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Help your dog deal with fireworks

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A few hints and tips to help your dog with fireworks.

There are many things we can do Help your dog deal with fireworks but you need time to prepare. If you’ve missed this opportunity follow these simple rules to try and keep them calm.

Feed and get toilet breaks done early

Give your dog enough time to finish their dinner, digest and toilet before the noise begins so that they’re not forced to hold it during an already stressful period.

Provide fun distractions to help your dog deal with fireworks

Entice them to focus on a toy, play, food, mental simulation toys during firework to keep their mind off the noise outside

Close the curtains or blinds

The noise for them is bad enough, try to minimise the stressful situation by closing out the bright explosive lights

Muffle the Noise

Unpredictable booming sounds can be perceived as an impending threat and make a dog feel vulnerable, plug in a white noise machine or turn on some calming music loud enough so that the fireworks are camouflaged

Safe Zone

If your dog’s “safe zone” is their crate, you can also cover the top, sides, and back with a thick blanket and play music or sounds. Ensure your dog can leave the crate if they wants to. If you don’t use a crate you should allow them to find a safe place in the house (they’ll choose where this is).

Comfort Your Dog

Comforting your dog in times of stress can reinforce his fears. However, your dog’s reactions to fireworks are based on a legitimate fear. Providing comfort during this time is appropriate and often very helpful. Doing this will help your dog understand that you’re his partner and that he can always turn to you when feeling scared.

There are others ways to prepare for these events which we’ll cover in a later blog.

How to Handle a Rescue Dog

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rescue-dog

Many rescue dog you find in a rescue shelter have been abused or neglected. Others are found abandoned or handed in for a range of reasons. Some dogs end up in homes because of notions that aggressive behaviour is typical of that particular breed. In reality, these dogs make for some of the most loving and dependable pets and a dogs behaviour is in many ways dependant on the behaviour of the owner!  When taking home a rescue dog, it is essential to properly prepare for the commitment, patience and training required.

Prepare the Family

Lay down the ground rules for the whole family and ensure they stick to them. Set boundaries and, in particular, ensure your children know that the new dog is not a toy. Make sure they know to respect the dog’s space. Coming into unfamiliar territory will take a few weeks for your rescue dog to adjust.

Give your rescue dog time

Know that when your dog arrives you’ll need to give it time for them to settle in. Especially in the first 3 weeks, use a warm tone when addressing him/her but try not to handle them too much and give them time to relax .Many owners make the mistake of over handling their new dog and introducing him /her to all the family and friends within the first few days. Often this overwhelms the dog and they sometimes nip out of fear. Then what happens?…….they end up back at the shelter!

GIVE THEM SOME SPACE!

Pay little attention to the dog’s advances at this time to establish dog style leadership. Honestly they will relax more if you sometimes ignore their demands for attention …it’s what happens in a dog pack.

Sleeping Arrangements for your rescue dog

Provide a warm, comfortable area for your dog to sleep in. Your dog should also sleep beneath/away from other family members to establish its place in the pack. I recommend getting a crate as this gives your rescue dog a safe and dark area to retreat to while they adjust to a new environment. If your dog is sleeping, make sure family members know not to disturb him/her.

Identification

Micro chipping and traditional collars are a good way to ensure you can find your dog if he/she were to become lost. Especially in the beginning, noise or lack of training might trigger your dog to run away. Be prepared for this. Also, if you’re uncertain about how they’ll react to other dogs then consider buying a muzzle to have better control over him/her while you’re out walking.

Secure your Garden

Before your dog’s arrival, make sure you have a secure garden or area you can let him/her explore. Make a habit of scattering some of their dog food and fresh fruit and veg in the garden. This lets the dog feel more secure in its surroundings. It’s also a lot more natural and fun to sniff out their food rather than eat it out of a bowl.

Most all have FUN with your new rescue dog.

A Few Simple Rules for Pregnant Dog Owners

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dogs-and-pregnancy

Bringing home a baby can be especially daunting when you have a pet. Once the object of your affection, a dog can be deeply unsettled by the arrival of a newborn who steals away your attention!

DO Prepare in advance

Start making changes in your dog’s routine when you’re pregnant, at least 6 months before the baby is due to arrive.

Change your routine – this means everything from the time of walks to feeding times.

Walk your dog erratically and feed your dog inside and outside.

Scatter food in the garden for him/her to find.

Your dog should not see his bowl as the only food source.

This prevents your dog  getting defensive if your baby goes near its food bowl.

Stop hand feeding your dog if you’re guilty of this.

Your dog may try to take food from your baby’s hand.

Stop any excessive jumping well before the baby arrives.

Remember … Dogs learn by association and repetition.

DO set boundaries 

  • Ignore your dog at times and particularly  – don’t respond to their attention seeking behaviours.
  • They definitely won’t have your attention when you have a baby to look after!
  • Praise and make a fuss of your dog when he/she isn’t making a noise or demanding anything.
  • Play at your command – if your dog wants to play then don’t indulge him/her.
  • Only instigate play when you have the time.
  • Set boundaries – places like sofas should be off limits to your dog.
  • You probably won’t want them jumping around places where your baby might be.
  • Let the whole family know the rules and stick to them.
  • Invest in a crate –it provides a comfortable place for your dog to sleep in and retreat to.
  • It’s especially useful in the first few months when you will have constant visitors.
  • The increase in activity can overwhelm many dogs.
  • Secure your garden. Your dog can happily play in the garden when you have to deal with the baby.

The Baby’s Arrival

  • Arrival – ideally  have someone else carry the baby into the house.
  • Remember, to your dog the size of his pack has just increased. To him the baby is like a new puppy arriving.
  • The vast majority of dogs accept a new baby easily BUT your dog is not a little human and has canine instincts.
  • NEVER bend down and let the dog sniff the baby.
  • NEVER leave a baby and dog unattended.
  • The shrill cry of a baby can over-excite a dog. Be ready to correct any unwanted behaviour.
  • When you sit down with the baby make sure your dog is kept on the ground.
  • This is not a time to have your dog up on the sofa with you.
  • Introduce the two – proceed with caution and be wary of how your dog might act.

Puppy management

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Pawsitive Solutions Craig

Puppy management is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Here are some tips to help you manage your new puppy and ensure that they grow into a happy and healthy adult dog:

  1. Establish a routine. Puppies thrive on routine, so it’s important to establish a regular schedule for feeding, potty training, and exercise.
  2. Start training early. Puppies are eager to learn and will respond well to training at a young age. Basic obedience training, such as sit, stay, and come, is important for building a strong foundation for your puppy.
  3. Socialize your puppy. It’s important to expose your puppy to a variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted adults. This can include taking them for walks in different neighborhoods, visiting the park, and going to puppy training classes.
  4. Keep your puppy healthy. Regular visits to the vet, a healthy diet, and proper grooming will help keep your puppy in good health. It’s also important to protect your puppy from parasites, such as fleas and worms, which can be harmful to their health.
  5. Keep your puppy safe. Supervise your puppy at all times, and make sure they are always in a safe and secure environment. Keep an eye on them when they are playing, and make sure they are not getting into any trouble or danger.

By following these tips, you can help your puppy grow into a well-behaved, healthy, and happy adult dog.

Please contact us if you or someone you know is looking for help with their dog via our enquiries page.

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