Litter BoxTraining Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Litter Box Training Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com To teach your dog to use a litter box or fake grass potty area, follow the steps below and continue on to the next step once your dog uses the papers or pads two times in the previous step. 1. Set up an exercise pen and cover the floor inside the area with newspapers or potty pads. Give your dog dog broth to drink in order to get lots of repetitions and begin work on this over the weekend. 2. Crate your dog, and then every 30 minutes place him in the pen for 5 minutes (set a timer). If he "goes". he gets a big treat and gets 30 minutes of freedom. If he doesn't "go"then back in the crate for another 30 minutes. Repeat! 3. Continue to feed your dog broth. Once your dog is pottying reliably on the papers or pads, reduce the area of the papers/pads until you are down to the final size area that you wish to use. 4. Once he is pottying on the smaller area of papers or pads, transfer the papers or pads into the final potty area or "litter box". 5. If your dog is comfortable now using the potty area, the next step is to leave the exercise pen door open and after you take him out of his crate, encourage him to go in by himself to potty. You are almost there! 6. Now you can remove the exercise pen and take your dog out of the crate and watch carefully so that you can encourage pottying in the potty area.

7. Now, move the potty area to its final place and work on getting your dog to use it in that location. Once your dog is going to the potty area and "going" with your guidance, you can remove the crate and simply supervise (of course rewarding any breakthroughs). A Male Wrap might be a helpful preventative for your boy dogs at this stage. You may need to encourage your dog to go to his potty area from areas in the house that are farther away. Continue rewarding your dog for using the potty area / litter box for a few weeks. If there are any accidents, you will want to increase your supervision and decrease the amount of freedom your dog has. You can decrease freedom by keeping your dog in a small area such as a crate, pen or indoor tether.

Tips to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Tips to Calm Your Dog During Fireworks Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com 1. Get plenty of exercise with your pet during the day to decrease any pent up nerves/energy when the fireworks start. 2. Provide a safe space for your pet in a familiar and comfortable room inside. Play some Anti Anxiety Music for Dogs calming music, white noise, or the TV to help drown out the fireworks. Ensure all doors and windows are closed. 3. Distract with high value treats and toys. Try a Kong with frozen peanut butter to keep them busy and happy. 4. Consider an anti-anxiety wrap like the Thundershirt Calming Wrap to provide gentle pressure that helps decrease anxiety and stress for some pets. 5. Make sure your pet has proper identification - Check your pet’s identification tag for up to date contact information. Tip: If you don’t have time to order a tag with accurate information, you can always use a luggage tag to add your information and attach it to the collar. 6. Microchip your pet to help your local officials get your fur-baby back to you in the chance they do fearfully flee... Although microchips are not tracking devices, they do help lost pets be reunited with their parents. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date, and if your pet isn’t microchipped. Use your app to request a microchip appointment today! 7. Contact your vet to discuss prescription sedatives and other options to help decrease the fireworks trauma for your furry-friend.

The Only Good Dog is a Tired Dog!

