I know this isn’t a political blog, but it seems now that “everything” is political. Even Pit Bulls. Being a lover and advocate for the breed, I am insulted on their behalf. I know the lipstick comment is just an expression. It’s an expression that needs to change along with the rest of what’s happening in our amazing world.
Pit Bulls are extremely misunderstood and are one of the number one breeds to be euthanized and mostly with no fault of their own. Perhaps “someone” now running for office, should consider this before she continues to relate so well to this beautiful breed. There is NO comparison.
Why a Pit Bull would make a better VP than Palin:
They don’t wear lipstick – they don’t need it to be attractive.
They don’t judge people without knowing them – and even after knowing them.
They demonstrate unconditional love even after severe abuse.
They believe in equality and don’t condemn anyone who believes differently than they do.
You can say nasty things about them, lock them up, and try to make them mean and they will still smile (and lick your face without leaving a lipstick smudge.)
They don’t have to wear heels to make themselves tall.
They don’t have to wear their hair in an up-do to look distinguished.
They “speak” in a pleasant voice inviting your attention rather than demanding it.
They hate the senseless killing of wolves and would never authorize any form of neglect or animal abuse.
When looking for the right dog for your family, here are some important considerations:
Size does not indicate temperament; i.e., don’t get a tiny dog because you think it will be a lap dog and love being cuddled or a large dog because it will be a good watch dog.
Because a dog is in a shelter does not mean that it won’t be an amazing family pet. A lot of them were family dogs and don’t automatically come with behavior problems.
When you are getting a dog from a breeder, ask to see the parents or at least one parent of the puppy. A reputable breeder has nothing to hide. It’s good to see the puppy’s environment.
Learn about breeds, and while it’s good to do your research, don’t trust it 100%. Meet the dog for yourself. Ask about this particular dog rather than believing “everything you read!”
Contact a trainer/behaviorist, rescue organization, etc., for guidance and take your time finding the right dog for your family.
An older dog can make a wonderful companion without all of the work of a puppy.
Don’t get a dog because it’s “free.”
Don’t get a dog because it’s “expensive.”
I’d be more than happy to assist with additional information and help in finding the best dog for you and your family.
I want to strongly encourage any one who gives their dog rawhide chew toys to reconsider. There are other options that are far more safe. I know, I know, “we’ve used it for years!” Maybe so.
I experienced this first hand when my dog quit eating and what we found was a rotting piece of rawhide in his belly. Dogs do not digest rawhide so if they break off a small piece and swallow it, hope it passes. Otherwise, it can rot in their stomach or intestines until surgery is required to remove it. Not to mention the pain and infection they will experience as a result of it.
As you read in Casper’s story, he had a piece of rotting bully stick in his abdomen. He is obviously well-loved. Perhaps you’d like to donate. If nothing else, be aware of the potential hazards of your choice of dog chews.
I like to mention when I find a good product. Here’s another favorite of mine! It has to do with a method for picking up dog poop. You might wonder why I’m referring to it as a method. Well, it is – or can be.
When you have more than one large dog, there may be more dog poop than one cares to talk about (or at least not in mixed company . . .that would be the kind of company that only has cats!)
Bending over using a plastic bag is not only a lot of plastic but you could injure yourself in the process! Not to mention the need to be up-close-and-personal with the undesirable. A rake and shovel can also be damaging to the back.
I found that the large Jumbo Jaws Scoop does the job with less effort from me! It has a handle with a lever that when squeezed opens up the spring-loaded “jaw,” and it picks up on any surface. I won’t go as far as saying that it makes it a “fun” task, but it definitely makes it easier.
To make certain that the mess cleanup remains outside, read my e-book on Housebreaking.
It is never too late for you or your dog to change an unwanted behavior. Some people give up (on themselves and their dog) or surrender to the undesirable behavior. Others wait until the behavior has escalated and considered intolerable before contacting a trainer or behaviorist.
I am here to tell you that it’s never too late! Waiting may not have been the best choice, but you’re here now and so is your dog’s wonderful(?) behavior. It’s never too late. Shifting the behavior slightly and looking for gradual improvement is a good place to start. Don’t expect what was accepted for years (or even months) to disappear.
