Parenting Your Dog: Raising a Well-Adjusted Canine Child

When deciding to welcome a dog into ones household there are many common considerations: What kind of dog to adopt (breed, sex, age), where to find the dog (shelter, rescue, breeder, pet store, kijiji), what physical care the dog will require (health issues, vet care, food) and how to fulfill the dog's daily requirements (pee breaks, exercise, sleeping arrangements). Although all valid and reasonable considerations, this list is incomplete. Consider a parallel of raising a child. First the decision to either conceive and give birth, adopt, find a surrogate and all the other sub-options. Then enters a variety of important choices including health options for you and your child; food, lifestyle, financial position, home environment, and education. As your child grows and moves through each developmental stage their needs change and new choices and considerations are presented. As parents our end goal is to raise capable, happy, healthy and well adjusted young adults.

Regardless of our motivation to welcome to children our lives, we quickly learn that our needs will become second in importance to our child's needs. Now, with this parallel in mind consider raising a dog almost as complex as raising a child. As your dog grows and enters various developmental stages, your parenting must too evolve. Consider puppyhood (birth-17 weeks) similar to infancy and toddlerhood. We appeal to the dominate senses (sight, touch, scent & auditory) to teach them about the world around them and to create good associations. During this initial stage there is an innocence that is not only endearing, but entirely non-threatening. It is important to remember that during this period you are setting the stage for the next. We must set our puppy's up for success. Management becomes incredibly important. When you can't teach or monitor closely, use management. Much like you wouldn't leave a toddler to their own devices alone in the living-room; when you aren't watching your puppy, use a crate. There are many child-safe management products on the market that expecting parents purchase (cribs, play-pens, activity chairs and so on...). All of these products are designed to ensure the child's safety and create an enjoyable experience for the child. The crate needn't be a terrible place. In fact it should be wonderful place full of surprises and tasty treats. Treat toys and appropriate chew articles should always be available to your puppy when she/he is confined.

Next we must explore social interaction. This can be difficult because of the fear of socializing your puppy before the complete set of vaccinations have been delivered. Depending on your vet, you can begin to socialize your puppy as early as 9-11 weeks of age. As far as emotional and mental development is concerned, earlier is better. Your puppy should meet hundreds of people and dozens of other dogs within the first 17 weeks of life. It is your responsibility to make sure that these experience have excellent outcomes. If you encounter a difficult situation, you must reward your puppy's recovery. Don't get stuck in an unpleasant state of mind when your puppy reacts unfavorably. Instead, lead by example. Remember that the biggest challenge of puppyhood is effective communication. You must be very clear and decisive about what you want to teach your puppy and then make sure you give your puppy immediate feedback. You only have 1-2 seconds to communicate that what they have done is "good or bad".

Potty training can be a frustrating process no matter if you are teaching a puppy or a child. The process is all about timing. Again you must set your puppy up for success. Here is the golden potty training secret.......drum roll........eat, potty, play, potty, sleep, potty. Then do it all again. It's really that easy. Make sure you reward what you like and if you catch your puppy doing his/her business outside of the potty zone... interrupt, redirect to the correct area and then reward.