#Alpha DogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity The Only Good Dog is a Tired Dog! Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com The alarm goes off at 5:30am! My face, still buried in the pillow, reluctantly rises just enough to allow my arm to reach out in desperation to hit the snooze button. There. Peace. Moments later, “Yip, yip!” goes the new client’s dog. This is the story of my life when it comes to checking in a new puppy (or even older dog) to my resident training program. As I begrudgingly drag myself out of bed, stuff my feet into flip flops and fasten a robe around my waist in utter grumpiness, the yipping escalates, and the dog is now like a tornado. The crate is actually rocking back and forth like a MayTag washing machine…By the time I am able to unlatch the crate door, Fluffy has now turned into a Tasmanian Devil! By the time the new training dog is taken outside to potty, the rest of the household is now awake and ready to rumble. I have officially started the day off as a bonafide grouch. Only freshly ground and brewed roast coffee will bring joy to life. It may not be terribly difficult to imagine this scenario. In fact, this is the root of many client frustrations I experience as a professional dog trainer and coach. Many of my new clients with super high energy, destructive dogs often admit to me that they attempted some sort of management/containment training with their dog, but not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and losing copious amounts of sleep, they gave up. Somehow, this started the slide down the slippery slope where the dog was then allowed to sleep loose, which led to destructive behavior or accidents. So, the dog was put outside more to “burn off energy”which led to barking dog complaints by the neighbors, barrier frustration, and so on. So, the client attempted to walk the dog, only to be further frustrated by a barking, unruly dragon at the end of the leash. Never fear. It all goes back to basics first. While your new issue may be leash walking, it likely all stems with energy and behavior management around the home. By creating an energy burn plan for your energetic pooch. Here are some tips to help you out: Tip 1: A Tired Dog is a Good Dog A tired dog is a good dog! A treadmill is a GREAT way to burn off a little extra energy before bedtime, on rainy days, or when you simply have a dog who needs a little extra burn before their daily excursions. I WALK my dogs predominately on the treadmill. You might add five minutes of trotting to get the tongue lolling, but mostly calm walking is best to condition a relaxed mind. Tip 2: Teach Your Dog Patience Teach your dog the concept of patience. We tend to go places. We always have a destination. In horse training there is a method of tying a horse on what is called a patience pole. They simply learn the skill of doing nothing for long periods affixed to a pole sunk in the ground. In dog training, your dog needs to learn to be patient and relaxed while on leash. YOU can be the patience pole. If it can be done with a thousand pound animal, surely we can teach Fido to just wait. Do nothing. Go no where. Coffee shop patios are great for this. T ip 3: Make a Training Box Get the equipment to help you accomplish these things. Make a training box or bag. Training leashes, collars, Bitter Apple Spray for barking, squirt bottles, treats are all part of my training box. You may need a pro to help you properly implement their use and perfect techniques, but without the right gear you are wasting your time. Tip 4: Double Up with Exercise + Patience Pick three to four activities lasting an hour or more to do with your dog each week to burn exercise, then practice being a patience pole during that activity for 15 of those minutes. Hiking, biking, trip to the beach or lake, field trip to Petsmart or Home Depot, etc. Tip 5: Enrichment Treats Enrichment treats such as peanut butter stuffed inside stuffed Kongs. Knuckle bones, bully sticks, and pig ears are all example of some great enrichment items to create calmness while inside the home, kennel, or crate. Conclusion So, stock up your training bag. Get a strategy in place to pre burn some energy BEFORE your dog excursion, and schedule your weekly field trips. Put a plan in place and try it for two weeks and you will see a big difference in your dog's behavior.

Introducing a New Dog into Your Pack

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Introducing a New Dog into Your Pack Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com Bringing a new dog into a home is always an exciting time. It's like adding a new family member or guest to the household. While much has been written on bringing puppies into the home - very little has been written about bringing new adult dogs into the home. The human pack leader makes it crystal clear that aggressive behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The human pack leader shows his dog or dogs that he will protect them FROM OTHER DOGS. This is a very important issue that the average dog owner doesn't realize, but I guarantee you your dog does. When it's done correctly the first few weeks of your relationship with the new dog set the stage for the rest of your dog’s life. The minute a dog meets you he starts to evaluate you as a leader. If you know this it's easy to set yourself up as a pack leader. Your job as THE PACK LEADER IS TO SHOW YOUR DOGS THAT YOU WILL NOT TOLERATE AGGRESSION TOWARD THIS NEW PACK MEMBER. Pack leaders decide when there will be a fight and by your stopping aggression you are reminding them who the leader is. If the new dog growls at us or the other dog during this process we either put him back in the crate (and the crate training begins again)or

we have the tools in place to give an appropriate correction. If you have a rank problem between you and your dog then you are going to have to deal with that before you introduce this new dog. There is no reason to rush the introduction of a new dog into your home. It can take weeks or even months for that matter. We have 4 house dogs. We have 4 crates in our basement one in my office and one on the main floor of the house. While our dogs can be together when we are present, we never leave them together when we are gone. In fact, we only leave one dog out of the crate when we are gone. Establishing a relationship means that you are subtly teaching the dog that you are the pack leader. This is accomplished by controlling every aspect of this dog’s life. During the first weeks the only time dogs are around one another is when one is in a crate and the others are loose. We know when they are beginning to accept one another when they begin to ignore one another. Your goal here is to show the existing house dogs that this new dog is now part of your pack. Once that happens you can start to think about how to introduce the dogs outside of the crates. We always handle introductions with both dogs on leash with a dominant dog collar. It's best not to do this inside the house. We handle the introduction by taking the dogs for walks together. If there is even the slightest possibility of a fight we will muzzle the dogs. The bottom line is to error on the side of caution and safety. Dogs use their body language to communicate so take a little time and learn a little bit about dog’s body language.

