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Here one can find information about general well-being and specific behavior issues.
Curious about something not listed? Can always send an email to Amelia at amelia@ameshoundhaus.co.nz She will try to help answer your questions if she can!
Amelia also offers behavioral training sessions for owners and their pets with advanced behavioral issues. Email her at the above address to set up a consultation.
Nails
Are your dog's nails too long? Why it's important to keep them regularly trimmed:
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/nail-clipping/the-importance-of-clipping-dogs-nails/
If you have trouble trimming your pup's nails because they become aggressive or won't let you touch their paws, ask Amelia for help. Training dogs to accept the trim without fear and maybe even enjoy the process, is definitely possible!
Picky Eating
Is your dog a fussy eater?
https://wagwalking.com/training/eat-his-food
Eats Too Fast
Does your dog gobble down his food in one breath?
Use a 'slow feeder' bowl, or a puzzle toy to slow him down. Also, scatter his food around a hardwood floor or outside, so it takes them a longer time to find the food and eat. Making it a game, promotes mental stimulation as well as reduce risks associated with eating too fast.
Pet DNA Test
Ever wonder what breeds make up your dog's unique characteristics? Want to know if your dog has any predispositions to genetic diseases?
This test can detect your dog's different breed composition with up to 98% accuracy.
https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us
Heatstroke
High summer temperatures. Glaring sun and hot dry winds can cause higher heatstroke risk. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition in our pets. Obese, flat-faced breeds, or pets with existing lung or heart disease are more sensitive to heat stress. To help keep our pets comfortable and avoid heat stroke it is important to avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Take advantage of the cooler times, before 10am and after 3/4pm, and aim to walk your dog during these times. Clipping longer-haired breeds will help them keep cooler. Encourage water play to cool them down, take them for a swim, or provide a doggy paddling pool for them to play in. If they are outside provide a space with lots of shade, or keep them indoors with good ventilation such as fans or AC to keep them comfortable.
Always have access to cool fresh water for them to drink. Frozen treats are a great way to help keep them cool and provide them with fun enrichment. Avoid traveling in cars during the hotter times of day and never leave them inside the car. Cooling mats are also available and can be used to line your dog's bed or crate.
Cats aren’t well known for being water babies so it can be harder to find ways to keep them cool. One tip can be to stroke your cat with a damp cloth, and focus on their paws, tummy, and behind their ears.
Know the signs of heat stroke:
· Excessive panting
· Restlessness
· Excessive drooling
· Unsteadiness or wobbliness
· Abnormal gum and tongue color, (dark red, pale, purple, or blue)
· Muscle tremors, and seizures
· Vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood
· Increased heart rate
· Lethargy, or Collapse
(vetonline consult)
Sunburn
Sunburn also affects our pets, especially white-furred, sparsely-haired animals or ones with pink areas of skin. Affected areas include the bridge of the nose, ear tips, around the mouth and eyes, tummies, and inner thighs. Repeated sunburn can progress to aggressive types of skin cancer, so reducing sun exposure is the key to prevention.
Tips to prevent sunburn:
· Avoid the sun during 10am and 3pm which are peak hours for UV rays.
· Close blinds and shades to prevent sunbathing indoors, glass is not sun-proof so indoor pets can still get sunburn.
· Keep your pet in the shade if they are outside.
· Avoid your pet lying in areas that reflect the sun i.e., white concrete flooring, or reflection from water.
· Pet-friendly animal-specific sunblock can be applied to exposed areas of the skin. vetpro sunblock powder for animals
· Sunblock and sunscreen should be made specifically for pets and safe for both cats and dogs. It should protect against both UVA and UVB radiation with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to apply it 10-15mins before exposure and reapply as needed.
(vetonline consult)
Dog Rehab
Is your dog recovering from a surgery or getting to be an elderly age with arthritis affecting their joints and movement? Rehabilitation can be an important factor for your dog's well being.
Check out Dog swim spa that offers hydro therapy in Rolleston for recovery or recreation! https://dogswimspa.co.nz/
Microchipping
Dog not microchipped? It's free from the Christchurch City Council!
