Training

December 28 2018

Finding a Boarding Facility or Pet Sitter

melissa Cats, Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Training am i a good dog owner, cat travel, what to do with dog while on vacation

That first time you travel without your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and them. That’s why it’s so important to develop a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter. Today, we’re looking at how to find the best option for your pet.

Pet Sitters are those who come to your home one or more times per day (or perhaps even stay overnight in your home up to 18 hours at a time) to watch your pets. This is an excellent option for those with cats, nervous dogs, senior pets, or pets with medical conditions.

Boarding facilities are places you take your pet, where they reside in a kennel until your return. Their fees generally include playtime each day, regular feeding, and more. They can generally administer most veterinarian-approved medication, but may not always be able to accommodate specific diets.

No matter which option you choose, there are general guidelines that you should follow to find the best sitter or boarding facility for your pets.

Ask for Referrals

Your friends and family are often a great source for finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility. Ask who they have used in the past and whether they would recommend them.

Licensing/Bonding

Verify that any caretaker is licensed and bonded. Every pet sitter should be bonded for damage or theft, and each boarding facility should be licensed as a kennel. Both sitters and boarding facilities should be fully insured.

Check Credentials and References

Always check credentials and references provided by the kennel. You can easily search out complaints by typing in “name of kennel + complaint” into Google (e.g., Crazy8Kennel + complaint”)

Check reviews

Any reputable pet sitter will have reviews on Yelp, Facebook, the BBB website, their own website, and any number of other locations. Read them all and make sure there are no problems with the sitter or boarding facility.

Initial Meet and Greets

Once you have decided on a few possibilities for boarding, be sure to tour the facility. The same holds true for finding a pet sitter. All pet sitters include an initial meet and greet, which gives them an opportunity to meet your pets, pick up keys, and learn your routines. These generally last about an hour and always take place prior to your leaving town. Be very wary of any pet sitters who don’t provide this service, particularly if you found them online.

Each pet is different and you may discover that some of your pets do better with a sitter while others enjoy a boarding facility.

Cameras

Be sure the boarding facility you choose has cameras installed. In this day and age, there is almost no reason for them not to have them. Facilities should allow you access to a network where you can log in and check on your pets throughout the day, if you choose.

You can also add security cameras to your own home to make sure your pets are doing well with the pet sitter you select. Most pet sitter contracts require that, particularly if they will be living at your home. Even if their contract does not require you to notify them, be fair to the sitter and let them know that they are installed.

Another option is to choose a GPS tracker for your pets in case they escape or are otherwise lost. These are excellent to have while pet sitters or dog walkers are at your home. Most not only track your dog, but provide health information.

Keep in mind that not all boarding facilities allow you to leave them on the dog, particularly during playtime, as they can be a hazard.

General Rules of Leaving Pets

Never leave pets in care of friends or family.
Make sure facility and/or pet sitter is licensed and bonded.
Choose one according to your dog’s personality.
Never leave cats alone.
If they don’t require vaccination records from you, they won’t require them for others either. This can put your pets at risk for disease.

PetsWeekly offers a helpful list of questions you should ask prior to selecting a boarding facility. We’ve received permission to share them here.

Pay attention to the following while you tour the facility:

Does the facility look clean and well-maintained?
Does the facility smell clean?
What is the temperature in the kennels?
Is there adequate ventilation indoors?
How does the staff treat and interact with the animals there?
Does the facility ask for vaccination records?
Is there a requirement for pets to have Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine?
Do you see any evidence of fleas or ticks or other parasites?
Do the dogs and cats seem happy?
Are outdoor runs protected from the elements?
Are the indoor kennels large enough?

Things to ask the facility manager:

Do they have an emergency plan in place in case of natural disaster, fire or power failure?
Is at least one human on location 24/7?
Are cats and dogs housed separately?
What type of training does staff have?
Is a veterinarian on call and what is his/her name?

Once you establish a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter you like, maintain the relationship. It can be difficult to find reliable pet sitters and boarding for your pets that are trustworthy and reliable, so keep them close to you!

December 21 2018

Getting Ready for Your First Puppy

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Training finding a puppy, how to train a puppy

Times have changed since I brought home my very first puppy. I still remember how excited I was holding the squiggly bundle of fur in my arms as he looked up at me in total adoration.

I wasn’t prepared for a puppy. I was young, I barely had the money for my own place, but I knew we would do just fine. Life would have been a lot easier if I knew then what I know now!

Here are some things I would tell my younger self to prepare for that first puppy.

