If You’re Going To Feed Your Dog Raw Bones, Feed This Kind

June 16, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Raw Bones for Dogs

Raw dog food diets are certainly a huge trend in the pet world now, and rightly so. Many pet owners attest raw diets have cured canine allergies and even held back cancer, affording dogs a longer life. When feeding dogs a raw food diet, it’s important they consume raw meaty bones—but this is where many pet owners and pet professionals disagree.

As someone who’s provided raw bones for dogs for more than a decade, I do think raw dog food diets work for dogs that tolerate them. With that said, I’m a nervous wreck when it comes to feeding my dogs raw bones. Here’s what I do to minimize fractured teeth, obstructions and the obsession that my dogs might have bits of undigested bones in their stool. And yes, my dogs thrive on their raw diets!

Best Raw Bones for Dogs

I feed raw meaty bones instead of raw bones. Feeding your dog too many raw bones can cause constipation while raw meaty bones provide the perfect balance of meat-to-bone ratio. Never ever feed your dog cooked bones. Once bones are cooked, they lose their moisture and can cause obstructions. Raw meaty bones should be 50% of your dog’s daily meal unless otherwise advised by your holistic veterinarian.

If you’re a nervous pet owner like myself, try feeding your dog raw chicken wings. They’re easy for most dogs to chew and swallow, and the bones are smaller than rib bones, chicken thighs and chicken backs. For large dogs that swallow chicken wings whole, try giving them turkey wings instead.

What If You’re Scared to Feed Raw Meaty Bones?

Don’t worry; I’m the same way. Once, my large Rottweiler ate an entire chicken back and pooped tiny, undigested bones the next day. I freaked out and swore I would never do it again ever. While many raw dog feeders laughed at my reaction, I learned to grind up raw bones for my dogs. 🙂 I feel much better about feeding my dogs raw bones, and their teeth are gleaming white now too!

Grind Up Raw Bones

For pet owners who make their dog’s raw meals, it’s best to grind raw bones in a heavy-duty grinder. Just toss in chicken backs, turkey necks, wings and so forth, then grind away. Mix your ground-up bones into your dog’s veggie mixture and voila!

If cleaning a raw food grinder is not your cup of tea, then you can purchase ground meat and bones from pet food companies. Most small pet stores offer these pre- ground mixtures with the perfect meat-to-bone ratio. Also, many raw pet food companies have local distributors within your area, so contact them for delivery dates (usually once a month).

Calcium Supplement

Dogs need calcium, which they can get from raw bones. However, if you omit raw bones, then you must include a calcium supplement to your dog’s raw or cooked meals. Dogs need to eat a balanced diet, and calcium is an important aspect of that.

Try feeding your dog raw bones. You’ll be shocked at the difference in your dog!

Keeping Your Dog Safe During Fireworks Season

June 14, 2017 by Fanna Easter

8 Survival Tips for Dogs Afraid of Fireworks

Dog Afraid of Fireworks — alex9500/Adobe Stock

As July approaches, it’s time to start planning for fireworks season. Unfortunately, these loud and scary sounds will usually erupt before 4^th of July and can randomly last until after Memorial Day. Then, of course, fireworks return for New Year’s. If you have a dog afraid of fireworks, then follow these tips to ensure he’s comfortable and safe!

1. Choose a Safe Room

If your dog is scared of fireworks, plan to stay home during loud firework displays. However, if your neighbor randomly decides to pop fireworks in front of your home, or you plan to attend firework festivities, you’ll need to rethink a few things.

If you’re staying at home during firework displays

Keep your dog in a safe room that has limited views of the fireworks outside. Join your dog and have a camp out in a back room, and watch Netflix movies.

If you’re leaving your dog home alone

Choose a secure room with a door that can be closed. Bathrooms are usually a bit too small, so choose a back room with a bed and couch and preferably with a TV to drown out sounds.

Start practicing this now, and reward your dog for relaxing in this room while you’re away. Feed food stuffed toys only when your dog is alone in this room, so he learns that good things happen in his safe room.

Every day, feed your dog’s meals (stuffed in a puzzle toy) in the room until your dog is comfortable relaxing in there for a couple of hours. Your dog should eventually learn to enjoy walking into his safe room because he knows good things will happen.

