Dogs

Learning how to give a dog a bath can be a challenge. For humans, bath time is often associated with comfort and relaxation. But when it comes to our four-legged family members, baths can seem unpleasant and daunting. Having to struggle with an unhappy pooch every time a little personal upkeep is needed can be challenging, especially with a larger or stronger breed. To help create a calm environment for you and your pet, it’s critical to understand the root of your dog’s fear so you can comfort him and eliminate any unnecessary stressors. With the right tools and mindset for the job, you can learn how to give a dog a bath like a pro! Keep Calm: When it comes to bath time, there are plenty of factors that may seem scary to a dog that isn’t used to the loud sounds, uncertain environment and unfamiliar sensation of being in a tub. According to Alyona “Aly” DelaCoeur, UW-AAB, certified animal behaviorist, veterinary assistant, AKC Evaluator and founder of “Why Does My Dog,” “Do not force your dog into the bath … we really need to respect [dogs] and not force [them] to do things that [they may be] afraid of.” To acquaint your pooch with the process of getting clean, it’s critical to start young and condition your dog to associate baths with positive things. Remember, your dog feeds off your energy. To provide a stress-free environment even before bath time, encourage your dog to venture into the bathroom on his own, rather than pulling him in or picking him up against his will. “While you are training your dog to like baths, use … wipes to get [him] cleaned up. This way, you are not stressing your dog out and making him even more afraid,” says DelaCoeur. Dog wipes, such as Nature’s Miracle Spring Waters Deodorizing Bath Wipes can ease the process. Leave them by the door and use them to help freshen up your pup’s paws and coat when he comes inside. Have the Right Tools Handy: When dealing with a nervous pet, it’s important to consider the proper overall approach to the matter to help make your dog as comfortable as possible during times of distress. Having the proper dog grooming supplies can help alleviate obstacles so you can focus on the task at hand. The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo is effective in getting rid of unwanted bacteria and odors while soothing the skin to help with allergies or dryness. Using a dog shampoo that eliminates dirt but also preserves your pet’s natural oils is essential in keeping your pup’s coat shining and his skin healthy and hydrated. Provide a Comfortable Environment: It’s important to be thoughtful when considering the best approach on how to give a dog a bath. Cold water and a slippery surface can be an uncomfortable combination, so it’s no wonder a dog may head for the hills at the thought of bath time if we haven’t provided him with an environment conducive to his success. “Make sure you have a non-slip mat so your dog does not skid around [in the tub and] use warm water,” says DelaCoeur. “Dogs are more sensitive than we are to … hot water, so have it just warm enough for [him] to be comfy.” If your pooch is afraid of loud noises, also try filling up the bath before inviting him in, as running water can add to a dog’s anxiety of an already unnerving situation. When it comes to getting the job done, Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a soap-free formula that cleanses and hydrates your dog’s skin and coat. Not only does it soothe itching or dryness, but it will have your pet feeling and smelling like a million bucks. Reward Good Behavior: Helping your pet get comfortable in an uncertain environment is a step in the right direction when it comes to tackling bath time—and what better way to show your support than with copious ear scratches and belly rubs? The KONG Dog ZoomGroom Multi-Use Brush is a great, 2-in-1 tool that keeps your pup engaged while allowing you to massage and simultaneously brush your dog. Try it with the FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs, an effective formula that creates a soothing sensation during bath time that helps reduce shedding afterwards. By helping your pet relax with a doggy massage and plenty of praise, you can encourage your dog to feel confident and to associate the bathroom with a more positive experience. Remember, having the right tools and positive attitude to provide your pup with the moral support he may need—even if that means getting in the tub with him—may be the little extra reassurance your pooch needs to stay happy. Dog grooming can pose a challenge for both pet and pet parent. Adding your dog’s favorite treat or water-friendly play item is certainly encouraged to support good behavior. After all, dog treats and toys make everything better, so rewarding your pooch with his favorite things can be the key to an even trade-of when learning how to give a dog a bath.