Getting Approval

You might be surprised how many people run out to bring a new dog into their home only to learn that dogs are not allowed either by HOA laws, rental agreements and even homeowner insurance policies. Whether you rent or own, be sure you have approval for pets. Also check for breed bans and/or breed restrictions – they are far more common than you think. You can often add a rider to your policy for a minimum charge, but at the minimum you should have all your records in place.

Puppy Proof Your Home

Before you bring home a new puppy, it’s important to puppy proof your home. Is it absolutely necessary? That’s negotiable. But I will tell you that if you plan properly, you will save yourself a lot of money in veterinarian bills and save your puppy a lot of stress. Puppies are curious and they explore in much the same way a human toddler explores – by putting their mouth on everything. This can include electrical cords, remote controls, walls, hands, shoes, your bed and anything that is within reach. You may also need to consider adding gates or a doggy door for easy indoor/outdoor access. Remember that any outdoor access should lead into a safe, enclosed area to prevent predators from grabbing your small dog.

Puppy Proof Your Yard

Don’t bring home your new dog without making sure your yard is dog proofed. Walk your fence line and find any potential escape areas. Check your gardens for any potential hazardous or poisonous plants that may harm your puppy. If you have a pool, make sure there is a way for your dog to climb out safely – you may even consider teaching your puppy how to swim and where to get out of the pool. If you have a backyard with a gate, make sure you padlock the gate and remind pool cleaners or landscapers that you have a new dog on the prowl!

Establish Ground Rules

If you have children or other pets in the home, it’s important to establish your ground rules. Puppies need a lot of sleep during the day. Puppies may also nip harder than they intend to, potentially angering or hurting others, so it is important to supervise your puppy when it interacts with young children and other pets.

Have the Basic Supplies Ready

Starting out is fairly easy. You’ll need to have some basics including:

- Food
- Water
- Bowls
- Leash
- Collar
- Harness
- ID tags

Other useful items to add to your new puppy checklist include:

- House-Training Pads
- Crates
- Play Pen
- Beds
- Brush or Comb
- Chew Toys
- Stuffed Toys
- Treats

Veterinarians Are Required—Budget Accordingly

Choose a veterinarian that you like and trust. You’ll have a long relationship with your vet, and it’s important that you and your dog like them. You’re not locked in forever, but it’s good to have someone you can call on the weekend who will get back to you. It is also a good idea to know your vet’s hours and have a back up 24-hour office in mind in case of any emergencies.

Your puppy will need vaccination and check ups, along with physicals and dentals. They will need heartworm medication that requires checkups and routine flea and tick (and possibly worm) medication. You’ll need to clip their nails, groom them and make sure they are progressing properly. If you don’t want to get insurance, you need to plan on a savings account. Responsible pet care is not an inexpensive prospect!

Start Training Immediately

Trust me on this. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you focus on training early. Not only does it help you bond with your dog, it helps your dog become a confident, contributing member of your home.

Enroll your puppy in puppy training and socialization classes. Enlist the help of a full-time trainer for private lessons if you feel that your puppy needs some special attention away from other dogs.

Your family does chores; your dogs want to do the same. Food is an excellent reward, but figure out what your puppy’s total calories should be and make the rewards a part of their diet. It’s better for your dog’s digestive system to eat small meals throughout the day and this will also help them avoid getting bored with their food.

Find a Reliable, Licensed, Bonded Pet Sitter

Again, this is an important part of having a dog. You won’t be able to have your dog with you all the time, and things can happen that may impact your care. Having a reliable pet sitter on call who knows your pets is an invaluable resource.

December 12 2018

Dog and Puppy Holiday Gift Guide 2018

melissa Dogs, Fun, Training dog toys, holiday presents for dogs

What could be more fun than giving your dog a gift during the Holidays? Once your dog discovers wrapped boxes and gift bags contain goodies for him, you’ll be amazed at how quickly he becomes part of the holiday festivities.

Here are a few gift ideas for your dog this holiday season:

Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo—Does your dog hate baths? Then what better gift to give him than waterless shampoo! Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo is designed for quick use between grooming sessions, and leaves dogs smelling fresh. This salon-quality product uses organic ingredients, including red raspberry seed oil, jojoba seed oil, organic argan oil and niaouli oil to sooth, nourish and protect coats. www.kibblepet.com

CoCoChews—Ever wonder what Hawaiian dogs like to chew on when they go to the beach? Coconuts! The fiber on the outside of the coconut shell is a favorite of dogs who like to gnaw, and also helps clean their teeth while they are chewing. CoCoChew takes advantage of this double benefit by using coconut husk in their chew toys. Two different durable rope toy designs are available: the CoCoChew Classic and the CoCoChew Junior for smaller dogs. Not only are these toys good for playing tug, but they also don’t get soggy when wet, like standard rope toys. CoCoChews are chemical free and made from sustainably sourced coconut husk. www.cocochewllc.com.

