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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:

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UV Light and

portable phone charger/external battery pack.

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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

pet dog coat company seeks Kickstarter backers

Note: This is a sponsored post.

UPDATE: Buggsly met its Kickstarter goal.

Finally, a pet dog coat my lab mix will appreciate!

My pet dog Ace gets cold in the “winter.” even in San Diego. Yeah, he’s a bit of a wimp.

I’ve been trying to find a lightweight coat for Ace, because he feels restricted in the vest I gotten him years ago. He actually runs away from me when I get that vest out!

My spouse and I are planning a camping trip in April with our dog, and a jacket from Buggsly is exactly what Ace needs – a dog jacket that’s functional and comfortable.

Buggsly Black label is a line of pet dog jackets made with an emphasis on safety, functionality, comfort and care for the environment, according to its Kickstarter page. The company is based out of Vancouver, Canada, and is seeking $12,500 for production costs.

More about the Buggsly Black label pet dog jackets:

Buggsly Black label was founded by Michael Flint and Cassidy Morgan after they could not find a pet dog jacket that attended to the needs of their pet dog Buggsly (he’s the one modeling the jackets).

There were some pet dog coats that were waterproof, but those looked like baggy ponchos, Flint and Morgan said on their Kickstarter page. Others were cumbersome and heavy, so Buggsly was unable to play naturally at the pet dog park.

“Buggsly is a very active dog,” Morgan said. “The best thing about this jacket is how unrestricted he is while wearing it.”

Morgan said the jacket is incredibly lightweight and very breathable, helping to keep his dog’s body temperature regulated.

“We wanted to create a jacket that was ‘aerodynamic,’ and we have achieved that,” he said.

The jackets come in the six colors shown above. My favorite is the blue. The retail value is $89 CAD for black and $99 CAD for colors, according to the Kickstarter page.

According to Buggsly Black Label, the jackets are:

1. Waterproof, windproof and breathable.

2. Made with reflective accents allowing for high visibility in all lighting conditions.

3. Sleek and streamlined with a minimalist design. It won’t look like your pet dog is wearing a “cape!”

4. Eco-friendly. made from recycled materials.

5. available for dogs of all sizes.

Buggsly Black label on Kickstarter

Buggsly is seeking $12,500 through Kickstarter to fund its minimum production amount of 500 jackets at a Vancouver factory. view its official Kickstarter video below or click here.

It has through March 25 to reach its goal or the project will not be funded. That’s how Kickstarter works – it’s all or nothing.

Anyone who backs the project will receive a gift of some kind. For example, any individual who gives $75 CAD or a lot more will receive a Buggsly jacket in black (15% off retail value).

“Please take the time to share our project with your family, pals and social media channels,” the founders said on their Kickstarter page.

“We know that we have an extraordinary product and are very ecstatic to help you and your four-legged companion ‘Put Your best Paw Forward.’”

Let’s spread the word and help Buggsly reach its goal!

What do you look for in a pet dog jacket?

*All photos and videos in the post are from Buggsly Black Label.

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How long do puppies cry at night?

How to decrease a puppy’s crying the very first couple nights home

What to do when your new puppy cries in its crate at night – 4 tips

1. Make the puppy’s kennel/crate as comforting as possible.

2. concerns to ask your puppy’s breeder, foster house or shelter:

3. stay strong as well as disregard your puppy’s whining.

4. lots of interaction throughout the day for your puppy.

Do puppies requirement a potty break in the middle of the night?

Puppies can hold it a bit longer at night while they are sleeping

How long do puppies cry? Here’s exactly how it went with my 8-week old weimaraner:

Why do puppies cry at night?

Should I let my puppy sleep in my bed?

Alternatives to a kennel/crate

Products to assist comfort your puppy

How long do puppies cry at night? It depends upon the puppy. I’ll provide my suggestions on what to do to stop the crying so ideally you as well as your puppy will be getting a great night’s sleep sooner rather than later!

I choose to utilize an indoor kennel/crate for all puppies. This will keep your puppy risk-free as well as out of difficulty when you can’t supervise such as while you’re sleeping. I’m not right here to persuade you to utilize a crate if you don’t want to, however it can make life easier.

