Pet Butler

Preparing Your Pup For Day Light Savings Time

Dog Behavior Articles

For some people, Daylight Savings Time can throw their sleep cycle slightly out of sync. For our canine friends, it affects them much more. Dogs don’t live life by the digits on the clock. Time is driven by their human companions. Dogs use their internal circadian rhythms to tell them when to sleep, eat, use the bathroom, and other activities throughout their day. You would think that dogs can adjust to Daylight Savings Time just as well as humans, but in reality, they don’t. That is why it is important to understand why and how you can help your dog.

How does it affect your dog?

Their Bathroom Habits

Dogs typically need to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, or if they’re accustomed to a schedule, they expect to relieve themselves then. With Daylight Savings, your dog may be confused why you aren’t waking up to take them out, or why you’re waking them up early for their morning bathroom time. We all know that “when you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go.” So, pay attention to your dog who may be whimpering or creating unwanted surprises on your rug.

Their Eating Habits

Just like you, your pooch typically eats around the same times throughout the day, especially since you’re the one providing them the food. If you’re off an hour on feeding, you very well could find your sweet dog behaving differently like chewing your favorite shoe or knocking over the kitchen trash.

Their Behavioral Habits

Your dog’s behaviors may change if they are conditioned to you coming home from work at a specific time. Your dog is just like any other family member that misses you during the day. Some dogs even await their parents at the door or watch for him/her in the windowsill. Just an hour off from their normal schedule, can induce anxiety and lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing objects or potty accidents.

Is there a way to prepare your dog for Daylight Savings Time?

Yes, and it’s important that you think ahead to prevent unnecessary stress for your furry friend! Some of the best practices require you to be proactive.

To adjust your dog’s sleep patterns, you can start training him a couple of days ahead of Day Light Savings Time by waking them up a couple of minutes early each day. This will allow your dog’s circadian rhythm to gradually change and adjust to the new wake up time.

You can do the same to prepare your canine friend for different eating times. Their circadian rhythm tells their stomachs when it is time to eat. Start a few days earlier than Daylight Savings and adjust your pup’s eating times by a couple of minutes each day. By doing this, your dog won’t feel confused and aggravated and feel like he needs to beg for food.

To adjust your expected welcome home time, come home a few minutes later for a few days. Gradually transitioning the time will lessen your pet’s anxiety of wondering where you are.

In any transitional situation, your pet’s expectations are the most important place to start. When you notice Daylight Savings coming up on your calendar, think ahead and give your pet a little extra attention. Absorb the extra cuddle time and enjoy your extra hour of sleep. At Pet Butler, we understand how important your pet’s expectations and schedules are. That includes the expectations of a clean yard to play in. Call the pet waste experts for a quote. We understand that consistency is key for your pets.

Should You Get Another Dog?

Pet Adoption Articles

You may not realize it, but your dog benefits from your companionship, both emotionally and physically, just as much as you do. With this thought, you may find yourself wondering: Would my dog be happier with another furry companion? Is my attention enough? Is my pet lonely without me during the day? With many questions to consider, it may be time to start thinking about adding a few more legs to the family.

When should you consider getting another dog?

If your dog is anxiously awaiting your arrival home and exhibits excessive energy, it may be time to consider another canine companion. By giving them a playmate, you may find your dog less needy at the end of each day. Other considerations: Is your dog interested in other dogs or is territorial? Have you recently lost a second dog? If so, you may want to hesitate before getting a new companion. Note that dogs grieve the loss of companionship just like humans.

Q&A’s To Consider When Contemplating On Getting Another Dog

Questions – How old should your pet be before adopting a new friend?

Answer – It’s best for your current dog to be at least a few years old before introducing a new dog into your family.

Question – Will it infringe on your current dog’s space?

Answer – Consider the size of your home. Decide on whether you have enough room to add another animal into your home. Think about your lifestyle and what you’re willing to possibly give up. Adding another pet to the home may alter your current home function.

Question – Do I have time for more than one dog?

