What is a Service Dog?
Most people are familiar with the concept of a guide dog for the blind and the visually impaired or a hearing dog for the deaf and hearing impaired.
Can Dogs and Cats Get Along?
The thought of cats and dogs living together almost immediately elicits comic images of a “dog chasing cat” scenario. Although we have all seen the cartoons for decades, that isn’t necessarily the true nature of the relationship. According to the American Kennel Club’s 21st Century Dog Owners Study, 38% of dog owners also own cats. Despite being known for their differences, cats and dogs actually have quite a few similarities. They both mark and defend their territory and are natural predators. Cats and dogs can, however, coexist peacefully.
If a puppy and a kitten grow up together, the chances of them getting along are much higher than if they are introduced to one another at different life stages. Growing and maturing together teaches them to automatically accept the other, and live peacefully in the same household since neither of them knows it to be any different. They will learn to respect each other immediately and will most likely become the best of friends!
If getting a puppy and a kitten at the same time is not an option, don’t fret! Pets can still learn to coexist with one another. The initial introduction process must always be under supervision and should be very gradual so as to minimize the initial fear of each other as well as place less stress on each animal.
A good place to start is to confine the current pet, and allow the new one to wander the house at will. This procedure introduces a new scent throughout the house. Then confine the new pet, and allow the current one to then wander to get used to the different scent in the house. Alternate turns, letting the one pet get used to the scent of the other. This will help train the original pet to accept the new pet as a part of the household.
Once this has been done, try confining the dog behind a fence or a baby gate (cats would simply jump over the confining gate) so that the two can approach and sniff each other as they wish. If they choose not to get too close to each other, do not force the issue.
A cat will simply find a place to hide if it feels threatened. The cat’s food and litter area should not be accessible by the dog. This must be an area that the cat feels safe to use without disturbance.
To prepare the dog for the cat, obedience training is critical since the dog is usually larger and stronger. Properly train the dog to learn basic commands and consider enrolling him in a training course like the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. If the cat happens to take the dominant role, the dog will quickly learn to avoid it.
Socialize both the cat and dog to things such as loud noises, guests and common household activities so they are less skittish around each other and are used to sudden movements and noises.
When the dog and cat feel comfortable with each other, they will make approaches to one another. This should always be supervised to begin with, and it’s best that the dog be on a leash or held by the collar to maintain a certain distance between the two. Pay close attention to body language of both the dog and the cat. If the cat is feeling threatened or scared, it will growl or hiss, swish its tail and possibly raise the fur on its back. A dog will growl or snarl, and may raise the hair on its back or neck. If one of the animals seems overly frightened, take them both out of the situation and try again later.
Make sure that cats and dogs have plenty of time to become accustomed to each other. Never leave a dog and cat together unsupervised unless certain they are comfortable with each other and will coexist peacefully. Respect each animal’s desire to be alone.
If there is already an adult cat in the household, it may be easier for the cat to accept a more mature dog, since a puppy’s energetic antics could be overwhelming for the cat. Be sure to ask the breeder if the dog has shown a prey drive toward smaller animals such as cats, birds or other dogs; some breeds have a stronger prey drive than others. Think carefully about getting more than one dog since multiple dogs are more likely to gang up on and harass a cat. Ultimately, it may take a lot of time and training for cats and dogs to coexist peacefully. While they can certainly coexist, adequate research and consideration should be done prior to making the decision to add another pet to a household.
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Dog Training-Step by Step with Stella
Stella is a handful. Stella is my dog and she is a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier. Being a terrier she has lots of energy to burn. She is a lovely dog but needs alittle control in her life! And mine for that matter. We first attended a local puppy class to just get her use to other puppies and owners. But as time goes on, I can see she needs more guidence!
I have searched the internet for online programs as my job doesn't allow for an local evening class. I was confident that I could work on this in my own time and at my own pace. I think I found the perfect solution for Stella and myself. The program is Sit, Stay, Fetch.
This program addresses several dog behavior problems including-dog aggression, biting, jumping, wetting and many more. My plan is to start Stella with this program and report to you her progress. The first lesson starts tomorrow so stayed tuned and check back for her progress.
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Training with a Training Collar
Dog training collars are in demand year around but I think with the onset of fall hunting in many states the need increases at that time of year. You will find dozens of dog training collars when searching for dog training supplies and there are also several types of collars.
To determine what type you what will depend on the type of training you want to do.
It very important to research all the different types of collars are available and determine your end goal.
Common types of dog collars are choke collars, electronic collars, no-bark collars and harnesses.
Dog training collars are different from regular every day collars because they help you discipline your dog when needed. For example choke collars are used by gently tugging on your dog to keep it from misbehaving.
Electronic collars are used with a remote control to keep your dog out of trouble or from barking when not desiresd. A light and harmless electric pulse is sent to your dog through the collar when pressing the button on the remote control.
All types of collars are useful but it is important that you check with your vet or online to make sure that the collars are safe for your dog and if they address the training needs you have.
Remember training should be fun, do not overuse dog training collars and make sure that your dog is comfortable and does not become afraid. You want your training to have the right outcome.
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Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is a disorder that not only occurs in human beings, but also in dogs. You may find that your dog exhibits certain behaviors when he or she is left alone. This goes beyond simply whining or looking a bit sad when you leave. Instead, it is a dramatic response that occurs almost every time you leave the house. Owners may find that their dog cries, howls, chews, digs, pees or defecates inside the house even if when they are trained not to do so. They may also scratch, claw and bark.
While professionals don't totally understand why this occurs, it is important that owners realize that the dog is really feeling panicked because the owner is leaving, and they dog or puppy is not out to be mean or to punish their owner for leaving. Some things which heighten the likelihood of separation anxiety include your dog or puppy not having spent a lot of time alone or if you or your family are gone for long period of time. For example, if you go on vacation and then come back your dog may panic when you leave the house again, because they aren’t sure when you might come back.
If your dog has had a real bad experience, for example getting hit by a car or prior abuse, then they may not want you to leave their side. If there has been some big changes in the family, such as you taking a new job and you now have a different schedule, if you have recently changed cities or if your son or daughter goes off to college, this may cause mental anxiety for your dong.
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Dog Crate Training
Crate training your dog can be very beneficial for him or her, as well as for yourself. It will require you to commit some time and focus as well as energy to successfully do it. However, once you are able to, you will find that a crate gives your dog or puppy a fantastic spot of their own that is warm and welcoming. It also will allow you to protect parts of your home that you don't want your dog or puppy bothering while you are away. It also gives you a method that is safe to transport your dog while they are in the car. If you are going on vacation, and you want to take your pet, if your dog is crate trained, you can keep them in crate while you're at someone else's home or while you are at the hotel.
If you train your dog the correct way, they will be happy to spend time in the crate or at least they will not hate it. Crates come in different types of materials. Some are plastic, others are made from metal. They also vary in size. You will want it to be large enough that your dog has room to lay down, standup and turnaround. You can find a good quality crate at many of your major pet stores.
The amount of time that it will take to crate train your dog will depend on the amount of effort that you commit to it, as well as your dog’s personality and their past experiences. If your dog has been abused, it might take longer. Whether or not your dog has ever been trained before, and your pet's own personal temperament will also effect how long training will take.
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