Bark Box—If you like to spoil your dog year-round instead of just at holiday time, consider getting him a subscription to BarkBox for Christmas. Your dog will receive a cardboard box every month containing an assortment of goodies, including treats, toys and other dog favorites. Each month features a particular theme, such as The Knights of the Hound Table, Chewrassic Bark and Sniffin’ Safari. www.barkbox.com

The Original Cricket Cookie—If your dog likes treats and you’re not squeamish about bugs, consider putting a bag of Original Cricket Cookies in his stocking this Christmas. Not only are Original Cricket Cookies healthy, containing more protein than treats made with chicken or beef, but they are also more sustainable than treats made with traditional animal products. According to the manufacturer, cricket protein uses less resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than chicken or beef. Original Cricket Cookies come in an assortment of flavors, including peanut butter and blueberry, peas and sweet potato, and sweet potato and apple. Although they are made with cricket protein, the treats have the same look and feel like traditional dog treats. www.jiminys.com
Chuckit! Pro Launcher – A must-have for every parent of a ball-obsessed dog, Petmate’s Chuckit! makes fetch fun for canines and easy for humans. The Chuckit! Pro Launcher lets you throw tennis balls farther and faster, and makes it so you don’t have to bend down to pick up a slimy ball. When you play with your dog using the Chuckit!, the launcher grasps the ball and releases it when you swing. You’ll be amazed at how far the ball will go with just a little effort. It’s the perfect gift for dogs who love to play. https://www.petmate.com/chuckit-pro-launcher/product/248201

UpCountry Collars – Perfect for a night walking with carolers. UpCountry collars come in more than 100 beautiful designs and the company offers matching leads and harnesses to complete the look. Made in the USA THE holiday collection features everything from sweaters to treats. Each year during the holiday season at Up Country, employees collect money for donation to a nonprofit organization. Up Country generously matches the total raised and the company actively participates in fundraisers for a variety of organizations. https://www.upcountryinc.com/our-products/category/holidays

PetSafe Pogo Plush Toys – Looking for a toy that will hold up to the heaviest chewer? PetSafe offers PogoPlush toys that come complete with a migrating squeaker and an inner cage under the plush covering dogs love. Great for any size, this toy can last much longer than your standard plush toys. PetSafe plays a lead role in helping pets become respected citizens and actively participates in community initiatives to create dog parks, as well as offering tuition assistance and supporting pet-friendly communities. https://store.petsafe.net/pogo-plush

Chilly Dog Sweaters – Dogs with short hair need help staying warm during the holidays, and what better way to do it than with a cute, 100-percent wool wintery sweater? Chilly Dog is offering the Black Snowflake Dog Sweater as one of its Nordic dog sweater designs. The sweater is made following the Fair Trade guidelines, and is hand-knit in South America. Available in eight different sizes, from XXS to XXXL, the sweater is suitable for all breeds and sizes. Checkout their website for more fun wintery selections! https://chillydogsweaters.com/

Ruffwear K9 Overcoat – Ruffwear proves it is the king of outdoor wear for dogs. The redesigned K9 Overcoat is great for any climate and the durable material allows it to stand up to even the most active dog. Wind- and water-resistant outer fabric keeps the elements out, while interior fleece layer keeps body heat in. Ruffwear’s Donation Program provides product donations to organizations and events that support outdoor spaces where wildlife thrives and people and dogs recreate. https://ruffwear.com/products/overcoat-jacket

November 21 2018

Pet Safe Holiday Decorating Tips

melissa Cats, Dogs, Safety, Training cat safety, dog safety

Preparing for the holidays can be a lot of fun. Whether it’s decorating a Christmas tree or adorning the house with holly, getting ready to celebrate the winter holidays can really get you into the spirit.

cat safe holiday decorating — Naughty kitty playing with a Christmas ornament under a tree

If you’re a pet owner, there’s something else you need think about as you prepare: your pet’s safety. Both cats and dogs can get into trouble around the holidays if you’re not careful. Let’s take a look at how.

