Urban Dog Living - Dog Greetings

You know when two dogs approach each other and do that that circling-dance?  The one that causes you and the other dog owner to get to know each other much better, very fast?  That is the proper way for dogs to greet each other.  They circle to show their sides to each other.  The heads are held in a relaxed manner and the tails can be wagging slightly.  This is a calming technique in dogs.   It says "I'm not challenging you.  I just want to get to know you"

If your dog approaches another dog (or another dog approaches yours) with the ears, tail and head held stiff and high and staring your dog down -- that should be a red flag!   That dog is trying to assert their dominance before even getting to know the other dog.   Depending on your dog's personality they could accept the rude dog's intrusion or they could decide they don't want to put up with any of it.  This is how spats and fights start. 

Never allow your dog to sneak up behind a dog and sniff its butt.  This is not only rude, but is comparable to someone walking up behind you and grabbing your butt.  You wouldn't want your personal space invaded so don't allow your dog to invade others' space. 

If your dog has a tendency to go stiff and stare down other dogs upon approach it should be corrected.  This is not acceptable dog behavior for any dog.   Change directions or use your "Watch me" command to redirect your dog's attention. 

Tip for the Day:
Observe dog greetings when you are not with your dog.  Go and hang out at the dog park.  Notice how dogs greet each other differently.   See if you can see the difference between 'rude' dogs and the 'polite' dogs.

Urban Dog Living - Getting to the Dog Park

Dog parks, as mentioned in the last post are great places to exercise your dog.  Many dogs get very, very excited when they realize they are headed in the direction of the dog park.  Some are so excited that it can be painful and or difficult for the owner to keep a hold on the leash. 

If your dog drags you:
 a. out the door
b. toward the dog park
c. on you face through the gate into the dog park

You probably need to work on your "dog park approach walk".  This is a similar, but different approach than the loose leash walking and will require a lot of time and patience.   When your dog goes to take off like he has a rocket on his butt you need to have some salmon or other super stinky treat in hand.  Stop walking and wait for your dog to come back to you.  He has to come back to you on his own, don't call him back.  If you have been working on your loose leash walking your dog will probably come back to you faster.  
Keep in mind that his focus is on getting to the park, the treat would be nice, but the park is what he really, really wants.  Getting his attention to focus on you could take a little longer than normal.  This needs to be repeated for every instance the dog takes off.  Doing this on a weekend or day off is a good idea.   The idea is for the dog to learn: "If I want to get to the park I need to walk politely."
If your dog only gets excited when you are close to entering the gate you can practice your sit-stay at the gate while you open the gate and walk through first.  If the dog breaks the stay, take him back to where he got up and tell him to sit again. 

Tip for the Day:

Practicing walking like a sane, obedient dog towards the dog park is a great goal to aim for.   Keep in mind that once you start training the 'dog park approach walk' you need to keep the training ongoing.  That means every time you go to the park you need to be consistent in the training and behavior you expect from your dog.

Urban Dog Living - Dog Parks

Many cities have off leash dog parks where urban dwellers can take their pet-dogs to play.   There are usually small dog and big dog areas so that little dogs don't get stomped by big ones.  In DC you need to have a Dog Park Tag on your dog to enter the park.  The Dog Park Tag is free and can be requested when you renew your dog license at the end of June.

Make sure you have your dog vaccinated before you go to the park.  Puppies under 4 months of age are usually not allowed in dog parks.  This is to protect their little immune systems from the assault of germs and bacteria.   Older dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems should also avoid dog parks.   Dogs with injuries should also be kept from the dog park until they are healed.   Dogs can have a pack mentality in a dog park and can prey on weak or injured dogs.  Essentially, your happy fun dog becomes a dog-bully.

Human children and babies in strollers have no place inside dog parks.   Bring your spouse along to sit with the kids outside the fence.  There are too many things that can go wrong with kids inside the park.  Keep in mind that even though your dog accepts your children someone else's dog might not.

