PetImpact!

Go Ahead! You Can Do It! Feed Your Dog from Your Plate!

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:44:23 GMT

Many of my clients look at me in astonishment when I say it is OK to feed your dog human food from your plate! We have always been told that this act creates begging behavior and causes intestinal problems. Under certain circumstances, this is indeed true. However, if done correctly, using foods that are safe for your dog (click on the link to see a list of foods that are unsafe ) and in moderation, it is actually a wonderfully, positive thing!

There is a new trend in teaching and relating to dogs called bond-based learning which I incorporate into my dog training programs. The thought process behind this type of teaching is that by having a strong bond with your dog, it will ensure your dog makes positive choices when it comes to good behavior. A technique used in this type of training is food sharing. Food sharing provides an opportunity for social learning with you and your dog. It has been shown that food sharing helps reinforce the bond you have with your dog and allows them to feel safe and secure around you.

Sharing food with your dog does not always equate to begging. Begging behavior can happen even when you don’t feed from your plate. Since their sense of smell is more heightened than ours, smelling you cooking and serving dinner can be overwhelming as they salivate over all the deliciousness. Many dogs can’t contain themselves from their desire to join in and beg which becomes a big distraction during meals.

I have found that the opposite is true when you are sharing your meal with your dog. Now, I am not saying you should feed your dog when they beg. What I am saying, is that you can feed your dog when they are laying calmly next to you and not begging which in turn teaches your dog not to beg! This is where marker training comes in. Give your dog the “Down Stay” cue and after just a couple of seconds, mark the behavior with your marker word (i.e., good) and treat off your plate. Begin to spread out the length of time that you are marking and treating. If your dog does beg, ignore them until they settle back down for a minute or two and then mark and treat. Your dog will soon learn that being patient and quiet during meal time leads to tasty things!

This opens up a whole new world of possibility for you and your dog! Imagine a holiday dinner that includes your favorite, furry family member! And next Spring and Summer, think about all the outdoor dining experiences you can have! Food sharing is a great for socialization and a wonderful bonding experience!

If you are interested in learning more about my positive reinforcement and relationship-based training methods, reach out for a free phone consultation. You can learn more at PetImpact.com .

Dog and Dog Aggression: The two sides to the story!

Thu, 14 May 2020 12:08:00 GMT

Bringing a new dog into your home where there is already an existing dog doesn’t always run smoothly. The fact of the matter is every dog has their own distinct personality that may not jive with each and every dog. There may be a difference in energy levels, play styles or socialization preferences. If it isn’t a good match, unwanted behaviors may occur including marking, guarding and aggression. Typically, the dog who is exhibiting these behaviors gets the blame. But look closely, in reality, there are two sides to every story.

When a dog is expressing discontent and aggression, it is a natural reaction to want to correct or even punish them for the behavior. However, that doesn’t really solve the problem. The key is to get to the root of things determining why the dog is anxious, fearful or territorial. You may be thinking that the “happy-go-lucky” dog couldn’t possibility be the problem but think again!

I have seen this issue twice in the last few weeks. The first situation occurred when my client began to dog sit for her cousin’s puppy. Renny, the existing dog in the household, began showing aggression towards the puppy and began marking around the house. It was obvious that he had an issue with the new dog but you will be surprised to know that it wasn’t Renny’s behavior that needed to be corrected. The new dog wasn’t respecting Renny’s space. Every time Renny went to get a pet from his mom, the new dog butted in. When Renny was given a treat, the new dog butted in. When Renny wanted to take a nap, the new dog tried to initiate play. What was happening was the new dog wasn’t practicing good social norms and giving Renny the space he needed. The result was Renny began to act out. The solution to the problem was actually to teach the “guest” dog to give Renny his space. Just because he was being happy and playful, doesn’t mean it is the appropriate behavior when he had been given all the signals that he needed to back-off.

The second case was a situation with a woman who adopted a terrier mix and was working to integrate the puppy into her household where her roommate had a larger pit bull. The five month old puppy (Gus) began to show aggression towards the pit bull (Leo) so his mother began correcting him and giving him time-outs. In this case, we determine that Gus was actually frightened by Leo’s over-zealous play style and didn’t like to wrestle. Again, Leo wasn’t getting the hints and was getting into Gus’ space even when Gus communicated he wasn’t interested in play. In addition, Gus’ mother had given Gus a safe space to go on the couch but also allowed Leo in that area at times causing Gus to be territorial. If he has been given a safe space, it needs to be off limits to the other dog.

In both these scenarios, the dogs who were actually NOT showing aggression were the problem. While aggression is not an acceptable behavior, it may be your dog’s last resort when he has communicated through body language and warning growls that their space isn’t being respected. The moral of these stories is to always step back and look at the big picture. There are always two sides to the story. By seeing both dog’s point of view, you are able to quickly resolve issues and have a peaceful coexistence.

Getting Back to our Real Life Schedule

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:13:00 GMT

Just like us, dogs thrive on having a set schedule for their day including food, naps, play time, walks and training. The Covid-19 quarantine has many of us working from home. So, your dog’s schedule may have gotten out of wack or you may have set an entirely new schedule.

As the curve shows signs of flattening and Missouri’s governor is starting to lift the quarantine, we can all assume that we will be back to work in the not so distant future and ideally back to our dog’s regular schedule. NOW is the time to start transitioning them back to their schedule or establish a new schedule for those of you with new puppies.

