Best Dog-Friendly Air Freshener: It Works Everywhere

August 28, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Indigo Wild Air Freshener Review

Wild Indigo Air Freshener Review — Carlos Die Banyuls/Adobe Stock

Sharing our homes and vehicles with dogs can get a bit smelly. While dogs should have minimal body odor, they can still emit noxious gas at times. Plus, a wet dog can smell musty for hours and that smell lingers for days. Instead of using chemical-filled plug-in air fresheners or spraying synthetic air fresheners frantically, give this natural option a try.

Zum-tastic Air Freshener

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve tried thousands of dog-friendly air fresheners. Most products mask odors instead of eliminating them, and they just don’t cut through stinky dog smells quickly and effectively enough.

When searching for the perfect dog-friendly air freshener, I researched natural options that eliminated odors and left a pleasant fragrance behind. Since dogs have an amazing sense of smell, I found chemical and synthetic air fresheners caused dogs to sniff, cough and generally avoid a previously sprayed area. This was a hint that something was wrong. I tried several natural air fresheners, but they all left a light scent that just didn’t cut through dog farts—sorry to be so candid.

After years of searching, I found my favorite natural air freshener ever! Look no further: You must try Indigo Wild YUM MIST doggie spritzer. This stuff smells amazing, and contains purified water, pure essential oils and vegetable glycerin; that’s it!

Indigo Wild’s air freshener is chemical- and alcohol-free, and it’s safe enough to spray on your dog too. While the essential oil ingredient list skips specific oil names, this blend smells like frankincense with hints of lemon, patchouli and lavender. Not only will this freshener knock out odors, this clean scent will also linger for hours. Honestly, the price is extremely reasonable too. An $11 bottle lasts at least six months with daily use.

How to Use

Spritz your home with this air freshener daily. It works really well inside vehicles too. Spray your vehicle’s interior liberally when your dog is not inside. During road trips, if your dog lets a fart rip, spray one pump and it’s gone—voila! This product works so well that we use it as a bathroom spray too.

Do know I don’t work for this company nor do I receive any type of compensation for reviews or recommendations. I just love this product and company! P.S. Their dog shampoo bar smells amazing too!

How To Greet A Dog For The First Time

August 25, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Politely Greeting a Dog

Greet a Dog — innervisionpro/Adobe Stock

As a dog lover, it’s hard to resist a furry face. The moment I see a dog or puppy, I suddenly stop in my tracks and grin from ear to ear. As I adore the dog from afar, I fight the urge to run up and pet the darling. Yes, my dog trainer self steps in and immediately reminds my dog lover side that not all dogs like to greet people and other dogs. So, I smile and walk away. It’s the best thing for the dog.

Within the dog world, polite greetings have recently changed. Instead of approaching a dog, and holding out your closed fist for a sniff, there’s a safer way to greet a dog for the first time. Not only is this greeting safer for people, but it’s also much safer for and more respectful to dogs.

What’s the Big Deal About Petting Dogs?

Many dogs strongly dislike greeting strangers; it’s just their personality. When people greet dogs, they walk straight over and start petting them. While some dogs love greetings, many dogs find greetings uncomfortable due to unwanted physical contact.

Many fearful dogs try backing away, but their leash prevents them from moving, so dogs learn to bite to stop greetings. Think about it this way: Would you be comfortable having complete strangers walk over and pat your head? That’s exactly how some dogs feel, so respect their personal space.

When Greeting a Dog for the First Time

When you see a darling dog, stand still and don’t make eye contact with the dog. Look over at the pet owner and ask if you can pet her dog. Pet owners who listen to their dog’s choices will promptly let admirers know their dog is not comfortable with greetings.

The pet owner may say “My dog is not friendly” or “He will jump on you.” If that’s the case, respect the pet owner’s decision to not allow greetings. Trying to convince a pet owner that you’re a dog wizard will only make the situation awkward. Just say, “Your dog is gorgeous, and I admire you for standing by your dog’s choices.”

Let the Dog Choose to Greet

If a pet owner agrees to let her dog meet you, it’s important to ask the dog first. Let the dog make the first move while you stand still. If a dog moves toward you, let the dog walk toward you and sniff your legs and shoes. Don’t bend over and pet the dog; instead bend down and let the dog greet you first.