Prepare Your Dog For July 4th

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Preparing Your Dog for the July 4th Holiday Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com Preparing Your Dog Ahead for the July 4th Holiday The most important thing that pet owners can do is make sure they (and their pets) are prepared. Microchipping allows owners to reunite with their pet if they were to go missing. When you enroll online, you can enter emergency contacts and personal information, but the key is to make sure this is updated frequently. If you don’t know your pet’s microchip information, you can go to a pet microchip lookup where you can enter the information and it will let you know which recovery service to contact and it can give you an idea of who likely sold the microchip. While many think that the microchip is a GPS, it is not a locator device, it’s a permanent identification for your pet. It’s very important the information is up-to-date because it makes it easier and faster to reunite the pet. In addition to making sure microchip information is updated, owners can also exercise their pet the days of big events to exhaust pent-up energy before the celebration. What To Do If Your Pet Gets Lost Being prepared is extremely helpful, but what happens if your pet goes missing? The very first thing owners need to do is get a search party out and have their cellphone with them. You should scatter because you don’t know where the pet went.” She also explains that it’s important to always have a picture of your pet on-hand. If your pet is enrolled in a microchip program, owners can contact their designated recovery service. The AKC Reunite program has live agents that are available 24/7 and expect their busiest day to be July 5th and 8th. When a pet is found, AKC Reunite will call, text, and email you. They will contact all of the emergency contacts in your profile. Again, this is a huge reason to make sure all of the information in your profile is updated. If any points of communication are outdated, they will also send a letter. Make sure that your pet is enrolled, don’t give up hope, contact local animal control, and ask if they were to pick up a pet where they would go. Follow up daily, and be patient because you’ll most likely work with volunteers where you will have to repeat information. Most shelters aren’t open on holiday weekends, so it’s important to note that AKC Reunite has live agents to aid in searching, reporting a lost pet, or reporting a found pet.

Enjoy your holiday celebration with family and friends — just be sure to follow precautions so that your companion can enjoy the holiday as well.

How to Prevent Dog Bites in Children

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Preventing Dog Bites in Children Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training.slc.com Preventing Dog Bites in Children According to a 1994 study by Mathews and Lattal, approximately one million dog bites occur every year in the United States. According to the study, 60-70% of those involve children. Boys are bitten more often than girls and a third of the dogs that attack children are owned by the family. A study done in 1975 indicated that 87% of biting dogs are intact males and most dog bites occur in or near the victim's home. Another study in 1989 indicated that 70% of the children who were killed by dogs were under the age of 10 and 22% were under the age of one year with 7% being sleeping infants.

What Parents Need to Teach Their Children 1. NEVER disturb any dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. 2. NEVER pet a dog, even your own, without letting him see and sniff you first. 3. Children must always ASK PERMISSION from the owner and their parents BEFORE petting any dog. I never allowed my children near strange dogs much less pet them. 4. If the owner cannot control the dog and have it SIT nicely for the child to pet, WALK AWAY. 5. NEVER approach a dog who is confined behind a fence, within a car, or on a chain. 6. NEVER TEASE any dog by poking at them through fences or car windows or reaching your arm through to pet them. 7. NEVER approach a strange dog you don't know or a dog who is not with his owner. 8. NEVER RUN away from a dog that is chasing you. STOP, STAND STILL, REMAIN CALM, ARMS AT YOUR SIDES, be quiet, and DO NOT SCREAM. Walk away SLOWLY FACING THE DOG BUT NOT STARING AT its eyes. 9. If a dog attacks, "feed" him your jacket, a schoolbook, a bicycle, or anything else that you can get between you and the dog. 10. If you are attacked, STOP, CURL UP IN A BALL LIKE A TURTLE, COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR ARMS AND HANDS. 11. Do not chase after dogs. 12. Do not scream and be loud around dogs. 13. Children should not stare into the eyes of a dog. 14. If a dog starts to circle you, turn with it, don't let it get behind you. 15. If the dog shows aggressive behavior (i.e., barking or growling) put something between you and the dog, like a chair. 16. Just because a dog wags its tail does not mean it's friendly. 17. Always ask the owner of a dog if it is OK to pet their dog. 18. If you are in an area with a stray dog - leave that area. 19. If a dog approaches, you remain calm and motionless. Keep your hands at your side. Speak with a soothing voice. 20. If a dog is injured do not touch or try and help it. Go get an adult. If you own any dog, but especially a dog that has had the smallest amount of aggression or protection training, it is your moral and legal obligation to make sure that you do everything possible to ensure that your dog is never in a situation where it could bite a child.

