Talk Dog Blog
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Making the Vet a Dog's Best Friend
Making the Vet a Dog's Best FriendOK, it might be a bit much to expect a dog to become seriously fond of the the guy who prods him for no apparent reason, and inserts foreign objects into his genitalia. While you can't change the unpleasant nature of your vet's job, you can try to make sure your dog has as pleasant an experience as is possible when he goes to the vet's office.
Choose the Right Vet
Your vet is going to be the second most important person in your dog's life, after you. He's not just the guy who prescribes medication when your dog falls ill, but also helps prevent diseases by examining your dog, and catching an infection before its too late. Make sure you're comfortable with his vet.
When looking around for a vet, check his clinic and waiting rooms. Do they look clean and airy? Does the waiting room have separate areas for dogs and cats, or will your dog be sharing space with an entire posse of screeching cats? What about the staff? Are there enough vets and vet assistants, and do they seem professional and experienced? Does the clinic specialize in many different veterinary medicine fields, or offer just basic veterinary services? Do they have a diagnostic lab on site, to collect and examine stool and blood samples? Do they offer emergency services?
Taking Your Pup to the Vet
If your puppy is still just a few weeks old, you have either taken him to a vet for his first physical, or are planing on doing so. Keep these things in mind to have a pleasant vet visit.
Help your new puppy socialize with other people. This doesn't mean only members of your family, but also your neighbors, friends etc. A puppy who has very limited exposure to strangers is more likely to feel threatened and nervous in the presence of a vet.
Practice mock physical examinations in your home. Lie your dog down, and examine his eyes, mouth, teeth, and paws. Rub his belly, and feel around his abdomen the way a vet does. Having all these things done in the security and comfort of home can make a dog feel less threatened when he's splayed out on the vet's table and being prodded with steel objects.
Practice having him on a leash. You will likely have to wait for your turn, and there will be other animals there. If he's small enough, put him in a crate, and carry him to the vet's office.
Take him for a walk, and try to collect a stool sample before you leave for the vet's office. If it's a first time visit, your vet will likely need a stool sample, and it saves you the trouble of having to visit again with a fresh sample.
If your dog still hasn't been socialized and is aggressive towards others, keep him in the car, and inform the staff that you've arrived for your appointment. You can take him into the office when your turn comes around.
Take him out for short drives regularly, or you risk having him think that you're off for a vet visit every time he gets in the car. A dog who's afraid of cars needs a whole other regimen of training to recondition his behavior. By taking frequent joy rides, your dog doesn't become anxious as soon as he gets into the car.
At the Vet's Office
While at the vet's office, show your dog there is nothing to be worried about. Remain calm and be as quiet as possible. The best reassurance for your dog is to know that you are in control of the visit and you will take care of him. This is not the time for you or anyone around you to use a high-pitched squeeky, excited voice with your dog. Ask the techs to talk to your dog as they would talk to you. Save the excited "dog voice" for after you leave the vet office and you take your dog to the park to play.
If he needs an overnighter, make sure he has his security blanket or favorite toy to remind of home, and feel comfortable in an unfamiliar surrounding.
posted by We Talk Dog at
7:21 AM
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Sunday, December 6, 2009
Picking The Perfect Pooch
It's that most wonderful time of the year! Many of you may be thinking of adding a dog to your pack this Christmas Season. There are many options available for you to choose your new family member. Some will adopt a dog from a rescue organization or a local animal shelter while others will want to start fresh with a brand new puppy. No matter what route you choose, it is important that your dog begin his journey in his new home as a calm submissive member of your pack. Here are some helpful tips to consider when picking your poochConsider your lifestyle and reasons for getting a dog:
1. You need to choose a dog that compliments your family and lifestyle. Is your household full of life, or are you an empty nester that is ready for a little peace and quiet? Do you live in a house or an apartment? Do you have any restrictions based on allergies or rental contracts? These questions are very important when picking your dog.
2. You want to pick a dog that has a lower energy level than your family. It takes a strong dog trainer to care for a dog with a high energy level.
