What You Need To Know About HOA Pet Restrictions

January 30, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Homeowners’ Association Rules and Regulations

HOA Pet Restrictions

Recently, we were house hunting in a state saturated with homeowner associations (HOA). It seemed every neighborhood had some type of strict HOA rule. This was our first HOA experience, and we were a bit nervous because we share our home with a Rottweiler and Bull Terrier.

As many pet owners are aware, these dog breeds are usually restricted by insurance companies, HOAs, hotels and so forth. When searching for a home, we were very leery and cautious of HOA pet restrictions. Thankfully, we finally found a great home with no dog breed restrictions listed in their HOA laws. However, not all homeowners’ association rules and regulations are alike. Before locking in your new home, follow these tips to ensure your dog is allowed.

A Savvy Realtor is Your Best Friend

By far, this was our ace in the hole! We found an amazing realtor who showed Rottweilers, so she was fully aware of breed-specific regulations. When narrowing down our home search, and before we even stepped into a home, our realtor contacted each home’s homeowners’ association.

Most realtors are well versed in homeowners’ association laws, so they can quickly detect an issue for you. Ask your realtor to contact each HOA to verify breed restriction laws beforehand. Trust me, it’s not worth falling in love with a home when your dog isn’t allowed. When searching for a dog savvy realtor, ask the local kennel club or dog trainers for recommendations.

Many HOAs Restrict By Weight

Several states have finally realized that breed-specific legislation doesn’t decrease dog bites, so they removed breed-specific laws. Arizona recently overturned breed restrictions, but HOAs still found a way to discriminate dog breeds.

Some HOAs enforce pet weight limits (usually under 20 pounds), which keeps large dogs out of the neighborhood. Even though specific dog breeds aren’t listed in the homeowners’ association rules and regulations, read the pet policy carefully for pet weight restrictions.

HOA Bylaws

Once you’ve selected a home, ask your realtor for a copy of the HOA bylaws. Read through each paragraph carefully, focusing on pet restrictions. Many HOAs limit the number of dogs per home and, of course, mandate leash laws (which is a good thing).

When in doubt, contact an HOA representative before making an offer on the home. Note the name of the HOA rep plus the date and time of your conversation.

Read and read again before making an offer on your home. 🙂

How To Protect Yourself From Stray Dogs While Walking

January 20, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Stray Dog Protection Tips

It’s a brand new year, which means New Year’s resolutions are in full swing. Since losing weight is a popular resolution, many people are out walking, jogging and running. With that comes the off chance that exercisers encounter a stray dog while walking through the park or neighborhood. These chance encounters can be a bit scary because the stray dog’s behavior is unknown. What should you do?

How to Protect Yourself From Stray Dogs

When encountering a loose dog while walking or jogging, the first initial seconds will provide a lot of information. The moment you see a stray dog, start walking away slowly from the dog. Refrain from abruptly turning around and running away in the opposite direction. This can cause a dog to chase you even if he’s friendly. Instead, walk at an angle away from the dog, so you can keep an eye on him.

If children are present, ask them to get off their bikes and walk slowly next to you. Walk between the dog and children, and try not to stare. Continue to walk slowly while glancing back and forth to keep track of the dog’s location.

If the Stray Dog is Friendly

When a friendly dog sees you, he’ll likely bounce right over to you while licking and jumping around with loose body language. If a loose dog is friendly, slowly reach down and check his collar for an ID tag with pet owner contact information.

Most friendly dogs will follow you around, so if you’re walking in a neighborhood, knock on a few doors and ask if anyone recognizes the loose dog. When walking in a park, ask fellow walkers and runners if they’ve seen the dog before. If no one claims the dog, give animal control (AC) a call and stay with the dog until they arrive.

While no one wants to relinquish a dog to animal control, it’s important to know animal control is the first place pet owners will look if they’ve lost their dogs. Plus, animal control officers can scan the dog for a microchip and contact the pet owners if one is detected. Ask the AC officer to contact you after the mandatory 10 hold, and you can adopt or place the dog yourself.