Answer – You also want to make sure that you have the time to devote to training your new pet. It’s best not to add another dog when you have upcoming distractions such as travel, renovations, or visitors. Not only will the new dog need attention, but you’ll need to pay extra attention to your current pet.

Question – Is everyone in my house onboard?

Answer – All family members should be on board with bringing a new dog into the family. There will be additional responsibilities with training, cleaning, and expenses if you expand your family. Everyone needs to be willing to commit to the level of love, attention, and care that your current and the new dog will require and deserve. You also don’t want the family to be strapped financially. Think double vet, food, and grooming bills. If these costs aren’t in the budget, it’s not the time for a new dog.

Question – What type of breed is right for your home?

Answer – Think about what kind of dog will be the best companion for your current pet. Do you want a playful pup bouncing around your home? Dogs of the same breed typically do well together. When looking at a different breed, think about your current dog’s temperament and energy level. A calm laid back dog may not particularly jive with an energetic, hyperactive dog. If your dog is older, it may be good to add a puppy to the family as they don’t come into the relationship with established behaviors. Do you have the time, patience, and energy to train a puppy? If not, consider adopting an adult dog

Question – Are you open to rescuing?

Answer – Think about what kind of dog will be the best companion for your current pet. Do you want a playful pup bouncing around your home? Do you have the time, patience, and energy to train a puppy? If not, consider adopting an adult dog

As you search for another canine companion, include your current dog in the process! Bring your pet to adoption days and see which playmate he naturally warms up to. Observe your dog at the dog park and see if he tends to play with or avoid a certain breed. Likewise, he may be drawn to or avoid dogs of certain sizes. Your dog will tell you best through his behavior and actions what he needs, including whether it’s time for you to add another dog to the family.

Expert Vet Advice

At Pet Butler, we encourage our readers to take the time to research your local rescue shelters. Many pets are waiting for their forever homes you just have to find them. Pet Butler believes in donating our time and leveraging our business platform to bring local awareness to the needs of animal rescues, shelters, and pets in need of adoption. According to the American Humane Society, annually 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because there are too many pets in shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.

To find local rescue shelters near you, click here.

What To Do When My Dog Eats Chocolate

Pet Safety Articles

An inevitable truth: with the holidays comes chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate. And this means that we must keep an eye on our sweets to keep our pets safe.

Another truth is that chocolate is toxic to dogs and may hurt our canine friends; however, the toxicity level depends on many factors, including how much chocolate a dog has consumed, the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. As dog parents, it’s important to understand the potentially harmful situationn that can arise when our pets indulge in our holiday treats.

So, what do we do if our pet consumes chocolate, and how do we recognize the signs of possible chocolate poisoning in dogs?

How do I prevent my dog from indulging in chocolate?

First, chocolate candy and baking items should be handled like toxic cleaning supplies. Keep them sealed and out of reach.

When storing chocolate items, think about the dog’s size, behaviors and ability to jump and climb. If the dog can access the counter, this isn’t a good hiding place. When throwing chocolate goods in the kitchen garbage or outdoor trash cans, be sure that the lids are tightly shut. If you have an extra curious pup, you might consider using child-proofing hinges or bungee chords to ensure your furry friend keeps their nose out of the trash.

Around holidays such as Halloween and Valentine’s Day, pay a little extra attention to the food items being brought into the home. Easily forgotten items such as hot chocolate, baking chocolate and cocoa powder are a risk and must be stored just as safely as pre-packaged, holiday-themed candy. Visiting family members and guests should be reminded of this safety precaution.

What do I do if my dog eats chocolate?

DO NOT PANIC! Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine which can raise the dog’s heart rate and excite the nervous system. Unlike humans, dogs metabolize theobromine slowly. If consumed, there may be changes in the dog’s behavior. If your dog exhibits physical or behavioral changes, it’s important to call the veterinarian. If you don’t notice changes right away, pay careful attention to your dog as symptoms may not arise for up to 6 to 12 hours.

