Jacqueline Whitmore is not only an etiquette expert — she’s also the owner of two dogs, one of which, a 22-pound King Charles, pretty much goes everywhere she goes. She’s taken him to Bloomingdale’s, Office Depot, and even to her local grocery store, so long as he’s hanging out in his comfy dog carrier.  But Whitmore, the Palm Beach, Florida-based author of Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work (St. Martin’s Press), says she draws the line at dining out with him if she hasn’t had time to check out the restaurant’s pet policy in advance, either with a call or a visit.

Etiquette For Dog-Friendly Restaurants

• Know Your Dog 

To have an enjoyable meal out, your dog has to be okay around crowds, noises, and strangers, Whitmore says. “Many people will come up and pet him while I’m dining out, and that’s okay because he is docile. But you have to know your dog’s personality before you head out to eat.” The last thing you want him to do is to snap at a couple at an adjacent table while eating or spending the entire meal sniffing around a fellow patron’s ankles. If your dog might be a snapper or a sniffer, consider enrolling it in a basic obedience class before you venture out.

• Keep Your Dog’s Dining Needs In Mind 

“Your dog is your dining partner,” Whitmore says. “When you order water, order water for him too. Just don’t assume the restaurant will supply a bowl. Be sure to bring one yourself.” Or, if you’ve forgotten one, most servers will bring a take-out container filled with water. Be sure to tip them for the effort.

• Mind Your and Your Dog’s Manners While Dining with Dogs

“If your dog isn’t well-trained and won’t sit quietly by your side or at a safe distance, don’t bring him,” says Daisy Okas, a spokesperson for the American Kennel Club. “He shouldn’t lie in the way of the wait staff, bark, jump on people, beg for food from other patrons’ tables or pull at the leash.” Your dog should never stand on a chair or put any part of its body on the table.

• Never Allow the Dog to Eat From Your Plate

“This is a major faux pas,” Whitmore says. “If I don’t have my dish, I’ll ask the restaurant for a plastic cup, and I’ll put that on the floor with food in it.” FYI: There are some health reasons to consider if you allow your dog to eat off your plate. “There could be different bacterial or intestinal parasites being spread from the dog to the plate,” says Susan Nelson, DVM, assistant professor at Kansas State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Manhattan, Kansas. “Plus, it just plain grosses people out.” Consider this: If you allow your dog to sit on your lap and feed it bites from the table, this sets a bad precedent. “This will teach your dog that it’s okay to be fed from a table, and they’ll then learn to beg,” Whitmore says. “I set boundaries with my dog. His place is by my feet — always.”

• Make Sure You’re Dining with Dogs In a Safe Place

Many city health codes don’t allow a dog to be inside any outdoor seating area where food is served, so be prepared to tie your dog to a railing or fence while eating. “Neither scenario is ideal,” says Okas. “I would advise avoiding any restaurant where your dog can’t be tied or, at the very least, kept in your direct line of sight. If you are even slightly uneasy about the situation, I wouldn’t chance it. No meal is worth the headache of having something happen to your precious dog.”

Article written by Author: Lambeth Hochwald

Many dog owners seem to feel that walking their dog must be done; a chore that goes along with dog ownership. But walking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore — it can be so much more. When you’re out walking your dog, you are spending time together, interacting with each other, and sharing the sights and sounds of the world around you.

Opportunity for Training

The time spent walking your dog is also a great time to refresh training skills. Walking your dog is no fun if your dog is dragging you down the street, so teaching her to walk nicely on the leash is an excellent skill to emphasize. Have a few treats in one pocket, or if your dog isn’t motivated by treats, take a favorite small toy. When your dog begins to surge forward on the leash (before she is pulling hard), show her the treat or toy, tell her, “Sweetie, watch me!” and make a 180-degree turn. Use the treat or toy to make sure she turns with you, and praise her, “Good girl! Super!” Give her the treat or let her play with her toy for a few moments. After a few surprising turns, she will begin to keep an eye on you when you’re out walking. When she does, praise her.

Opportunity for Socialization

Walking your dog is a wonderful time to meet and greet your neighbors. To protect your neighbors from your dog’s enthusiastic greetings and dirty paws, teach your dog to sit when people greet her by holding her collar with one hand and tucking her hips under her with the other hand. Don’t let your neighbors pet her while she’s misbehaving; that would reward her bad behavior. Once she’s sitting (even if you have to help her do it), your neighbors can greet her and make a fuss over her.

Opportunity for Your Dog to Work

You can also give your dog a job to do while walking. You might be amazed at how much satisfaction your dog will get from something as merely as carrying some of your junk mail home from the mailbox! Put a rubber band or two around several pieces of junk mail or advertisements, making the mail into a tube shape. Hand it to your dog and tell her,

“Take it!” and encourage her to follow you with it. Praise her, “Good girl to take it! Super!” Begin by having her carry it just a few steps and make a big deal over her efforts. With praise and encouragement, she will carry it longer or even carry a small bag home from the grocery store.

Walking your dog is so much more than just a chore. While walking your dog, you are outside in the fresh air, you’re getting some exercise, you’re meeting people, and you’re practicing your dog’s social and training skills. All these things are excellent ways to strengthen your relationship with your dog.

Article written by Author: Liz Palika

Betty Horner, a grandmother of seven in Middleburg, Va., has been bringing pets on family road trips since before some of her kids could walk. “It used to be that the dogs could only come if we were camping out or going to the beach house,” says Horner. “Now, if we want to, we can take our dogs to the Four Seasons.”

For many families, a vacation is no longer vacation without their dog present. Bringing a dog along requires serious consideration, from deciding on your transportation mode to determining where to stay and what to do. 

Nine Things You Need to Do Before You Bring Your Dog on Holiday With You:

1. Choose Your Lodging Carefully

When choosing a hotel, take time to find out what the pet policies are. Many hotels have weight limits; some have breed restrictions, and most require reservations. Most hotels post pet policies on their Website, but it’s a good idea to review the rules when you make your reservation, so there are no surprises later.

Also, be sure you know the rules once you arrive. Len Kain, vice president of marketing at DogFriendly, says, “Don’t assume you can sit in the lobby and drink with your dog or play chess with your dog.” Most hotels provide pet owners with a list of rules upon check-in. If you don’t receive a list when in doubt, ask about the hotel’s policies.

Many hotels now cater to dog owners like you. You can stay at hotels ranging from luxury chains, where you can expect royal rover treatment, to reasonably priced hotels, which place more emphasis on functionality rather than style.

Puttin’ On the Rover Ritz

With few exceptions, nearly the entire Ritz Carlton chain allows dogs. Just be sure to check the pet policy at your particular destination, as rules can differ among various hotels, even if they are under associated ownership. Call ahead to ask if your dog is welcome at that specific hotel and keep in mind that each hotel within a chain may offer different pet perks.

For example, at the Ritz Carlton in New Orleans, you can arrange for a dog bed, tags, chew toys, bowls, designer collars, and leashes. The hotel even provides door hangers saying “woof,” and the staff will show you the grass, a block away, where your dog can do its business.

