Dogs and Apartments
Living in an apartment with your dog may be cramped, depending on the size of the dog and apartment, but most dogs can survive the apartment life with adequate exercise. Being a dog owner in a smaller living space is more challenging, although it can be done with patience and the correct care. Many apartments do not have much of a backyard, if any, so providing your pooch with daily walks should become an important habit. Invest in a quality dog lead and dog collar for comfortable routine walks. Your pup needs to burn off energy and get out of the apartment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking your pooch out for interactive games and jogs will also stimulate their mind and body. While any dog can happily survive in apartment settings, smaller breed dogs are a better option for apartment residence. Here are some great breeds to consider:
Boston Terrier – Boston Terriers are easily trained and well-mannered. They get to be about 10-25 pounds and do well in an apartment if given a long daily walk, along with some added playtime.
Chihuahua – Chihuahua’s make great companion dogs and their compact size (estimated 2-6 pounds) make smaller living areas an easier situation. Daily walks should help burn off extra energy.
English Toy Spaniel – English Toy Spaniels are happy and gentle dogs who keep well-behaved. Generally they grow to be 9-12 inches and are exceptional apartment dogs. Take your pooch outside for a routine daily walk that will keep them content.
Maltese – Maltese breeds keep a lively spirit and are suited for apartment living. They are typically 6-9 pounds and love their daily walks, along with playtime.
Sleeve Pekingese – A Sleeve Pekingese are the smallest members of the Pekingese family, they are 6 pounds and under and are great companions with lots of affection to share. As with the others, daily walks and playtime will help burn energy.
Dog Boots: Running With Your Dog
Dogs are great companions for many activities, including a refreshing outdoor run. Exercise is a healthy way to bond with your pooch (and they will be sure to keep you on your toes!). Smaller dogs may start running alongside you by six months, and larger dogs by a year. If you run your pup too early it may interfere with their bone development. Dogs of smaller size should relax on rigorous runs around the age of ten, and large dogs by the age of seven. If you decide to start your dog on running, ease them into the routine. Investing in a pair of dog boots will help keep pads on your pup’s paws from being harmed on rough terrains, rocks, and glass. If you opt out of dog boots be sure to always check your pooch’s pads for tenderness. If the pads on your dog’s paws are tender, raw, or bleeding then give your pal a break until all is healed. It is also very important to remember water not only for yourself, but for your dog running companion. There are convenient portable water feeders for your furry friend that prove to be a great dog item to have on hand during your enjoyed runs together. Hydration is vital for any work out. Running on trails is scenic, shaded, and typically provides a softer surface for your dog’s joints. It’s also important to take the weather into consideration; it is easier for your pup to overheat in hotter weather. If you notice that your dog is fatigued or overheated, wet them with cold water and get them to cooler conditions. It is advised to keep even the most obedient of dogs on a reliable dog leash during outdoor exercising. Running with your dog is a great way to keep active while spending time alongside Rover. What are you waiting for? Grab your faithful friend, the appropriate gear, and get ready for a good run.
Dog Harnesses: Walking In Style
How to Teach Your Pet to Walk on a Leash
Taking your dog for a hike around the neighborhood is one of the many pros of being a animal owner. It is a great experience for you to bond and spend time with your dog. Unfortunately for many dog owners, taking their dog for a stroll around the park can prove to be a conundrum. Training your furry friend to walk on a dog leash can prove to be very helpful to both of you. The simplest way to introduce a dog leash to your dog and encourage acceptable walking behavior is to start when he is a puppy. Get a small leash and attach it to the puppy’s collar. Drop the dog leash on the floor and let your pup drag it around in the house to make him feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time for several times a day to help him get used to wearing the leash. If your dog is used to wearing a dog leash, you can move forward with your training.
The most important thing you must remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you. They must always walk beside you or behind you. If your dog walks in front of you, the message he is receiving is that he is the pack leader because in a dog pack, the leader always goes first. If you have a dog that pulls, train them to walk beside you. This can be done by keeping your dog on a shorter dog leash at first, but still allowing some slack in the leash. One easy way to make your dog walk next to you is by holding snacks in your hand and casually giving them to your dog as you walk. This will reward your dog for walking beside you, and in turn make walks more pleasant!