So, you've made it to 17 weeks. Welcome to the teens! This is the most trying time you will ever experience in your dog's life. Now is not the time to relax on structure, loosen rules and make special exceptions. This is a common mistake. Depending on breed and individuality, you are now looking at 12-16 months of parenting like never before. Hold on tight, stick to your guns, have patience, and be consistent. It will all pay off in the end. This is when the foundation work really shines. You dog is about to embark on teething, social snobbery, clumsiness, impulsivity and selective hearing. He/she will also become very sensitive and reactive as he/she works through the second fear imprint stage sometime during the teens around 6-9 months. Sounds terrible, but it will have its funny moments. Just as our parents wondered what they did to deserve such monstrous teenagers when we were going through that stage, so will you. And, just as they survived us, so will you. I tell you this with a smile and a complete ability to relate. There's really no point in sugar-coating it. You should be prepared and I can help! You now need to become an expert on your own dog. Engage in as much appropriate social interaction with your dog as possible. Playgroups, daycare and training classes will be essential support systems throughout this developmental stage. Make a list of household rules for your teenaged dog and put them on your fridge to remind you everyday. Continue to set your dog up for success. Do not give your dog responsibility that he/she can't handle. Create your personal support group of friends, family and professionals who will listen to your frustrations, celebrate your triumphs and help you stay on track!
Take each hurdle as it comes and continue to outline small incremental goals. As goals are achieved and your dog matures you will be able to relax on some of the rules and give your dog more freedom to make good choices. Soon you will find that you have effectively raised a happy, well-adjusted and socially appropriate dog. Congrats! Now keep up the good work. Create a new list of age and ability appropriate expectations and don't waiver. Continue to challenge your dogs mind and attend to his/her emotional needs. You can now be your dog's friend and mentor. Enjoy a fulfilling life together. When in doubt, consult your Behaviour Consultant for advice.

Jessica O'Neill,
Diploma of Canine Behaviour Science & Technology
Owner/Director
Pet Intel. Behaviour Centre
www.petintel.ca

Interesting Article on Dog Toys

Are Your Dog’s Toys Poisoning Him?
Written on 12/14/2012 by Brandy Arnold in Front Page News, Poison Information

According to a presentation by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry conference this week, many of the plastic and rubbery toys and fetching batons that our dogs chew on and play with every day, contain dangerous chemicals that may be harmful to their health.


Plastic and rubbery dog toys like this chew bone, may contain dangerous levels of poisonous chemicals.

You’ve no doubt read the warning labels or seen children’s toys and sippy cups advertising that they are now “BPA Free.” BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical added to plastic and vinyl to give it elasticity. Recent studies have shown that this chemical, which had previously been widely used in plastic and vinyl products ranging from cups and dinner plates, to toys and storage bins, acts as endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen or act as anti-androgens when leached into the human body.

These recent studies and warnings regarding chemicals used in plastic and their danger to humans caught the attention of The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, who decided to research the same chemicals and their potential danger in dog toys.

According to Discovery News, Phil Smith and Kimberly Wooten of Texas Tech University co-authored the study. Phil Smith, who raises, trains, and hunts with his Labrador Retrievers, was especially concerned with the fetching batons, or “bumpers,” that are commonly, and heavily, used during training, and plastic and rubber toys that many dogs play with every day, including chew-bones that are given to dogs as a supposed safe alternative to chewing real bones and foreign objects during teething.

To test for the chemicals, the researchers created simulated dog saliva, then simulated chewing by squeezing purchased bumpers and dog toys with stainless steel salad tongs. Some bumpers and toys were also weathered outside to determine if older toys gave off more chemicals.

“We found that the aging or weathering the toys increased concentrations of BPA and phthalates,” Smith explained. “The toys had lower concentrations of phthalates than the bumpers, so that’s good news. But they also had some other chemicals that mimicked estrogen. We need to find out what those are.”

Wooten explained that BPA and phthalates can have effects on developing fetuses and can have a lifelong effect on offspring of lab animals. Studies on humans have resulted in mixed conclusions, but concern was enough to warrant the U.S. government banning the use of BPA in baby bottles this year.

Many more studies have yet to be conducted, especially regarding the safety of these rubber and plastic toys and the chemicals that are leached into our dogs’ bodies. However, Smith and Wooten’s research indicated that levels of BPA and phthalates contained within dog toys are higher than those normally found in children’s toys.

Luckily, since the discovery of the negative effects of BPA on children, some dog toy manufacturers have already started a trend of manufacturing BPA Free dog toys. Some SAFE bets if you’re looking to buy dog toys free of these potentially harmful chemicals are Planet Dog, West Paw Design, Jolly Pets, Premier Pets, and Chewber.

For the safety of your pets, look for products that are “BPA Free” or made in the US from 100% natural rubber.

