Navigation

No You Can’t Pet My Dog

No, You Can’t Pet My Dog

Terie Hansen 

Question… Do you let random strangers come up to you or your child, get into your personal space and touch you, your child? No, of course you don’t. Why? Because you don’t know them, becauseno you can't pet my dog it would be uncomfortable, because it would make you feel nervous, anxious or even scared. Because it’s just plain weird.

Well, it’s no different for your dog. Having someone they don’t know approach them and come into their personal space, make direct eye contact, touch them, talk to them etc… makes most dogs uncomfortable. You just don’t realize it because you don’t recognize subtle cues your dog exhibits to show their discomfort. Cues such as turning their head away, looking away, yawning, exposing their belly or licking their lips are just a few of the cues they display. Furthermore, just because a dog is wagging its tail doesn’t mean it’s happy. Dogs wag their tails for many reasons, even right before they attack.

[Read more…]

How to Train a Dog to Be Balanced

 To HAVE what others don’t, you’ve got to DO what others won’t.
how to train a dog

These words are as true for dog training as they are for anything else. How to train a dog
Many people say they want a well trained dog but not as many are willing to do what it takes to achieve that.
It’s easy to share love and affection. It’s not as easy to share structure and discipline.
But these things in combination are the things that yield a well-balanced dog.
Too much affection and freedom create anxiety and nervousness. Which often leads to a reactive even aggressive dog.
Implementing a level of structure, leadership and boundaries will create a relaxed, well adjusted dog. Teaching your dog how to remain calm in any and all situations goes a long way in creating a well balanced dog. Socializing your dog to different situations, environments, people, places, things while teaching your dog to just exist, not get excited by the newness.
Exercise, training, down time in their crate are all a part of the process. And it IS a process.
You must also redefine what love is.
True love is giving your dog what they NEED not just what feels good to you the human.
Love your dog by training your dog.
There are no shortcuts. You must put in the time and effort. But what you and your dog will gain in the process is a bond like no other as well as the ability to take your dog anywhere. Which enriches both your life and theirs!
.
.
.
.
.

ID Your Dogs and Cats for Safety

Why is it so important to ID your dogs or cats for safety? Having up to date identification on your pet greatly increases the chances of return should your pet escape or get lost.

If your pet escapes your home or yard and is running loose, a neighbor or other person is much more likely to stop to help your pet if they are clearly wearing a collar and tags. 

A collar and ID tag signifies that the pet belongs to someone and isn’t just a stray.ID Your Dogs or Cats for Safety

Having an ID tag with your pet’s name and your phone number makes it easy for the good Samaritan to act quickly without much effort.

Even if your pet is micro chipped, if they don’t have a collar and tags the chances of someone helping are reduced greatly. 

Just think about it. If you saw a dog without a collar and tags running loose, would you take the time to pick it up only to have to take it to a vet or local shelter to be scanned for a microchip??? Highly unlikely for most people.  [Read more…]

Get Your Dog Walking In Following Mode

Get Your Dog Walking In Following Mode by using these techniques. 

I get so many calls from people that have dogs that are reactive on the leash when they are walking them. dog walking reactive dog

Reactive towards people, dogs, bicycles, cars, motorcycles, kids, skateboards, squirrels, cats and the list goes on. Teaching your dog how to walk properly on a leash in the “following mode” (heel position, their nose should be no further up than your heel) is very important. It puts your dog at ease and helps them to be more relaxed while you share leadership by leading the way!

Start with your dog walking in your driveway. Doing driveway drills up and down your driveway. [Read more…]

Bring Fido, Dog Friendly Restaurant Etiquette

Bring Fido, Dog Friendly Restaurant Etiquette for Fido

Terie Hansen

 

As the weather warms up, with it comes opportunities to bring Fido along for the ride. Taking your dog out for social experiences is a great way to bond with your dog as well as put into action those commands you’ve been teaching him. When you bring Fido to a dog friendly restaurant, etiquette is a must. Bring Fido dog friendly restaurant etiquette

Picture yourself, hanging out on the patio of a great restaurant, sipping Mojitos while your dog lounges calmly at your side. Nice right? However, if your dog is not well mannered enough for such an experience it can be less relaxing and more stressful for you, your dog and those around you. Just because a restaurant is dog friendly, doesn’t mean any behavior is acceptable.

Proper etiquette to keep in mind if you are thinking of bringing Fido… When you bring Fido, dog friendly restaurant etiquette is a must.

Friendly, Social Dogs Welcome: Don’t bring your dog if they are nervous around other people or dogs. You won’t have a good time, and neither will they. [Read more…]

Helping Your Fearful Dog Gain Confidence

Living In Fear, Helping Your Fearful Dog Gain Confidence

Living a life filled with fear or anxiety is no fun for humans or dogs. In fact, it is a terrible way to live. Feelings of anxiety, nervousness fearful dog hidesand fear flood the body with toxic chemicals and can shorten a lifespan. Helping your fearful dog gain confidence can be as simple as introducing exercise into their routine, implementing basic obedience skills, coping skills and using something pleasurable (food or toys) to change the way your dog feels about the fearful object or environment.

[Read more…]

Pet Disaster Preparedness

If disaster strikes are you Pet Disaster Preparedness planprepared to save your pet? A Pet Disaster Preparedness plan could save a life!

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma fast approaching many pets have been and will be displaced. At this point, they are forecasting Hurricane Irma will affect even those in Atlanta and outlying areas. To what extent, we will have to wait and see. During events like these, pet disaster preparedness is crucial for the safety of your pet.

Many who don’t prepare may be forced to leave their pets behind.

[Read more…]

Training Your Puppy or Dog to Accept Handling By You and Others

How to Train Your Puppy or Dog to Accept Handling.

Can You Touch Your Dog? Anywhere?

One of the most important things you can teach your puppy or dog training dog to accept handling by groomeris to allow handling and touch to any and all of his body parts. Teaching him that being touched either by you, a pet professional or accidently in an inappropriate way such as a pull on the ear by a child is no big deal or better yet is good. Training can help keep him calm and prevent aggression. Aggression can result in your dog having to be muzzled and/or sedated at the vet or groomer. This is no fun for your dog or the professionals that have to interact with your dog.

Using treats and a marker word (yes!) or clicker you can speed up the learning process.

[Read more…]

6 Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Your Pet

If you are like me you like to find fun ways to celebrate the holidays with your pet. Here are 6 simple and fun ideas on how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your pet. St. Patrick’s Day Pet .

st patrick's day pet

  1. Take your dog to a pet friendly restaurant to celebrate. At Lucky’s 

Lucky's Burger & BrewBurger & Brew in Atlanta your dog is welcome on the enclosed pup friendly patio. They have water bowls and dog treats for your furry friend.   [Read more…]

Bad Dog or Bored Dog? 10 Tips to Increase Good Behavior in Your Dog

Bad Dog or Bored Dog?

Is your dog bad or just bored?

If you ask me, there are no bad dogs, really. They are either bored and/or maybe justbad dog or bored dog haven’t been taught desirable positive behaviors. Dogs don’t want to misbehave. Quite the contrary, they want to make you happy. However, even when they have been taught/trained basic manners, if they are not getting what they need in terms of daily mental stimulation and physical exercise they may vent that energy in undesirable not to mention, negative ways.

 

See if any of these behaviors sound familiar…

[Read more…]