Common symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Hyperactivity
Rapid breathing
Increased heart rate
Rigid muscles
Increased urination
Excessive thirst

Extreme symptoms include seizures and cardiac failure. However, there is no need to hit the panic button and fear the worst if the dog has only consumed a small amount of chocolate. As a dog parent, calling the vet is still the smartest option.

What should I know moving forward?

Being aware that certain chocolates are more harmful than others is an important tool in a dog parent’s arsenal. A general rule of thumb is the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. The toxicity level depends upon the pet’s weight and the amount ingested. For every 10 pounds of weight on the dog, approximately 1.5 ounces of dark chocolate is toxic. For more diluted chocolates like milk chocolate, every 10 pounds of weight on the dog, 3.5 ounces of milk chocolate is toxic.

Before dialing the vet, it would be helpful to know the weight of the dog, what type of chocolate was consumed and how much was consumed. Typically, dogs vomit the ingested chocolate on their own; however, your vet may want to see your dog to err on the side of caution. In this case, they may induce vomiting to expel any undigested chocolate and toxins, flush the dog’s stomach or give it a dose of activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins before they reach the bloodstream. Keep in mind that early treatment will help the dog recover more quickly.

As you purchase candy this season, be wary of the chocolate brought into your home. In some cases, eating chocolate can cause mild to fatal symptoms for our pets. Be sure to keep the chocolate out of sight so that you can enjoy it without worry!

Why Is My Dog Eating Grass?

Pet Safety Articles

One of the more peculiar behaviors some dogs exhibit is called pica – a psychological disorder characterized by the desire to consume largely non-nutritive substances. For dogs, while they may also target leaves and sticks, pica is most commonly represented in the tendency to eat grass. Dogs that eat grass do so for a variety of reasons, ranging from sickness relief to boredom, and it usually manifests either in regular cycles or as spontaneous bursts.

How Will This Impact My Dog?

Physical Implications

The majority of pica cases have either negative physical or psychological implications. Common physical causes of pica include: gastric reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis; pica can result in symptoms of lethargy, diarrhea, constipation, or weight loss in these instances. If your dog is exhibiting these symptoms, see a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Psychological Implications

Psychological implications of of pica can be harmful in a home environment. The negative behaviors associated with pica include:

Boredom – Owners aren’t giving their dogs enough attention.
Separation Anxiety – Dogs are having a hard time coping with loneliness
Obsession – Your dog has a more serious mental disorder.

Way To Alleviate Negative Behaviors

Boredom – Simply give your dog more attention! Give them more playtime and toys to chew on during quiet hours.
Separation Anxiety – Try and surround your dogs with personal clothes or blankets to keep your scent around when you leave or try using a doggie daycare system so they feel more at ease.
Obsessions – Talk to your veterinarian about what options are best to help your dog.

How Can I Treat Pica At Home?

If your dog exhibits pica, but it seems to be under control, consider working in natural herbs or roasted vegetables into their diets. These substitutions may provide a sense of hunger fulfillment for the do. Even in monitored environments, pica can lead to some unhealthy complications. Teething puppies, specifically, tend to gnaw on and consume as many objects as possible, and they usually love munching on nature’s chew toys. Sticks, leaves, grass, and rocks can end up in their digestive system, which can cause blockages and backups. Give them plenty of attention and toys designed to keep their attention during these phases.

The Evolution Of Dogs

Dog Behavior Articles

Man’s best friend, the dog, has been our greatest companion for generations. Our mutualistic relationship is unrivaled in the natural world, and it’s something that humans should continue to cherish for as long as we can. But where did they come from, and how did we domesticate them? How are there so many breeds and how did history complicate our relationship? These are just a few questions about the evolution of dogs.

What Is the Origin of Man’s Best Friend?

Based on various discovered fossils, most researchers believe that the evolution of dogs began as puppies diverged from the gray wolf’s genetic makeup. Over the process of several thousand years, one species of wolf grew more splotchy coats, curly tails, and floppy ears to become a generic, wild version of the pooches we recognize today. Because of their less threatening demeanor and attitude, we instinctively started domesticating them – or, in a way, they started domesticating themselves. Instead of competing against humans for similar prey, the kindest, softest, and cutest wolfdogs survived by roaming alongside us. In a transformation that has been described as the “survival of the friendliest,” humans unwittingly began caring for and feeding them. By around 8,000 B.C.E., it became common for canines to travel among packs of hunter-gatherers and nomadic tribes.

