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Why It’s A Bad Idea To Surprise Your Child With A Puppy

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Puppies are Not Presents

Puppies are Not Presents
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Yes, it’s tough to hear, but it’s true. Puppies are not presents, and you shouldn’t surprise your child with a puppy for Christmas. Allow me to be very honest about this subject because it’s a sensitive one for passionate dog lovers and dog trainers. Here are reasons why puppies make terrible Christmas gifts.

Little Research Conducted

Most people put in more time researching a new DVR than a new puppy. This blows me away every time. Potential pet owners see a beautiful dog on TV and instantly want “that” puppy. As Christmas approaches, potential pet owners turn to the Internet to find a specific breed of puppy in time for the holiday. Please don’t let this happen to you or someone you know. Gifting a puppy is the worst thing you can do to your family, including the new puppy.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Puppies and dogs are a forever commitment, so make sure to take your time choosing the right puppy for you and your family.[/perfectpullquote]

Instead, spend time reading about your desired dog breed online first. Then, reach out to AKC dog breed clubs for free information and chat with reputable breeders listed on the website of your chosen breed’s parent club. Meet several of your chosen breeds in person and ask questions. Attend a local dog show in your area, and chat with exhibitors after they’ve shown. These folks are breed experts.

Once you’ve decided on a reputable dog breeder, wait for the puppy to be born. If you prefer to rescue, contact AKC breed parent clubs since these folks volunteer for breed rescue and can certainly put you in touch with adoptable dogs. In fact, 90% of purebred rescues are directed by a member of AKC, so do your research first.

Puppies and dogs are a forever commitment, so make sure to take your time choosing the right puppy for you and your family.

Holidays are Extremely Busy

It’s one of the busiest times of the year, and trying to incorporate a new puppy into a holiday schedule is impossible. Many pet owners become frustrated when their new puppy potties in the house moments before holiday guests arrive. Puppies will chew and gnaw on expensive flooring or shoes if left unsupervised. Choose a quieter time of the year to bring home a new puppy. It’s the best way to set your family and your new puppy up for success.

Here Come the Excuses

When puppies are brought into unprepared homes, the poor puppies are the ones that suffer the most. When January and February roll around, frustrated pet owners start creating excuses about their puppy’s behavior, such as:

  • “He’s impossible to potty train.”
  • “She chews everything in my house.”
  • “We don’t have time for a puppy.”
  • “I didn’t know it was this hard.”
  • “Wow, puppies shed!”
  • “I didn’t know he would get this big.”

Puppies don’t come with a manual. It’s their pet owners’ job to train them and teach them polite behaviors. Some pet owners enroll in puppy group classes, which is the right thing to do. Most pet owners don’t, and then the excuses continue to mount.

Unfortunately, surprising a child with a puppy for Christmas often results in looking for a new home for the puppy after the holidays since the family was completely unprepared. At first, pet owners look for “good” homes, but as time ticks away, they end up dropping their puppy off at a shelter. While this scared puppy is sitting in a strange place, surrounded by other dumped Christmas puppies, their previous family moves on with their lives. Please don’t let this happen!

Please, never give a puppy as a Christmas present. It’s not fair to the puppy.

Dog Pawing Behavior: What It Means And How To Stop It

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How to Stop a Dog From Pawing And Scratching People

Dog Paws
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As a professional dog trainer, I’ve witnessed dogs pawing people, which leave long scratches on arms and legs behind. Many years ago, during a private dog training lesson, a Great Dane welcomed me at the front door with a massive swat across my back. Wow, that scratch burned, bled and bruised over the next couple of days. The pet owner and I immediately put a plan into place to prevent it from happening again. If your dog paws at you or your guests, check out these tips to avoid painful dog scratches.

Why Dogs Paw

Dogs paw at people for numerous reasons. They paw mostly because it’s been rewarded. When a dog paws a person, the person will most likely turn around and look at the dog, which is considered a reward for some dogs. Additionally, pet owners may respond to dog paws by:

  • Petting their dog.
  • Continuing to pet their dog.
  • Picking up their dog’s paw and moving it.
  • Giving bits of food under a table when the dog paws a leg.

Teaching a dog to “shake” can increase pawing behavior. When dogs learn that “shake” makes treats appear, they will offer a “shake” behavior more often. Plus, dogs will try out their new behavior with guests in hope of treats. 🙂 Instead of teaching a dog to “shake,” teach him a stationary behavior, such as “sit.” This prevents a dog from pawing guests, and it’s a great behavior to reward.

How to Stop Dog Pawing Behavior

When behaviors are no longer rewarded, they will disappear. When a dog paws at you, take a step back and wait until all four feet touch the ground. The moment all four feet touch the ground, say “yes” and reward your dog. Of course, most dogs will paw right afterwards because they’re not sure which behavior provided the treat. Reward only when all four on the floor again.

Continue to practice daily, and wait for your dog to make a choice—watching your dog make a decision is a glorious thing to watch. Some dogs will gently place their paw on a person, think for a few seconds, then drop their paw to the ground. Reward good choices every time!

To prevent your dog from jumping up and pawing guests, teach him to “touch” guest’s hands with his nose. This keeps all four feet on the ground, gives your dog a chance to decide if he wants to greet a guest and offers a form of physical contact (like petting) for your guest.

If you don’t reward it, the behavior will disappear. 🙂

2017 Christmas Gifts For Dog Lovers

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Christmas Gifts for the Dog Lover in Your Life

Gifts For Dog Lovers
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Dog people are passionate about dogs; they love dogs more than fancy shoes, cars and bedazzled clothing. If you have someone who’s passionate about dogs, you’ll want to check out these wonderful Christmas gifts for dog lovers. Each present is sure to be loved and cherished by its recipient. As an extremely passionate dog lover myself, I still love each dog-themed gift I’ve received over the years because it’s so personal.

