So Your Dog is a Thief? Enjoying Dinner with Company

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

courtesy Jackal of all Trades via Flickr.com
Salvage Your Dinner Party

Strange topic for a Weekly Wag, right? Maybe not. Ever have a gathering for dinner during which your dog becomes the center of attention due to begging, whining or downright food thievery? Embarrassing, right?! 

The strategy we use at the All Things Dog Blog house is so simple that you'll be scratching your head and wondering "Why didn't I think of that?" I take a Kong or other fillable chew toy, layering several of my dog's favorite yummies inside. Freeze this delicious meal before serving just as your guests are seated. 

The layers are key as they make the ensuing chow time a virtual hunt as your dog, one by one, uncovers a new layer of something tasty. Vary the textures, colors and flavors and your dog will stay with his frozen delight for quite a while, licking every last bit of residue and not wishing to abandon his latest thrill.

I'll include here a recent visual example provided by the AKC, so you can get some ideas of things to go inside. You'll probably find plenty of leftovers in your fridge that will work great, just remember to go easy on the fatty items like cheese or hotdogs.

After you ask your dog to sit and wait permission, give him a nice gentle ear rub or stroke his back as he enjoys starting this fab snack. When you slip away to join your guests, he'll

hardly notice you're gone and will eagerly look forward to the next dinner party. What's more, you can proudly watch as he noshes away at his treat while your guests have a peaceful dinner. Repeat after me: "Gosh, I love that dog!"

Tell me about your latest dinner party--disaster or success? We would all love to hear your stories. The comment link is open.

Happy tails,

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Pet Bonding Inspiration: Where Do You Find It?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
iBark. Do you?

Things at the All Things Dog Blog household are a little out of sync this week. With a family member in the hospital, we're caring for another dog. Add an additional pet to the household and suddenly all H breaks out. Well, maybe that's an exaggeration, but it's not far off.

Oliver is confused by the sudden and unexpected addition to our family and he's been quite vocal as a result. The photo at left is perfect for today's post, don't you think?

It's on days like this when everyone is trying to figure out where they fit in that I find myself wondering how I might bond with the group, and help them bond further with one another.

It's funny. They seem to have already figured out that they can work together as a team to alert me to events. When neighborhood dogs go by or a delivery arrives, I get an alert from the two little guys, which is followed up by a confirmation from Tanner. His voice may be deeper, but the two small ones make far more noise.

Today, in an effort to get a few minutes of quiet to work on an article, I sat down on the floor with all the dogs joining me to see what was up. Obviously not me. Oddly enough, this had an unexpected effect; they all calmed a bit and seemed to become a group. No longer were they 3 dogs who each had their own agenda. We were a family unit--including our added guest--if only for a brief time. 

Even as our guest, Jacque, had spent much of the day prodding our 15 year old senior kitty, Patches, to play with him, he finally gave that effort a rest and allowed her to join us for a few minutes of group QUIET. I quickly took note and decided that I will use this approach to bonding more often. What a joy it was to lie on the floor and have all 3 dogs and our kitty each languishing near me in relaxation mode without any effort to get anything from one another. No play, no pestering, nada. Try it, and report in. I'd love to hear how your furry family responds.

Before I close this edition of the Weekly Wag, I'd like to leave you with last week's link, in case you missed it due to the Easter holiday: Dog BFF's--Helping Your Pups Bond.

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is

hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Dog BFF's: Helping Your Pups Bond

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Unlikely Pals Watch Each Other's Back

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,

Join us each week for the Weekly Wag bonding series, held during the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop. The hop is

hosted by Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume. You are welcome to link up here, or check any of their sites for their rules of participation. Happy hopping! 

Train Humane Worked for Us!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Me and Jacque...Bonding

I've been working with this fella on his walking skills. He's my mom's adopted Papillon, Jacque. You've probably seen him here before. 

We're doing well at getting better walking manners. Oliver loves to set the example, and Jacque is getting the message with the help of his Walk in Sync system. This humane training method assures that I can't harm his neck, as many can. Join us on September 27 for more information on Train Humane Day. 

ASK THE DOG TRAINER: Keeping the Neighbors Happy

by Judith Joseph 
ASK THE DOG TRAINER Columnist

(c) Carrie Boyko

Neighbors will Tolerate a

Well-Mannered Dog 

Dear Judy:

I just moved into a different house. My new neighbors on each side are not dog lovers. My dog is friendly and wants to go up to them when she sees them outside. One neighbor is fearful and will back away or go inside before I can talk to her.  I have had one chance to speak with her when Dolly was not outside with me. The lady just has no interest and wishes I would keep my dog on a leash at all times. Dolly stays in the yard, so it is not about that. I guess she thinks Dolly will run to her yard and scare her, but so far Dolly is good about staying in our yard.

The other neighbor ignores my dog, even when she is trying so hard to get some attention from this man.  It's okay that he isn't a fan of dogs, but he seems to be transferring this attitude to me as the owner. I probably need to work on SIT STAY or quiet (she does bark a little to get attention) with Dolly, so that when the neighbors are outside she will not walk toward them or bark at them. I don't want enemies for neighbors. Can you suggest anything I might teach Dolly that would help me gain their confidence in her? I will need instructions, too please. 

