Most cities and suburbs these days require some sort of visible proof that a dog walker is carrying a bag or other means to dispose of the dog’s waste. The easiest way to avoid being stuck without a bag is to tie a few to your dog’s leash, or to purchase one of the many inexpensive bag dispensers that attach to the leash with a zip-tie or Velcro.
If you go through dog bags frequently, consider switching to the biodegradable dog waste bags. They are made of cornstarch and will break down in landfills. I never considered these until I came across the term “little plastic coffin” to describe conventional plastic bags used for dog messes. The idea of my dog’s waste preserved inside a non-biodegradable plastic coffin for centuries just grossed me out, so I switched to the biodegradable kind so it can get back into the earth faster. Beware the imposter biodegradable bags – they say “degradable” on the package and have tons of eco friendly looking words but unless it says BIOdegradable it is fake and just a marketing scam.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Leashes: What You Need To Know
The basic dog leash is six feet in length. This is the type most often required for obedience classes. The six-foot leash allows you to hold it comfortably with the dog near you without straining. Owners of toy breeds, especially those under 7 pounds, may prefer a 4 or 5 foot leash as it is less to manage. The best leashes are made of either leather or nylon.
Some dogs will attempt to chew the leash. To avoid this, try two things: first, never leave the dog unattended on the leash. Second, spray a deterrent, such as bitter apple (from pet retailers), on the leash to discourage any errant chewing. Some leashes are available that claim to be “chew-resistant.” Be warned that persistent chewers will take that as a challenge.
Long leads (20+ feet in length) are helpful for training or playing in public parks. They are often required for obedience classes.
Avoid retractable leashes as they can easily cause injury to owner, dog, or passerby when retracting. Also, they are less reliable at keeping your dog safe – I have personally known a dog who died because he was run over while on a retractable leash. He went around a corner just a few feet ahead of his owner. Apparently this is not uncommon with these leashes, so it is best to stay away from retractable leashes.
Some dogs will attempt to chew the leash. To avoid this, try two things: first, never leave the dog unattended on the leash. Second, spray a deterrent, such as bitter apple (from pet retailers), on the leash to discourage any errant chewing. Some leashes are available that claim to be “chew-resistant.” Be warned that persistent chewers will take that as a challenge.
Long leads (20+ feet in length) are helpful for training or playing in public parks. They are often required for obedience classes.
Avoid retractable leashes as they can easily cause injury to owner, dog, or passerby when retracting. Also, they are less reliable at keeping your dog safe – I have personally known a dog who died because he was run over while on a retractable leash. He went around a corner just a few feet ahead of his owner. Apparently this is not uncommon with these leashes, so it is best to stay away from retractable leashes.
Monday, March 11, 2013
3 Tips For Ensuring Your Dog Has Proper ID
1. Choosing a collar: Many dog collars are available at pet retailers and specialty stores. Measure your dog’s neck circumference ahead of time or bring her to the pet store with you to try on available sizes. The dog’s collar should fasten easily and hang comfortably around its neck. A common way to measure if a collar is too tight is to fasten it on the dog so that you can fit about one finger in between the dog and the collar. Any more and it is too loose. If you can’t fit one finger in between the dog and its collar, then the collar is too tight and must be loosened.
Note: Some dog owners prefer to use a harness when attaching the dog to a leash. Small dogs (<25 lbs) can easily injure their neck if walked on a leash attached to a neck collar, so many small dog owners use harnesses when they need to attach a leash to their dog. This is fine for walking, however, the dog should also always wear a collar with ID and license tags.
2. ID tag: Put your name, address, and a current phone number. These are easily found at major pet retailers, and they are usually created by a machine on site in minutes. Don’t forget to update it if you move!
3. Microchip: This is an absolute essential for every dog owner, and is available at every city dog shelter as well as veterinarians. For a low fee, a vet technician implants a tiny microchip--the size of a grain of uncooked rice--into your dog, usually in the rear area. You then write your contact information on a form and mail it off, and the information is linked to the serial number on your dog’s microchip. Should your dog ever become lost and brought into an animal shelter or vet, the technicians will check to see if it has a microchip by scanning its rear. If the dog is microchipped, the scanner will pick up the microchip’s serial number which can then be input into a database to produce the owner’s linked contact info. Studies have shown that a microchip is the #1 determining factor in whether a lost dog finds its owners. For example, the UK saw a dramatic drop in the number of animals impounded once a law was enacted that required pets to have microchips!
