Teaching your child not to hit or poke the family dog is not an easy task, I get it. Many parents use the phrase “Don’t bother the dog” or “Be nice to the puppy” and it does not work. I know that sometimes you feel like nothing helps. Try a different approach by having your child make his or her own rules! A little reverse psychology goes a long way. Here’s how:

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢ Quick Tip for parents raising children and the family dog!

Ask your children to help you make up the family doggy rules! Make this a formal fun event and a family affair.

1. Serve ice cream and make it a treat.

2. Write down the rules that you create together.

3. Have your child choose his or her favorite color of marker to decorate the rule page.

4. Frame the rules with a picture of your child and the dog and put it up in a prominent place in the kitchen.

Having your child participate in writing the dog rules empowers them in the process of creating the rules. It becomes a positive experience instead of negative. It also allows your child to see the dog as a family member, not a toy. Of course you will still have to play referee, however it’s easier to refer back to the rules that your own child created!

For example:

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢ Kid Rules

1. Never tease Charlie

2. Never pick up Charlie or Poke Charlie

3. I will not ride Charlie like a horse.

4. If Charlie is nipping at me I will ask my mom or dad to put Charlie indoors so I can play ball or ride my skateboard.

I know your dog is smart, and maybe even smarter than you. Dog owners unknowingly get into many bad habits. How dog owners use their voice inflection and body language impacts the dog’s response to them. Over time these habits can un-train your dog. Could you be conditioning your dog to tune you out?

Paws For A Minute™  Quick Tips for People Training

1. Use of words like “Uh,uh, uh!” can send a mixed signal to your dog.

Better to say the word “No!” to stop your dog from doing something wrong.

2. “Hey!”

Hay is for horses. What most dog owners mean to say instead of  the word “Hey!” is actually “No!” or “Come.” We often reference the word “Hey” to mean “Come back here!” or “Stop!” It is better to say the word “No” to stop your dog and then in a happy voice say the word “Come!” Try it and see what happens.

3. Repeating your dog’s name over and over in order to get his attention.

Using your pet’s name repeatedly in order to get his focus is a bad dog owner habit. This actually teaches your dog to tune you out! (Ask your spouse if this technique works) It’s better to use movement with praise to get your dogs attention. For example, use movement along with the phrase “Let’s go!” to get your dog to follow you. You don’t need to say your dog’s name first.

4. Trying to catch your dog or coaxing him to come creates the opposite effect.

Reaching out for your dog or trying to catch him will actually teach your pup to run away from you. Trying to snatch your dog or chasing him indicates play. Therefore, a game will start and so will your frustration. Try walking away from your dog and whistle, then he will follow you.

Bottom line: Training your dog formally (on a leash) and learning basic obedience commands is key. Then both you and your dog will be referring to the same language. Think first when wanting your dog to follow an action and be clear.

Parenting can be challenging, let alone doing it along with raising a puppy or having a dog! Whichever your case, moms and dads need to understand that children, no matter what their age, are always looking to you for guidance and so is your dog!

Whether you are raising a puppy or own an adult dog, having children in the mix can have its own special neurosis. You may find yourself yelling at the kids or your dog constantly. Neither choice is effective or positive. Here are two of my tips that have helped many of my clients over the years..

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢ Tips for children three years and up:

1. Talk to your kids at bedtime about dogs. The focus is different and it allows for the positive to come out. Spend a few minutes at bedtime reflecting not reprimanding your child for poking and squeezing the family dog. That way you are both characterizing what your family dog means to the family and all of the good qualities about your dog. This reminds your child that a dog is not a toy.

2. Begin a photo album exclusively about your dog and your child. This is a creative way to include your child in the process of owning a dog. Include photo’s identifying daily tasks such as feeding, walking, training and  going to the vet etc. By isolating each task with a photo is a fun way to teach your child the importance of each task and encourages involvement.

Dogs and children should always have adult supervision when together!!

