Your dog is a part of your family.  He might be your best friend who is always there for you.  If you want to keep your dog happy and healthy you need to pay attention to the summer heat and other conditions.  This is very important for your dog’s health.

Always keep your dog well hydrated.  If it is very warm it won’t take much to make them dehydrated.  This problem is even worse for dogs that have thick fur.  The best thing for you to do is to keep the water bowl very visible.  Every time you or a family member walks by you need to remember to refill it.  If you are going to be outside of our home you should bring a water bottle and stop your dog to drink often.

When there is extreme heat you also need to limit the amount of exercise they get outside.  You do need to take walks in order to keep them in general health, but consider different options when there are heat warnings.  You could just shorten the time of your walk or break it up into two halves.  Another option is to plan the walk for the very early morning or late evening.

It is a good idea to stick close to your home in extreme heat no matter what you do.  That way you can ask for help if a situation arises where you need it.  If you go on a hiking trail it will be hard to get help.  In fact, you can’t even take your vehicle to such a situation.

When you’re making your decisions it’s important to think about the health of your dog.  If it is very old you’ll need to take even more care.  Older dogs require more hydration and rest, and may need to stay inside completely during extreme heat.  Younger dogs can handle these changes more easily.

Beyond staying hydrated you also need to check for ticks.  These are tiny insects that latch onto your dog’s skin and can carry diseases like Lyme’s disease.  These are incredibly common in the warm weather and if you have a wooded area around your home.  Search through your dog’s fur daily and remove the tick carefully with tweezers.  If you find a deer tick you’ll need to get your dog evaluated at the vet.

A silly mistake that many pet owners make is leaving their dog inside of a car.  It doesn’t matter whether your windows are cracked or not.  A car is like an over that can quickly become over 100 degrees.  This can create a lot of trouble for your beloved dog.

Above all, use your common sense in the summer.  Take this advice and you’ll eliminate the chance that you’ll need to make an emergency stop at the vet.  This will give you peace of mind and create a happier pet for you.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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Isn’t it a huge pain when you’ve just planted a gorgeous garden and your furry friend of the house comes along to dig it all up? Or building a new fence to find that Spot already knows how to get around (or more literally, under) it?

Dogs are instinctually driven to dig, but that doesn’t mean you can’t train them to respect your yard.

First of all you should ask yourself why your dog is digging. Is he bored? If this may be the case, look into investing in more chew toys or treat dispenser toys that dogs have to play with to get food out of. Hiring a pet sitter to walk your dog may be a good idea, or hiding their food in small amounts around the house to keep them entertained at breakfast time.

Aside from boredom, stress may be making the dog misbehave. Before you proceed any further on fixing this behavior, ask yourself if there are any recent changes in your lifestyle or home life that might be making your pet act up. Are you remembering to take him out often enough? Are there any other stresses that may be affecting him? If you still aren’t sure about what the problem is, try these tips to getting them to stop digging:

The most obvious method that people use to try and stop digging is to catch their dogs in the act and scold them. While this may work while you’re around to enforce it, many dogs will just wait until their owner is gone and go right back to digging.

A better idea is to make your dog think you are not involved in the consequences they receive after they dig.

One idea is to have a sprinkler set up near the area your dog likes to dig. If you can, turn on the sprinkler when you see your pet tearing up the ground. This works especially well if you can leave on the sprinkler for short periods of time while you are away. Once again, they will not realize where the harsh response is coming from; they’ll just know they don’t like it.

One really good trick to keeping your dog from digging is to place their own feces in the holes they like to dig. Dogs do not like the smell of their own droppings (remember, it must be THEIR feces, not any other dog’s), and will refuse to dig in the hole anymore if they smell them.

If you are having problems with a dog digging under a fence, make sure there are no gaps in the fence. Lay down concrete in any holes or put chicken wire from the bottom of the fence to the ground. If there are no gaps, consider laying concrete blocks along the bottom of the fence.

