Archives August 2022

a few of you may be wondering exactly how you can make a meaningful difference for the homeless dogs as well as cats in your area.

If you’re overwhelmed about where to even start, I suggest you take one hour on a Saturday or whatever day you have off as well as go to an adoption event or see an animal shelter.

That’s it.

Just get out as well as see what’s happening in your community.

Introduce yourself to one person. state you like animals. get to understand the group as well as what it’s doing as well as see if you associate to it or not.

Then, if you feel inclined, make a little donation – just $5 or $20. Or, take a photo of one of the family pets for adoption as well as share the photo on Facebook.

Below is Rocko, up for adoption with Labs & a lot more Rescue in San Diego. I took three hours on a Saturday to hang out with him at a recent adoption event.

Once you get out as well as see what a shelter or rescue group is doing, perhaps you’ll realize you’re able to go to an upcoming fundraising such as a silent auction.

You don’t have to compose a huge inspect or embrace a pet dog or a cat. You don’t have to foster.

Just seriously go out as well as make one connection.

Take one photo of one pet dog as well as publish it on Instagram. #adopt #Labmix #SanDiego #rescue

These are the little connections that make a difference.

These are the details that lead to bigger things.

For those of you included with shelters, what is one little thing people might do to help?

Note: checked out my July 2016 update on Ace here.

How’s that for a title?

My lab mix Ace has had a medical problem for the last 3.5 months.

It is a “puncture” type wound under his tail that just will not heal.

The wound in some cases drains a clear liquid as well as has a “drain tract” that leads all the way above the tail as well as into the best side of his lower back area.

The wound is near the anal gland area, however the gland is not affected.

We have tried lots of things.

We tried several rounds of different antibiotics over two months. We tried waiting. We tried surgery (more on that below).

Our vet does not understand why this wound & draining won’t go away.

It’s frustrating, expensive and – since of the area affected – it’s a little embarrassing and gross. (I’m not going to publish any type of pictures of the actual wound, however if any individual wants to see I will email a picture.) Above all, I’m concerned about my dog.

I have held back on sharing this info since for so long we have not had answers as well as still don’t.

The vet originally suspected a foxtail had somehow traveled up into Ace’s butt/back, as well as Ace had surgery Dec. 7 to remove it. The vet never discovered a foxtail however removed what he descried as a great deal of scar tissue equaling the size of a “small lemon” along this distinct “drain tract.”

We assumed whatever foxtail or “foreign body” was stuck in there would’ve likely been pulled out, hidden in all that scar tissue.

We thought that would be the end of it.

But now, right here we are five weeks later. My dog’s incision has healed nicely. He has recovered from the surgery. as well as yet, this “puncture” that went away briefly came back as well as won’t go away.

I’m sharing this info to let others understand they are not alone.

I question any individual is handling this precise issue, however I do know MANY dog owners are handling medical issues (often very costly ones) without answers.

This is frustrating, stressful as well as in some cases we need to make tough decisions.

I am thankful Ace’s problem does not seem to be life threatening (yet) that we understand of anyway, however he is quite exhausted all the time.

He enjoys attention, massage, cuddles, riding in the car and visiting fun places (like Petco or various parks) so that is what I try to do.

We walk about a half-mile per day slowly as well as he sniffs whatever so it takes us a great half-hour to go that distance as well as it truly tests my patience.

I don’t understand if his lower energy is related to him being an nearly 10-year-old pet dog (and always quite lazy anyway) vs. what might be related to this drain tract.

What we’re doing now

We are currently making decisions about whether to step ahead with an ultrasound or other type of imaging to discover out if there is still something stuck in there or if there is maybe a strange-acting tumor or a lesion of some sort.

We are likewise hoping it will just randomly go away.

For now, we are taking the next two weeks to just re-group, as well as to wait as well as see if anything changes. in some cases we think Ace is looking better. in some cases it’s difficult to tell.

Because my pet dog has likewise had so lots of symptoms of allergies over the last six months – continuous hot spots, continuous itchy eyes as well as skin, ear infections – we just want to take a step back as well as make some adjustments to his environment. We’ve gotten him a new bed as well as changed his food.

Maybe this issue will lastly just go away, although our vet doesn’t think so.