I have gone to client’s homes to work with their new pup only to find that the senior dog loved the attention and focus of the training as well. As adults, we can still learn (and should be learning) new things all of the time. We shouldn’t expect less of our canine adults. I’ve never sensed that a dog was saying – “I’m too old for this stuff!” Even arthritic, hearing and sight impaired dogs respond to the added attention, energy, and focus of training.
You and your dog are never too old to change an unwanted behavior and to learn a few new tricks!
Here is an excerpt from a great article on the recent closing of Puppy Mills in West Virginia.
“More than 1,000 puppies have a new lease on life following their discovery Saturday in a large puppy mill breeding facility tucked away in the backwoods of West Virginia, just outside of city of Parkersburg.”
Training your dog to respond to you and your commands; i.e., “quiet” when barking, “come” when called, etc., is very important. There are times when you aren’t at home or unable to get to them quick enough if they are extremely distracted. For those times, I found a great product. It is made to use outside.
The product (my personal assistant) is made by Guardian. It is designed to look like a bird house. It is made of plastic and houses an electronic device that triggers a high-pitched tone when a dog barks. In other words – your dog runs outside, barks and the dog will hear a sound at a frequency heard only to them. It distracts them and since they don’t enjoy the sound, they refrain from barking.
Depending on the distraction, it may not work 100% of the time. It’s meant as a tool – as an addition to training. Perhaps you’ll find it useful too.
What is an appropriate amount of affection to give a dog? Here are a few guidelines:
When bringing a puppy into the home, give moderate affection while beginning to establish where they will stay (i.e., crate, kennel, confined area).
DO NOT carry them around thinking it is helping them to bond with you. They will bond more naturally when they are allowed to walk around like dogs do. =) You can create problems with separation if you give too much affection initially (or at any time really).
The first two weeks for a rescued dog are very important. I affectionately refer to them as “coma dogs” during that time when everything is perfect and we are amazed at how calm they are. Don’t mistake this as their full “potential.” Give affection for a reason as in with praise for good behavior. Let them adapt to their new environment slowly and remember that they are joining your family and not the other way around.
Don’t mistake not giving affection with having to speak firmly and ignoring them. Just give balanced affection and attention so that they realize the order of things and where they fit. Changing the rules on them after the newness wears off isn’t fair to either of you.
Those are a few of the basic guidelines to follow. There are definitely other variables, but that’s for another post! For now, enjoy how to hug a Great Dane.
First off, crating or kenneling your dog isn’t cruel. Leaving it in a crate unattended for too long of a time without socialization, exercise, training, and affection is. I recommend crate training in conjunction with housebreaking because it is necessary, beneficial, and safe to keep a puppy confined when you can’t keep your eye on them.
If introduced slowly and properly, your dog will associate their crate/kennel/pen as their safe place and will go there on command and/or on their own. Even when a dog is housebroken, it may not be trustworthy. This goes for not only puppies, but for some dogs who mature late in life, get bored easily, or aren’t exactly thrilled about being left behind.
The crate isn’t to be used as punishment or as a place of solitary confinement. Use the crate responsibly and be sure to socialize, train, and give affection to your pup on a regular basis.
The crate/kennel may also be used temporarily to introduce a new dog to the family. As the dog adapts, or when you feel that your dog is housebroken and responsible, the crate may find it’s home in storage until needed again. Some people always choose to crate their dog. That choice is up to you and what works best.
For more detailed guidance on crate training, you will receive a free copy of my e-book “Crate Training Facts” when you purchase my new e-book “The Truth About Housebreaking.”
I have been asked lately if I can help train a dog to use a litter box. It can be done; however, I don’t believe it’s the best or easiest option. I work a lot with clients on housebreaking. If they request that the dog only learn to eliminate in the house, I recommend using a separate area where they use either a pee pad or artificial turf.
A small litter box is difficult for a dog to use (even a small dog) because most dogs don’t just squat and “go” like a cat. They need to sniff and circle first. While that’s not always the case, if you are having difficulty getting your dog to “use” a litter box, you may need to try something larger or one of the other options (before your dog chooses another option).
If, however, you want to litter box train a cat. . .get a litter box, fill box with litter, show it to the kitten — you’re done! If only dogs were that easy. =)
