Colleen Demling, founder of Pawtopia, is a pooch-loving pro with years of experience and trainings under her belt.
She’s proud of her 7000+ hours of hands-on dog training experience in a variety of methodologies with all kinds of dogs, big and small. She’s also one of only a handful of trainers in San Diego that is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen’s got the expertise and reputation to rescue you from all your dog worries! Her company, Pawtopia, does not believe in following a single method to train dogs. Instead they believe that, like people, all dogs learn differently. She wants all of their clients to be successful so she will meet with you and your dog and discuss your goals. She then uses her dog training expertise and knowledge of different methodologies to develop a personalized training program that fits you and your pet. Pawtopia provides group classes and private training throughout San Diego County. You can click on her logo on the left to go to her website for more information. |
September, 2013
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Puppy Socialization 101
It's a big, loud, exciting world out there for puppies. So it's never too early to start working with your puppy so he grows up well adjusted, good natured, and gracious in social situations. Here are six basics for socializing your puppy... 30 experiences in 30 days. Don’t miss out on important socialization opportunities in the first weeks of life. Give them one new experience, sound, or person to meet every day for 30 days. One day, give them a dance party and acquaint them to music. Another day let them hear the sound of a kitchen appliance like the blender or cake mixer, and so on. By introducing every day activities and sounds slowly over the course of the month, you’ll reinforce your puppies’ confidence and not flood them with too many potentially scary experiences all at once. Frequent Field Trips! In the first several months of your puppy’s development, she’s getting used to a lot of new sights, sounds and smells. It’s an exciting time to be alive! But I can also be scary when you’re little. Once your puppy has had all her vaccinations, capitalize on her natural curiosity by taking her on frequent field trips. Your puppy will be more likely to be more anxious and fearful if they never experience life outside the comfort zone of their crate or your backyard. Take them to the pet store or the park. By exposing them to a variety of places, smells and landscapes early on will give them confidence that will translate in a more even temperament in adulthood. Network and mingle. Introducing your puppy to a variety of friends and acquaintances will encourage a healthy connection with people. Have friends and family over for a dinner party so your puppy gets used to strangers being in your home. Take your puppy with you when you greet guests at the door to encourage your dog to feel at ease with visitors. Taking the time early on to include your puppy in your social time with friends will ensure she grows up to have healthy relationships with people. Set a Play Date. It is just as important to socialize your puppy with other dogs as it is to social her with other people. If you have other dogs already, it will be easier. The most important thing to remember when socializing puppies with other dogs is to make sure they are introduced in a safe, supervised environment. If you can socialize them with other gentle, well-mannered dogs early and often, they will be more likely to enjoy interaction with other dogs rather than fear it. Turn up the noise! Loud sounds and sudden movements can startle dogs and make them anxious. But there are a lot of noises that are just a natural part of daily life – and it’s important to acclimate your puppy to those things early to build their confidence and help them feel safe in a world of noise. Some helpful hints: vacuum near your puppies crate often, let them watch television and listen to music with you, ride in the car with the windows down, etc. Just be sure to introduce these activities slowly, paying attention to your puppies’ first reactions. If your puppy is naturally timid and fearful, loud noises can be traumatic. Fasten your seat belt, it’s gonna be a bumpy life! Some dogs have a hard time with motion sickness, or experience tremendous anxiety when they have to travel in cars. One way to keep these issues from developing in your new puppy is to take her on frequent car rides early on. Some owners will put their puppy’s crate on the washing machine while it’s running to get them used to motion and sound. The more you can acquaint you puppy with the sensation of motion, the more likely she’ll be at ease traveling. Again, take care in making sure your puppy isn’t being traumatized by these experiences, and ease them into them over time. Most importantly, when introducing your puppy to new sounds and experiences, do not reinforce their fear coddling. Instead, when they experience fear, turn it into a party! Become animated and playful to indicate that this should be a fun experience rather than a scary one. The key to having a dog that is well mannered and even-tempered is building confidence. By exposing your dog to environments and situations that are a part of everyday life early, they learn quickly that they are safe and cared for. That confidence will translate into healthy behaviors for the rest of their lives! |