Costly vet care

I’m thankful we’ve been able to “afford” the treatments so far by mainly care Credit. We do not have pet insurance coverage as well as there are limits on what I can realistically spend. I will go into some amount of financial obligation for my dog, however there are limits.

If I knew $5,000 would save or repair my dog, I’d most likely spend it. however it becomes very tough over time to keep spending $700 here, $500 there without making any type of genuine development or getting any answers. It’s harder to spend the money when I don’t understand if it will even help.

I’ve been lucky my dog’s problem is not necessarily “urgent” or life threatening so we’ve been able to take our time with our decisions. however truly we don’t truly understand what’s going on.

For now, Ace is OK. I’m thankful for that. There are much worse things we might be going through.

In reality, my pet dog is nearing the end of his life, however I’m hoping we have a couple a lot more years together.

We will appreciate every minute.

Hug your dogs as well as cats.

-Lindsay & Ace

Are any type of of you handling any type of confusing medical issues with your dogs?

Feel complimentary to share or vent in the comments.

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Pppffffftttt! I know, that is exactly how lots of people feel about Mondays. as well as when our people are not happy, we cats are not delighted either.

If Mondays have you feeling like Grumpy Cat, then it’s time to take action. right here are my suggestions to turn your frown upside-down as well as make Monday your delighted day! Ask your mommy or daddy to do these things (and I’ll bet it will make them happier, too!):

Mo’ treats, mo’ better! Make Monday additional treat day.  For example, if you normally get four treats, on Mondays you must get at least five treats.

Extra grooming! After a weekend spent playing as well as having fun, you may be in requirement of some health club time. This is the best time to get your nails clipped as well as your coat FURminated so you can begin the week looking spiffy.

I likewise suggest a new toy every Monday. This will keep you hectic while your mommy or daddy is away at work. I suggest the crazy Circle Interactive feline Toy, on account of it’s fun to play with by yourself.

Finally, as well as a lot of importantly, a pinch of catnip can cheer up even the gloomiest of Mondays.

If you comply with my advice, I believe that instead of singing the Monday blues you will soon be meowing loudly with joy!

When fostering a dog isn’t so great

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When fostering a dog isn’t so great

Fostering a dog does not always work out

Things to consider before you foster a dog

6 reasons to return a foster dog

1. The foster dog might damage your property.

2. The foster dog has severe separation anxiety.

3. The foster dog is aggressive to you or your dog.

4. You, your family members or your pets are constantly stressed.

5. You have no free time.

6. Your own pets are not adjusting well to the foster dog.

5 things to keep in mind if you return a foster dog

1. There are dozens of other ways to help rescue dogs.

2. You can always foster a different dog.

3. You can foster a dog in the future if now is not the right time.

4. You are not a failure for returning a foster dog.

5. The rescue group may not show much appreciation for your efforts.

You may have noticed I haven’t mentioned Morgan recently. That’s because after fostering him for two weeks, I made the difficult decision to stop fostering him.

This was no fault of Morgan’s. He had a difficult time adjusting to my lifestyle, and I had a difficult time adjusting to his.

One of the most rewarding things a dog lover can do is foster. To foster a dog means to provide that dog with a loving home temporarily until he gets adopted. This could take days, weeks, months or even years.

Dog rescues and shelters depend on foster homes because there is not enough shelter space to house so many homeless dogs. Plus, in a home setting it is easier to learn more about the dog and to begin teaching him how to live properly with a family.

Fostering a dog does not always work out

Those of us who foster dogs don’t like to talk about the dogs we have “failed” on. but if you ask most foster owners if they’ve ever returned a dog for any reason, most will say yes, especially if they foster dog after dog, year after year. They can’t all work out.

To return a foster dog means he will live at a shelter or boarding facility or hopefully another foster home until he gets adopted. It does not mean he will be euthanized, at least that’s not the case with the rescue I work with.

I have fostered seven dogs. I returned three of them within two weeks because of separation anxiety issues, meaning the dogs would panic when left alone.

My first foster dog broke out of her crate and started tearing apart my door before I got home from work. welcome to fostering! ?

Morgan was my most recent foster dog, and he also had problems being left alone. because I rent a townhome and have close neighbors, this was not a good situation.

Morgan is a very intelligent dog and will do just fine once he finds the right person to help him through his anxiety. I am not that person.