When Did Dogs Start Becoming Pets?

The next big step in the dog evolution was taken far closer to the present. In the early 1800s, once civilization progressed beyond the industrial revolution, high society in Victorian Britain introduced household pets to the mainstream. While dogs had been enjoyed by royalty in the past, pets had never been so available to the masses. Normalizing ownership of puppies had a large impact around the globe, but this practice was most strongly felt in Europe, where it immediately evolved into a competition. A prize-winning mutt symbolized both wealth and power, so pride-driven aristocrats created breeding techniques to standardize dog attributes. Yes, humans are the ones responsible for the modern breeds we see today. Some features for molding dogs was based on color, size, and physical conditions.

Why Where Specific Dog Breeds Made?

Dogs were bred for certain activities inducing:

High-class owners preferred fashionable and luxurious breeds.
Lower class opted for cheaper dogs like bulldogs, whippets, and terriers.
Fighting dogs were bred for hunting or for being “Gun dogs”.
Sprinter dogs were created for hunting, herding, and racing.

This idealistic standardization was taken so seriously that countries would even argue over a breed’s origin/evolution – claiming the Newfoundlands, Great Danes, and basset hounds, among its various other dogs, was a source of national pride for Great Britain. However, they didn’t exist there naturally – that’s just where their breeds were created. At the end of the day, over the last couple of centuries, 23 clades have been developed into over 400 breeds of dog.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Dog Evolution & Development?

Since joining human tribes’ dogs have lost some of their more primitive tendencies. Unlike wolves, dogs fare far worse in the pack lifestyle, as opposed to before in nature. To these ends, they usually look for their owner’s assistance to guide the way.
George Augustus Graham brought the legendary Irish wolfhound, a formally extinct dog breed, back to life in the 1800s. By crossing the Scottish deerhound with the greyhound, he made the Irish wolfhound as we know it today.
Our interspecies connection has grown so strong that, when our gaze meets eye to eye, both humans and dogs’ brains secrete oxytocin – a hormone indicating maternal bonding and trust. This is the only interspecies example of this kind of bonding that we know of!

Veterinary Visits During These Unprecedented Times

Pet Health Articles

This year has been profound for many reasons, although one stands out among the rest; the Coronavirus pandemic, which exploded in early spring, has led to the end of modern-day economic stability. While responsibilities can sometimes be difficult to recognize, especially right now, it’s important to do what we can for ourselves and each other on a day to day basis. For practicing veterinarians and their clientele, it means there will be many changes in a place like:

In face-to-face interactions
Sanitation requirements
Hospital procedures
New appointment guidelines
Overall safety measures

It is imperative to acknowledge why the following new protocols are so essential for you, your pet and your veterinarian. There are so many people involved in the healthcare system, and we all need to be careful with correct social distancing, protective gear, and sanitization to protect them.

When is the right time to take your pet to the vet?

The first step in making good decisions as a thoughtful pet owner is realizing whether a hospital visit is worthwhile. Below are a few things to think about when thinking about scheduling an appointment:

If your animal isn’t facing pressing health issues, try not to demand an appointment. Many times, a simple call with your veterinarian can be enough to treat your pet for basic complications.
Avoiding the hassle of an increasingly troublesome hospital visit is often safer and easier than the opposite.
Monthly checkups and other non-vital procedures should be pushed to a later date, if possible. The more time we spend away from clogged waiting rooms and avoidable physical contact, the better.

Hospitals are or should be operating under strict sanitation rules. They may utilize different barrier systems or even a non-entry pickup process – where a technician comes out to the parking lot to retrieve your pet. Oftentimes, veterinary offices will request online forms and observed senior hour timeslots, too. Whatever specifications they call for, follow suit as best as possible and make sure you know what to expect. As long as you call ahead or make some efforts to comply, you’ll usually be okay.