Christmas trees.
Whether you’re adorning the tree or hanging lights around the house, it’s important to keep your pet in mind. Certain types of decorations can be harmful to your pet. Tinsel, for instance, can be appealing to cats because of its string-like qualities. If you cat swallowed tinsel, it can become trapped in his digestive system and wreak havoc. Skipping tinsel on the tree is the best choice for cat owners.
Cats also like to bat at low-hanging Christmas ornaments, which can break and shatter if they are made of glass. Hang breakable ornaments high on the tree where your cat can’t reach them (and where your dog’s tail won’t take aim) or use wire to secure them to the tree so they won’t fall if disturbed.
And on the topic of the Christmas tree, cats have been known to try to crawl up the trunk of real Christmas trees, sending the end tree toppling to the ground. To protect both your tree and your cat, stabilize the tree by attaching it to the wall with wire.
Lights.
Indoor holiday lights can also be a problem for pets. Both cats and dogs who like to chew may be drawn to strings of lights. The wire between the bulbs can prove irresistible to chewers, and the results can be devastating if the lights are plugged in. Your pet can be electrocuted or a fire could start. It’s important to hang lights were pets can’t reach them. If you need to plug a string of lights into an electric socket near the floor, consider encasing the wire in plastic tubing (the kind used for aquarium filters) so your pet can’t chew through it.
Gifts.
Even giftwrapping can be dangerous to pets, particularly cats. Strands of narrow ribbon can be end up in your pet’s digestive system. Be careful to clean up ribbon after you have finished wrapping gifts, and keep wrapped packages out of the reach of pets.
Live plants.
While holly and mistletoe are attractive holiday favorites, they are also poisonous to pets. Poinsettia, another holiday favorite, while not poisonous, can upset your pet’s stomach if ingested. Faux holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are the best bet for keeping your pet safe.

Live holiday trees can also cause problems for mouthy pets. If your cat or dog chews on the needles, he’s likely to get a stomachache, followed by vomiting. Go with an artificial tree, place your tree within a gated area or even use a decorative fence around the tree. Another method for keeping dogs away from chewing your holiday tree is to introduce a fun new bone or toy to attract your dog’s attention from the tree and to the item. Ultimately, boundary training your pets to stay away from the tree will be most beneficial.

With just a little effort, you can make the holidays enjoyable for you and safe for your pet.

(Animal Behavior College has an updated article on this subject, and it has been featured on porch.com. Click here to view the Holiday Safety Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Season. Our section of the article is on holiday pet protection.)

October 23 2018

A Buyer’s Guide to Electronic Cat Toys

melissa Cats, Fun, Products, Resources, Training cat activity, cat toys, electronic cat toys

Electronic cat toys offer cats an opportunity to play on their own or with each other and simultaneously hone their instinctive needs to pounce and hunt. There is a fabulous selection to choose from to keep felines in play mode for spurts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time. They beep, blink and make sounds that mimic birds, mice and other critters. Some even have motion sensors to reactivate themselves when some feline stalks by and sets them in motion all over again. So, stock up on batteries and get shopping!

PetSafe® Pounce™

This automatic cat toy features an electronic mouse that zips around a circular track, zooming forward, reversing, hiding under obstacles, and occasionally twitching back and forth. The unpredictable movements stimulate a cat’s natural instinct to hunt, chase and pounce on prey. The game has four speed settings and turns off automatically after 10 minutes, or manually with an on/off button. Cats can even be taught how to activate it—my Ziggy taught himself. Petsafe.net

Petlinks Mystery Motion

This battery-operated toy has a mouse-tail that peeps out from under a plastic cover. It shoots erratically around in different directions, recreating the idea that there is a critter hiding under the covers. Consequently, this toy replicates a cat’s instinct to patiently watch and observe before jumping into hunt mode. It’s excellent for enticing older cats out of snooze mode. It has four different speeds and is ideal for single cats as well as multi-cat households. Petlinkssystem.com

PetSafe Cheese

This “chunk” of Swiss cheese has holes on both sides that allow peek-a-boo mice to pop out on either side. Cats love the surprise and anticipation! The Cheese has a timer that automatically turns the toy off after 10 to 15 minutes. There is also a play-while-you-are-away mode which allows for sessions to be programmed to keep cats engaged throughout the day. Petsafe.net