Nearly all puppies will cry, bark, whine as well as howl the very first night home, unfortunately. They will bark that very first night or two in their crate, however after that it gets better.

If whatsoever possible, I suggest bringing your puppy house on a Friday or Saturday or on a day when you don’t have to work the next few mornings.

The crying as well as shouting is heartbreaking as well as stressful to listen to however sadly it’s completely normal. It’s unusual for a puppy not to cry that very first night home!

My 8-week-old weimaraner puppy Remy howled as well as wept practically non-stop for the entire very first night home. I presume the bad man missed his mother as well as siblings or just the familiarity as well as comfort of his original home.

He believed his bit world was turned upside down, which I assumption it was!

As difficult as it was, I ignored my puppy Remy the entire very first night. I did not comfort him, though I desired to, nor did I enable him in my bed. I did not scold him, as well as I did not let him out for a potty break, although some puppies will requirement a 2 a.m. potty break (more on this later).

My puppy was in his kennel from about 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

How long do puppies cry at night?

It depends.

Some puppies cry every night for the very first one or two weeks while others only cry the very first night or two.

Your puppy may cry the entire night or he may only cry for an hour or so up until he passes out. They are all different!

Some puppies whimper softly as well as some shout as well as bring on like they’re being harmed!

Remy wept the entire very first night (nonstop for 7 hours) as well as then he didn’t make a peep the second night since he was so tired!

*If you’re enjoying this article, I’d like to send you other useful puppy suggestions in my regular newsletter. Click Here

Looks cute. extremely needy.

How to decrease a puppy’s crying the very first couple nights home

Remember, practically all puppies cry the very first few nights so you most likely won’t be able to stop the crying. These concepts ought to assist decrease the crying as well as assist your puppy change quicker to the new routine.

You ought to pick as well as select what may work well for your situation.

What to do when your new puppy cries in its crate at night – 4 tips

1. Make the puppy’s kennel/crate as comforting as possible.

Use a crate for your puppy’s comfy, risk-free place. You can utilize a fold-up cable crate or a plastic kennel.
Consider keeping the kennel in your bedroom next to your bed the very first few nights. This is somewhat comforting to some puppies. You can decrease your hand next to the crate those very first few nights so the puppy can odor you. You can relocation the crate to one more space in a week or so if you select to.
When you pick your puppy up from the breeder or shelter, bring a little towel as well as put it with the puppy as well as her siblings for a few minutes to get their scent on it. put that towel in your puppy’s crate.
Put a soft, comforting puppy blanket in your puppy’s kennel as well as a soft toy.
Try a heartbeat toy. similar to the old technique of a ticking clock in a pillow situation to imitate a “heartbeat.” This toy is likewise heated.

Put chew toys in the kennel like bully sticks as well as Kongs.
Feed your puppy her meals in her kennel.
Put your puppy in her kennel for at least a few minutes (keep it fun as well as positive) during the very first day house so it’s not a total shock the very first night. We really put Remy in his kennel best after we very first brought him house as well as he took a peaceful nap. great puppy!

Read all my puppy kennel training suggestions here.

2. concerns to ask your puppy’s breeder, foster house or shelter:

Can you introduce the puppy to a crate so they’re somewhat utilized to it?
Ask the breeder or shelter for other recommendations – they are likely experienced in this!

3. stay strong as well as disregard your puppy’s whining.

Ignore the crying! extremely important.
Accept that you won’t get much sleep the very first night or two.
Wear ear plugs.
Don’t feel guilty. Puppies generally adapt quickly.
Apologize to any type of neighbors, roommates or whoever else may be bothered by the crying.
Know that it will get better! The second night will likely be simpler than the very first night.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my totally free puppy training guide. Click Here

4. lots of interaction throughout the day for your puppy.

Limit the time in the kennel during the day however utilize it for a few minutes to assist her get utilized to it.
Plenty of interaction, training, exercise, like as well as play during the day of course.

See our post: exactly how far can I walk my puppy?

Do puppies requirement a potty break in the middle of the night?

How long do puppies cry at night?