How to Maintain your pet’s schedule to prevent health risks?

Lastly, keep your pet’s health at the lowest risk possible. Maintain as much of their regular schedule as you can and minimize fluctuations in established habits. Keep them on the same diet and sleep schedule, keep up a good level of play and attention, and keep loving them the way you have for the past couple of months. If work starts back up again, make sure to give them extra focus on the weekends to make up for lost time – they’re probably used to spending most of the day around you, so they’ll miss you all that much more now. Also, because it’s summer, read up on heatstroke, hot pavement, and other dangerous weather-related ailments. Stay more alert than ever regarding your pet’s health – stay out of the clinic.

Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Dog Behavior Articles

Whether visiting your favorite beach during the winter or spending a long weekend with family on the coast, there’s always a reason to take a trip away from home. But what do we do as pet owners when spending time abroad? As hard as it is to leave them indoors, oftentimes it’s easiest to get a pet sitter or to drop them at a friend’s house. Frankly, that’s usually the best option, too. But what about when we really want them to come along for the ride? Here’s some tips for traveling with a pet.

1. Is Your Dog Fit to Travel?

If your dog gets car-sick or plane-sick, probably leave them at home. If they don’t respond well to new situations or environments – especially if they have anxiety or need more socializing – probably leave them at home. If they’re sick, too old or too young, or aren’t sufficiently trained, the better option would be to leave your dog at home and under the care of a pet sitter. In any of these scenarios, unless the trip is thoroughly planned for dog inclusion, it’s usually best to give them adequate temporary care and let them be comfortable in their regular surroundings. Most dogs are happier that way, anyway.

2. Is the Trip Right for Your Dog?

Dogs need attention and care throughout the day, even on vacation. If your schedule is full of activity and you can’t address their needs – playing, exercising, feeding, and eliminating – then you shouldn’t bring them along. Similarly, if parts of the journey are too taxing on your pet, whether it be the climate, travel time, or other factor, maybe think again.

3. Prepare Them for The Journey!

After the details above are fully considered, take them on a few short car rides as practice. Most pets have little or no experience with cars or planes, so giving them some experience with moving vehicles is always a positive.

4. Decide How You Want to Travel

As a rule of thumb, cars are the best.

Car Travel

If you take your dog in a car, you can secure them with a harness, seat-belt, or carrier. The more restrictive the better: it’s safer for them to be in a smaller space where they can’t hurt themselves, and it’s also easier for you to control. Thus, carriers are the preferred option. Regardless of the system you choose, make sure that they sit in the backseat and keep their head inside. Once again, this is for safety. Airbags can be dangerous for dogs in the front seat, and flying debris and forced cold air can hurt them through the window. Other rules for car travel include…

Stopping every couple of hours for a bathroom and stretch break
Using a collar and leash at all times, even when in the car
Never leaving your dog in the car unattended
Never putting your dog in the back of a pickup truck
Using rubber liners and waterproof seat covers when your dog is inside the car

Plane Travel

For planes, there are a lot of uncontrollable factors. The most important tip for air travel with your pup is to call ahead.

Figure out if the airline allows them in the cabin – which is always preferable to the cargo hold – and if they need to pass extra security measures.
Prepare for a carrier scan and questions about immunizations.
Tell the pilot about your pet if possible; he/she might have additional precautionary procedures.
Feeding dogs on the plane should be avoided entirely, and don’t feed them within 4-6 hours of the flight.
Clip your dog’s nails and secure their collar so nothing can be snagged in the cargo hold (or onboard, both can result in problems).
Brachycephalic dogs should never be taken on a plane for respiratory complications.
Tranquilizers should never be used unless with veterinary prescription.
Above all, stay informed.

For all these concerns, which are just the tip of the iceberg, airplanes are riskier and more unsafe.

Other Forms of Travel with Your Pet

If you take them on a train or by boat, use similar logic. The carrier is king, and safety is number one priority. Call the railway or boat company to better understand their pet requirements. Satisfying their needs will result in happier travels for everyone.

