Prevention Tips for Both Types of Pests

Dogs who pull on their leashes can be a significant annoyance, not to mention a danger to both the dog and the people around them. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to stop your dog from pulling. In this post, we’ll go over some of the best techniques for breaking your dog of this bad habit. Ready to learn how to stop your dog from pulling?

Stopping your dog from pulling requires making sure you have good foundational behaviors in place, obedience training, and plenty of positive reinforcement.

While it is frustrating to have a dog that pulls at the leash, change is possible!

Basic Obedience

Dogs are amazing creatures and make great pets, but they require basic obedience training. If you don’t take the time to train your dog, they may end up being disruptive and challenging to live with. A well-trained dog is happy, so investing in basic training is worth your time. Training a pup to sit, stay, come, and heel might seem too simple. However, if they can master these commands, everything else will fall into place.

Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is a basic obedience command that all dog owners should know how to do. It’s one of the first instructions that most dogs learn and one of the easiest to teach. There are a few different ways to teach your dog how to sit, but whatever method you choose, persistence and patience are key. Keep at it; your pup will sit like a pro before you know it!

Stay

Teaching your dog to sit is a basic obedience command that all dog owners should know how to do. It’s one of the first instructions that most dogs learn and one of the easiest to teach. There are a few different ways to teach your dog how to sit, but whatever method you choose, persistence and patience are key. Keep at it; your pup will sit like a pro before you know it!

Come

Dogs are known for being loyal creatures that love to please their owners. One of the most basic commands a dog can learn is “come.” This command can be handy in and out of the home and for keeping your dog safe while giving them more freedom throughout their daily life.

Heel

With this command, you’ll get more out of every walk because your furry friend won’t lag or pull you forward. Heeling provides a safer dog-walking experience because it reduces the risk of chase and accidents. Dogs that know how to heel are less likely to run into the road and eat toxic materials.

Offer Rewards & Affection

When training your dog, it’s important to offer rewards and affection, particularly when they have walked calmly on the leash. Rewards will motivate them to obey your commands, while affection will help create a bond between you and your dog. Using both of these tools ensures that the training process is a positive experience for both of you.

Do It Immediately

Your dog is like any other human being; they live in the moment. So when responding with treats and affection, you should do so immediately because your pup will most likely not remember what caused this reaction later on down the road!

Eventually Wean Away from Using Treats

When you first start training your pup, use treats as an incentive. Eventually, weaning off these incentives is essential so that they no longer depend on food for their actions but rather prefer doing what we want just out of love and affection!

Consistency is Essential

Your dog is like any other human being; they live in the moment. So when responding with treats and affection, you should do so immediately because your pup will most likely not remember what caused this reaction later on down the road!

Patience is Needed

The process of training a dog can take patience. A dog is often said to be a “man’s best friend,” which is especially true regarding training. Putting in the time and effort required to train a dog properly can result in years of companionship and enjoyment. Though there may be times when it feels like you’re not getting anywhere, continued patience will eventually pay off.

Keep on Correcting

Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog, but it’s critical not to make the mistake of thinking you can’t say no. You should correct the behavior if they misbehave and go against what we want them to do.

When you discipline your dog, the goal is to correct their actions while teaching them what it means for things that do not work out well. You want them to understand that certain behaviors have consequences, including being corrected with a positive tone or redirection.

Tools to Assist

Chances are you’ve had to deal with your dog pulling on the leash, and it can be frustrating and challenging to walk your dog when they’re continuously tugging at the leash. Luckily, there are some tools you can use to help train your dog against pulling.

Gentle Leader

The gentle leader moves your dog’s head and body back towards you when he pulls. The nose loop is a great way to stop your dog from barking and pulling while still allowing him the ability to breathe. Using a gentle leader, you can refocus his attention on what’s important and away from distractions.

Halti Collar

The Halti is a popular head collar because it tends to fit more loosely than other styles. This means that your dog might tolerate the device better, and though they all need time to get used to any trainer, some may respond positively if there’s less restriction on their movement.

Get Professional Help

Owning a pet dog can be a wonderful experience. However, owning a pet dog and training that pet dog yourself can sometimes be two very different things. That’s where professional dog trainers come in; they can help you prepare your pet dog to behave in the way you want them to, and sometimes in ways that you may not have even thought possible. Here are some reasons why professional dog training can benefit you and your pet pooch.

• You Will Learn How to Better Communicate with Your Pup
• Your Dog's Mind Will Stay Active
• You Will Learn More About Your Dog
• Better Behavior
• You and Your Dog Will Have More Fun Together

Many techniques and tools are available to help you train your dog not to pull. We’ve highlighted a few of the most important ones, but finding what works best for you and your pup is essential. Remember to offer lots of affection and rewards as favorable reinforcement. If you need more help than what is provided here, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer. With patience and perseverance, you will have a well-behaved pup who walks nicely by your side in no time! What technique have you found helpful when training your dog not to pull?