If you are working from home, your dog has gotten used to the fact that you are around all the time, and they don’t have to be in their crate so often. Start re-introducing longer crate times for your dog even if you are just in the other room. Begin small with just a couple hours at a time and then a few days preceding you going back to work, extend it for longer periods. Remember to have something wonderful for them to chew on while in the crate. For those of you whose puppies are 6 months or older, you may consider transitioning them out of the crate. Begin testing them for a couple of hours at a time until you have faith that there will be no accidents or destructive behavior when left home outside the crate.

Get on a walk schedule that would be realistic in your “real-world” scenario. You have been outside more and taking your dog on lots of walks. This means they have more opportunities to potty outside and have gotten used to that. To ensure there are no accidents when left home alone, begin structuring your walks and outside times as if you are back on your normal work schedule. We want to ensure your dog remembers how to hold it and is on a potty schedule. If your dog is used to these walks and has a hard time adjusting, you may want to consider getting a dog walker or enrolling your dog in doggie daycare to keep them occupied and ensure they are getting the potty breaks they need.

When playing, training or exercising with your dog, begin doing it in the hours where you would be home from work which will help with their natural nap schedule. We want them to begin to take all their rest time and naps during the day when you are not home so that you can devote the time to them and they have the energy they need when you are. Nap schedules are just as important as potty schedules.

A gradual preparation for this transition is key to ensure your dog doesn’t suffer anxiety with the change in their schedule and is able to settle happily into their new normal.

I hope this was a good reminder to you all. As always, I’m here to help with advice for our dogs transition.

What It Means to Train with Love

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 22:52:00 GMT

Your love for your dog is not just the emotional feeling you have for them, it is the actions you take as it relates to the care you give them and specifically your approach to teaching them. Here are 5 ways to express your love for your dog when training (in no particular order).

Accept your dog for the individual they are both their strengths and weaknesses. This includes understanding your dog’s breed and the behaviors that come along with that. My dog Gabe is a Shetland Sheep Dog which is a Scottish herding dog. Sheltie’s are known to be introverted and love chasing and herding other animals. I had to accept early on that Gabe was not going to be the outgoing touch therapy dog like my first dog Simone. That being said, Gabe is wonderful with other animals which wasn’t a strong suit of Simone’s. I learned that you shouldn’t compare animals. They each have their own unique personalities and idiosyncrasies that aren’t always related to the breed itself. Dogs from the same litter can have very different distinct personalities just like human brothers and sisters. The important thing to remember is that loving your dog means you are working on understanding the individual that they are and creating an environment for that personality to thrive.
Patience is a virtue especially as it relates to training. Every dog learns at their own speed and picks-up on different things at different paces. It is critical that when you are training you have complete control of your own emotions. Getting angry and frustrated only causes your dog more stress and doesn’t allow them to learn in a loving environment. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you like someone to use that tone of voice with you?
Show affection! Treats are not the only way your dog knows that they have done something you like. Praise and physical affection are just as important. Many times, we are so treat focused that we forget about giving our dog the verbal and physical rewards they both want and need. Go ahead and tell your dog how wonderful they are and give them a pat on the head or a good belly rub for a job well done or better yet, just because you love them!
Being firm can be loving! Sometimes love isn’t all lovey dovey affection and treats. Being firm with your dog in the right circumstances especially when they are in danger can be one of the most loving things you can do for them. When I teach the “Leave It” cue, it is the one cue where I teach my human students how to use a firm, authoritative tone of voice that their dog respects and listens to. I ask them to channel a judge, a police officer or a captain in the military. There should be no anger or frustration in your voice but a clear, confidant, firm tone. Some people struggle with this cue because they feel like they are being too “aggressive”. Assertiveness is not aggression, it is just you communicating that you are the leader and that at this time, it is critical they listen and take your directive immediately.
Always end on a positive note! If your dog is becoming frustrated or bored with training, STOP, give them something to do that they will be successful at and STOP. Pushing your dog when they are not in the mood doesn’t help with the learning process. Show them you love them by respecting their current mood state and move onto something they are great at and give them a big reward to include lots of love and praise.

There are other great ways to show your dog you love them when training. These are just a few! Just remember that the best teachers and trainers are those that do it with love!

Stop Stressing the Dogs Out!

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:20:00 GMT

We are all showing signs of stress during this quarantine whether that be binge eating, over-sleeping or just plain crabbiness. So, it is not surprising that our dogs are feeling the pressure too. Dogs are extremely sensitive to our emotions which may cause them to act out as well. They don’t understand why their routine has changed, why they can’t go to the dog park, why their parents are around all the time (yes some dogs actually want space!), why people don’t greet and pet them anymore on their walks and most importantly why their parents are so stressed out.

Here are five signs that your dog is stressed and what you can do about it:

Relapse in potty training: This is especially true for puppies. My client’s dog Heidi was just getting the potty thing down when quarantine struck. She is now starting to have accidents in the house again. When a dog’s schedule is off, this can happen. No, your dog isn’t angry or being spiteful, but they are confused. It is important to maintain the same schedule that you have always had even if you are home with your dog and have the ability to take them out more. Your dog had a natural potty cycle they were on, and you want to keep it that way.
Excessive chewing: One of my clients reached out to say that their dog was all of sudden chewing everything in sight. This was something we had difficulty with in the past but solved by getting the dog more exercise in the form of more walks and play time with other dogs. PJ happens to be a very social animal. So, when dog park and daycare were taken away and people stopped greeting him on his walks, he went back to chewing as an outlet for his anxiety. If that is the case with your dog, allow them to chew just not on your furniture. Find wonderful NEW things for them to chew on like deer antlers, Kongs with peanut butter, Himilyan chews or bully sticks redirecting them away from things they shouldn’t be chewing on. You can also try bitter apple spray on things to detract him.
The Zoomies: Bran’s owners were really confused when out of nowhere he would have these spurts of running, leaping and spinning frantically around the house like a crazy dog. They had never heard of the “Zoomies” which is very common with dogs and is a positive way for them to relieve stress. It usually doesn’t last for long and is nothing to worry about. You do want to ensure your dog is in a safe environment when he has his “Zoomies” . You may need to herd him to an area of the house where there are less breakable items and sharp objects. Other than that, I tell me students to just sit back and enjoy the show because “Zoomies” are really fun to watch!
Separation Anxiety: I addressed this in a previous blog “Are you practicing enough social distancing with your dog” but it is worth mentioning again. All this time with your dog can be a good thing, but it can also create more problems. My client Finnegan suffers a tremendous amount of separation anxiety in the form of whining and crying any time his mom leaves the house (which isn’t often). He has become so used to his mom being by his side every moment that he exhibits anxiety any time he is away from her. Pheromone collars and CBD oil can help relieve this anxiety. It may also require some work with a dog behaviorist. To avoid separation anxiety, make sure you are social distancing yourself from your dog for a period of time every day even if that means you are just in another room. When things get back to normal, we want to be sure they are used to being alone for longer periods of time.
Aggression: If your dog has a tendency for aggressive behavior, this can amplify during quarantine. Some people are reporting fights between dog siblings that have always gotten along or growling behavior to their humans. While this is unacceptable behavior, it is understandable considering we are now in such tight quarters. Your dog may be communicating that he just needs some space. If you have more than one dog, separate them for part of the day or take them out on separate walks. Also, give your dog a breather from you! There is such a thing as too much together time. Pheromone collars and CBD oil also help in these cases to take the edge off.

One of the most important things to do to relieve your dog’s stress is to relieve your own. Get out for long walks with your dog, eat healthy foods (you can even share some with them), have some alone time and get plenty of rest. How your dog responds to stress is definitely correlated with how you do. We are all in this together . . .even our dogs! Just remember to be patient and kind with everyone as we navigate through this pandemic together.

Dog Etiquette for our New Covid-19 Normal

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:53:00 GMT

Everyone’s life has been disrupted with the recent pandemic of Covid-19 including our dogs! We have found ourselves transitioning into a new “Normal” with different social norms including how this impacts pet ownership. Here are some “New Rules” as we navigate through proper dog etiquette during the pandemic.

The Walk – Even before Covid-19, it has been important that pet parents teach their dog how to properly walk on a leash. This means your dog is walking on a loose leash to the side of you ensuring it is not in the way of other people or dogs. If your dog is pulling on the leash, you run the risk of breaking the social distancing 6 feet away rule. Is your dog having difficulty with loose leash walking? Well, now is a great time to work on that since we are all taking a lot more walks than usual. I am currently holding virtual training sessions and can teach you proper loose leash walking in just a couple of sessions.
The Pet – The research shows that dogs cannot transmit the virus even through petting. The American Veterinary Medical Association states that while the virus can live on smooth surfaces such as countertops or cardboard, “porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch.” That being said, it is and always has been proper etiquette to wash your hands after petting a dog. It is also important to respect the fact that not all people understand this low risk factor and might not want you to pet their dog so always ask permission first.
The Vet – There are many pet service providers including veterinarians that are open for business and considered essential services during the pandemic. Help keep these people safe and comfortable by wearing a protective mask during any form of interaction. Also, be respectful of any other safety rules they may have in place.
The Delivery Service – On-line shopping and delivery service has been around for some time now but are being used even more so during the pandemic. While it is natural and acceptable for your dog to guard you and warn you that someone is near your home by barking, excessive barking and aggression is a no no. Again, I am conducting virtual sessions and can teach you how to train your dog to accept a friendly stranger on cue to avoid this behavior.
The Conference Call – Video conferencing is another new normal as many of us are working remotely. Good dog manners play an important role in ensuring your calls are productive and professional. Loud barking and whining for your attention is very distracting to others on the line. Prior to a call, be prepared to have something wonderful for your dog to chew on to keep them distracted. In more relaxed corporate cultures, a brief introduction to your dog can be appropriate and allows you to break the ice. However, these encounters should be brief and not take away from any business at hand.

In these stressful times, it is even more important to respect the health and well-being of others through polite manners. I hope these new rules help as we navigate through this pandemic. Please share if you have anything to add to our list! Stay safe!

And Baby Makes 4

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 13:25:00 GMT

I love working with young people who adopt their first dog. Dog parenting, while not as challenging as child rearing, definitely helps prepare you for what it is like caring and being responsible for another living being.

One of my long-time students, Maui was just introduced to his new sister, and she isn’t one of the canine variety! Maui’s parents have brought a new baby into the fold. What is great about Lauren and Neal, is that they wanted to be completely prepared for the transition to ensure Maui felt comfortable and the baby was safe. So, they asked me to give them some pointers which I am here to share with you!

What to do in advance of baby:

Introduce to new smells, sights and sounds.