Name: August

Nicknames: Augie the Doggie, Biggie Boy, Mr. Big

Weight: 100 lbs

Breed: German Shepherd Dog

Age: 6 years

Owner: Inger Martens

Location: Hollywood Hills, California

Hobbies: Chasing crows, giving slobbery kisses and having the occasional beer with the boys.

Partner in Crime: Daisy the terrier mix

Happy 6th Birthday Biggie! We love you!

Could this happen to you? Giving up your dog is not something that anyone wants to admit: Failure. How does this happen to the millions of dogs currently in the shelter system? Mostly because of unrealistic expectations on the part of the dog owner. It requires people to simply think about whether they can manage raising a dog. People need to think about training, grooming, food, vet bills, toys, chew bones and unexpected circumstances that could pop up over the fifteen years or so of owning a pet!

1. Think first

Think about whether you can walk your dog at least  20 minutes daily, excluding potty breaks. If not, behavior and training problems will begin to appear over time. Fitting your dog into your daily life is the key to success.

2. Put money away for vet bill emergencies when your dog is a puppy and start a doggie account.

Really? Yes, really! People ask me all the time about dog health insurance and I do think it is a good idea! Dogs can get every disease we can get. A pet’s lifespan is sadly only ten to fifteen years and they can get every disease known to man. Heart problems, cancer, knee problems, injuries… You name it. Better to be prepared and if no bad health issues occur then your bank account (in fifteen years) will be fat and you can go on a sweet vacation!

3. You need to know that dog training happens in different stages.

Just like children, dogs go through stages. When getting a puppy, do not expect your dog to understand everything within a three-month time span. Your dog is looking to you to guide him. This blog is intended to guide YOU, the dog owner, to success through these stages. Keep reading and enjoy the process!

This week we’ve chosen to highlight this fabulous product, the Sleepypod® mobile pet bed. The Sleepypod allows small dogs and cats to travel in the familiarness of their own bed, simply by attaching a sturdy mesh top. The bed fits all airline carry-on requirements and can even be used as a car seat! Complete with ultra plush bedding, the Sleepypod can also be climate controlled simply by adding either the Sleepypod Warmer Kit in cold conditions or the Sleepypod Air Mesh Bedding in warmer temperatures. The original Sleepypod fits dogs up to 12.5 pounds and cats up to 15 pounds. The mini Sleepypod accommodates your smaller companions, allowing dogs weighing up to 5.5 pounds and cats up to 7 pounds.

Check out more Sleepypod® products and shop here.

Pure happiness! If you don’t own one of these fancy contraptions, read my blog on Fetch!

Do your research even if you have owned a pet. We can have selective memory as to time, costs and energy going into raising and loving a dog. We often forget what puppyhood was like after having a dog for 15 years. It’s good to make sure you can really go the distance with a new family member.

2. Are you an athlete or a couch potato?

Like with any relationship, having things in common matters. For example, if you are a mellow person, then get a mellow dog. Yes, of course training can influence a dog’s temperament–but this is also an age issue. Great young adult dogs of all breeds can be found in shelters that may fit your bill. If you are an active family or household and want to hike and bike–knock yourself out with a puppy 0r an athletic breed of dog or mutt.

3. Do you want to include your dog in your daily workouts?

Maybe I ask this question because many busy people (who want a dog) often go for the athletic high energy breeds. Unfortunately, these high energy dogs often end up at home waiting for their owners to come home from the gym and don’t get the exercise needed. The advice I have for a working person, who also goes to the gym more than walking or hiking outdoors should forget the uber working, herding or terrier-like  breeds. Stick to the fun middle-of-the-road temperaments and breeds.

4. Do you think small breeds are easier to handle?

Well, not always!  Some small breed dogs are not easier to train or exercise than larger breeds. For example, a Jack Russell or a Boston Terrier can be quite a handful in terms of exercise needs. Whereas a Great Pyrenees or even a Bull Mastiff are large but can sometimes be mellow and lumbering in disposition. In other words, do your research and don’t think that all little breeds are easy. Do your research on your own lifestyle and daily routine to see what size, temperament and age of dog best matches your daily routine and family.