I have written past posts on should I foster a dog? and what to consider before fostering a dog. I hope you will check these out if you are interested in fostering.

Now that I have more experience with fostering, I want to touch on a more difficult subject – returning a foster dog that doesn’t work out.

Things to consider before you foster a dog

First of all, to make the fostering process run smoothly so you hopefully do not have to return the dog, take the time to find the right dog to foster. I can’t stress this enough.

Ask a lot of questions about each potential dog so you can find the right fit.

I always seem to get stuck with dogs that have separation problems. This will be avoided in the future when I make sure to ask the right people the right questions possibly several times. Some important questions to ask include:

Is the dog housebroken? Is the dog kennel trained? Does the dog have anxiety when left alone? Does the dog have any kind of aggression? how much exercise will this particular dog need? Is the dog spayed/neutered?

There is no perfect dog, and most rescue dogs are going to have an “issue” of some sort. What dog doesn’t? but if you know ahead of time what you need to work on with the dog, you can start planning a routine and adjusting your schedule.

Also keep in mind that sometimes the rescue simply will not know a lot about the dog, especially if he was recently pulled from the pound.

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6 reasons to return a foster dog

The most important thing to remember is that it’s ok to return a foster dog if it is not working out. You do not have to put up with the dog no matter what, and there are always other dogs you can foster. 

If you have to ask yourself whether or not you should return your foster dog, you probably should return him.

Below are some reasons why someone might return a foster dog. all of these issues can be worked through over time, but it takes the right person. You know if you are the right person or not.

1. The foster dog might damage your property.

Most dog rescues are not going to compensate you for damaged property. They just don’t have the money. This is something to be aware of before you bring home a foster dog.

If the rescue is organized enough, it will probably have some sort of liability agreement form for you to sign saying you are responsible for all injuries and damage the dog causes.

The rescue I work with pays for the veterinary care and food for all the foster dogs, although I’m sure many foster owners volunteer to cover these costs on their own. 4 Luv of dog even paid for Morgan to go to training classes and dog daycare.

Still, after seven foster dogs, I’ve had my fair share of home damage.

My first foster dog damaged both my large crates. determined dogs can now bust out of them. She also ripped apart my bedroom doorway. A more recent foster dog chewed up a door knob.

I’ve thrown away several toys, blankets and towels that were completely shredded. There are stains on my carpets that may never come out. My automobile has taken a lot of abuse. I’ve spent a nice amount on carpet cleaners and paper towels.

Is it worth it? That’s up to you to decide. ?

2. The foster dog has severe separation anxiety.

A dog with true separation anxiety panics when left alone. He does more than bark and cry. A dog with severe separation anxiety damages property, breaks out of crates and even injures himself.

If your foster dog has separation anxiety, there are ways you can help him. It will take a lot of time and patience.

If you’re not sure if your foster dog has true anxiety or not, check out my post on dog separation anxiety for a list of symptoms and what to do about it.

3. The foster dog is aggressive to you or your dog.

You do not want to put yourself, your family or others in danger unless you are experienced with rehabilitating aggressive dogs or willing to learn – no easy task.

4. You, your family members or your pets are constantly stressed.

If you are constantly stressed, it will effect everyone in your house, including the foster dog.

A little stress is unavoidable when you foster, and of course there will be an adjustment period. but if you are worried day and night about what the foster dog is getting into, the dog may be more stress than he’s worth.

Are you getting enough sleep? Are you angry at the dog all the time? Too forceful with him? If so, the dog might be better off somewhere else.

5. You have no free time.

I’ve had foster dogs with such extreme anxiety that I literally could not even go to the grocery store for 10 minutes without coming back to a broken kennel and damaged doors. I was literally trapped in my own apartment. Not a good situation to be in.

6. Your own pets are not adjusting well to the foster dog.

I won’t put my own animals in danger. If I can’t trust the foster dog around my cats or around my dog, he has to go. fortunately this has never happened to me. all of my foster dogs have been good around other animals when supervised.

I have however had a foster dog that was so mentally unstable that just being around the dog made Ace uncomfortable.

If I raised my voice around the dog, Ace would crawl away and cower. If the dog got excited, Ace would growl, which is way out of character for my friendly, gentle dog. I’m learning to really trust Ace’s judgement because he will always be able to read other animals better than I can.