Diapers
Baby Powder
Shampoo
Toys
Blankets
Pacifiers
Clothes
Stroller
Doll
Baby Sounds “Baby Sounds for Pets CD”

Start new schedule if that will change when baby arrives.
Reinforce, practice and introduce important cues that you will need your dog to do around the baby (Leave It, Touch, Down, Stay, Place)
Teach your dog the “Away” cue where you throw a treat away from the baby so that your dog learns when you would like them to have distance with the baby. You don’t want to use the “Leave It” cue as it relates to the baby because we want your dog’s interaction with the baby to be a positive one not something they have to “Leave” but something they may need to “move away” from at certain times.
Find a dog walker if you will need more support when baby arrives.

What to do for the first meeting with baby:

Enter the house initially without the baby greeting your dog with lots of love and attention for 10 – 15 minutes.
Put the dog on a leash when you bring the baby in and allow them to sniff around in the vicinity of the baby but not greet them.
Once things have settled down, find a quiet place when your dog can greet the baby in a stress-free environment and when they are less excited.
Have high value treats and reward your dog for any positive interactions with the baby.

What to do to create a bonded relationship with dog and baby:

Teach your dog to “Touch” the baby’s toes when they wants to greet the baby.
When feeding baby, give your dog something really special to chew on like a Kong with peanut butter and allow them to eat near the baby.
Allow your dog to lay at your feet when you are holding the baby giving them regular pets.
Give your dog short special attention time throughout the day.
Allow supervised access to the baby’s room.

What to watch out for:

Don’t correct for growling! Growling is a warning and you want your dog to provide a warning so you can remove them from the situation if they get aggressive.
Keep pacifiers and small baby toys out of reach since your dog could choke on them.
Keep dirty diapers in a trash can with a tight lid.
Only give your dog affection when all 4 paws are on the floor so they knows not to jump on the baby.
Don’t leave your dog alone with the baby.
Give your dog a safe space like their crate that they can go to get away from the baby if they need a break.
Create a barrier in the car between the dog and the baby.
Never force your dog to interact with the baby.

Why dog will make a great sibling for baby:

Dogs are very loyal to their pack and will do a great job protecting the baby.
It is a proven scientific fact that dogs make babies happy. Interacting with dogs raises levels of serotonin and dopamine.
Children are less likely to get allergies and usually have a more resilient immune system when raised with dogs.
Dogs pick up cues quickly and may sense the needs of the baby even before you do!
Dogs are fun to be around!

Following these guidelines and you can be assured of a smooth transition with baby. As you can see from the pictures, Maui absolutely loves his new sister, and they are sure to be best of friends.

Dog Park Days

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 13:27:00 GMT

As we move into the Spring and Summer months, it is time to relieve ourselves and our dogs from our cabin fever by getting outside to enjoy the nice weather. Some of my favorite times with Simone and Gabe have been time spent at the dog park. It has allowed my dogs to socialize, exercise and re-energize. While most of the parks are closed during the pandemic, this is a good opportunity to investigate membership for ones in your area so that when the quarantine is lifted, you are ready to get out and enjoy some play time with your pooch!

Here are my top 5 dog park picks in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Click on the links below to learn more!

Treecourt Dog Park – So far, this has been my favorite dog park in St. Louis. I believe the reason this is run so well is because it is a private dog park. Located in Kirkwood, the space used to be the grounds of a country club but was on a flood plain so the owners converted it to a dog park (lucky us!). The park is HUGE and even includes a nature trail. The owner, Wayne, requires a temperament test prior to joining which I find extremely important. Wayne really does a great job ensuring everyone follows the rules and dogs are well-mannered to alleviate dog fights. They have monthly, quarterly and yearly memberships. While expensive, I definitely think worth the cost. I take 44 West to get there and drive right past a Culvers when getting off the interstate. So . . .on the way home, the dogs and I stop off to get ice cream. Culvers offers free pup cups for your dog! It makes for a great day!
Tails and Trails Dog Park in Queeny Park – While I am not a member, I have visited this dog park and have clients who have joined. It is a beautiful park that I hear nothing but great things about. A real positive is that they have both a small dog and a big dog area which I think is very important. Located in St. Louis West County, it is a 5 acre park so lots of space for your dog to run and play. They also have agility stations which are really fun. Membership is very reasonable at only $50 annually. What is really great about the park is that you can buy a day pass for only $5! So, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the park for even just a day.
Southwest City Dog Park – I believe this is probably the largest dog park in St. Louis City. I had a membership last summer and enjoyed my time there. There is a very tight knit community in this dog park. Everyone chips in to ensure the park is maintained properly. They also have several events throughout the year. If you are looking to make new friends both canine and human in the city, this is a great park to do just that. Membership is annual and very reasonably priced. This is a grass park and does close down for a couple of months in the spring so the grass has a chance to grow back. It doesn’t open until June 1 but be ready when it does. They do limit the number of people who can join the park but it is open for membership now so be ready when the park does open!
University City Dog Park – This is another park in the cit y that I had a membership although it was years ago. I really enjoyed my time here. There is both a big and a small dog area and a beautiful grass park. Membership is very reasonable. The park requires a University Dog License before you can become a member and there are breed restrictions. I made a lot of friends when I was a member of this dog park and highly recommend.
Broemmelsiek Park Off-Leash Dog Area – It’s a bit of a drive for those who live in the city but well worth it. This dog park is located in Defiance, Missouri. It is a 4.7 acre park and even includes a shelter to get out of the sun and a pond for those dogs that love to swim. It was voted “Best Dog Park of the Region”, and I can see why! There is no charge for this park but upon entry, you must show proof of vaccination and that your dog is licensed. This is worth the day trip!

These are just a few of the dog parks that I enjoy in the St. Louis area, and I know there are more out there. Please share your dog park experiences and recommendations. The pandemic isn’t going to last forever and dog park days are definitely something to look forward to!

