Socialization Window - Helping your puppy grow

Socialization is extremely important when it comes to your young puppy. Puppies may seem happy-go-lucky and invincible, but that behavior will not necessarily translate to adulthood unless you reinforce those behaviors by socializing your dog. Letting dogs learn to interact in new situations as puppies is important because it creates the building blocks to a successful adult dog. 

There are many lifelong benefits to presenting your dog with new scenarios while they are young. Introducing them to other people, other dogs, new situations and different environments while encouraging positive interaction is especially critical during what is called the “Puppy Socialization Window.”

Puppies under sixteen to eighteen weeks old are in this window, which essentially means that puppies are a sponge; they will soak up everything they are exposed to. Failing to socialize your dog during this time period can lead to serious issues, including behavior problems during their adult life. Begin socializing your dog as much as you can during this young age.

“It should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated,” according to The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Somewhere between sixteen to eighteen weeks, the puppy reaches their socialization deadline. What your dog has been exposed to prior to this point will shape what type of adult dog your puppy will be.

This is great if you get your dog at a young age, when they are clearly in their socialization window, but what happens if you adopt an older dog who wasn’t socialized as a puppy? Just because you have missed this socialization window doesn’t mean you can’t help your dog, however it will be a much bigger challenge. With an under socialized adult dog, you have to paying close attention to the signals that they give you and make sure you are not intentionally making your dog uncomfortable. Although you want to expose your dog to new things, if they are nervous, they are past the point of becoming used to something new and continued exposure may scare them. Consult the above chart, courtesy of Sara Reusche of paws4u.com and doggie artist Lilli Chin for more information on reading your dog’s signals.

A dog that has been well socialized is able to go out confidently into everyday situations. For those that aren’t, the world can be extremely frightening and this can limit what you will be able to comfortably do with your dog. Get out and allow your dog to interact with other people, pets and places as much as possible, at as young an age as possible. However, if you are having certain issues with your dog, it is best to seek the advice of a professional. Morris K9 Campus offers a variety of different solutions for many issues that you may be having along the way. We offer Free Saturday Puppy Classes for dogs under the age of 20 weeks and fun, interactive training classes to help any dog grow into the well-socialized pet you know they can be.

Dog Daycare Lingo - How to describe play

When you take your dog to daycare, you may hear specific words used to describe your dog’s day during off-leash play. Knowing what the staff means by using these words can be essential to understanding what your pooch is trying to “say” when they are at daycare. Here are five words or phrases that every owner should expect their pet professional to know about off-leash play:

Loose, curvy bodies indicating comfortable dogs.

Appropriate playtime body language between dogs.

Play Solicitation: This term refers to how a dog attempts to get another dog to play with them. It’s a behavior or series of behaviors that a dog will display in order to communicate to the other dog. There are appropriate and inappropriate ways that dogs communicate with each other:

Appropriate: Play bow, light muzzle nudging, wiggly movements

Inappropriate: Humping, growling, barking, incessant muzzle nudging, or nipping

Body language: The way a dog uses their body is like the way people talk to each other. A dog’s ability to read this language is a critical skill for dogs, especially in off-leash play. Dogs need to be able to interpret another dog’s body language as well as being able to clearly display these behaviors themselves. Another dog will recognize stiff body posture as a dog being uncomfortable. Loose, curvy body language indicates that a dog is very comfortable.

Play bowing - a comfortable posture between dogs.

Tolerance: Dogs will do best in the group play environment if they are tolerant of all kinds of dog behavior. This may include some roughhousing with more high-energy dogs or puppies. Tolerance is a skill that is built over time, so attending daycare will help your pet become used to these behaviors. Regular exposure will help increase tolerance, especially as your dog gets to know the other pets in daycare.

Relationship: When dogs get acquainted and have a better understanding of each other, they can form a bond. Daycare essentially creates a virtual home environment, as if the dogs are living together, so they learn to treat each other with affection, love and trust.