Jewelry

Understated, yet deeply personal, jewelry is perfect for dog lovers who aren’t afraid to show off their favorite dog breed. By far, Siberian Art offers breathtaking jewelry that feature most dog breeds. Siberian Art captures each breed beautifully, which means dog lovers will see their dog in each cherished piece.

Choose from detailed pendants, earrings, rings, tie tacks and prints in either silver or gold. Sterling silver options are priced right under $100, and they’re worth every single penny. Stay away from knockoffs since those will turn your dog lover’s neck bright green. 🙂

Dog Portrait

Everyone loves a beautiful piece of artwork, and it’s even better when a furry family member is included. With many personalized options available, such as Zazzle, you could place a dog lover’s favorite dog portrait on pillows, pictures, mugs and so forth.

If you want to take a dog portrait gift idea up a notch, have an artist create a custom portrait. Before cringing at the word “custom,” remember that portraits are created digitally now, which keep costs down.

When choosing an artist, look through their online portfolio first. Each artist has a certain style, and remember to always ask questions. Order sooner rather than later, as artists take at least 3 weeks to complete artwork even if it’s digital. Costs vary depending on artist and size of the portrait.

Dog-Themed Socks

Dog-themed socks are an inexpensive gift every dog lover will wear with pride. If your dog lover’s favorite breed is not available, choose a colorful paw-printed pair of socks instead. Dog-themed socks make great stocking stuffers too. Most socks cost between $10-$12, depending on the brand. Check out this great dog sock website.

Donation to Favorite Rescue Group

As always, donating to your dog lover’s favorite rescue organization is always a great gift. Print out your donation and place inside a beautiful envelope, then place under the Christmas tree. Your dog loving friend, their chosen rescue and a dog in need will thank you!

Have a fabulous holiday season!

Beware Of Bone Treats That Killed 15 Dogs

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Dog Chew Bone Safety

Dog Chew Bones
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about giving dogs a certain type of bone chew. Unfortunately, this bone treat caused 15 dogs to die and numerous dogs to have emergency surgery. Unfortunately, these dog chew bones have been around for decades and I’m pretty sure this isn’t the first time they’ve killed dogs. Learn which bone treats you should never give dogs as well as safe alternatives.

Stay Away From These Dog Bone Treats

Most pet retailers sell flavored and smoked bones for dogs in various sizes. These nasty bone chews have caused dogs to die. They’re real bones that have been cooked, dehydrated or smoked in various ways. Smoked bones are available in different sizes: from large femurs to knuckle bones to ribs to even kneecaps. Regardless of the bone chew’s origin (bovine or swine), never give these bone chews to dogs. If you already have these in your home, throw them out immediately.

Cooked Bones are Dangerous

When animal bones are cooked, moisture is removed from the bones. These bones are rock hard and can easily crack floor tile if dropped. So, imagine what they will do to your dog’s teeth. Cooked bones also splinter, which can give your dog dangerous gastrointestinal issues that can result in emergency surgery or even death.

Additionally, splintered bones can become lodged in a dog’s throat, cause gum laceration, crack teeth and cause punctures. If large chunks of smoked bones are swallowed, it can cause painful and deadly impactions.

Try These Dog Chew Ideas Instead

Dogs need to chew; it’s fun and a great exercise. Give your dog a yummy food stuffed Kong that has been frozen overnight, so it lasts longer. Bully sticks are a great dog chew alternative too, but make sure to monitor your dog while he chews on one of them. Raw (uncooked) bones, such as chicken wings or necks, are a great alternative, but not for the faint of heart.

Please look through your dog’s chew toys and remove any smoked or cooked bone treats.

Dog Eye Discharge: When Is It An Issue?

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Are Your Dog’s Eye Boogers Normal?

Dog Eye Discharge
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Just like humans, dogs have eye discharge for various reasons. While some dog eye discharge is normal, some eye boogers may be a sign of a health issue. If, at anytime, you have a concern about your dog’s eye discharge, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

White or Clear Eye Discharge

Most dogs wake up with a bit of eye discharge, which can easily be cleaned away with a damp cloth or a gentle finger wipe. Often, this type of dog eye discharge is clear with a whitish tint and usually runny. Eye discharge, that has been allowed to dry throughout the day, will feel a bit dry. This is normal eye discharge.

Excess Eye Discharge

When dog eye discharge becomes excessive, it pools around a dog’s eye. Excess eye discharge can discolor a dog’s coat, especially lighter colored dogs. Eye discharge, just like saliva, can leave a rusty color on a dog’s coat. When dogs have excess eye discharge, they should see a veterinarian. There are numerous reasons for excess eye discharge, such as allergies, and it’s important to find the root cause to address it.

Thick Discharge With Color

When eye discharge becomes thick and develops a color (e.g. yellow, dark brown or green), it’s time to schedule a veterinary appointment. Thick discharge could indicate an eye infection, eye disease, inflammation of the eyelid (conjunctivitis), corneal abrasions and many other major eye issues. Don’t dismiss thick eye discharge as normal. Your dog could lose his eye(s).

Can Depend on Breed

Dog eye discharge can depend on a dog’s breed. Coated breeds (i.e. dogs with longer hair) can collect eye boogers around their eyes. If this happens, ask your groomer to trim any excess hair lingering around your dog’s eyes.

Some dog breeds that are prone to allergies can produce excess eye discharge too. Many purebred dogs develop congenital eye issues where their eyelids roll inward, causing their eyelashes to rub against their eyes. This is a very painful condition and it will never correct itself, so it’s important for a veterinarian to complete surgery if needed.

When in doubt, have your vet check it out.

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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