If the Stray Dog is Fearful

When a fearful dog sees you, he’ll likely stop and sniff the ground for a few seconds. Then, he’ll run the other direction. Whew, that’s a good thing. Continue walking slowly because you may encounter this dog again.

If the Stray Dog is Aggressive

Aggressive dogs will quickly run straight toward you. Some scary dogs will bark; others may be completely silent. And yes, aggressive dogs can wag their tails too. These dogs may charge toward you, stop about 1-2 feet in front of you and bark. Other times, aggressive dogs will stand a couple of feet away, while barking, and bite when you turn around.

Scream “Sit”

When a stray dog starts charging straight toward you, it’s impossible to determine if he’s friendly or not. In this case, the moment a loose dog starts running toward you, scream a common cue, such as “sit.” You can determine the type of dog by his reactions to your cue.

Most dogs: Stop and run away when someone screams
Friendly dogs: Likely stop for a moment, which gives you time to escape
Fearful dogs: Will run away
Aggressive dogs: Completely stop moving for at least a second

When a stray dog stops walking or running toward you, this is your moment to walk away slowly at an angle. Keep the front of your body facing the dog—you may need to walk backwards a bit—to prevent the dog from running up behind you and biting.

Once you’re safely away, call animal control with a description of the dog. If this dog has a pet owner, she’ll immediately contact her local animal control first. Stray dogs can certainly bite, but more than likely they’ll be injured by a passing car instead.

Bring Spray Deterrent

Seasoned walkers, joggers and runners carry spray deterrent to protect themselves from loose dogs. Instead of using pepper spray, it’s best to use a citronella spray that sprays at least 8-10 feet away. Citronella smells strongly to dogs, and will stop a dog from running toward you. Plus, having something sprayed in their eyes will cause them to stop and paw at their faces. Citronella spray won’t permanently harm a dog, but it will stop a dog from charging toward you, so you can safely get away.

Choosing The Right Dog Monitor Camera For Your Home

January 6, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Best Dog Monitor Cameras of 2016

The pet industry is exploding with hi-tech gadgets due to vast advancements within technology. One such trend that’s been garnering much attention are dog monitor cameras. Checking in on the family dog became a huge benefit of home security systems, leading to the expansion of pet monitors.

From a pet owner’s perspective, home security cameras offer peace of mind. With a few clicks on a laptop or taps on a smartphone, pet owners can quickly check in to see their dogs comfortably snoozing on the sofa. Some home security system companies now offer additional pet-friendly features catering to pet owners who work long hours and have to leave their dogs home alone.

You can now find dog monitor cameras that have a two-way microphone, provide interactive laser games, send bark alerts, dispense meals and so much more.

If you’re struggling to decide on the best dog monitor for your home, check out our reviews of two popular dog cameras from the perspective of a pet owner and professional dog trainer. Both dog monitors offer plenty of bells and whistles, yet one system takes things just a bit further.

Reasons to Purchase a Dog Monitor Camera

Interactive dog camera systems were huge in 2016. When polled about why they purchased interactive dog monitor cameras, pet owners had many different reasons. Guilt was a popular reason; many pet owners felt guilty leaving their dogs home alone for 8-10 hours per day. They wanted to check in and see what their dogs were doing while they were away.

Behavior concerns were another common reason for purchasing a dog camera, especially if the dog suffered from separation anxiety. Other pet owners just missed their dogs throughout the day, so they liked the ability to check in, dispense treats, talk to their dogs or play a quick laser game.

Furbo Dog Camera Review

Understanding pet owners wanting to interact with their dogs when they’re gone, it’s understandable why Furbo Dog Camera is considered one of the best pet monitors. Aside from its 4-star rating on Amazon, many dog trainers recommend this pet monitor.

Furbo Dog Camera Features

Installation: Installation is easy. All you need to do is set it up in your home and download the app on your phone.
HD video: It has night vision options and amazing zoom features. The video recording option can be helpful for dog training or simply sharing cute dog snoring videos with friends.
Treat dispenser: This dog monitor treat dispenser holds 30 treats.
Two-way microphone: Chat with or comfort your dog while you’re away through this interactive dog camera.
Bark alert: Camera sensors can detect if your dog is barking, immediately notifying you.

