Urban Dog Living - Winter Weather and your Dog

Winter in the big city can get pretty cold.  Whether it is the wind whipping through the buildings or just a lot of snow be sure to keep your dog safe this winter.

Here are some reminders since normal cold weather has returned.

- Make sure your dog has adequate protection from the cold.  If the wind chill is in the single digits or below zero put a jacket on your dog.  Fur can only protect to a certain point.

- Have you dog wear boots when walking on salted walk ways.   Alternatively, wipe your dog's paws with a wet wash cloth when you get in from your walk.   Salt can irritate your dogs paws and make them sick if they ingest too much while cleaning themselves.

- Cut your walks short.  If you notice your dog shivering or not wanting to continue - don't force them.

Tip of the day:

You can purchase disposable boots called Pawz Dog Boots.  They look like un-inflated balloons, but they allow the dog to feel the ground and move naturally.

Urban Dog Living - Dog Crates

Condos are small spaces.   Does your dog have a place to call its own inside that small space?  I'm not talking about a fluffy cushion to lay on.   I'm talking about a dog crate.  Dog crates come in all styles, shapes and colors.  Most people will opt for a wire dog crate to allow airflow and be able to see the dog. 

Dog crates have two benefits; first they give your dog a place to call its own and second they give you a place to feed, and contain your dog.  Dog crates are also the second most important part of house breaking (the first being keeping the dog on a time-table).   Dogs don't want to go to the bathroom in a place they are sleeping. 

Tip for the day:
Choose a dog crate that is 4" longer (from nose to butt) and 4" taller than your dog.  Anything larger will be too big.  Don't use the "This Crate is recommended for" breed listings because they are usually incorrect.

Urban Dog Living - Toenails and Pawdicures

I remember when I was younger, the vet told us that walking the dog on the sidewalk would be enough to wear his nails down.  Wow, was that bad advice.   Not only did we live in the country where sidewalks were rare, but had a fenced in back yard so the dog went on walks 3 times a week.

Living in the city you are going to find yourself on sidewalks for the majority of your walks.  This won't wear your dogs nails down unless your dog pulls you like a sled dog at the start line (digging his nails into the concrete)  This means you will either have to trim your dog's nails yourself or take them somewhere an pay someone to do it for you.  Many people are afraid of trimming their dogs nails.  They are afraid of hitting the blood vessels that supply the nail (called the quick).   There are some training clubs that have classes on how to properly cut nails.   The internet is a great resource to figure out how to trim nails.  Vet offices and Pet supply stores also offer nail trimming services.

But you ask; "Poochy's nails are beautiful and long.  I don't want to bother trimming them.  Is it really necessary?"   Well have you ever caught a fingernail or toenail on an edge and had it rip or break?  Have you ever had a nail bent backward?  Those hurt like the dickens.   Imagine if your nails were so long it hurt to put on shoes and walk.   If your dogs toenails are too long they can exert pressure on the dogs toes and wrists which will make walking uncomfortable.  In extreme cases the nails can grow a full circle and embed themselves in the dogs paw.

In conclusion - make sure that your dogs nails are trimmed short.  The nails will not only look better, but your dog will be happier.

Tip of the Day:

If you are uncomfortable using nail trimmers there are loads of simplified dremel tools to grind your dog nails down instead.    You can also use a regular dremel and a sanding drum to grind your dogs nails down weekly. 

Urban Dog Living - Why do other dogs not like my dog?

Living in the city can be stressful for people and dogs.   If you notice that other dogs constantly lunge and bark at your dog you should stop looking at the other dogs and look at yours.   Is your dog's head and tail going very high and stiff upon approach to the other dog?  Is your dog staring at the other dog?  If so you may have a dominate dog on your hands.  This can escalate to an aggressive dog if you don't take proper steps to re-train your dog.   

You need to follow the other training steps outlined on this blog.  Don't allow your dog to go through doors first.  Don't allow your dog to stare at other dogs, use the 'watch' command to keep them from intimidating other dogs.  What ever you do - do not take your dog to a high traffic area (lobby, dog park, elevator) and hang out.  This only stresses all the other dogs and owners out having to walk past your dog.  Not to mention how much stress this causes your dog.   You may think that you are 'desensitizing' the other dogs to your dog, but you are actually causing more problems for yourself.