Crating Your Dog

Teaching your dog to be comfortable and confident alone or confined in a crate will help you and your dog have a happy and well-balanced life.
This is a skill that must be taught just as we must teach out children how to sleep in their own beds or relax alone with a movie while we take care of house chores.
Start slowly. Provide a short-term (crate) and long-term (bathroom, X-pen, or laundry room) confinement area. Make this space enjoyable by giving them exciting and appropriate chew articles and treat toys. Never let the dog out of the confinement area when they are having a "tantrum". They must be calm and quite... then simply open the door and allow them to come out or go to the potty zone. Never make a big exciting fuss when the dog comes out. Repeat this process several times for short periods while you are home. This will prepare your dog for the times when you are not home.
Barking crated or confined dogs can drive you crazy... Resist the temptations to give up. Giving in or giving up will only make the process longer for you both.
Happy Crating!

 

www.petintel.ca

OPENING IN PERTH JANUARY 2013

Pet Intel. Behaviour Centre is Owned and Operated by Jessica O’Neill, Companion Animal Behaviour Consultant. Our mission is to help establish or restore harmony and balance between people and pet by providing clients with the necessary knowledge and training to work effectively with their animal.

Below is a brief list of services offered, check out the Services & Fees page for more details:

Group Training Classes (coming soon)
Doggy Day Care (coming soon)

Companion Animal Behavioural Assessments

In-home or In-office Private Behaviour Consultations

Behaviour & Training Boarding Programs

Weekend Pet Care for Animals in

Training and/or Behaviour Programs

Customized Training Programs for

Service and Special Assistance Animals

Specialized Seminars and Workshops

This Months Toy Pick! Tuffies!!

THIS MONTHS TOY PICK.....

Hello Dog Lovers!
Any Owner who has endured the demolition of furniture, shoes, carpet or even baseboards has come to understanding of the importance of chewing in an unfortunate way. For the rest of you....don't wait! Dogs naturally relieve tension and stress through the mouth....not only during teething stages, but throughout their entire lives. Providing proper chewing articles for your dog will not only save your furniture and shoes but could also avoid a nasty Vet trip should your dog ingest something they shouldn't have.  After many questions from clients, family and friends regarding proper chew articles and toys, I have decided to provide a monthly toy recommendation. 

This month I would like to recommended Tuffies! 
These are amazing toys that actually last!
These are the only stuffed toys I actually purchase for my dogs and my training school. They come in varying sizes, levels of "tuff" and of course styles. They are cute, functional and affordable because you won't need to replace them weekly! I have had the same 4 Tuffies in my dog toy bin for 4 years! 
Make sure you purchase the correct size and "tuff" level for your dog. http://www.tuffietoys.com/sea-creatures

To Recap:
-Tuffies are strong and durable
-Allow your dog to sink in their teeth
-Come in a variety of styles and "Tuff" levels
-Are affordable
-Are adorable

Let me know what you think about Tuffies!

Adopting....A Canine Revolution

Dogs have had a place beside humans for at least fourteen thousand years. The evolution of the domestic dog is an incredibly fascinating journey to follow. Hundreds of different breeds were developed for hundreds of different uses or jobs. Throughout history, no dog was without a job or identifiable duties. Canine duties have ranged dramatically over the years but for every job there was a canine skill set to match. Selected breeding ensured that these qualities were retained and that dogs possess the task specific skill set to successfully carryout out its job. Humans chose their canines based on who was genetically best suited to fulfill certain duties (these became identifiable breeds). 

Working with the dog’s innate abilities and not against them allowed for a symbiotic relationship between man and dog. Where does that leave the today’s average dog owner? With over five hundred  breeds (and mixes of each) the majority of humans are no longer selecting canine mates for the specific purpose in which the breed was designed for. In most cases, preference is primarily identified by the dog’s physical characteristics, followed by it’s perceived temperament. Very little thought is given to the canine’s specific breed tendencies and needs. This often results in the mismatching of dogs in human homes. Behaviour and temperament issues quickly become too much for the owner to handle and the dog is often sent away. The unbelievable overpopulation of dogs and overcrowding in shelters and rescues has forced most shelters to make the difficult decision to euthanize a large number of the animals in their care. 