I’m taking my dog to day care. Any hints on how to make sure she
is successful? Daycare facilities can provide a great outlet for a pup’s excess energy as well as give her the opportunity with other like minded canines. To help your pup succeed follows these tips: Play it Cool It will be thrilling to see your pup at the end of the day but remember that if you get really excited, so will she which may cause her to jump, bark, or yank on the leash. Then if you correct her for these naughty behaviors it really isn’t fair since you were the one that got her excited in the first place! Instead stay calm when you see your dog. This will help her be calm too. Be Polite Most dogs LOVE daycare and can’t wait to get there! But if your pup drags you out of the car, into the lobby, and then jumps on every person she sees she is less likely to behave herself during daycare. As a result, have your pup sit 5 times between the car and the front door of the day care. If she starts to pull you, say No, and stop. Once there is slack in the leash, start walking again and praise her. It may take you a little extra time but it will ensure she has a great day at daycare! Clear Communication Make sure to always fully communicate with the day care staff. Does your dog seem a little off today? Did she get in a minor scuffle at the dog park over the weekend? Does she have a new found obsession for balls? Has there been any change in health or behavior at home? If so, tell the staff. This will make sure they adjust anything they need to, to ensure that your pup has a great day. |
RAIN
During the rain storm a couple weeks ago, my puppy wouldn't go outside and then he had a couple of accidents in the house. I know rainy season is coming so how can I prepare him? Dogs in San Diego are as spoiled by the good weather as we are so when it rains getting them to go potty outside can be a battle that may end up with them peeing inside the house. Here are 5 tips to make those rainy days not so stressful and wet for you, your pup, and your carpet. Go Potty! Go potty! This starts way before the storm comes but it is critical to teach your pup to pee on command so when it’s raining and you put him outside he has an idea of what it is you want him to do. To teach this, take your dog outside to an area where he normally pees, as he is sniffing tell him to “go potty”. Once he starts to go, say “good potty”. When he finishes, throw him the biggest puppy party ever! It will take him several weeks for him to learn to go on command but all that hard work will pay dividends when it’s raining! Get your rain gear on! When it rains, we like to shove our dogs out the backdoor and stand inside convincing them to go potty but they stand right by the door trying to convince you to let them back in! So get on your raincoat and go outside with your dog. Once the dog is in the middle of the yard he is more likely to go. And as much as you and he may hate it, you may also have to walk him. The exercise will not only stimulate his bladder but once he senses you’re serious he will get down to business. Get him use to wet grass. Except for a few rainy months, our pups never have to walk or pee on wet grass. Imagine how you would feel walking barefoot on wet grass if you've never felt it before! So during the dry summer, encourage your dog to potty on the grass right after it is watered. If he gets used to the feeling, the peeing in the rain is no big deal. On leash! Some dogs will go on strike when the weather turns despite our best efforts. If your pup does this, you must keep him on leash when he is in the house with you. Even a dog that has been housebroken for years will sneak off into a guestroom to use the bathroom if given the chance. If he refuses to go outside, keep him with you and then take him outside again an hour later. Eventually Mother Nature will give in and he will have to go in the rain. Look for cover. If it’s pouring outside we can also encourage our dogs to potty under some cover like a roof ease. Also, different services like wood-chips or rocks may be easier for our pup to pee on the grass and dirt. |
Halloween is just around the corner!
