Category: Behavior

Do You Crate Your Dog at Night?

Some pet owners choose to crate their dogs at night, and some dogs prefer the den-like feel of their crate. Proper crate training will turn the crate into a comfortable place where your dog feels safe and enjoys napping. While crating at night is fine, it’s important to limit the amount of time your pet spends in the crate. For example, if he is crated while you’re at work all day then he shouldn’t be crated again all night. 

How Much Time In The Crate Is Too Much?

Generally speaking, dogs shouldn’t be left in their crate for more than 8 hours per day total. An average dog can go 4 to 6 hours in between potty breaks, so make sure to plan accordingly so he is comfortable. Puppies shouldn’t be crated for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time.

The crate is a useful tool when used properly. It helps immensely with potty training and, as mentioned above, provides a safe retreat for your pet. That being said, it should not be used as a way to keep the dog “out of the way” for 10+ hours a day.

Once your dog is potty trained and has been trained to not be destructive, going into the crate should be voluntarily. Leave the door open so the pet can come and go as he wishes.

But My Dog Is Destructive 

If you’re leaving your dog in the crate because he is destructive, then you need to invest in training. The truth is that excessive crating will likely only make the problem worse as he’ll probably go a little crazy when he’s finally let out of his crate.

If traditional training hasn’t worked, talk to an animal behaviorist. Whatever the reason, leaving your dog crated for 16+ hours a day is cruel.

Crating your dog at night is an option, but as you get to know your dog, decide what is the best sleeping arrangement for him so you both can get a good night’s rest. 

Dog Training: How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Everything

Is your new dog destroying everything? Here are four ways to stop destructive chewing.

The best way to get your dog to stop chewing will depend on the reason for the behavior—and there are several possibilities. Dogs may chew because they are bored, teething, suffering from anxiety, need more exercise, or just because it’s fun! Even if you rule out all but the last reason, the fact is that dogs like to chew. If you don’t like what they are chewing on, it’s time to redirect the chewing to something else.

Your Dog Seems to Love What You Love

It seems like your dog’s favorite things to chew are your favorite things: shoes, your furniture, your iPhone. So how can you stop this destruction? Here are a few helpful hints:

Identify the Cause

There may not always be an underlying cause for the chewing. If there is, however, identifying and resolving it will be the most effective way to deal with the issue. If your pet is just bored or needs more exercise, you can provide extra brisk walks each day or help him stay stimulated with fun, interactive toys and more playtime.

If anxiety is the cause, you’ll want to seek the help of a vet or animal behaviorist. Based on the severity of the anxiety, solutions may include the use of calming products, changing his environment, or, in moderate to severe cases, medication.

Provide Plenty of Alternatives

Make sure your dog has abundant appropriate choices when he feels like chewing. Buy lots of toys in different sizes and textures and swap them out or add to them regularly. Helpful hint: Don’t provide toys that look like objects you don’t want your pup to chew, i.e. dog toys shaped like shoes.

Protect Your Stuff

Until you figure out how to stop destructive chewing, it’s all about damage control! Spray furniture with a bitter spray and put away shoes and other small objects out of your dog’s reach.

It might seem an uphill battle, but with some work and a little patience, you’ll be able to direct your dog’s chewing away from your favorite sling backs to more appropriate objects.

How Do I Stop My Dog from Begging?

You can stop a dog from begging by never rewarding the behavior—not with a snack, attention, or whatever else the dog is after. Don’t give your dog what he wants until he has stopped begging and obeyed a simple command, such as “sit,” or “no.”

There is a Polite Dog Inside that Little Beggar! 

It might seem hard to believe, but you can teach your dog to stop begging, and it’s easier than you might think. Consistency and patience are key—never give in to the pleading. Puppy dog eyes are hard to resist, especially from your own four-legged family members. Rewarding begging, however, is never a good idea. 

But I Like Sharing My Food With My Dog 

That’s fine (as long as you’ve verified the food is safe for dogs), but you shouldn’t give it to him while he’s begging. Instead, wait for your dog to stop and then put the food in his normal bowl. That way he gets his treat, but he won’t associate the special food with his skills as a beggar.