The post How to Stop Dog From Pulling appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Brushing Tips

Dogs need to be brushed regularly to keep their coats healthy and free of mats and tangles. While this may seem like a hassle, you can easily do it with the right tools and techniques. Below we will share the best ways to brush your dog’s fur. So if you’re looking for information on keeping your dog’s coat healthy and looking its best, read on!

Check for Ticks as You Brush

You may notice the bugs themselves or tiny black dots.

Determine How Often You Need to Brush

Most short coats require weekly brushing, but longer coats may require daily attention.

For Smooth, Short Coats

Use a rubber brush, then a bristle brush, and then polish with a chamois cloth.

For Short, Dense Coats

Use a slicker brush to remove tangles, followed by a bristle brush.

For Long Coats

Use a slicker brush to remove tangles, and be very gentle when removing mats. Then follow it with a bristle brush.

Don’t Forget the Tail and Feet

Particularly for dogs with longer coats.

Bathing Tips

Are you one of those people who think dog bathing is a waste of time? If so, you’re not alone. Many pet owners believe dogs don’t need to be bathed as often as they should and most certainly don’t need all the fancy shampoos and conditioners available. But is this true? Take a look at some dog bathing tips that might make you change your mind.

Determine How Often Your Dog Needs a Bath

Depending on the weather and your dog’s recent activities, you may want to bathe your dog every one to three weeks.

Use a Dog Shampoo

Dog skin is different from humans, so you want to ensure the shampoo is mild enough to avoid irritation.

Start by Brushing

It will make the bathing process easier and more effective.

Use a Bath Mat

If your pup is in the tub, this helps prevent slipping.

Add Lukewarm Water

Be careful not to burn your dog or make it too cold, and only use about 3 to 4 inches in the tub.

Don’t Spray Directly in the Nose, Eyes, or Ears

A plastic cup or a spray hose can help you direct the water where you want it to go.

Rinse Well

One of the most common grooming mistakes is not properly removing all of the shampoo, leaving it on the skin to irritate your dog.

Check the Ears

Look in your pup’s ears. Do you notice any foul odors or a lot of debris? Consult your vet

Use a Low Heat Setting on the Blow Dryer

A dryer can effectively keep your dog from making everything in your house wet as he dries, but be careful not to burn your pup. You can also help keep it safe by not pointing it directly at your puppy but a little to the side.

Try a Bath Toy

If your dog is overexcited and mouthy during bath time, it may redirect some attention to something else.

Nail Trimming Tips

How often do you find yourself in a wrestling match with your dog over their nails? Or are they so tough that it is easier just to outsource the job of trimming them? If this sounds like something that would be painful for both parties involved, don’t worry! With our “dog-friendly” approach, we can make sure your furry friend comes away feeling pampered. If you want to make sure your dog’s nails don’t grow too long, it’s best not to trim them down into a stubby little nub. A more realistic goal (and one that can help prevent cutting) would be getting their nail length to just above where the floor meets the rug so they cannot scratch at anything.

Cut Carefully

What’s scarier than cutting a dog’s nails? Cutting blood vessels inside of them! It’s not pleasant for either party, but luckily, you can use some tricks to stop the bleeding if done accidentally. One idea would be using styptic powder and pressure or baking flour in an emergency. Just make sure not to apply too much force since this could cause more pain than what was initially inflicted on your pup by mistake during trimming time.

Start Early in Age

We recommend that you begin body-handling exercises when your pup is still a puppy. Gently familiarizing him with all of the equipment and how it’ll be working can help teach squeamishness and let them know this isn’t painful or scary!

Trim at Home

Cutting your dog’s nails at home is a great way to keep them comfortable while taking care of this essential grooming task. Busy pet professionals may need to use a groomer or a vet. However, this may not be the most relaxing way. Nail trimming at home ensures that your dog is relaxed and at ease throughout each step of the process.

Understand Their Reactions

When you take the time to understand how your dog feels, it will help shift what kind of reaction they have during nail care. Your pet may not be trying on purpose when they react in fear at the paws being stuck with clippers!

Choose Tools Wisely

Try something new if you find that your dog has had an unpleasant experience with a particular trimming tool. It’s easier to build up positive associations instead of trying to restore the negative ones!

Dog Teeth Brushing Tips

The dog’s teeth are also in need of attention. Dogs can develop tooth decay and gum disease like humans if their pearly whites aren’t regularly brushed. All you’ll need is some brushing tools designed for this purpose: either an electric or manual brush, depending on what type suits you best (or even both!), plus fluoride treatment capsules which help deter future abscesses by killing off bacteria quickly before they start growing again. Below are some more essential tips to follow for healthy gums and teeth.

Purchase Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You can buy toothbrushes for your dog at a pet store or online. They have longer handles that are easy to grip, making them perfect if you want quick access between the back teeth! Be sure to use toothpaste specially formulated for dogs. Some ingredients in human toothpaste can be toxic.

Choose Location and Time

You want to do the teeth brushing in an area of your home that is free from distractions such as pets and children, has good lighting, and promotes a calm atmosphere for your pup.