Halloween is just around the corner and although all of the ghosts and goblins can be fun for kids and adults alike, Fido may have a different perspective! Below are 5 tips to make sure your dog has as much fun as you do! Are you laughing with him or at him? You may think the hottest new dog costume is great but unless your pup is use to wearing dog clothes, he may not understand the appeal of becoming a pumpkin or ghost for a night. Your dog will probably be under enough stress with all of the trick or treaters coming to the door that you should resist dressing him up unless he really seems to like it. Ignore the sweet tooth. Kids love to get candy for Halloween which means there will be lots of chocolate around the house. But remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs so make sure all candy is out of reach. If you want to make sure Fido gets some treats from the local pet store or make some special dog cookies at home! Beware of the door! Seeing all the costumes can be fun but having so many people come to the door can be stressful to your dog-especially when its superman, a vampire, and a power ranger. Make sure your dog is locked in a separate room or is wearing a leash so he doesn’t sneak out when the door is open! Make sure dogs are wearing current ID tags in case they do get out. Walk Early. Make sure to take your dog out on a long walk before dusk. It will make sure he is well exercised and tired before the festivities begin but it will also make sure you avoid any early trick or theaters, since your dog may not understand why the neighborhood kid he loves so much has suddenly turned into a monster Also, be sensitive to your pup if he is afraid of any Halloween decorations. Watch the flame. Candles and Jack o lanterns are great decorations but are often in reach of wagging tails. So make sure all open flames are safely out of reach of your pup so he stays safe and nothing catches on fire! although all of the ghosts and goblins can be fun for kids and adults alike, Fido may have a different perspective! Below are 5 tips to make sure your dog has as much fun as you do! Are you laughing with him or at him? You may think the hottest new dog costume is great but unless your pup is use to wearing dog clothes, he may not understand the appeal of becoming a pumpkin or ghost for a night. Your dog will probably be under enough stress with all of the trick or treaters coming to the door that you should resist dressing him up unless he really seems to like it. Ignore the sweet tooth. Kids love to get candy for Halloween which means there will be lots of chocolate around the house. But remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs so make sure all candy is out of reach. If you want to make sure Fido gets some treats from the local pet store or make some special dog cookies at home! Beware of the door! Seeing all the costumes can be fun but having so many people come to the door can be stressful to your dog-especially when its superman, a vampire, and a power ranger. Make sure your dog is locked in a separate room or is wearing a leash so he doesn’t sneak out when the door is open! Make sure dogs are wearing current ID tags in case they do get out. Walk Early. Make sure to take your dog out on a long walk before dusk. It will make sure he is well exercised and tired before the festivities begin but it will also make sure you avoid any early trick or theaters, since your dog may not understand why the neighborhood kid he loves so much has suddenly turned into a monster Also, be sensitive to your pup if he is afraid of any Halloween decorations. Watch the flame. Candles and Jack o lanterns are great decorations but are often in reach of wagging tails. So make sure all open flames are safely out of reach of your pup so he stays safe and nothing catches on fire! |
WELCOME HOME!
You adopted a new dog (or are at least thinking about it). Congratulations! Your new family member will bring you laughter and love but how you introduce your dog to your house and your life will make a huge difference between success and STRESS! Go Slow -You know your dog has found his forever home but he has no idea who you are or how long you will be around. Any dog that has been in rescue has been under stress and at some point in his life, people have proven themselves to be unreliable. As a result, it’s normal for your dog to pace, pant, drool, whine, bark, and even seem a little distant when you first bring him home. He is simply trying to figure out if he is safe and if you are really sticking around. To help him adjust, take him on a short walk when you first get home and then keep him on leash as you take him around the house and let him explore every room. You may have to do this several times with him in order to make your house, his home. Newly Dating - You are embarking on a new relationship with your dog and, just like a newly dating couple, time together should be stress free and fun. So although you may be dying to take your dog to the dog park, have all the neighbors over to meet him, or bring him to the local street festival, your dog would much prefer spending quality, quiet time at home with you for the first 2-3 weeks so that he can bond with you. Rules Rule - Dogs are most happy when they have rules. Having a dog come into a new home is similar to you starting a new job. You are anxious to do well and want people to like you but when you ask your boss when you should be at work, what is expected of you, or even where you desk is, he doesn’t give you any clear guidance. Would you find that fun or stressful? The same is true for your dog. He wants to make you happy and in order to do that he needs to know what the rules are and how to succeed. Make sure he sits before you give him food, take him on a walk, or open a door. Keep him on leash in the house (when you are home) so that you can quickly stop and redirect him if he starts to do something wrong. Teach him basic obedience commands so you can communicate with him with words besides NO. Keep him off the furniture. Keep a routine so he knows when he is going to be fed and walked. All of these things will help him settle in quickly to your life which is what he wants most. Supervision - Your new dog may not have lived in a house in a long time so keep an eye on him so you can provide the needed feedback to set him up for success. Assume that he isn’t housebroken. Close all the doors to spare rooms and make sure he is given frequent potty breaks. Give him amble toys to chew on and if he starts to destroy something he shouldn’t (for some dogs a chair looks like a fancy stick), tell him No, but then show him what he should chew on. Go out in the backyard with him so he doesn’t try to jump the fence or dig a hole. Watch him when he is around new dogs or kids so you can make sure he isn’t stressed and if he is uncomfortable, remove him from the situation. Forgiveness - This is the key to all healthy relationships. If your new dog pees in the house, destroys a pillow, barks at the neighborhood dog, or jumps on you, please remember that he isn’t trying to be a “bad dog”. He just needs you to give him some guidance, patience, and forgiveness as he learns how to be your “best dog”. |
August, 2012
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SUMMER VACATION |
How can I keep my dog safe on July 4th?
