DOGS AND THE CARNUNDRUM

You know the drill. It’s Saturday morning. You are headed to the dog park, an agility match or Morris K9 Campus with Fido in tow. Since it’s the weekend, you decide to celebrate and treat yourself a little by stopping at your local coffee joint for some java and a doughnut. You rush out of the car leaving your dog locked inside. Unfortunately, it turns out everyone within a 100 mile radius had the same Saturday morning idea. What should have been a 10 minute wait, quickly turns into a 30 or 40 minute wait of impatient foot-stamping, caffeine-deprived rage.

While you may be annoyed, Fido is steaming - temperature wise. Leaving your dog in a parked car in the hot summer months is extremely dangerous. Most dog owners are aware of the cautions of such a habit, but not the extent. The temperature inside your car depends on the outside temperature. According to the Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services, in a time lapse of 60 minutes, a parked car can reach up to 123 degrees Fahrenheit even if the temperature outside is only as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The sun’s shortwave radiation quickly heats dark objects like seats and the dashboard. These hot objects then warm the car’s internal air, creating a dangerous hotbox.

While it is unhealthy for anyone to be locked in an overheated parked car, dogs and children are most at risk for suffering hyperthermia because they overheat more rapidly than adults. Hyperthermia is, “an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate.” Even opening the car windows is not sufficient enough to counter the effects of the heat.

To avoid this unfortunate situation, a good idea is to invest in a Wireless Digital Thermometer that reads the inside temperature of your car. Clean Run has an excellent thermometer for car owners with dogs. The sensor accurately measures the temperature of your car and sends it to the wireless receiver. Temperature readings can be sent wirelessly up to 330 feet away. As long as you religiously monitor the temperature readings and make sure the car temp does not rise to an unhealthy degree, it is possible to stop for that Saturday morning caffeine fix.

However, whenever you are in a bind and don't want to leave Fido home alone or stuck suffering in the heat of your car while you run errands during the hot days of the week, bring your precious pooch to Morris K9 Campus for daycare. Your dog will enjoy the cool comfort of our fully air conditioned facility, hydrating water breaks, and best of all, constant play and attention from our staff and other daycare doggie friends!

Sources: National Weather Service Heat Safety

5 Dog Training Myths Debunked!

Prong collars, dominance theory and puppies, oh my! With dog training television shows, books, and the internet, pet owners are inundated with a plethora of training information on a daily basis that is enough to make anyone’s head swim. Unsure of which methods to adopt? We’ve tackled some of the confusing theories you might encounter.

Myth: Puppies younger than 6 months of age can't be trained.

This concept took hold back when collar corrections were all the rage and punishment was acceptable. Modern dog training relies heavily on positive reinforcement which can easily be applied to a young puppy. Puppies are eager little learners and though their attention spans may be short, they are easily motivated by healthy treats, attention or play. Set aside short chunks of time to teach a desired behavior several times a day and keep providing those rewards!

Myth: All interactions with dogs are either dominant or submissive.

In recent years, dominance theory has become a bit overblown. Dominance theory classifies interactions between dogs and owners as either dominant or submissive. However, we feel that this approach is too simplistic and doesn't take into account the myriad dog behaviors that have little to do with dominance or submission. If your canine exits the door in front of you before you go on a leisurely walk, that doesn’t mean your dog is trying to dominate or control you. Your dog is probably just excited to get going! If your dog acts out in an uncontrolled way like eating scraps off the table or pulling on his or her leash for walks, simply teach the correct behavior and reward rather than blaming it on dominance.

Myth: An old dog can’t learn new tricks.

This is an old adage that many people choose to believe when they experience training hurdles. Just because you adopt a mature dog or your pet has carried some bad habits into adulthood doesn't mean training is a lost cause. Treat your mature dog as though it were a puppy; start from square one. If your dog isn't housebroken, begin by taking your dog outside to go to the bathroom and reward afterwards. Teaching new skills and reinforcing old ones is beneficial to dogs at any age and is a wonderful way to keep your dog’s mind young.

Myth: Your dog will seek revenge if you leave him alone.