PetSafe Laser Tail

This interactive laser toy moves by itself across the floor in random patterns and in all directions. The laser is on the back of the toy so the laser light is always rolling away from the cat, encouraging the chase. Sensors help the toy find its way out of corners or out from under furniture. It automatically shuts off after 10-minutes of play. It works well on all kinds of floor surfaces such as wood, tile and short-tufted carpets. While such toys utilize low-powered lasers such as 5mW 3R class lasers that are certified safe around pets and people, laser beams must never be shone directly at a pet (or a person). Laser toys should always be used under supervision. Petsafe.net

Petlinks Pure Commotion™

This spinning wand toy from Petlinks is a fun, interactive toy that simulates a bird in flight. The feather attachment spins and whips through the air in erratic flight patterns to entice your cat to catch it. The speed can be altered by turning a knob on the base from slow, medium, fast and random. There’s a timer that can be set at 15-minute intervals all the way up to a full two hours of uninterrupted fun. Petlinkssystem.com

Petlinks Stir Crazy™

The Stir Crazy from Petlinks is an electronic cat toy with a furry tail that pushes a ball around an electronic track and is spurred on when cats poke their paws through the sides of the track to attempt to catch it. It offers four different play speeds. The ball can be filled with catnip to add to the fun and frenzy. The on-off button is on the top flat surface of the toy so clever cats can be taught to operate it themselves. Petlinkssystem.com

Roaming Runners™

These tiny little battery-operated toys mimic the movements of real prey encouraging cats to chase them, pounce and leap about. There are a variety of shapes – bird, mouse, caterpillar, a cute ladybug. They are small enough for cats to pick up with their paws and fling around. Once back on the ground, they set off on their own again. Petlinkssystem.com

June 20 2018

How a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer Can Help Your Dog

melissa Dogs, Training Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, CSAT, dog anxiety, dog anxiety medication, dog hates being alone, dog is scared to be alone, help for separating anxiety, puppy separation anxiety, separation anxiety

There is Help for Separation Anxiety Now

As a professional dog trainer, who works with a veterinary behaviorist, we encounter many desperate cases. Some of the toughest cases we deal with are separation anxiety issues in dogs; it’s such an emotional situation. If your dog is reactive to dogs or humans, you can manage the situation by keeping your dog away from her triggers. But with separation anxiety, you can never leave your home. Now, there’s help for separation anxiety in dogs!

What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like?

Unfortunately, pet owners often misdiagnose separation anxiety because some symptoms resemble normal potty accidents and destruction due to chewing. When a dog with separation anxiety is left alone, she literally has a panic attack.

Panicked dogs will:

Destroy doorways
Break out of crates
Drool excessively (front legs are saturated in saliva)
Pant heavily
Defecate
Urinate

This is completely different from a dog that hasn’t been potty trained or a bored dog. As Dr. Karen L. Overall VMD, PhD, DACVB mentions, “Signs of separation anxiety must occur only when the dog is separated or denied access to the client or clients” (2007, Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals). As a dog owner, who shares her home with a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, this condition is serious. Many dogs have severely injured themselves.

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)

Many dog trainers refer out separation anxiety cases because they’re beyond their skill level. They will refer separation anxiety cases to veterinary behaviorists who often have a long waiting list. Until a veterinary behaviorist sees a dog, the dog owner can partner with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).

CSAT experts must exceed extremely high standards before entering the program. They complete a rigorous three-month program solely focused on separation anxiety. A major benefit of partnering with CSATs is they offer virtual dog training anywhere! That’s right–regardless of where you live, a CSAT can offer solutions, tips and even work with your dog remotely.

First Step

If your dog has separation anxiety, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist and follow up with a CSAT. I’m looking forward to taking this course over the fall, so maybe we just might meet up. 🙂

June 11 2018

How to Stop Your Cat from Biting

melissa Cats, Lifestyle, Pets, Training cat behavior modification, cat bite prevention, cat biting, cat play

The key is to not use your hands or feet as toys.

“There is something about the presence of a cat that seems to take the bite out of being alone.”

—Louis J. Camuti, author of “All My Patients Are under the Bed: Memoirs of a Cat Doctor”

But what if your favorite feline is a biter? It can be quite shocking when you’re relaxed, stroking your cat and he suddenly bites your hand.

Read more about our unique Cat Training course.

About Cat Bites

IF a cat becomes overstimulated during play, grooming or petting, she might bite in an attempt to get you to stop.
©photosaint/Adobe Stock

Cat bites are dangerous by design. Anatomically, their canine teeth are sharp little fangs, designed to kill and shred small prey. Biologically, they can be just as hazardous. Cat saliva contains myriad bacteria, some of which are problematic for humans such as Bartonella henselae (the causative agent of cat scratch disease) and Pastuerella, which can cause skin and lymph node infections.