Great question! Even though July 4th is a fun day for us humans, it is a scary holiday for most pups. To help keep your dog safe and happy, follow these 5 tips. Up to Date: July 4th is the biggest day of the year where dogs run away because they are spooked by the fireworks. In order to ensure your dog makes it back home safely, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with ID tags that have your current information. If you are going out of town and your dog is being taken care of by someone else, make sure he has that person’s information on his collar too. Exercise: Your dog should get tons of exercise earlier in the day so that he is nice and tired by the time evening comes. Remember that a tired dog is a happy and relaxed dog. Also, make sure to take him out to potty before the fireworks. Leave him at home: Although the parades, picnics, parties, and fireworks are great, many dogs would rather be left home alone then deal with the crowds and scary sounds. For the firework show itself, make sure your dog is inside the house and in a nice quiet, safe place. A bedroom with a yummy bone, and the TV turned up to help block out the firework sounds works great. Things to help: If your dog is extremely scared of fireworks, make sure to consult your vet for a tranquilizer for the night. You can also use more natural remedies like the Thunder Shirt, an anti-anxiety vest, or homeopathic calming tools like Rescue Remedy or the DAP Diffuser. If you are going to use any of these remedies, make sure to try them BEFORE July 4thso you can figure out what works best for your dog. Prepare for next year: There are several great sound desensitization CDs, like Calm Pet by Calmsound, that will help any pup feel more comfortable with fireworks as well as other scary sounds like garbage trucks and motorcycles. Most CD’s have to be used over a 3-5 months in order for work but they can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort level with loud sounds. |
Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety can be very frustrating for new owners of rescue dogs since a dog with SA will often whine, dig, bark, excessively salivate, cause destruction (like scratching at doors, chewing through crates), and/ or pee and poop in the house when the owner isn’t home. The first thing to remember is that your dog is not doing this because he is mad at you, or to be a “bad dog”. As a result, punishment and anger will not work. Your dog is acting out because he is panicked that when you leave, you may not come back. After all, he is a rescue dog, so at some point in his life someone DID leave and not come back. There are several things you can do to help your pup feel secure: Calm Exits/Entrances It is best to ignore your pup or say a simple goodbye and hello when you come and go. If you make emotional filled exits and entrances, telling your dog over and over that everything is going to be okay or get really excited with them when you get home, then your dog is going to be convinced that leaving him is a big deal because you always get so emotional! Come and Go and Come and Go The more you come home and leave the faster your dog is going to learn that you aren’t abandoning him. Pick up your keys, put on your jacket, walk out the door, then turn around and walk back in. Do it again and again. Your goal is to be able to leave and come back before your dog gets upset. For some dogs that may mean you leave only for a few seconds. For other dogs, you may be able to walk out the door for several minutes. As your dog gets more comfortable, increase the time that you leave. Break the Pattern Some dogs start to get nervous before you even leave. They learn to recognize“work clothes” or when you are getting ready to go out for the evening. If you can break this association, it will help your dog be more relaxed when you actually leave. Put your shoes on, pick up your keys, and then sit down on the couch. Get dressed and then take out the trash. Do your hair and then watch a movie. Tired Pups are Happy Pups If your dog is properly exercised, he will be happy and balanced which will help to reduce his anxiety. Make sure your dog always gets exercise before you are going to be gone for long periods of time. If you don’t have enough time to take your dog on a long walk or run before work in the morning, then you can outfit him with a