Reputable breeders work passionately to preserve the integrity and purity of specific breeds, and other (not so reputable) breeders cross any and all dogs that may produce a favourable pet. Of course, our human needs have also changed since the birth of the German Shepherd, Border Collie and Chow Chow. Most modern day dogs are brought into homes for the strict purpose of “pet”. 

The roles that humans and canines play in each others lives has changed. We no longer have to work as teams with our dogs to provide our families with safety, food, or income. Instead, dogs have become a personal choice and most are considered honorary members of the family. Unfortunately, without a “job”, most of todays dogs are overindulged and insufficiently challenged. Our relationship, although not lacking in love and good intention, lack in symbioses. We have become distanced from our once intuitive ability to interact and communicate with our canine counterparts.  As a result we are experiencing a Canine Revolution.

One way which this can been observed is through the application and adoption process at shelters and rescues. It was less than five to ten years ago when anyone interested in a dog could just walk in to almost any shelter and take a stroll through the rows of dog-filled kennels. The individual would then decide which one he/she wanted, provide some basic information, make payment, and leave with their new dog. As indicated above, many factors led to this change and others.  The dogs who live in shelters are often under-stimulated. Despite the best efforts of staff and volunteers the dogs can become highly stressed, anxious, frustrated and/or depressed. Allowing spectators to pass by their kennels all day long, only increases these reactions and elevates stress throughout the shelter. Knowing that the dogs in the kennels are under an extreme amount of emotional/mental stress, they are likely to misrepresent themselves to observers. 

For example: A quiet Beagle curled up on his bed giving puppy-dog eyes appears to be a low energy, mild-mannered dog. What his observers don’t know is that he is just not used to the loud bark of his neighbouring dog and he’s very scared. Once removed from the kennel area he’s a very busy boy with a tendency to jump-up and knock over anything in his way. This Beagle is not the right match for his inquirers, but a perfect match for the family who passed him by due to his apparent “quiet” nature. 

Had this dog gone to the home seeking a quiet dog, he would be forced to continually disappoint his owners and be classified as a “bad dog”. His new owners would also faced with only a few options: be continually disappointed and tolerate the dog’s current behaviour, attempt to resolve the behaviour through training and behaviour work (which they were not prepared for), return the dog to the shelter or rescue, or euthanize. In order to avoid situations like these from occurring a number of aspects has to be considered and changes need to be implemented. Shelter staff and Adopters must work together to do the following: 

• Both- Accept that not all dogs will have the right genetic make up to do the job (i.e.. be a pet in every family)
• Both- Define the adopters individual needs/wants clearly
• Shelter Staff- Identify possible canine candidates accurately (requires a educated assessment of every dog in the facility)
• Shelter Staff- Explain each dog’s specific needs (known behaviour/training, health and exercise requirements) and the resources that will be required to provide for them
• Adopter- Choose an appropriate match from the identified candidates (this is where the Adopter’s individual preference comes in to play)
• Adopter- Provide a mutually beneficial life for the dog and their family (this will address mental, emotional and physical aspects) 

It is only with the proper implementation of an adoption program such as this that most unsuitable situations will be avoided.

This is just one example of how the canine world is shifting and continues to evolve. As human needs and desires change, we are experiencing a canine revolution. The way canines have been effected by this change is not favourable. Dogs are having a difficult time understanding what their new roles are, and we have not yet taught them what is expected and how they fit in to our modern society. We must begin to set up our canine homes for success. With the implementation of new education and adoption programs such as above we are well on our way to securing a happy future for man’s best friend.

New Face at LAWS, EMC Article

Click Below to View Article

http://www.emcsmithsfalls.ca/20120119/news/new+face+at+laws+as+shelter+undergoes+changes

Shelter & Rescue Dogs

I have recently been exposed to a world of animals without owners. Every animal as perfectly flawed as my own and deserving of an owner to advocate and love them unconditionally. I become