Test with Fingers

Specific training methods teach dogs to be calm during this touching procedure. First, lift the top lip with one hand while touching the lower incisors; then push down gently. Using your fingers first allows your pup to become familiar with the process of someone checking and cleaning their teeth.

Introduce the Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Before you start brushing, introduce the toothbrush without anything on it. Slowly put it in the mouth and work your way around the entire mouth, front, back, top, bottom, and sides. Give a reward if they have tolerated this action well. Next, show your pup the toothpaste tube, put a little on your finger, and allow them to lick it off.

Begin Brushing

Add the toothpaste and start brushing. Start front to back, top to bottom. The bottom inside will be a bit more complex and can be added in future brushings as your pup becomes more comfortable with the brushing.

Reward and Praise

Make sure you give verbal praise throughout the process. Teeth brushing is unnatural for dogs, so you want to build their confidence and familiarity with this part of grooming. Throughout each step, you can give a treat. As time goes on and they become accustomed to their teeth being brushed, you can slowly remove the food rewards.

Certain breeds require special attention between the folds and ears, so droopy ears should be monitored. Talk to your veterinarian to get grooming tips specific to your pup.

What’s your dog’s grooming routine like? Tell us in the comments.

The post Dog Grooming Tips appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Just like in human beings, this form of condition is marked by a lack of insulin, the hormone that keeps blood sugar in check.

When an animal or human has diabetes, its muscles have trouble converting glucose into energy. An excess of glucose builds up in the blood, causing a state of hyperglycemia. If left untreated, this will develop into severe health problems.

Types of Diabetes

Type I

The cells responsible for producing enough insulin have been destroyed in this type, so these dogs require lifetime supplementation with insulin injection.

Type II

This type of diabetes is typically related to obesity. In this form of the disease, there may be a decreased production or increased response by cells regarding insulin, which leads to not receiving enough glucose and higher than normal levels in the blood.

Type III

Type III diabetes is a rare form of canine hormonal diabetes that can be fatal. It often occurs during pregnancy, and reactivation may occur again with another pregnancy, so vets recommend spaying your dog as soon as they can safely.

Dog Diabetes Symptoms

Diabetes can manifest in many symptoms you may have already noticed in your dog.

Constantly Hungry or Thirsty

Often, diabetic dogs will show an excessive need for food and water and increased urination.

Surprising Accidents

Partially because of the increase in urination, diabetic dogs who have previously been house-trained may start going to the bathroom again.

Weight Loss

If your dog is eating normally — or even chowing down more than usual — but still losing weight, this can be a sign of diabetes.

Vomiting

In later stages of diabetes, dogs may vomit or even stop eating altogether.

Lethargy and Depression

Another late-stage symptom, your dog may be diabetic if you notice that they seem unusually lethargic or depressed.

If you have witnessed these symptoms in your dog or have other reasons to believe your dog has developed diabetes, you should immediately schedule an appointment with your vet. Through medical tests, your vet will be able to determine whether diabetes is present.

How Dogs Are Diagnosed

If your dog shows signs of being overweight, thirsty, and urinating more than usual, it could be due to diabetes. To diagnose this condition, the vet will need to run some tests to determine if there are high glucose levels in both the urine and the blood. The following tests may be requested to get an official diagnosis.

• Urinalysis: This test will indicate higher glucose levels in the urine and can also show if your pup has a UTI, a common occurrence in diabetic dogs.

It’s important to note that urinary tract infections can make it difficult to regulate diabetes without treatment. Urinalysis provides information on ketones present in the body and rules out diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Blood Work: used to detect high glucose, elevated cholesterol, and kidney values.
• Fructosamine: These tests are a valuable tool for dog owners because they can provide long-term monitoring of blood glucose levels. Increasing stress will temporarily increase the amount of blood sugar. Still, with this tool, you’ll see how well your pet’s insulin was regulating over time through this particular test which helps give a more accurate analysis of what might need changes to keep everything running smoothly.

Causes of Diabetes in Dogs and How to Treat It

Diabetes is still a subject of investigation in veterinary science, and doctors are unsure what causes the disease, although female dogs and obese dogs are at a higher risk. Diabetes is also common in older dogs, beginning to develop at any time from 6 to 9 years of age.

Genetics, specific hormone therapies, and pancreatitis are also suspected causes of the condition. Juvenile diabetes is prevalent among golden retrievers and Keeshonds.

Treatment for diabetic dogs will vary widely depending on the size of your dog, other health conditions, and the severity of each case. Combining insulin with a modified diet and exercise is enough to manage your dog’s blood sugar.

Insulin

Most cases of diabetes in dogs will require regular doses of insulin, and severe cases may require short hospital stays while glucose levels stabilize. Once your dog’s specific insulin dose is determined, your vet will show you how to administer it at home. Current insulin delivery systems include pens, syringes, pumps, jet injectors, and inhalers. Be aware that if you have pet insurance, it may only cover one specific option.