“We’ve had several movie crews enjoy long-term stays here with their pets,” said Char Schroeder, a Ritz spokesperson. “Queen Latifah was here for three months with her Weimaraner, Isis. We provide dog walkers and sitters.” Schroeder adds, “To get the most out of your visit, I recommend calling ahead to discuss your pet’s size, age, and needs, and we’ll explain what amenities are available.” Although the hotel’s policy applies to dogs 40 pounds or less, it accepts larger dogs on a case-by-case basis. Discuss the matter with your agent when making reservations.

Loews Loves Pets, Too

The Loews hotel chain offers a “Loews Loves Pets” program that begins with a personal note from the hotel’s general manager. It lists all the pet services available at the hotel, plus dog walking routes, veterinary contacts, nearby pet shops and groomers, pet sitters, and restaurants where dogs are welcome. 

• Dogs receive complimentary pet treats and a toy. 
• Pets get their own placemats with food and water bowls.
• Specialized pet bedding is available. 

Loews’ “Did You Forget Closet” includes dog beds, leashes, collars, and pet videos. Even room service caters to pets by offering grilled lamb or chicken for dogs. Loews will help arrange for special services and, after you leave, the staff initiates a thorough “pet-cleaning process” that includes filtered vacuums to remove pet allergens so that all future guests can enjoy their stay, too.

Read Up and Hit the Red Roof

If you often travel, consider purchasing a guide such as DogFriendly.com’s Lodging Guide for Travelers with Dogs (DogFriendly.com Inc. 2008). According to the online resource DogFriendly, many of the larger, widespread chains accept pets. These include Best Western, Candlewood-Staybridge, Choice Hotels, Holiday Inn, La Quinta Inns/Suites, Loews, Motel 6, Novotel Innworks, Red Roof Inn, Sheraton-Westin, and Studio 6. Expect a one-time pet fee per stay at most chain hotels. The price usually ranges from $25 to $150.

The Red Roof Inn’s 350 hotels all accept dogs. The chain attracts dog show attendees, as well as families and individuals traveling with their dogs. “Some people drive twenty or thirty miles out of their way to stay with us because they know how pet-friendly we are,” said Randy Fox of Red Roof Inn. “If you call ahead, we’ll arrange for a convenient first-floor room for you.” 

Red Roof Inn’s Dog Rules

Technically, the hotels only allow one pet per room, but their staff understands the needs of dog show people with multiple canines, and they will try to work out a suitable arrangement. In general, however, it helps to travel with just one dog, since it’s hard enough to keep track of one, much less two or more, when on the road.

Red Roof Inn asks that you mention your dog when checking in, so housekeeping knows your pet is there. They require that pets not be left unattended, although someone inevitably breaks the rules. “We’ve had cases where surprised housekeeping staff has run after a dog, but we haven’t lost one yet,” says Fox. “We had a big manhunt once where the whole staff got in cars and drove around and found the runaway dog.” Fox adds, “We try to have as few rules as possible to make it easy for folks with pets to stay with us; all we ask is that our guests use common courtesy.”

Ways to Get the Most from Your Stay

• Call Ahead to ensure dogs are welcome because, in some chains, the pet policy is up to the franchise owner.
• Ask what the pet policy is since all hotels have one. Discuss your situation before you arrive, not when you’re checking in.
• Inform the hotel staff of your pet’s size and age. Don’t consider sneaking a Great Dane into a hotel that has a 40-pound limit for dogs. Ask about your big dog because decisions are often made on a case-by-case basis, and let’s face it, you can’t sneak around a hotel’s interior corridors with a Great Dane or other large dogs anyway.
• Ask what amenities are available, such as bowls, beds, leashes, pet sitting, and dog walking.
• Don’t leave your dog unattended if that’s the policy. Barking could disturb other guests, and the housekeeper could accidentally let your dog out of your room, which can be a nightmare for both owners and hotel staff.
• Respect the hotel’s policy about where dogs are allowed on the premises.
• Consider your needs and develop a detailed itinerary before deciding where to stay.
• Ask the front desk about nearby safe dog-walking routes.

Assure a Warm Welcome in the Future

It takes just a few bad apples to spoil the barrel. Some chains have only recently allowed dogs. Inconsiderate behavior could reverse that trend. Be sure to mind both your and your dog’s manners. For example, it’s critical to prevent excess barking, and you must immediately pick up your dog’s feces. The bottom line is that for a dream vacation with your dog to stay dreamy, you have to consider others. If you and your dog behave yourselves, you’ll both be welcome back soon.

2. Getting There – Plane, Train, Automobile or Bus?

If you plan to travel with your dog in tow, you can cross Amtrak and Greyhound off your list of transportation options, since the only canines permitted are service dogs.

Driving is certainly the most conducive to bringing a dog because you are in control, and you are still in your environment. When it comes to pit stops, however, you need more than just a clean bathroom. Plan your stops in areas where you can safely walk your leashed dog. See our article ‘How Do I Keep My Dog Safe In The Car?‘ for safety advice while driving with your dog in the car. 

3. Can I Take My Dog on a Plane? – Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Air

Air travel is complicated enough, and when you add a dog to the mix, it can get downright crazy. With a little planning, though, it is doable. Horner, who only flies with her small dogs, which can fit under the seat, says, “There are many factors to consider when you bring your dog on the plane. I only fly direct, and I dread delays even more so than usual.”

Whether your dog is small enough to travel in the cabin or is relegated to the cargo section, the airlines have strict guidelines for flying with a pet, especially when it comes to kenneling and feeding and watering your dog before departure. You must follow all instructions to help ensure a safe journey for your pet and fellow passengers. You can find pet policies on most airline Websites or by calling the airline’s customer service number.

Did you know Pugs are at an increased risk when flying, compared with other dogs? Veterinarians have long been concerned about this fact, and now there’s more evidence thanks to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). During a five year collection period, DOT recorded all pet deaths during air travel. There were 122 dog deaths in that period, and approximately half of them were “short-faced” breeds, like Pugs and Bulldogs.

Breed-Specific Flying Problems

Brachycephalic is the word used for these kinds of dogs, including Boxers, Bullmastiffs, Pekingese, and others. The defining characteristic is a skull that’s broad and short. “These brachycephalic dogs tend to have abnormalities that cause them to have a constellation of respiratory issues,” says Dr. Trisha Joyce, an emergency veterinarian at New York City Veterinary Specialists. “Many of them also tend to be excited, nervous dogs. So, anxiety-producing situations would cause them to pant more and become more anxious. This panting can drive temperatures up and cause them to hyperventilate.”

Joyce thinks the real trouble is due to being away from their owners in the cargo hold. She advises against air travel if you have a Pug or Bulldog that would need to travel in the cargo hold. Many airlines will also no longer fly Bulldogs under any circumstances.

Safe Air Travel for Dogs

While 122 deaths may seem like a lot, the DOT calls it an “extremely small percentage” of the total number of dogs that traveled by air in those five years, but the DOT does not record the number of dogs that fly successfully. Many brachycephalic dogs did not make the list, such as Chow Chows, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers.