The holiday season is synonymous with feasts, family and fun. Including your pets in your holiday traditions is a great way to make sure everyone is full of holiday cheer. There are plenty of holiday activities you and your pets can do together, but when it comes to the holiday feast, keep it reserved for humans only. We know that the holiday spirit brings out everyone’s charitable side, but sharing your meals with your pets can reinforce undesirable dog behaviors. We talked with Paula Nowak, CPDT-KA, CTDI, the head trainer and behavior consultant for Canine Country Academy in Lawrenceville, Georgia, about training dogs to not beg. Here are some tips for setting your pups up for success when it comes to time spent around the dinner table. Nowak says that the best way to stop dog begging is to never let your dog practice the behavior to begin with. So if you just adopted a new dog or got a new puppy, you should start training them as soon as possible. During training, Nowak recommends, “At the dining table and/or counter, avoid rewarding your dog for actively begging.” Remember that rewards aren’t just food rewards. “Telling our dog to ‘Get down,’ or ‘Leave-it,’ can be seen as reinforcement since they are getting attention.”

Green beans—a.k.a. string beans—may not make your dog come running in the same way that the unmistakable scent of bacon does. But if you’ve ever noticed your pup trying to get a nibble of your vegetables, you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat green beans too?”  Yes, green beans are considered a healthy treat that can contribute to your dog’s well-being. But as with any human food, there are some things you’ll want to keep in mind before giving in.  Here are the potential benefits (and risks!) of giving your dog green beans—and the best ways to feed these veggies to your furry friend.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

From individually wrapped chocolates and chocolate bars to ice cream and lava cakes, there are countless options to satisfy our sweet tooth. But can dogs eat chocolate too? We spoke with two vet experts to learn more about what makes chocolate dangerous to dogs and what to do if your dog eats some.

Image via iStock.com/MonikaBatich By Victoria Schade You’ve put in the time at dog training class and diligently practiced your homework, and now you’re convinced that you’re on your way to having a well-behaved best friend. But did you know that some of your daily interactions might be accidentally untraining your dog? It doesn’t take much for the hard work that you’ve put in for it to start to unravel, and it’s usually because we don’t realize how quickly an undesirable dog behavior can take root. For example, petting your dog when he jumps up on you, zoning out during leash walks, or slipping him something from your plate when he demands it are easily overlooked responses that might lead to dog behavior problems down the road. The key to avoiding untraining is to always remain mindful when interacting with your dog. Think about whether you like the behavior that your dog is offering. If you don’t, consider how you might be accidentally reinforcing it and keeping the behavior alive. And remember, some things your dog considers reinforcing might not make sense to you. You might think that pushing your dog off when he jumps is a viable training strategy, whereas he might think you’re giving him a welcoming pat! The following are some common ways we untrain our dogs, which might lead to dog behavior problems, and advice on how to avoid them. Training Dogs Not to Jump Reacting to a leaping dog is almost reflexive, and that’s exactly how jumping up becomes a habit. Whether it’s scolding a dog to get him to stop, or reaching down to give a few pats before pushing him off, this is one example of untraining that’s almost universal. Leaping on people is rewarding for dogs because it works; your excited dog makes contact with you, and more often than not, he gets acknowledged when he does it. Even angry acknowledgement is enough to keep the behavior alive. The secret to curbing a jumping habit is to teach your dog that he’s invisible unless he has four paws on the floor. Instead of telling your dog to get off or pushing him, turn your body away the second his front feet start to come off the ground. Don’t acknowledge your dog while he’s leaping, and the moment he manages to keep four on the floor, turn back to him and say hello. If he jumps again, repeat the process. Training dogs not to jump, especially if they’ve been doing it for a while, will take time. You can also teach the arm cross sit to help speed the process.

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There are several reasons a dog might drink more water than usual, from hot weather and diet to medications and underlying health issues.  Here are some of the most common reasons a dog may drink more water. ,Q: I’ve noticed that my dog seems to be really thirsty and drinking lots of water lately. She’s not lapping up her entire bowl, but it’s more than usual. Why is my dog drinking a lot of water? Is this normal?  

Puppies can develop diarrhea for a number of reasons, some of which are more serious than others. Let’s look at some of the most common answers to the question: Why does my dog have diarrhea?,Jump to section Causes of Puppy Diarrhea The Dangers of Puppy Diarrhea Deciding Whether To Go to the Veterinarian What To Do When Puppy Diarrhea Happens Puppy Diarrhea FAQs

It is no secret; dogs love to eat. Whether they are puppies, young dogs, middle-aged or senior canines, many enjoy their food faster than they should be ingesting it. Oftentimes, fast eating can be harmful to a dog’s health. If your dog eats fast, there are proper ways to address the issue. From incorporating toys, using sectioned automatic dog feedersor slow feeder bowls, to bringing in programmable pet feeders, any dog eating behavior can be trained with the right method.

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