When choosing an interactive camera system, steer clear of laser pointing game options. Studies have shown laser games can cause obsessive compulsive behavior, which is never a good thing. It’s also best to choose dog monitor systems with high quality video recording.

Dropcam Review

Simple and easy-to-install dog monitor cameras appeal to many pet owners as well. This type of dog camera system doesn’t offer interactive dog games or treat dispensing options, but instead offer amazing video with two-way microphones to keep an eye on your dog. By far, Dropcam system easily exceeds these simple requirements. Dropcam offers crystal clear HD video with night vision options, two-way microphones, alerts and easy installation.

Where to Install Dog Monitor Cameras

Most pet owners gravitate toward interactive monitors for their dogs, but some would choose simple and effective home security cameras. Interactive dog cameras should be placed counter-height for dispensing dog treats while regular dog cameras be mounted onto the ceiling. The choice is yours.

Regardless of the dog monitor system you choose, it’s worth having peace of mind knowing your dogs are actually snoozing the day away when you’re not home.

Training Your Dog Through An Interactive Dog Camera System

January 4, 2017 by Fanna Easter

Interactive Dog Cameras for Dog Training

Over the Christmas holidays, it seems every pet owner had an interactive dog camera under her Christmas tree. Interactive dog cameras allow pet owners to peek in on their dogs while they’re away from home. Plus, these pet surveillance cameras offer special features, so pet owners can talk to or toss a treat to their dogs, making these dog cameras so popular. When used correctly, you can successfully train your dog through your interactive dog camera too—with a few caveats.

Let Sleeping Dogs Sleep

Most dogs sleep when pet owners are away, which is quickly confirmed after installing an indoor camera system. While it’s tempting to toss a treat or speak to your dog over the microphone, it’s best not to wake sleeping dogs.

Think about it this way: Waking up to the pinging sound of a treat being dispensed loudly from across the room is startling. Same things goes for when pet owners speak to their dogs through a microphone. These sounds can certainly scare some dogs so much so that they avoid hanging around the scary camera.

When dogs associate scary things with a pet camera, they’ll sleep in another room, defeating the purpose of camera check-ins throughout the day.

Common Dog Behavior Issues

Barking

Many pet owners worry that their dogs will bark incessantly when away at work, which is completely understandable. This is the perfect time to use the interactive treat dispensing feature! Most interactive dog camera systems will email or text a barking alert to notify you when sound is detected in your home. Quickly check the video feed and verify your dog is barking.

When your dog is barking, ignore it. Don’t say anything over the microphone; wait until your dog is quiet. Now, this may take a few minutes, but the moment your dog stops barking (even for a nano-second), dispense a treat. You’re rewarding quiet behavior even if your dog is quick for a split second. Plus, your dog will stop barking while he or she runs over to the camera and eats the treat. If your dog starts barking again, practice a few more times. Your dog will likely wait around the camera quietly, hoping a treat will fall out. 🙂

Take note of what causes your dog to bark, and prevent it from happening again. Close curtains and blinds, or prevent your dog from walking into rooms with front-facing windows by placing baby gates in doorways. Try leaving soft music playing in a windowed room to drown out noises. If ringing doorbells cause your dog to bark, hang a “Do not ring doorbell” note on the doorbell.

Management is an important part of changing dog behavior. Continue rewarding quiet behavior by dispensing treats when your dog is awake and quiet.

Stress

Separation anxiety is a common reason pet owners purchase dog cameras. It’s important to understand that separation anxiety is a very serious issue. In true cases of separation anxiety, dogs have complete panic attacks when left alone. Panicked dogs will bloody themselves trying to escape, vocalize for hours, pace, drool excessively and completely stress out. Pet surveillance cameras can only confirm your dog has separation anxiety, but it won’t help change the behavior.

When dogs panic, they won’t eat treats. And hearing a microphone version of your voice will likely freak your dog out even more. Unfortunately, this behavior won’t get better on its own. It’s important to work with a professional if your dog suffers from separation anxiety.

Schedule an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist. Record and save a video of your dog stressed out at home and send it to your veterinary behaviorist before your scheduled appointment. The information captured through your interactive dog camera will help you and your veterinary behaviorist determine whether or not your dog’s behavior is improving when you’re away.