“This number is hard to assemble because the airlines are not required to report it,” says Susan Smith, president of PetTravel.com. “We have heard that it is somewhere around 2 to 3 million.” Pet Travel is a repository of mostly free information that helps people travel with their pets. You can get lists of dog-friendly hotels, animal policies for different airlines, and even pet immigration information. “We started in the late 1990s with less than 2,000 pet-friendly hotels nationwide,” says Smith. “Now, we have over 36,000 pet-friendly hotels and services in our database.”

Other companies, like PetAirways.com and FlyPets.com, are animal-only airlines. All animals fly in the cabin, and there are trained flight attendants on board. Prices might be a little steeper, and only select significant cities are serviced.

Tips for Flying With Your Dog

Tiny dogs will be allowed to fly in the cabin with you, and Joyce recommends going that route. Otherwise, she and Smith offer some tips to assure your dog has a safe flight:

• Get a Veterinarian’s Clearance

If you are flying, you must present a health certificate signed by your veterinarian when you check-in. This document certifies that your dog is current on all vaccinations and is fit to travel. Be sure to keep this piece of paper in a safe place with your other travel documents. While you are at your veterinarian’s office, also stock up on any medications your dog will require while you are both away from home.

• Don’t Skimp on the Crate

Get a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. It should also have adequate ventilation and spring-locked doors.

• Practice Having Your Dog in the Crate

If your dog is not accustomed to being in a crate, take your dog on car trips while inside the crate, preferably to a place your dog likes.

• Choose a Direct Flight

It’s stressful enough for dogs to fly, but being transferred to a different plane’s cargo hold can add to it. If you must, make it a transfer where you can be with your dog in between. Hydrate your dog when you do.

• Be Proactive

Ask questions and make sure the airline staff knows your dog is onboard. Ask to receive confirmation that your dog was safely loaded, and make sure the captain is informed since he or she monitors the cargo hold’s temperature and pressure.

The vast majority of dogs who fly do so with no problems, so don’t let the fear of a rare event ruin your plans.

4. Get Your Dog Prepared to Travel

According to Kain, “You should orient your dog to traveling before your trip. If the only place you take your dog in the car is to the veterinarian’s office, your dog will not like the car. Start taking your dog places that are fun for your dog.” Additionally, if you are planning an active vacation, make sure your dog is in top condition. After getting a clean bill of health from your veterinarian, try going on long walks, runs, or hikes with your dog to prep your pet. If you know you will encounter crowds on your trip, make sure your dog is comfortable around people by taking it with you to parks and other dog-friendly places where you can test your dog’s people skills.

5. Take Your Dog’s Usual Food and Water

While you may be ready to sample the local cuisine, your dog is used to eating the same food every day and dealing with enough excitement without a sudden change in diet.
It is a good idea to bring water from home or try buying filtered water at your destination to prevent diarrhea. “We’ve been taking our dogs to the beach for almost thirty years,” Horner says. “It took a couple of years before I realized that bringing water from home prevented an awful lot of stomach problems and messes.”

6. Make Sure Your Dog Has a Collar With a Current ID Tag

If you and your dog should become separated, you want to do everything possible to ensure a quick reunion. The best way to do this is to securely attach a current contact number to your dog’s collar. You may also want to talk to your veterinarian about implanting a microchip in your dog since collars and ID tags can fall off.

7. Bring Your Dog’s Leash

Your dog may be correctly trained off-leash, but according to Kain, using a leash is a good idea when “your dog is in an environment, not his own, and is exposed to new scents.” In addition to protecting your dog, a leash provides a sense of security to people around you who may be fearful of dogs. Also note that some places, mainly in the United States, have leash laws requiring you to keep your dog on its leash while in public.

8. Bring Your Dog’s Bed or Crate and a Favorite Toy

If you have children, you appreciate the importance of packing your child’s security blanket. 

The same goes for dogs that will be much more relaxed if they have their bed with all its familiar lumps and scents. Also, be sure to pack enough toys to keep your dog entertained.  If your dog is crate trained, seriously consider bringing its crate. Many hotels require that dogs be crated when left alone in the room.

9. Know When to Leave Your Dog at Home

When all is said and done, if your dog is going to spend the entire vacation cooped up in a hotel room alone, or if your dog is antisocial, aggressive, or anxious in new situations, your dog may be better off at home with a pet sitter. With a little forethought, a solid plan, and some common sense, however, there is no reason your dog can’t take part in your next adventure.

Article written by Author: Cricky Long, Elijah Merrill, Phyllis DeGioia, and The Dog Daily Expert

Animal shelters often try to adopt out “bonded pairs,” dogs that have been living together or have a secure connection. But the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in California didn’t quite know how to handle an unusual twosome that ended up in its care recently. Mama, a 7-year-old Shetland Sheepdog mix, and her best buddy Kiki, a 7-year-old short-haired gray and white cat, had grown up together.

“They had been living together for seven years,” says Beth Ward, vice president of animal and customer care at HSSV. “They slept together. They ate together. They played together. They were the perfect odd couple.”

Mama and Kiki had to be separated initially because the shelter houses cats and dogs in different facilities.

But they were eventually reunited when the shelter found a family willing to adopt a pair of pet friends that defies nature.

Do Dogs Like Cats?  

Friendships between dogs and cats — and sometimes between dogs and other animals, such as ducks and birds and bunnies — are seemingly unnatural. Let loose on a playground; a dog will give in to predatory instincts and chase a cat, squirrel, or bird.

Pet owners need to understand the differences in the social order between species. Cats are more elusive and will approach others when they feel the need. Dogs are pack animals and want to be as close to people as possible. But things can change when domestic animals are brought up together, experts say.

“When you think of the domestic dog and cat, you’re talking about socialization,” says Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association and a professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University. “If, as a puppy and a kitten, they are around the opposite species, they usually do fine. It has to do with how they’re raised.”

How To Introduce a Dog To a Cat

If you have a 4-year-old dog that has never been around a cat before, the odds are that bringing a cat into the house will be an uphill battle. But nothing is impossible. Laura Fulda, another HSSV vice president, had three large dogs when she brought a stray cat from the shelter home. “Before I knew it, they were all sleeping on the bed together,” Fulda laughs.

Fulda says she followed the guidelines developed by animal behaviorists and published on the shelter’s website. Here are five ways to help your pets feel the love:

• Felines Make the First Move 

Letting a big dog approach a small cat is a recipe for trouble. The cat is going to tolerate only a bit of sniffing before running away. That will only convince Rover to chase. Let the cat make the first move to learn to trust you and that strange, drooling beast.

• Keep Your Dog On a Leash 

During initial encounters, keep your dog on a rope — especially if it isn’t trained to come to a halt when you say, “No.” The HSSV also suggests keeping a squirt bottle handy to spray the dog in the face lest it starts annoying the kitty.

• Provide an Outlet For the “Chase” Instinct 

Make sure your dog fulfills its natural prey instinct and gets to chase something — a ball, Frisbee, or a squirrel in the yard. Exercise can calm your pup and ensure better behavior indoors, especially with your cat.