3. Research breeds. Even though a dog is a dog first, they do have breed tendencies. For example, an Australian Shepherd is going to try to herd your children. It's what they were born to do. They do this by running behind them and nipping at their heels. Does this mean that you can't teach this breed not to herd the children? Absolutely not. Just know that this is a behavior you may have to contend with as a result of this dog's breed.
4. Why are you getting a dog? This time of year, we are tempted to give a dog as a gift. While we don't want to take away the surprise factor, it is important that the new owner be involved in the selection process. The dog needs to know from day one who is in charge. If you are buying or adopting a dog for your children, know that you will be the primary care giver. Generally speaking, if your child is 12 years old or younger, your new dog will see them as simply a littermate and not a leader. This doesn't mean your child cannot be involved in the training process. It simply means that the training must be monitored by you.
Things to consider when picking out your pooch:
1)
Don't make the mistake of getting 2 dogs. We get phone calls as a result of this all the time. People tell us that they got 2 puppies or rescued 2 dogs so that they can keep each other company. Unfortunately, in this situation the dogs are going to pay more attention to each other than to you. We would like to say that you have doubled your trouble, but actually you have probably quadrupled it. The dogs speak the same language. So, they are communicating with each other and leaving you out of the loop entirely. Your family members will be your dog's new pack.
2) If purchasing from a breeder, make sure they are a reputable breeder, not a puppy mill. Visit the home or the kennel. How are the pups being cared for? Is their area clean? Do they have an appropriate area away from their sleeping area to eliminate?
3) If adopting from a shelter or rescue group, make sure their organization is reputable. Do they have a non-profit status and proper licensing? Check the facilities.
4) Make sure you are aware of any contracts or application processes required beforehand.
5) Don't pick a dog because you feel sorry for him. Oftentimes, when we put our human emotions on a dog we're wrong. They are probably thinking just the opposite of what we think they are. For example, what you may consider "sadness" may simply be avoidance in the dog that later leads to bigger behavioral problems.
6) Try to see what the dog is like outside of the kennel. Many times, you will see a big change in the dog's behavior.
7) Make sure that your new dog has received all shots, had a thorough vet exam and has been spayed or neutered if age appropriate.
8) Know that you may not find the right dog for your family in one visit. It's O.K. You have a lifetime to spend with your dog. Don't rush the process and end up with a dog that is not a good fit for your family. Look at as many dogs as possible.
Be a Pack Leader for the Beginning:
Remember these tips when meeting your dog for the first time
1) Be committed to being a pack leader. Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Make sure you have the time to commit to caring for and training your new dog. You have to set rules and boundaries from the very beginning.
2) Make sure that all family members are on the same page. You can't have one family member training and another entertaining. This will only confuse your dog. A good pack leader is always consistent.
3) If adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, make sure to let go of any emotions you have about how the dog has been treated in the past. Dogs only live in the present.
4) When visiting the shelter or kennel, make sure you are in a calm state of mind. Your dog will translate excess energy or nervousness as weakness
5) Greet your dog in a non-confrontational way. Avoid eye contact, don't stand face forward to the dog and let them smell you first.
6) Take your new dog on a proper walk before getting in the car and then again before entering your home. A proper walk consists of you leading the walk: no pulling on the leash, sniffing, barking or excessive eliminating.
7) Enter the house first and immediately establish a "place" for your dog to rest when not engaged with you.
8) It's more what you do than what you say that makes a difference with your dog. Use your body language and simple one word commands when correcting unwanted behaviors.
9) Reward good behaviors with physical and verbal praise only. Treats are a reward for us not for the dog. If you aren't careful, treats will be used as bribes. We want good behaviors to be a result of respect for us.
10) Do not leave food down for your dog to eat all day. "He who is in charge of the food is in charge." (If you have a dog weighing less than 4 pounds consult your veterinarian concerning feeding schedules.)
If you have any questions concerning picking out your new pooch or just want to make sure you are getting started on the right track , please contact the trainers at How To Talk Dog.
posted by We Talk Dog at
7:16 AM
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