5 things to keep in mind if you return a foster dog

1. There are dozens of other ways to help rescue dogs.

Although I am not fostering Morgan, I check out him once a week at the boarding facility he currently lives at. I take him out to go running at a nearby park, and we work on obedience training.

I also take other rescue dogs running, and I take them to adoption events. I am constantly writing about the rescue dogs on this dog blog and also on my dog running site. There are hundreds of ways you can help homeless dogs without fostering.

2. You can always foster a different dog.

There are thousands of dogs that need foster homes. Not all of them have issues. find one that you can live with.

3. You can foster a dog in the future if now is not the right time.

Right now I have to be more selective about the dogs I foster, but I look forward to the time in my life where I’m able to take on more challenging dogs. perhaps this is the case for you as well.

4. You are not a failure for returning a foster dog.

Anyone who attempts to foster a dog has a big heart and deserves a substantial thank you. It means a lot to the dog. even if it didn’t work out, you tried. You made a difference.

5. The rescue group may notshow much appreciation for your efforts.

Remember that rescues are run by volunteers who are just as busy as you. If no one thanks you for your hard work, don’t take it personally.

I would like to see 4 Luv of dog Rescue get a better system in place for thanking its volunteers, especially new foster owners. maybe that’s a task I will tackle, as someone has to volunteer to do this as well!

Like I said, there is always something you can do to help a dog rescue. The possibilities are endless, just as the need for more help is endless.

Have you ever fostered a dog?

Have you ever returned that dog before it got adopted?

What are some ways you help homeless dogs?

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Related posts:

When you regret getting a puppy
Returning a dog due to separation anxiety
Returning a rescue or shelter dog

The reason the Toronto Humane Society’s “Puppy Swap” campaign worked so well is because it’s not that hard to believe such a service could be real.

I mean, you can just about imagine it, can’t you?

I try to be sensitive about people re-homing pets, and I think the whole “pets are for life” saying can be hurtful to people who really need to re-home their animals.

Re-homing is often done responsibly, and with the best interest of the pet in mind.

Still, I thought the campaign was well played.

What did you think?

Note: I’ve partnered with Pauly Presley Realty to bring you this post.

I live in one of the most pet dog friendly cities in the United States—San Diego!

People are DOG CRAZY around here. There are dogs in the grocery stores (pretty sure that’s illegal?), dogs in CVS, dogs in bars, breweries, coffee shops as well as outside restaurants.

Plus, we have lots of pet dog friendly beaches, parks as well as trails. Not to mention pet dog walkers, groomers as well as daycares galore.

But the one city I always hear about as being even a lot more pet dog friendly than San Diego is Austin.

What do you people think? Is it true? Do any type of of you online in Austin?

Austin as well as San Diego are on quite much every listing for the top 10 pet dog friendly cities in the U.S. Others on the listings commonly include Seattle, Portland, San Francisco as well as Chicago. In my opinion, San Diego beats most of those cities—hands down.

But … I’ve never been to Austin, so I can’t say.

The people at Pauly Presley Realty put together a pet dog friendly guide to Austin, as well as it’s rather impressive.

I’d like to see Austin as well as see exactly how it stacks as much as San Diego as a pet dog friendly city.

Get the full guide to Austin’s pet dog friendly services – Click here
The guide is damaged up into classifications – pet dog friendly restaurants, bars, retail stores, parks & tracks as well as of program adoption organizations.

And listen to this!

Austin has a lot more than 35 pet dog friendly restaurants, according to the guide.

For example, Banger’s Sausage home & Beer garden states on its web site that it has its extremely own off-leash pet dog park as well as even has a specialty sausage made just for dogs on the menu. Wow!

Austin likewise has at least 22 pet dog friendly bars such as the pet dog home Drinkery, a bar with an off-leash pet dog park!

The city likewise has at least 27 pet dog friendly retail stores as well as a lot more than 12 pet dog friendly parks & trails, according to the guide.

Check out the full guide here.

Have any type of of you traveled to Austin? What did you think?

What’s the most pet dog friendly function in your own city?

Let me understand in the comments below.

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When must pet sitters speak up about prospective security issues?

I started a pet sitting business in 2008, as well as considering that then I have assisted numerous others begin their own services with my ebook and consulting services.

In this post:

– When must pet sitters speak up about prospective security problems in the pet’s daily life?