Thanks, A.M.

--------------------------------------

Dear A.M.:

You can’t pick your family, and unfortunately, you can’t pick your neighbors either.  No matter how friendly your dog is, or how obedient or cute she may be, if your friends, family or neighbors are not dog lovers, there isn’t anything that you can do to change them.  However, there are several things you should do to keep the peace. 

First and foremost, respect your neighbor’s individuality.  They may be irritated at the sound of a dog’s barking, preferring the quiet serenity of fish, cats or birds.  Perhaps they were frightened by a dog at an early age and have developed a phobia.  Or could be a previous neighbor’s dog wasn’t a friendly dog.  Your neighbor could be allergic to dogs.  Maybe they just don’t like dogs, period.  

Whatever the reason, as a responsible dog owner, you must control your dog.  Establish clear boundaries and keep your dog out of your neighbors yards at all times.  If there is not a fence and you cannot put one up, add potted plants or flowers to clearly define your property line.  Always keep her on her leash if there is even a remote possibility you and your neighbors will be outdoors at the same time.  If you are out for a walk and she begins barking at a neighbor, correct her immediately, cross the street or turn and go in the other direction.  

Teach her to obey “sit”, “stay”, “down” and “quiet” and only allow others to pet her when she is seated or in a down position, quiet and calm.   There are many do-it-yourself training books and videos available for purchase on-line, and in your local library, pet or book store.   Once trained, she will be welcomed at the many dog friendly outdoor cafes, pet stores, and dog parks where she can meet, greet, and socialize with many other dog lovers. 

The best way to show your neighbors what a wonderful dog you have is to make sure she is never a nuisance to them.   If they can ‘forget’ she is there, they won’t have any negative feelings towards her – or you.   Sounds a little harsh for us dog lovers, but the truth is you can’t change other people, so let her be an ambassador for all dogs by being the best dog neighbor she can be.   

Visit your neighbors (without your dog), to let them know that you will do your best to keep her well-mannered, quiet, on leash, and off their property.   And then make it happen.  Being a dog owner involves many unexpected responsibilities, but they are our responsibilities none-the-less.

For tips on teaching Sit, Stay, Down and Quiet commands visit Total Control Dog Owner Assistance, or contact a local dog trainer for one-on-one help with obedience training.

Good luck,
Judy

Judith Joseph, D.O.I.
ASK THE TRAINER at All Things Dog Blog
Send your questions to:
LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com

For more information on Judith Joseph and her training, you may find her at TCDOA Dog Training. A personal appointment will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

Be sure to stop in at my dogs' blog, 5 Minutes for Fido, to check out Xena's commentary on this topic. 

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Thanks to D.Q. for sharing Elmo, today's Cover Dog. Isn't he handsome. I bet he's a good neighbor.

Dog-Friendly Workplaces: Insight from an Insider

by Carrie Boyko

Dog-friendly offices are not exactly a commodity. Rarely do I encounter a business that has a dog on site, except for the occasional 'night guard'. This is definitely NOT the tree I'm barking up.  


In seeking to meet and talk with someone whose medium to large business has an open house policy for friendly dogs, I had only to mention this dilemma in front of my husband. After all the people I had spoken to, it turns out hubby is well-acquainted with our expert for this article.


My husband's long time friend, John Cassidy, has run Klutz publishing, as its co-founder, since its beginning. He graciously agreed to an interview on this arguably politically-confused topic. 


After pummeling John with a barrage of questions far too voluminous to publish, I decided to synopsize the interview in favor of the more useful questions that might help business owners that are considering such a venture.


As suspected, John shared the beginnings of his office's dog-friendly policy as a casual and fairly low-rules setup. When an employee with a well-behaved dog expressed interest in having his furry friend tagalong to work, John felt there was no particular reason not to okay it. From what he shared with me, it seems there was a pay off for the company throughout the years. Read on and I'll fill you in.


I was particularly interested to learn how problem situations were handled, when John passed it off as simply as "the HR lady took care of it with a probation, that passed without further incident." When I inquired as to the number of these incidents, he could only remember one--in all these years. And what, I asked, was the apparent problem? It was a  hyperactive pup that lost his office privileges. No surprise there.


While at times there were as many as 4 dogs in the office, they did not generally spend time together, but rather with their owners, a point that John felt was key to the success of the plan. His fairness doctrine considered dog owners as well as their counterparts, and assured that the dog-averse were respected equally by not being overwhelmed in a dog park-like environment.


Finally, John's comments about the pros of allowing dogs in the office were most enlightening:

"I think a dog in the office made a lot of people--probably most--feel as if management was on their side. More informal, more human, more family. We actually see tons of kids brought to work and they're a lot noisier...The benefits the dogs bring to the spirit of the place outweighs their liabilities."

"My bottom line is that a well-behaved dog, or even a few, brings a sense of benign management and family friendliness to a place that works to most everyone's benefit....Unless you have tight quarters and a whole passle of dogs, I'd suspect everyone's preferences could be met."

Well, John, I'd say "That's that! I think you hit the nail on the head."


My office has 3 dogs in it; how about yours? The comment link is at the bottom of the post. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Or perhaps you'd like to learn more:

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