5. Are you or any family members allergic to dogs?

My advice for potentially allergic family members is to go to an animal shelter and visit many friends with dogs to see the person in question’s reaction. Allergies can vary and it isn’t just the dog’s hair–it’s the dander. Therefore, breeds like Poodles, Maltese, and Portuguese Water dogs along with many other breeds are not always the answer. This is an individual issue and everyone reacts differently. Be sure.

6. Is everyone in your family in agreement with owning a dog?

Make sure everyone is in agreement! Couples are often not on the same page on whether to get a dog and this can cause a problem! The one who can eventually end up losing is the dog, A great way around this is to make a plan. Make a list of expenses, vet bills, food, time and training classes. Finding a breed that matches your lifestyle is the key. Have fun looking and do not make an impulsive choice. I have seen the most obstinate people who are against getting a dog be won over with wags. You just have to go about it the right way.

7. Are you getting a dog just because your child wants one?

Are you getting a dog only because your child has been hounding you for years? Many parents experience this pressure. My advice is not to get a dog only because your child wants one. The responsibility will and should fall exclusively on you–the parent. This can be a great experience, but remember, you will be the one guiding both your dog and child throughout your daily routine.

According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is one of the top 10 reasons dogs and cats are given up by their owners. Moving with can bring up stress for both you and your dog. Preparation is key to making a smooth transition from old house to new. Here are some of my tips for a successful move!

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢… Tips on preparing for a move with your pet.

1. Check the pet policy.

Many rentals require a pet deposit, or simply do not accept pets at all. Be aware of what is required and communicate clearly with your landlord and new neighbors. Many apartments and condos also have weight and number restrictions on pets. Do your research beforehand!

2. Prepare your dog/cat  for the move in advance. Begin using the “wait” command to indicate leaving on short errands before you move.

Using the words “sit” and “wait” triggers a command of how you want your dog to behave. The first few days and nights in your new home may trigger an insecurity. New noises, sounds, smells come with the new territory. You will have to leave to do an errand or go to work leaving your dog in the new house alone. Gating your dog for a few weeks before you move will set a pattern of denning and get your dog used to a routine.

Get a baby gate and /or a crate and use the den concept to create a sense of security several weeks before you move. Moving can be a hectic time. Dogs can sense this nervous energy. Dogs are innately den animals and they love having their own place, den or room, so to speak. Therefore creating an area within your house by gating off a room for an hour several times a day (while you’re home) will help prepare your dog for being in your new house the first few days. Gating will also help with open doors and gates during the hectic move.

3. Expand their new environment slowly.

When you arrive at your new residence, do not give your dog or cat have free reign of the house. Giving them their own room yet not shutting a door on them is key. Shutting a door on a dog can create anxiety stress. You can’t explain things like “I’m going to a movie and dinner and I will be right back,” but you can show them through giving them a safe place to hang out. Music helps a lot too. Gating or crating allows a dog to acclimate slowly to the overwhelming new sights, sounds and smells.

4. Get new name tags in advance.

Put this on the top of your list. In addition to address changes for mail carriers and bills don’t forget pet tags!

Save on your vet bills and be informed!

Most dogs seldom need to have their ears cleaned. However, there are a lot of breeds that get chronic ear problems! Ear problems can be from a variety of different issues such as mites, allergies or foreign bodies getting stuck in ear canals. For instance, one time my own dog Daisy somehow got a fox tail in her ear canal on our walk.

Paws For A Minuteâ„¢… Health Tips!

1. A great dog owner tip is to do a full body check on your dog once a month. It could prevent major infections by catching potential problems early.

2. When giving your dog a bath make sure no water gets into the ears. You can put cotton wadding or balls to gently cover the ear canal to prevent water from getting inside.

3. Give your dog a treat. Put him on the leash in the house for 5 minutes. Brush your dog in a calm mellow manner. This way you can inspect his coat and ears for any early signs of lumps, bumps or infections.

4. If you discover anything odd always check with your veterinarian.