Is your dog hyper, always on the go, or just plain wired for sound? Many dog owners unintentionally use trigger words such as “Is your daddy home?” or “Get the squirrel!” This makes an already hyper dog even more coo-koo!

Paws For A Minute™… Quick Tip for hyper dogs!

Late afternoons are the time of day when most dogs become particularly alert. During these excitable hours try putting your dog on a leash in the house and walk around just for a few minutes. This process helps create eye contact and sets a good example of how you want your dog to behave!

The leash enables your dog to connect to your voice. This 5 minute exercise will change the chaotic pattern in your household  during those daily disturbances. You decide when those moments happen in your daily life. Doing so allows you to show your dog how you want him to behave while using a positive approach. The leash exercise allows your voice to remain nice! After walking around for a few minutes, ask your dog to sit next to you and begin reading a magazine, have lunch, or pay your bills. Apply the tip when you have time in your daily life. This exercise will set a precedence and show your dog how you want him to behave!

Does your dog think his name is “No! No! Bad dog!” every time you come home from work? Greeting your dog in an excited, high pitched voice followed by “Uh!” “No jump!” or “Off!” is a common response of many dog owners. Could your dog’s greeting of jumping up on you be actually induced by you?

Paws For A Minute™… Quick Tip For Jumping!

Try the following behavior modification techniques: When you come home, watch your voice inflection upon saying hello to your dog. In fact, stay silent. This will help you not say “Hi!” and “No jump!” all at the same time. As hard as it is, walk silently past your dog when you come home. Try it, and a few minutes later crouch down on the floor and give your dog a deep massage, silently!

This is one of my many training treats for you. If this tip sounds stupidly simple and you’re thinking, “Could it really be that easy?” and now you’re laughing, the answer is yes! Try it! Sometimes success is as easy as not picking up that cupcake. Remember, you can show love in many different ways. Saying hello to your dog can be done silently and whenever you want with a deep message on the floor. I think we would all love to be greeted that way after a long day!

We love these eco-friendly poop bag carriers made by 4U2ReUse that come in a rainbow of fun, bright colors! Spice up your daily walk with these convenient carriers made from recycled kites, instead of having to stuff your dog’s poop bags in your back pocket. The carriers easily attach to any leash or belt loop, and can store up to 10 biodegradable poop bags inside. Reflective piping even makes you easy to see during a quick spin around the block at night! The carriers are assembled in Los Angeles in a no-sweat workshop, and no two are alike! Check them out here!

Hello from Orlando, Florida! I’m here at the Global Pet Expo scoping out all of the new products, gadgets and trends that will be added to the already booming pet industry this year. This trade show is hosted by the American Pet Products Association and the Pet Industry Distributors Association. Last year the show featured 779 exhibitors, 2,306 booths, and more than 3,000 new product launches! I’ll be getting the latest dish on what’s best for you and your pooch in the coming year… So stay tuned!

Although it may seem like common sense to keep all human medications away from cats and dogs, 89,000 pets ingested over-the-counter and prescription medications in 2007 (According to the ASPCA). Be aware and responsible! Keep all drugs and poisonous household materials far out of reach from Fluffy and Fido.

1. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen are the number one cause of pet poisoning in smaller animals such as cats and dogs. Symptoms include stomach/intestinal ulcers and kidney damage.

2. Methylphenidate in medications that treat ADHD act as a stimulant, causing elevated heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as seizures.

3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) causes red blood cell damage, liver damage and the inability to transport oxygen through the body.

4. Antidepressants cause vomiting and lack of energy as well as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of this include agitation, raised body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, disorientation and seizures.

5. Flourouacil, found in anti-cancer drugs, can be immediately fatal for dogs and also cause vomiting, seizures and heart attack for those who have been mildly exposed.

6. Isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug, may cause seizures and death in pets, particularly dogs because they are unable to metabolize it.

7. Anti-diabetic drugs in oral form cause blood sugar to drop severely, causing disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.

8. Pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant, stimulates animal heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature.

9. Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, hinders the central nervous system of pets, causing depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures, coma and death.

10. Vitamin D dangerously increases blood calcium in pets. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and kidney failure.

Is your puppy ready for adult food? Many dog owners have questions about when to switch their puppy to adult dog food. The general rule goes like this: A puppy’s nutritional needs change at approximately one year. To avoid upsetting your dog’s intestinal tract and creating major bathroom problems, make the change from puppy formula to adult food slowly over a period of four days. Check with your local vet about what’s best for you and your dog.

Happy Wednesday from the Paws For A Minute™ team!

Is your dog gnawing on your last nerve by chewing you out of house and home? Believe it or not, chewing is simply a stage in your puppy’s development, not a bad behavior directed at you. Many dog owners do not realize that their puppy’s teeth are going to fall out! New adult teeth are going to grow in by the time your dog is six months old.

Chewing on things is the only way they can loosen their baby teeth. Therefore, chewing is a function not a behavior. But what a dog chews on over time can become a behavior. In other words, puppy proof, provide plenty of exercise, proper chew toys and nutrition to promote strong teeth.

Even if your dream apartment does not allow pets, there may be a way to get around it. Begin by creating a resume for your dog. Sound stupid? It worked for me!

I once lived in a one-bedroom apartment, in a building where pets were not allowed, with not one but two German Shepherds!

Paws For A Minute™ Quick Tips for pet owners facing this predicament:

• Do not ask prospective landlords if the building allows pets. Go see if you like the place first. Also, check to make sure it is close to a park and the neighborhood is suitable for dog walking.
• Compose your dog’s resume. Be sure to include:

1. Your dog’s name, age and breed.
2. A letter from a former landlord or neighbor attesting to your dog’s good behavior. Ask the writer to include a phone number, too.
3. A letter from your vet describing your dog’s health and the flea control products that are used.
4. A dog training certificate from a group obedience class or letter from a trainer, stating that your dog has completed basic obedience and has no housebreaking problems or separation anxiety.
5. A picture of your pup.

• Meet the prospective landlord without your dog. If you like the landlord and feel you can approach the issue, give him or her the resume and ask if the rules can be bent.