Digging is a huge pain and certainly doesn’t improve the aesthetics of your yard. Remember to keep your puppy entertained and find ways to encourage him to play in positive ways over destructive ones.

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When you’re a dog owner there is a lot more to consider right before you go on vacation.  It’s not just a matter of getting you and the kids ready to go, you also have to figure out what to do with your dog.

One thing you can do is use a pet sitter.  This is a great solution because your dog will get to stay in a situation where they are most comfortable.  It is also generally less expensive than putting your dog in a kennel.  You’ll also feel a lot better knowing right where your pet is.

There are many different people you can consider for the job of your pet sitter.  Some friends and family members might want to take on the task.  Even so, you need to find the perfect pet sitter so you can go on your vacation with an easy and relaxed mind.

So, how do you find that elusive and perfect sitter?  These ten things come to mind:

1.    One of the best ways is to get referrals from friends and family members.  If someone has had a good experience with a dog sitter in the past then chances are good that the person will be a good bet for you now.

2.    Whether you manage to find a good referral or not you’ll definitely want to take the time to interview the person.  That way you’ll get to see how they are around your dog and whether or not you like their personality.  It’s important that your dog feels comfortable around the person.

3.    A good pet sitter will also want to know a lot about your dog before they take on the job.  They will ask a lot of questions so that they know exactly what to do before you go away.  If the potential sitter does not ask any questions you’ll know that they just are not qualified for the job.

4.    There are some pet sitting associations out there like Pet Sitters International or National Associations of Professional Pet Sitters.  If your potential sitter is a member that is a good indication that they are serious about their pet sitting.  Don’t rely on these criteria alone because the associations may not be familiar with their personal style.

5.    You should ask for client references.  If they are an experienced pet sitter then they should have a list of people you can contact to see how they would rate their experience.

6.    You can also get bonding and insurance.  This doesn’t relate directly to making sure your pet sitter is the right one, but it can protect you in case of theft or damage.  That alone can help to put your mind at ease while you are away.

7.    In addition to all of the thorough checking you have done, you will need to review their contract.  There definitely needs to be a contract in place because that guarantees that everything is clearly, and legally, spelled out for both of you.  Their contract will also tell you how much their services are.

8.    It’s important for you to then arrange a second visit.  This is a time where the two of them need to be alone for a short amount of time so you can see if there are any problems that pop up.  When you return you can look at your dog’s reaction to see if they had a good time or if they seem scared.

9.    Above all, listen to your instincts.  If you have an uneasy feeling about a person then you should never hire them.  If you feel like the potential pet sitter will be great, then by all means hire them if everything else checks out.

10. The very last thing you need to do is leave instructions for your chosen sitter when you leave.  This should include the phone number where you can be reached on your trip, emergency friends or family to call, and the vet’s name and umber.

It can seem like a lot to handle, but if you go through these guidelines you will be making sure that your pet sitter is the best one for the job.  When you’re making travel plans make sure choosing a great pet sitter is part of them.

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As much as we love our pets it’s an unfortunate fact that we can’t stay with all of them forever.  There will come a time that we have to leave them, whether because of disability or death.  If you have pets at the time of your passing it’s a good idea to have arrangements in place so your pets are cared for after you are gone.  There are several good ways of planning for your dog after you are gone.

1.  Trusts.  A pet trust is a legally binding arrangement that you can set up in several states.  It allows you to set aside property, such as cash, and name a trustee and caregiver for your pet after you’re gone.  Trusts are usually set up to last for a certain period of time, such as the life of your pet or 21 years, for example.  You will need to see an attorney to set up a trust, preferably one who specializes in estate planning.  Trusts for pets are currently legal in (alphabetical order):  Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

2.  Codicils.  Less formal than a trust but also good for your pet is a codicil to your will.  With a codicil you can add your wishes for your pet to your will, naming who you would like to care for your pet and setting aside sums for your pet’s annual care and maintenance.  You should discuss the codicil with your attorney when you make your will and follow all legal protocols.