Microchipping greatly increases the chances of being reunited with a pet should they escape or become lost.
https://ccc.govt.nz/services/dogs-and-animals/microchip-your-dog-for-free
Aggressive Play
Does your dog play too aggressively? Here's some tips to help manage and teach better habits.
https://wagwalking.com/training/not-play-aggressively
Barking and Whining
Can't seem to stop your dog from barking and whining? Here are the basics.
Training a dog not to bark at people requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Here are some steps you can take to help address excessive barking:
Understand the Cause: Identify why your dog is barking. Is it out of fear, excitement, or territorial behavior? Understanding the cause will help you address the issue more effectively.
Desensitize to Triggers: Gradually expose your dog to the stimuli that trigger barking in a controlled and positive way. For example, if your dog barks at people passing by the window, allow controlled exposure and reward calm behavior.
Basic Obedience Training: Teach your dog basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "quiet." Use treats and positive reinforcement to reward them when they follow these commands.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime when they remain calm in situations that typically trigger barking. Reinforce the behavior you want to see.
Ignore Unwanted Barking: Many times, giving attention (whether it's negative or positive attention) to a barking dog can reinforce the behavior. If your dog barks for attention, try ignoring them until they are quiet, then reward the quiet behavior. Timing for rewards and ignoring periods is important.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets enough mental and physical exercise. A tired dog is less likely to engage in excessive barking, especially when you're attempting to promote a new routine.
Create a Quiet Space: Designate a quiet area for your dog with toys and comfort where they can retreat when feeling stressed or overstimulated.
Remember, consistency is key in dog training. It may take time for your dog to learn new behaviors, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.
Further resources:
https://wagwalking.com/training/not-bark-and-whine
Recall
Calling and calling your dog, and they just ignore you? Don't feel comfortable letting your dog off-leash? This can be an important command especially when you're at the dog park and you need to leave, or prevent a situation from occurring. Unfortunately not all breeds or personalities are inclined to great recall.
Book a session with Amelia to help your pooch become a better listener and come racing to your side when you call.
Separation Anxiety
Could you be inadvertently promoting separation anxiety in your pooch? Many owners are unaware that the way they interact with their dog can be the main reason separation anxiety develops, and it can become a very tricky behavior to sort out!
Training a dog to overcome separation anxiety involves a gradual process of helping them become more comfortable with being alone and promoting independence. Here are some steps you can take:
Start Gradually: Begin by leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable. This helps them build confidence in being alone.
Create a Positive Association: Associate your departure with positive experiences. Use special toys or treats that your dog loves and only give them these items when you're about to leave. This helps create positive associations with your departure.
Practice Departures: Practice leaving and returning without making a big fuss. This helps desensitize your dog to the idea that your departure is a significant event. Ignore your dog for a few minutes (or however many minutes it takes) before leaving and after returning to avoid reinforcing anxious behavior.
Provide Interactive Toys: Leave toys or puzzle feeders that can keep your dog mentally stimulated in your absence. This can help distract them and make the time alone more enjoyable.
Establish a Routine: Create a consistent routine for leaving and returning. Dogs thrive on predictability, and a consistent routine can help reduce anxiety.
Ignore Attention-Seeking Behavior: Ignore your dog for a few minutes before leaving and after returning. This helps prevent reinforcing attention-seeking behavior and teaches your dog that your comings and goings are not a big deal.
Desensitize Cues: Pick up keys, put on your coat, or perform other departure cues without actually leaving. This helps desensitize your dog to these cues, so they don't always associate them with you leaving.
Crate Training: Most dogs find comfort in a crate, especially when trained correctly. If your dog is comfortable in a crate, it can provide them with a secure and den-like space when you're away.
Use Calming Pheromones: Consider using calming pheromone diffusers or sprays in the area where your dog spends time. These can have a soothing effect on dogs.
Remember, overcoming separation anxiety is a gradual process, and each dog is unique. Be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach. If your dog suffers from this and their separation anxiety is severe, book an advanced behavioral problem training session with Amelia for personalized guidance and support to help better manage your dog's stress.
