Elevators are used everyday by urban dogs around the world. Most owners don't think twice about entering the elevator with their dog. Have you ever looked at the occupants or asked if they were comfortable with having a dog in that confined space with them? Unlike the TARDIS from Dr. Who, an elevator isn't larger on the inside. Believe it or not, there are people who would rather not have Poochy jumping on their business suit right before their presentation.
Tip for the day:
When the elevator arrives at your floor and already has occupants, ask them if they are comfortable sharing the elevator. Make sure that you (the person) are the first one entering the elevator. This is the following through doorways rule from the first post. Have your dog sit by your side. Even if it takes the entire ride to get your dog to sit, you must persevere. Bring treats for bribery. The work that you are doing will pay off in the end and you will have a calm, welcome, canine elevator traveling companion.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Urban Dog Living - Your Dog's Business aka The Poo Problem
There is a book out there called "Everyone Poops" by Taro Gomi. This is a fact of life. When living in an urban environment it becomes even more important to clean up after your dog. Two days ago I walked for a block and a half and picked up twenty (20) piles of dog poop. That was just a block and a half! I have a hard time believing that for all of those 20 times someone "didn't" see their dog pooping.
Tip for the day:
Ebay for poop bags! Ditch the extremely overpriced poop bags at big box pet stores. $5 for 3 rolls?!? Put "poop bag" in the search bar on Ebay - 36 rolls for $24.99 with free shipping. So $5 for 84 bags at the big box store or $24.99 for 1,012 bags. If your dog poops three times a day you will have more than enough for a year.
Your dog's business is everyone's business in an urban environment. It only takes one dog owner not scooping poop for signs to go up that prevent all dog owners from having places to take their dogs to the bathroom.
Tip for the day:
Ebay for poop bags! Ditch the extremely overpriced poop bags at big box pet stores. $5 for 3 rolls?!? Put "poop bag" in the search bar on Ebay - 36 rolls for $24.99 with free shipping. So $5 for 84 bags at the big box store or $24.99 for 1,012 bags. If your dog poops three times a day you will have more than enough for a year.
Your dog's business is everyone's business in an urban environment. It only takes one dog owner not scooping poop for signs to go up that prevent all dog owners from having places to take their dogs to the bathroom.
Urban Dog Living - Leashes, Collars, and Harnesses
There are many choices out there when it comes to collars and harnesses for your dog. Leashes, on the other hand, should only come in one length - 6 feet. The reason for this is simple; when you train your dog the one thing you want is consistency. When the length of the leash is never fixed (Flexi-Leash) how does the dog know when he is going to hit the end of the line? He never can be sure, he only knows that he needs to get as far away from you as fast as possible to get the most freedom. This doesn't bode well for having a well mannered urban dog.
When choosing which tool (collar or harness) you need to know how to use it. A tool is only as good as its operator. Read the internet, talk to experts and learn the correct fit for which ever collar you decide to use. I'm not going to suggest that any collar or harness is superior to the other. You need to choose which tool will be most effective to control your dog.
The following collars and harnesses are designed to be used with a 6 foot leash and should never be used with a flexi-leash.
If you have to use a flexi-leash use it with a flat buckle collar or a normal harness and don't use it in any urban area.
One more thought: the last six foot leather leash I purchased didn't come with a warning label that talked about finger amputation, abrasions, severe cuts, serious injuries to eyes or face. Such as this warning that comes with a flexi leash (and is also posted on their website):
This is an improvement over the 2 pages that they used to put in with every leash.
When choosing which tool (collar or harness) you need to know how to use it. A tool is only as good as its operator. Read the internet, talk to experts and learn the correct fit for which ever collar you decide to use. I'm not going to suggest that any collar or harness is superior to the other. You need to choose which tool will be most effective to control your dog.
The following collars and harnesses are designed to be used with a 6 foot leash and should never be used with a flexi-leash.
- A front walk harness (harness that attached to the leash in the front of the dog's chest)
- Head Halter (Gentle Leader, Halti)
- Prong Collar (How to Properly Fit a Prong Collar)
- Slip Collar (also incorrectly called a choke chain)
- Scruffy Guider (scruffyguider.com)
If you have to use a flexi-leash use it with a flat buckle collar or a normal harness and don't use it in any urban area.
One more thought: the last six foot leather leash I purchased didn't come with a warning label that talked about finger amputation, abrasions, severe cuts, serious injuries to eyes or face. Such as this warning that comes with a flexi leash (and is also posted on their website):
Monday, February 25, 2013
Urban Dog Living - Intro and Doorways
Per wikipedia:
An urban area is characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities or towns.
Living with a dog in an urban environment can be a pleasure - if you are actively involved in training and handling your dog. If you just think any pet-dog can pass off as a city dweller, read on. Although you know your dog is nice, sweet, and loving the person coming down the street doesn't. The extreme tension on the leash and you skipping along to keep up doesn't give the best impression.
Tip for today:
When entering or exiting your building (assuming you live in a condo or apartment with other people) make sure your dog follows you in the door. This means every door. Not only does this allow you to make sure no one is coming who could be startled by your dog, but it also allows you time to control you dog should another dog be on the other side.
An urban area is characterized by higher population density and vast human features in comparison to areas surrounding it. Urban areas may be cities or towns.
Living with a dog in an urban environment can be a pleasure - if you are actively involved in training and handling your dog. If you just think any pet-dog can pass off as a city dweller, read on. Although you know your dog is nice, sweet, and loving the person coming down the street doesn't. The extreme tension on the leash and you skipping along to keep up doesn't give the best impression.
Tip for today:
When entering or exiting your building (assuming you live in a condo or apartment with other people) make sure your dog follows you in the door. This means every door. Not only does this allow you to make sure no one is coming who could be startled by your dog, but it also allows you time to control you dog should another dog be on the other side.
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