Note: Some dog owners prefer to use a harness when attaching the dog to a leash. Small dogs (<25 lbs) can easily injure their neck if walked on a leash attached to a neck collar, so many small dog owners use harnesses when they need to attach a leash to their dog. This is fine for walking, however, the dog should also always wear a collar with ID and license tags.
2. ID tag: Put your name, address, and a current phone number. These are easily found at major pet retailers, and they are usually created by a machine on site in minutes. Don’t forget to update it if you move!
3. Microchip: This is an absolute essential for every dog owner, and is available at every city dog shelter as well as veterinarians. For a low fee, a vet technician implants a tiny microchip--the size of a grain of uncooked rice--into your dog, usually in the rear area. You then write your contact information on a form and mail it off, and the information is linked to the serial number on your dog’s microchip. Should your dog ever become lost and brought into an animal shelter or vet, the technicians will check to see if it has a microchip by scanning its rear. If the dog is microchipped, the scanner will pick up the microchip’s serial number which can then be input into a database to produce the owner’s linked contact info. Studies have shown that a microchip is the #1 determining factor in whether a lost dog finds its owners. For example, the UK saw a dramatic drop in the number of animals impounded once a law was enacted that required pets to have microchips!
The Comfort of Scent
Leave an old, unwashed t-shirt or other item of clothing in your dog's bed or crate. This way your dog can cuddle up to something that smells like its owner. Having an item of your scent for your dog to nuzzle into will help soothe any seperation anxiety your dog may have while it is alone.
Play Training Games
Training games are a fun and easy way to incorporate learning into your dog’s playtime. They are ideal for puppies as well as older dogs and are a great way to encourage your dog to enjoy training.
One easy training game to play with your dog will help your pup perfect a recall, or coming when called. All this game requires is another human and some yummy treats (I use string cheese). It is best played in a backyard or dog park where you can let your dog run freely, but any large space will do. If playing outdoors in an open space, leave a long leash attached to the dog in case of emergency.
First, unclip your dog, give your friend half of the treats and then move 10-15 feet away. Tell your dog to come by calling its name followed by your chosen command for recall (i.e. 'Come' or 'Here'), and give your dog a treat when it comes to you. Have your friend do so as well. Your dog will love running back and forth for treats and will learn to listen very carefully for the recall command.
Once your dog gets the hang of the recall, switch up the order of who is calling the dog, so the dog has to really pay attention to understand which person to run to for treats. This game works even better with three or four people. After playing this game, your dog will have a newfound appreciation for the “come” command, which is a very important and safe command to know. To make sure your dog remembers the command, grab a friend or neighbor and play the game every month or so. Your dog will love it so much that she doesn’t even realize she’s being trained!
One easy training game to play with your dog will help your pup perfect a recall, or coming when called. All this game requires is another human and some yummy treats (I use string cheese). It is best played in a backyard or dog park where you can let your dog run freely, but any large space will do. If playing outdoors in an open space, leave a long leash attached to the dog in case of emergency.
First, unclip your dog, give your friend half of the treats and then move 10-15 feet away. Tell your dog to come by calling its name followed by your chosen command for recall (i.e. 'Come' or 'Here'), and give your dog a treat when it comes to you. Have your friend do so as well. Your dog will love running back and forth for treats and will learn to listen very carefully for the recall command.
Once your dog gets the hang of the recall, switch up the order of who is calling the dog, so the dog has to really pay attention to understand which person to run to for treats. This game works even better with three or four people. After playing this game, your dog will have a newfound appreciation for the “come” command, which is a very important and safe command to know. To make sure your dog remembers the command, grab a friend or neighbor and play the game every month or so. Your dog will love it so much that she doesn’t even realize she’s being trained!
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