Puppy Training

We all love puppies, but not everyone knows what to do once you get one. We recommend incorporating behavioral training early on.

When a dog is young and learning for the first time, it’s best to use positive reinforcement. This simply means rewarding your dog when they exhibit the behavior you desire. The reward can be anything that your dog enjoys, like petting, praise, or toys, but the most common and convincing reward is a delicious ‘high value’ treat. At this age, there is no need for leash corrections or reprimands. In fact, doing so can confuse or discourage your dog making it more difficult for them to learn. If they do not follow a command correctly, they simply do not get the treat. Consider practicing in an empty room with little distraction such as a basement or bathroom. Start with short sessions (5-10min) and always end on a positive note. Here are a few fundamentals you can start with:

Creating positive associations with the leash, collar, harness etc..

It’s important that your puppy likes their walking gear. Keep in mind, this technique can be used with any item (combs, toothbrushes, nail clippers, etc.). Give your pup a treat anytime they ‘sense’ the item. We say sense because this includes smelling, seeing, hearing (jingling of metal tags, etc.), and having physical contact with the item. We want all these various stimuli to be associated with positivity.

Creating healthy associations when preparing to walk.

If your puppy is not excited to go outside, then you need to present going outside as a fun and exciting thing to do. Give them treats and praise every step of the way. Reward when the leash is on, when you leave your home, when they do their business, throughout the walk, when returning, and finally when their gear is taken off.

If your dog is overly excited to go out, that can also be an issue. You should reward good behavior, and if a walk is what they want, they need to show good behavior to get the leash on, to walk out the door, and again to get their gear taken off. This may prove to be a waiting game, so remember time is always on your side. Stand between the door and your dog and wait for them to show a sign of calm submission. This could be them sitting or laying down, not whining, or even looking away from the door. Once they show a calm energy, you can both enjoy a nice walk together.

Teach your puppy their name.

We want our dog to know that when they hear their name, it means give their attention to you. To start, say their name, and give them a treat. This is to associate the command with the reward. After repeating this a number of times, start only giving them the treat if they look at you when you say their name. This lets them know that there’s a specific behavior they must exhibit in order to get the reward.

The name should always be positive. Never call your dog’s name to punish them. This weakens the command and may be confusing to your dog. Do not overuse the dog’s name as this also weakens the command.

Teach your puppy to ‘come’.

It’s important for your puppy to develop a strong recall. This can be taught in just a few simple steps.

Similarly to learning their name, say ‘come’ and give them a treat. They don’t actually have to do anything during this phase. Then, create a very small distance between you and your pet. Crouch down and with and excited tone, say ‘come’. They should come to you, and you can say ‘Yes!’ or click a clicker so they know they’ve succeeded, and that a treat is on the way. Once you’ve practiced this many times, begin to gradually increase the amount of space between you and your puppy. Do not continue saying the same command if they don’t come to you. Instead, reposition yourself a bit closer and then start again.

If your pup has picked this up, you can try a more challenging exercise including a distraction. Place a bowl of treats off to the side, and have your dog come straight to you without going to the bowl. Experiment with placing the bowl in more and more tempting spots.

Teach your puppy to ‘heel’.

After your dog is comfortable with their leash on, stand with your dog standing or sitting at your side, and give them a few treats. Take a step and encourage them to step forward. Give them a treat as they return to your side. Continue giving a treat with every step. If they go ahead of you, turn to walk the opposite direction and give them a treat when they get back to your side. Over time, spread out the reward to every 5 or 10 steps. Say heel and give them the treat when they are in the correct position.

We hope these basic puppy training tips are helpful to all of you new puppy owners. Remember, if you put the time and effort in for them, they’ll pay you back tenfold with their unconditional love and devotion. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions along the way. We are always here to help. Best of luck!!

Considering a Whole or Raw Food Diet for your Pup?

Years ago, my wife and I rescued a senior shih tzu at the age of 16.  He was originally on a diet of standard dry food, and we noticed at some point he was losing interest in eating.  We thought his time was coming soon, and we decided in order to improve his health and overall quality of life, it would be essential to increase his desire to eat.  We integrated high quality grain free wet food which definitely helped, though within time he was losing interest in completing his meals again.  We researched transitioning his diet to one based in raw and whole foods, and consulted our vet for advice.  We learned about the many benefits of a raw diet, and were convinced that this was worth trying.  

When transitioning your dog’s diet to a raw one, it’s helpful to take a few weeks to gradually make the switch.  Slowly, we increased the ratio of raw food and decreased to amount of canned processed food in each meal.  Being that our dog was an 17yr old senior at this point, we didn’t want to transition his too quickly. Changing a dog’s diet too abruptly can cause for issues such as an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea.  As soon as we began introducing raw food into his diet, we noticed a drastic change in his eating habits. We would find him sitting in the kitchen eager to eat (even when it wasn’t time to eat).  He never left any food in his bowl like he used to with his previous diets.  We noticed an increase in his energy level, as well as a decrease in his itchiness.  Some breeds, like shih tzus, are prone to having dry flaky skin which can be very irritating for them.  Scratching these itches often cause more irritation, thus continuing the cycle.  Natural oils in raw meat, as well as eggs, fish oil, and coconut oil can add moisture and be very soothing for dogs suffering from skin irritation.  We really thought our time with him was limited, but the combination of a seniors nutritional supplement and raw diet gave him a pep in his step, and allowed him to age into his 20’s before passing.  