Potty Training Your Pup

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Potty Training Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com One of the most common themes in the many emails I get every day concern the problems people are having with potty training their dogs. When housetraining goes well, new pet owners assume that this is a cakewalk and it should be like this all the time. These people are wrong. More often than not, problems come up and when that happens, people get frustrated. The fact is there are many reasons that puppies and older dogs develop housetraining problems. There is no silver bullet that is going to fix each and every dog's problem. With this said, the solution to all housetraining problems lies in owner education. When problems arise, pet owners almost always often fall into a common trap. They start to ask family and friends what they can do to fix these housetraining problems. Unfortunately, most people are unqualified and lack the experience to offer accurate advice. This results in a lot of bad information being passed out which only makes the problems worse. Here are some of the most common housetraining problem areas: • Puppies usually can't hold it for 8 hours until they are 16 weeks old. With this said, some have problems until they are 6 to 7 months old, some are good at 8 weeks. Usually, dogs on an all-natural diet do better because they poop about 5 times less than commercial kibble eaters. • You have to use a dog crate. If you're not prepared to do this, quit reading and move on because you are wasting your time. You are not going to reinvent the wheel by doing this without a crate. • In the beginning, take your dog out often. The concept is to teach the dog that "if it holds it just a little longer, you are going to take it outside". • It takes a dog about 5 seconds to pee. This translates into a simple rule which is "NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR DOG - not even for 5 seconds". • Those "pee pads" that pet stores sell are the dumbest idea I have ever heard. They teach dogs to pee and poop in the house. • We don't let our dogs have free time in the house until they are 2 to 3 years old. If a dog has an accident in the house, they go right back to square one and start again. Some dogs cannot be housetrained to the extent that they can be left alone inside the house (out of the crate) when you are gone.