Are you practicing enough social distancing from your dog?

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 13:46:00 GMT

We can all agree that that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a frightening and stressful situation for all of us. We can all also agree that it is a relief that this terrible virus can’t be spread to our beloved canine companions. What may sound strange to some is that this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be practicing social distancing from our dogs. That’s right! I said we need to be practicing SOME social distancing from our dog. Here is why!

We are all spending much more time at home and around our dogs which is a very good thing. This allows for more walks, play time and cuddles. Another positive is that many people have decided that since they are spending so much time at home, this would be a perfect time to adopt a new dog/puppy. Rescues are adopting out and finding fosters at an accelerated rate. All great things!

What we need to be careful about is spending TOO much time with our dog to the point where separation anxiety can set in. Eventually, this pandemic will be over, and we will be back to our normal work and social schedule. We don’t know how long that will be and in the meantime your dog is getting used to having you around all the time. This means that they may become very sad and anxious when reality sets back in. This is especially true for pet parents with rescue dogs who may have been abandoned by previous owners or those with new dogs/puppies who are just starting to bond with them. Separation anxiety can occur when there are life changes in the home which is what has been happening to all of us right now.

So, what is separation anxiety? The American Kennel Club describes it as this, “Separation anxiety is the result of real stress caused by the pet parent being away from their dog”. The symptoms are not just a whimper or a chewed up slipper. Here are the behaviors to watch out for that may mean your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. These behaviors happen every time you leave and many only happen when you leave.

Excessive barking or howling
Destructive acts (chewing furniture, excessive scratching at the doors or windows, etc.
Urinating or defecating in the house.
Excessive salivation, drooling or panting
Intense pacing
Attempts to free themselves from the crate that may cause them harm.

Separation anxiety is a serious issue and is a challenging behavior to correct. This is why you should take precautionary measure to prevent it from happening which means some social distancing from your dog while we are home bound. This may not be necessary for those of you who have had your dog for a long period of time but it is critical to those who are new dog owners.

For those of you with puppies, this would simply mean crating your dog for 1 – 2 hour time periods throughout the day. Be sure to leave something wonderful to chew on for them (like a frozen Kong with peanut butter) so they begin to associate alone time with wonderful things. While we should all be getting outdoors and walking our dog, having some social distancing from your dog may mean taking one of your walks each day WITHOUT your dog. For those working from home, close your office door a few hours each day creating distance between you and your dog.

Enjoy all this extra time with your dog because it won’t last forever but be sure to practice some social distancing so they are prepared emotionally when things do get back to normal.

If your dog is already exhibiting separation anxiety, please reach out for a free 30 minute consultation on how to resolve this issue.

Stay safe!

A dog a day keeps the doctor away!

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 02:26:00 GMT

Yes. It is a proven fact that people who have dogs are happier and healthier. Here’s why:

They fill our heart with love and make it healthy too! Harvard Medical School and The American Heart Association both reference studies that prove that dog parents have overall better heart health. The studies show that having a dog lowers your risk of heart disease. Dog parents have lower blood pressure due to the calming affect that dogs have on their humans. Petting a dog is a proven panacea for high blood pressure. Dog parents also exercise more which includes long walks with their dog. I always tell my students “People who walk their dogs one hour every day do not have heart problems!”. Dog parents walk an average of 300 minutes a week while non dog owners walk an average of 168 minutes. While we aren’t clear on why or how, there is some evidence that parenting a dog is associated with lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Dogs also help people manage their stress better which is important for heart health. In other words, having a dog fills and heals your heart with love.
They provide unconditional love and happiness. The American Kennel Club sites studies that prove that staring into your dogs eyes raises your levels of oxytocin and dopamine also known as the “Love” hormone. Studies also show that pets relieve depression. It’s hard to be lonely and sad when you have a furry friend who is there for you through thick and thin. A study showed that people who don’t live with a human companion but have a pet are 25% less likely to have depression as would people who don’t have a pet. This may be attributed to the fact that your dog makes you more social. You have to get up and take them on walks, to dog parks, to vet visits which allows you to engage with people. A study at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people who have strong attachment to a pet report that they feel more connected to their human relationships and their communities. The study also showed that teenagers and young adults who grow up with a dog become more confidant and empathetic. NAMI (National Association for Mental Health) reports that being responsible for a dog also helps your mental health as it builds self-esteem. Caring for a dog offers reassurance that you can take care of yourself and another being. I was fortunate enough to work with my first dog Simone in a therapy dog team capacity at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital’s mental health ward for 7 years. Psychiatrists and psychologists would always tell me that Simone knew how to go to the most depressed person in a room and make them feel better. Therapy dogs can improve the psychological well-being of children through cancer therapy as well as individuals diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome. I can personally say that I have had my own bouts of depression and that my animals have transformed my whole outlook to the world and my response to it. The love of a dog provides humans with a wonderful outlook on life.
Dogs sense disease when we cannot. What I find amazing about dogs is the recent studies that show they are able to detect cancer in their human parent long before that of the medical community. There is a new approach to cancer screening whereby the dog is able to detect very low concentrations of the alkanes and aromatic compounds driven by malignant tumors in urine or breath. I recently lost my cousin Valarie to stage 4 cancer. If I could pick one person who I believed loved dogs as much as I did, it would be her. She told me that she should have known something was wrong because her dog Brick was constantly smelling and nuzzling her shoulder where it eventually was discovered was taken over with bone cancer. Those noses of our furry loved ones could be our cancer detection salvation,
Dog germs make you healthy. All that slobbering and licking and dog dander actually has benefits to your health! Scientists believe that dogs make bacteria in the home and the body more diverse and therefore help strengthen the immune system. This means that they are actually giving us a protective benefit. Americans spend more than 90% of their time indoors which could be a reason why more people are getting asthma and allergies. Without exposure to a diversity of bacteria, the human body’s immune system may miss out on a step in learning to differentiate between dangerous and harmless bacteria. Studies show that children born into a family with exposure to animals had fewer instances of asthma. Being exposed to all the dog bacteria may help the human’s body learn the difference between friendly and unfriendly bacteria. Some studies are showing that having a dog helps the immune system even with babies in the womb. So, embrace your dogs slobbery kisses, it could be the key to your good health!

