Winter Thoughts
I was thinking now would be a good time to mention a few things that might assist during these unusual times.
I am meeting some new people and their dogs that were adopted during the pandemic. Most of these matches are doing well and encountering the typical puppy or new untrained dog behaviors like jumping up on folks and leash pulling. But I am stressing to all that the luxury of being home with our dogs almost 24/7 will not last forever (thank goodness) and it is critical to start training our dogs to be alone. Alone from us as well as other pets in the household. Start with setting up your cozy zen den for your dog – a place your dog will be happy to be in with a special treat like a raw meaty bone or stuffed frozen kong, some soft calming music like Through a Dog’s Ear and a nice bed. Go about your business elsewhere in the home. Start with very short periods like five minutes or even less. If dog cries, ignore and when there is period of calm go reward “Good Doggie” and release. Extend these periods gradually and then start actually leaving the home. This should be insurance against a dog that will suffer separation distress or anxiety.
Hopefully, given the health concerns associated with gathering, you will not be having an in-person family gathering this year. In any case, be mindful of pet health hazards associated with this time of year. Make sure your puppy is not given free range to chew on loose electrical wires, the tree, gifts or slurp on the water the tree is sitting in. Don’t leave chocolate or tempting foods around for your dog to grab. And, don’t blame him if he does! You are the one who left it accessible like I recently did by leaving holiday cookies in a bin on the counter never expecting our usually perfect doggies to steal them!! And, if you are having company, best to put puppy in his zen den or tethered so there are not any escapes out the door. Many young dogs have not had the socialization they would normally given the circumstances, so while it’s great to meet new folks – don’t force the issue. Let the dog approach the human and maybe have the guest toss a yummy treat.
If walking dogs on salted roads, be sure to wipe/wash tender paws when arriving back home.
The snow is pretty deep out our way. Be careful allowing your dogs to romp in very deep snow as may be recipe for cruciate tear! I saw a dog we were fostering years ago do this in front of my eyes as she ran along a fence chasing one of our horses. Ouch! Speaking of cruciate tears, great article in the most recent Whole Dog Journal on braces and their growing popularity for this injury.
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