dog backpack with a little weight (soup cans or water bottles work great). This way your dog will work extra hard and get tired faster. Make puppy alone time fun! Find your dog’s most favorite food item/bone. It must be their “doggy caviar” and something that will take them awhile to eat. A Kong stuffed with peanut butter and then frozen works well. As do knuckle bones. Your dog is only going to get this item when you are gone. This way, your leaving is a good thing because he gets an amazing treat. Get Some Help There are also several products on the market that could help to reduce your dog’s separation anxiety. The DAP collar, DAP Diffuser, Rescue Remedy, and Thunder Shirt can all help. All dogs are affected differently with these products. Try them one at a time to see what works for your individual pup. For severe separation anxiety that is not getting better with traditional training, there are also prescription drugs like Reconcile that are available from your vet. |
Question:
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Flat Buckle Collar
Every dog should wear one with ID tags attached. If it is a young dog that goes to dog parks frequently or has another dog at home that he/she plays rough with, the collar should have a snap buckle that can easily be released if the dog gets tangled up with another dog. The collar should fit be comfortable and fit about 2 fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. |
Martingale Collar
This is a great collar for dogs that pull a little or one’s that like to slip out of their collar. The chain martingales are the best since they release easier and the sound from the chain correction helps to train the dog to not pull. The collar should fit tight around the dog’s neck. This collar should only be on during walks since it tightens around the dog’s neck and can cause injury if this happens by accident when the owner is not home. |
Gentle Leader/Halti/Snoot Loop
This is not a muzzle. It’s great for dogs that are strong pullers or dog’s that are reactive to other dogs. The owner should desensitize the dog to the collar for a week in the house before they start using it on a walk. If the dog is extremely reactive, the gentle leader should be attached to a martingale collar to assure that the dog won’t break free from the owner during a reaction. |
Chain Collar
The chain collar is not a good option for most pet owners since the collar is frequently used wrong and becomes a “choke chain”. The excessive pressure on the neck can cause health issues for the dog. If someone is on a chain collar, they should switch to a martingale collar immediately. |
Treat TipsQuestion: I just got a new dog and want to use treats to help train him but I don’t know how to. Any tips? Answer: Treats are a great motivator for your pup and should be used throughout training! A high quality, tasty treat works best. You want a treat that your dog absolutely loves since that will give him the motivation to learn new commands. Soft treats work best since they are easy to break. The treat should be small. You do not want to give your dog a whole bone or a large treat every time he does a command. The dog will quickly become full and will no longer be interested in learning. The ideal size of the treat should be the size of a dime. Yes, a dime! In the beginning you want to give your dog a treat every time he performs a new behavior. This helps to show your dog that he is on track and motivates him to continue to learn. Make sure to praise him every time too. So it should be “good boy!” as you give him the treat. Timing is critical! If you ask your dog to sit, he sits, and then as you fumble for your treat he gets up and walks away, you have missed your opportunity to reward the good behavior. So be ready to reward within 1-2 seconds after the dog does the behavior you are looking for. Once your dog starts to become “fluent” in his new command, it is important to fade out the treats so the dog will listen to you even when you don’t have anything in your hand. To do this, you want to turn your dog into a gambler. Give him a treat the first time, then the 3rd time, then 4 treats the 10th time, and so on. For your dog, “winning” a treat, becomes just like someone sitting at the slot machine hoping to win the jackpot. Your dog will never know when he will get lucky so he will play all day long. |