• Let the Cat Hide If Need Be 

Dogs want to run up and sniff strange new creatures. Felines investigate more gradually. “Keep them separated with a baby gate,” Ward suggests. “Make sure the cat always has an escape route.” Before you know it, the cat may be leaping over voluntarily to spend more time in the canine zone.

• Praise Positive Interactions 

Make sure your dog gets lots of positive feedback for good behavior. A happy, “Good dog,” and a playful scratch might be just the encouragement a dog needs.

Making a Good Match

When teaching a dog a new trick — such as learning to tolerate or even to like a new pet in the household — ask yourself a few questions:

• Is your home big enough for two pet species?
• If you have a dog, was that dog raised with cats?
• What type of temperament does your dog have?

• Has the new cat been around dogs before?

“Not every dog is going to get along with cats, and not every cat is going to get along with dogs,” Ward says.

Sometimes other creatures are in the mix. The HSSV was presented with an even more difficult adoption situation a few years ago. “We had a dog, a cat and a duck that were bonded,” Ward recalls. Unable to find one family willing to take all three, the unusual bedfellows had to be separated. Ward says, “We had to deal with depression in all three of these animals.”

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

How Do I Communicate Better With My Dog?

Author and animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., was recently hired to stop an aggressive dog from biting so much. When introduced to the chomp-happy pooch, Dr. McConnell was surprised to learn that the canine’s name was Baby. “His owner was treating him like a baby,” explaining that the dog had a problematic sense of entitlement and needed a name change for a start.

In her latest book, A Tale of Two Species: Essays on Loving and Living With Dogs (Dogwise Publishing 2008), Dr. McConnell offers tips on strengthening the connection between you and your furry friend. She shared some of her best advice for loving and living with a dog.

Understand Your Common Experience With Your Dog

Dogs, humans, and all mammals appear to share many underlying feelings. “We share primal emotions, like fear, anger, and happiness, with dogs,” says Dr. McConnell. It’s essential to make an emotional connection. For example, when your dog rushes to greet you on your return from the outside world, recognize and share its excitement and joy. If a knock at the door sends Rover into a fearful frenzy, soothe him like you would want to be comforted when afraid.

Walk on All Fours With Your Dog

Trying to imagine a dog’s perspective beyond basic emotions can be difficult. So much of a dog’s world is defined by smell, while we use that sense much less. While we can’t make our olfactory sense more powerful, we can adjust our perspective differently. “Get down at your dog’s eye level. It’s shocking how different the world looks,” says Dr. McConnell.

Dr. McConnell also recommends using your nose a little more than usual. “When I was writing a chapter on smell, every time my dog would stop and sniff, I’d get down and sniff, too. You can smell a lot of things you didn’t know you could.” Keep in mind that dogs and humans have different ideas about what odors are aversive. Your dog feels the same way about aftershave that you do about rotten fish.

Learn Body Language

A typical training problem is that people are often unaware of how they’re moving their bodies when communicating with their dogs. They’ll say “lie down” but will move their own body in the same motion as asking the dog to come. “We rely so heavily on verbal language, we’re not conscious of our body movements,” adds Dr. McConnell.

A dog looks to body movements for cues on what its owner wants, she notes. It’s, therefore, essential to be consistent and match your commands with the same actions.

Don’t Choose Domination

While dogs need consistency and order to feel safe and loved, they don’t need a marine drill sergeant for a caretaker. “There’s an old-fashioned concept that you have to establish dominance by eating first and things like that. However, if you look at the behavior of species with social hierarchies, like dogs, dominance is something designed to resolve conflicts without fighting because fighting is dangerous.” She believes that getting your dog to come when you call has nothing to do with dominance.

As another example, instead of insisting that you walk through the door before your pooch does, think of enforcing rules necessary for your dog’s safety. 

Your dog should be able to stop on command or not to take people’s food from the table.

How Can I Understand My Dog Better?

Your dog is virtually living with an alien. It doesn’t speak your language. It tries to figure you out, but if you are inconsistent and unclear, your dog has no idea what you want. “Dogs I see who suffer the most are those who live their lives confused and exhausted,” says Dr. McConnell. “It can break your heart.”

Keep in mind that dogs need to understand their environments, just like we do. Maintain consistent expectations for your dog and communicate them clearly and in the same way every time. She concludes, “That’s the most important thing that people can do: create a world that makes sense to their dogs.”

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

Our dogs can make every day feel like a holiday, given their playfulness, puppy-at-heart good natures, and satisfaction with just being by our side. And if you typically go everywhere with your dog, it’s no wonder you want to take your dog on holiday with you.

Charlotte Reed, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners for Pets and Their People, points out that not all dogs, or destinations, make such visits possible. Some people love dogs but don’t want them as visitors. Other friends and family members may suffer from pet allergies. And the reality may be that even though you love and understand your dog, your pet could be aggressive around others, not be properly housebroken, bark when lonely, or be a destructive chewer.

When Gerard Hanson of New York City planned a road trip to visit a friend in Maine, he was excited to bring his puppy, Charles, along. But the trip did not go smoothly. “Charles got carsick,” explains Hanson. “Then my friend didn’t want me leaving him at his house alone for more than an hour or two, so my plans for different activities were more or less ruined.” 

Dr. Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, has heard stories like Hanson’s before. “Deciding to travel with a dog is a commitment. If making sacrifices on vacation doesn’t appeal to you, leave your pet at home,” she cautions. Below, Dr. Murray offers advice for those who decide that the company is worth the extra effort.

But assuming that your hosts are receptive to dogs and that your pet is well-behaved, here are our tips:

How To Prepare to Take Your Dog on Holiday

• Talk With Your Host Ahead of Time About Your Dog

Address any potential problems, such as issues involving your host’s children and pets, furniture concerns, dog bathroom issues, etc.

• Investigate Nearby Kennels and Pet Sitters Close to Your Host’s Home

Just in case things don’t work out as you planned and you need a plan B. 

• ID tag or Microchip for Your Dog

If your dog doesn’t have an ID tag or microchip already, it is now a good time to invest in both. The identification should provide two phone numbers where you can be contacted. Your pet’s name and address are far less critical but should also be included.

• Try to Pack Enough Food to Last Your Dog Through the Entire Vacation.

“The digestive tract of dogs craves continuity,” says Dr. Murray. While vacation may mean new cuisines for you, new foods can leave your dog with diarrhea or an even more severe condition like pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by eating fatty foods like table scraps. If it’s impossible to bring that much kibble, find a pet store at your destination that carries your dog’s typical fare.

• Be Prepared to Manage Chronic Health Problems

For dogs with chronic health problems, prepare for flare-ups on the road. Pack enough medication and put it in two different places. “You don’t want a stolen car to get in the way of your pet getting much-needed medicine,” cautions Dr. Murray. Bring a copy of your dog’s medical records as well. “If there’s an emergency, you don’t want to be in the ER saying, ‘He takes this little pink pill.'” 