When petting a dog, rub his chest slowly and ask the pet owner if you can give her dog a treat. Slowly stand back up, while chatting with the pet owner, and let the dog continue to sniff you.

If the dog chooses to ignore or walk away from you, respect the dog’s decision. Just say, “It’s okay, I can adore you from over here.” Forcing close physical contact will only frighten the dog even more, and he will learn humans are unpredictable. Just stand still and make light of the situation, and know you taught a fearful dog that people can be trusted. 🙂

As dog lovers, it’s so important to make good impressions, especially to all dogs.

How And When To Use A Long Dog Leash

August 23, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Walking Your Dog on a Long Leash

Most pet owners feel short dog leashes are restrictive, so they dream of walking their dogs off leash. While this thought process is understandable, it’s not a safe option. Leashes are used as safety lines because they prevent dogs from running away, accidentally walking into roadways, and running up to strange dogs and people. There’s a reason states are issuing mandatory leash laws and that’s because leashes save dogs’ lives. The solution? Use a long dog leash.

Walking a dog on a long leash will provide your dog a sense of freedom, yet keep him safely contained. Before teaching your dog to walk on a long leash, you should first understand how and when to use a long dog leash. Plus, you’ll need to teach your dog a certain skill set before wandering around.

Choosing a Long Dog Leash

Safe long leashes are between 8- to 15-feet long and are made of nylon. These leashes look like super long leashes with a soft hand loop on one end and a sturdy clip on the other end. Retractable leashes are not considered safe long leashes. They’re not user-friendly due to the fickle “stop” button and the weak leash attachments inside the handle. Safe long leashes are sold in most pet retailers and online.

Use Only With a Body Harness

To keep your dog safe, only attach a long leash to your dog’s body harness. Long leashes attached to collars are extremely harmful and can cause permanent damage to a dog’s neck. Attach a long leash to your dog’s harness back clip and not the front one (i.e. located on your dog’s chest) to prevent sudden injury.

Use a Long Line Once a Dog Has Learned Polite Behaviors

Long leashes provide dogs more freedom, but dogs must have a certain skill set before walking 15 feet ahead of pet owners. Once your dog will walk politely (won’t pull) on leash 90% of the time, then it’s time to practice these behaviors using a long line.

Your dog should also respond 90% of the time to the cues below to ensure you and your dog are safe during walks with a long leash.

As an example, dogs walking on a longer leash are able to chase small vermin or gobble up discarded food before pet owners are able to see it. If you’re not sure if your dog will respond to these cues, it’s best to use a 6-foot nylon leash instead of a long line.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Think of holding a long leash like a fishing pole; pet owners must constantly adjust the line tension, depending on their dog’s location. [/perfectpullquote]

Start With a Shorter Leash First

Walking a dog on a long leash can be challenging for the pet owner because certain handling skills are needed. Before loading up your dog and going for a walk in the woods using a 15-foot leash, practice reeling in a long leash. Think of holding a long leash like a fishing pole; pet owners must constantly adjust the line tension, depending on their dog’s location. Start slow, let out 8 feet of leash at first, and then slowly increase 1-2 feet of leash based on your environment.

Long leashes should not touch the ground during walks. Keeping it above ground prevents the leash from tangling around a dog’s legs and trees. When your dog walks closer to you, gather up the extra leash in your hands. This may seem cumbersome, but with lots of practice, it becomes an automatic response as a dog moves back and forth.

WATCH: How and When to Use a Long Dog Leash

How To Teach Your Dog Polite Leash Manners

August 21, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Polite Leash Walking

Dogs pull on leash because they haven’t been taught differently. It’s up to pet owners to positively teach dogs polite leash manners, and it’s actually much easier than most pet owners think. All you need are: a clicker (or marker word), 4-foot nylon leash, body harness, your dog and lots of super yummy treats. These tips will help your dog learn polite leash manners in no time!

What are Polite Leash Manners?

Polite leash manners are when dogs are able to walk on leash without pulling. This behavior is different than “heel” in that a dog is able to walk around his pet owner and sniff. Heel is very formal, which requires the dog to walk next to his pet owner’s right leg. Polite leash manners let dogs explore while staying close to their pet owners.

Choosing Dog Training Treats

Using super yummy treats will greatly increase your chances of success. Treats are your dog’s paycheck for a job well done, so reward generously. Use baked chicken, cheese cubes, hot dogs or deli meat as rewards. These treats won’t upset your dog’s tummy if given in pea-size bites during training sessions.