– exactly how must the pet sitter bring it up?

One lady just recently asked a truly great concern about when pet sitters must speak up about daily things that might be triggering the pet harm. For example, if the client’s pet dog is eating grapes off a vine in the yard, must you tell the client grapes are toxic to dogs? Or, must you let it go if the pet dog is not in instant danger? as well as if you do bring it up, exactly how must you go about it?

I’ll let you understand what I think, as well as then I’d like to hear from the rest of you – whether you are a pet sitter or whether you are a pet owner in general. When would you want your pet sitter to state something?

When must pet sitters speak up about prospective security issues?

My viewpoint is that the pet sitter must always bring up any type of prospective security issues, no matter exactly how minor. Then, the actual pet dog or feline owner can made a decision what to make with the information.

So if we utilize the example where the pet dog has been eating grapes, I would bring it as much as the owner casually by stating something like, “I observed friend tries to eat grapes in the back yard. considering that grapes can be toxic to dogs, would you like me to keep him on a leash while in the yard?”

This provides the owner the chance to respond either way. She might say, “Oh, don’t concern about it. He eats them all the time, as well as he’s fine.” in that case, I would let it go unless the pet dog seems to be eating huge quantities of grapes. Or, she might say, “Oh, I didn’t understand grapes were poor for dogs. Yes, please keep him on a leash.”

Obviously, this is rather different than accusing the person of being a poor pet owner. You are providing her with the info as well as letting her choose what to do keeping that information. except for a few unusual cases, I depend on the pet owner to be the very best advocate for her own pet.

More severe problems – when must pet sitters speak up?

Of course, often the problem will be a bit a lot more urgent.

For example, often I care for dogs that online in the garage when their owners are out of town. Normally, keeping a pet dog in the garage is a non-issue, nevertheless there have been a few days where I believed it was going to be as well hot for the dog. In those cases, I just contacted the owners as well as stated something like, “It’s going to be 95 degrees today. What would you like me to do to make sure Sam is OK?”

Again, this brings up the problem without attacking the pet dog owner or making him feel bad. It provides him the chance to find up with a solution, potentially letting the pet dog inside your home during the middle of the day or taking the pet dog swimming.

In my experience, the owners have always seemed thankful for my concern. then we work together to find up with the very best solution.

If for some reason the pet owner is angered by your concern, it’s not personal. maybe that specific client is not the ideal match for you, as well as that’s OK. We are not all best for every other.

What if you can’t reach the pet’s owner?

Sooner or later, an problem may come up as well as the pet’s owner is unreachable. maybe she is camping somewhere without cell service, or perhaps she is traveling on one more continent. perhaps she’s just not answering her phone or inspecting email. In those cases, it’s as much as you as the pet sitter to make the most proper decision for the pet.

In those cases, I try to put myself in the pet owner’s shoes as well as picture what I would want somebody to do for my own pet.

For example, perhaps the owner has particularly asked you to leave the pet dog in the backyard during the day since she has serious separation stress and anxiety when left in the house. However, on the third day, you notice the pet dog has started digging under the fence in an attempt to get out of the yard. If you can’t reach the dog’s owner, you would have to make the very best decision for the pet dog based on what you know.

The finest option may be to begin leaving the pet dog inside your home in a crate. Or, perhaps the very best option is to stack something heavy over the hole the pet dog has started digging. It’s all going to depend upon the certain pet dog as well as the certain situation. exactly how huge is this dog? What do you have to work with? Does the pet dog even have a crate? Does the pet dog do okay in the home at night? might you leave some Kong-type toys for the pet dog to work on?

Often, the very best option includes inspecting on the pet a lot more frequently than you had originally scheduled. perhaps you go to the pet five times that day instead of three so you can supply a lot more interaction as well as exercise. Or, perhaps you stick with three visits, however you stay with the pet dog a bit longer than usual.

So, what do the rest of you think?

If you’re a pet sitter, when do you bring up specific security issues?

Check back each Wednesday for articles associated to starting your own pet dog walking, pet dog running or pet sitting business. For a lot more information, inspect out my ebook on exactly how to begin a pet sitting business.

