Urban Dog Living - Loose Leash Walking

One thing you can do as a dog owner is learn how to teach your dog to walk on a loose leash.  Not only will this make the walk more pleasant for you, but also for your dog.  A dog that can walk on a loose leash is more likely to be paying attention to its handler and less distracted by the crowded city around him.  A dog that is on a loose leash is easier to control. 

Tip for the Day:
Make sure you start with a hungry dog.  Depending on your dog's learning ability this could take a few minutes to a few days for them to figure out the 'game'.  The game you want them to learn is that when you pat your leg, and they come toward you.  They get a treat.  Simple as that.  First associate the leg patting with a treat while you are indoors.  Once the dog understands that when you pat your leg and he comes toward you he gets a treat then you can move outdoors.  Don't get frustrated if your dog doesn't understand or want to play the game outdoors.  Step back a few steps and start in a quiet park so the dog pays attention to you.  Once the dog realizes that you are playing the leg patting game start walking forward.  Let your dog go to the end of the leash, if they start to pull - stop walking and pat your leg.  If you did your base training correctly then the dog should turn and come toward you for a treat.  As you practice, the leg pat will become more of a warning to the dog that he is reaching the end of the line and shouldn't go much further.  This goes without saying, but all of this training should be done on a six foot leash.   You can substitute a noise or other gesture but the leg pat is the most obvious to the dog. 

Urban Dog Living - Gross stuff on the sidewalk

Americans create 4.5 pounds of solid waste/trash a day.   Put a lot of Americans in a city and you will find that there is a lot of that trash that doesn't make it into a trashcan.   To your dog's superb nose this smells like a feast.   Rib bones, left over greasy containers, bits of lo mein - these are easy pickings.   Your dog doesn't understand that eating this gross stuff will give him a tummy ache or a costly trip to the vet.  You, as the owner, need to be vigilant and steer your dog away from these temptations.  If you don't pay attention you could find your dog munching on someone's pile of vomit, and that would be disgusting.

Tip for the Day
Teach your dog the leave-it command.  The leave-it command can be used for everything from garbage to dogs to people.   It indicates to your dog that they should not be getting any closer to the item that is interesting him.   Start with your dog on leash, and indoors.   Put some hotdogs on a plate on the floor - out of reach of your dog.  Tell your dog to heel and walk past the hotdogs.  If your dog looks or tries to get the hotdogs, tell him 'leave-it' and give him a piece of cheese or other high value treat (while he is turned away from the hot dogs)   Repeat several times a day for a few weeks and then go out and try it in the real world. 

Urban Dog Living - Children and Dogs

Children are naturally curious.  They see a fluffy dog and want to go and touch it and play!  That might be well and good if the child is yours and the dog is also yours.   Dogs and children can get along just fine when supervised.

If you have children make sure they know to never approach a strange dog.  Alternatively, teach them how to behave if the strange dog approaches them.  In general when dealing children and dogs it is best to err on the side of caution and not have them interact.

As a dog owner in an urban environment you need to know how your dog will react to children.  They are not seen as "little humans" by a dog, they are seen as a fast moving, high pitched screeching, little things to either a) chase or b) tackle or c) insert horrible thought here.  If your dog has been properly socialized to ignore or otherwise be aloof to children you don't need to be as vigilant.  If your dog isn't as polite you need to let the parent of the child know to keep their child away.

Tip of the Day
Practice observing your dog's behavior when he is near children.   Not while you are 3 feet away, but while you are across the street.  If his tail and ears are standing up very high and he shows too much interest in the children, distract him with a treat.   You want him to associate children with paying attention to you (and treats).   Once your dog is 100% focused on you around children that are far away you can reduce the distance.   Your goal is to have your dog be able to pass through a group of children and only be focused on you.  Keep in mind that this could take months of work, but if you persevere you can have a well behaved dog around the worst behaved child!

Urban Dog Living - Dog Licenses

Cities and Municipalities usually have laws or ordinances that require you to have a license for your dog.   Sometimes the treasurer of the town keeps track of the licenses and sometimes the city will have a whole department for dog licenses.

You need to renew your dog's license each year.  In DC dog licenses expire on June 30th. Licenses can range in cost (depending on your city).  They usually range anywhere between $7 to $15 for neutered/spayed dogs.  Unaltered dogs can be upwards of $50 to license.  Licenses are distributed through the Department of Health in DC and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in NY.

A license can get your dog back to you if he gets lost or stolen.  NY has an online dog recover system called "NYC Dog eLocator System".  

In DC you can also get the required Dog Park Tag for free when you get your dog license.  DC doesn't have an online recovery system.

Tip of the Day
Make sure your dog is vaccinated and licensed to fulfill your city's requirements.  In DC make sure you have the Dog Park tag on your dog when you go to the dog parks!

Urban Dog Living - Outdoor Dining and your Dog

Living in the city affords you and your dog many opportunities to dine outdoors at restaurants when the weather is nice.   Be sure to call ahead to make sure your chosen restaurant allows dogs on their patio for outdoor dining.  When you are seated at your table make sure your dog is out of the way.  Under the table or under your chair is a good place.  If the waiter trips over your dog you might be paying for more meals than you ordered!  On the table or on a chair are not acceptable no matter the size of your dog.  