This likewise depends upon the puppy. I would ask your puppy’s breeder for his or her viewpoint based on the age as well as breed of your puppy. Breed-specific rescue groups or experienced shelter workers likewise have a great deal of knowledge.

After consulting with my puppy’s breeder as well as the owners of other larger breeds, I chose my 8-week-old weimaraner puppy might hold it for 7 hours at night. This [turned out to be] true.

He never had an mishap in his kennel. I would let him out at about 10 p.m. before I went to bed as well as then at 5 a.m. when I got up.

See my article: Puppy’s very first night

Puppies can hold it a bit longer at night while they are sleeping

One guideline of thumb I hear repeated on the internet is a puppy can hold it a bit longer than one hour per month of age. However, many puppies can hold it longer than that at night.

It’s much better to stay up a bit later than you’d like as well as to get up a bit earlier than you would choose just so you can limit the practice of going to your puppy in the middle of the night.

You want to instruct him to sleep with the night as rapidly as possible.

If you believe your puppy needs a potty break in the middle of the night, do your finest to go to the puppy when he’s quiet.

I suggest setting your alarm for 2:30 or 3. That method you are choosing this, not him. You most likely won’t requirement to do this for much more than the very first two weeks or so, however every puppy is different.

My puppy Remy

If your puppy seems to be shouting actually nonstop, then try to at least wait on him to be peaceful for 5 seconds. Take him directly outside (no playing, no attention) as well as then back in the crate.

He’ll most likely cry again, so just be a “mean” canine mother or father as well as disregard him.

You don’t want to begin the practice of going to him each time he cries/howls. Puppies are bit devils as well as they discover extremely rapidly that barking will get them what they want (attention).

So do your finest to disregard all crying as well as only go to your puppy when he’s quiet. simpler stated than done, however it’s extremely essential or you’ll produce a monster!

So, exactly how long do puppies cry at night? …

How long do puppies cry? Here’s exactly how it went with my 8-week old weimaraner:

Night #1: Remy wept nonstop from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. or so. The crate was in our living room. I believe having it in our bedroom might’ve helped.

Night #2: Not a peep! I believe he was exhausted!

Night #3: about 2 hours of crying. I believe we had moved the crate to our bedroom for a few nights by night #3.

Night #4: No much more night crying. Woo hoo!

We moved the crate back to the living space after a few nights since we sleep much better in general without our animals in our bedroom. It’s fine if you want your puppy to sleep in your bedroom if that’s what you prefer.

Now, getting our puppy to stop crying at 5 a.m. since he wished to begin his day was one more challenge. Remy had a poor practice of crying every morning since wished to get up as well as eat! This seems to be a typical issue with puppies as well as young dogs.

For that issue, see my post: exactly how to get your puppy to sleep in.

Why do puppies cry at night?

When your puppy is crying that very first night home, it’s generally since he’s lost that comfort of having his mother as well as littermates best there with him. His routine is off as well as his whole world is turned upside down!

Your puppy is crying because of a bit of stress and anxiety as well as confusion, however it does not take long for the puppy to adapt to the new routine if you comply with a few of the suggestions in this article.

It truly is essential to just let the puppy work with the change, as well as you’ll have an adapted, pleased bit puppy within just a few nights.

Your puppy might likewise be crying since she has to go potty or she’s hungry or just wants interest or play time.

You’ll begin to figure your puppy out as well as acknowledge when she really needs to go potty or when she’s just wishing to get you up for some playtime!

Should I let my puppy sleep in my bed?

This is your choice, nevertheless I do not suggest it at least for the very first 6 months.

If you train your puppy to sleep in her crate at night, you are building a confident, well-adapted puppy. She will be less likely to establish separation anxiety. You are likewise assisting her with potty training since she is unlikely to go potty in her crate.

I understand that numerous people do want their dogs to sleep on the bed with them. If that is the situation with you, I suggest you wait up until your puppy is completely potty trained before enabling her to sleep in your bed at night.

Think of it as a privilege your young canine will requirement to earn. one more choice is to ultimately enable her to sleep out of the crate however on her own canine bed.

See these posts:

Where ought to my puppy sleep?
Should I let my canine sleep in my bed?