In Washington D.C. the SW Dog Park Group, PAWS of SW, is currently in the final stages of getting a design and build contract for a 10,000 square foot dog park.  Volunteers are always needed for events and community involvement is encouraged.  They meet on the 1st Monday of each month at different locations around the SW community.   The best way to ensure you have a great dog park is to be part of the dog park group!

Tip for the day:
Join your local dog park group!   Help make your neighborhood dog park a great inside the fence and outside!

New York Dog Parks: http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/dogareas
DC Dog Parks: http://dc.gov/DC/DPR/Facilities+and+Permits/Dog+Parks
Berlin: http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=dog_parks&find_loc=Kreuzberg%2C+Berlin

Urban Dog Living - Canine Good Citizen Owner's Commitment

When you take the Canine Good Citizen certification test you, the owner, sign a pledge.   I believe it is something that every owner should live by whether or not they aspire to pass the CGC.

I have reposted it here for everyone to read, understand and embrace.
*****

Canine Good Citizen Owner's Commitment to Responsible Dog Ownership

I  understand that to truly be a Canine Good Citizen, my dog needs a responsible owner.  I agree to maintain my dog's health, safety, and quality of life.  By Participating in the Canine Good Citizen test, I agree:

I will be responsible for my dog's health needs.  These include:

• routine veterinary care including check-ups and vaccines
• adequate nutrition through proper diet, clean water at all times
• daily exercise and regular bathing and grooming

I will be responsible for my dog's safety.

• I will properly control my dog by providing fencing where appropriate, not letting my dog run loose, and using a leash in public
•  I will ensure that my dog has some form of identification (which may include collar tags, tattoos, or microchip ID)

I will not allow my dog to infringe on the rights of others.

• I will not allow my dog to run loose in the neighborhood
• I will not allow my dog to be a nuisance to others by barking while in the yard, in a hotel room, etc.
• I will pickup and properly dispose of my dog's waste in all public areas such as on the grounds of hotels, on sidewalks, parks, etc.

• I will pickup and properly dispose of my dog's waste in wilderness areas, on hiking trails, campgrounds and off-leash parks. 

I will be responsible for my dog's quality of life.

• I understand the basic training is beneficial to all dogs
• I will give my dog attention and playtime
• I understand that owning a dog is a commitment in time and caring
  
  
  Tip for the day:
  Are you living up to the pledge listed above?   What can you change in your daily habits to have a healthier and happier dog?  Don't just think about that change!  Implement it!

Urban Dog Living - Canine Good Citizen Certification

The American Kennel Club has a certification program where you can have your dog tested to see if they are a Canine Good Citizen.  The minimum amount of obedience required for an urban dog is all covered in training for a CGC. 

Your dog will have to pass 10 tests which include:
Accepting a Friendly Stranger
Sitting Politely for Petting
Appearance and Grooming
Walking on a Loose Leash
Walking through a crowd
Sit/Down/Stay on Command
Coming when called
Reaction to another dog
Reaction to Distractions
Supervised Separation

The test is on a pass/fail basis.  If your dog fails any of the 10 elements they fail the whole test.  Jumping on people, growling, mouthing or pulling on the leash will result in a fail. 

This is a great goal for any pet-dog owner to aspire to because the AKC lets all dogs (regardless of their breed) participate.  Many training centers have CGC classes which help you train the basic obedience behaviors.   A good training center will offer a CGC test several times a year to its members.

Tip for the Day:
Run your dog through the tests listed above.   Can your dog successfully perform everything listed?  What do you need to work on?  Practice and get professional help if you need it.   Soon your dog too could be a Canine Good Citizen.

Urban Dog Living - Vaccines and Your Dog's Health

Keep your dog healthy by taking him in for an annual checkup at least once a year.   With the advent of 3 year vaccines the cost of seeing the vet has decreased.   When you go to the vet make sure your dog is up to date on his Rabies, Distemper (Distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, hepatitis, coronovirus and leptospirosis), and Bordatella vaccines.  The  Bordatella vaccine is usually given if you are boarding your dog or if your dog attends daycare.  In the city it is good practice to get your dog the bordatella vaccine if you live in a condo with a lot of other dogs around.  You never know which dog is going to bring home a bug and share it with your dog.