• Brush Up on Your Dog’s Obedience Skills

Most trips, especially those made during the holidays, are planned months ahead of time. When you begin planning your trip, make sure you also spend time brushing up on your dog’s obedience skills. Ensure your dog will walk nicely on the leash, stay when you ask him to, and come when you call him. Teach him to sit when people greet him instead of jumping up on them.

You may not mind if your dog is rowdy and bouncy, but if you ever want to be invited back (with your dog), the chances are much better if your dog is well behaved.

What Do I Need To Bring for My Dog on Holiday?

You’ll need to bring your travel supplies with you, even if you visit someone who also has dogs. Here is a list of essentials for taking your dog on holiday:

• Collar: Make sure your dog is wearing a buckle collar with his identification tag on it. 
• Leash: Have a four- or six-foot leash for walks and supervision at your host’s house, and a longer leash so your dog can get some exercise during your travels. 
• Crate: If your dog doesn’t already have his crate, make sure you buy one and introduce it before your trip. 
• Bedding: Bring your dog’s usual bed or blankets, or if that isn’t practical, bring a sheet or blanket for them to sleep on. 
• Food and Water Bowls: Carry bowls with you. Don’t expect to use your host’s kitchen bowls. 
• Plastic Placemat: to put under your dog’s bowls to protect your host’s floor from any spills. 
• Food: Bring a supply of your dog’s regular food. 
• Treats: A right amount of treats will help encourage your dog’s training skills and best behavior. 
• Toys: Bring a couple of your dog’s favorite toys and a few chew toys to keep him occupied. 
• Grooming Tools: Depending upon your dog’s coat length and type, you may need to bring a brush, comb, towel, and clean-up wipes. 
• What else? I also carry a canine first aid kit, including Benadryl (in case of bites, stings, or allergic reactions) and Pepto Bismol (in case of digestive upsets). Odor eliminator and a stain-removal product – just in case.

Once you have traveled a few times with your dog, you may find other supplies to make your trip easier.

Can I Take My Dog on a Plane?

If air travel is in your plans, Dr. Murray warns against taking big dogs on planes, where they must ride underneath the cabin. “Your dog should ride with you in the cabin or stay home unless you’re going away for far too long to consider that option.” She also advises against sedating animals during air travel, as sedatives leave them unable to regulate their temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, putting them at risk for immediate health problems. For more information about taking your dog with you on a plane, see our article ‘The Essential Guide To Taking Your Dog on Holiday With You.’

At Your Holiday Destination with Your Dog

Whether it’s a dog-friendly hotel or a dog-friendly relative who will be housing you during your vacation, your pet must leave a good impression. “Encourage the trend of dog-friendly hotels by making sure your dog is a good ambassador. Don’t allow it to chew the furniture or sniff other guests in the lobby,” says Dr. Murray. 

Before your arrival, review hotel animal policies or talk to your hosts about their expectations.

Transition your pet to the new environment by unpacking and organizing the items you brought and creating a haven for your dog. Introduce your pet to any other animals in the household as soon as possible, closely monitoring their interactions

Ensure your pet’s emotional ease by bringing something from home that smells familiar, be it a pillowcase or a dog bed. A dog that feels safe and secure will most likely be an excellent travel companion. “Vacationing with a beloved dog can be rewarding for a pet lover,” says Dr. Murray. With these precautions mentioned above, it can also be a real treat for your best friend.

Pets find comfort in routine and still need your attention. Although you will be busy, balance your activities to do what you would typically do together at home. You might have to adjust feeding and walking times, but with a little extra work and planning, both you and your dog should enjoy a fun visit.

Supervising Your Dog on Holiday is Important

When you’re traveling, and you get to your destination, you must supervise your dog carefully. Keep your dog on a leash, even in the house, to prevent him from wandering and getting into trouble. Take him outside and show him where you would like him to relieve himself.

Close supervision (and a leash on your dog) will also keep your dog from getting lost. An open gate or door is an invitation for a dog to explore, and in a strange place, your dog won’t know where he is or how to get back home.

The Crate Is Great For Your Dog on Holiday!

When you cannot supervise your dog, put him in his crate. A crate, often called a kennel, or a kennel crate, is a traveler’s best friend. It provides your dog with his own space and a retreat during a trip. It prevents him from getting into trouble.

Once you arrive at your location, the crate can confine your dog when you can’t watch him or leave the house. He can also sleep in it at night, either at your host’s home or in your hotel. By confining your dog, you keep him safe and secure and prevent potential damage, including housetraining accidents.

If your dog doesn’t have a crate at home, you will want to introduce it before your trip, so he’s comfortable with it. See below, “Introducing a Crate.”

Be Considerate of Your Host

When visiting with your dog, consider your hosts (even if they are family!). After all, you’re staying (or visiting) in their home. If they prefer that dogs stay off the furniture, keep your dog off the furniture, even if he’s allowed on the couch at home. If your hosts prefer that dogs stay out of the kitchen, don’t let your dog wander in there. Again, your dog’s leash can help you enforce the new rules.

Don’t expect your hosts to supervise or care for your dog. Not only is the dog unsure of your hosts, but they also haven’t trained him. You must manage your dog and prevent him from causing trouble.

If your hosts have pets of their own, make sure your dog doesn’t harass them. After all, this is their dog’s home, too; your dog is the intruder. If your hosts have a dog, introduce the dogs somewhere away from their house – at a park or even just out on a walk. Don’t force the dogs to play or get along; just let them get to know each other. Then closely supervise their first interactions at your host’s home, just in case there is a problem. If your hosts have a cat, don’t allow your dog to chase the cat; it’s her house! Keep your dog on the leash or in the crate.

Introducing the Crate to Your Dog

1. Choose a big enough crate for your dog to stand up, turn around, and comfortably lie down.
2. At home, prop open the door to the crate and begin tossing treats inside it, one at a time, encouraging your dog to go inside for the treats. 

3. After a few days, your dog should be eager to dash in and get the treat. Then begin feeding your dog in the crate.
4. Set his food bowl in the back of the crate. Keep the door open and let your dog go in and out as he wishes while eating. After several days of this routine, close the door after he’s gone in to eat. When he’s done eating, open the door and let him out.

After several days of eating in the crate, your dog should be comfortable with it; begin confining him for short periods. He can also start spending the night in his crate; just set it in your bedroom so he can be close enough to hear and smell you. 

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman, Liz Palika, and The Dog Daily Expert

When New Orleans homeless advocate Jessie J. Pullins was forced to evacuate the Big Easy in Hurricane Katrina, he followed orders from city officials. He left his 3-year-old black Labrador Retriever mix, JJ, enclosed in a room in his home with plenty of food and water. Pullins had been through hurricanes before. He left for Baton Rouge, assuming he’d be back in a couple of days.

In the aftermath of the broken levees, two days became weeks as residents were prohibited from returning to their city. Worried tremendously about his best friend, Pullins took some comfort in reports that volunteers were going house to house to rescue pets.

Missing Dog

By the time Pullins made it back to his ravaged home, the note that rescuers had left on his door had been blurred beyond readability by the floodwater. Pullins drove through the city in search of his dog to no avail. “At that point, he lost hope,” says Steve Dye, the man who would become Pullins’ attorney in his fight to reclaim his dog from the California family that eventually adopted him.