Make sure your dog understands that this is not a place to beg or bother other patrons.  Not everyone wants to share their meal or space with your dog, be respectful of others.  If your dog bothers people you could be asked to leave.   Practice your down stays while eating dinner at home.  Have a mat or small blanket and teach your dog that during dinner time, that is where the dog will lay.  After you eat dinner then feed your dog.  He will learn that he won't get his dinner until you are finished.  This will come in handy when you are out dining and have to wait until you get home to feed your dog. 

Tip of the Day
Take a mat and put it on the floor.   When your dog comes to investigate the mat give them a treat and pat the mat to get them to lay down.   Start by just getting the dog to lay on the mat.   Gradually increase the duration and distance until your dog can lay quietly on his mat for the duration of your meal.   Once your dog can make it through a meal at home, then you can take him out for a meal at an outdoor restaurant or cafe.

Urban Dog Living - Technology and your Dog

In this super connected world we live in it can be hard to put the smart phone away.   Email, text, and phone calls are now almost as addicting as nicotine.  As tempting as it is to talk on the phone, text or compose an email - resist the urge when walking your dog.  

Cities are crowded, busy, and (potentially) dangerous places for people (and dogs) who are not paying attention.   People get hit by cars while running and listening to music.   Now imagine you are writing an email and your dog wanders into the street - but you don't see it - yes that is not a pretty picture. Paying attention to your dog means that you both will enjoy the walk.  Your neighbors will also enjoy that you are aware of what dog is doing is while you are out.

Tip for the Day
Put away your phone, ipod, and other distractions and enjoy your walk with your dog.   Practice obedience during your walk instead.   2 - 45 minute walks a day training your dog rather than texting adds up to be 10.5 hours worth of free training time a week!   If you were to attend a 7 week dog training course you would only get 7 hours of training over the course of 7 weeks.   Most dog training classes run anywhere from $100 - $350 for a 7 week course.  In that same 7 weeks (if you practice only 90 minutes a day with your dog) you could have trained your dog for 73.5 hours! 

Urban Dog Living - Fire Safety and your Dog

High density urban housing can be dangerous in the event of a fire or emergency.   Just like you would practice a fire drill with your children, practice evacuating your condo or apartment with your dog.   Make sure you can get your dog's leash and your dog out in a timely manner when the fire alarms are not blaring. 

If you are unlucky enough to live in a condo where most people can't cook you will have more opportunities to practice evacuating with your dog while the sirens are blaring.  Remember that dog's hearing is much more acute than our own.   Try to get your dog out of the building as fast as you safely can.  If your dog is smaller pick it up and carry it out of the building.

Keep your dog's leash easily accessible by the front door and always make sure you return it there after your walk.   In an emergency you want to be able to grab your dog, his leash and get out.

Tip for the Day:

Practice calling your dog to you when you are standing at the door.  Once he is coming reliably have a friend or spouse test the fire alarm.   This may frighten your dog.  Call them to you while you are standing by the front door.  Repeat this over several weeks.   They will learn that while that the alarm is blaring they should come to you and not run and hide.

Urban Dog Living - Off leash dogs and you or How to break up a dog fight

Living in urban areas doesn't lend itself to let your dog off leash frequently.   Most people will walk their dogs on leash.  If you and your dog are approached by an loose dog you should position yourself between your dog and the other dog.   Hold out your hand like a crossing guard and shout "NO!" at the loose dog.   This will usually startle the loose dog enough to discourage them from approaching closer (or allow the owner of the loose dog a chance to come and collect their dog).

If the loose dog doesn't have friendly intentions then you will have a problem.   If the loose dog charges your dog and starts to fight your dog - drop your leash.   Your dog is at a disadvantage if you are yanking on the leash.   DO NOT grab at the collars of the dogs to separate them, you will be putting yourself in the middle of the melee.   Grab one of the dogs by the back legs, lift the legs in the air like a wheelbarrow and back away quickly and swing the dog away from the fight.   This is done easiest by 2 people, one for each dog in the fight.   By grabbing the back legs you will make it nearly impossible for the dog to swing around and chomp you.   This is the worst case scenario, but it can happen.   Being prepared can save you and your dog.

Tip for the Day:

Again! Practice your recall with your dog on leash.   There are hundreds of opportunities to practice this on a walk.  Let your dog walk to the end of the 6' leash and then call "Poochy come!"  while running backwards.   Make it fun and bring lots of treats!   If you are the most exciting thing - your dog will come running!   Once your dog is 110% on coming every time you call -then you can go to the dog park and practice around distractions.  

Urban Dog Living - Exercise and your dog

Living in a city can present a unique challenge when exercising your dog.  People, cars, multiple street crossings; your dog will encounter more of these in one walk than any suburban dog would in a week.   You need to make sure you are exercising your dog enough too.   Herding, hunting, terriers, hound breeds will require much more exercise to keep them physically and mentally fit than others.   Again this is just a short list.  You need to base your exercise regime on your dog's personal energy level.  Older dogs or dogs with medical problems will require less outdoor exercise and might be more stimulated by a treat dispensing ball.