Diet and Exercise

It’s essential to keep your dog’s blood sugar healthy. One of the best ways to do this is to keep your dog trimmed with daily exercise and a well-balanced diet.

Your vet will probably lay down strict dietary restrictions for your dog, and they will regulate calorie intake based on your dog’s activity level and size.

Though researchers are still working on the ideal diet for diabetes, high-fiber foods are usually recommended. Fiber slows down the sugar intake levels in the blood and helps your dog feel fuller after meals.

Because of this, your vet may recommend a high-fiber brand of dog food. Prescription dog foods or homemade recipes are also a possibility. Whatever your vet recommends, make sure you follow their plan closely.

Though caring for a diabetic dog isn’t always easy, your dog can live a long and happy life despite the condition. You may even find that the extra care and attention you give your dog brings you closer together.

Breeds Prone to Diabetes

Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Diabetes

Can a Puppy be Born with Diabetes?

Typically, dogs are diagnosed with diabetes in middle-mature. However, there are some cases of this disease in younger pups.

Will My Dog Go Blind from Diabetes?

When blood sugar becomes trapped in the lens of a dog’s eye, it causes cataracts. Without treatment for this condition and proper care, they can go blind!

What Type of Diabetes is the Most Common in Dogs?

Studies have shown that Type I diabetes is the most prevalent.

Is Diabetes in Dogs Curable?

Unfortunately, this disease does not have a cure, and your furry friend will most likely need insulin treatment for the remainder of its life.

Can I Give My Diabetic Dog Treats?

There are specially formulated dog treats you can give your pup with safe and healthy ingredients they will love.

How did you find out that your dog has diabetes?

The post Protecting Your Dog From Diabetes appeared first on Cesar's Way.

There’s an old cliché about dogs — they’ll eat everything you put in front of them, whether they’re hungry or not. There may be a grain of truth to it, but not all dogs are voracious eating machines. Some are perfectly content to snack from their bowl when they feel the urge and others will stop when they feel full, not going back for seconds at all.

But there are certainly plenty of dogs to give some truth to the cliché. No matter how well fed they are, they will never turn down more, and it’s quite easy to imagine them wolfing down food until they explode. It seems like the dog is hungry all the time.

Why Does My Dog Act Hungry All the Time?

So you may ask yourself, “Why does my dog act hungry all the time?” The short answer is… we’re not absolutely sure. Some experts believe that dogs came to look to us as a food source after early wolves basically domesticated themselves — the wolves that were curious but non-aggressive and came close enough to human camps to scavenge leftover scraps wound up being rewarded with more food.

This, combined with their natural instincts after a hunt — “eat it when the alpha wolves let you and before any other wolves can” — naturally led to them gobbling up anything offered by a human. Of course, to a hungry dog “offer” can also mean leaving it on a counter, dropping it on the floor, or putting it in the trash.

Wolves (or dogs) hunting in a pack also learn the concept of scarcity and food being a limited resource. They may not eat every day, or even every other day, so they fall into a “get it while you can” mentality. This carries over even when the dog is getting two or three regular meals every single day.

Of course, our domestic dogs have not been wild wolves for a long time, so it can be hard to reconcile such an ancient trait with modern behavior. Our dogs probably never grew up going on a hunt and being allowed to share food in pack order. Another possibility is that our dogs really aren’t that hungry. They’re just very good at manipulating us into giving them handouts.

How to Handle a Hungry Dog

If you do have a dog that would gobble down anything — and especially if that dog is overweight — then you have to take control as the Pack Leader. Consult your vet on your dog’s actual dietary needs per day, create a regular feeding ritual and schedule for your dog, and stick to it. Don’t let anyone in the house give him human scraps or handouts, and only give treats when your dog has earned them by doing a job and then showing calm, submissive energy.

You can also slow the gobbling with special bowls that have pillars in them that the dog has to eat around or, if you want a cheaper low-tech solution, you can put a tennis ball in the dish, which she’ll have to nose around.

When you start with this schedule, leave the food down until the first time your dog walks away from the bowl, whether he’s eaten everything or not, then take the bowl away. This will help reinforce the idea that this is meal time and he won’t be finding more food until the next meal time.

A Sudden Change in Appetite

Maybe your dog isn’t a voracious eater and knows when to stop. A dog’s habits can change. When they do, it’s usually a sign of something. If your dog goes from finicky to gluttonous, you need to determine the cause so you can take care of the problem as quickly as possible.

There are two reasons a habit as basic and instinctive as appetite might change suddenly: psychology or physiology. Psychological reasons include changes in the environment. Have you moved recently, or has there been a change in the household pack? For example, have grown kids moved out, significant others moved in, or are there any new dogs?

Things like this can lead to insecurity and anxiety, which can trigger a dog’s feast or famine mentality. Part of the pack went away, or a strange new person is here and might be a threat to these resources. In the case of a new dog, that may actually be the case, and you’ll need to monitor things to make sure that the new dog isn’t trying to intimidate the old dog away from the bowl, then stealing the food when you aren’t looking — or vice versa.