Problems Begin to Mount Housing Dogs

Thousands of pets were left alone in New Orleans when residents like Pullins fled. Rescuers worked tirelessly to save the animals, sending the pets to nearby shelters, which quickly became overcrowded. Undeterred, the volunteers began airlifting dogs to other cities and states. JJ was among them, eventually winding up at a California shelter.

After Cesar Milan, better known as the Dog Whisperer, featured JJ on an episode about Katrina dogs, word got back to Pullins that his pet was on the West Coast. But by the time he found the shelter that had taken in JJ, the dog had already been adopted. The shelter owner did not wish to reveal JJ’s new whereabouts.

Legal Help to Find a Lost Dog

“That’s when I got a call,” says Dye, whose California-based office, Schnader Attorneys at Law, had done pro bono work for another Katrina family. “At first it seemed like a stretch to take a case about a dog, but Jessie had lost so much because of the storm, and while trying to rebuild his life, I realized if he could just have his dog back, it would help him so much.”

“I thought, ‘How hard could this be? I’ll make a couple of phone calls,'” remembers Dye. Although the shelter owner was resistant to providing contact information for JJ’s new owners, a year after contacting Dye, Pullins finally got the family’s name, who had adopted his dog.

One Dog, Two Owners?

JJ’s new family had no idea that the dog they had grown to love was a Katrina dog. Once they learned the circumstances that landed JJ at their local shelter, they agreed to return him to Pullins. However, one of the owners soon had a change of heart, moving away and taking JJ along.  Once again, JJ’s location was unknown. Through additional efforts on the attorney’s part, the animal was found. Katrina was such an unusual

tragedy that there was no precedent for something like this, and so a trial was set to resolve the issue. But just as the trial was about to begin, the new owner returned JJ voluntarily.

Back to New Orleans

Pullins and JJ had what Dye describes as “a very happy reunion” at the New Orleans airport in June. “Jessie called afterward and told me it was as if JJ had never been gone,” says Dye. JJ seemed to feel the same way, jumping all over his beloved owner the moment he saw him, covering him with the kisses of a long-lost friend now found.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

To get a feel for what your dog is telling you, it is essential to look at his whole body to read the signals. Here we look at a dog’s eyes, mouth, ears, and tail and the messages each of these body parts is telling you.

What Does a Dog’s Body Language Mean?

The movie Up features a dog with a collar that translates his thoughts into sentences like “I have just met you, and I love you!” Real dogs, however, speak more with body language than with barks. “While there are fewer than a dozen types of barks, there are hundreds of different ear positions, tail positions, paw positions, and more, which dogs use to communicate,” says Lisa Mullinax, CPDT-KA. Lisa is a certified professional dog trainer-knowledge assessed for 4Paws University Inc.

“Body signals give dogs a much more elaborate language than vocalizations could.”

Focusing on just a handful of body parts will give you a sense of the basics.

What Do a Dog’s Eyes Tell You?

All mammals communicate information with their eyes. In any given moment, we humans are not that consciously aware of it, even though we are taking it in. For example, you might notice that someone looks angry or sad, even though you haven’t analyzed why. Looking into a person’s eyes helps reveal how that individual feels.

Direct stares often signal confrontation. Pay particular attention to the pupils, says Dr. E’Lise Christensen, a veterinarian and behaviorist at NYC Veterinary Specialists. “Pupils that are dilated indicate a dog that’s not comfortable,” she adds. Dogs with “soft eyes” that tend to avert their gaze are less likely to be confrontational.

In their book Good Dog!: Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training, Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie share how dogs can communicate with their eyes. Here are some common emotions and how your dog shows them with its eyes:

Happy –  Your dog looks at you but does not stare. Your pal’s eyes will look relaxed yet not sleepy.

Scared –  A frightened dog will tend to look away, shielding its eyes from the person, the other dog, or the object causing the fear.

Angry –  Just like a mad person, a mad dog will look at you right in the eyes and stare glaringly.

Really Angry –  Pang and Louie warn against what they call “the half-moon.” The half-moon is when the whites of your dog’s eyes take on a half-moon shape. If you see this, be prepared for trouble. According to the authors, dogs often display this look when they are about to bite or attack someone.

What Does a Dog’s Mouth Tell You?

Tight lips are often signs of stress, but the difference between uncomfortable and threatening can be subtle. Another clue might be breathing changes: Going from panting to closed-mouth breath indicates a shift to discomfort, and the opposite suggests increased happiness. 

Is Yawning a Sign of Stress in Dogs?

Two indicators of stress or anxiety are tongue flicking and yawning. “Yawning, when the dog is not relaxed or tired, is a common sign of stress or conflict,” says Mullinax. “Sitting in the waiting room at the vet’s office, you may see a lot of yawning in the dogs there.” 

Why Does a Dog Yawn?

Yawns are “contagious,” meaning that if you see someone else yawn, you are more likely to yawn too. Dogs may do this as well, and not just after seeing another dog yawn. If you yawn and your dog is nearby and paying attention, there is a good chance that it will stretch and enjoy the extra inhale/exhale.

Dog’s Yawn to Cool the Brain

There are many different theories about why people, dogs, and other animals yawn, not to mention why this behavior is contagious. Compelling evidence suggests that yawning helps cool off the brain. Like the fan turning on in your computer when it reaches a specific temperature, it’s thought that the brain may need extra air during particular times and situations.

“Brains are like computers,” says Andrew Gallup, a researcher in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. Gallup led a study concerning yawning that was published a few years ago in the journal Animal Behaviour. He adds that brains “operate most efficiently when cool, and physical adaptations have evolved to allow maximum cooling of the brain.”

Dogs Yawn From Stress

I recently taught Riker, my four-year-old Australian Shepherd, a new scenting exercise in which he had to find a scented article hid among other items with different scents. (This is similar to the AKC scent discrimination exercise in Utility-level obedience.) I thought the training was progressing well, but then I noticed Riker was yawning at me. He would make eye contact, hold it for a second, look away, and then yawn. He was trying to tell me to ease up a bit. We did something else (a few easy retrieves) to stop his training session with praise for him and then took a break from our training for a few minutes. I let him run, relieve himself, I rubbed his tummy, and then we went back to training. With that break, he was back on course, and our training session ended well.

Although some experts have suggested that dog owners can use yawning to change their dog’s behavior (for example, to calm a tense situation), I have not seen that work effectively. A human yawn to change canine behavior would require the dog to be willing to accept that kind of guidance, and if the dog were ready, other training tools or techniques would work just as well.

However, knowing that your dog may yawn to calm you or relieve stress you may be putting on the dog (especially in training situations) can be very useful. Just recognize that a yawn may signal more than sleepiness!

Dog Yawning

Since you and your dog share the same living environment, it makes sense that your pet would copy your yawning. This copying likely happens as a sort of knee-jerk reaction, just like you might yawn when a co-worker does, not even thinking about your behavior.

