Urban Dog Living - The Door Bolter

City dogs can get really excited when it comes time for walkies.   How many times have you opened the door and Poochy has bolted through and is in the hallway or out on the front porch?   Not only is this a problem of safety, it can be a huge headache if you were trying to leave without Poochy.

Teach your dog to sit before entering or exiting your front door.   All doors for that matter.  Once your dog learns that he has to sit politely for the door to open you will have a more sane start to your walk.

Tip for the day:
If you have trouble getting your dog to sit back from the door you can install a gate.   This works if you have a hallway toward your front door.   Otherwise you can train your dog to wait in his crate until you are ready to go.   This can help tame the Houdini in your pooch.

Urban Dog Living - The Barker

Cities are loud and crowded places.  Your condo doesn't need its canine to add to the noise.  If your dog is protective of the front door it might be time for a few adjustments.  Not only will your neighbors love you, they might even forget there is a dog in your unit.

If you have a new young dog or puppy you can start off on the right paw.   Set up a friend to knock on the door (preferably when lots of neighbors are not home).   Wait at least 20 seconds before getting up.  If your dog barks or runs to the door ignore them.   You want the dog to see that you are not interested in what is happening outside the door.   Repeat this task a few more times and then take a break.  You should repeat this practice everyday until your dog doesn't bark when someone knocks. 

Tip for the Day:
If you live alone you can sit on the couch and knock on a wood/glass surface (to mimic your front door material).   This is also effective for proofing the dog to the knocking sound. 

Urban Dog Living - Running Errands with your Dog

In the city it seems like a good idea to combine your dog walk and grocery run.   In reality this is a horrible idea.   Most of the dogs you see tied outside of the grocery store are nice, docile dogs that wouldn't give anyone trouble if they came up and took them away.  

In June of 2009 Tyler Newby and his daughter left their dog Molly, a vizsla, tied up outside of a Whole Foods.  When they came out only her leash was left.  This led them on a month and a half search to try to find their dog.   In the end it turned out that  a mentally ill woman walked by and unclipped Molly.  Molly followed the woman.   The police were involved and eventually Molly was reunited with her family.  This is a very uncommon ending, most dogs are either sold for research or fighting or killed.   According to the AKC, dog thefts were up 32% in 2011 and up 70% in 2012. 

So to make a long story short; make a dog walk time and a grocery time.   Your best friend isn't worth the risk.  It is also is against the law in most states to leave a dog unattended.

Tip for the Day:
If you must take Poochy to the store with you there is an innovative leash that securely locks your dog to a solid object.  It is called the StayBoyTM   Lock.   They are available on stayboylock.com