If a formerly docile dog starts to show food aggression, then the cause is definitely psychological, so you’ll need to deal with that problem in addition to working on the dog’s anxiety over household changes.

If you have a new human member of the household, let him or her take over the dog’s feeding duties for a while. If someone has left the household, place something with their scent on it near the dog’s bowl. If you have a new dog in the house, make them both earn their food by sitting and showing calm, submissive energy, feed them with separate bowls placed at a distance, then monitor them and don’t let either of them approach the other’s bowl, even if it’s to sniff around for scraps once they’ve finished eating.

If It’s Not All in Your Dog’s Head…

If there have been no obvious changes in the household recently, then the most likely cause of your dog’s increased hunger is a physical problem — and this is also the case if there have been changes but the methods above show no results after a week or two.

A sudden increase of appetite in a dog can be a symptom of a number of conditions:

• Aging
• Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines
• Cushing’s disease
• Diabetes
• Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
• Hyperthyroidism
• Reaction to medication

In many of the above cases, the underlying mechanism leading to increased hunger is the same: your dog’s body is unable to absorb the nutrients in the food or digest it properly, so their appetite goes into overdrive. They are actually starving no matter how much food they eat, so they compensate by eating everything.

The Pack Leader’s job

As a Pack Leader, your job is to provide protection and direction. If your dog suddenly starts overeating, then you need to determine the cause, then take the behavioral or medical steps necessary to solve the problem. If your dog is just naturally inclined to overeat, then you need to take charge and control what she eats, how much, and when.

We naturally love our dogs and it can be hard to resist those big eyes and cute faces, especially when they act like they’re starving. But if there’s no medical cause, we’re doing our dogs more of a favor by not indulging their appetites. An overweight dog is not a happy dog no matter how excited he may get about food. He may have no idea when he’s had enough, but we do — and, unlike dogs, we know how to work a can opener.

The post Why Dogs Eat… And Eat… And Eat… appeared first on Cesar's Way.

When a natural disaster strikes, your emergency plan can help keep your family safe — but does your plan include your dog? It’s just as important to consider her special needs in advance as it is those of the rest of your family.

You may not be able to predict the specific circumstances of the disaster or know how long you may have to evacuate, but by creating a general dog emergency plan, you will have precautions in place that help you react in a way that best protects your pup.

ID Your Dog

This is probably the most important tip on the list. Why? Because there are a number of reasons why you might be separated from your dog during a disaster. Proper identification can make a big difference in reuniting you. Your dog should always have on a tag with your current contact information as well as a microchip.

Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

The ASPCA provides them for free if you fill out their form. By placing them in a spot that’s visible to rescue workers, you’re letting them know to look out for your animals in case you’re not at home (or able to return to your home) when disaster strikes.

Bring Your Dog Inside

Remember, animals often pick up on the signs of an impending disaster naturally — without the help of their local weather station. So, for instance, your dog may already sense that a hurricane is on the way long before you see any signs. And if he does, he may panic and run away or display other uncharacteristic or dangerous behaviors. You can help keep him safe by keeping him indoors.

Keep Them Separated

If possible, separate your dogs from any other animals in the home, such as cats or small pets, even if they normally get along. The impending natural disaster may significantly change your dog’s behavior and could endanger other animals in the home. Crates and carriers work well for this purpose, particularly if you all have to be in a small area together for safety reasons.

Take Your Dog With You

Don’t leave your pup behind if an evacuation is needed. If it’s not safe for you, and it’s not safe for your dog. Unfortunately, Red Cross disaster shelters don’t accept animals (unless it’s a service animal), so if that’s where you plan to go, you’ll have to make alternate plans for your dog. Talk to your veterinarian, animal control, or local animal shelters for other options, and also look to pet-friendly hotels or friends and family.

Create a Pet Emergency Kit

It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be easy to grab and take with you. Some items you should include are:

• At least 5 days’ worth of (unexpired) dog food
• A can opener (if needed to open the food)
• Feeding dishes
• Two weeks supply of your dog’s medication (if any)
• 7 days’ worth of bottled water
• Extra collar and leash
• Poop bags or garbage bags
• Blanket
• Toys
• A recent photo of your pet (in case you are separated)
• A copy of your dog’s medical records (to show your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations)
• Dog carrier or crate
• Pet first aid kit

Talk to Neighbors

As part of your preparedness plan for your dog, designate someone who is willing and able to help your dog if you are unable to because you’re out of the house when disaster strikes. This caretaker should be nearby, have a key to your home, and, ideally, be someone familiar to your dog. It’s also good to find someone who is home during the day if you are usually away at work.

Learn About Potential Catastrophes for Your Area

Different types of natural disasters require different precautions. For example, in a flood, you want to be at the highest location in your home, but for a tornado, a windowless room on the ground floor is safest. Find out what’s best for disasters that are most likely to strike your area, and ensure all family members — even your canine ones — follow those guidelines.

Have you been through a disaster with your dogs? How did you survive and what did you learn? Tell us in the comments.