If your city dog gets out on great hikes in the woods you can also get a Lymes vaccine.

Keep in mind that a Rabies vaccine is required by law.   Rabid raccoons and foxes can be found in cities too.

Heartworm and flea medications can be purchased online or at the big box stores.   The vet's office may try to sell you heartworm and flea medications, but keep in mind they might have a high markup.  Save money and purchase online.  There are discounts and coupons all the time.

Tip for the Day:
Schedule a check up for Poochy.  Make sure that he is up to date on his vaccines and gets a clean bill of health.  Put a reminder in your smartphone on the first of every month to give Poochy his heartworm and flea medication.

Urban Dog Living - Jumping on People

Image you are waiting to cross the street, you are running late, and you are focused on getting to the subway station to catch the next train which leaves in 4 minutes.   You look to your right and see a little boy and his mom waiting to cross the street.   Quicker than you can say 'oh crap' the little boy jumps off the curb into a muddy puddle, splashing your new work outfit with muck.   You shout in surprise, but the boy's mother doesn't even acknowledge you.  When you get her attention and let her know that her son has caused a problem, she looks at you and says something along the lines of "Well it's just a little dirt, you'll be fine."   You would consider this person exceptionally rude, even a little mean hearted.   

Yet, across cities around the world - people are jumped on by dogs, clean or otherwise.   Why does society accept a dog jumping up on them?  In short, they don't.  People are just too nice to point out that your dog has just muddied their best work pants.   As a responsible dog owner you need to teach your dog that jumping on people is unacceptable.  This is an easy trick to train.   Every time you enter the room make the dog sit before you pet him.   Before you give the dog his food or a treat make the dog sit.   If the dog keeps jumping, turn your back on him with your arms folded.  This sends a strong message to the dog that jumping will not get your attention. 

Tip for the Day:
Practice having your dog sit instead of jumping.   If your dog tends to jump after he sits, stand on the leash so he will not have an opportunity to jump.   Practice sits before everything that excites the dog.  If you have a neighbor that can excite your dog by just screaming his name, kindly inform them you are working on training and would prefer if they didn't get your dog revved up.   With practice your dog will sit when approached by people - anticipating a treat for their good behavior.

Urban Dog Living - Dog I.D.

Now that you have your dog license - you can add more jingle to your dog with an identification tag.   Every dog should have a tag on its collar to identify who owns it.  Your dog should wear a collar or harness with it's dog license, dog park tag (for DC dogs) and ID tag.  

Contrary to popular belief your dog tag shouldn't have your dog's name on it.  Dewey at ezusigns.com puts in in perspective:
"My view is that if my dog gets lost and is found by a stranger, I want to be notified immediately.  Therefore, I want my phone number on the tag and if I'm away from home, possibly my cell phone number.  For the stranger to know generally where I'm from, I'll include my city and state, and my last name so I can be addressed on the phone.  I won't put my dog's name on the tag as I don't want it to be easier to control him."

I totally agree with his statement.  With a informative tag your dog can be reunited with you quicker.

Tags can be lost, collars can fall off.   My dog has lost 3 sets of tags, and 1 whole collar.   As a back up I have had him microchipped.  There are several companies that provide microchips.  The chip itself is about the size of a grain of rice and is injected under the skin, between the shoulder blades.  This can be done at the humane society or at the vet for a nominal fee.  Avid, HomeAgain, and Petlink are just a few companies that provide tracking services.

Tip for the Day:
Check that you have all the tags necessary for your dog.   Find out if your dog has a microchip (most rescue organizations will put one in the dog before he is adopted out)  Make sure the contact information on the tags and microchip is up to date to ensure you are reunited with your dog should the worst occur.