Bark City Doggy Daycare

Summer is here! Which means it will be getting HOT. Just like humans, dogs can get heat stroke. Dogs don't sweat like humans do. The only way they lose heat is through the little pads on their feet or by panting.  Humans need to take precautions when out with a dog in the heat and know how to identify when they are starting to over-heat. Here are some symptoms to watch out for and what to do if you suspect your dog may be over-heated: A dog's temperature is a bit different from a human's. If you notice that your dog is acting over-heated, the first thing you must do is take his/her temperature. Here is a link that provides instructions on the "how". Below is a nifty graphic I made on normal - dangerous temperatures for a dog:  If your dog is indeed over-heated and/or suffering heat stroke, there are measures to take in order to make sure it does not do permanent damage to your canine or become fatal: How hot is too hot? Here is handy chart ...

Many successful dog trainers have done wonders for dogs through positive reinforcement training and behavior modification, but there are some dogs where the rules just don't seem to apply. They need extra help. It's not because these dogs are overly aggressive, trying to dominate you or are basically non-compliant, it's because they are overwhelmed by the world! Every little butterfly, rustling tree leaf, scent or motion seems to send them into overdrive.    How can you tell if your dog is overstimulated? Hyperactivity : Boredom and over-stimulation can often look alike. If you are regularly exercising your dog (mentally and physically) and they still seem to be going bonkers, you may want to evaluate whether you are over doing it and your dog is over stimulated. Yes, dogs like humans can be over-trained. Hiding : Dogs will often try to find a place to hide that is quiet and dark when they are over stimulated. If your dog is hiding somewhere, check your environment. ...

Dogs do not speak human. I have written about anthropomorphizing your pet and as I said in that blog post, there are dangers in assuming you know what your pet is feeling. BUT, dogs do feel pain, sadness, happiness and even fear. Fear is the basis of anxiety whether it is a warranted fear or not, it elicits humans and dogs into the instinctual drive of either freezing, fighting or flight. Causes of anxiety in dogs can vary, it can be from an illness, aging, a terrible experience or even being unsocialized as a puppy. Regardless of the cause, it is up to us pet parents to recognize our dog's language on when it is frightened: Mild Cues That Often Go Unnoticed Hiding or seeking solitude Seeking comfort from favorite guardian. Ex: Jumping up into a lap or leaning against legs. Shaking or panting. Keep in mind that normal panting happens when a dog is hot or has just exercised. If your dog is excessively panting for no reason, they are probably anxious. Excessive licking or...

  Often, people don't crate train their dogs because they view putting their dog in a crate as a punishment. This could be because we humans view it as a cage--a jail. Or, it could be because we do use it as a punishment for our dog when they have become mischievous. But, these are all human attributes we are assigning to our dog. The fact is, dogs are naturally den animals and enjoy small enclosed places. A crate can be a place of security that calms a dog's anxiety. The key is not to accidentally train your dog into thinking of it as a negative space because you use it as "punishment" for dog behaviors you don't want to deal with or haven't trained your dog not to do.  A crate should be a place your dog is naturally inclined to want to use to relax. So, how do we do that? 1. A crate should be the right size. You will need to find a crate that not only fits your lifestyle, but fits your dog. Buy a crate that is the adult version for the specific breed of your...