5. Prepare Yourself

Bring your dog’s toys, food, water bowl, treats, brush, medicine, waste scooper, and baggies. The more objects you have from home, the more comfortable your dog will be on the road. It’s all about establishing a good atmosphere when experiencing new places or events. A favorite blanket or toy can be particularly calming for your pet. And bringing all of these supplies will make their care much easier. Some uncommon items you should bring include a first aid kit, bottled water, and their rabies records as well.

With these suggestions in mind, make the best decisions about traveling with your buddy. Make sure they’re microchipped in case of the worst and above all have fun!

Heatstroke and Dogs

Pet Safety Articles

With summer in full force and temperatures continuing to rise, responsible pet owners must once again monitor the climate’s effect on our pups. Covered in fur, our fuzzy little friends can’t sweat like us humans, and we often forget that their panting doesn’t always do enough to maintain a healthy body temperature – especially on long walks or during playtime outside. While generally not a problem, in certain scenarios and with certain types of dogs, overheating – also known as hyperthermia – can lead to heatstroke and some very deadly situations.

How Hot is Too Hot for a Dog?

Heatstroke, as described above, happens when dogs are unable to cool themselves properly, and usually occurs at internal temperatures around 106 degrees. Note, however, that anything above 103 degrees is considered abnormal or hyperthermic, and above 106 is considered lethal. Although those temperatures seem high, they are far from impossible and pose a very real threat to our puppies. If prolonged for enough time, heat can induce…

Unconsciousness
Extreme and random bleeding (due to reductions in coagulation)
Permanent brain damage
Potential organ failure

But don’t panic! There are a lot of ways to identify and reverse hyperthermia before it takes its toll.

Knowing the Signs of Dog Heatstroke

The first thing we need to do to stop heatstroke is to properly recognize when it’s happening. Besides the frightful symptoms already listed that could lead to a serious emergency, there are early stages of hyperthermia, such as…

Heavy panting
Excessive drooling
Lethargic or uncoordinated movement
Vomiting

Other less obvious signs include rapid chest expansions and discolored gums, which can range from a brighter red to a paler pink.

All these symptoms should serve as a red flag and you should take the following steps:

Discontinue whatever activities are taking place immediately.
Next, find a cool place either indoors or outside with shade, water (cool, not cold), and enough space to lay down.
Placing your dog near a fan is normally a good idea, and you should douse him/her with cool water (once again cool, not cold).
It’s important to let your dog lower its body temperature slowly; otherwise, it could go into shock.

Never use an ice bath in this process. Once your dog begins to behave naturally again, take them to the nearest and most available vet. Most of the time, your pooch will have recovered safely, but it’s best to let a professional make sure just in case. As always, the sooner the better.

Preventing Heatstroke in Your Dog

An even better way to treat heatstroke, though, is to avoid it entirely.

Don’t leave your pet in a car on a hot day, even with the windows cracked
Don’t leave your dog outside for extended periods of time
Don’t play too much when there’s high humidity.
Be careful with using muzzles in hot temperatures because they can limit airflow
Remember: just because you’re comfortable doesn’t mean your puppy is!

We have very different tolerances for the weather, and your pup can’t vocalize their discomfort.

Don’t Let Your Dog Overexert Itself

Even more dangerously, sometimes dogs ignore their own intuition – whether to make us happy or to just live in the moment. In the past, highly active breeds have been known to collapse due to the heat, since they can become so distracted in whatever they’re doing. It’s better to watch out for them instead of accidentally allowing overexertion; this applies to all furry friends, no matter how in-shape or healthy they are. Lastly, be ready to give your dog water and rest at all times. The more prepared we are as owners, the safer your dog will be.

Dogs at Higher-Risk to Heatstroke

As far as risk on the individual level, there are some characteristics prone to overheating:

Less able dogs, either young or old, have less developed constitutions
Dogs with dark, long, or thick coats have more insulation
Brachycephalic breeds – bulldogs, pugs, and other pups with wide skulls and short noses, have a harder time breathing
Obese, sick, or medicated dogs can respond more negatively to hot temperature
Finally, dogs that have already experienced hyperthermia have weakened thermoregulatory systems

If your pet applies to one or more of these categories, take extra precautions when bringing them outside and engaging with them. It’s important that they still exercise daily – just be a bit more careful.

