PlayTime

If you have more than one dog, or take your dog on play dates you know how much fun dogs have playing together. But just because they are having a great time does not mean you can let down your guard as pack leader. Even in free play they need direction from you! People are shocked how dogs can be best friends one minute and the next there is a fight. This is because the play was not supervised properly. There is a very thin line between fun and fight when it comes to playtime.

When dogs play keep it to a limited time. 5-10 minutes is about the max you want to let the play go. After that bring the dogs back down to a calm place before allowing them to play again. If the play escalates to a point where nipping or snarling are happening step in and stop it. It doesn't mean the dogs can't keep playing, but they need to come down from the intensity before they start again.

I'll let my dogs and fosters free play for an hour in the yard but I am right there keeping it from getting too intense with breaks every few minutes to have them sit, stay or lay down. This keeps them in a follower mind set even while they rough house.

Here are some things you need to step in a correct if you see during play

• Mounting


• holding another dog down for too long


• snapping


• curled lips


• continues barking


• latching on (chewing and even open mouthed around each others neck is normal but if one dog is using any force or keeping his mouth on another dog too long don't allow it.)

To break up the play and lower intensity you can just step right into them and make a noise (eht). When you have their attention have them sit and stay. Keep them in the "sit stay" with eye contact or have them "down" for a few minutes. You can focus the play by having one dog at a time fetch a ball. Another fun game to play with more than one dog is Red light/Green light. Put your dogs in a sit stay, walk 10 feet or so turn your back and say "green light" in a high excited voice. If you make your voice inviting the dogs should break the stay and come running. When they get close turn, give eye contact say red light in your firm voice while giving the hand signal for sit. When the dogs sit everyone gets a treat or praised. This is a fun way for dogs to play together in a more structured way.

*Remember to let your dogs have fun together but remain in control and playtime will be safe and fun for everyone. And when playtime is over stick to that.

Doggy Daycare

I got the chance today to do some staff training at Escape the Crate (doggy daycare and boarding) http://www.escapethecrate.com/ at 8453 W Elisa street in Boise Id. It is a great place with fun dedicated staff and some really great dogs!

If you use a doggy daycare or boarding facility there are some things you can do to help your dog be successful, and also help the daycare staff provide the best care for your pooch and others.

1. Make sure your dog is getting structured exercise with you leading him

Daycare is a great way to keep your dog from being bored while you are at work, but it can not be used for your dogs only exercise. He still needs his pack leader to lead him regularly.

2. Don't let your dog enter into the facility in an over excited state

Over excitement is setting your dog up to fail, as he will be so excited that he will not be able to control himself in a large group setting and not get the most out of his day.

3. Work at home with your dog on obsessive behaviors

A dog that is obsessing on anything (i.e. tail chasing, barking, mounting) will be a target in a large group of dogs. Dogs see this as unstable and will feel the need to correct it. Structured exercise and strong leadership at home are the best way to help your dog stop obsessing.

4. Listen to daycare staff

Often times the way your dog acts in a large group will be a wonderful way for you to know what areas you may need to work on at home. If the staff at your daycare tell you about a behavior you don't often see in your dog don't dismiss it. Use it as an opportunity to understand your dog on a deeper level.

5. Leave the facility the way you want to return

If you want your dog to be happy but relaxed next time you come to doggy daycare than make sure to take a moment for him to calm down and relax before you leave. Dogs will always come back to a place in the same frame of mind they left it, make sure it is a frame of mind you want to see again.

*For busy houses or frequent travelers doggy daycare is a great way to keep your dog busy and stimulated when you are not around, but don't forget to make it as pleasant an experience as possible. And don't let it be a substitute for good leadership and exercise at home!

Triumph Over Pity (Dex's story)

Handsome Dex ready to start his new life.









All that is left of his old life, and soon that will be no more than a scar of triumph.


I work with many rescues and see a lot of very sad abuse cases. Recently we took in a new foster for Boise Bully Breed Rescue. Dex was found in a shelter by a kind woman in Hailey Idaho. His foot had thick wire embedded deep in it. She got him to a vet and had the wire removed. To every ones shock and horror the vet said the wire had been purposely wrapped around his foot almost causing him to loose it!

What happened to Dex is very sad and hard to even imagine. Like any kind person the only thing I wanted to do with Dex was smoother him in loves and kisses and pamper him to his hearts content, however, I know that this is not really what Dex needs to overcome his past.

I often work with clients who have rescued dogs from terrible situation and they have the best of intentions, but because they do not understand dog behavior they have unintentionally keep their beloved rescue pet a victim for years after their rescue.

How? By not allowing the dog to move past his victimised state. I here things like "He is afraid of sticks because he was teased with one at 6mo old" It may seem like that is why the dog fears sticks, but the reality is the dog is afraid because the owner has never allowed him to move past his fear and continues to foster it by comforting and babying every time the fear rises.

Just like with Dex, the moment he came into my home he was no longer a victim but a survivor. I do tell his story to help educate, but ask people not to pity him. Pity will not move him forward. Instead I ask people to rejoice in his triumph and help him over come his bad beginning. Yes, Dex had a horrible past, but he is expected to sit and wait for food just like the other dogs in the house. He is expected to walk nicely with the pack, and share toys just like all the other dogs. I don't treat him differently because I don't want him to feel differently. He needs what all dogs need. Rules, boundaries and a sense of purpose. If all I did was retell his victim story, pamper him, never ask anything more of him than to be a victim he would always be a victim. He does not deserve that and neither does any other dog. He deserves to be a champion, over coming his past and making the most out of his new life.

*Remember, don't pity a rescue dog. You will keep them from healing. Instead challenge them to be the dog they were born to be by expecting the best from them as a strong pack leader!

If you are interested in adopting Dex you can call me 208-3402824