2. Drown Out Sounds

Dogs will usually react to loud popping sounds of fireworks, so it’s important to drown out these sounds. Calming music is nice, but it’s just not loud enough. Instead, use a noise machine to block out the sounds of fireworks.

For maximum sound blockage, pair a box fan with the sound machine. Put the sound machine on low-medium volume and turn the box fan all the way up. Bring your dog into his safe room and condition your dog to these sounds.

3. Block Out Flashes of Light

Sudden flashes of firework lights can freak some dogs out, so close blinds and drapes. If a window does not have drapes, cover it with a thick blanket to block out any firework flashes. Again, introduce your dog to this new item while conditioning your dog to his safe room.

4. Use Anxiety Medication

Sometimes, dog anxiety medication is needed. If you have a dog afraid of fireworks, your dog is most likely having a panic attack. Many dogs get so stressed around fireworks they will have seizures—it’s that serious. If your dog panics, then ask your veterinarian for a sedative for your dog. Remember, steer clear of acepromazine, as this sedative can make the problem worse.

5. Use Thundershirts & Pressure Wraps

Thundershirts and pressure wraps both work well, but pressure wraps alone won’t work. You need to take a multi-prong approach when keeping your anxious dog comfortable during fireworks. To be effective, pressure wraps should fit snugly on your dog, but not too tight. Practice wrapping your dog before fireworks season starts.

Only use a Thundershirt if you’re leaving your dog home alone; that way your dog can break away if the Thundershirt gets caught onto something.

6. Consider Pheromones

Yes, calming pheromones do work, but it’s not a cure-all. Again, it’s important to take a combination approach. Spray your dog’s bedding with Adaptil or plug in a diffuser about a week before fireworks begin. Calming pheromones will calm your dog because it mimics the pheromones of a nursing mother dog.

7. Bring Your Dog Potty on Leash

Before it gets dark, bring your dog outside and potty on leash. Even if you have a securely fenced-in yard, fireworks can freak out a dog, which can cause him to bolt out of the backyard.

Believe me, scared dogs can scale a 6-foot fence and scurry under holes, so walk your dog with a 3- to 6-foot leash (no retractable leashes). Still don’t think your dog can escape your backyard during fireworks season? Animal shelters are flooded with dogs on July 5^th—it’s their busiest time of the year. Be safe and leash your dog.

8. Update ID and Microchip

Make sure your dog is wearing ID tags during potty breaks. If you’re leaving your dog home alone, always remove his collar or attach a break-away collar with ID tags. Please, if your dog is not already microchipped, do so before fireworks season starts. Then, register the microchip, so your dog can easily be found if something scary should happen.

By combining each tip, you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free fireworks season ahead.

From a Dog Trainer: Most Comfortable Dog Harness

June 12, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Ruffwear Front Range Harness Review

As a professional dog trainer, I tend to focus on dog training equipment. One such equipment every dog needs is a comfortable dog harness.

With that said, dogs shouldn’t wear one every day, but they should wear a comfortable harness to vet visits, on walks and so forth.

In this post, we’ll review my favorite dog harness: the Ruffwear Front Range Harness. Read on to learn why I’m completely in love with this harness!

Adjustable Fit

An easily adjustable dog harness, with multiple adjustment points, is the secret to a well fitting harness. With so many different dog breeds, including mixed breeds and dogs with wide chests, having an adjustable harness with wide straps is vital.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is not only adjustable, but it also has a large collar area. This prevents the harness from riding up or restricting a dog’s airway. Also, all straps can be easily unbuckled, so you don’t have to push your dog’s legs into the harness.

Super Comfy

The soft foam padding around the shoulder and chest area makes this dog harness very comfortable. For the most part, the majority of pressure is applied on and around a dog’s shoulder and chest during walks. This prevents chaffing, especially for short-coated dogs with little or no hair.

In addition, each adjustable strap gives and takes as a dog pulls, or moves around, which prevents chaffing and rubbing too.