Alternatives to a kennel/crate

Using a pet gate

If you do not like the concept of utilizing a crate or kennel for your puppy, there are a few other choices to consider.

You might put up a easy infant or pet entrance in your restroom or laundry space doorway to keep your puppy to a smaller area. The reason I like a crate much better than a entrance is since a crate is a smaller area so the puppy is less likely to go potty in a kennel.

Ex-pen or play pen

Some people are much more comfortable utilizing an “ex-pen” or play pen for a puppy vs. a crate. While I don’t choose this option, it’s much better than nothing since you’re still keeping your puppy to a confined area.

Have you increased a puppy? What did you do to stop your puppy’s crying at night?

Let me understand in the comments! Please share this publish with anybody who just recently got a puppy.

*If you just got a new puppy, download my totally free puppy training guide. Click Here

Products to assist comfort your puppy

1. heartbeat toy

This stuffed toy features a real-feel, pulsing heartbeat as well as warm source that works to calm your pup as well as decrease unfavorable behaviors such as barking as well as whining. Batteries included.

2. Kong toys.Stuff with your puppies preferred goodies – peanut butter, yogurt, treats. Freeze to make it last longer. get yours here.

3. Fold-up cable crate.So practical when you want to travel with your puppy/dog later. simple to fold up as well as location in your vehicle or fold-up when not in use.

Other resources:

Why is my puppy so wild at night?
Where ought to my new puppy sleep?
Kennel training to avoid your canine from destroying your stuff
How to stop your canine from whining for attention
How to stop your canine from crying all day

Lindsay Stordahl is the creator of That Mutt. She composes about canine training, canine exercise as well as feeding a healthy raw diet.

If your canine goes totally nuts out of enjoyment before a walk, you’re not alone.

It’s a typical problem!

And what if you have two dogs? as well as they’re both excited, essentially getting each other much more as well as much more worked up?

Heck, what if you have 3 dogs?

By “excited” I imply the dogs may be racing in circles, jumping on you, whining, barking, howling, wrestling each other, grabbing leashes, nipping at you, wiggling as you try to put on their harnesses, wetting themselves or perhaps even humping each other out of excitement.

Phew!

I believe this circumstance is hilarious as long as I’m not the one doing the walking! OK, it’s still quite funny if I’m doing the walking since I like dogs.

But certainly some people would like to break these practices since not only can it get truly old as well as frustrating, however it’s likewise harmful if the dogs are pulling as well as nipping. Plus, neighbors may not appreciate the barking, particularly if you’re in an house like I am.

How do I get my dogs to calm down before a walk?

I’m going to share a few of my suggestions as usual, however it would be best if you might evaluate in with your own ideas.

First I’ll summarize an email I got discussing a particular issue getting two dogs to calm down before as well as during a walk.

In this example, the dogs get out for walks every day, however when their owner starts to get prepared to take them out, the “mayhem” begins, as she explains it. ?

Some clips from her email:

It starts off with the dogs complying with me upstairs. They both stand outside my bedroom while I’m getting changed. when I emerge from my room, they both dart down the stairs as well as wait at the front door. then the fun part … the harnesses!! It takes me a great 2 to 3 mins to “saddle up” the two dogs. Both have harnesses as well as if it’s dark out I utilize LED collars which I likewise have to put on. This is typically when the whining as well as moaning begins. Phoebe fights me. Not since she doesn’t want the harness on however since she is as well excited to go outside. …

Once I have them all set up as well as prepared to go … the havoc truly kicks in then! Chip at this stage is typically ok. She may be thrilled however she doesn’t jump or bark. Phoebe at this stage won’t sit still. She’s barking (LOUDLY!), whining, moving as well as just being typically rather uncontrollable. …

If I am walking to my destination, it takes about 45 seconds to walk from my front door to the entrance of my housing estate. Phoebe is whining as well as barking as well as pulling etc the entire time. It’s only when we get into the walk that Phoebe will calm down – typically after 2 mins. 

She likewise explains exactly how the dogs both bark in the cars and truck if they understand they’re going to one of their typical “fun” destinations, as well as she is almost deafened by the whining as well as barking as well as howling.