This is why a cat bite should be taken seriously. A trip to the doctor and a round of antibiotics can solve most issue; however, if the bite is a deep puncture, further action might be required. It’s also why you should be very motivated to stop your cat from the habit of biting.

Identify the Reason

As I’ve said in previous articles, cats don’t do things without a reason. Every action they take has intent. Fortunately, it can be fairly easy to identify the motive behind a bite.

Pain: Felines typically hide pain for as long as possible. As a result, they can become easily aggravated and bite when touched. A checkup from your veterinarian is always in order if your cat begins biting when she didn’t before.
Fear: If your cat is frightened, she might respond with a bite if you try to handle her. This is why you should never reach out to a scared animal.
Play: In most cases, owners have taught their cats that biting is a part of play. Playing too rough or too long with your cat can encourage her to bite, especially if you use your hands or feet as “toys.” This is why it’s so important to teach your cat appropriate play.

Games We Play

To preemptively prevent biting before it becomes a habit, you should never use your fingers or other body parts as toys.
©zsv3207/Adobe Stock

I learned the hard way that the worst game you can teach your cat is “bed mice,” where you move your hand or foot under a sheet, which your cat then tries to catch and kill. Sadly, it’s also an incredibly fun game for both people and cats. Why is this a bad game? Because you’ve now taught your cat that things under sheets must be destroyed. This bodes ill for toes (and other body parts) that might move in the night or morning, when crepuscular cats are most alert. Never teach your cat a game that involves your body becoming a target; this includes waggling your fingers or toes at kittens.

In order to teach your cat not to bite, you will need to provide her with alternative ways to express her hunting instincts. You will also need to make sure you do not overstimulate your cat to the point where she has to bite in order to get you to stop. Learn to read your cat’s body language so that you can tell when she’s had enough petting, brushing or cuddling. Laid-back ears, dilated pupils and/or a twitching tail are all signs that your cat is becoming overstimulated.

Redirection

Using a wand toy to play with your cat is one the best and safest ways to help expend her energy and satisfy her hunting instinct.
©detry26/Adobe Stock

Working with cat is similar to being a magician: redirection is your best tool. In the cat world, redirection involves providing plenty of things for your cat to play with besides your hands or feet: puzzle toys, stuffed mice, catnip toys, balls, interactive toys (such as a track ball) paper bags, boxes, etc.

In addition to having plenty of solo toys to play with, your cat should also have daily playtimes with you; a minimum of two 15 minute sessions every day. A rousing game of chasing the wand toy or pouncing on cat bubbles will enable your cat to expend excess energy so she can eat and sleep properly, and not engage in destructive behavior.

Some cats engage in stalking activity, such as hiding under a bed or behind a door and attacking when someone walks by. For cats, this is a perfectly natural way to hunt and play. For humans, it’s not nearly as fun of a game. If you know your cat is behind a door or under a bed, use a wand toy or roll a ball to lure her into attack. It’s just as much fun for the cat and not nearly as destructive for you.

Don’t Act Like Prey

Finally, if you don’t want to be prey, you can’t act like prey. Never run from your cat; this almost always results in a chase. Don’t use your hands to redirect your cat if, for example, she is “bullying” another pet. Distract her with a wand toy or sudden, intriguing noise, such crinkling paper or the jingle of a stuffed toy.

While redirecting a cat can take time, it’s well worth the effort. Cats are quick learners and with proper motivation, you will a harmonious home and bite-free extremities.

mixed breed dog gives a woman the paw siberian husky

June 7 2018

Dog Pawing Behavior: What It Means and How to Stop It (Updated for 2025)

melissa Dogs, Training Dog Behavior, dog pawing at me, dog paws at me, dog paws me, dog paws person, dog scratched me, dog scratches me, dog training, dog training tips, how to teach a dog, how to train a dog, puppy scratches me, stop dog from scratching people

Pawing and scratching might seem like innocent or even endearing behaviors in dogs, but they can quickly turn into a problem behavior—especially when you’re dealing with a large breed or a small dog living with young children. While many dog owners tolerate the occasional paw to the leg, repeated pawing often signals a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

This dogs paw behavior can stem from a need for attention, a lack of mental stimulation, or simply a misunderstanding of what’s acceptable behavior. Thankfully, with consistency and a bit of insight into dog behavior, pet parents can guide their furry friend toward calm behavior instead.