3.  Talk to family and friends.  While you are in good health it’s advisable to talk to your family and friends about your pets and what you would like to happen to them should something happen to you.  Be aware that family and friends may make promises while you’re alive that they do not honor later on.  This occurs on a regular basis.  Someone may pass away and the first thing a family member does is have the pet euthanized, especially if they are the person in charge of clearing out a house or apartment.  Talking to family and friends may help provide a home for your pets but it’s not a guarantee.

4.  Co-owners, kennel clubs, rescues.  If your dog is co-owned with someone else, make sure that you leave instructions for your co-owners to be contacted about the pet.  This way they may have the opportunity to get the dog back and give him or her a home.  Kennel clubs and rescues may also step in if they are contacted.  Try to leave instructions to have these resources contacted in the event of your death so your dogs may be given a place to go.

Basically, the more planning you do for your dog after you are gone, the better the chances that your wishes will be followed.  If you do set up a trust or name a person to care for your dog in your will, make sure that you talk to these caregivers before naming them to see if they are willing to take your dog and care for him for the rest of his life.  This is a big responsibility and you will need to make sure that they are willing to do it.

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Most dogs love to chew on rawhides but you may have heard people questioning whether they are safe or not.  It’s a good question.

There have been concerns in recent years because some rawhide products were imported from China and other countries where safety protocols were not followed in manufacturing the rawhides.  Salmonella was connected to the rawhides.  This was probably more of a hazard to humans handling the rawhides than to your dog, but there were recalls. However, no American-made products were involved.

As far as the safety of allowing your dog to chew on rawhides, there is very little danger involved in allowing a dog to chew on rawhide products.  In fact, a major medical school in the U.S. conducted a laboratory test to see if rawhides would harm dogs.  Even in dogs which had rawhides three times per day they had no ill effects.

Dogs can chew on rawhide and the parts that they chew pass through their digestive tract without any problem.  It’s always possible that they may pull off some small fragment of rawhide and they could choke on it, but the chances of that happening are similar to you choking on a piece of food.  Of course it’s possible, but if it happened it would be a fluke.  Still, for this reason, it’s always recommended that you should not leave your dog with rawhides to chew on without supervision.

When your dog chews on a piece of rawhide to the point where it is soft and gummy, you may want to take it away from him, at least for a while.  You can get him to do something else or give him a fresh rawhide.  Some people put these chewed on rawhides up so they can dry out and harden.  Then they can give them back to their dog later once they are hard again.

If you are uncomfortable with giving your dog rawhides to chew on then you may want to look into Nylabones which are hard bones for chewing made from hard plastic.  They also have edible chews in flavors that appeal to dogs.  There are many other kinds of bones that satisfy a dog’s urge to chew.

Some people give their dogs pig ears, but if you are at all concerned about salmonella then you may wish to stay away from pig ears and other products that have been chopped off animals.  Even with products from the United States there are occasionally recalls.

If you choose rawhide chews for your dog try to look for chews that are dried without chemicals.  Look for unbleached chews.  And look for chews that are heavy and thick so that they will last longer.

Your dog will almost certainly love rawhide chews so make the chewing experience safe for him.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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In the busy world of today, things are different than they were in decades past. Men and women often both have 40 hour a week careers, people stay single for longer and longer, married couples sometimes don’t plan on ever having children. The classic nuclear family structure has been shaken and shattered. Being that oftentimes there is no one in the family who stays home all day, our dogs are left to their own devices.

Being gone from the home for 8 hours a day might not be a big deal to your dog, but it could potentially be brutal. Some animals are fine on their own and can entertain themselves or just nap all day. However, some animals get lonely, restless or even destructive when they are forced to be alone all day long.

One potentially good option for those of us that are forced away from home 5 days and 40 hours a week is doggy day care. Doggy day care is much similar to day care for children. You can drop your dog off early before work where he will be able to socialize with other dogs during the day, run around, play and have a good time without having to be stuck at home while you are away.

Several things should be taken into consideration before placing your pet into a doggy day care.