Though guilt, revenge, and payback are all actions and emotions that exist far too often in the human world, they have little or nothing to do with the realm of our furry four-pawed friends. If you leave your dog alone for a long period of time and return to find the contents of your garbage strewn across the kitchen floor, rest assured that it was not done with vindictive or malicious intent. Our lovable pups are blissfully unaware of those turbulent emotions. Instead, your dog is likely to be acting out in response to anxiety and boredom. If your dog has issues being alone, refer to our previous blog post for some helpful tips.

Myth: Crates should only be used for punishment.

Just because a crate has bars on it does not make it a prison. Crates are an excellent tool for potty training, quiet rest time, and are essential for traveling. If you only use a crate as punishment, it will be very difficult to use the crate when other situations arise, like traveling cross country or even using it as a safe haven for your pet during a thunderstorm. Make your crate comfy with blankets, familiar with toys, and appetizing with treats, food, and water, and your dog will associate pleasant thoughts with the crate. This way, if you are having guests over and don't want your dog getting underfoot, you already have a secure and comfortable place to let Fido rest for a while. 

Truth!

Though it is great that our dog-loving society has no shortage of training information, it can certainly make the training process a mystifying one. Morris K9 Campus is dedicated to staying on top of the latest training tips and techniques while simultaneously incorporating tried and true strategies that have proven effective over the years. If you feel overwhelmed or perplexed by the practice of dog training, consider visiting Morris K9 Campus for guidance on the training process. Our motto is that a well-trained dog is a happy one! 

What dog training myths have you discovered? Which techniques have proven particularly effective for you and your dog?

Sources: http://www.good-dog-care.com/dog-training-myths.html

http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/myths.aspx

Consider the Crate

Though we would love to spend every minute of every day with our dogs, life has a way of pulling us in many directions. When left to her own devices, your dog may have her own re-decorating ideas that you might not agree with, like a chiseled look on couch legs or splashes of yellow on the beige carpet. When any of these unfortunate situations arise: enter the crate.

Though crate training often gets a bad rap, crates are an excellent training tool, vital for housebreaking, and are a source of comfort for many dogs. Dogs like small spaces to nestle and hide in, and when you use a crate you are essentially creating a private room for your dog. Therefore, you need to furnish it appropriately with a soft blanket or dog bed as well as their favorite chew toys or a bone. Place a water bowl or attach a hamster water bottle to the side of the crate to keep your dog hydrated and comfortable.

When to Use a Crate

If you have just brought home a puppy and want to start housebreaking. The purpose of the crate is for the puppy to "hold it", however; puppies should never go longer than a few hours. It is recommended that you calculate an hour for each month of age i.e. 3 months of age: the puppy should be in the crate no longer than 3 hours. Dogs have a natural tendency to avoid eliminating in the place where they sleep but only if it is for a certain amount of time. If you don’t have time to housebreak your puppy, drop her off at Morris K9 Campus and we will take over with our special Puppy Housebreaking Program.

If you are concerned about your dog finding electrical cords or poisonous substances lying around your house, like household cleaning products give yourself peace of mind and crate your dog will you are gone.

If you want to prevent your dog from having separation anxiety. Crating will help adjust her to time spent alone, so it is important to let your dog be. To help your dog settle, try freezing a chew toy with peanut butter so they forget about you and focus on their yummy treat.  If you have young children, tell them to leave the dog alone.

When traveling with your dog, whether by car or plane, most hotels that allow dogs require them to stay in a crate. If your dog has already adapted to the comforts of her crate, it will make your travel much easier.

How to Adjust Your Dog to a Crate

When first introducing your dog to a crate, keep the door open and don’t close it the first couple times she ventures in. This will ensure your dog does not feel trapped.

Keep the crate near you in whatever room you are in so that your dog becomes comfortable with it and does not associate it with your absence.

Place treats inside the crate and tell your dog to go find the treats. You can even try putting her food dish inside or immediately outside of the crate itself.

Do not use the crate as a form of punishment or your dog will never want to go in the crate.