Dog Car Safety Tips

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Dog Car Safety Tips Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com It doesn’t matter if it’s a long road trip or a short drive to the dog park; it’s important to properly secure your dog in the car. Securing your dog not only keeps him safe, but also keeps him from distracting you. This keeps you safe, too. There are countless dog car safety products on the market, though, so finding the right one can be overwhelming. Our experts offer their advice to help keep you and your trusty copilot safe, no matter how long or short the drive. 1. Training You may have expected this list to start with a product like a dog seat belt, but extensive training is crucial. A well-trained dog will cause fewer distractions in the car, which significantly reduces the risk of an accident. Whether your dog is scared of car rides or gets overly excited about getting in a vehicle, start with slow, gradual training. Get him used to getting in and out of the car, the sounds of the doors, the engine and the horn. Once he’s got that down, go for a ride around the block. Slowly increase your distance as he learns to hop right in and sit in his seat. By taking things slow, your dog will learn how to behave in the car, which helps keep you both safe. 2. Buckle Up There are a lot of products on the market for dog car safety, but not all products are created equal. Do your research to ensure the product you choose fits your dog properly for his size. Dog seat belts and car harnesses are two of the more popular options. They click right into the existing seat belt buckles in your car. These products can allow your dog some freedom to move around, but keep him secure in his seat. Although plenty of other options are available, like harnessed dog boosters, mesh car barriers and dog hammocks, these don’t offer the security of a dog car safety harness or belt if you make a sudden stop or are in a collision. In fact, if some of these items aren’t properly secured, they could injure both you and your dog. 3. Be Prepared Whether it’s a short ride or a long trip, make sure you’re prepared. Bring along your dog’s usual collar or harness, plus his leash. Make sure you have plenty of food and fresh water, along with a food bowl and spill-proof water bowl. You’ll want to time his feedings so he’s not traveling on a full stomach, which can cause motion sickness. Other items to consider based on trip length include: • Medications your dog may need • A blanket or his dog bed • Brush and other grooming items • Toys and treats • Your dog’s crate or kennel Taking a road trip with your dog can be a fun experience. Remember to never leave him in your vehicle, as the interior temperatures can reach life-threatening levels quickly.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dog Eat Strawberries? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com There’s nothing like strawberry season. The fresh, juicy berries make a healthy snack for you, but can your dog have strawberries, too? It’s a good question to ask, since you and your dog have different systems and nutritional needs. Read on to learn if strawberries are a safe treat for your dog. Are strawberries good for dogs to eat? Strawberries are good for dogs. But feed strawberries to your dog like you would any other snack. Keep the portion size small. “Treats you feed your dog should make up no more than 10% of his total calories for the day. We love to eat strawberries because they are sweet. But sweet means sugar. And a lot of sugar, even in fruit, isn’t beneficial to dogs. That’s another reason to feed strawberries in moderation. Are strawberries good for dogs? Strawberries have some characteristics and nutrients that may be good for your dog. Strawberries have: • High water content • Fiber • Vitamin C • A teeth-whitening enzyme Strawberries (and some other berries) are known to contain natural compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. Research shows they are good for humans and some other animals, but whether or not there are benefits for your dog hasn’t been tested yet. What is the best way to prepare strawberries for dogs? Wash and clean strawberries for your dog just like you would for your family. Washing helps rinse away dirt and residual chemicals. Keep in mind that any food can be a choking hazard, even strawberries. So, after washing, trim off the stem. Is your dog a small breed dog or a puppy? Make strawberries even easier to eat. Cut them into small bits or puree them–mashing works well, too. For larger dogs, cut them in half or serve the berry whole. How should I introduce my dog to strawberries? Some dogs might not know what to do with the new texture of strawberries. So, you can try feeding them as frozen treats at first . Whatever way you serve them, start out slowl to see his reaction. If he likes them, you can try putting them on his food, but make sure he likes them first. Feeding the berries slowly means you’ll notice right away if they are causing a problem. Call your veterinarian if you notice stomach upset, digestive issues, intense scratching or an increase in thirst. Any of these can indicate strawberries aren’t right for your dog. Since strawberries are safe for dogs, are other berries safe, too? “Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries are safe options for dogs, too. Although cranberries can be bitter and in general dogs do not like bitter taste.

Puppy Separation Anxiety

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Separation Anxiety Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com If your puppy scratches at the door, cries or barks excessively, goes to the bathroom in the house and/or chews things every time your family leaves the house, he may be suffering from separation anxiety. Why some puppies develop separation anxiety and some don’t is not fully understood. Whatever the cause, it’s important to realize these behaviors are not malicious and that they are likely panic or other coping behaviors. Punishing your puppy will not eliminate separation anxiety. Gradually adjusting your puppy to being alone is the best approach. Preventing Separation Anxiety It’s good for your puppy to be comfortable when home alone. You can help him learn this by taking a little time and following these simple steps. Start as soon as your puppy comes home, if possible. • Puppies like routine. Develop a schedule for your puppy, and make sure your family sticks to it. • Practice Preventative Training. • Always give your puppy an opportunity to go potty prior to crating him. • Crate train your puppy. When done properly, the use of a crate is a great way to help your puppy remain calm—and out of trouble! See our guide on Crate Training your puppy for more information. • Crate him for short periods while you are present. For example, when you are watching television, put your puppy in his crate and put the crate next to the sofa. Gradually increase the time crated. Reward quiet behavior with calm praise. • Start leaving your puppy alone in his crate. Start with just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the time spent alone. • Limit the attention he gets shortly before leaving, so it isn’t such a shock when your family does leave. • When you let your puppy out of his crate, remain calm and keep the greetings to a minimum. You don’t want to make him excited. • Most puppies don’t need to be crated throughout their lives, but don't rush freedom. Typically, puppies aren’t ready to be given unsupervised freedom in your home until they are approximately a year-and-a-half or older. • Try to make sure someone in your family is home as much as possible. Consider hiring a puppy-walker or neighbor to give your puppy a midday break while everyone is in work or school. Keeping your schedule similar on weekends can help make things easier for your puppy.