Make Him Work For It 

Another way to help your dog learn to have some manners is to make him work for what he wants. For example, put his food in the bowl, but don’t allow him to eat until he sits. This will teach him that doing something good, like sitting quietly, leads to a reward. 

Do I Know You? 

Completely ignoring your dog when he is begging is the simplest way to ensure you’re not encouraging the behavior. When he’s begging, he is ignored. Only when he stops will he once again earn your attention.

Distract Him During Meal Times 

Your food may look delicious, but most dogs will be happily distracted pretty easily. Fill a stuff-able toy with peanut butter, and he may forget all about your dinner—and that toy will keep him occupied for most of your meal. 

Begging may seem cute, but it’s not a behavior you want to encourage. Instead, reward proper conduct and mold your dog into a well-behaved pet.

How Long Does It Take a Pug to Get Used to a New Home?

It will usually take a Pug from a few days to a few months to get used to a new home. All dogs are different and they’ll acclimate to a new home and a new owner at different speeds. In some cases, it might just take a few days, but with other dogs, it’ll take much longer.

One of the factors that can affect how long it takes is the age of your new dog. Older dogs that have been with their previous owner and in their old home for a long time may have a harder time adjusting than younger dogs and puppies. The personality of the dog will be a factor, as well. Fortunately, there are some things you can do that can make it easier for your new Pug to adjust.

A Welcoming Home with Her Own Space

Naturally, you want to be sure that you create a warm and welcoming space for your new dog. You’ll want to be sure that she has a little place of her own that she can head to if she starts to feel nervous. Have a doggie bed that has her toys and other items in it. Put it in a location where it’s still easy to visit with her new family when she wants, but private enough that she can have some time to herself if she needs it.

Not Too Many People Too Soon

While you’ll want to be sure that everyone in the family that’s living in the house gets to meet her, you don’t want to have too many people coming to visit. Too many people will overwhelm her, especially if you notice that she’s a shy dog that doesn’t like to have too much attention from people she doesn’t know.

Regular Walks and Feeding Times

It’s important to have a schedule for your dog, as they tend to do better with schedules. You should go on your walks at about the same time each day, and you should feed her at about the same time. She should have frequent potty breaks, especially when she first comes to live with you. You’ll want to learn her telltale signs, so you know when she wants to go out. This can help to reduce accidents, but they can still happen, of course.

Playtime and Relaxation Time

Although you want to be sure she has time to herself, you also want to make sure she feels welcome. Play with her, talk to her, and ensure that she feels like she’s part of your family. When it’s time to relax and unwind while reading or watching TV, invite her to be near you, so you can pet her. This attention can help you to bond with her quickly.

Patience is Essential

Remember, all dogs will adjust to being in a new home on their own timetable. Don’t force it. Be patient and expect that you might have a few setbacks along the way. Eventually, though, she’ll love you and your family just as much as she did her old family.

How Do You Help A Dog With Separation Anxiety?

In order to help a dog with separation anxiety, you’ll need to talk to a vet or animal behaviorist who can help to find a solution that may include adjustments to the dog’s routine, behavioral modifications, and sometimes medication. Effective treatment will vary, but one thing is for sure: You can’t just wait for it to pass.

Common Treatments for Separation Anxiety

The good news for pet owners is that separation anxiety can usually be managed. Some of the most common ways to deal with the condition include:

Video Record Your Dog When He is Home Alone

This will help you pinpoint how long it takes for the separation anxiety to kick in and identify any other potential triggers. You will also be able to see the symptoms in action, which will make it easier to explain them to a veterinarian or animal behaviorist.

Don’t Make a Big Deal About Goodbyes

Keep it low-key when coming and going. You should take special care not to lavish your dog with attention until he has calmed down.

Calming Aids

There are several different calming aids on the market that could help with your pet’s anxiety. These include calming shirts, diffusers, collars, treats, and other products. If the anxiety is mild, you may have some success with these products.

Medications 

Depending on the severity of the anxiety, over-the-counter medications may help. If it’s more severe, your vet may prescribe something a bit stronger. Always talk to your vet before giving your dog any type of medication.

Behavioral Modifications 

Working with an animal behaviorist is another method of dealing with separation anxiety that is often very successful.

