Dog Lovers' Hints/Tricks/Techniques Thread

timwinters

timwinters

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Here's a thread to share some things you've discovered to make dog ownership easier, whether it be training, managing, supplying, vetting, or playing!
 
I buy "twin size bed" fleece blankets, fold them in 1/2 and sew them up like a giant pillowcase. I then slide these over the doggie beds to protect the beds & bed covers. They're lot easier to both remove/replace and to wash (since they're much lighter weight than a good bed cover) and I can't remember the last time I had to wash a doggie bed cover.

I've found them on sale for as little as $5 each and they last about two years (being washed once a month or more).

Smaller fleece "throws" would likely work for smaller doggie beds.
 
I dont buy toys from the pet store. If you have a Kohls near you, they sell stuffed toys for $5 by the registers. My dog loves them.
 
Most behaviors can be stopped non-verbally by just a touch to the midsection. I might accompany that with a loud high-pitched noise. You can easily train a dog out of unwanted behaviors this way.
 
timwinters said:
I buy "twin size bed" fleece blankets, fold them in 1/2 and sew them up like a giant pillowcase. I then slide these over the doggie beds to protect the beds & bed covers. They're lot easier to both remove/replace and to wash (since they're much lighter weight than a good bed cover) and I can't remember the last time I had to wash a doggie bed cover.

I've found them on sale for as little as $5 each and they last about two years (being washed once a month or more).

Smaller fleece "throws" would likely work for smaller doggie beds.
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Baby blankets are good for this also.
Dog biscuits can be made at home like cookies. You get to pick the flavors and ingredients they like. Google dog biscuit recipes. 100's available. I like peanut butter myself.
 
We subscribe to Bark Box for a monthly supply of dog goodies.

Our dogs eat grain free food which improved their coat, disposition and reduced food consumption. Specifically we use the Kirkland brand from Costco.

We do extensive training with our dogs and get them through the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Not cheap but worth having a well behaved dog that listens to commands the first time given. In fact, our dogs accompany us to dog friendly restaurants and sleep at our feet.
 
According to Cesar, The Dog Whisperer, dogs must have Rules, Boundaries & Limitations.

And those must be consistent and with a firm hand, with YOU as the Alpha Dog.

For instance, we have a rule: NO DOGS ON THE FURNITURE.

EVER!

Oh, did I mention we went camping this weekend?

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Karen's pretty insistent that next time WE claim the bed! :yes:
 
We have a incredibly aware & high strung pup (12 years old and still spry and sometimes spastic). I have learned to appreciate the cuteness and let the crazy roll off my back. Yes, it took a long time.

With her, in particular, I have learned to say less overall - using the "Chhht!" sound for any correction needed. Whether I'm frustrated or not is irrelevant to the pup. She just needs to know where the "bounds" are. By leaving any representation of frustration out of it, we seem to work together better that way. I used an e-collar to teach that the "chhht" sound communicates that "xx" behavior is not acceptable. It now helps redirect without the pup thinking that I am angry or frustrated.

Grreat tip about Kirkland Food! - I will check that out.
 
We have done this with four bird dogs over the years, and it works great. I will contend that people who fence in or chain up their dogs will, by that behavior, have dogs that will run when off leash, because they haven't been given the "freedom" to be off leash.

So we allow our dogs to be off leash in our non-fenced in yard when they are young enough that we can chase them down if they wandered. Over time, they simply stay close by virtually all the time, and never wander away. We let them explore, teach them the boundaries, and learn their "home turf," and they simply stay close to home. Training is key.

Now I understand that this is probably breed, home, and geography-specific, but give your dog the freedom, and he shouldn't run away.
 
When I need to give my dog a pill, I buy some vanilla ice cream and press the pill into a spoonful of it. Then I tilt her nose up with one hand and, with the ice cream/pill in the fingers of my other hand, slide it into her mouth. Down it goes in one slurp. Then I lick the spoon even though I gave up ice cream for better health. :redface:

dtuuri
 
FastEddieB said:
According to Cesar, The Dog Whisperer, dogs must have Rules, Boundaries & Limitations.