Sign up for my pet dog walking email listing as well as get expert ideas from me when a month

[frame src=”http://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/RAVPower-UV-light.jpg” target=”_self” width=”620″ height=”355″ alt=”RAVPower UV light” align=”center” prettyphoto=”false”]Note: I’ve partnered with RAVPower to bring you this review and giveaway.

Leave a comment below to enter my giveaway for a free UV flashlight + external battery charger from RAVPower. Click here.

We all know pets are disgusting. I mean, they just are!

I got to try the LED UV Flashlight from RAVPower, and – as suspected – I realized my carpets are spotted with numerous stains from my pets.

When you live with cats and dogs, it’s handy to have a UV flashlight so you know exactly where to clean after you thought you cleaned everything … and didn’t.

Sigh …

You may not think you need a UV light to locate stains, but trust me, you do. (Unless you’d rather just not know!)

More about the UV Light and external Battery Charger from RAVPower

This is a pocket, 2-in-1 device so it’s both a:

[check_list]

UV Light and

portable phone charger/external battery pack.

[/check_list]

The UV flashlight can be used to spot stains our pets leave on the carpet, floors, furniture or walls that may not be visible otherwise (but still cause an odor).

The 3200mAh external charger/battery can be used to charge your phone or other device. I use it to charge my Android.

The product uses “iSmart” technology that automatically detects and delivers the optimal charging current, according to RAVPower.

The RAVPower UV flashlight/portable charger is currently on sale on Amazon for $19.99 (normally $29.99). Click here. use coupon code THATMUT1 to save an additional 25% off at checkout.

Who really needs a UV light + external charger combo?

Yes, it does seem like an odd combo!

But when you think about it, they’re both useful tools to have on hand.

I picture using this product while traveling.

You know, when you’re staying at a hotel and don’t want to bother searching for another outlet to charge your phone? (Because seriously, there’s never enough outlets.)

Instead, you could just use your external charger.

And going with the travel theme, you could also use the UV light to inspect your hotel room, but some things are just better left unseen! ?

What I like about the RAVPower UV flashlight

I like that the product is slim and sleek, so it’s easy to throw in a purse or even a pocket. It’s lightweight, and according to RAVPower, the actual dimensions are 3.8” x 1.2” x .9”.

The UV light is powerful, and it easily showed me where all of my pets’ (many) stains were. The product is well made and doesn’t “rattle” like some cheaper products do. I suspect it will last a long time.

[quote_center]The UV light is powerful, and it easily showed me where all of my pets’ many stains were.[/quote_center]

Pet owners who could benefit the most

A UV light can be helpful for anyone with pets (or let’s face it, kids too!). I especially think it could be helpful for finding “hidden” odors from:

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Puppies in training

Temporary foster dogs or foster cats (Been there!)

Visiting animals if you do a lot of pet sitting

Dogs or cats that tend to “mark” in the house

All CATS, because cats are the worst!

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Unfortunately, after using the UV light I am now aware I have quite a few pet stains on my carpets! good thing I also have a couple of stain/odor removers on hand.

Giveaway – Win a free UV flashlight/external battery pack from RAVPower

Want to win one of these little guys?

Just leave a comment below to indicate you want in on the drawing.

I’ll choose one winner at random on Thursday July 30. must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

*Congrats to the blog winner, Patty T. and the newsletter winner, Kari F.!

That Mutt’s newsletter subscribers will have an additional opportunity to win in a second giveaway. If you’re not signed up for my newsletter, you can do so with the form below. Subscribers receive an email from me about once per week with dog training tips and more.

Ordering information + coupon code

If you’d like to go ahead and order the RAVPower light + charger, it’s currently on sale for $19.99 on Amazon. order here. (Normally $29.99.)

You can also use promo code THATMUT1 at checkout to save an additional 25% now through Aug. 5. (It’s for the model I reviewed, which is the RV-PB28.)

Would you like to try this product? Which one of your pets is the guilty one?

Let me know in the comments!

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exactly how to stop your dog from “guarding” you from other dogs at the dog park.

Does your dog do this?

Does he growl or bark or nip (or worse) at other dogs that method you?

While your dog may believe he’s “protecting” you from these “threats,” those other dogs are NOT genuine threats and he should trust you to handle them.

I’m going to go over a few of my general thoughts and concepts for managing this problem. keep in mind every dog is an private and it’s finest to consult with a expert fitness instructor who can observe your actual dog.