There are many benefits to raw food diets, though there are also some concerns and responsibilities to be understood.  Dog owners must consider the foods that are healthy as well as potentially dangerous foods for your dog to stay away from.  Here are a few healthy and unhealthy foods for dog owners to be aware of:

RAW FOOD THAT’S GOOD FOR YOUR DOG:

- Beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish are all good meats for your dog to consume. The muscle meat is a vital source of protein and natural enzeymes.  (60%-75%)

-Bones provide calcium and phosphorus, and marrow is known for it’s richness of nutrition.  Bones can be served whole or ground depending on the size and age of your dog. Bones that are too large can be a choking hazard, and cooked bones may splinter causing internal lacerations. (10%-15%)

-Organs/ offal meat provide essential nutrients and should make up about 5-10% of you dog’s diet. Percentages vary depending on your dog’s age and level of activity (up to 15% for highly active dogs).  Liver is the most important and vitamin rich organ. 

*Liver is a great source of vitamins A, E, K, B1, B2, B5, B6 & B12. It also contains choline, biotin, omega 3 & 6, folacin and selenium.

*Kidney is an excellent source of vitamin A, E, K, B12, iron and Zinc.

Heart contains protein, B vitamins, iron, taurine, and a little bit of vitamin A, and are usually fed in lower quantities.

-Vegetables and Fruits (15%-25%) can contain a wide variety of nutrients that aren’t found in meat, and also provide healthy dietary fiber.  Here’s a few healthy vegetable and fruit options that can be added to your pup’s meals:

*Green Beans (omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, C, K, calcium, copper, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, iron, folic acid, beta carotene)

*Sweet Potato (vitamin E, A, B6, C, calcium, iron, copper, folate, and thiamin)

Asparagus (vitamins K, A, B1, B2, C and E, folate, iron, copper, manganese, and potassium)

Watermelon (vitamins A, B6, C, and thiamin)

Apples (vitamin C and antioxidants) 

Spinach (iron, anti-inflammatory properties)

Cantaloupe (vitamin A, B6, C, folate, niacin, and potassium)

Brussel Sprouts (vitamins A, B1, B6, K, G, manganese, folate, potassium) 

Now, here’s a few foods to stay away from. These can be harmful and potentially fatal depending on the quantity ingested:  Onions, Garlic, Chocolate, Grapes & Raisins, Fruit Pits & Seeds, Avocado, Alcohol, Caffeine, Milk & Dairy, Macadamia Nuts, Peaches, Plums, Permissions, Yeast Dough, Salt, Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners

We hope this helps give you some basic understanding of healthy and unhealthy foods for your dog, as well as some tips for transitioning them from standard processed dog food to a whole or raw diet.  Again, we recommend you do your own research as well as consulting your vet before making any adjustments.  From all of us at BK Paws and Play, best of luck and here’s to healthy eating! 

WINTER CARE FOR OUR LOVED PETS

Freshly fallen snow;  The crisp air;  Serenely quiet parks.  We all know that winter in the city is a magical time.  Though there are many obvious perks, there are also some precautions that all pet owners should be aware of.  Here’s our top 5 seasonal tips to help insure that you and your pup have a fun and safe winter:

Bundle Up!

Some dogs have naturally thick coats that help keep them warm in the coldest months of the year.  BUT if your dog is short haired or has a thin coat, they may need to wear a doggy jacket or sweater.  Keep in mind that even with warm layers, your dog may still be susceptible to frostbite on the paws, ears, or tail.  Please, be aware of how long you keep your dog out in the extreme cold.

Stay Hydrated!

Pups can get dehydrated in winter just as easily as in summer. Remember that eating snow is no substitute for fresh water.  Remember to rinse and replenish your dog’s water bowl at least twice a day, especially after a walk.

Extra Care for Seniors!

Like people, dogs are more susceptible to illnesses through the winter months.  If you have an old or arthritic dog, pay special attention to slippery surfaces such as black ice, and always give your dog a comfy bed or pad to recuperate after any exercise.  Arthritis can also become aggravated in the colder months, so consider adding a natural joint supplement to your dog’s diet during this time.

Maintain a Proper Diet!

Often times, the winter can bring on extra laziness in the home.  Who doesn’t like to spend the evening cozied up under a warm blanket! Observe your dog’s level of activity and feed them accordingly.  They don’t need more layers of fat to stay warm. This is a myth, as their natural layers of warmth come from a thicker winter coat.  Consider feeding your dog a whole food based or raw diet.  Adding coconut oil, fish oil, or eggs to a meal helps keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and moisturized.  Coconut oil can also be applied topically. Make sure to do your research and consult your vet when gradually switching your pet’s diet. 

Protect the Paws!

Salt on city sidewalks is toxic and can irritate the pads of your dog’s paws.  Remember to wipe down your dog’s paws after a winter walk. You wouldn’t want them licking the salt off later on.  Consider using booties, or a paw balm like Musher’s Secret to give them an extra protective layer. Also, if your dog has extra furry paws, you may want to consider trimming between their pads to avoid ice or salt build up.  Keep an eye out for any cracks or irritation forming in your dog's paws.

Along with the joys of winter comes responsibility for all good pet owners.  We hope you are proactive in taking the necessary steps to keep your pup happy and healthy through the coldest season.  From all of us at BK Paws and Play, be safe and have a great winter!!