Traveling with a Crate

Today we have a guest post from the folks at WoodDogCrate.com . Check out their cool end table dog crates. Why didn't someone think of this before??

While it's great to use a crate at home for your dog, don't underestimate their benefits when you and your dog are traveling together. Let's look at some ways in which crates make life easier when you are on the move.

In some places, it is illegal to let your dog move around unrestrained in a car. They may want to sit or lie on your lap for a better view, and make it hard for you to see other vehicles on the road. They can get in the way of the steering wheel and the gear shift, and that's not safe either.

If you were to have an accident, your dog could be thrown across the inside of your car and severely injured. Emergency services may also be more relaxed about moving them to safety if they are securely confined in their crate. They won't be worried about getting bitten by a frightened canine.

If you are flying with your dog, they will definitely need to be kept crated for the duration of the trip. There is no alternative. If they are used to spending time in their crate, it will make air travel less stressful for them. They won't need to adapt to being put in a crate, at the same time as they have to deal with airports and their unfamiliar sights and sounds.

Many dog owners like to take their dog on vacation with them. It is often easier to find dog friendly accommodation if you can let the owner know that your dog has been trained to settle in a crate. They will know that your dog has a safe place to sleep, and won't make their way onto the furniture or soil the carpet when you are not watching them.

Do you prefer spending your vacation in a tent? Crates are still very useful when you take your dog camping. They will be safe from predators in their crate, and they're not going to get underfoot when you are cooking on a gas stove. While you can tie your dog to a post outside your tent, they can easily get tangled in the ropes. Having them in a crate when you are not able to keep an eye on them makes life much easier for you.

There may be times when you need to go away and your dog can't come with you. Under these circumstances, you may want to leave them in a boarding facility. Even though the kennel may be quite comfortable, your dog will be confined more so than they would at home. If they are crate trained, they will be happier and less stressed when they are in their kennel. Even if using a wood dog crate at home, your dog will still be more comfortable in any crate if they are used to being in one.

Unless you are traveling by plane, it's quite possible to travel with your dog without needing a crate. However, they do make life simpler and less stressful, and your dog will appreciate having a familiar place to rest while they are away from home.

What You Should Know About Dog Training

Today we have a guest post from Nicole and your friends at Chazhound, the dog bed store; find cool dog toys.

Dog owners are increasingly realizing the benefits of proper dog training and are becoming more involved in training their dogs. Forget the expression “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, dogs can learn at any age and with the proper patience and skills you can train virtually any dog. The important thing is to be clear and consistent in your training so as not to confuse your dog or puppy. Establishing trust with your dog is also very important as a dog that trusts you will do his best to please you.

Knowing how to handle your dog is very important and you will need to learn how to understand your dog’s behavior and language. You should also research your dog’s breed to understand any characteristics that are particular to that breed. The first thing you should teach your dog is that you are the pack leader or alpha dog in the house. One of the first things you may find yourself teaching your dog is how to be housetrained. Puppies generally get an idea of what’s desirable behavior and what isn’t if you use a lot of praise and reward. Harsh punishments will only succeed in confusing your pup and making him fearful of you.

Once your dog begins to view you as his pack leader, he will do his best to please you, dogs love to please their masters and using a positive reinforcement method of training will be the best way of using this eagerness to please that all dogs seem to have.

If you feel you are unable to train your dog yourself because you don’t have the time or you lack the expertise and knowledge to do so, you may consider enlisting the services of a professional dog trainer. Ideally you should be involved in your dog’s training even if you don’t do it yourself. Being actively involved with your dog while he’s being trained will teach you how to understand your dog and how to deal with him properly. Always do your homework before hiring a dog trainer, ask for recommendations from friends and family who may have used the services of a dog trainer before and always choose a trainer who is certified or licensed. Don’t be shy about asking a dog trainer for a list of former clients. You can talk to these people to see if they were satisfied with the trainer’s services. A reputable trainer will never be averse to providing a customer list that you can use in your research.

Regardless of whether you decide to train your dog yourself or if you use a dog trainer, you should do your research to learn about the best options for your dog. Take some time to consider which training techniques you want to use on your dog and research trainers as well as their training facilities before enlisting their services. Bad training methods or disreputable trainers can cause your dog more harm than good, and an emotionally scarred dog may take a long time to rehabilitate.

Puppys First Socialization Experience

Dear Joey,
We just got a new puppy. When should I let him around other animals?
No Name Left

Dear No Name,

My Momma wrote an article about this so I'm including it below. It should answer your questions about puppy socialization.

Puppy's First Socialization Experience

Do you want your pup to grow into a friendly canine companion?

Knowing when to socialize your puppy is the first step!

The biggest mistake which most inexperienced dog owners make is that they wait too long before socializing their puppy. You may feel, as do many new puppy parents that your furry friend is too small, too scared or too fragile to be socialized with other dogs.

However, the truth of the matter is, puppies should be socialized as soon as they are healthy enough to do so. Meaning, after your pooch has had his shots and been completely dewormed he should be introduced to as many different dogs as possible. Knowing when to socialize your puppy is vital and will ensure that they’re not afraid, aggressive or timid in the future.

In addition to knowing when to socialize your puppy it is also important to know where. One of the best places to start socializing your little guy is in a puppy playgroup or off-leash dog park. This is the ideal place for two main reasons. For one, the other dogs are for the most part going to be friendly and inviting to your puppy. If they were not well trained and properly socialized themselves, they would not be partaking in a dog playtime. Secondly, an off-leash area will allow for your puppy to observe, as well as encounter different instinctual behaviors, such as rough wrestling, barking, playful growling and games of chase.

Watching other dogs interact and play can also be beneficial to you, the new puppy owners. When socializing your puppy it is extremely important for the owners to stand back and let the puppy fend for itself. Chances are, your pup will be welcomed with a lengthy sniff or maybe a nose-nudge or two, but then the other dogs will soon realize that he is much too small to play or run and the introduction will come to an end.

Knowing when to socialize your puppy can be hard, and you’re not alone if you feel hesitant to introduce your small pup to the big world. But it is important to remember that a when a puppy is properly socialized, he has more of a chance of growing into a friendly, gentle and self assured dog.
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