Note that not all destructive behavior is due to separation anxiety. Boredom, lack of exercise, or even a medical condition could be to blame. Either way, the behavior can’t continue, so talk to your vet to find a solution that works for your pet. 

How Do I Keep My Dog From Running Out The Door?

Perfecting the sit, stay, and come commands will go a long way to keep your dog from running out the door. What’s on the other side of that door? The temptation to find out is too much for some dogs, and they make a dash every chance they get. Aside from it just being bad behavior, it can be dangerous—especially if the door leads to an unfenced part of the yard or if a busy street is nearby. That’s why working with your dog to prevent this behavior is so important.

Why Dogs Run Out The Door 

It’s exciting! There is grass out there! The mailman might be walking by! A cute dog lives next door! There are many reasons bolting out the door seems like a good idea to your pet. While any dog has the potential to want to run, some things make him more likely to try including:

  • Boredom
  • Lack of exercise
  • Successful escapes in the past 

Boredom

If your dog is sufficiently stimulated, he’ll be less likely to want to run out the door. Puzzle toys, play time, and lots of interaction help to prevent boredom.

Lack of Exercise

Two to three long walks or runs per day will ensure your dog gets sufficient exercise.

Successful Escapes in the Past

Once your dog successfully bolts out the door, he is much more likely to try again.
While the above may help to reduce your dog’s desire to run out the door, some dogs are still going to want to run no matter what. 

Tips For Keeping Your Dogs Safe 

Quality Training

Training, training, training. If your dog masters the “sit” or “stay” command, you’ll be able to throw the door open wide and know he isn’t going anywhere. If you can’t provide the training yourself, invest in a reputable professional. It will be money very well spent.

Crate When Leaving

Crating your dog or confining him to a room with no access to the door will keep him safe while you work on training. 

Exit Through A Different Door

If your dog often gets to spend time in the backyard and seldom in the front, he may be less likely to want to run out the back door. Exit through whatever door is least interesting to your pet. 

The goal is keeping your dog safe. That’s why training is the priority, as it will keep your dog safe in many situations. 

How To Stop Your Dog Jumping On People

Wondering how to get your pup to stop jumping on people? Read more to learn effective tactics to curb this behavior.

Proper training is the key to stop your dog from jumping up on people. Even if it’s clear he’s only jumping up in greeting, it’s a behavior that you shouldn’t allow as it will scare some people and could even cause injury to a child or older person if they are knocked down.

Tips To Stop The Jumping 

You don’t want to punish your dog for greeting you or your guests, but you need to show him a different way to get attention from people coming through the door. The younger the dog is when you start this training, the better.

While it’s absolutely adorable when a little puppy jumps up to about your knees, it’s less adorable when a fully grown dog jumps up and his paws land on your belly or shoulders.

Keep in mind the point of your dog’s greeting: He wants attention. You need to teach him that attention will come when he sits quietly and never when he jumps up.

To accomplish this, you need to pay no attention to your dog when jumps up. Just put your arms by your side, turn, and quietly walk away. When your dog eventually sits, then you can shower him with attention.

Expand this idea to anytime your dog is searching for attention. Give a sit command and only when he sits should he be rewarded with treats and attention.

Once he seems to have this down, have family members come through the door and, eventually, people he doesn’t know.

Mastering the sit, stay, leave it, and similar commands will make it easier to curb all kinds of behaviors. If you’re not able to teach these on your own, work with a qualified trainer near you. 

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Separation Anxiety?

It may be hard to know if your dog has separation anxiety, but you can look for telltale symptoms such as excessive barking, pacing, whining, destructive chewing, excessive drooling, and frantic attempts to escape at any cost. The behaviors are frustrating, and can even be dangerous, but there are ways to deal with them that will give you and your pet peace of mind. 

Options for Dealing with Separation Anxiety 

Some pet owners don’t know how to handle a dog with separation anxiety, so they feel they have no choice but to rehome their dog. Fortunately, there are many ways to try to correct separation anxiety that are quite effective.

