11 Ways to Participate in Responsible Pet Owners Month

February is National Responsible Pet Owners Month. Including a dog or cat in your family can be incredibly rewarding, but "parenting" a happy, healthy pet is also a large commitment! What does it mean to be a responsible pet owner? Here are 11 things to consider:

1. Training. Last month was National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t stress enough the importance of training your dog! With simple manners training, you can help reduce behavior problems, and strengthen the bond between you and your pup!
2. Nutrition. Feed your pet a well-balanced and nutritious diet. There are many quality dog and cat food choices on the market today. With a little research you can find a lot of information on food, and the food that would be best for your pet. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian. Great nutrition sets the foundation for a long, happy and healthy life for your pet! 
3. Clean Up After Your Pet. Whenever you take your dog for an outing, make sure you bring some bags to pick up after your dog. This helps prevent the spread of diseases, and assures a clean environment for everyone to enjoy. Do the same for your cat. Be sure to clean their litter box often so they have clean space to do their business! 
4. Grooming. Groom your pet as often as required for their specific breed. Keep your pet's coat clean with regular trimming (if needed), brushing and baths. Keep your dog or cat’s nails at a comfortable length
5. Hygiene. Beyond grooming, good pet hygiene calls for clean ears and teeth free from plaque and tartar. February is also National Pet Dental Month. One of the most common problems veterinarians see in pets is dental disease, and, unfortunately, these issues can get serious if untreated.
6. Exercise. Give your pet plenty of exercise.  Proper exercise cannot only keep your pet healthy, but also help many behavior problems that are caused by pent up energy.
7. Update Identifications. Current ID tags on your dog or cat’s collar can help ensure that they get home safe and sound if they should wander out of your sight. If your pet isn't microchipped, consider it! If your pet is ever lost, a quick scan will provide rescuers with important phone numbers and addresses to help them reunite you with your pet.
8. Go to the Vet. It is important to schedule an annual veterinary checkup to stay informed about your pet's health. 
9. Travel Safely. You wouldn't ride without using a seat belt and neither should your pet! From crates, to harnesses, to safety nets, there are many options on the market to keep your pet safe in the car. 
10. Pet Proof Your Home. Dogs and cats are curious by nature, so there’s always the possibility that they’ll get into something they shouldn't! Because of this, it’s important to avoid bringing potentially hazardous products into your home. Being educated about the dangers of certain houseplants and choosing more “bio-friendly” products are usually a good place to start.
11. Teach Children to Respect Animals. Teach by example! Children learn by the lead of others, so show them that you care about animals. Always supervise young children around dogs and cats. Teach children the proper way to approach and greet a dog or cat and to always ask the owner before approaching a strange dog.

Of course pet parenting continues beyond February, but this month is a great time to think about all the ways you can continue to enrich your pet's life!

Source: Fido Friendly & 2MillionDogs.Org

Why Do Dogs Beg? How to Train Your Mooching Pooch

As the saying goes: you want what you can’t have. Ever wonder if your dog feels that way about what’s on your dinner plate? Dogs are notorious for begging for human food, even dogs who have never tasted anything but kibble. Why?

According to a recent “Ask a Vet” post on 7x7SF, the answer can be summed up in a single word: optimism. Your furry friend is tempted by the delicious smells coming from your dining room table, whether they have tasted table scraps before or not. Think about it: if you had only eaten bran cereal all your life, and were suddenly shown a chicken sandwich, wouldn't you be intrigued? As innate scavengers, dogs can’t help tracking down human food and pleading for a taste.

Despite dog’s inbred need to mooch, begging is a fairly simple problem to correct. Veterinarian Dr. Jeannine Berger, who is quoted in the “Ask a Vet” post on 7x7.com, recommends using management techniques and training solutions to teach your dog not to beg.

For starters, never feed your dog scraps from the table. This will only reinforce the behavior that you are trying to stop. If you do feed your dog human food, be sure to only reward them with it when they are behaving properly. Presenting the food to them in their regular dog food dish can further distance the human food from your dinner table.

Restricting your dog’s access to the dining room while you eat is one way to stop begging for good. This prevention tactic can be applied by putting up a baby gate, tethering your dog to a nearby piece of furniture or putting them in a crate with a food stuffed toy to keep them occupied.

If you prefer to keep your dog close, remove some of the temptation by making sure they are not hungry during your dinner time. Make a habit out of feeding your pet before you eat dinner, or present them with a food puzzle toy during your meal. A full and otherwise occupied dog will be less inclined to beg for your food.

You can also teach your dog to go to a certain spot during dinner, and reward them with a treat for staying there. Whether it’s a mat, bed, or corner of the room, your dog will begin to associate the spot with a reward, and become motivated to stay.

Every dog owner will find different methods that work best for their pup. The key is to be persistent. Try one training method steadily for a few weeks. If you find it ineffective, try another, and stick to it. As another saying goes: practice makes perfect!

For extra practice, our manners daycare and lodging packages help reinforce behaviors that will make it much easier to stop your dog from begging. Our staff works diligently with dogs to help build sit, lie down, and stay skills that could mean the difference between a peaceful, patient pooch and a drooling, crying dinner-time dog. Call 973-539-0377 to book a manners session today!