Is your dog up to date on all his shots? Any reputable doggy day care will ask you for a copy of your animal’s shot records. These should be up to date and you will be turned away if your animal is missing any vaccines. This is to prevent the potential spread of any disease your animal or another’s animal may have.

Do you live in a big city? Most big cities have plenty of doggy day care options available to you, and are easily findable via any internet search engine. If you don’t live in a big city, you may have a harder time finding a doggy day care center close to you and this may affect your morning or evening commute if you are dropping off and picking up your animal daily.

Does your dog like other dogs? Any dog being considered for placement in doggy day care should be friendly and open when playing with other dogs, as there will be plenty there for him to socialize with. If your dog has not been socialized, you should consider exposing him to other dogs in a dog park situation where he can get used to playing with them before dropping him off in a doggy day care.

Does your budget allow for doggy day care? While doggy day care can be an excellent resource, it can also get costly. Prices can range from $15 to $40 depending on your location and the type of day care you want to place your animal in. Multiply that by 5 days a week and doggy day care has just gotten pretty pricey. If your budget is limiting, you may consider only taking your dog to day care once a week or a couple of times a month to cut on costs but at the same time allow your dog something fun to look forward to.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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If you ask any adult about the day their parents finally let them have a puppy, they can surely describe it in detail. My first dog’s name was Landa and I was the most excited third grader in the neighborhood that day. Years from now, I will still be able to tell you vivid details of that experience – immediately falling in love with my new best friend, how tiny her little paws were, the collar I picked out at the pet store. These are things you don’t forget, and long after the dog has passed and we are no longer children, the memories will still be with us.

A dog is a new member to the family and will be a good friend, confidante and playmate to your children. Having an animal they are close to will be something your children will never forget and will be fond memories for years to come. If you are choosing to get a four legged addition to the family, it will be something they will think back to many years down the line.

What to Teach Your Children to Expect About the New Puppy

Children are easily excitable, and a new puppy is certainly something they’ll get worked up about! Puppies are adorable and fun and a new family member to play with, so know that your children will be very excited. They will want to get to know their new friend, to pal around with him, play fetch, go for walks, play in the park. There are limitless options on all the fun your child can have with the puppy and they will be bursting at the seams to do all of them.

This dog isn’t the neighborhood kid’s dog, it’s not a stranger’s dog, it is their dog and they will be very eager to start a solid friendship based on love and fun with their new friend.

However, being the parent, you have to consider things from the puppy’s perspective. The puppy is very young and very scared and in a new place around brand new people.   It will likely be very stressed and afraid when you first bring him home. Because of this, the puppy will need some time to adjust. He will surely love getting to know you and your children, but initially he will need a period of time in which he gets the proper space and treatment for him to deal with the stresses of entering a new home.

The best way to address how the puppy should be treated when he first arrives is with preemptive strike: call a family meeting.

Let your children know that the new puppy is going to very nervous and scared and that even though they are going to be excited to play with him, that they need to be careful not to hurt or frighten the new family member.

You should teach them several rules to abide by around the new puppy.

Use indoor voices around the puppy. Shouting or raised voices could scare the puppy and should be forbidden.

No aggressive play or roughhousing with the puppy. Let them know that a new puppy is very much like a new baby. It is very small and delicate and could easily get hurt.

Siblings should not fight around the puppy. Dogs are very empathic creatures and a new puppy could easily sense tension or anger between your children and become stressed.

Make your children recite these rules aloud until you are sure they know them well. Keeping your children aware of the new puppy’s needs will start their bond with the new family member as a strong one and will keep the puppy happy and not stressed.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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Dog lovers are well aware of the benefits that come from having a dog in their lives.  Whether that dog is a tiny Chihuahua or an enormous Saint Bernard, we all have our favorites.  Just because we get older doesn’t mean we appreciate having dogs as companions any less.  Studies have even shown that having a dog as a pet can improve the health and wellbeing of seniors.  Many nursing homes welcome animal visitors, pet therapists and some allow pets to live with residents.