These tips are to assist you brainstorm.

How to stop a dog from guarding you at the dog park or beach

As always, it assists to look at why the dog may be guarding you.

Is it?

Resource guarding (where YOU are the resource)

Protective instincts (feels the requirement to protect you or your other dog)

Fear (I’ll get you so you don’t hurt us!)

Not truly guarding but a lack of social skills

Reacting to the “excited” energy of the oncoming dog (does he react the exact same method to calm dogs?)

Trying to manage excited, anxious or inappropriate energy of other dogs

I recognize sometimes it’s difficult to tell why your dog is acting a certain way, so I suggest you get an experienced buddy to observe your dog’s behavior (and YOUR behavior!) or hire a expert trainer. even a single one-on-one session with a fitness instructor can be a big help.

My 5 tips for getting manage of this problem

*Obviously, avoid dog parks if your dog is aggressive. Some dogs just can’t go to dog parks ever and that’s OK. These tips are geared towards dogs that are still able to go to the park but are pushing their limits.

Also see my post: dog possessiveness aggression

Tip #1 – Desensitization

It can work truly well to find up with a desensitization plan for your dog. What I mean by that is you would slowly change your dog’s emotional response to other dogs approaching you so he ultimately over time begins to view this as a positive thing or at least neutral.

Of course, a dog park is not a great location to method this plan because there’s as well much going on and as well much is out of your control. It’s best to work with a expert fitness instructor and come up with a step-by-step plan.

This would likely include setting up some managed circumstances with one or two calm, easygoing dogs and showering your dog with extremely valued treats like hot dogs as the dogs method you. When the dogs leave, the treats end too. You want your dog to think, “I like when that dog approaches! It means I get hot dogs!”

Obviously this type of training takes a great deal of time, patience and having a fitness instructor to assist in addition to having access to some seriously easygoing, mild-mannered dogs.

Tip #2 – When approached by dogs, keep moving!

If you’re at the dog park with your dog and another dog is approaching, don’t just stand there like you’re waiting on your dog to protect you. If you stand there anticipating a reaction, you’ll likely get one!

Just keep things light and moving. When another dog comes bounding up, just keep on walking to the side to avoid head-on confrontations. ignore the other dog and phone call your dog along as you keep walking. Your dog will likely follow.  Plus, you’re putting your dog in a complying with setting vs. out in front “protecting” you.

Tip #3 – Defuse the energy of both dogs

When there’s a dog bounding up, it assists to quickly address your dog with “stay” and then deal with the other dog and provide a quick “hey!” This will usually pause the oncoming dog for a split-second, which will defuse the preliminary energy of both dogs and decrease the possibilities of an “outburst.”

Then you would calmly keep moving in the exact same direction but to the side, calling your dog along as explained above.

See: What to do when off-leash dog charges you

Tip #4 – work on some serious obedience with your dog

If your dog is showing moderate aggression and he doesn’t comply with basic obedience commands, he has no company being in a dog park for now.

On the other hand, if he will stay when told, come when called and look at you when asked, you’re going to have much more success getting his attention and guiding him on suitable behavior in general.

There is no “quick fix” to most dog behavioral problems but a solid very first step is to boost your dog’s level of training overall.

Some goals all dog owners should reach with their dogs at an absolute minimum:

The dog will sit and stay sitting for 5 minutes at house up until released with “Free!” or “OK!”

The dog will stay in a down setting for 5 minutes with moderate distractions such as outside on a walk up until released.

The dog makes eye contact with a “watch me!” command on walks.

The dog comes when called 99 percent of the time in the back lawn or in the home after the very first command.

Tip #5 – indication up for an obedience class

These kinds of classes are generally economical and it provides your dog a chance to work in a managed setting around other dogs.

No, resource guarding is generally not addressed in these classes, but it assists to build a solid foundation for your dog’s training. advanced classes will work on skills like leaving your dog in a “down/stay” while you walk around the space petting the other dogs.

Dogs with a high level of self-control are going to be much better behaved and workable in general.

Does your dog tend to guard you at the dog park?

If you still have concerns or perhaps a similar issue that’s not rather such as this one, leave a comment below and I’ll assist you brainstorm.

Related posts:

Stop dog’s possessiveness of toys at the dog park

How to stop my little dog from guarding me

When one dog growls at the other