Why is My Dog Chewing Everything?

#AlphaDogTraining #Dogtrainingsaltlakecity Why is My Dog Chewing Everything? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com Why Dogs Chew Chewing is usually a healthy, normal thing to do when it isn't destructive. Dogs chew for many reasons: • To release pent-up energy • Stress • Teething, which generally occurs between three and six months of age • Because the dog simply finds chewing enjoyable Keep in mind that some behavior that looks like chewing or biting is actually exploratory 'mouthing.' Dogs learn about an object's feel and texture with their mouths in the way people learn those things by feeling with their hands. Correcting Inappropriate Chewing Buy appropriate chew toys. Then, when you see your dog chewing something inappropriate: • Say "no" or "eh" in a low voice. (It's a sound similar to a mother's growl, which your puppy will take as a sign of disapproval) • If your dog stops to look at you, praise and give your puppy a preferred chew toy. Do not use old shoes, socks or gloves, as that will actually train your dog to chew your things. • Praise your dog whenever you see him chewing a dog toy. This teaches your dog that it is not chewing that is wrong - just chewing the wrong things. • Make sure puppies have chew toys available at all times, especially when teething. Rotate the toys to provide novelty. • When possible, put items you don't want your dog to chew away or out of reach. If not possible, keep your dog out of the area with gates or by closing doors. • When you aren't home, confine your dog in a safe area or crate your dog. • Increase his exercise and his training. Do's and Don'ts • DO provide lots of good, solid dog toys for chewing. • DO prevent problems by supervising your dog closely and exercising him often. • DO stay calm. If you catch your dog chewing something other than a dog toy do as suggested above. • DON’T blame the dog for being a dog - give him toys to chew, reward him for chewing those, and prevent access to other items.

Dogs And Storms

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Calm Dogs During Fireworks Published by Alpha Dog Training https://alpha-dog-training-slc.com How to Calm Dogs During Storms There are several strategies for calming a dog during a storm. • Stay Calm: The best thing to do is to remain calm around your dog during a thunderstorm. Making a big fuss around the dog only proves to him that there is a good reason to panic. Dogs look to us for reassurance. So, showing your dog we are calm and relaxed is likely to help the dog understand there is no real danger. • • Create a Safe Space: Give your dog a safe indoor space to go when he’s scared. If your dog is crate-trained, he may feel most secure in his crate with a nice chew toy to occupy his time.

Cover wire crates with a blanket to help absorb the sound and leave the door open so he doesn’t feel trapped. If your dog doesn’t have a crate or isn’t used to it, try creating a safe place elsewhere. Scope out a calm place in your home where you can set up your dog’s bed during the thunderstorm. Consider giving him a treat-stuffed toy to make the occasion positive. Close the blinds or curtains of any windows so he can’t see outside. • • Distract Him: If your dog is afraid of thunder, turn on the TV or calming music to drown out the noise. If he’s feeling playful, grab his toys and have some fun with him. Be sure to reward him with his favorite treats, too. Really, do what you can to create positive associations with the sound of thunder. • • Prepare for the Next Storm: Try desensitizing your dog to the sounds of thunder. Play those sounds quietly in the background as you play games. Do this around the time when good things happen, like dinner, play time or going for a walk. If your dog is reacting in a positive manner, then you can gradually increase the volume of the noises at a pace that your dog is comfortable with. Over the course of a few weeks to months, this can help him associate the sounds of thunderstorms with happy times. • • Talk to Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian is the best person to talk to when it comes to dogs and thunder. They may recommend a vest, shirt or wrap that applies light, constant compression. This can help alleviate anxiety (similar to calming a baby with swaddling). If your dog’s storm anxiety is severe, ask your veterinarian for alternative remedies to help him feel calmer. They may recommend a product like Calming Care, particularly if you live in an area prone to thunderstorms. Remember to practice positive reinforcement with your dog. Don’t scold or punish him for his thunder phobia—his behavior is the result of fear, not disobedience. Teaching your dog new and pleasant associations is the best way to calm a dog during a storm.