My tips for getting dogs to calm down before a walk

Oh where to even begin?

Here are a few of my general tips for the person above however for anybody else in general, however I certainly do not have a easy solution.

1. If possible, work with the dogs individually.

Usually it’s one canine who is truly the problem, as well as she ends up getting the other/s riled up too. So whenever possible, I would state walk them individually, presuming the other canine does okay when left behind. put one canine in one more space or in a crate as well as work with the other. then switch.

Of course, I recognize in the genuine world this is not always possible, so do what you can.

2. begin with truly small goals.

The very first goal may be ridiculously fundamental as well as simple like getting them to sit as well as stay quietly for 2 seconds before you even pick up the leashes. That’s progress.

And if that’s as well hard, make it even easier. Like, get them to sit for a piece of hot canine while you stand next to the area where the leashes are kept. See what I mean? If something is as well hard, you can always make it even easier. then go from there.

Some other little goals to work on ultimately would be to get them to:

[check_list]

sit quietly while you hold the leashes

sit quietly while you put on the leashes/collars/harnesses

sit quietly before you put your hand on the door/gate

sit quietly when your hand is on the door/gate

sit quietly before heading out the door

[/check_list]

Basically if the dogs aren’t calm before heading out the door, they’re not going to be calm when they’re outside either.

3. Desensitize the dogs to choosing up the leash.

Besides reinforcing calm habits before your walks, you might likewise desensitize the dogs to you choosing up the leashes.

To do this, you would just pick up the leashes randomly throughout the day during times when you are not about to head out for a walk. You would just pick up the leashes, hold them for a few seconds while totally ignoring the dogs as well as then set the leashes down again.

And some dogs may have other “triggers” other than the leashes. For example, the dogs in the email example above were triggered by their owner altering clothes. She might try putting on her “walking clothes” or “walking shoes” randomly throughout the day while completely ignoring the dogs.

I feel like I might go on as well as on with bit suggestions like:

[check_list]

use extremely valued treats (real chicken, pieces of ham, etc.)

stopping as well as refusing to relocation if the dogs are going crazy

taking a deep breath as well as not getting upset and

using the very best training collar for the circumstance (prong collars? gentle Leaders? you pick)

[/check_list]

I know I’m making all of this noise easy. It’s not. It’s stressful as well as frustrating, as well as we have to pick as well as select as well as do what we can.

And now I want to hear your ideas!

What other concepts do the rest of you have?

Related posts:

How to get a hyper canine to chill out

Should I instruct my canine to heel?

How to stop a canine from crying for attention

Sign up for That Mutt’s email newsletter here. You’ll get an email about twice a month with training tips, stories, etc.

My journey into dogs with jobs continues. Today, we’re tagging along with Susan read and her pet dog Zori to learn about search and rescue dogs.

Do you know a pet dog with an interesting job? Leave a comment or contact me at homeon129acres@hotmail.com, and they may be featured in an upcoming post.

Here in Ontario, search and rescue is handled by civilian teams. Susan and Zori are volunteers who are called upon by police agencies to find missing people.

What is the best breed for search and rescue?

Zori is a Belgian Malinois, a breed commonly used for search and rescue.

Most search and rescue dogs are herding breeds, like Malinois and German Shepherds. Although, other breeds such as Labrador Retrievers and bloodhounds also excel at search and rescue.

Beyond the breed, there are certain qualities that make a pet dog a good candidate for search and rescue.

Susan describes search and rescue dogs as:

confident
friendly
and outgoing

“These dogs need to be able to cover all kinds of terrain and have the stamina to manage distance and the time needed to complete a task,” she says. “Work ethic is essential in rescue work as is a pet dog who is focused and able to work through distractions. Prey and hunt drive and play drive are essential.”

Training a pet dog for search and rescue

Play is at the root of search and rescue training.

“Usually, training starts as a game played with puppies, starting with basic reward-based training, and expanding outward to “games” with a lot more certain job skills,” says Susan.

In Ontario, search and rescue dogs are owned and trained by civilian handlers. Preparing a pet dog for search and rescue certification can take between a year and a half to two years.