Summer is perhaps the best time of year to spend with our happiest family members – parks are open, swimming is a blast, and being outside is always a treat. Everyone, including our dogs, should treasure this time and enjoy it while we can. But along with the fun, a little bit of caution is a good idea, too.

How to Housetrain/Potty Train Your Puppy

Dog Behavior Articles

One of the biggest challenges new dog owners face is overcoming a puppy’s most natural instinct: elimination, AKA peeing and pooping. As it turns out, dogs are not born with the understanding of where to relieve themselves all the time – that knowledge needs to be taught. Housetraining, also known as potty training, is a long but achievable undertaking that should be your number one priority after adopting a pup. It’s easier to teach a dog when it’s younger, and it helps your house stay that much cleaner.

Starting Early

Housetraining should be started once a puppy is around 10 weeks old – after it learns how to control its bladder and really start a schedule. The process can take anywhere from 4-6 months, although in special cases it can last up to a year or more. The more adamant you are about creating a schedule and sticking to the guidelines, the faster your dog will understand his/her expectations. Timeliness is also dependent on the size of your dog (smaller dogs need more trips outside and therefore adapt more quickly) as well as how receptive your dog is to training. Some puppies just take longer to learn where the toilet is, so stay positive and remind yourself that accidents happen all the time. You got this!

Control the Puppy’s Potty Space

The first general rule of potty training is to limit a puppy’s space. Control the environment as much as possible and always be attentive to your dog’s needs. Most of the time, your pup will show you when it needs to go. This is often indicated by behaviors like sniffing, circling, barking, and whining. If you can’t be around to supervise, make sure that you have a someone else around or put your dog in a crate. Crates discourage puppies from eliminating inside the house, and they’re helpful for extended periods away from home. That said, a puppy should never be left alone for more than 3-4 hours, especially within the first few months. If a dog is eliminating inside their crate, change some of the crating factors or stop using this method entirely. Tolerating bad habits will be very counterproductive.

Set a Potty Schedule

Another housetraining rule is to set a schedule. The more consistent the schedule, the more consistent the training. Puppies need to be taken outside hourly and always after eating or drinking. While most pups can hold their waste for a couple hours, it’s best not to test their limits. Repetition is the key to obedience, after all. For nighttime, try to be as quiet as possible if your dog needs to go; the less commotion caused, the less they’ll want to play around afterwards. Minimize these nightly trips as much as possible and take away their water bowl 2 hours before bedtime.

Reaffirming the Positive Potty Experience

When taking your dog outside, it’s important to keep a close watch. Putting them on a leash, even in a backyard, is good for positive association, familiarity, and, once again, control. Use a verbal cue like “potty” before they go and reward them afterwards with either treats or playtime. Make sure that you reward them outside, as soon as possible, but only after they have completely finished their business. This is important for avoiding accidents and speeding up their bathroom breaks later on.

As far as location goes, at first, bring them to the same spot every time. Their previous scent will prompt elimination again and reinforce the training. Once a puppy is more experienced with this idea, try and take them around to different outdoor spaces. They need to be comfortable with more than just one area.

Other points to remember include…

Minimizing or Removing Potty Pads – Dogs associate these pads with carpeting, which can confuse puppies and prolong their training.
Using Enzymatic Cleaners – They clear odors more effectively, so dogs won’t think about repeating their surprise in the same place.
Consulting a Veterinarian – If your dog has repeated training issues, vets can offer extra advice and ensure that medical problems aren’t causing any complications.

Potty Training with Adult Dogs

All these ideas also apply for older dogs who either need to learn or relearn these habits. While training an adult dog might take longer and be more difficult, it’s fundamentally the same process. Be rigid with your limitations and scheduling, and they’ll come along just fine.