The post Before Disaster Strikes: Have A Plan For Your Dogs appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Here Are Some Things to Consider When Choosing a Veterinarian

Ask for Personal Recommendations

One of the best ways to find the right veterinarian is to ask your friends and family members for recommendations. Other families with pets in your area may know some good veterinarians to check out, so that should be the first place you look for advice.

Find a Veterinarian with an Expertise in Treating Dogs

Veterinarians are not all created equal. There are different types of veterinarians that specialize in working with different types of animals, and some of them may have more experience treating cats, rabbits, or other types of non-canine animals. You will definitely want to work with a veterinarian who has an expertise in treating dogs specifically, so ask about how much experience they have with dogs before you get started.

Look for Licensed Personnel

Although most people would assume this would be a given, that is not always the case. Make sure that veterinarian really is licensed in your state and also see if some of the other workers are licensed, because there are also registered veterinary technicians. You can ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.

Inquire About Their Approach to Pets and Medicine

A veterinarian is not just there to administer medication, but to provide care for the entire being. Vets tend to have different approaches when it comes to pets and medication. Have a brief discussion with your potential vet and see what they think about wellness and prevention issues when it comes to dogs. If they are not on the same page with you, then you should keep looking.

Consider the Cost and Location

If an emergency situation occurs, then you will need to be able to get to the vet’s office quickly. Try to find a veterinarian that is less than an hour away from you at the most. Costs can also vary depending on the vet, so see if their prices fit into your budget before you commit to them.

Both You and Your Pet Should Be Comfortable

Being comfortable around your veterinarian is important because you should be able to tell them everything about your dog. The same thing applies to your dog because they should also feel at ease around the vet. Some initial discomfort around a vet can be normal for some dogs, but signs of anger, fear, or distress toward a vet is certainly a red flag that you should move on.

Look for a Clean Facility

Have a look around the facility and notice the level of cleanliness. If the place seems a little dingy or dirty, then that is also a sign to move on. Since it is a medical facility, it should be just as clean as a hospital for humans.

Personal referrals are a great way to start the search, but you should still spend some time to get know the vet and staff first. Ask about their background and experience, and then see if they hold views similar to yours on medical treatments for pets. Make sure that both you and your pet are comfortable with the vet and facility. The veterinarian will play a significant role in your pet’s life, so keep looking until you find the right one.

The post How To Choose The Right Veterinarian For Your Pet appeared first on Cesar's Way.

We’ve probably all had the experience of asking whether we could pet someone’s dog only to have the dog completely ignore us or try to run away, and it’s not uncommon for adult rescue dogs to be a little aloof at first.

It’s easy to take this personally and think that the dog doesn’t like us, but that’s because we’re looking at it from a human perspective. When two human strangers meet, our rules say that we introduce ourselves and shake hands. Dogs don’t have that rule with other dogs or with humans. Dog socialization is different from human socialization.

Think of the way that a lot people approach a dog for the first time. They talk to the dog, possibly in a high-pitched voice, approach straight on, and reach out toward the dog’s head. Is it any wonder that the dog doesn’t want to have anything to do with the human?

Here are the things you should do to earn a dog’s trust, whether it’s casually meeting a neighbor’s dog on the street or bringing a new dog into your pack.

1. Stay calm
   It can be tempting to greet a dog with excited energy, but avoid the temptation. If you approach a dog in an excited state, it can make the dog excited and lead to an unwanted greeting, like it jumping up on you. It can also trigger a dog’s fight or flight instinct if a stranger with high energy approaches. Stay calm and speak softly.
2. Respect their space
   Practice “no touch, no talk, no eye contact.” If you’re asking a stranger whether you can greet their dog, talk to the human and ignore the animal. Also avoid standing too close to the dog. Try to leave at least four feet between you before getting permission to approach.
3. Get on their level
   When you do approach the dog, do so from the side and never from the front. Kneel down next to the dog, facing the same direction. You’re now in the dog’s personal space, but in a non-confrontational way. Hold your hand down in a fist, still not making eye contact.
4. Let them come to you
   This is when the dog will let you know if she’s interested. If she sniffs your hand and stays calmly in place, then you can pet her — but pet the front of her chest. Never try to touch an unfamiliar dog from above. If she licks your hand, then she’s accepted you. However, if she turns her head away or doesn’t pay any attention, she’s just not interested. Again, don’t take it personally. Accept it and move on.
5. Go for a walk
   When first meeting a dog that you are going to adopt, the above procedures also apply, and you may need to respect their space and let them come to you for a while after they’ve moved into your home. Remember: in the dog world, the followers approach the leaders and not the other way around.But once you have that new dog in your pack, the best way to earn her trust is to take her on walks. This is where you get to be the Pack Leader in action, and she gets to learn that you are giving her protection and direction. Maintain a calm-assertive state, and your confidence will quickly teach her that she is safe when she’s with you.

How did obedience training change your dog’s behavior?

