All Things Dog Blog

Friday, March 29, 2013

Dog BFF's: Helping Your Pups Bond

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

When choosing a second pup to join your pack, it's always a good idea to get the assistance of a behavior specialist or dog trainer to aid in matching the energy levels of your dogs appropriately. This can be a huge factor in making the relationship get off to a good start and is particularly important if your current dog or dogs have any--yes ANY--behavior issues that concern you, even the tiniest bit. Please protect your new pup by addressing these worries before you adopt another pet.

Introducing your new addition to your established best friend is always a precarious activity. I hope you'll realize this and take the time to set up their first meeting with forethought. Introduce them on neutral ground off your property. Take a walk with them, even if the new member of the family is not up to a long walk. Many young puppies can only last for a brief outing before they collapse in need of a nap. Fortunately you'll be able to carry the youngster home, while the rest of your furry family gains an added understanding that this new pup will be joining you all for the long haul.

Beyond this first meeting and the personality traits of your dogs, what else can you do? My first piece of advice would be to get your dogs out walking together regularly. Walking with you sends a message of unity, that "we're all in this together" sort of feeling that helps bring housemates together on the same ground. The more you walk together, the more your dogs will see themselves as a unit, working together to maintain a happy, harmonious household.

Be aware of any jealousy that may be signaled by your first family members, offering them some one-on-one time to make sure they understand that you still view them as extremely important. Praise them when they behave well with their new housemate and encourage all of your pets to build an amicable relationship that demonstrates teamwork. From alerting you to strangers to maintaining the household rules, you'll soon find each dog takes a special interest in the job that best suits him, balancing the workload to give you peace of mind. Watch for opportunities to build on these acceptable behaviors with praise, affection and treats.

Finally, a note of extreme importance. Dogs that live together can be dangerous to themselves and family members if they develop food aggression or resource guarding. The latter can refer to anything that a dog refuses to give up when asked by you--toys, treats, and even your favorite chair. To assure that these problems do not begin, and never become a problem, please train for this from day one.

Teach your dogs to wait at their bowls until you signal permission to eat. This sends an unspoken message of ownership of the food, helping to make sure the dogs do not ever attempt to take over another's chow. Toys may be dispensed in the same manner. Ask for proper manners and offer the toy as a reward. Be sure to include "Drop it" in your list of skills to train for, to allow you to retrieve items of value or danger before your dog consumes them.

These and many more new companion strategies will help your dogs bond with one another, while building your bond with them as a team.

Happy bonding,

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Who Owns the Dog Food at Your House?

At my house the dog food, treats and all edibles are clearly owned by me. Not Tanner. Not Xena. And certainly not Oliver. They know it and we know it.

When friends and family visit, they are always amazed at the dogs' manners during feeding time. Everyone knows where to sit, stay still, be quiet, and wait their turn to be fed.

Just as some families say 'grace' before dinner, our dogs have to give thanks by being patient. When everyone is quiet and calm, the permission to eat is given one by one. Whichever dog is the calmest gets the first go ahead. Usually that is Tanner, but Xena and Oliver get their chance quite often.

Once the dish is set on the floor, this is NOT a signal to eat. And their neighbor's dish is not theirs to sniff, or steal from. Likewise, they understand that what the pack leader giveth, the pack leader can taketh away. I test this every now and then, to assure they remember. I can take a dish, hold it for a count of 10 as the dog looks on, wondering if he gets to finish his dinner. When he proves that he understands this dish is mine, I return it to him and praise him as he continues to eat. I can pet him, kiss him, touch his dish and there is never a hiccup.

The whole gang is well versed in the rules. Sit. Quiet. Wait. When I give permission to chow down, they watch carefully, to be sure I'm speaking to them.

"Tanner. All done. Take it"

'All done' tells Tanner that he does not have to hold his "stay" any longer. Funny thing is that he is not likely to leave his dish and disappear when it is full. No way! So, he waits for the rest of the command. He anticipates it: "Take it" is pretty straight forward to you and me. But Tanner sometimes watches my hands to be sure I'm motioning to him.

I make a habit of using hand and verbal signals, as Xena's hearing is getting a bit weak. I also speak up when giving commands to Xena, and I tap a spoon on her dish to help her know it is feeding time.

With her vision and hearing showing signs of age, using all of her senses in my communications helps her to acknowledge my commands to her. Even at 13 1/2 she still knows the rules and does not complain.

Oliver is another story altogether. He is my most observant pupil. No wavering concerns about who I am speaking to with Oliver. The minute I give him the go ahead, he dives in. And that's all good, as he is the slowest eater, with those tiny little teeth of his.

"Take It" Time is Earned

After everyone has eaten, I soften a bit and allow dishwashers to take over. Tanner and Oliver love this job. The two of them will often wash Xena's dish out together, while Xena has wandered off in search of the door--ready to go out and do her business.

Dishes done, we all head out to the yard. Oops! Don't forget the biodegradable poop bag. Okay. We're ready to go now.

All is well when the dogs remember who owns the food. If you have more than one dog in your home, teaching wait or stay, leave it and take it are great skills that will help you set yourself up as the boss, while assuring your dogs are properly behaved during dinner time.

Got questions? Drop our trainer a note and ask. We'll be happy to help, as will I.