Lastly, there will be setbacks. Potty training is not easy. No matter how frustrating it can be, remember to never punish your dog in difficult moments. Discipline is important, but it’s wrong to make your dog afraid of you. If you happen to catch your dog in the act, clap loudly to signal a bad behavior and try to interrupt what’s happening. As per usual, if you can bring your puppy outside and finishes there, still give them a treat. Best of luck!

Inside the Mind of Dogs

Dog Behavior Articles

The first time our dogs sit, lay down, or roll over, many inevitable questions follow. How much more can they do? What else can they learn? How smart are dogs, and what really goes on inside those fuzzy little heads? Thankfully, the dog-world’s continued curiosity surrounding these ideas has led to a plethora of research and given rise to some remarkably interesting results.

How Do We Measure Dog Intelligence?

Before diving into this discussion, it’s important to clarify what “smart” really means. Truthfully, it’s difficult to formulate a specific definition. There are a variety of ways to evaluate our pets on how they perceive the world, and since many of these assessments often focus on a particular sense, certain tests might give some breeds an upper hand. An olfactory or auditory exam, for example, gives very positive results for hounds, whereas exams focusing on emotional receptiveness or social intuitiveness are less impressive. Therefore, depending on what qualities an owner is looking for, one breed might be “better” or “smarter,” than another.

What Makes a Dog Smart?

That said, general intelligence is an accepted idea by scientists studying our dogs’ brains; it is the collective determination of all the factors that make a dog “smart.” These factors range from cognizance about object permanence or knowing that objects continue to exist, despite a present disappearance, to realizing that time is linear and continuous.

Other notable qualities some dogs exhibit include the ability to read cues such as pointing fingers, the capability to express complex emotions like jealousy and playfulness, and the capacity for simple spatial awareness. And yes, many dogs can learn to observe their humans. While it’s questionable that they experience true empathy with their humans, they do understand our tone, our behavior, and our faces. They can detect when we are happy, sad, or mad, even though they do not necessarily process those feelings back. They do think about us, just in their own way. Of course, not all dogs develop these traits, nor are they all capable of such feats. But, with the help of researchers around the globe, as well as collegiate institutions and the Association for Psychological Science (APS), we know that our pets can understand a lot more than we previously assumed.

Dog Breeds Think Differently

With these attributes in mind, researchers have recognized some trends among dog breeds. According to leading dog psychologist Stanley Coren, the smartest dogs are…

Border Collies
Poodles
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Doberman Pincers

These dogs are the Einsteins among the canine, and they thrive in more active environments because of it. In fact, breeds that are more energetic and social overall usually tend toward the smarter side of the spectrum, as they derive their brainpower from such a lifestyle.

Another characteristic often associated with dog intelligence is their size. It has been found that, while small dogs are no dummies, the larger breeds are more intellectually gifted. Professor Coren approves this claim, as only one small dog can be found in his top ten smartest dogs: the Papillon.

Exercising Your Dog’s Brain

Although these trends have been proved in more recent history, that isn’t to say your dog isn’t smart. Moreover, it does not mean your dog has to stay as a duller furry friend. The best exercises to assist brain growth are self-explanatory:

Teach them new tricks
Use hand gestures alongside commands
Give them challenges

There are plenty of puzzle-oriented dog toys out there which healthily stimulate brain activity. There are even food bowls designed in this fashion – use them!

Start Young

These teaching mechanisms are preferable at a younger age. Puppies, just like babies, respond to teaching better than older dogs, and this applies in everything from socializing and obedience to tricks and games. Keeping them active and social, especially when they are puppies, will raise them to be smart little guys.

There is still a lot to know about how man’s best friend comprehends the world, and science is on the cusp of more and more revelation. But for now, it is at least satisfying to know that they think about humans and do have some unique talents. It is also pleasing to know that they’re more intelligent than a lot of other animals! Dogs have been proclaimed again and again as one of the smartest species on the planet, and although we are perhaps a little biased in giving them high praise, they don’t deserve any less. Besides elephants, dolphins, primates, and a few other species, they are one of the most intelligent mammals to walk our earth.