Chewing

Sometimes, when peeking in on dogs, pet owners notice their dogs chewing or destroying furniture. Instead of screaming over the microphone, make a smooching sound to distract your dog. When your dog looks away from whatever he or she is chewing, quickly dispense a treat. If your dog walks right back over and continues to chew on the pillow, make a smooching sound again over the microphone. Dispense a treat the moment your dog looks at the camera.

Usually, a recently rewarded dog will hang out, and sometimes fall asleep, next to the pet camera until you return home. They’re hanging out in hopes of treats dispensing from the camera again (smart dogs!).

Once home, management is important. Remove pillows from sofas, or block dogs from going into rooms containing chewable items. Crating your dog works well too; just make sure someone brings your dog potty after 3-4 hours.

Potty Accidents

Potty accidents happen, but an interactive dog camera system won’t change your dog’s behavior. Refrain from scolding your dog through the camera microphone—no use crying over spilled milk. Clean up the potty mess silently when you get home. To prevent your dog from pottying inside your house again, crate your dog while you’re away. Remember, it’s unfair to crate dogs longer than 3-4 hours, so hire a pet sitter to take your dog out to potty.

What have you witnessed while watching your dog through a dog camera system?

New Year’s Resolutions For You And Your Dog

January 3, 2017 by Fanna Easter

New Year’s Resolutions List

2016 has been a challenging year for most, so let’s start 2017 off on the right paw. While you may be percolating on personal New Year’s resolutions, don’t forget the dog! Starting on January 1st, incorporate one or two from the below New Year’s resolutions list. Even better, tackle one resolution per month until all become habits. Not sure which resolution would work for your dog? Check out these suggestions. Seriously, your dog will thank you!

1. Spend More Quality Time Together

Everyone is so busy that our dogs’ emotional needs are often pushed aside. Of course, our dogs’ basic needs for food, water and shelter are met, but we need to fill our dogs’ love tank too.

Once a day, take your dog out for a 15 to 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, play a super fun game or polish up on dog training for a few minutes a day. Even better, enroll you and your dog in a super fun dog training course, such as beginner’s agility, nose work or barn hunting! Spending time together will refill your dog’s love tank and strengthen your bond.

2. Provide Daily Mental Stimulation

Most dogs are left alone all day while their pet owners are at work. Sitting home alone is boring, so spice up your dog’s day with mental stimulation. Provide meals in food puzzles, hide treats around your home and provide frozen food stuffed Kongs throughout the day. Once home from work, play a game of tug or “touch.” Hide treats in a puzzle, and applaud when your dog moves latches and levers to uncover hidden treats. Physical exercise is good, but pairing it with mental stimulation is much better!

3. Lose Those Extra Pounds

We all have extra pounds stashed somewhere on our bodies. Dogs have them too. Every dog has an ideal weight. Ask your veterinarian for your dog’s target weight goal. If your dog needs to shed a few pounds, start walking your dog daily for 10 minutes. Slowly add 1-2 extra minutes per week until dog walks last 30 minutes.

Start measuring your dog’s food each day, and cut back on snacks. For dog training treats, choose healthy pea-sized portions of dried fruit or baked chicken breasts. Every calorie counts!

4. Aim for Daily Tooth Brushings

It’s true: Dogs need their teeth brushed daily too. Many chronic diseases are caused by tooth decay, including heart disease. Purchase a small toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs, and teach your dog that tooth brushing is fun. Tooth brushing sessions should last one minute. We all have an extra minute in our schedule, so aim for daily brushings after your dog’s evening meal.

5. Polish Up on Manners

Every dog has at least one pesky habit that drives us crazy. Maybe your dog barks outside or jumps up on guests. Some dogs pull on leash or beg during dinner. It’s a new year, so it’s time to address your dog’s pesky habit.

Carve out 2-3 minutes per day to teach your dog to do something else instead. Stick to it daily and keep dog training sessions short (1-2 minutes). Through consistency, soon this pesky dog behavior will be gone!

What are your dog’s New Year’s resolutions?

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