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Potty training a puppy is not as daunting a task as it might seem. It just requires consistency and commitment on your part. In the video below, Andre Millan gets a few more pointers on potty training from Dog Psychology Center trainer Todd Langston. Get more tips below the video.

One of the biggest areas of difficulty for people who adopt puppies is potty training. In fact, if the humans don’t complete the process properly, it falls into the category of training issues that is one of the most common reasons why dogs are surrendered to shelters.

So it’s important to your relationship with your dog to housetrain her correctly from the beginning. In theory, it shouldn’t be so difficult. In the wild, puppies naturally learn how not to do their business where they sleep or eat.

Keep It Clean

They learn this because their mother keeps the den cleaned up, immediately getting rid of any messes her puppies make. Without that scent around, the puppies don’t associate the area with relieving themselves.

How do we recreate this idea for our puppies, then? Obviously, it’s important to thoroughly clean and deodorize any places where the puppy has had an accident immediately, but we also need them to learn to associate outside with bathroom breaks and learn that inside is not the place to do their business.

Keep a Schedule

The best way for humans to recreate what the mother dog does is to create a schedule for our puppies, with regular, set times for training, feeding, bathroom breaks, and sleep. Keep in mind, too, that the most common times for a puppy to have to go are right after sleeping, eating, and playing.

If you can’t walk the puppy outside right away — perhaps she hasn’t had all of her vaccinations yet — then you need to create an acceptable space for her to go by using puppy pads. You also need to crate train her so that she doesn’t have the run of the house.

Not on The Carpet

Remember, if your puppy is running loose, the first bit of carpet she finds that’s far from where she sleeps and eats is going to become a target. Why do puppies tend to piddle on the carpet instead of easily cleaned tile? Because carpet is soft under their paws and makes them think they’re standing on grass.

As for the puppy pads, they are only a temporary solution until you can take your dog outside. During the time you’re using them for training, slowly move the pad closer and closer to the door your dog will exit through when it’s time to go out. This will build an association in his mind between that door and going to the bathroom. Eventually, going out that door itself will trigger the behavior in your dog’s mind: “Okay, go.”

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Think of them as the before, during, and after phases of the dog-friendly policy implementation process. Our dogs are important to us and we’re important to our workplaces, so it’s best to avoid any problems before they happen. After all, well-prepared is well-protected.

Steps to Getting Your Work Environment Ready

Preparation

For the sake of space, we’ll brush aside the enormous differences between trying to adopt a dog-friendly policy at a small business and at a huge corporation, and just focus on the steps that are generally necessary no matter how the policy is implemented.

First, of course, is to make sure that everyone wants the change to happen, so a survey of everyone affected is in order. Find out whether anyone objects based on allergies, or mental or moral grounds, or just generally. This is probably also a good time to survey people on how many dogs they have, how big they are, and whether they would bring them to work or not.

This will give you a picture of the company, and will be very helpful later on when you start to actually draw up the policy.

This is also when you should take a look at the physical space and determine whether there are any hazards to dogs that should be addressed. Do you have a loading dock with direct access to office space? Are there side doors that open directly into a street or alleyway? You don’t need to do anything about them just yet — but you will if and when the policy is approved.

Planning

Of course, before any policy can be approved there needs to be a policy, and this is probably the hardest part of the process. In order to succeed, you’ll need to set up a committee to handle the various necessary considerations, which include:

Insurance

The first thing to look into before creating a dog policy is liability. Will the company need extra insurance to cover things like injury to an employee’s dog, or injuries caused by dogs to other employees or visitors? Or will waiving coverage of liability be one of the requirements before people can bring a dog? This is probably the single most complicated consideration, but shouldn’t be overlooked. If the committee does decide to forego the expense, then the policy will need to include a specific waiver from each dog owner which basically says, “If my dog hurts anyone or my dog gets hurt, it’s entirely my responsibility.” 

Pet-proofing

This is where all that information on the physical space comes in handy, because the committee is going to have to figure out how to eliminate any hazards, if possible. Are you going to need doggie gates? Will you have to repair or replace anything in the office? Is it going to be necessary to hide away wires and cables? This is also where you determine the start-up costs of the policy. But don’t forget… 

Ongoing expenses

What kind of floors does your office have? If you’ve got nothing but hard surfaces, like tile or concrete, then you’re in luck. But if you have carpet and you have dogs, there’s going to be extra cleaning necessary — not just from the occasional and inevitable accident, but from shed fur and dog paws. In a lot of dog-friendly offices, it isn’t unusual to charge a “dog fee” on a monthly or quarterly basis, and use this to cover the cost of extra cleaning. If your committee does decide to impose a fee, this is also a place to recover some of the costs incurred in the pet-proofing process.

Rules

This is the most important part, of course — establishing the hows and whats of the policy. Are dogs going to be allowed every day, or just on certain days? What areas of the workspace are open to dogs, and where are they prohibited? Can people bring all of their dogs at once, or will it be “one person, one dog at a time?” This is another situation in which that preliminary survey data will really come in handy. One rule to always include, though, is requiring proof of vaccination before a dog can come to work, for the protection of all of the dogs in the pack. The other important rule: everyone is responsible for the behavior of their own dog, which includes keeping their dog with them and cleaning up any messes that happen.