And those must be consistent and with a firm hand, with YOU as the Alpha Dog.
Click to expand...

I suspect this will work with every dog, though the specifics vary breed to breed and individual to individual. For example, the touch technique I discussed (learned from Ceasar) works great on my mutt and my Lhasa Apso. Never worked on my little Shi-tzu, never once. Then again, didn't really need it for her, she was perfect.
 
nddons said:
We have done this with four bird dogs over the years, and it works great. I will contend that people who fence in or chain up their dogs will, by that behavior, have dogs that will run when off leash, because they haven't been given the "freedom" to be off leash.

So we allow our dogs to be off leash in our non-fenced in yard when they are young enough that we can chase them down if they wandered. Over time, they simply stay close by virtually all the time, and never wander away. We let them explore, teach them the boundaries, and learn their "home turf," and they simply stay close to home. Training is key.

Now I understand that this is probably breed, home, and geography-specific, but give your dog the freedom, and he shouldn't run away.
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I do the same with my dog. I let him out in the morning while I get his food and my coffee. He sits on the porch waiting to come back in. Now all bets are off if he sees a squirrel or rabbit, though.
 
Never let your dog near the Scrabble tiles. Otherwise the next bowel movement might spell disaster.
 
Enjoy the workplace that permits you to take your dog to work with you.

My Anatolian loves sleeping under my desk. Until it's time for her to go out and play in the sales office.
 
FastEddieB said:
According to Cesar, The Dog Whisperer, dogs must have Rules, Boundaries & Limitations.

And those must be consistent and with a firm hand, with YOU as the Alpha Dog.

For instance, we have a rule: NO DOGS ON THE FURNITURE.

EVER!
...
Karen's pretty insistent that next time WE claim the bed! :yes:
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I dunno why you have the rule.

My dogs usually let me have 4 inches or so of my side of the bed.
 
nddons said:
We have done this with four bird dogs over the years, and it works great. I will contend that people who fence in or chain up their dogs will, by that behavior, have dogs that will run when off leash, because they haven't been given the "freedom" to be off leash.

So we allow our dogs to be off leash in our non-fenced in yard when they are young enough that we can chase them down if they wandered. Over time, they simply stay close by virtually all the time, and never wander away. We let them explore, teach them the boundaries, and learn their "home turf," and they simply stay close to home. Training is key.

Now I understand that this is probably breed, home, and geography-specific, but give your dog the freedom, and he shouldn't run away.
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Agree that if done when they are pups this works with any breed I have had. Key is to walk them when they are young. They are a little timid and usually don't like being left behind.

My rescue on the other hand(he found us when he was 3-4 yrs old) will bolt when given the opportunity. I walk him in the local hills without a leash...everyday he is given the freedom to be a dog. But if someone falls asleep when coming in the front door....he is gone...like the wind. I have learned not to chase him....get within 2 ft...he bolts....So now I just relax.....let him mark everything in the neighborhood....and in 15 min or less he's panting on my front porch.:yesnod:
 
pilot_dude said:
...Our dogs eat grain free food which improved their coat, disposition and reduced food consumption. Specifically we use the Kirkland brand from Costco.
[/quopte[]

Mine, too. That good is Taste of the Wild. I just verified that my dogs like the Kirkland Salmon/Sweet Potato more than the Taste of the Wild Bison/Venison or Boar.

pilot_dude said:
..We do extensive training with our dogs and get them through the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Not cheap but worth having a well behaved dog that listens to commands the first time given. In fact, our dogs accompany us to dog friendly restaurants and sleep at our feet.
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I took both of mine for CGC class. The girl passed but the boy flunked - only because as rescues they won't let Daddy walk too far away*. When she was tested they allowed a person to hold her. My boy can pass with that.

* Course, when they decide to explore they will wander a block away all the time seeing if Daddy is watching but pretending they can't hear. The other night I got back into the car and she came running.
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timrb said:
What is it about Labs? Ours can clear a room in seconds, and you're lucky if you can escape without losing consciousness.