More dog training help:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice
https://wagwalking.com/training
Halti
Feel like you'd like to try a head collar for your dog, but worried others will judge you, or mistake it for a muzzle on an aggressive dog?
The Gentle Leader head collar or 'halti', is generally considered a tool for managing and controlling a dog's behavior during walks. It is designed to help prevent pulling on the leash and can be effective in providing better control over a dog's movements.
Many people are stuck when trying to decide what option is best for them. It's popular to choose a harness, but then many owners are dragged around as they haven't put in the proper training to teach their dog not to pull. Both the head collar, as it's known, and a harness option are better than your dog straining against their regular collar on a walk. Using a halti or a harness is safer for their neck and trachea. However, both require prior positive behavior training to be used correctly, so that both the dog and their owner can enjoy the walk equally. A dog has very little ability to focus on you or, take direction when they're straining ahead; teaching your dog to walk on a halti or harness correctly can bring back the fun in walking your dog.
The primary purpose of the Gentle Leader is to reduce pulling during walks, making it easier for owners to control their dogs. The design of the head collar is meant to provide a gentle control without causing harm to the dog. It works by guiding the dog's head in the direction the owner wants to go. And should primarily be used on a short tether or by the hip, such as in a 'heel' position. Many owners find that the Gentle Leader is affective when initially teaching their dogs to walk politely on a leash. However, it still requires proper introduction and training. Some dogs may need time to acclimate to wearing it. It's crucial to ensure that the head collar fits correctly and is adjusted properly. If it's too tight or too loose, it may not be effective or could cause discomfort. Some dogs may initially resist wearing a head collar, associating it with discomfort. Proper positive reinforcement can help overcome this. Be aware: some dogs may not tolerate a head collar because of their head shape (flat nosed breeds or large sized muzzles). It's essential to consider the comfort level of each dog.
Using the Gentle Leader or Halti head collar in dog training depends on the individual dog and how the tool is used. When introduced and used properly, many dogs and their owners find it to be a helpful tool for leash training. As with any training equipment, it's important to use positive reinforcement techniques, monitor your dog's comfort, and consult with a knowledgeable professional if you have concerns or questions.
https://companyofanimals.com/uk/brand/halti-training/
https://wagwalking.com/training/use-a-gentle-leader
Aggression or Reactivity
Much of a dog's behavior when displaying aggression or reactivity comes from a place of fear. When a dog is uncomfortable or afraid, it's natural instinct is to show a 'fight' response to protect itself or warn others off. Training an aggressive or reactive dog requires careful and systematic efforts. It's essential to prioritize safety and, if needed, consult with a professional, especially if the aggression is severe. Here are some general guidelines:
Understand the Triggers: Identify the specific situations or stimuli that trigger aggression in your dog. Understanding the triggers will help you address them more effectively.
Avoid Triggers Whenever Possible: While working on training, try to avoid situations that trigger aggression. This helps prevent reinforcement of aggressive behavior. Understand their threshold, and try to be proactive rather than reactive, until they have more positive associations with other dogs or people in place.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to reward calm and non-aggressive behavior. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or toys when they exhibit the desired behavior.
Desensitization and Counterconditioning: Gradually expose your dog to the trigger in a controlled and positive way. Pair the trigger with something positive (like treats) to create a positive association. This process is known as desensitization and counterconditioning. It's important not to reinforce the unwanted behavior however; positive reinforcement should be used correctly and with proper timing.
Basic Obedience Commands: Ensure your dog knows and responds to basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "leave it." These commands can be useful in managing and redirecting your dog's behavior.
Provide Mental and Physical Exercise: A tired dog is generally less reactive. Ensure your dog gets enough mental and physical exercise through walks, play, and training sessions.
Create a Safe Space: Provide your dog with a designated safe space where they can retreat when feeling stressed or threatened. This can be a crate or a quiet area.