Most importantly, remember to reward your dog with praise and small treats when she uses her crate. Once your dog adjusts to the concept of crating, she will value this private sanctuary you created for her and find comfort in her own space.

Sources:

http://www.inch.com/~dogs/cratetraining.html

Dog-Friendly Dog Training by Andrea Arden (Howell Book House)

Six Resolutions for Dog Owners

There's no doubting the talk of the town at the beginning of every new year is health and fitness. After ignoring our stress levels and indulging ourselves over the holidays, we suddenly realize that something must be done! But what about your dog? Doesn't he or she deserve to be healthy, too?

The staff at Morris K9 Campus know how important the well-being of our clients' dogs is, so we decided to share some tips for getting your dog back into shape and feeling their best in 2011.

1. Explore Your Options. This is the time to lock in good pet care resources before you actually need them. Take the time now to visit highly-recommended facilities like Morris K9 Campus and Morris Animal Inn to find the perfect fit for your dog.

2. Make Time for Exercise. Walking your pup at least three times a day will burn off extra calories, release pent-up energy and keep your dog healthy. He or she will love it, and it’s good for your health, too. You might also consider taking a refresher training, agility or Canine Good Citizen class. And of course, there is always time for a good game of fetch.

3. Spend Quality Time Together. You can engage your dog in mental exercise with activities like puzzle toys and games of hide-and-seek. Vow to teach your dog of any age a new trick on a regular basis. Agility and pet training is also time well spent with your dog.

4. Visit the Vet. Dogs should visit the vet at least once a year, so schedule your dog’s 2011 appointment now to make sure he or she is fit as a fiddle! While there, be sure to inquire about your pup’s vaccinations, and maintain a regular schedule of heartworm, flea and tick preventives throughout the year.

5. Provide Nutritious Foods. You can ask your veterinarian to recommend the best foods and treats for your dog’s age, size breed and any health conditions. Nutritional treats can be good motivators!

6. Get Your Groom On. Take time in 2011 to maintain a good grooming schedule for your dog. Regularly scheduled brushing, bathing, nail clipping and teeth brushing wards off health problems, provides comfort and keeps dogs looking good!

We can't wait to make 2011 the best year ever at 
Morris K9 Campus...see you soon!

7 Reasons Why It's Good to Be A Dog in 2010

Considering the current state of the economy, you may be wondering if you chose the right time to welcome a new canine member into your family. The fact of the matter is that there are many more advantages to being a dog today than there were 25 years ago, so congratulate your dog(s) for arriving on earth at just the right time!

1.  Dog-focused activities are thriving. Dog camps, obedience, training, herding and tracking, agility, flyball and rally-o are readily available to dog owners looking to enhance their dog's quality of life.

2. Dogs who suffer from injuries or arthritis now have options. Acupuncture and massage have proven equally as effective for dog's ailments (and without the side effects) as medications.


3. Dogs are more welcome outside the home than they were 25 years ago. Many workplaces, businesses and shops now invite dogs as their guests. In addition, the number of dogs who live inside our houses as opposed to outdoors has nearly quadrupled.

4. Resources like Morris K9 Campus are readily available to help with canine behavioral issues. While dogs may have been euthanized for poor behavior in the past, many of these concerns can now be easily corrected with training or obedience.

5. Travel is easier. Whereas 25 years ago dogs may have had to be caged in a less than ideal kennel situation, there are now wonderful, even luxury lodging experiences available to dogs. Morris Animal Inn, in Morristown for example, is a perfect place for your dog to vacation while you travel! In addition, riding in cars is now safer for dogs due to crates.

6. Life on leash is way more comfortable for dogs today due to many innovative products like Snoot, Flexi, and Halti. Choke chains are a thing of the past.

7. Play is commonly accepted as a necessary part of a dog's development. Well-socialized dogs must play with toys, their owners, other dogs and other people to gain a sense of confidence and comfort in a multitude of situations throughout their lives. Play during puppyhood is now viewed as a critical part of this socialization process. From Kongs to specially-designed water toys to Jolly Balls, a dog's options for play are now endless, making for a much happier life!