  • Give your pets puzzle toys and other treats that are only offered when you’re leaving the house. One trick we love is stuffing a fillable toy with peanut butter and freezing it. Your pup will really have to focus to get all that sticky goodness out and many times, this will alleviate their anxiety.
  • Don’t gush over your dog when you first come home. Ignore him for 5 or 10 minutes after and then greet him.
  • Leave a shirt or other item of clothing that has your scent. This could make your dog feel safe and comforted. 

If the separation anxiety is more severe, it’s important to see your vet to find a solution that will work for your dog. In very severe cases, some dogs injure themselves. 

The vet may prescribe medication or may recommend working with an animal behaviorist to find a solution. Whether mild or severe, the problem won’t correct itself. In fact, if left untreated, separation anxiety typically progresses over time. The sooner you seek help, the better.

The effort you put in to help your dog deal with separation anxiety will be well worth it knowing that your pet can be happy and healthy when you’re away from home. 

How Do You Stop Cats from Scratching Furniture?

You can stop cats from scratching furniture by providing alternative options, such as scratching posts, but you may need to take a multi-faceted approach. This may include covering the furniture or even putting nail caps on your cat. Cats need to scratch, so you can’t stop the behavior. What you can do is redirect the scratching to appropriate places.

Training Your Cat to Scratch Where He Should 

When you’re ready to start retraining your cat, you’ll need to take steps that protect carpet and furniture while also providing appropriate places to scratch. 

Cover Furniture And Protect Carpet

Cats don’t like to scratch slick surfaces, so cover furniture with a sheet and use double sided tape to keep it in place. For carpet, you can cover the cat’s favorite scratching spots with a runner or simply move a piece of furniture to cover it.

Provide Scratching Posts

Place a scratching post or two in every area of the home where your cat spends time. They should allow the cat to fully stretch, so some posts should be at least three feet tall. You’ll find a huge selection online or at your local pet store. Keep in mind that soft carpet doesn’t usually satisfy a cat’s desire scratch. Instead, choose sisal, burlap, or other rough surfaces.

Show Them Where To Scratch

Introduce your cat to each new scratching post. Sprinkle the post with catnip to entice an adult cat. For kittens, move their paws in a scratching motion on the post. Also, spend time with your cat near the posts and try hanging toys on and around it.

Nail Caps

If the inappropriate scratching continues, nail caps are a humane solution. These soft caps cover each claw so your cat can continue to scratch without damaging walls, furniture, or carpet. Unless you have a very good relationship with your cat, it’s best to have your vet apply the nail caps, which will need to be reapplied about every six weeks. Note: Nail caps should only be used on indoor cats. 

A Word About Declawing

Some pet owners see declawing as the answer to the problem, but it’s actually an inhumane, painful procedure that is outlawed in some countries. In June of 2019, a bill in New York passed the legislature that would make it illegal to declaw cats. This will make New York the first state to ban declawing, and others are sure to follow. 

Why Do Landlords Not Allow Cats?

Landlords don’t allow cats because they don’t want to deal with potential damage, odors, fleas, and other issues that could arise. Even if your cat never has an accident and you’re a meticulously clean pet owner, once a landlord has one bad experience, it can make him not want to rent to pet owners again. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate with the landlord, but other times you’ll just have to find a different rental.

Asking The Landlord To Change His Mind 

Whether or not a landlord will change his policy regarding pets depends on a few things such as:

The Rental Competition

In The Area
Landlords need to keep their properties rented, so if there aren’t many renters in your area, you’ll have a better chance of getting the landlord to change his policy. 

The Number Of Pets

You’ll have a better chance getting a landlord to change his no-pet policy if you only have one cat rather than multiple. 

If You’re Willing To Pay An Additional Deposit

Consider offering to pay a larger deposit or even a non-refundable cleaning fee in order to be allowed to keep your cat in the rental. Since most landlords are worried about damage or additional cleaning, this may be enough to get him to change his mind. 

You’re A Historically Good Tenant

Landlords want someone who will pay their rent on time and take good care of the property. Provide references, letters from past landlords, and anything else that you think will prove you’ll be an excellent tenant. 

The good news is that while some landlords won’t allow cats, there are plenty who will. If you’re having trouble finding a pet-friendly rental, call your local SPCA or humane society and ask if they keep a list of pet-friendly rentals in your area.