It is important for seniors to take into consideration some of the changes that occur as we age.  It’s usually not easy for a senior to handle a giant breed or a breed that requires a lot of grooming.  It may be more difficult to exercise a dog with high energy levels.  For these reasons, seniors should consider things like size and temperament when they think about getting a dog.  Smaller dogs often make good pets for older people.  Small dogs with shorter coats are good because they usually require less maintenance and they can be easier to handle than large dogs.  Small dogs can also make wonderful lap dogs.

Here are some of the best choices for dogs for seniors:

Schnauzer – Schnauzers love being around people.  They’re friendly and enjoy human companionship.  Schnauzers come in two sizes for our purposes:  the Miniature and the Standard.  Both make good pets for an elderly person.  These dogs will be protective of their family but they also have a strong desire to please.  They do require daily exercise but they aren’t hyperactive dogs as a rule.  A good daily walk should be enough.  Schnauzers do need regular grooming but this is usually done professionally since they have a harsh coat that needs stripping (or clipping) about every three months.  In between they just need some brushing with a good stiff brush to get out mud or dirt.

Pug – The Pug is everyone’s favorite clown.  A big dog in a small package.  They are small but they have huge personalities.  If you like playful, outgoing dogs, then the Pug may be for you.  They love attention and affection.  They are also very affectionate in return.  You should be sure you have lots of time for a Pug if you intend to get one because they will expect you to give them lots of your time.  They are wonderful lap dogs.  Grooming is easy since they are short-coated, but they do shed a lot.

Cocker Spaniel – The Cocker Spaniel is always a popular pick because of their good looks and sweet personality.  For years they were the most popular dog in the United States.  They are friendly without being overbearing.  They do require some exercise since they are a Sporting breed, but since they are small dogs they will be happy with a good walk.  They are devoted to their owners.  They tend to have long, curly hair so regular grooming is a must.  Many people opt for a popular pet trim from a dog grooming shop.

Chihuahua – Chihuahuas are always popular, and with good reason.  For anyone who likes small dogs these little guys are very cute.  If you like a dog that you can carry with you almost everywhere, then the Chihuahua may be your kind of dog.  Don’t let their small size fool you.  These little dogs think they’re big dogs and may well try to tell off a much bigger dog.  They often attach themselves to one person in a family.  If you’re a senior living alone they are more than capable of letting you know when someone is approaching or at your door.  They are very protective.  They usually weigh six pounds or less.  Watch out for the so-called “tea cup” Chihuahuas and other breeds.  The super tiny versions of breeds may have health problems later on.

Shih Tzu – The Shih Tzu is a friendly, gentle dog with a regal appearance.  They are an ancient breed from China – one of several breeds from that land.  Shih Tzu are said to be the oldest and smallest of the holy dogs from Tibet.  These dogs are sturdy, lively and alert.  They do have a snub-nosed face so they are sensitive to problems with heat in the summer and do best in a cooler climate or in an air conditioned house.  They make a very loving and intelligent companion.  Their long, flowing coat does require some care.

Yorkshire Terrier – The Yorkshire Terrier is not what he appears to be.  With his lovely long coat and small size he looks quite dainty, but this little guy was bred to kill rats originally.  He’s still a terrier inside and there’s quite a bit of terrier vigor still left in him.  He may be a loving lap dog now but it doesn’t take much to get him moving again.  He makes a fierce little companion, alert and feisty.  Yorkies are generally easy to train but they can be a bit stubborn at times.

Scottish Terrier – Scotties, naturally, originated in Scotland.  This is a sturdy little dog, strong and active.  They are brave, alert, playful and friendly as pups.  They grow up to be dignified adults.  Some might say they have a very Scottish character.  They tend to be a bit stubborn and require good training when they’re young.  They do not respond well to harsh correction.  They are around 19-23 pounds and 10-11 inches tall at the shoulder.  They do very well in apartments with moderate exercise.

