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 - 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 - 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!