Dogs who know and understand each other can enjoy play.

Stiff Body Language indicating that a dog is uncomfortable.

Socialization: Socialization is essential to a dog’s experience in daycare. Forcing a dog that isn’t comfortable with other dogs to participate can actually do more harm than good.  Daycare is best for dogs that love other dogs, as it presents an opportunity to “fine tune” their social skills. They will be exposed to many different breeds with all kinds of personalities. A dog will learn that maybe one friend likes to wrestle but another would rather run around and play chase.

Knowledge of these few daycare terms makes it easier to understand what your furry friend is experiencing. Since our pups can’t speak directly to us, it is through their body language and the application of the terms above that we figure out how they fit into the daycare environment.

The goal of our daycare program is to provide a fun, happy and safe environment by recognizing these terms and behaviors. Think your dog would enjoy off-leash play at Morris K9 Campus? Visit our website or call 973-252-5100 to learn more about doggie daycare.

 

February is Responsible Pet Owner Month

February is responsible pet owner month, and to kick it off we are starting with your young four-legged friends.

So you just brought your new puppy home. The question is what makes a responsible pet owner and what can you do to allow your canine friend to live their best life? It is important to realize owning a dog is a long term commitment and should not be taken lightly. It’s also important to choose the right type of dog that is conducive your life style. Consider the time you have and the space available as well. Make sure you are prepared at home before bringing a new dog home.

Socialization is a key because as a puppy your dog will gain experiences that will determine what type temperament your dog will have as an adult. Morris K9 Campus offers a free puppy class on Saturdays, which is aimed at providing your dog a place where they will be introduced to anything that they may encounter in their adult life. It’s not only important to socialize your dog, but it’s extremely important to socialize your dog properly. The free puppy class provides the opportunity, to social your pooch in a controlled setting.

Puppy Dos and Don’ts:

Do:

• Do Train: Begin training your dog when they are a puppy, it’s better to train so you don’t have problems, rather than beginning once the problem occurs.

• Do Take your Puppy Everywhere: Introduce your dog to as many social situations as possible, keep in mind that a well socialized dog doesn’t just mean a dog that plays well with other dogs, it includes interactions with different people and social situations.

• Do Puppy Proof your House: It’s important to puppy proof your house, sure that anything eye level and below if your dog is standing on its hind legs.

Don’t:

• Don’t Scold your Puppy: It’s important not to frighten your puppy, instead of scolding them for bad behaviors, teach them proper behaviors.

• Don’t Leave your Puppy at Home: An under socialized puppy, can create a fearful adult dog.

• Don’t Leave your Puppy Alone Unsupervised: It’s important that if you puppy is unsupervised they are kept in a crate. It makes sure that your puppy stays out of trouble, so you can breathe easy when you leave them home alone.
Remember that being a responsible dog owner is the key to having a good pooch. It’s important to find the right dog for your life style and it’s your responsibility to help your puppy become a great dog. All Febuary long we will be looking at ways to help people become more responsible pet owner, so check back next week for more advice.

ALLIE'S LAST WEEK OF BOOT CAMP



Allie is in the front of the group during training class eager to learn!



We've heard some wonderful news that there is interest in Allie for adoption! We are all crossing our fingers that she will find her fur-ever home. To continue to further her chances the staff at MK9 wanted to give our reasons why we think Allie is so great:

We love that Allie is so happy to see us when she gets dropped off in the morning, ready for a fun day of training because:

- She loves people she doesn't know unconditionally

- She has a great combination of a sweet manner but playful personality

- She is so affectionate and gentle

- She has joyful puppy-like play especially when she chases tennis balls as if they were bunnies in the grass

"Allie is such a pleasure to work with.." says Morris K9 Campus Trainer Robin Lash. "Most of her success in training is due to that fact that she is such a smart eager-to-please dog!" 