Doesn’t Restrict Shoulder Movement

So many well-intended harnesses restrict a dog’s shoulder movement due to straps positioned right behind a dog’s front legs. This strap placement coupled with a strap wrapped around the front part of a dog’s chest makes it difficult for a dog to fully extend his forelimbs when walking, trotting or running. When shoulder movement is restricted, this puts pressure on the rest of a dog’s body, which can cause issues later on.

Plus, straps positioned this way will rub and chaff behind a dog’s front legs, which is extremely painful and can happen within minutes of a walk. The Front Range Harness allows plenty of room between a dog’s forelimbs, so dogs are able to use their full range of motion.

Great for Pulling Dogs

For the most part, I’ve stayed away from non-training harnesses because most dogs pull on leash. Seriously though, what’s fun about walking a pulling freight train down the road?

Many pet owners use front attachment training harnesses for strong pulling dogs, but these dog harnesses restrict a dog’s movement. Ruffwear’s Front Range Harness combines comfort, security and a secure front attachment that prevents dogs from pulling while on leash—hurray!

Super Secure

Sometimes, dogs will learn specific ninja moves, so they can flip and twist right out of their harness, which is scary. Ruffwear’s harness has multiple adjustable attachments that should fit snuggly.

Loose harnesses will chaff, and dogs can easily escape them, so ensure your dog’s harness is adjusted correctly.

Give this comfortable dog harness a try, and tell them Dog Training Nation sent you!

WATCH: Most Comfortable Dog Harness Review

What You’ll Need To Fly With A Small Dog In-Cabin

June 9, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Flying With a Small Dog In-Cabin

When traveling, it’s nice to bring your small dog along for the adventure. But before flying with a small dog in-cabin, there’s a bit of planning that should be done at least two months prior to your flight. If you plan to fly with a small dog, such as a puppy, follow these tips before boarding the plane.

Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Two to three months before purchasing flight tickets, you should check each airline’s pet policies. Ensure your dog meets size and weight restrictions to fly, then purchase an airline-approved small dog carrier that you can bring with you on the plane.

A dog should be able to lie down, stand up and rest comfortably inside a small dog carrier. If the pet carrier is too small, you will be turned away during check-in, so double-check beforehand.

In the past, I’ve had excellent results with Sherpa and SleepyPod pet carriers, and both are airline-approved. Just to be safe, contact the airline directly and ask if these brands or the carrier brand of your choice meets the airline’s pet carrier restrictions.

Dog Training Skills

For a safe and stress-free flight, it’s important to teach your dog a few valuable skills. Even small dogs flying inside the cabin should learn a few dog training skills before a flight. It’s not very pleasant traveling with a barking dog on a plane filled with strangers. Check out these tips on teaching a dog to enjoy flying.

Health Certificate

Depending on where you’re traveling, your dog may need a health certificate from a veterinarian. You should get your dog’s health certificate either 30 days or 5 days before a flight, depending on an individual airline’s restrictions. A health certificate verifies your dog is in good health and is up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling. Bring the original health certificate that is signed by your veterinarian to the airport.

Items to Bring

You should always have the following on hand and in easy access when traveling with your dog, especially inside the cabin:

Veterinary health certificate
Six-foot leash (no retractable leashes)
Plastic water bowl
Bottle of water
Snacks
Paper towels

Your dog should wear a collar with up-to-date ID tags, and have an updated microchip. Several canine pheromone brands sell pheromone-scented towelettes, which are lightweight and super easy to transport. Grab a few and tuck into your purse or bag. Pheromones will keep your dog calm during a bumpy flight, so lightly wipe inside your dog’s carrier.

What You Should Not Do

Flying with a small dogs in-cabin is becoming increasingly popular. So much so airlines are complaining about inappropriate pet owner and dog behavior. Here are a few reminders, so please plan ahead.

No Fake Service Dogs: Please don’t register your dog as a service dog unless he or she has been specifically trained. Airplanes are packed with fake service dogs lately, and it’s causing quite a commotion due to passenger complaints. If you fly with your dog (non-service dog), follow polices and procedures for all pets and not service dogs.