“In the beginning stages of the dog’s training, we work at getting the pet dog to understand that finding human odour and committing to this odour will bring a reward. Ideally, working with a pet dog with tremendous toy drive helps to accomplish this much quicker and a lot more easily,” says Susan.

The odour that the dogs track comes from skin cells. These cells, called rafts, are shed regularly from our bodies. The bacteria on our skin produce gases that can be detected—and followed—by dogs.

Dogs are trained to alert their handler that they have located human odour. As training progresses, the dogs are presented with different challenges. For example, the bacteria on our skin can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, light.

Therefore, handlers will gradually increase the level of difficulty, introduce challenges in terrain or include a lot more distractions in their training programs.

Socialization for search dogs

Along with specialized training, socializing is crucial in helping a pet dog to become a successful search and rescue dog.

Susan explains, “These dogs need to be socialized early on in age, but keeping in mind concern periods. emphasis with socializing needs to be placed on quality and not quantity. Pup classes leading into obedience classes, fungility leading to agility, and exciting check outs to stores, parks, etc. are a must. The crucial thing is to solidify manners, crucial skills and self control.”

Zori vaulting off of Susan’s back to get over a fence

Susan prefers to work Zori off-lead so that her movements are not restricted. “I will slow her down and can, unintentionally, stop her from exploring or investigating something,” she explains. “If the area is safe for her to work loose, Zori is able to be much a lot more efficient.”

Search and rescue dogs are usually trained to find living people, although some dogs are cross trained for both live and cadaver. Human remains detection dogs, or search and recovery dogs, are imprinted with human cadaver odour, rather than skin cells from live humans.

Becoming a search and rescue dog

Once a pet dog has completed its training, it can be certified. search and rescue teams are certified annually by the Ontario Provincial police (OPP).

Certification evaluates dogs in four areas: obedience, agility, search and tracking. For in-depth criteria in each of these elements, check out the Ontario search and Rescue Volunteer association (OSARVA) web site.

Susan explains, “The test involves tracking where the pet dog locates the freshest human odour on the ground. The pet dog need to also air scent where they pick up scent carried in air currents and seek out its origin.”

Requirements for people to do search and rescue

Beyond the dogs, the handlers need to meet certain standards as well. They need to be a member of an OSARVA team and need to be a certified ground searcher.

Certification in search—which has to be renewed annually—involves map and compass navigation skills, clue detection, search patterns, personal equipment, environmental conditions and understanding the chain of command and  communications systems used by emergency responders. In addition, most teams require members to have first aid and CPR.

Search and rescue is a way of life for Susan and Zori, as well as the other volunteers in Ontario. The dogs and handlers are equally committed to their work.

Do you have SAR volunteers where you live?

What impresses you most about these dogs?

Julia Preston is a blogger at Home on 129 Acres where she writes about her adventures of country living and diy renovating. She and her family live on a 129-acre farm in Ontario, Canada. follow Julia on Instagram here.

Related posts on dogs with jobs:

Sled dogs – training and care

Guide pet dog information

Livestock guardian dogs

What does a therapy pet dog do?

So you’re changing your pet dog to a raw diet. Congratulations!

You may be wondering, exactly how much raw meat must I feed my pet dog per day?

The general policy of thumb is to feed the pet dog 2 to 3 percent of her suitable adult body weight. Then, change appropriately if she starts to seem as well thin, as well hungry or as well fat.

Some dogs will naturally need a lot more or less food depending upon their genetics, age, health, activity levels as well as other factors.

As an example, my pet dog Ace weighed about 68 pounds, as well as he was a healthy weight. two percent of 68 pounds is about 1.3 pounds, which is undoubtedly about what he ate per day.

I at first utilized the 2 percent policy to get a general concept on exactly how much to feed him.

This publish may consist of affiliate links. That Mutt may make money from the business pointed out in this post.

Since I’ve been feeding my dogs raw pet dog food for awhile, I have a quite great concept exactly how much to feed just by checking out the food. Every meal does not have to be determined perfectly.

Commercial raw pet dog food such as Darwin’s is commonly determined in 8-ounce patties. Sixteen ounces equals one pound, so Ace would’ve needed a bit a lot more than 2.5 patties per day. My present pet dog Remy gets 4 patties each day (2 pounds).

