!”
Our relationship with dogs has evolved dramatically over recent years. We consider them a member of our family – so much so that when they behave “doggishly” we don’t understand. Has your sweet innocent loving dog ever snapped or tried to bite someone? It happens. Let me tell you about a recent incident at our house.
We recently moved to our new home. One of the things that we didn’t have was a fenced yard. With 2 active dogs, both hounds, it was a necessity to get one ASAP. I called someone who I used before. I will call him Bob. He is very professional, friendly, and does a fabulous job! I also had Bob divide the fenced area so that I would have a dog run/training area.
The day came for the fence install. I’m not sure who was happier – me or Emmett and Ellie. I leashed Emmett up and took him out to potty and to play in the new dog run. On our way to the run, Bob wanted to meet him (who can resist Emmett?). I took Emmett over to him. A little excited to meet Bob, Emmett sat nicely for some rubs. Bob gave Emmett some great rubs, then put his hands on either side of his face and stuck his face in his. Emmett gave a warning snap and Bob jerked back in shock. I will admit I was a little shocked too, but given the new surroundings, the new person, and Emmett’s excitement over meeting someone new, this was actually a normal behavior for a dog.
Bob came back the next day to finish up some things and we had a discussion about dogs, which led to a short discussion about the “incident”. I explained to him that he should never ever put his face in a dog’s face especially when he doesn’t know the dog. He understood and that was that. But after having the “dog” discussion with Bob, I realized that there are so many who are still unaware of a dog’s warning signs. So many do not understand dog behavior.
Let’s look at this from a “human” standpoint. You meet someone for the first time. They shake your hand, give you some compliments (rubbing the dog), then put their arm around you while continuing to talk (sticking their face in a dog’s face). I don’t know about you, but my reaction would be, “Look. You don’t know me so back off Buddy!” Since a dog can’t talk, he does what is customary for a dog. He gives a warning just like Emmett did.
You’ve heard all of the stories about dogs attacking without being provoked. The truth is, they probably WERE provoked. The human just didn’t realize they were doing it.
When we feel bad or are in a bad mood, we want to be left alone. When we don’t know someone, we certainly don’t want them in our “space”. When someone touches us and we don’t know them, that is not acceptable. We have the ability to voice our dislike. Dogs don’t. The only way they know to show fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions is by giving warning signs. These are not always a “snap” or another obvious sign. They can also include tucking their tail, looking away, shaking, excessive panting, scratching, ears pinned back, or a low growl to name a few. It’s important to understand a dog’s body language to know the warning signs and respect the dog’s space.
We must understand that dogs have emotions very similar to ours. A dog’s interpretation of events and the way they react to the associated emotions is what differs. It doesn’t mean that a dog is bad. It means that they are normal. Would you run up and hug a grizzly bear? Of course not! You know what the repercussions would be. Most, if not all, dog bite incidents can be avoided if we all educate ourselves on dog body language. It’s NOT the dog’s fault. Feel free to print the Dog Bite graphic above, created by Lili Chin, that will help you better understand what to look for when interacting with a dog. The AMVA also has a selection of videos on Dog Bite Prevention for children and children at heart.
If you have any questions about Dog Body Language or Dog Biting or would like to schedule a consultation, call or contact me today at 762-218-3708. We currently serve the Columbia County, GA area.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Blog_DogBite.jpg12801920Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2017-02-28 14:31:092017-02-28 14:31:09Don’t Say You Didn’t See That Bite Coming!
I’ve always been fascinated with dogs doing tricks. I could spend hours watching dog trick videos on YouTube. I finally decided that it would be fun to teach my dogs a few tricks. Little did I know I was in for a delightful surprise.
About a year ago, I began teaching Emmett a few tricks. He has always been a very sweet, affectionate dog, but with a huge amount of energy. He gets bored very easily. When I started trick training with him, I saw how excited he would get – not in the sense of a dog out of control with excitement but the “Oh Boy” kind of excitement. His ears would perk up. His focus was on me and nothing else. He was ready to learn some new skills. This was a new side of him I had never seen before. I realized that he really and truly enjoyed learning.
Now that we have Ellie (aka Chet – if you’ve never seen The Santa Claus 2, you should). She is literally all over the place. She’s all legs, extremely hyper, but all she wants to do is please. She also has a very bad instinctual jumping behavior. She can jump to eye level in a flash so we are always careful to read her expression in case she gets any crazy ideas. Because of the luck I had with Emmett, I began teaching Ellie to jump. It wasn’t long before Ellie was jumping over a pole and jumping less without it.
So what am I saying? I’m saying that teaching your dog tricks has some great benefits. Here are 5 that I have observed.
1. Mental Stimulation
Your dog needs physical exercise but he also needs mental exercise. When you spend a lot of time at your computer, how do you feel? If you’re like me, I am exhausted. I usually yawn a lot and feel like curling up in my bed. For dogs, mental exercise is also proven to drain excess energy better than physical. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it’s a substitute for physical exercise but it’s a great supplement.
2. It’s Calming
You will find that your dog is calmer and more settled after a good trick training session. The only way I can describe it is that it’s like when you are so hungry you could eat just about anything. Once you consume a good meal, you are completely content.
3. It Redirects Unwanted Behavior
Just like with Ellie’s excessive jumping, teaching her when to jump curtails jumping at the wrong time. Teaching your dog to bark will help eliminate excessive barking. Teaching them the unwanted behaviors lets them fulfill their instinctual need for the behaviors but teaches them when they are allowed.