Toy Poodle – As with all Poodles, the Toy Poodle is one of the most intelligent dog breeds.  They enjoy human company, probably more than they enjoy the company of dogs.  They will allow you to pamper them all you want.  If you want to dote over a small dog, this may be the one for you.

Pomeranian – Pomeranians are a great favorite with many people.  Cute as can be, they are fuzzy with a foxy little face.  Friendly, playful, active, Pomeranians are a tiny Spitz-type breed that originated in Pomerania, Germany.  They were originally much larger sled dogs before they were bred down to their current size.  Dogs today should not be larger than 10 pounds.  They make wonderful companions and are one of the most popular dog breeds.

Boston Terrier – Boston Terriers are considered to be an American breed – one of the few native American breeds.  They originated around 1870.  These dogs are typically friendly and laid back.  They are small but protective and a senior may feel secure with such a dog around.  They are short-haired dogs that are easy to groom.  Dogs should weigh between 10 and 25 pounds.  They are white with black, brown or brindle.

These are a few breeds that tend to make good pets for seniors.  Some of them are shorthaired, while others have long hair or wire-hair (such as Schnauzer).  If you’re interested in any of these breeds, or others, keep in mind that every dog is an individual.  We can make generalities about them but each dog is unique.  You may meet a Cocker Spaniel that wants to run all the time or a shy Pomeranian.  If you are interested in a dog try to meet him or her in person to see what they’re like.  See how they fit with your own personality.  Consider your own circumstances and lifestyle to see if the dog would be a good match.  If you love dogs there is probably a good dog out there for you.  Good luck in your search.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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Being a pet owner can be a very rewarding situation. Dogs can give companionship when you’re feeling lonely, comfort when you’re feeling low and love whenever you need it. In return for their affections, however, they do require some basic maintenance from you. As a dog owner, you have to be able to provide food and water, shelter, exercise and of course, love. Some might insist that a backyard is necessary for having a dog so that he can run around, relieve himself and play without having to leave home. Is this really true? Does being a dog owner mean that you need to have a yard?

To answer this question, we have to look at the variables of your situation.

What sort of dog do you have? Is your dog old or young? Is he big or small? Does he have lots of energy?

Some breeds are higher energy than others, so if you are wanting a high energy dog, you may want to keep in mind your living situation. Many people keep small dogs in apartments that have no yard. If you are without a yard, you may want to consider adopting a smaller dog instead of a big breed. Bigger breeds need more room to run around and play and therefore can make better use of a yard. Older dogs have lower energy levels, less of a desire to run and play, so they would be less likely to require a yard. However, if you are considering adopting a young puppy, you may want to take whether or not you have a backyard into consideration.

Another thing you have to keep in mind when deciding whether or not your dog is happy without a backyard is your commitment level to your dog. Keeping a dog without a backyard is certainly possible, but requires much more time, effort and maintenance. When you have a backyard, you have the chance to let your dog out to use the restroom when he may need to. Without a yard, you have to stop and walk your dog whenever you feel he may need to potty. Also, a yard offers a place for your dog to run around and play, a place where you can throw his ball or frisbee, without this close by, you’ll have to take your dog somewhere he can run around (i.e. a dog park) before you can exercise him.

Do you work long hours?  Do you have the time and energy to devote to doing more than just opening the back door? If you do, then having a medium or large dog or puppy in a space without a yard may just work out. If you can take the time out of your lifestyle to walk and exercise your animal in a place away from the home, then there shouldn’t be a problem with having no yard. Plenty of people keep their animals in apartments where there are no yards. In fact, there are cities where it is unrealistic to find real estate with a yard, but there are still plenty of dog owners in those homes. These pet owners, however, have to simply keep in mind that their dog is a priority in their life not to be ignored and take the appropriate time out to take care of their needs.

So, to answer the question, “Does your dog need a yard to be happy?” it depends. It depends on your actions and commitment to your dog’s health and happiness.

About the Author: Marianne Hepp is a trainer and owner of Naples Canine in Naples, Florida.   She blogs here at AskMarianneAboutDogs.com .

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