Another theory is that yawning shows empathy and therefore helps build social connections. A recent study conducted at Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University determined that chimpanzees yawn more after watching familiar chimps yawn than watching strangers.

“The idea is that yawns are contagious for the same reason that smiles, frowns and other facial expressions are contagious,” write researchers Matthew Campbell and Frans de Waal. “Our results support the idea that contagious yawning can be used as a measure of empathy because the biases we observed were similar to empathy biases previously seen in humans.”

Dog Empathy Through Yawning

Although the Yerkes study focused on primates, findings could most likely apply to dogs since they also exhibit contagious yawning. So the next time you let out a soft, relaxed yawn, take a look at your dog and see how it reacts. If your dog yawns, it’s a good sign that your pet is paying attention to you and is working to maintain a connection.

Yawning is something many animals do, from lizards and snakes to almost all primates, including people. Often yawning signifies sleepiness or boredom, but many experts believe yawning is also social behavior. Psychologist Robert Provine of the University of Maryland in Baltimore County notes that human yawning is not just a gaping mouth but a gaping mouth combined with a stretched jaw, a tilted head, and squinting eyes. And a real yawn can be contagious; one person yawns and those watching all soon begin to yawn. Provine suggests this infectious yawning could be a subconscious behavior that ties people together, a signal of empathy.

Several canine behavior experts believe yawning plays a similar role in canine social behavior. Recently I saw dogs playing at a local dog park use yawning behavior to slow down a rough play session. Several large dogs were running around the dog park, with a few small terriers in pursuit. When the terriers caught up with the big dogs, they began nipping at legs, jumping at faces, and otherwise showing some rough play. In the middle of the rough play, two of the larger dogs sat down, scratched, and yawned. After these two dogs yawned, a third and fourth yawned, and the play’s activity level slowed significantly. A potential dog fight was averted, all because a few of the dogs scratched and yawned!

What Do a Dog’s Ears Tell You?

Erect ears reveal a dog on high alert while ears are pulled back to show an anxious or stressed dog. And that spot on the back of the neck behind the ears? This area, called the hackles, sometimes stands up in a spiky row.

“This is called ‘piloerection’ and is the same thing as goosebumps in humans,” says Mullinax. “Since arousal and aggression are closely linked, hackles often get labeled as a sign of aggression, but it is not always the case. Like we get goosebumps at a scary movie or hearing a heartwarming story, dogs get goosebumps when emotions run high.”

What Does a Dog’s Tail Tell You?

Your dog’s tail is an essential indicator of your pet’s emotional state. It’s a form of body language that dogs take very seriously, and you should too. It can be a lifesaver, mainly when teaching young children how to react toward strange dogs.

The tail is perhaps the most expressive part of your dog’s body, but it might also be the hardest to read. 

A Wagging Tail

A wagging tail is simply an indication of arousal, good or bad; it doesn’t mean the dog is friendly. A high, tense wag could indicate a potential for aggression, while a low wag could indicate nervousness. A happy, relaxed dog usually has a tail that swings in circles or from side to side. On the other hand, “tail between the legs” is a cliche for a reason: It indicates a scared or stressed dog.  

Stanley Coren, author of the book How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication, explains that when a dog holds its tail lower than the horizontal, but still some distance away from the legs, the dog is usually relaxed and communicating, “All is well.” An occasionally relaxed swishing back and forth may happen during this state.

When your dog’s tail is down and near straightened hind legs, your dog may be communicating some distress, either physical or mental. If your dog’s hind legs are bent slightly inward, your dog is probably expressing insecurity. Coren explains that dogs will often assume this posture and tail position when introduced to a new, unfamiliar environment. They may even do this when a favorite family member leaves, with the dog knowing (from experience) that the person’s return may take a while.

A Tucked Tail

When a dog’s tail is tucked, the dog’s apprehension has now turned into fear. Coren says that it communicates, “I’m frightened!” or, “Don’t hurt me!” Tail tucking makes sense, as the dog is protecting its vulnerable tail from possible attack. While the dog might be feeling submissive, it could also attack in perceived defense. Therefore, it’s best not to approach a strange dog that is displaying this level of insecurity.

Reading Specific Canine Behavior

Aside from communicating with body parts, dogs also convey information through behavior and posture. For example, bowing forward on the front paws, known as a “play bow,” signifies a dog’s playful mood. A slightly different bow is a greeting bow, which is usually accompanied by a stretch.

“Curving” is when dogs bend their whole body into a banana shape and move slowly in a circular fashion. Curving is a sign that the dog is trying to calm a situation.

One behavior that’s often misread is a dog that lies on its back. “Some dogs, especially those that are anxious, may roll on their backs to indicate their wish to end an interaction,” says Mullinax. 

“This is sometimes misinterpreted as the dog offering its belly to be petted or a sign of submission.”

Humans Often Misunderstand Dog Body Language

Being aware of these subtle hints will make for a more harmonious existence with your dog and other dogs. Consider how we tend to greet new dogs; we look them in the eye, bend over them, and put a hand on their heads. In dog language, says Christensen, “these gestures can be pretty threatening.”

That doesn’t mean you should curve into a banana, pant, and wag your butt every time you meet a new dog. But having a walk-a-mile-in-their-paws perspective could put you and your four-legged friends closer to being on the same wavelength.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, Liz Palika, the Dog Daily Expert

When Lena Harris got pregnant with her second child, her German Shepherd, Guinness, started acting overly attentive and clingy, as if he’d sniffed out the forthcoming addition to the pack.

“As I got further in the pregnancy, he became more hyper about herding me,” recalls Harris. “He followed me into every room; he even ignored the doorbell, which usually drives him crazy. By the ninth month, I swear it was like he wanted to either deliver the baby himself or give me a ride to the hospital.”

Imagined Behavior or Real Baby Detection?

Dog behavior expert Colleen Pelar, the author of Living With Kids and Dogs … Without Losing Your Mind, says Guinness’s sixth sense isn’t surprising. Studies show that dogs can sniff out human cancers, so Pelar suspects they can detect other biological changes.

“I don’t think they have a concept of gestation or pregnancy,” she says. “But the dog is responding to the idea that something is different.'”

Even if dogs can anticipate a new family member, that doesn’t mean they know how to handle it. Here are some tips for getting your dog prepared and acclimated:

Make Changes Early

As pregnancy progresses, life will inevitably change for your dog. You’ll give your pet less attention, and his or her usual mealtimes will likely become less punctual. It’s best to implement such expected changes gradually in the months leading to the birth. “This way, the dog doesn’t experience all these big changes at once and associate them with the baby’s arrival,” says Pelar.

Bring Home a Blanket

After the baby is born, bring home the baby’s swaddling blanket for the dog to sniff and “introduce” the dog to the new baby. Pelar says a mistake dads make is to hand over the blanket to the dog or even play tug-of-war with it. “I get regular phone calls from hysterical mothers because the dog has torn up the blanket,” she says. “Treat it like a baby; Let the dog sniff it as much as you would let it sniff the baby — not stuff his nose into it for five minutes.”