4. It Builds Self-Confidence
Dog’s thrive in an environment that has a steady routine and guidance system. Timid dogs gain self-confidence by learning the basic commands and by having a routine. Giving them an extra boost with trick training is a great way to help them grow into a fabulous dog.
5. It Builds the Bond Between a Dog and Their Human
Do you look forward to spending time with your dog? Did you know that having a variety of activities to do with you dog, increases your bond? You learn what your dog likes to do and doesn’t like. Then you choose the activities that you both enjoy and spend time doing them. So many dogs have found great joy in trick training. It is a sport that allows you to spend one on one time with your dog and enjoy the transformation as he grows and learns. You will actually find that your relationship will change over time into one that you never knew could exist.
*NOTE: If your dog is unresponsive to these techniques or you don’t feel comfortable implementing them, contact a trainer who is familiar with behavior modification in dogs. Do NOT attempt to do anything that will jeopardize your safety.
If you have any questions about Trick Training or would like to schedule a consultation, call or contact me today at 762-218-3708. We currently serve the Columbia County, GA area.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cooper-1362538-edited.jpg10852532Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2017-02-10 11:14:132017-07-01 17:26:42How Trick Training Can Help Your Dog
Before you Christmas shop for your dog, make sure you get a gift that will delight your dog for a long time.
Your dog has needs unlike humans. Let me explain. Say that all your life, you have had a dream to be a singer or songwriter. You have never been able to pursue your dream and instead have a career in Sales. You work long hours and have no time to pursue many outside interests. You love to sing and feel like you are missing out on something, so bad that you feel empty. You may feel frustrated and at times feel that you can’t stand to work at your job another day.
Your dog has these same strong desires. Dogs are here for a purpose – sporting, hunting, retrieving, and even cuddling. If you’re dog doesn’t get to use her talent, she will become frustrated. This will lead to inappropriate behaviors, like excessive barking, panting, scratching, licking, and hyperactivity.
Stimulating your dog mentally is just as important as physical exercise. Mental stimulation satisfies some of the natural urges she has. It also promotes a strong bond between the two of you. Interactive games are one great way to do this.
So if you’re wondering what gift to get your companion for the Holidays, I recommend one or more of the interactive toys listed below.
Never leave your dog alone with these toys. These are meant for bonding with your dog and to utilizing their natural foraging skills. Your pup will be impressed with your thoughtful selections!
Pupjoy offers a variety of choices in your box including Organic! You can order a single box or use their subscription service. They also donate $2 from every box purchase to help animal welfare organizations with pet adoptions, spay/neuter programs, microchipping and foster care.
Paws for Life wishes you and your fur family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season!
If you have any questions about toys best suited for your dog or would like to schedule a training consultation, call or contact me today at 762-218-3708. We currently serve the Evans/Grovetown area.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/swiss-shepherd-dog-354526.jpg27234000Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2016-12-07 14:25:152016-12-07 14:25:157 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Your Canine Companion
It’s crucial to relieve your dog’s excess energy through exercise and play before any training can begin. I remember the first time I trained one of my dogs. I was so excited. I had done my research— looked at videos and read articles. I was ready! I took my dog to an empty room where there were no distractions; and I began our session.
Notice I said “I” began our session.
She was somewhere else in the room – sniffing, looking, bouncing, running. You name it. She was doing everything except paying attention to me.
Has this ever happened to you? For me, it was very frustrating. I couldn’t figure out why she wasn’t listening! What all of those videos and articles didn’t say was that in order to have her attention, she needed to exercise first. Here are a couple of ways to prepare for a productive training session.
Daily Walks
A daily walk is critical to your dog’s health and yours too. 20 to 30 minutes a day for most breeds is fine. You can always make it longer though. Walks are different from backyard play. While on a walk, your dog is taking in different smells, sounds and sights that stimulate her mentally. This is important to her mental well-being. Passing other dogs and people politely while walking also fine tunes her social skills.
Backyard Play
Letting your dog out in the yard for her to entertain herself is not all she needs. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with their humans. It’s important to stimulate your dog’s mind as well. Use play time outside for both physical and mental activities. This is also an excellent time for the two of you to bond and can be used to teach her skills.
Remember not to over-exercise her before training since this will make her too tired to concentrate. A combination of backyard play and walking are great together. In cooler weather, 30 minutes to 1 hour for both are enough. In warmer weather, you may want to reduce to 30-45 minutes. Pay attention to your dog’s cues and use your best judgement. If you have any questions about exercise and play with your dog or need help with dog training, contact me today.
Now you’re both ready for Control, the next element to Effective Dog Training!
*NOTE: If your dog is unresponsive to these techniques or you don’t feel comfortable implementing them, contact a trainer who is familiar with behavior modification in dogs. Do NOT attempt to do anything that will jeopardize your safety.
4 Essential Elements to Effective Dog Training
This post is part of a series. Click below to learn more.
https://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Why-Exercise-with-Your-Dog-is-Crucial-to-Training-1.jpg10001500Mandy Fosterhttps://www.pawsforlifellc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Paws-for-Life.pngMandy Foster2016-11-09 15:00:012016-11-29 19:24:22Why Exercise with Your Dog is Crucial to Training