Since Allie might be meeting new dogs as part of her adoption process, we want to show a video of Allie nicely and appropriately greeting another dog. We have loved getting to know her!

If you are interest in adopting Allie, please call 973-664-0865 or visit Eleventh Hour's website for more information about her.

PUPPY PLAYTIME!

Playing is a pivotal part of the developmental process of a child. The same goes for dogs. If your puppy spends most of his or her early weeks confined to the inside of a crate, there is little to no development. The best way to raise a puppy is with plenty of socialization. Socialization is introducing your puppy to anything they will encounter in their adult life in a positive way. This should include different environments, sounds, textures, other dogs and most importantly people. Read on for tips to help with the socialization process of your puppy.

ACQUAINT

Once your puppy has their age-appropriate vaccinations, it is crucial to introduce your furbaby to other puppies, dogs and even cats. The more you familiarize your pooch with other furry creatures, different breeds and sizes of dogs, the more natural and less threatening they will become for your pup. As your puppy grows into an adult dog, they will be well prepared for the vast array of animals they may encounter in life, making them less likely to become frightened or aggressive. It is important to also introduce your puppy to different people, familiarizing them with the sights and smells and with the varying pressure of their touch. Puppies should be introduced to at least 100 people (of all shapes and sizes) by the time they are 16-18 weeks old. After that age, the socialization window closes and it becomes increasingly difficult to introduce your puppy to new things.

STIMULI

Just as critical to acquainting your dog with other creatures is the necessity of introducing your pup to various stimuli. This can include things as miscellaneous as an umbrella, balloons or a chair. Those these objects may seem benign and non-threatening to us, from your puppy's lower vantage point and limited knowledge, they can appear very frightening. By introducing these objects early on and in a positive way, your puppy learns not to be afraid of these things and will grow up with less fear and anxiety about the world around them.

FREE PUPPY PLAYTIME!

To help with the socialization process, Morris K9 Campus is offering Puppy Playtime sessions for puppies ages 8-16 weeks old with age appropriate vaccinations. Our socialization sessions will include letting the dogs play off-leash to help puppies learn the appropriate way to play, proper bite inhibition and develop good puppy skills. Special emphasis will be on meeting strangers and introducting them into new environments. Our FREE Puppy Playtimes are an hour long and will be scheduled for the following Saturdays:
3/31/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
4/7/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
4/14/2012, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Click here to sign-up.

When a Stranger Calls

The early morning garbage man, the mail carrier, or even the occasional Girl Scout selling those delicious cookies is often enough to send Fido into a barking frenzy. No doubt, for safety alone, alerting us to the presence of a stranger is a valuable benefit to owning a dog.

However, if your pooch takes it too far by displaying aggression, don’t worry; there is no need to hide your little Cujo in the spare bedroom. The following tips are provided by Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist, in a guest blog for Dogster.com.

Womb to Tomb

If your dog was never properly socialized from the early stages of tiny furry cotton-ball to adult fuzzbucket, it makes sense that random people and other dogs might frighten a pet with little outsider experience. Make every attempt as your dog develops to introduce him or her to new people, places, and other pets. This will ensure your canine doesn’t develop a fear of unfamiliar people, places, or situations. Just keep in mind that some breeds are naturally more sociable than others.

Body Language

Learning to read their body language provides critical clues into dogs’ thinking and how they are likely to react to certain situations. According to Dr.Yin, “Fido may be tense with eyes darting back and forth or his gaze looking away while he's cowering. Or he may be yawning, licking his lips or panting when he shouldn’t be hot.” All these signs should alert you to your dog’s discomfort and give you time to warn eager petters about the possible danger. Look for the same signals when approaching dogs that you have never met and always remember to ask before petting an unfamiliar dog.

Small Steps

Once you’re fluent in your dog’s body language, take little steps to eradicate unfavorable behavior toward strangers. Invite guests over one at a time so as not to overwhelm your dog. Have the acquaintance come in the house, but don’t let them pet or even look at your dog. Provide your guest with treats so Fido will associate this new person (and new people he or she meets in the future) with a positive reward. You can also try distracting your dog from his or her fears by asking your pet to perform tricks, focusing on you rather than the stranger.

Until you are absolutely confident in your dog’s behavior toward new people, do not allow any petting. Simply work on providing constructive and pleasurable experiences for your dog so that guests feel pawsitively welcomed by not only you, but your dog as well!

Is your dog ready to meet new people this spring?

Sources: dogster.com “Dogs and Fear of Strangers.”

A Good Dose of Dog Loving

As a dog owner and subscriber to this blog, you probably know the benefits of social events for your dog. Socialization, mental stimulation and play, to name a few. But what you might not realize is how some of these events, which Morris K9 Campus holds on a regular basis, can improve your own life.

We hosted our first "Must Love Dogs Singles Mixer" last Thursday evening, just in time for Valentine's Day. About 40 singles and their dogs attended this fun and festive event, which included speed dating and refreshments (for both humans and canines), drawings, and "eligible" dogs from Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Center. Here's what attendees had to say about it:




The next time you check out our upcoming events, take a moment to ask yourself what, or who you might be missing.

The Canine Meet and Greet

The reason why dogs typically have trouble meeting new people is that they didn't have enough positive experiences with a variety of unfamiliar people during puppyhood. From three weeks to three months of age, puppies are most receptive to forming bonds. If they meet a variety of people and have positive experiences, they believe that all people will treat them well. Dogs who don’t receive the type and number of experiences they need often end up being fearful of some or all unfamiliar people.

Fortunately, Morris K9 Campus provides plenty of opportunities to socialize dogs--our Levels Training Program, Daycare and social events that incorporate a variety of dogs and people. But just in case your dog or someone else's hasn't be properly socialized, here are some tips for a doggie meet and greet.

How We Make It Worse

People can unintentionally make the situation worse by forgetting to let a dog approach them rather than barging into their space. In this case, some dogs will freeze or shrink, pretending it's a bad dream, while others bark or growl. A sweet, slightly insecure dog can quickly turn into a defensive, growling one at the least convenient moment.

Some owners respond to this behavior by reprimanding or punishing their dog, but this just teaches him to hide his fear from you. As a result, your dog might repress his barks and growls until he reaches his breaking point, resulting in a bite.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Me?

Many of us can’t understand why dogs are afraid of people who are making friendly human gestures. But try to think of things from a dog’s perspective. Imagine your child is afraid of dogs and a friend allows their dog to bound right into your child’s face. Telling your child the dog is friendly isn’t likely to make her feel any better. Instead, your child would appreciate being able to greet the dog on her own terms. 

So how should we meet a dog? Stand straight up or crouch down on one knee while looking slightly away so the dog can approach and sniff you at his own pace. You can speed up the friendship if you drop some tasty treats close to where you’re standing. If the dog takes the treats without any hesitation, you can try holding the treats in your hand for him to take.

The trick to ensuring that you don't frighten a dog even after an initial positive greeting is to gradually get him used to you in different positions. Avoid leaning over him, reaching over his head or grabbing and hugging him. Instead move slowly and smoothly in order to give him a chance to back away.

What Is the Dog Telling Me?

Often the biggest mistake we make in meeting a dog is failing to recognizing body language. For example, a dog may be tense with eyes darting back and forth or looking away while he's cowering. Yawning, licking lips, panting, moving in slow motion, moving ears down or to the sides, tail between his legs or a furrowed brow are all signs that the dog is stressed or anxious. If you see any of these signs in a dog, quickly move away so he's out of range. The goal is to change the dog’s emotional state from scared to happy so that he can eventually learn to associate unfamiliar people with good things

A Happy Ending

The body language you want to see when greeting a dog includes relaxed posture and a steady, soft gaze. His tail should either wag or hang loosely down. The experience should seem very familiar to the dog and be fun and pleasant for you! 

If your dog is struggling with meeting new people or dogs, give us a call. We'd be happy to work with both of you to make meeting new friends a positive experience.

Source: www.dogster.com

Is Doggie Daycare For My Dog?

We recently read a feature article in The Whole Dog Journal entitled "Doggie Daycare Can Be a Wonderful Experience: But is it For My Dog?" by Pat Miller. The article begins with a long discussion about what makes a suitable or unsuitable candidate for dog day care, such as his ability to get along with other dogs, age and health, whether he experiences separation anxiety or his need for some fine-tuning of social skills. But just because your dog isn't ready for daycare now doesn't mean that he can't be ready at a later date.

Morris K9 Campus offers a lot of services (daycare, obedience, agility, fun events) to help dogs with behavioral and social issues become more comfortable in a variety of situations. For example, in daycare, we often encounter clients who may have a fearful dog with poor social skills. We have had success boosting their confidence and getting them to interact appropriately with other dogs. For dogs who may not be suitable for daycare, we can offer one-on-one private lessons, Boot Camp and day training.

Morris K9 Campus Daycare Room

The latter half of this article offers some great tips for assessing a doggie daycare if you are in the market.  The author suggests touring the facility prior to leaving your dog there, meeting the staff, asking about vaccine requirements, how play groups are determined, etc. All wonderful advice and practices we enforce every day at Morris K9 Campus. As Pat Miller suggests in her article, our play groups are carefully matched by size, age and play style. You're welcome welcome to call or stop by any time for a visit; any of our staff members would be happy to answer your questions, take you for a tour or discuss our safety policies and screening process. 

At Morris K9 Campus, our goal is to successfully match you and your dog with a program that increases all-around comfort in varying environments, improves behavior and leads to a better quality of life for everyone. 

Four Helpful Tips For a Safe Howl-O-Ween

Halloween is a fun time of year for both adults and children…costumes, decorations, creepy music, and trick or treating! Unfortunately, this holiday can also spell trouble for your pets if you’re not careful to protect them. Here’s how:

1)      Making your own costume or decorating for a party? Place all those craft supplies in a safe spot so your pet doesn’t play with, ingest or choke on them. Also keep an eye on your pet’s reaction to any costumes. If he can’t handle it at home, he definitely won’t be able to enjoy a night of trick or treating.

2)      If you go trick or treating, stay with your pet at all times or leave him at home. We all know Halloween is a night of mischief, which unfortunately can mean that pets get teased or injured. Black cats are especially prone to poor treatment. If you bring your dog trick or treating, make sure he is well-fed, well-socialized, and on-leash at all times. Cats are best kept indoors.

3)      If you are handing out candy at your house, keep pets away from young children who come to the door. If your pet shows any signs of fear or aggression due to all the stimulation of costumes, strangers and unusual activity in his home, take him to a quiet, safe place for some alone time.

4)      After you’ve collected your goodies, keep it out of reach. Chocolate and artificial sweeteners found in many candies, as well as wrappers, can be poisonous to pets. Instead, offer your pet a store-bought dog or cat treat so he doesn’t feel left out!

     Whether your pet is gung-ho to enjoy all the Halloween festivities or drawn to solitude, you can make it a safe and enjoyable evening by following these simple suggestions.

      Happy Halloween!

The (Canine) Social Network

Recent films like The Social Network prove that socialization is just as important for us as it is for our dogs. We believe that you can put your dog to work for you by incorporating him into your social life (and he's bound to love it)! Here's how:

How do you socialize?
First, ask yourself what your personality is. Are you high-energy and outgoing or more shy and relaxed? Do you need a goal or just like enjoying yourself? Think specifically about how you like to socialize with others...in large groups or one-on-one? In the evenings or on weekends? On a regular schedule or sporadically?




How does your dog socialize?

Next, think about your dog's personality. Is your dog well-trained and socialized? If not, you may want to address this first. What does your dog absolutely love to do?  Consider his age, temperament, and mobility. Does your dog socialize better at certain times of day? How long is he happy to be around other dogs and people? Does he like dogs of certain ages, sizes or breeds better than others?


Pick and Choose
Now it's time to make a list of activities that suit both you and your dog. Here are a few suggestions by type of dog and personality:


Young, high-energy dogs would do best with activities that really tire them out. A great option for puppies is a "puppy" party, which will allow your puppy to meet and socialize with other puppies/people in a fun, positive way. Or to keep it simple, search for a local dog group and play a regular game of fetch or Frisbee with other dog-owner pairs. 


Middle-aged, relaxed dogs are typically well-behaved in crowds, so consider taking yours with you to doggie meetups, group training classes, 'dogtail' parties, costume contests or outdoor pet-themed festivals. 

Agility is a great solution for dogs who are old enough to focus and young enough to be athletic. This sport is a great way to make both you and your dog feel accomplished while spending valuable time together. Another option is to find a running partner with an equally energetic dog.


Just because your dog is getting older doesn't necessarily mean he is tired! Many older dogs love a good romp in the yard. Find another owner with an older dog and arrange trips to local swimming spots, or set up play dates during which you and other dog owners can relax knowing their dog is being entertained. 

Dogs with lower energy or limited mobility can lead quite fulfilling lives in today's world. A trip to the park to see a friend (and your dog's canine friend) can be a stress-relieving social way to begin or end your day. You might also consider taking a less mobile dog to a family get-together for some unconditional love or to calmly pal around with a similar playmate. 

Talk to your friends and coworkers, search the Internet, and always keep an eye out for pet-themed events. (Morris K9 Campus is hosting a movie night and a holiday photo shoot  for dogs and their families in November!) Activities and events catering specifically to dogs are becoming increasingly common, so go forth and socialize with your dog!

How To: Meet Your Match

Todd Cramer

Adopting a pet can be a complex thing for all types of households. This week, we chatted with Todd Cramer, Executive Director of Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Inc. in Ledgewood, about what everyone should know about the pet adoption process and how to ensure that it is rewarding for you. 

MK9 Campus: What factors should people consider when choosing to adopt?

Cramer: Adopting a new pet is an exciting event in our lives. To ensure you select a pet that will fit your lifestyle for years to come, folks should ask themselves how they see a pet fitting into their home. Consider size of the pet, activity level of the family and the pet, time away from home each day, food and veterinary costs. Ask yourself what qualities you would like your pet to have. For example, do you want a dog who wants to play a lot or a dog that doesn't want to play much, if at all? Would you appreciate an independent cat that desires little attention or a social butterfly that will want to be where you are every second of the day?

MK9 Campus: How does the adoption process work?

Cramer: Folks looking to adopt from any organization should expect to be screened so that the organization can feel good about the adoption. It is our job to place the pets in our care in a responsible fashion. At Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association, Inc. we screen conversationally and in a manner that asks the adopter to tell us how they see a pet fitting into their home; rather than us telling the adopter what is best for them. We then work to make the best match. Come in to Noah's, complete a quick survey and we will chat with you a bit and help you select the pet that is right for you.

MK9 Campus: What types of pets should people expect to find at animal shelters? Where do they come from?

Cramer: It is a myth that shelter animals are "broken" so folks should expect to find all sorts of healthy and happy pets in all shapes, ages and sizes. Although many are purrrfect just the way they are, you will find some pets that need extra special TLC or a commitment to training. Some pets still need to learn their manners and others, such as dogs raised in puppy mills, need time to learn how to be social and live outside a kennel. Pets come to live in a shelter from a few sources. Some are surrendered by guardians who are victims of varying life circumstances and just cannot care for the pet anymore, others are strays saved from the streets by caring animal control officers and others are transferred to our area from shelters in other areas of the country that have more animals than they can place in their communities.

MK9 Campus: Are there specific health or behavioral issues potential adopters should watch out for when adopting?

Cramer: Because we often don't know the pets' histories when they arrive, and we will only be aware of health issues that exhibit signs and symptoms, it is impossible to guarantee a completely healthy pet. Since living at an animal shelter is not the same as living in a home, behavior in a home cannot be guaranteed. However, all shelters and rescue groups should be providing regular veterinary care, including vaccinations and exams and should be performing a behavioral evaluation on every dog before placing it for adoption. Vaccinations will help prevent diseases that are common to dogs and cats, and the behavioral evaluation will generally tell us how a dog will respond to handling and other dogs, and if he or she is protective of toys and food (we call this resource guarding). Diseases which can be common but are not life threatening when treated (and not contagious to humans) are Bordatella (canine cough) in dogs and U.R.I (Upper Respiratory Infection). With good

cleaning and disinfection of the shelter, animals will be protected from these diseases.

MK9 Campus: How are adoption prices determined? Where does the money go?

Cramer: Cost of care per animal, including vaccinations, microchips and spay or neuter surgery are factors that are considered as well as what the public is willing to pay. The adoption fees and other fees for services rendered rarely cover the total cost of care - hence the need for fundraising. Folks should also consider that if they were to obtain a pet from another source and have the vaccines, surgery and microchip done at their local veterinarian, it would  cost them more than the fee they pay at a shelter. 

MK9 Campus: What resources or support do animal shelters provide after adoption has occurred?

Cramer: This will vary by organization. Most will be able to guide you if you have behavior or training issues, such as a cat that won't use the litter box. At Noah's, if we cannot assist directly we will connect the adopter with the appropriate support. Shelters often times offer support to folks who already have a pet and need assistance. At Noah's we can assist you with any needs related to your current pets as well.

MK9 Campus: What should a person do if he or she determines that the pet they have adopted is not a good match for them?

Cramer: When a person determines that a pet they have adopted is not a good match for them, they should follow the stipulations of the agreement they signed at the time of adoption. Many groups ask that adopters return the pet to their organization. At Noah's, we ask the adopter to call us with concerns so we can assist before the adopter determines the pet is not a good match. Once the decision is made to rehome the pet, it can be a good idea to try and rehome the pet on your own before returning the pet to the shelter system. Rehoming directly from the adopter's home to a new home is less stressful for the pet and leaves space available in the shelter to assist other animals. All potential adopters should be screened to be sure that their home will be a good match for the pet. We can provide coaching to anyone looking to rehome their pet.

MK9 Campus: In what ways can people help their local shelters?

Cramer: The local shelters and rescue groups need the community support. Donating needed items, volunteering time and spreading the word about the great work that is being done is always helpful. Of course, we still have to pay for the animal care and other expenses, such as heat and water costs, so a monetary donation is always appreciated. Most shelters and rescues are private organizations and receive no government assistance.

Thank you so much to Todd Cramer for this wonderful information! Please visit Noah's Ark at 1915 Route 46 West or its website to see the many wonderful cats and dogs available for adoption right now. 

Finding the Perfect Match for Your Pooch

Dogs are pack animals, therefore most truly need and crave social interaction with other dogs in order to fully develop emotionally and behaviorally. A regular romp with canine buddies can help keep socialization skills polished, mentally and physically wear out your dog, and prevent your furniture from being destroyed. It is important to remember however, that not all dogs enjoy playing with other members of their own species. By following a few guidelines and keeping a close eye on the body language of your dog, you could help to find a match made in heaven.


Age Matters

Play styles can vary greatly between a young puppy and a seasoned adult dog. Young puppies tend to like energetic, rambunctious play, so they are best suited to play with one another. In contrast, an older dog might find this frenzied kind of play to be irritating. In addition, older dogs can be choosier about their playmates, so be patient as you and your dog find your way to the right canine friend.

Evenly Matched

Your dog and her playmates should be relatively similar in size and build to prevent any accidental injuries. Not surprisingly, smaller dogs are prone to getting injured when paired with a large breed of dog. They can be stepped on, knocked around or simply overwhelmed. Keep your dog happy by finding another pooch she can let loose with, without injuring or being injured.

Dogs of a Feather...
This is a chance for your dog to express him/herself! It's easy to lump all dog play behaviors into one pot, but many dogs actually have preferences in their types of play. For example, there are dogs that will always choose stalking or chasing, while others prefer wrestling, mouthing or tug. Some breeds, like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, prefer activities that tap into their herding instincts. Whatever your dog's play style, make a note of it, and try to find another dog who is also drawn to this type of play. Your dog will let you know whether s/he is enjoying the company of another dog by  actively playing with or ignoring the dog altogether.

                                        Let Them Have Their Say

Ultimately, let the dogs decide whether they want to be friends. You wouldn't want someone else choosing your friends, would you? If your dog and a potential playmate seem to have no interest in one another, they may simply be ill-suited as playmates. But if your dog displays regular excitement in playing with another dog, it probably means you have succeeded in finding the perfect doggie playmate!

Social Networking for Your Dog

In the past, puppies were often kept at home until their complete set of vaccinations had been completed. Unfortunately, these "bubble puppies" developed behavioral issues including being afraid of people or animals, and an inability to read other dogs' cues. This often led to unwanted aggression that could have been avoided with proper socialization.

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Today, veterinarians and trainers know that puppies really need social interaction to become well-adjusted dogs. A 2009 position paper released by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists stated that the importance of socialization for puppies less than 16 weeks of age far outweighs the slight risk of disease. Puppies between the ages of seven and 16 weeks of age are curious and ready to explore, but they must be monitored in a safe environment under the guidance of you or a pet care professional.

Socializing your dog isn't hard; it simply means acclimating your dog to as many new sensations and situations as possible to prepare him for his life out in the world.While the process of socialization may occur rapidly with a young puppy, don't be surprised if things take a little longer with an adult dog.

Socialization Starts at Home

There are things you can do to socialize your puppy out in the world that will prepare him for more interactive socialization later on. Here are a few tricks for making the process fun:

1) Take your dog for a walk on different types of surfaces, such as grass, dirt, gravel and sand to familiarize him with the feeling of different textures on his paws and to help him become more agile on uneven turf. 

2) Introduce your pup to new people on a regular basis. This includes men, women and children of varying ages, races, sizes and ranges of mobility. 

3) Pretend to be your dog's veterinarian. Inspect his ears, paws, teeth and tail to get him used to vet and grooming visits.

4) Purchase a socialization CD containing sounds that a puppy might find scary, such as fireworks or sirens. At first, play the CD softly, then gradually increase the volume when your dog has become accustomed to it.

Leaving the Nest

Morris K9 Trainer Robin Lash believes that "among the best ways to socialize your puppy is to enroll him in a good puppy class that screens for aggression, requires first vaccinations and de-worming, and regularly disinfects surfaces." Puppy classes are great controlled environments that allow puppies to acquire social interaction skills and keep young dogs engaged when they are the most energetic and inquisitive. 

Stick With It!

The key to socialization is introducing your dog to new stimuli slowly and steadily. Start with low-key interactions in your home or neighborhood, then move on to play dates with another dog or puppy, and finally consider enrolling your dog in a puppy class, daycare, or group class like those offered at Morris K9 Campus. Although it's best to practice some form of socialization with your dog each day, keep the sessions short and reward your dog with a treat or cuddle when you are finished. This will make the process fun and rewarding for both of you. A well-socialized dog is a happy, well-behaved dog that will make you proud!