In any urban environment it is tempting to use the church yard, ball park or other open field to let your dog run off leash.   Unfortunately most cities have laws and ordinances requiring dogs to remain on leash.  This is done for everyone's safety.   If your dog rushes into a group of children on the playground, not only have you made all dog owners look bad, you probably have scarred most of those children for a good long time.   Use common sense.  Don't use school yards when school is in session or there are children around. 

Tip for the Day:

Train your dog to sit when you stop at every curb.  In an urban environment there is no shortage of opportunities to practice this behavior.   Not only could it save your dog's life in a pinch, but you dog's good manners will be noticed and appreciated by the entire neighborhood.

Urban Dog Living - Passing People and other dogs indoors

Living in an urban environment means sharing indoor common areas.  Whether these are hallways, entryways or lobbies there are a lot of areas that you will have to take your dog through to get to the outside.   Unless you work a swing shift chances are pretty good that you will run into other dog owners and people.  The same rules apply for passing people and dogs inside as they do outside.  The difference is that you might not be able to turn around and go the other way.  

Make sure your dog is always on the outside (on the side away from people and other dogs).   Don't allow your dog to stare, focus on, sniff or otherwise acknowledge the people or dogs you are trying to pass.  Nothing is more intimidating in dog-language than the stare.  How comfortable are you (as a human) when somebody stares you down and doesn't look away?   If you dog is focused on you they won't be able to get into trouble.

Respect other people's schedules and that other dog owner might not have time for a greeting nor want their dog to interact with yours.  Keep your dog close to you while traveling through crowded common areas.  The person heading to work will not care how friendly your dog is if Poochy is jumping on their new suit with muddy paws.

Tip for the day:

Work on the "watch" command with your dog.  When at home without distractions, take a treat and wait for your dog to look you in the eyes.  Say "yes" or use a clicker to mark the behavior.   Once the dog understands that "watch" means to look at you, you can increase the duration of their behavior and eventually effectively use the "watch" command to get your dog to focus on you while moving throughout the shared areas of your community.

Urban Dog Living - Service Dogs and your Pet Dog

Living in an urban area means that your dog not only will see a lot of pet dogs, but you may also encounter a service dog.   Lots of cities are home to people with disabilities who have a service dog to assist them.  The most important thing you need to remember is that a service dog is working when with it's handler.  It is not a pet, and you should not let your dog approach, distract, or otherwise interfere with the service dog.  Most states have laws that protect service dogs.  If your pet dog does anything that hurts or otherwise impedes a service dog's work you could face fines or even a lawsuit depending on the damage. 

Keep in mind that it can cost upwards of $50,000 and 2-3 years to fully raise and train a service dog.  That is thousands of hours to create a very specific helper for a disabled person.  A service dog can open up huge opportunities for a disabled person.  Do you really want your friendly/exuberant dog to ruin a service dog's training? As a result the handler could then lose their independence and freedom because your pet dog "just wanted to say hi".

Tip for the day:

If you are out walking your pet dog and see a service dog approaching with its handler either cross to the other side of the street or have your dog sit/stay on the side of the sidewalk (if he is capable of doing so) - give the working team ample space.    Don't allow your dog to stare at the service dog.  Service dogs can look very different than average pet dogs.  They wear harnesses and capes and can sometimes look bigger or weird to a pet dog. 

Urban Dog Living - Passing dogs and people on the sidewalk

Cities are crowded.  People, cars, trucks, and for dog owners - lots of dogs.   In the urban environment you should assume that no one wants their dog to interact with your dog.   As rude as this sounds; how many times have you been on the bus or subway and someone has tried to strike up a conversation with you, but you don't feel like chatting?   Similar to people, dogs don't chat with every dog they see.  You don't walk down the street and say hello to everyone you see do you?  Your dog shouldn't have to either.

If you have to pass another dog make sure you put your dog on the outside of the sidewalk, away from the other dog.  Also keep your leash short.   A good "leave-it" command can be enough to encourage your dog to ignore the other dog. 

When you have people coming down the sidewalk toward you, again call your dog to you and have them heel next to you.   Make sure they are not on the side that the person will pass you on.   This can help prevent the dog from sniffing or jumping on the stranger.   Not only does it show that you have control over your dog, but also that you care about giving everyone a chance to not have to interact with your dog.

There are dog owners out there who believe that Poochy can be free to roam off leash or at the end of a 1508' leash.   If you see these people coming simply cross to the other side of the street, or turn around and walk the other direction.  Don't let their shameful behavior ruin your dog's training.

Tip for the day:
Practice calling your dog back to you while out on a walk.   Let them wander to the end of the 6' leash, then at random intervals call their name with whatever recall command you use.   Use treats profusely.  This could save your dogs life should a bus turn in front of you or if he were to dart after a squirrel into traffic.