Tim
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Could have something to do with spending 8 hours a day licking their asses?
 
dtuuri said:
When I need to give my dog a pill, I buy some vanilla ice cream and press the pill into a spoonful of it. Then I tilt her nose up with one hand and, with the ice cream/pill in the fingers of my other hand, slide it into her mouth. Down it goes in one slurp. Then I lick the spoon even though I gave up ice cream for better health. :redface:

dtuuri
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We do this with Kraft spray cheese in the can. They love it, and will lick the cheese (with the hidden pill in it) off your fingers.
 
timrb said:
What is it about Labs? Ours can clear a room in seconds, and you're lucky if you can escape without losing consciousness.

Tim
Click to expand...

Ok, I just spilled Miller High Life out of my nose. Thanks a lot! And you're so right.
 
My dogs are always exercised off-leash. Not needing to worry about a leash is one of the benefits of living in the middle of 160 acres. Sometimes, one needs a bit of extra control though. Like when a deer or rabbit or (in Buddy's case) skunk jumps out right in front of their nose. So, I have a shock collar. Without a shock collar they're off on the chase and there's no stopping them (though they always come back before the end of the walk).

With the shock collar, however, they know I still have control and I can "call them off of the chase" without even using it.

Good shock collars though are over $200 and there ain't no way I'm buying three of them to control three dogs. That's a lot of avgas! Besides, I'd never figure out which of the three buttons to push in time to stop them.

So, how does one control three dogs with one shock collar? I've been doing this all year and they haven't figured it out yet:

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Those are 1" nuts and I suck the collars up pretty tight just like a shock collar is. The "real" shock collar is rotated through the dogs on each walk.
 

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This one always gives me a lump in my throat.
 

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Been trying to learn to control the GF's red heeler/min-pin, almost impossible. She has far too much energy - any time I try to get her to sit still and someone walks past the door much less comes inside, all bets are off. I am not exactly a dog person and have never owned one myself and have no idea how to handle them. I wish she was more obedient and calm but she jumps all over people whenever guests visit.

She constantly licks her lips, especially whenever given attention with eye contact or motion. And whines whenever left alone in a room. If I so much as walk outside for a second, she starts scratching at the door and whining loudly.

I feel bad for the dog; she ends up in a crate most of the day because either I'm working or my GF is. And when we do leave her out, she destroys things or ruins the carpet or clothes. Feels like a lose-lose situation.

I'd like to enjoy being around her more but I feel drained just by having her in the room because of the attention she requires.

Any advice?
 
overdrive148 said:
Been trying to learn to control the GF's red heeler/min-pin, almost impossible. She has far too much energy - any time I try to get her to sit still and someone walks past the door much less comes inside, all bets are off. I am not exactly a dog person and have never owned one myself and have no idea how to handle them. I wish she was more obedient and calm but she jumps all over people whenever guests visit.

She constantly licks her lips, especially whenever given attention with eye contact or motion. And whines whenever left alone in a room. If I so much as walk outside for a second, she starts scratching at the door and whining loudly.

I feel bad for the dog; she ends up in a crate most of the day because either I'm working or my GF is. And when we do leave her out, she destroys things or ruins the carpet or clothes. Feels like a lose-lose situation.

I'd like to enjoy being around her more but I feel drained just by having her in the room because of the attention she requires.

Any advice?
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I feel sorry for the dog. Dogs aren't toys, they're family. They crave companionship. My dog was literally abandoned. A live-in couple split up, "he" took one of the two dogs and then "she" placed her two kids with relatives while trying to sell the house. She came by just long enough to feed Cocoa. I adopted her when she jumped through my car window (true story). Now she has severe separation anxiety. I've left her in the car while I went into the ER to check on my mother. When I came out, she had eaten half the interior and headliner trying to get out to find me. Did the same to screen doors and wooden window slats. Afraid of being abandoned again. I bought a crate to save the car on hospital visits (can't leave her alone in the house), but it had such a bad effect on her I only used it once. She was an angel sent from heaven one month and one day after my previous dog died, same exact weight as he was when I found him at the airport. It's easier for me to adapt to her than try to make her change for me. Don't know what else I can tell you. :sad:

dtuuri
 
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overdrive148 said:
Any advice?
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Overdrive,