Also, giving your dog human food won’t teach dogs to beg. Dogs learn to beg when people give them food from their plates. 🙂

My Dog Pulls Like a Freight Train

This is common, especially with larger dogs that have learned to pull on leash. Leash pulling is dangerous because strong pulling dogs can easily knock their pet owners over. If your dog pulls, try using a front clip harness. This piece of equipment will give you control during walks until your dog learns polite leash manners.

One Step at a Time

Teach your dog polite leash manners slowly until your dog understands that walking on a loose leash is rewarding. Practice indoors and start by taking one step forward and wait until your dog stops pulling on the leash. Many pet owners are so used to their dogs pulling on leash that they have a hard time understanding when to reward their dogs.

Zone in on the pressure of the leash in your hand instead of the dog’s position to you. When you feel any tension on the leash, stop and wait for your dog to release this pressure. The moment you feel this pressure release, say “yes” and give your dog a treat reward.

Pro tip: Hold your dog’s earned treat next to your leg, so he returns to you for his treat. Feeding your dog earned treats next to your leg teaches your dog that hanging around you is rewarding.

Practice taking one step forward at a time while waiting for a loose leash (i.e. no leash pressure) and always reward generously. It’s best to practice for 10 single steps forward (10 times to practice good behavior) each day. Soon, your dog will learn that a loose leash pays well!

Take 3 Steps Forward

Take 3 steps forward and wait. Usually, most dogs will pull at first, but wait for a loose leash. Say “yes” the moment you feel leash pressure release and reward your dog. If your dog doesn’t pull on the leash during and after taking 3 steps forward, immediately click and reward good behavior. YAY!

Continue practicing for 1-2 more minutes, then end the training session. Once you’re able to walk around your home or backyard, with minimal leash pulling, it’s time to practice one step at a time in your neighborhood. Remember, neighborhoods are distracting, so take a step back to set your dog up for success. Practice daily for 1-2 minutes, then end your training session.

Reward Good Behavior Every 4 Steps

Once your dog learns to walk politely on leash, it’s important to continue rewarding good behavior or you’ll lose it. Pet owners get into a groove and forget to reward their dogs for good behavior, so set up a strategy for success.

Bring treats along during your walks, and reward your dog every 4 steps for a week. During walks, stopping and rewarding your dog after 4 steps forward provides a high rate of reinforcement and a reminder to pet owners to reward good behavior. In the following week, reward your dog every 5 steps and so on. When rewarding your dog, mark your dog’s good behavior and hold his earned treat next to your pant leg.

Give Dogs Plenty of Sniffing Time—With One Rule

Sniffing opportunities are a vital part of walks. They’re an excellent form of mental enrichment and a great reward for good behavior. Dogs have an amazing sense of smell, and they really enjoy sniffing where bunnies were playing or dogs posted “pee” social media mail. Dogs should have plenty of sniffing opportunities, but with one rule.

If your dog pulls you toward a certain spot, stop and wait for your dog’s leash to loosen. The moment you feel slack in your dog’s leash, start walking toward your dog’s sniffing spot. Once your dog is done sniffing, continue your walk.

Polite leash manners are a learned skill, so practice and reward often to maintain it!

WATCH: How to Teach Your Dog Polite Leash Manners

Use A Positive Interrupter Cue To Stop Bad Dog Behavior

August 18, 2017 by Fanna Easter

How to Stop Bad Dog Behavior

Dogs will be dogs. They bark, run away, chase squirrels, dig, rough house and get super excited. Interestingly, these unwanted behaviors are natural dog behaviors; they’re part of being a dog. Dogs don’t understand why humans find these fun behaviors so annoying.

To stop bad dog behaviors, many pet owners tend to scream “no” or physically punish their dogs. However, there’s a more positive way to interrupt your dog’s behavior. Interrupter cues stop unwanted behaviors by having your dog do something else. Learn how you can incorporate this cue in your training.

Choose a Positive Interrupter Cue

An interrupter cue stops unwanted behavior, so you can redirect your dog’s attention. Yelling “no”or “stop it” doesn’t work, and it will likely frighten your dog. Plus, pet owners tend to become angry when saying “no,” which snowballs into an angry hot mess.