With all this concern with the Corona virus, for those with a dog, your health is at less of a risk. I am not suggesting dogs would prevent you from getting or curing you from the virus. What we can assume though is that your dog can help you have a stronger, healthier body and immune system to fight it.

Doesn’t all this talk about dogs making us healthy make you love them more than you already do if that is at all possible? I didn’t think I could but I do!

Are you guilty of Canine Sizeism?

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 14:54:00 GMT

It was brought to my attention by that there has been some articles posted on the internet referencing new studies that determined smaller breeds are less intelligent than larger breed dogs. I found this very surprising! My personal experience is that smaller dogs are extremely bright and that intelligence is not based on size.

These research findings were reported by Psychology Today . The author conducted a study that ranked the working and obedience intelligence of 120 different breeds of dogs. Out of the top 20%, only 1 small breed made the cut (the Papillon). The theory is that intelligence is related to the size of a dog’s brain.

In another study from the scientific journal Animal Cognition, data was collected from 1,188 dogs who were given a variety of intelligence tests. The results did statistically indicate that larger dogs performed much better on those particular tests.

That being said, other articles pointed out that just like humans, dogs have different types of intelligence and aptitudes including: 1) Instinctive intelligence (can perform the tasks they are bred to do ) 2) adaptive intelligence (how well they can solve problems without human intervention) and 3) working and obedience intelligence (how quickly they can be trained to behave).

That last type is interesting to note. The dog IQ tests focused on reasoning and problem solving skills versus obedience and trainability. Psychology Today points out that there are many factors that impact trainability and submissiveness in a dog is one as well as temperament. The theory is that larger dogs like golden retrievers are more friendly and willing to please versus smaller dogs that are more willful, stubborn, anxious and excitable which inhibits their ability to learn.

I don’t find the fact that the dog is submissive to be a marker for intelligence. Dogs that have a mind of their own are very intelligent because they think for themselves. In addition, I don’t believe in training your dog to be submissive. I actually hate that word. Instead, I’m about fostering a strong bond based on mutual love and respect so that your dog is eager to please you.

As it relates to anxiousness, many small dogs definitely have this issue because of how they must interact with the world and how the world reacts to them . . .being small can be scary! Humans have themselves to blame for this one. Small dogs are always being picked up and carried around which can cause severe anxiety. I continually remind my clients to be their dogs champion and allow their dog the space and protection to interact with the world in ways they feel comfortable.

Another reason small dogs had poorer performance could be the influence of their pet parent. Many small dog pet parents are less likely to have their dog in training because they feel they can easily correct them and have greater control over them. In addition, I find that many smaller dogs don’t get the walks or play time they need, Many pet parents don’t feel they need it because of their size. This is definitely not the case. Exercise is important for their emotional and mental needs as it is for their physical ones.

A lot goes into what makes an animal intelligent both from a nature and nurture perspective. My personal experience is that it is those pet parents, regardless of the size of their dog, that make an effort to bond with and take the time to teach allow their dog to grow intellectually and emotionally to be all they can be.

Some of my best students include Dollie and Indy (Chihuahuas) who graduated through my most advanced classes in record time and Marci the Pomeranian who has excelled at learning tricks at 3 months old in only one lesson (see for yourself). Marci’s Trick Performance .

At the end of the day, it’s not the size of their brain or the breed, it’s the love, respect and attention you give your dog that allows them to be everything they are meant to be from an intellectual, emotional and physical perspective.

So, don’t be guilty of sizeism, small dogs are super smart too!

Beware of the Dog

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 13:18:00 GMT

I get this complaint time after time after time. Dogs barking excessively at noises outside the home, when they see a dog or person outside the window, when they see another dog on TV, when guests come to the door and not to mention the mail carrier! No matter how much you correct them or tell them to “Leave It”, the disruptive barking continues.

In these cases, I tell my clients “Your dog is doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing which is to guard their family.” Dogs have evolved and been taught over thousands of years to do just that! It is their natural instinct. I always set expectations up front that you aren’t going to stop the barking entirely. Dogs bark. What you can do is stop it quickly so that the barking isn’t excessive.

My method to stop guarding barking behavior may seem surprising at first, but when you think about it more closely, it makes a lot of common sense. And for most of these cases, it really works! When your dog barks for one of the reasons listed above, the first thing you want to do is tell them “Thank You” in a positive, uplifting voice. That’s right. Thank your dog! It may sound crazy but in your dog’s mind, they are helping you by giving a “warning” bark. The last thing you want to do is correct them for that especially in a loud and frustrated tone of voice or they will think “There really is something to worry about. My parent is upset too!”

