Top 3 Commands to Teach Your Dog Around Visitors

By:  Laurie Brzostowski, Owner, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Written By: Stacey Kalinnikova

Dogs are naturally curious and excited when meeting new people.  Unfortunately guests may not always appreciate their enthusiasm, therefore it is important to teach your dog appropriate behavior around visitors.

1.     Quiet

The quiet command is especially important for dogs that go bark crazy whenever a stranger steps foot in the house or even just rings the doorbell. 

There are two main methods to teach your dog the quiet command.  The first involves letting your dog bark incessantly and waiting until they stop on their own.  As soon as they become silent, even if only for a few seconds, say “quiet” followed by positive reinforcement (praise and a treat).  The second method involves teaching your dog to bark on command.  Once your dog barks every time you say “speak”, you can then begin to say “quiet” and wait for them to stop barking followed by the treat.

2.  Down

Even if your guests like your dog, they generally won’t appreciate grubby paws on their nice outfits.  This is where the down command becomes useful.

It can be tempting to greet your dog in an excited manner whenever you arrive home to see them, but that is actually reinforcing their jumping behavior.  It is best to teach your dog to ‘sit’ or ‘lay down’.  Once they have learned these commands, you can then ask your dog to do those alternate actions instead of jumping.  Once again, reward the correct behavior with praise and a treat.

3.  Corner

Teaching your dog to go to their corner, crate, bed, or even just another room will prevent them from being an annoying distraction around visitors.

The first step is to choose a quiet, safe place for your dog which is in a corner or out of the way.  When your dog goes to this area on their own, say the command and reward them with a treat.  Another method is to call over or physically bring your dog to the safe area, followed by the word “corner” and positive reinforcement.  Once your dog associates this area with the command and positive rewards, you can begin to say the word and they should walk there on their own.

Commands should initially be practiced and achieved in a controlled environment before introducing your dog to guests in a calm manner.  Appropriate behavior from your dog will keep both them and visitors happy.

Winter Safety Tips for Your Pets

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

Brrrrrr... it's cold outside.  At least where I live.  I live in Northern Illinois and we have had some severe cold weather recently.  And since we take care of animals for a living I decided to write a post about some winter safety tips for your pets.

Below are just tips to keep in mind during the winter months to keep your pets safe:

1. Ice Melt:  A lot of states put down ice melt on roads, driveways, sidewalks, etc.  This ice melt is actually a chemical and can cause severe chemical burns if it gets in between the pads of your dogs paws.  Best thing to do is rinse your dogs paws after each walk in a bowl of warm water making sure you get in between the pads.
2. Walking:  If you are walking your dog every day or a couple of times a day, make sure you keep an eye on the temperature.  Dogs can get hypothermia just like people do.  Their paws, eyes, ears, nose can all freeze when the temperatures drop.  Best thing to do is walk long enough to do their potty business and then bring them inside for extra playtime.
3. Outdoor Cats/Dogs: If you have outdoor dogs or cats you can make their lives a little more comfortable while outside in cold temperatures.  Try building them an outdoor shelter.  There are many links on Google to help you in determining the products required to build it.  Also make sure they have plenty of fresh water and food.  Make sure the food and water bowls are plastic and not metal.  Their tongues may stick to metal.
4. Lots of Fresh Water: All pets require a bit more water during the dry winter months.  You may already be noticing your dog or cat drinking more.  The dry heat from furnaces etc., tend to dry everyone out (dogs, cats, people).  Keep plenty of fresh drinking water out and on hand.
5. Car Engines: Be careful with outdoor cats and wildlife.  Warm engines in a parked car can attract cats and wildlife looking for a warm place to cozy up.  To avoid injury, bang on your car hood a few times to scare them out before getting in the car and starting the engine.
6. Antifreeze Poisoning: Avoid antifreeze poisoning by wiping up any spills and store antifreeze up and away from pets and children.

Remember.. if it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pet.  Bring them inside.

3 Dental Hygiene Tips for Dogs

Posted By:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake 

Written By:  Stacey Kalinnikova

Healthy teeth are essential for a happy dog and a big slobbery smile.  Neglecting to care for canine teeth can lead to bad breath and discomfort when eating.  Managing your dog’s oral hygiene can be a battle, but it can be conquered.

1.     Brush, brush, brush!

Just like humans, the best method to combat plaque build up on canine teeth is by brushing.  Children's toothbrushes work well because they are generally softer and smaller than adult types.  Dog toothbrushes are also available which are soft and fit over your fingertip for ease of use.  It is important to use a specifically formulated dog toothpaste as human ones are toxic to dogs.

Brushing should be introduced to puppies with lots of positive reinforcement.  Small treats can be given at first to associate brushing with praise and reward.  Older dogs can be introduced to brushing with the same technique.  If your dog completely detests the toothbrush approach, dental pads are available for wiping the teeth and gum line free of bacterial build up.

2.  Oral care food and treats

The type of food that you feed your pooch makes a difference for their teeth.  Dry food diets are better for dental health than canned foods.  There are also specialised dental diets available.  They have a larger sized biscuit which helps to support clean teeth by facilitating the crunching action.

Dental treats and rawhide chews are widely available.  Chewing promotes clean teeth by helping to prevent plaque and tartar build up.  Care should be taken when giving rawhide chews to your dog to prevent accidental ingestion and choking.  Dogs should be supervised and chews should be taken away when they become small enough to swallow.

3.  Chew toys

All dogs love a variety of fun and safe toys.  Smooth rubber toys and nylon bones are good options that promote clean teeth and healthy gums.  Toys such as tennis balls and frisbees are good in moderation, but have abrasive surfaces which will have a negative impact on dental health.  Dogs that are allowed to chew excessively on abrasive toys will gradually wear down the enamel on the surface of the teeth.  It is best to limit your dog’s playing time with such toys.

Implementing a dental care plan for your dog will only take a short time each day.  Healthy teeth will keep your dog happy and smiling for years to come.