Tips for Running With Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Tips for Running With Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com There are many benefits to getting active for both people and dogs. Studies have shown that having a workout partner helps people increase accountability, follow-through, and success in meeting health goals. And like humans, dogs enjoy mental health benefits from exercise, as well as physical benefits that help enhance canine performance and health, like increased lean muscle mass, reduced body fat, and more. Before you start running with your dog, here are some tips you’ll want to know. 1. Assess Your Dog’s Fitness Level Age, breed and fitness level are important factors to consider when deciding on the best ways to exercise your dog. These factors should also help determine the length and duration of your runs together. For example, puppies’ bodies and coordination skills are still developing; therefore, keeping the sessions short on more forgiving terrain like dirt, grass, and trails will help protect their growing bodies. After they reach skeletal maturity, walks and runs can gradually get longer and be held on sidewalks and asphalt. 2. Take Your Dog’s Breed Into Account Toy and small breed dogs often seem highly energized and fast-moving. However, they might not have the endurance of medium-sized breeds like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies. Many breeds developed for hunting and field trials, like Golden Retrievers, Vizslas and German Shorthair Pointers, can be excellent running companions with appropriate endurance training. Giant breeds, like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, often struggle with distance running due to their large skeletal stature. Brachycephalic breeds, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, need special consideration as their short noses can make breathing a bit more difficult, particularly during exercise. 3. Be Prepared There are many things to consider before you and your dog go out the door. Double-check your list to make sure you have it all. Collar and Leash/Harness: This will help you maintain control and keep your dog safe. Microchip and ID tag: These are super important in case your dog should slip off his leash or out of his harness. Poop bags: Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet. The environment—and your neighbors—will appreciate it! Weather check: Heat and humidity can quickly deplete the energy and endurance of our dogs and on the opposite side, cold and snow can take some acclimation. Asphalt and sidewalks in the summer can become hot enough to burn their pads and ice in the winter can be slippery, so understanding the terrain you’ll be running on is critical to avoiding injury. 4. Food Is Fuel How well your dog excels outside depends on what’s fueling them inside. For the best dog food for active breeds to help power your dog’s runs, or the best puppy food for active dogs to get your new exercise partner off to a strong start, Pro Plan Sport formulas are worth consideration. They are specially formulated to fuel highly active dogs, with optimized nutrition to fuel age-appropriate strength and endurance plus amino acids to help with muscle recovery post-exercise. 5. Time Your Feedings A dog’s stomach takes at least 4-6 hours to empty, so feeding your dog right before going for a run isn’t ideal. Also, allowing them time to cool down and relax after the exercise can help to avoid GI upset. Because of these potential issues, it’s advised you feed your dog a few hours before or after exercise. 6. Watch The Body Language Lagging behind and slowing down are key signs your dog is starting to get tired. Dogs can’t sweat and they use panting and their tongues to exchange body heat. Watching the length and expansion of their tongue can be an indicator if they’re getting too hot. Having a water source for them can help keep them hydrated along the route and keep them cool in the process. 7. Give Them A Once-over Dogs have a higher pain tolerance than we do and can often keep running no matter what. That’s why it’s important to examine them from nose-to-tail after every exercise session. Make sure their feet are without burns, scrapes, or thorns, their fur is clean and without burrs or mats, and their eyes, nose, and mouth are clear. 8. Bring The Outside In Lastly, hiking, walking, and running are great ways to physically engage your pet and offer a time to bond with them in the outdoors. If you can’t get outside due to inclement weather, you can still keep them active. Playing hide and seek can tap into their senses of hearing and smell. Practicing basic obedience skills like “sit” and “down” not only help reinforce good behavior but also can serve as strength work for them. While our pets need physical activity, keep in mind that mental stimulation is important as well. So no matter what activity you’re engaging in, incorporating a “recovery walk” where they’re allowed to take in smells, stop and start at their own pace, and watch all the squirrels and birds will help keep them happy. Every dog is unique and it’s important to talk with your veterinarian about any questions you may have about your specific dog.