Next, you want to “investigate the danger”. This entails looking out the window, opening the door to the outside of your home or looking closely at the TV. Use your body language to communicate to your dog that you have heard the warning bark and are taking heed. Once you realize that there is no imminent danger, you come back to tell your dog it is “OK” in a calm and reassuring tone of voice. When they stop barking, you tell them what a good dog they are and give them a treat for a job well done. I realize this seems like a long, drawn out process. You won’t have to go to these great lengths for long. Soon, your dog will understand that the “It’s Ok” cue means that there is no danger so there is no need to bark.

The important lesson to learn here is to respect your dog’s role in your household and acknowledging and appreciating it. You never know if that warning bark may be necessary some day!

Do pups have pals and BFFs?

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 00:12:00 GMT

We all have heard the saying “Man’s Best Friend” or as I like to say “Woman’s Best Friend”, but do dogs really have friends or even best friends?

The answer to this is unequivocally YES! Not only can they have friends, they MUST have friends! Friends make for a well-rounded and well-balanced dog. Just like you need to be around humans, your dog needs to be around other dogs in a bonding relationship to have a happy life.

You may be thinking “Aren’t I my dog’s best friend?”. Not really. Research shows that dogs respond to their humans just like a child would to their parent. You fulfill your dogs physical and emotional needs but not all their social needs. What you don’t provide for your dog is the play that can only be fulfilled by another dog.

I see this all the time with new puppies who are play biting their human parents. The humans are overwhelmed by their puppy’s incessant need to wrestle and play but those puppy teeth are so sharp! I tell them “Your puppy is doing exactly what they are suppose to be doing. They are just suppose to be doing it with other puppies”. Puppies learn bite inhibition and social behavior by playing with other puppies. Once this needs is fulfilled, the play biting with their humans stops.

Separation anxiety is another behavior that can be corrected by simply having another dog in the household. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to be social animals. Spending a lot of time alone can lead to anxiety which is only cured by companionship with another living being. This can be corrected by having another dog in the household, or I highly recommend doggie day cares for those single dog households.

What may surprise you is that your dog can have friends outside of the canine species. There are many cases of dog friendships with cats, birds and even tigers! Dogs are social animals and have a need for relationships regardless if they are human, dog or otherwise.

Nurturing friendships for your dog is important which may include trips to the dog park, doggy day care or one-on-one play dates. I make it a point every week to schedule play time for Gabe which includes play dates with Maxwell and KC and doggy day care time at Kamp K-9. Gabe loves his friends! They enhance his life.

So, does your dog understand when you are having a birthday party for him? Probably not, but what he does understand is that his friends are coming together for fun play time and some cake. So, go ahead and have that dog birthday party because as we all know friends are FurEver!

To Insure or Not to Insure. That is the question.

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 13:55:00 GMT

Recently, I had two clients ask me these questions. What are your thoughts on pet insurance? Is it worth it? What specific companies do you think are the best?

Since my first dog Simone was a puppy, I had pet insurance on her. The rates were reasonable and fit into my budget. Years went by and I never had to use the insurance. So, when I was laid off from my job and trying to cut costs, I cancelled the policy. That same year Simone was diagnosed with bone cancer. Treatment entailed an amputation of the leg along with chemotherapy treatments with an estimated outlay of over $6,000. As you can imagine, I was kicking myself for cancelling that policy.

When I adopted my new puppy Gabe, I did not carry insurance on him. The company I had used previously was out of business, and I was hearing that insurance just wasn’t worth the expense. It wasn’t until my clients posed this question that I decided to do some extensive research to see if that fact rings true. The first thing I learned was that there are many companies and types of policies to choose from which can get very overwhelming!

So, I conducted in-depth research on the top rated pet insurance companies based on consumer advocate.org and received quotes for my dog Gabe who is a 4 year old Shetland Sheep Dog. There were a wide range of options to choose from. I worked to get quotes that were comparable across companies. All coverage was based on accidental and comprehensive.

Here are my findings:

I came to the conclusion to move forward with pet insurance for Gabe and here is why. I asked myself this question. If Gabe had health concerns, would I be in the position to make a choice about what is best for him that was not dependent on how much money I had in the bank. My thoughts were that I would rather be safe than sorry especially after going through what I had gone through with Simone.

I decided to go with the Progressive policy because it had in my opinion the most value for the money. In addition, the marketer in me believes that Progressive has a brand name to protect. While claims are processed through an outside company, that company’s reviews were also excellent. I also had Progressive as my auto insurance provider and had a good experience with them.

At the end of the day, insurance is there to manage risk and everyone’s risk factors are different. That being said, my recommendation would be to get pet insurance. The small amount of financial outlay to me is worth it. I will go to bed sleeping better tonight knowing that Gabe’s health care is covered.

So the answer to that question. Insure!

Your Puppy Payout Analysis

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 02:56:00 GMT

Puppy Love is PRICELESS but it does come with a COST!

My most valued treasures are my animals (one shetland sheep dog (Gabe) and two cats (Rex and Sienna). They are also quite the investment!

For many, the decision to adopt or purchase a dog is an impulsive one with disregard to financial implications. There are upfront costs associated with bringing a dog into your home as well as on-going monthly and annual costs that add up if you are not budgeting correctly.

Raising and keeping a dog is a financial responsibility that needs to be thought out carefully. I have provided a re-cap on all the “what I deem necessary” expenses when determining your financial means as you consider getting a dog.

The initial cost outlay netted out to be approximately $6,100 with an on-going annual cost of $4,500.

Some of the higher cost expenses may surprise you!