How to Tame an Aggressive Dog
With temperatures climbing and summer quickly approaching, it’s important that dogs get ample exercise during those long summer days. However, many pet owners avoid taking their pets on walks and to family outings because of aggressive behavior previously displayed by their dog. Keeping your dog cooped up during summer months because of the fear of running into other dogs can be damaging to both owner and pet. Exercise is a key step in taming an aggressive dog; they need an outlet for that energy. Even dogs that were socialized as a puppy can develop aggressive, hyper behaviors later on. Make sure to consult with an expert or your vet before trying these methods if you do not feel comfortable.
Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash, as discussed in the last blog is a key first step in the process of taming your dog, but there are other tricks and trades one can try to promote a calm, submissive behavior. First, it’s important to fit your dog with the proper collar, or harness before beginning the walk. A dog harness may be more appropriate for dogs that pull, because it gives the owner more control over the dog’s chest area, which is their main source of strength. After fitting your dog with the proper attire, you’re ready to move forward with the walk. Make sure to keep treats on you during an outing with your pet, as most dogs respond well to food.
Most owners tend to avoid the other dog approaching during the walk, but this only prolongs the issue instead of dealing with it head on, so to speak. If you have a friend with a calm, submissive dog, you may want to ask for their help in dealing with the issue. Using a dog you know will not provoke aggressive behavior from your pet can be extremely helpful. As the other dog approaches, make sure you have a firm grip on the leash, but do not hold it with too much tension as dogs can sense your feelings, and your tension and nerves can be transferred to their mentality. Dogs have unbelievable senses of when their owner feels threatened or nervous, so maintain a calm attitude. Taking a deep breath can be very soothing for tension.
Make sure you put enough space between the dogs eliminating the chance of attack. Place your dog in a sitting position, with their butt facing the other dog. This is a submissive position and will help break their aggression. As your dog struggles and gets worked up, give them a touch on their chest, just forceful enough to break their concentration on the other dog. Remember not to push the dog, just a firm touch. Breaking the dog’s focus on the other is crucial to taming aggression. Once the mind is not consumed by thoughts of the other dog, your pet will calm down and learn to ignore. After this process is finished and your dog is cooperative, make sure to reward with lots of praise and even a few little dog treats. By trying out these few methods, you can make socializing your dog with others a much calmer experience, which leads to a happy dog and owner.
How to Properly Walk Your Dog
Walking your dog is one of the many joys of being a dog owner. It is a chance for you to spend time with your furry friend and bond. Unfortunately, for many of us dog owners, taking our pups out for a stroll can be a nightmare. Does your dog pull? Does it feel like he is walking you, instead of the other way around? With just a little training, you can curb this negative behavior, and enjoy, rather than dread, your walks together.
The easiest way to introduce a leash and encourage good walking habits is to start when your dog is a puppy. Get a light-weight dog leash and attach it to your puppy’s collar . Drop the leash on the floor and let your puppy drag it around. Talk to him, pet him, whatever makes your puppy feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, to help your pup get used to having a leash attached. Never leave the leash on your puppy when he is unattended- he could get tangled around something and get hurt.
If your dog is used to wearing a leash, you can move forward with training. The most important thing to remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you- always on your side or behind you. When you allow your dog to walk in front of you, you are giving him the message that he is the pack leader, over you. In a dog pack the leader always goes first. The reason dogs pull is because when they walk in front, they feel that they are the leader. To your dog, this is a big responsibility and will make him anxious, and in turn, pull on the lead. If you train your dog to “heel”, or walk beside you, he will view you as the leader and can then relax and enjoy his walk.
“Heeling” means that your dog walks beside your knee and matches your pace, then immediately sits when you stop. The heel position is on your left side. To train your dog to “heel”, begin with the dog on your left side. Say “heel” and begin to walk forward. If your dog pulls ahead, spin around suddenly and begin walking in the opposite direction. The dog will follow you, naturally, and this will put him right back at your side. Again, say “heel”. When he is back in place, praise your dog and give him dog treats . Repeat this action every time he pulls ahead. It may be frustrating for a while, and take a bit to get where you are going, but it will be rewarding for both you and your dog in the long run.