Discipline and appeals

Finally, your committee will need to create a way to deal with people breaking the rules before those rules are put in place. While it may seem harsh, dog privileges should be revocable on an individual basis — for example, if someone’s dog is always aggressive, or absolutely not potty-trained, or disruptive to the work environment. How to handle bans, whether they’re permanent or temporary, and the process for appealing them should be set out very clearly and plainly, and should be enforced equally no matter whose dog or which person does the offending.

Preliminaries

Congratulations! You have your policy, you got it approved, and all of the necessary dog-proofing has been taken care of. It’s time to bring on the dogs, but it’s best to do it on a trial-run basis. The details depend on your specific situation, of course, but it can be anything from having one test day per week for a month or two to designating certain dogs on certain days to trying a full run for a week or two. This is the time to find flaws in the policy and to identify problem dogs or owners. The important part is that everyone is clear that a major failure now means that there will not be any dog-friendly policy.

Proceed

Did you make it through all of the steps above without any issues? Congratulations — you now have a pet policy and a dog-friendly office, so now it’s time to enjoy all of the benefits of having our best friends come to work with us.

Has your workplace implemented a dog-friendly policy? Let us know how you did it, and whether you ran into any problems in the comments below!

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So things are very busy but very thrilling right now. Did I mention that my new book, “Lessons from the Pack,” is also out now? I’m proud and excited about this book, which marks a turning point and a new direction — but I explain that best in the intro, which I’d like to share a bit of with you now.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve written six books on the subject of canine behavior, nearly all of them New York Times best-sellers. All contain stories of the many dogs I’ve rehabilitated over the years and the techniques I’ve used to help them. In those books, I was the teacher. But this book is very different. In this book, the dogs are not the students; they are the teachers. Our teachers. In the pages that follow, I will share for the first time some of the most important lessons the dogs in my life have taught me.

Our dogs are right in front of us every day, showing us with their every action a better way to live. All too often, we don’t pay attention. We take them for granted, thinking we know so much more about life than they do and believing that we have far more to teach them than they could possibly teach us.

In fact, we invest an enormous amount of energy trying to get our dogs to become more like us! We teach them to understand our language — often without even bothering to learn theirs. We teach them to sit, stay, come, and heel for our convenience, not theirs. We pamper them like children (when they really don’t care about who has the prettiest toys), and we dress them in couture outfits (when they couldn’t give a hoot about fashion.)

None of that makes sense to me. Here we are teaching our dogs to behave as we do even while many of us struggle to find happy relationships with members of our own species. Dogs are designed by nature to value qualities like honor, respect, ritual, compassion, honesty, trust, loyalty, and compassion. They instinctually understand the importance of pack hierarchy and mutually beneficial relationships. So instead of teaching them what we think they should learn from us, what if we took the opportunity to learn from them?

I’m writing this book because I believe it’s time that we start looking at our dogs as our teachers. Dogs have all the qualities we say we want, but we never seem to be able to attain. Every day of our lives, dogs actually live the moral code that humans only aspire to. And I believe dogs often understand us better than we understand ourselves.

Socrates said, “Know thyself.” I have my own variation on that adage: If you want to know yourself, know your dog! After all, in a way, your dog knows you — the real you — better than most people in your life do. Your dog knows your routines. Your dog understands how to read your body language and your emotions — probably far better than you do yourself. Your dog reveals your hidden subconscious thoughts and is a mirror of your deepest soul…

I’ve talked for many years about leaders and followers. But I think it’s high time for us to “follow” dogs by adopting their worldview, their lifestyle, and their values (which are the social values of the pack). A dog lives his life unselfishly, always putting the welfare of the pack ahead of his own interests. Living in the moment, dogs do not get lost in the trees before first experiencing all the beauty of the forest.

In this moment in human history, it’s imperative that we adopt this pack-oriented worldview. We need to go back to common sense, to simplicity, and to gratitude for what we have. We postpone the most important things in life: family, health, joy, and balance. Dogs do not. When they sense an imbalance — in an environment, in a situation, or in a person — they don’t think about what they’re going to do to fix it. They simply react, much in the same way we might recoil from touching a hot flame. And when it comes to figuring out what’s going on with a human’s volatile emotions, dogs are virtuosos.

If we watch them more closely and listen more carefully, our beloved pets can be the keys to our personal growth and self-knowledge. The wisdom of dogs is medicine for the soul — but in our… self-centered world, we often forget to pay attention.

So come with me on a journey that will reveal a new way of living our lives — based on the unique and insightful lessons we can learn from our dogs.

Stay calm and keep learning!

Tune in to Cesar Millan’s Dog Nation when it premieres on NatGeo Wild on Friday, March 3, 2017 at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central, and check out Cesar’s new book now. If you’re in New York or Chicago, Cesar will be there this week for a signing — here’s how you can attend.

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