Store Prepared Treats for Your Dog

A hyper dog owner knows that a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter is the perfect diversion, providing needed peace and quiet. Prepare them in advance, so you don’t have to make the Kong treat while holding a crying, hungry infant in one arm.

Remember Your Dog

Queens, N.Y., Pug owner Liv Keystone made an effort to include her Pug in daily activities with the baby. Eventually, the dog was her daughter’s favorite playmate. “She’s been so sweet,” says Keystone. “She even lets my daughter pound on her and pull her ears, which she’d never let us do.”

Use Help From Friends

If people offer to help once the baby is born, Pelar says a perfect answer is, “Come over and play with my dog.”  Since dogs inevitably lose status and attention when the baby arrives, arranging these kinds of playdates can make up for lost time. “Have them come over and play with the dog for 30 minutes in the yard or take him to the groomer for you,” she says.

Be Patient with Your Dog

The relationship between your family and your dog is an ongoing relationship that requires work. A dog that tears up the baby blanket may end up being best pals with the baby from day one. And a dog that is perfectly loving from day one may grow to become jealous and aggressive toward that child once the baby starts crawling.

“There will be ups and downs, just like with siblings,” says Pelar of the dog-baby dynamic. “As long as you keep it on the path that’s mostly good, then you’re succeeding.”

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza

The Friday following Father’s Day is Take Your Dog to Work Day, designed to draw attention to the bond we have with our dogs and to the many dogs available for adoption. After all, your co-workers will surely want dogs of their own after meeting your pal.

Another benefit of Take Your Dog to Work Day is that both dog owners and employers may all find that having a pet at work makes for a happier workplace and increases productivity. Here’s how everyone can benefit.

Why You Should Bring Your Dog to Work

Take Your Dog to Work Day showcases the benefits of having a dog around the office. 

A survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) found that nearly 1 in 5 companies allows pets in the workplace.

Participants said pets make for a more creative work environment, improve employee attendance and productivity, and help employees relate better.

“Having a dog (or any pet) around has a soothing and mood-lifting effect on people,” explains Lori Meyer, a pet sitter and dog walker in the Los Angeles area. “When people are happy and calm, they are more productive. Allowing people to meet and interact with their co-workers’ pets increases the bond and camaraderie between co-workers, leading to a cohesive team atmosphere and a positive work environment.”

Is it OK to Bring Your Dog to Work?

Several dog owners were happy to share their tales about working with their best pals by their side.

Raising Luna in the Store

Luna began coming to work when she was just an 8-week-old puppy, says Robin Banchik, owner of Crystalarium, a store that sells crystals and related items in West Hollywood, Calif. “She loves being at the store, and everyone seems to enjoy her,” says Banchik. “She’s now an 8-pound, 5-year-old fluffball who dives into her bag to come to work every morning. As soon as she gets to the store, she jumps out and says good morning to each of her friends. She’s one of the gang.”

The Chief Morale Officers

Golden Retrievers Maddie, Zoe, and Gracie are considered Chief Morale Officers at BroadReach Public Relations in Portland, Maine, says Kate Bachman. They help the BroadReach staff stay healthy, relaxed, and productive.

“Most days of the week, the dogs are in the office,” she says. “Having them around reduces stress in the office. How can you be distressed when petting a loveable Golden Retriever? It gets the staff outside periodically for walks. These walks add to our healthy atmosphere and even encourages our social media efforts since the dogs have their own Facebook profiles, ‘author’ blogs, and provide entertaining photo content for our company’s social media outlets.”

Dogs as Icebreakers

The assortment of dogs that show up at Phoenix-based advertising agency Moses Anshell offers real appeal for the firm’s clients, says Chris Fiscus, director of public relations. “They are a great icebreaker, either for potential clients or for clients,” says Fiscus. “On most days, numerous dogs are here. The clients love them and even swing by to chat about something that email could have handled.

The dogs are one of the secret weapons to the agency named one of the top 20 creative shops by Creativity magazine. “They’re a huge part of the culture,” says Fiscus.

Sharing Puppy Love

Every day is Take Your Dog to Work Day at Yost Engineering in Portsmouth, Ohio, says marketing manager Amy Shropshire. “We have 18 employees and sometimes up to six dogs with us,” she explains. “It’s nice to take a break from your day and play with them.”

The dog-friendly atmosphere helped sway Shropshire when she took the job, even though she doesn’t own a dog. “I don’t have a dog myself, but I love them,” she says. “This way, I get to have six dogs, even though I don’t have room in my studio apartment for one.”

Preparing Your Dog For Take Your Dog to Work Day

If your company welcomes dogs on Take Your Dog to Work Day, do some homework before you pack your briefcase and leash. These tips should help your dog feel comfortable in your workplace and help you avoid any mishaps:

• Consider Your Dog’s Temperament

Your dog should be well-behaved, friendly, relaxed, and gentle, recommends Deb Bennetts of Best Friends Pet Care in Norwalk, Conn., whereas many as a dozen dogs show up for work. “Behaviors you think are cute may not go over well with co-workers,” she suggests.

• Make a Brief Visit First

A “dress rehearsal” for the big day will help your dog prepare, advises Joan Mayer, a dog trainer in Ventura, Calif.

• Teach Your Dog How to Meet and Greet

Train your dog to keep all four paws on the floor or to sit when meeting new people. “Both the guardian and the others meeting the dog can give treats for nice behaviors,” says Mayer.

• Think Like Your Dog

You might not notice the phones ringing all day in your office, but the noise could bother your furry friend. Consider your work environment and how your dog might respond. Practice appropriate behaviors, such as sitting and waiting at doors, elevators, and office entryways, advises Mayer.

What You’ll Need to Take Your Dog to Work

You wouldn’t leave for work without your work-related tools, whether you wear a hard hat or carry a briefcase. Your dog’s day at work will go smoother if you take these along as well:

• A Well-Exercised Dog

Burn that excess energy with a brisk walk or a game of fetch before you go to work.

• Your Dog’s Bed

Bring a familiar blanket or bed, and set it up in a quiet corner where your dog can relax. You can try a crate if your dog is accustomed to crates and your workplace has room.

• A Baby or Pet Gate

You may need to restrict your dog to a particular area in the workplace or to define some spaces as off-limit areas.

• A Heavy-Duty Water Bowl

Be sure to bring a mat to place under the bowl as well, to avoid spills.

• Treats

Letting your co-workers dispense treats is the right way for your dog to make friends.

• Toys and Food Puzzles

Your dog needs something to occupy its time while you’re working.

• Doggie Waste Bags and Wet Wipes

You should only bring a trained dog into the office, but bring backup waste bags and wet wipes just in case of an accident.

Celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day

If your company doesn’t allow dogs on Bring Your Dog to Work Day, you can still celebrate the day by bringing your pet photos to share or setting up a fundraiser for local shelters or dog adoption organizations. If your dog is allowed, your preparation for the day could go a long way toward encouraging dogs’ acceptance in public places.

“Thinking and planning ahead is the key when exposing your dog to situations that might be outside its norm,” says Mayer. “If we can make this type of special occasion successful for everyone, then maybe it’ll turn into something even bigger.”

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman