Leighton Oosthuisen
Have you ever had your dog cock its head and give you a blank stare when you ask him something? or maybe you’ve wondered what they might be saying when they whine at you. well here’s what we think…
You’re coming back right?!?!
Even after a dog has found a loving or forever home, it might still remember its experiences of abandonment, rehoming, or surrender to a shelter. Foster dogs and rescues are particularly prone to separation anxiety and fear of being abandoned again.
WHY DO YOU BABY TALK TO ME?
Talking to our dogs like babies is a victimless crime. Although this habit is cute, using clear, distinct commands will result in better communication and more accurate training with your dog.
WHY DO YOU CHEER ME ON WHEN I POOP?
We want to encourage our dogs to potty outside by praising them when they go in the area we want them to. However, try to keep a peaceful and quiet environment for them to do their business (just like humans do!)
PROMISE TO COME BACK?!
Ever notice your dog start to act a little funny when you pull out your suitcase? Your dog sees you beginning to pack up as a negative and may become stressed and anxious. Bringing your dog to a boarding facility in a stressed or anxious state compromises the dog’s immune system and increases his risk of Kennel Cough or other sicknesses.
To avoid an anxious dog and a bad boarding experience, take him to the boarding kennels before starting to pack, about a day or two prior to your trip.
why do you give your kid more attention than me? i’m your kid too!
Surprisingly, babies aren’t as important to dogs as they are to humans. Here are a few tips to keeping the peace between your kids and your dog.
- NEVER under any circumstances trust any dog with a small baby! Always be cautious with dogs around children and babies (there is little room for mistakes!)
- Introduce the dog to the smell of the baby (blanket from the hospital, walk the dog around the baby’s room) before the new family member comes home.
- Slowly introduce your dog to the baby.
- Practice obedience training
- Keep dog involved in the children’s environment both before and after baby comes home
do i have to be in the crate when your friends are over?
Crating your dog around new people is one safe way to introduce them until the energy dies down. After the excitement settles down, slowly introduce the dog to your company.
- Practice basic obedience and control exercises around new people.
- Keep the dog on a leash for control reinforcement.
- Use the “settle” command to keep your dog calm and maintain control.
- Interaction is often better than separation for both dogs and people!