The cost of your puppy is usually not your biggest expenditure though purchasing from a breeder can run you several hundred if not thousands of dollars. Rescuing a dog is much more budget friendly, and you can feel good that you may have very well saved your dog’s life. I also believe that rescue dogs are a bit more appreciative of their owners due to the challenges they have faced in finding a fur-ever home. Many rescues cover shots and spay/neutering expenses with the adoption which is a big money saver.
One of the biggest expenses in getting a puppy (or dog of any age) is the cost for dog training, and it is well worth it! So many dogs end up in shelters due to the fact that their pet parent didn’t invest in addressing behavior issues and proper dog training. Dog training is a time and money investment that some people aren’t willing to make and many times results in the dog being sent back to the shelter. If you invest in proper dog training, within a year, you will have a well-adjusted, well-balanced and well-mannered family member. I have also included on-going dog training in my yearly budget because I believe all dogs can brush up on their skills whether that means more advanced obedience work or a tricks class! You can sign up for my dog training classes located at Wolfgang’s Pet Stop in the Central West End by calling 314.367-8088. Check this page for the class schedule . Private sessions are also available.
Doggie daycare and dog walking is a big expenditure that is critical when caring for a puppy especially for those pet parents who work long hours. I can’t speak enough about how many dogs I have worked with who have behavior issues driven by the fact they are crated all day and not given the exercise or socialization opportunities they need. Giving your dog an exercise outlet and play time with other dogs is critical for their emotional well-being. If you don’t have the time to do this, it is time to call in support resources. My recommendations in St. Louis are St. Louis Dog Walkers for walks, Kamp K-9 day care for larger/more active dogs and Wolfgang’s Pet Stop day care for smaller/less active dogs. Also, invest in a dog park membership. There are great ones throughout the St. Louis area.
Grooming is another big expense that some people under estimate. If you are on a budget, adopt a “wash and wear” dog that doesn’t require trims. If you do choose a dog that requires regular grooming, then regularly groom your dog (sounds simple right?). Brushing and caring for your dog’s coat is time consuming but necessary. If a dog’s coat is maintained well, the cost of grooming goes down. My goto in St. Louis for grooming is Wolfgang’s Pet Stop .
Food is another big monthly expenditure. If you are investing in proper nutrition for your dog, this will result in good overall health saving money on vet bills in the long run.
There are some surprises on the list like carpet cleaning! Puppies have accidents and dogs can track in dirt. Put money in the budget for bi-annual deep cleaning carpet services.
Annual check-ups and shots are included in the budget but what is not is unexpected vet care. Accidents happen. Dogs get sick. Dogs get old and require extra care. All this vet care is costly. So, it is important to have savings in case some health concerns arise. I suggest a $1,000 reserve in case of an emergency. You don’t want to have to make a vet care decision for your dog based on lack of funds.

Treats, chews, toys, heart worm and flea and tick medication . . . it all adds up! Being a responsible pet owner requires a strict budget, and it is worth every penny! You can’t put a price on the unconditional love, loyalty and pure joy you get from having a dog, but you can definitely plan, budget and be thoughtful with the expenditures for your new furry family member.

The cure for your dog’s winter blues!

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 18:44:00 GMT

We are in the throws of winter where the temperatures are so frigid that we must bundle up our pooches even for the shortest of walks. It is the perfect time to stay indoors and snuggle up to a warm fire with your best friend. The problem is that your best friend doesn’t understand that there is inclement weather and is begging for a walk or play time outside. This is when the winter blues set in. What is a pet parent to do? Follow these tips on ways to beat those winter blues keeping your dog happy and occupied even on the coldest of days

Take a Trip – Not an out of town trip but a quick trip to dog friendly retail outlets in your area. We all know that Petsmart and Petco allow dogs but some of your other favorite retailers actually let dogs into their stores too! This means you can get your dog out and about and get in some shopping! My favorite dog friendly retailers include Lowes, Pottery Barn and Nordstrom’s. If those don’t tickle your fancy, check out this comprehensive list of dog friendly retailers .
Make a Game of It – Dedicate some time for play inside! You can do the basics like fetch and tug or play the “Find It” game. Hide high value treats throughout your home and give your dog the cue to “Find It” in a high and excited voice. Begin by showing them where a few of the treats are hidden. Soon, they will get the gist and have a blast seeking out the yummy treats. This is a great mental challenge on boring, dreary days.
Training Time – There is always opportunity for more training time with your dog but cold days are perfect for trick training! My favorite go to book for teaching dog tricks is The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever by Larry Kay and Chris Perondi . The book has one of the most comprehensive list of tricks and does an outstanding job outlining how to teach them. Not only is this entertaining for you and your dog, but for the future audiences who will be enjoying your pooches amazing performances!
Day Care Days – I am a big proponent of doggie play time at day cares as long as the place is responsible at managing the number of dogs and are monitoring them closely. Giving your dog a daycare day on a cold day will allow them to release excess energy and that will even last throughout the following day. My favorite doggie daycares in St. Louis are Wolfgang’s Pet Stop (for smaller and less active dogs) and Kamp K-9 (for larger more active dogs). If there are no daycares in your area, schedule a puppy play date with a friend or family members dog which is great socializing time for both you and them!
Puzzle Challenges – Dog puzzles are also a great way to keep them entertained and keeps their mind as sharp as a tack! There are options for every level from beginner to more advanced puzzle toys. The internet has a wide-array of options.

These ideas most definitely are a cure for the winter blues keeping your dog warm, healthy and happy! Enjoy!