How to House Train Your Pup

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Dealing with House Training Problems Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com The fact is there are many reasons that puppies and older dogs develop housetraining problems. There is no silver bullet that is going to fix each and every dog's problem. With this said, the solution to all housetraining problems lies in owner education. Before owners can solve their dog's problem, they must first have a clear picture of the correct way to housetrain a dog. The purpose of this article is to help pull a lot of information from my website together so dog owners can develop a game plan for solving their own housetraining problems. When problems arise, pet owners almost always often fall into a common trap. They start to ask family and friends what they can do to fix these housetraining problems. Unfortunately, most people are unqualified and lack the experience to offer accurate advice. This results in a lot of bad information being passed out which only makes the problems worse. Here are some of the most common housetraining problems areas: • Puppies usually can't hold it for 8 hours until they are 16 weeks old. With this said, some have problems until they are 6 to 7 months old, some are good at 8 weeks. Usually, dogs on an all-natural diet do better because they poop about 5 times less than commercial kibble eaters. • You have to use a dog crate. If you're not prepared to do this, quit reading and move on because you are wasting your time. You are not going to reinvent the wheel by doing this without a crate. • In the beginning, take your dog out often. The concept is to teach the dog that "if it holds it just a little longer, you are going to take it outside". • It takes a dog about 5 seconds to pee. This translates into a simple rule which is "NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR DOG - not even for 5 seconds". • Those "pee pads" that pet stores sell are the dumbest idea I have ever heard. They teach dogs to pee and poop in the house. • We don't let our dogs have free time in the house until they are 2 to 3 years old. If a dog has an accident in the house, they go right back to square one and start again. Some dogs cannot be housetrained to the extent that they can be left alone inside the house (out of the crate) when you are gone.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dogs Eat Carrots? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com Carrots are a versatile vegetable. They can stand alone as a snack, pair with a roast and potatoes or add flavor to stock or soup. The vitamins and minerals this vegetable contains make them great for humans, but can dogs eat carrots? Purina experts say yes, dogs can eat carrots. Not only can they eat them, but most dogs also enjoy them. Below our experts explain why carrots are good for dogs, how to serve them and more. Can Dogs Have Carrots? Like many other fruits and vegetables, dogs can have carrots. In fact, every part of this vegetable, from the carrot itself to the leafy green tops are safe for dogs to eat. They’re a good, natural treat, and most dogs like the flavor, too. Are Carrots Good for Dogs? Carrots contain essential vitamins and minerals like beta carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A), vitamin K, potassium and more. Although these nutrients are good for humans, can dogs reap the same benefits? Because you aren’t relying on carrots alone to give your dog the nutrients he needs, he’s unlikely to see major benefits from small amounts of this vegetable. That said, it’s still a healthy and tasty treat for your pooch. When Are Carrots Bad for Dogs? In moderation, carrots are a healthy, low-calorie treat. Like other fruits and vegetables, though, they’re high in natural sugar. This is why dogs (and humans) find them so tasty. Too much sugar, even the natural kind, can cause weight gain, which can lead to other health problems. “The same rules apply to serving carrots as they do with any other treat,” says Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey. Meaning carrots should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Although dogs aren’t usually at risk for cavities, too many high-sugar treats could lead to dental decay. Unlike more abrasive foods which clean the teeth, carrots won’t clean your dog’s teeth as he eats. How to Serve Carrots for Dogs Before giving your dog a new food, check with your veterinarian to get the ideal serving size. You can slice them into rounds or cut them into sticks or smaller or larger pieces, depending on your dog’s size. Your dog may enjoy the crunch and flavor of raw carrots, but if he doesn’t like them raw, try giving him cooked carrots. If you’re worried about altering the carrots’ nutritional value by cooking them, don’t. “Steaming or cooking minimally in the microwave shouldn’t cause a major change in vitamins and minerals in carrots,” says Dempsey. “But don’t boil the vegetable, since boiling tends to leach out nutrients. Just know however you fix them, carrots are not bad for dogs.” Always follow your veterinarian’s advice, even with people foods safe for dogs. Doing so helps to protect your pup from digestive upset, weight gain and other health problems.