Tip for the Day:

If your dog isn't neutered you may want to consider it.  Neutered male dogs can be much calmer and have less testosterone.

Urban Dog Living - Reading a Book (and walking the dog)

Everyone loves to sit in their favorite big chair with a book in hand and lose themselves in a good story.  Recently, I've noticed more people reading books while walking.  Whether they are walking to the metro, store, or their car they usually can't keep a straight line.   Even worse than just walking and reading now I've seen 3 different people out walking their dog too!  Yes, reading, walking, and taking the dog on said walk.

One woman (walking and reading) had an overly friendly Bernese Mountain Dog who would bound up to every hapless jogger and walker that happened to cross their path.  The woman didn't notice the other people until the dog jerked the book out of her line of site. 

Tip for the day:

Don't read and walk the dog. Don't read and walk at all.  Not only is it extremely hazardous, but when you add a dog into the mix you don't have any control.   Enjoy the time you have out with your dog.  Give yourself time to enjoy the scenery and the companionship of an animal who has waited all day to be with you.

Urban Dog Living - How Rude! - Buck and Gus

Let me introduce Jane.  Jane is a responsible dog owner and participates in obedience classes and agility with her 3 year old golden retriver Buck.   Buck has received many awards and ribbons for his excellent behavior and obedience.

Now let me introduce Bob.  Bob is a dog owner.  His labrador retriever Gus stopped going to puppy classes because Bob was frustrated that Gus wouldn't listen and was embarrassing him in class.  Gus is now 15 months old and doesn't have very good manners.

Jane and Bob have never met, but on a sunny morning their walks crossed paths.  Bob complimented Jane on how well behaved Buck was.   Jane put Buck in a sit stay next to her to tell Bob about the new dog store that was opening up in the next week.  Halfway through Jane's first sentence Bob allowed Gus to walk straight up to Buck and invaded his space.  Buck snapped his teeth together one time (like an alligator) to warn Gus that his behavior was unacceptable.   Bob let out an audible "whoa!" in surprise to Buck's reaction to Gus.  Bob pulled Gus back and then allowed him to approach Buck again.   Jane then pointed out that Gus had a very rude/direct approach for a dog.  Bob just turned and dragged Gus away mumbling about "dangerous golden retrievers"

Tip for the Day:
Obedience classes are a must for all dog owners.  They teach you how to teach your dog.  You can learn loads about dog behavior.  If Bob and Gus had stuck it out in their puppy class, Bob would have known that he shouldn't have allowed Gus to invade Buck's space.
Always Remember - The owner of the dog is responsible for the behavior of the dog.   In this case Buck's alligator snap in Gus's face was justifiable dog behavior.  Jane did not correct Buck for his behavior because Buck was telling Gus in dog-terms "do not do that"

Urban Dog Living - The Ever Exciting Car Ride!

Going for a car ride can be an exciting event for any dog.  Whether you have a car or not it helps to have a well mannered dog in your vehicle.  If you have a car (or a friend who can let you practice with theirs) you can teach your dog to enter and exit the car in a controlled manner.  Teach your dog to sit before the door opens.  If he jumps up while you are opening the door, simply close the door and get him to sit again.  He will quickly learn that if his but stays on the ground he gets to go in the car!  Repeat for the exit.  Poochie needs to wait for a release command before he can exit the car.   This will come in handy when you are parked in a tight spot with traffic buzzing by.

When traveling with Poochie remember to buckle him in!  A dog seatbelt or dog crate are the best options.  I have read many stories of dogs surviving car accidents because they were in crates and not loose in the car.   Think of how many times you have to stop abruptly when out driving in the city.  Taxis and tourists are the main culprit.   Now imaging Poochie flying through the front of the windshield because you failed to secure him.  That is a horrible visual, but let it be a reminder to buckle Poochie up or put him a secure crate or carrier everytime.

Tip for the Day:
There are many soft sided crates that are lightweight and easy to transport even for the normal sized Labrador sized dog.  They also come in handy when using a car sharing service such as Zipcar which require pets to be in carriers.