Never Walk Your Dog Through the Airport: Keep your dog inside his or her carrier. Walking your leashed dog through an airport is asking for trouble. Airports are packed with people moving really fast, and small dogs can easily become injured by suitcase wheels and shoes. I recently witnessed a small dog bite a child while walking past her in a super busy airport.

Keep Your Dog Inside the Carrier During the Flight: Per airline restrictions require dogs to be inside their carriers at all times. If your dog becomes sick, pick up the pet carrier and bring it inside the bathroom. From there, you can remove your dog to clean up any mess.

Plan ahead, teach your dog valuable skills and safe travels!

Flying With A Large Dog? We’ll Help You Prepare

June 7, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Tips for Flying With a Large Dog

Many decades ago, we were living in a foreign country for several years. When it came time to move back to the U.S., we knew we wanted to bring our dogs back with us. One was a Rottweiler and the other was a German Shepherd Dog.

While it was challenging importing dogs into the U.S., knowing my dogs were traveling as checked baggage freaked me out even more. For the most part, airline travel is safe for dogs, but there are a few precautions every pet owner should follow before flying with a large dog.

Consider the Weather

Airlines have strict pet restrictions now due to previous accidents or deaths from traveling pets, unfortunately. One such restriction is weather. Many airlines won’t fly dogs over or under certain temperatures since they will be kept in the storage area of the plane.

While a plane’s storage area is pressurized, tarmacs are extremely hot during the summer and frigid during the winter. Depending on your destination and current location, choose a cooler time to fly with a large dog. As an example, fly to the southern states during winter and northern states during early spring or fall. Before scheduling a flight with your dog, check for pet weather restrictions by contacting the airline directly.

Wait, Your Dog’s Nose!

Many airlines won’t transport brachycephalic dogs because they react to extreme temperatures and pressure changes very quickly. Dogs with short muzzles and pushed-in noses have narrower nostrils and very large plates, which makes breathing during hot or cold temperatures more difficult.

Pugs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Bulldogs, Pekingese, Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are a few brachycephalic dog breeds. Before scheduling a flight, make sure your chosen airline will transport your dog as checked baggage. Be honest about your dog’s breed and anatomy because you and your brachycephalic dog will be turned away during check-in.

Purchase an Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Make sure you have an airline-approved pet carrier for your dog. Because your large dog is flying as checked baggage, you’ll need a sturdy, plastic carrier with bolted sides.

For the most part, Petmate Vari-Kennels are approved by most major airlines. These dog carriers contain the necessary food and water dishes, and has “live animal” stickers for the sides and top of your dog’s crate.

The dog carrier you choose should be spacious enough for your dog to stand up and lie down comfortably. Check out this article on choosing a crate for your dog, but always verify airline regulations first. Of course, you can add bedding inside the carrier too to make it a little more comfortable for your dog.

Teach Your Dog A Few Skills

Remember the first time you flew on a plane? It was stressful, right? It will be for your dog as well. About two months before your flight, teach your dog to love his crate and how to load up inside his crate quickly. For more skills, check out these dog training tips.

Bring Your Dog’s Health Certificate

Before a dog can board a plane, he must have a health certificate from a veterinarian. Depending on your chosen airline’s requirements, most health certificates must be completed 30 days to 5 days before a dog’s flight.

Health certificates verify a dog is in good health and is up-to-date on vaccinations during his examination. You’ll need the original copy during check-in and you’ll most likely need to tape it to the top of your dog’s carrier, depending on the airline.

Items You’ll Need

It’s important to bring:

Six-foot nylon leash (no retractable leashes)
Ziplock bag of dog food
Bottle of water
Duct tape
Health certificate
Poop bags

Attach a flat buckle collar with ID tags to your dog, but remember to remove them once he’s securely crated in his carrier. Ensure your dog is microchipped too.

Place “live animal” and arrow stickers on your dog’s carrier as instructed. Then, spray a calming pheromone on your dog’s bedding and provide a few toys from home. This will help keep your dog calm.

It’s best not to sedate your dog before a flight, as many dogs have had horrible reactions. Training your dog to love his crate and taking extra steps and precautions will ensure he has an uneventful flight.

Finally, when you arrive on the plane, ask a flight attendant to verify your dog has been boarded.

Sit back and relax. Safe travels to you both!