You are not alone. Each dog is unique, like us, but.... it will help if you can remember what you are experiencing is an expression of anxiety... from an animal that cannot use logic or reason to calm itself down. It will have to learn through experience that "x" situation is "ok". In order for that to happen, the dominate human(s) have to remain calm. So... train when the pressure is off, have low expectations, and reward good behavior. I always kept a chalk bag (rock climbing kit) filled with kibble treats when working with our pup. You can use a clicker or just say, "good!" and immediately give the treat to reward the behavior you like. 15 seconds later, and the pup will not be able to connect the reward to the desired behavior.

Crates: If a dog is feels safe and is comfortable in the crate, there is nothing wrong with crating them.

Energy: It seems that you all could benefit from a conistent exercise routine (for the pup) before you leave ... and a good, long exercise before friends arrive (careful if you live where it is warm). A tired dog is always a better dog than a stir crazy one. Good luck!

- remember this: basically, the pup is dependant on you (two) for everything (food, water, when it can go potty, when it can run, what work it gets to do, affection, and companionship...etc,etc,etc). If you think about that dynamic, that is a lot of power to wield over a living being, keeping that perspective may help you to be gracious, giving, and humble in your relationship.
 
overdrive148 said:
Been trying to learn to control the GF's red heeler/min-pin, almost impossible. She has far too much energy - any time I try to get her to sit still and someone walks past the door much less comes inside, all bets are off. I am not exactly a dog person and have never owned one myself and have no idea how to handle them. I wish she was more obedient and calm but she jumps all over people whenever guests visit.

She constantly licks her lips, especially whenever given attention with eye contact or motion. And whines whenever left alone in a room. If I so much as walk outside for a second, she starts scratching at the door and whining loudly.

I feel bad for the dog; she ends up in a crate most of the day because either I'm working or my GF is. And when we do leave her out, she destroys things or ruins the carpet or clothes. Feels like a lose-lose situation.

I'd like to enjoy being around her more but I feel drained just by having her in the room because of the attention she requires.

Any advice?
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Don't take this wrong. Just like flying, YOU need training. Way more than the dog needs training.

8 weeks, one night a week, with a professional dog trainer, is the bare minimum for both human learning dog behavior and dog learning to listen to human for a "newbie" to dog ownership, IMHO.

That'll get you thru basic obedience. To get to to AKC Canine Good Citizenship certification for you and the dog, will take more.

The vast majority of dog behavior problems are rooted in the human's misconceptions about dogs. If the dog is ignoring you completely, you've already lost Alpha status in their pack and/or the dog doesn't respect you as their leader, whichever training methodology you feel like describing it as with human words.

Ultimately the dog is an individual but a dog without a pack leader does whatever it feels like doing, and you're there right now.

My advice, stop trying to learn to fly on your own and get a pro to teach you how. You and the dog will be better off for it. Ask your vet for a trainer recommendation.
 
New advice learned by my wife last night: Don't leave your dinner plate of beef liver on the coffee table while you go answer the door for Trick-or-Treaters.
 
Ron Levy said:
New advice learned by my wife last night: Don't leave your dinner plate of beef liver on the coffee table while you go answer the door for Trick-or-Treaters.
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AAaaaaaaha hahahahahaaaa!!! I think we have all been there. I think it was spaghetti for me... years ago. Our pup was never a counter-surfer, but one night the front door wrang, and I just hopped up from the TV and left spaghetti sitting right in front of her at nose level. While locked in fun conversation, ... from the far end of the house, I couldn't help but notice the faint sound of silverware clinking and the slurping sounds of a starved man's first dinner after months at sea... then it hit me. - couldn't blame her for that one. It was on me.
 
Ron Levy said:
New advice learned by my wife last night: Don't leave your dinner plate of beef liver on the coffee table while you go answer the door for Trick-or-Treaters.
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Your dog would love me at liver dinner.:rofl:
 
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