Use Management Tools: Consider using tools like a head halter or front-clip harness to help manage your dog's behavior during walks. These tools can provide better control, especially when used correctly. These tools may require proper prior training and acclimation.
Consistency is Key: Consistency is crucial in training. Everyone in the household should be on the same page regarding training methods and rules.
Remember that aggression in dogs can have various causes, including fear, anxiety, territorial behavior, or past experiences. It's essential to approach training with patience, understanding, and a commitment to the well-being of both the dog and those around them. If you're unsure or if the aggression persists, consulting with a professional is highly recommended. Amelia can provide further guidance, support, and assess your dog's individual behavior. Contact her at the provided email address above.
Dog Food
Ever wonder if the food you buy is actually quality dog food?
Did you know that up to 10 to 30% of protein a dog consumes goes to supporting their skin and fur (depending how long their coat hair is). It pays to feed a good kibble that's rich in quality proteins. Their skin and coat health can often be a good indicator of overall health.
Some of the favorites that I've fed my dogs, include:
Acana (Wild Coast or Pacifica)
Canidae (Pure Salmon & Sweet Potato or any flavor really. Great brand)
Purina (Pro Plan Salmon)
No sponsorships, however if Acana sees this - I wouldn't mind some free bags :)
Here you can check out professional nutritionist's advice and ratings about many brands, as well as learn about the specific ingredients listed in the very long, complicated information section on the back of your dog's food bag ...
https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/
More reading:
https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_focusing_on_protein_in_the_diet
Healthy Weight
Is your dog overweight? Does an overweight dog have a decreased lifespan?
Studies have shown that overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity related diseases, and can decrease your dog's life span by two and a half years (that's 17.5 in dog years!)
Obesity in dogs is associated with a range of health issues that can impact both their quality of life and longevity. Some of the potential consequences include:
Joint Problems: Excess weight puts additional strain on a dog's joints, increasing the risk of arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues.
Diabetes: Overweight dogs are more prone to developing diabetes, a condition that can require lifelong management.
Heart Disease: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular problems, including heart disease.
Respiratory Issues: Carrying excess weight can make it more difficult for a dog to breathe, leading to respiratory problems.
Decreased Immune Function: Obesity can compromise the immune system, making dogs more susceptible to infections and other health issues.
Reduced Exercise Tolerance: Overweight dogs may be less active and have reduced stamina, which can impact their overall fitness and well-being.
Increased Anesthetic Risk: Overweight dogs may face increased risks during surgical procedures and when under anesthesia.
Research has confirmed that maintaining a healthy weight in dogs is associated with a longer and healthier life. Weight management, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is crucial for preventing and addressing obesity in dogs.
Check out this helpful graph to determine what a healthy body condition score is:
image: wsava.org
Determining if a dog is overweight involves assessing their body condition rather than relying solely on the number on a scale. Here are some general guidelines to help you evaluate if your dog may be overweight:
Rib Feel: Run your hands along your dog's sides. You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing too hard. If you can't feel the ribs at all, your dog might be overweight. If the ribs are prominently felt with no padding, the dog may be underweight.
Waist Visibility: View your dog from above. There should be a noticeable waist behind the ribs. If the area between the ribs and hips is straight or bulging, your dog may be overweight.
Abdominal Tuck: When viewed from the side, there should be an upward slope from the chest to the abdomen. If the belly is sagging or level with the chest, it may indicate excess weight.
Body Profile: Your dog's body profile should have a slight hourglass figure when viewed from the side, with the abdomen tucked up.
Energy Level and Mobility: Observe your dog's energy level and mobility. If they are lethargic or have difficulty moving, it could be a sign of excess weight.
Consult with Your Veterinarian or an Animal Science Professional: Your veterinarian or animal science professional can provide valuable insights into your dog's weight and overall health. They can assess your dog's overall health, provide nutritional guidance, and recommend an appropriate diet and exercise plan.
Keep in mind that breed, age, and individual variations can influence a dog's weight, so it's important to consider these factors when evaluating their body condition. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and preventive veterinary care contribute to maintaining an optimal weight and overall well-being for your dog.
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