Commercial raw pet dog food is much a lot more practical than making it yourself, however it is likewise a lot more expensive. inspect out my publish on cost effective raw pet dog food concepts for ideas to save money on raw pet dog food. as well as right here is our post on our preferred raw pet dog food brands.

If your brain hurts from trying to determine all this, right here is a fundamental equation you can utilize to figure out the amount of raw pet dog food your pup needs each day in ounces:

*Get our three complimentary raw pet dog food recipes now! Click right here

How much raw food to feed a pet dog per day

1. Take your dog’s suitable adult weight in pounds as well as multiply it by 16 to get your dog’s weight in ounces. (For Ace that would be 68 pounds x 16 = 1088 ounces.)

2. Take your dog’s weight in ounces as well as multiply it by .02 to get an quote of the amount of food she should eat each day in ounces, presuming she needs to eat around 2 percent of her weight. (For Ace, that’s 1088 x .02 = 21.76 ounces.)

I like to keep my pet dog lean, so I try to feed him the minimum amount every day for him to preserve his weight, as well as he normally does eat about 1.3 pounds of raw pet dog food per day.

Obviously if you have an underweight dog, a puppy or a expecting pet dog you are going to want to feed a lot more than 2 or 3 percent of her weight. inspect with a vet if you are not sure. likewise see our post on raw feeding for puppies.

For a lot more info, see our post: Raw pet dog food for beginners

How much of my dog’s raw diet plan must be meat/bones/fat/organs?

If you’re complying with a “whole prey raw diet,” indicating a diet plan of mainly animal products, the general policy of thumb is:

80 percent muscle mass meat
10 percent organ meat (half of that must be liver)
and 10 percent bone

This is quite common as well as agreed upon by a lot of raw feeders.

If you are feeding a diet plan that includes fruits as well as veggies as well as perhaps even some grain (barf diet plan recipes), you would change the percentages a bit, so it may be a lot more like 70 percent meat, 10 percent organs, 10 percent bone as well as 10 percent vegetation. This is approximately what my pet dog eats.

There is difference on whether dogs requirement fruits or veggies in their diets.

My belief is that fruits as well as veggies can’t hurt. While I’m not excessively concerned about what fruits as well as veggies my pet dog eats, I do try to feed them everyday in little quantities for a range of nutrients.

I’m really a lot more concerned about the high quality as well as range of meat products my pet dog eats as well as making sure he gets sufficient fat, organ meat, calcium as well as so on.

Do I requirement to include any type of supplements in my dog’s raw food?

Vitamins in a dog’s raw diet

For added nutrients, you might provide your pet dog a everyday multi vitamin. Ideally, your pet dog shouldn’t requirement a vitamin since she must be getting all the needed nutrients from her raw diet.

But, just like humans, often it’s just much easier not to concern about it as well as just take a everyday vitamin. It can’t hurt. Or, at the extremely least, provide your pet dog a vitamin every couple of days or when per week.

Fish oil for dogs

I provide my pet dog a fish oil tablet a lot of days for the omega 3s. whatever I’ve checked out about fish oil for dogs states it is helpful as well as assists to balance out the omega 6s discovered in supermarket meats such as raw beef. I take a fish oil tablet myself a lot of days.

“EPA as well as DHA, theomega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, supply extensive benefits,” according to Mary Straus in an post “The benefits of Fish Oil to Your Dog’s Health” in the September 2012 problem of “The whole pet dog Journal.”

According to the article, a few of the benefits of fish oil for dogs include weight loss for overweight dogs, a healthier coat as well as healthier skin, minimized joint pain, minimized allergies, a healthier immune system as well as lower blood pressure.

If you feed your pet dog a homemade raw or cooked diet, what are some foods you feed?

Raw pet dog food guide as well as recipes

If you would like a lot more info on feeding raw pet dog food, you will discover my ebook helpful. The expense is $9 as well as it discusses whatever you requirement to understand about raw feeding. get it here.

Lindsay Stordahl is the creator of That Mutt. She composes about pet dog training, pet dog exercise as well as feeding a healthy raw diet.