Why Dogs Paw or Scratch People

Dogs paw at people for a variety of reasons, but it nearly always boils down to communication. In fact, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, 63% of dogs who frequently use their paw are reacting to unintentional reinforcement. That is, the dog owner is unknowingly encouraging the annoying habit by responding—often with affection or treats.

Common Reasons for Pawing:

Seeking attention
Requesting food or treats
Experiencing anxiety or discomfort
Lacking mental stimulation
Boredom or attempting to avoid negative attention

Even well-meaning patting can reinforce this unwanted behavior, especially in puppies still learning boundaries.

FAQs About Pawing and Scratching

Q: Is pawing a sign of aggression?

A: Not usually. It’s often a sign your furry friend wants interaction or is experiencing stress. If barking, growling, or a stiff tail accompanies the pawing, consult a behaviorist.

Q: Should I scold my dog for pawing?

A: No. Reacting with frustration may lead to negative attention, which is still attention. Instead, reward calm behavior and ignore the pawing.

Q: What if my dog paws guests?

A: Redirect the behavior. Teach your dog to sit on a mat when guests arrive. You can also redirect to chew toys or a nose “touch” command to prevent unwanted jumping or scratching.

How to Stop a Dog From Pawing and Scratching People

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen dogs paw at people in surprising ways. Years ago, during a home lesson, a massive Great Dane greeted me with a paw slap across the back that left scratches and bruises. That kind of bad behavior is more than an annoying habit—it’s a safety concern.

The dogs paw reflex usually begins with a reward, even if it’s unintentional. When pet parents respond with affection, food, or patting, dogs learn that using their paw gets results. Even teaching a “shake” trick can encourage dog behavior that spills into other contexts. Instead of reinforcing that motion, try teaching alternative behavior like “sit” or “down,” which can be more easily rewarded without causing issues.

Effective Ways to Curb the Behavior

When dogs paw, and it’s ignored rather than rewarded, the behavior naturally fades. Use these techniques to create lasting results:

Wait until all four paws are on the floor.
Reward only calm behavior—use “yes” or a clicker, then treat.
Repeat daily until the behavior becomes consistent.

You can also teach your small dog or puppies to “touch” with their nose as a greeting instead of pawing. This keeps their mouth and paws away from guests and maintains appropriate dog body language. For dogs who continue pawing for attention, redirect them to toys or chew toys and reward when they settle.

If your dog shows signs of discomfort, such as licking their paw excessively, wagging their tail unusually, or showing tension in their dog’s body language, it could be a sign of anxiety rather than dominance. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from turning into problem behavior.

Support for Pet Parents

Breaking a dogs paw habit takes time, but understanding your dog’s motivation is key. Whether you have a golden retriever, small dog, or a lively pup, the solutions are the same: teach alternative behavior, avoid rewarding bad behavior, and consistently reinforce the good stuff.

And while you’re working on training, don’t forget the importance of pet insurance. Accidents can happen—from scratched guests to injured paws—and pet insurance helps cover those unexpected vet visits, giving you peace of mind as a responsible dog owner.

If you’re dealing with dogs paw constantly or unsure how to interpret your dog’s body language, consider speaking with a certified trainer. You’ll be better equipped to guide your furry friend toward healthier, more appropriate ways to ask for what they need.

How to Stop Dog Pawing Behavior

When behaviors are no longer rewarded, they will disappear. When a dog paws at you, take a step back and wait until all four feet touch the ground. The moment all four feet touch the ground, say “yes” and reward your dog. Of course, most dogs will paw right afterwards because they’re not sure which behavior provided the treat. Reward only when all four on the floor again.

Continue to practice daily, and wait for your dog to make a choice—watching your dog make a decision is a glorious thing to watch. Some dogs will gently place their paw on a person, think for a few seconds, then drop their paw to the ground. Reward good choices every time!

To prevent your dog from jumping up and pawing guests, teach him to “touch” guest’s hands with his nose. This keeps all four feet on the ground, gives your dog a chance to decide if he wants to greet a guest and offers a form of physical contact (like petting) for your guest.

If you don’t reward it, the behavior will disappear. 🙂

Choice Dog Training: Easiest Way to Train a Dog

June 5 2018

Dogs Find Choices Very Rewarding

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Choice Dog Training

As with everything in life, trends appear, stick around or rapidly disappear. Lately, a new dog training trend focuses on giving dogs choices during the training process. This “trend” puzzles me a bit because choices should be a part of all dog training. Dogs deserve choices, and sometimes dogs find choices more rewarding than food. Below, we show you the easiest way to train a dog through choices.