Using a positive word as an interrupter makes a huge difference. Try screaming “no” out loud; it’s a bit scary as it echoes out of your mouth. Now scream “cupcake” out loud. Can you hear and feel the difference? It’s hard to be angry when screaming “cupcake” unless that’s your dog’s name and she’s running away from you. 🙂 This tiny difference is why it’s so important to choose a positive and fun word as an interrupter cue.

An interrupter cue can be a verbal cue (“treat”) or physical cue (one finger touches dog’s body). When choosing a verbal cue, pick something fun and quick, such as:

Treat
That’ll do
Woohoo
Cupcake
Sprinkles
Tequila
Beer
Cookie

While it’s tempting to use your dog’s name, many pet owners have used it so much that their dogs ignore it. Some pet owners sound like they’re screaming “no” when saying their dogs’ name too, so use a new cue. For hearing impaired dogs, a simple finger touch on their back works beautifully as an interrupter cue.

Once you’ve chosen a positive interrupter cue, pair it with super yummy food.

How to Introduce an Interrupter Cue

Grab lots of super yummy treats, such as baked chicken, chopped up hot dogs or cheese cubes. Treats are your dog’s paycheck, so skip commercial dog treats and use the good stuff! The better the treat, the faster your dog will respond to an interrupter cue.

Start Indoors First

An interrupter cue stops your dog from doing a specific behavior. When your dog is walking forward or looking out of a window, an interrupter cue will stop this behavior. Once a behavior is stopped, it’s important to reward your dog for doing something else like stopping the previous behavior and looking at you.

Start with your dog in the living room and say your interrupter cue. The moment your dog turns around and looks at you, say “yes” (marker word) and give your dog a treat. Practice this behavior 5 times in a row, and then end it. Continue to practice in short training sessions indoors and reward your dog every time he responds to the interrupter cue.

Once your dog responds to the interrupter cue 90% of the time, use the interrupter cue randomly throughout the day. While watching TV, if your dog barks out the window, say “treat” and generously reward your dog when she stops barking and looks at you. Drop your dog’s earned treat at your feet, so your dog walks over to get the treat. This teaches your dog to hang around you instead of the window.

Practice Outdoors

When your dog becomes really good at this behavior indoors (i.e. responds 90% of the time), it’s time to practice the behavior outdoors. Leash your dog and practice saying the interrupter cue, marking and rewarding this behavior for 1-2 minutes. Practice daily for 1-2 minutes with your dog on leash.

Keeping your dog on leash during the first steps of the learning process prevents your dog from wandering off and increases your chances of success. Once your dog will respond quickly to your interrupter cue, take your dog’s leash off and practice saying your interrupter cue and generously reward good behavior.

Using an Interrupter Cue With Multiple Dogs

If you share your home with multiple dogs, practice introducing an interrupter cue indoors with one dog first. Once the first dog responds to your interrupter cue 90% of the time, bring another dog into the mix. Mark and reward each dog when she responds. Once all dogs respond quickly, it’s time to practice with one leashed dog at a time outdoors.

When to Use an Interrupter Cue

Once your dog consistently responds to an interrupter cue, it’s time to use this valuable cue when your dog is barking, playing roughly or digging. Remember, an interrupter cue will only stop bad dog behavior, so ask your dog to do something else.

When indoors, most dogs will stop and look at you once they hear the interrupter cue, so reward this behavior generously. If your dog is in another room or outdoors, say the interrupter cue and toss the reward next to your feet. This will stop your dog’s unwanted behavior and teach him to come to you for the treat. When dogs are playing too roughly, say the interrupter cue and reward each dog the moment she stops playing and looks at you.

It’s important to note that an interrupter cue is different than the “look at me” cue because the interrupter cue is used to stop your dog’s unwanted behavior (barking), so you can redirect him to do something else (look at you). Of course, you can certainly reward your dog the moment she stops barking with a marker word and toss a treat next to your feet. Usually though, unless the dog walks away from the window or digging pit, the unwanted behavior will quickly resume.

What If the Unwanted Behavior Happens Again?

Sometimes, barking, playing and chasing squirrels resumes immediately after hearing an interrupter cue. When this happens, say the interrupter cue again and remove your dog from the situation. Close blinds for window barking, separate rough playing dogs temporarily and bring your dog indoors. This prevents dogs from reengaging in the behavior.

Make interrupter cues more fun than barking, digging and playing, and you’ve hit the jackpot!