How Choice Dog Training Works

Dogs should be allowed to make choices during training sessions and in life. At first, this concept scares most pet owners and a few dog trainers alike. However, giving dogs choices actually speeds up training when dogs learn they’re able to control their environment.

Making choices in situations is super empowering, and giving dogs the ability to make their own teaches them to trust their pet owners completely. As humans, we must honor our dog’s choice and not push the issue. This is where pet owners become concerned and confused, as they’re envisioning dogs walking across kitchen countertops or running freely through the neighborhood. Nope, you’ve envisioned the pendulum swinging too far.

Instead, you reward your dog for making the right choice, which increases the likelihood that your dog’s certain behavior will happen again.

Giving Your Dog a Choice

Participation is a huge choice that most dogs don’t enjoy. Many dogs don’t have a choice, and are forced to participate during vet visits or petting from strangers. Some dogs dislike having their nails trimmed, and will growl whenever someone reaches for or touches their feet.

Example: Dog Dislikes Nail Trims

The first step is to acknowledge whether or not your dog is worried about nail trims. Then, teach your dog that touching his feet and trimming his nails make hot dogs appear when he chooses to participate.

Sit on the floor with diced up hot dogs in your lap. Click and reward your dog for walking up to you. Yes, hot dogs are encouraging your dog to walk over to you, but we want to reward dogs for choosing to walk toward us.

Reward your dog a couple of times for walking over to and standing near you, then reach toward his paw, but don’t touch it. If your dog pulls his paw away, sit still and return your hand back into your lap. It’s no big deal. At first, your dog might look a bit confused because this might be the first time he’s given a choice.

Some dogs may back away, and that’s fine. If your dog chooses to walk away, at anytime, honor your dog’s choice. Wait a few seconds, and reward him when he chooses to walk toward you again. Remember, you’re holding something he wants (hot dogs).

Reach for his paw again. Click/treat when he chooses to stand still (doesn’t move backwards or pulls foot away from you). Practice 2-3 times, and then end the session. Continue to practice slowly until your dog allows you to touch his paw and eventually trim his nails.

Honoring Your Dog’s Choices

When pet owners honor their dog’s choice, something magical happens. Dogs learn that they’re able to stop something scary without becoming aggressive. Also, they learn that their pet owner won’t force the issue. This is empowerment at its finest, and it will positively change your dog’s behavior.

Forcing a dog to comply gets you nowhere and actually stops the learning process. This type of dog training has nothing to do with “everybody wins a trophy” phenomena. Instead, it’s based on learning principles, consequences and scientific data.

Choice dog training is the easiest way to train a dog, so why not use it?

How to Get the Most Out of Your Dog Training Class

May 31 2018

Confessions of a Dog Owner: I’m Not Getting the Most Out of Class

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Dog Training Class

Committing to weekly group dog obedience training sessions can be challenging, but it’s worth it. Make each class session count. It’s all about time management sprinkled with preparation and a dash of understanding your environment.

Arrive Early

Plan on arriving early, meaning you’re parking at the dog training center 10 minutes before class begins. This extra time cushion provides time for gathering treats, finding your clicker or giving your dog a quick potty break. Five minutes before class, find a corner spot inside and set all your stuff down so you are both ready for class to start.

If your dog is nervous about classes, arriving early provides extra adjustment time before other excited dogs begin filing in. For easily excited dogs, arriving early keeps your dog calm because you’re not rushing or piling in with the masses.

Bring Plenty of High Value Treats

Yes! The night before class, select and chop up high value treats into pea-sized portions. Plan on bringing 50-100 tiny treats per class session. It seems like too many treats, but usually it amounts to one cheese stick or hotdog if portioned correctly. If there are extra treats after class, let your dog race the treat bag on the drive home or freeze large amounts of leftovers for next week’s class.

Running out of treats during class will halt your progress. Either you stand still and watch others practice or you’re running into the retail area purchasing more treats. Either way, you’ve wasted at least five to 10 minutes. This usually happens during demonstration time (i.e. the dog trainer provides feedback while you practice), which is a crucial part of the learning process for you and your dog.

If you’re busy, try this time-saving tip: Place cut-up treats in a plastic bag and keep refrigerated. When running home to pick up your dog, grab the plastic bag and shove in your bait bag or purse. Keep an extra clicker in the car along with extra poop bags, as clickers always go missing it seems (maybe they’re hiding with all those missing socks). Voila, you’re all set!

Keep Your Distance

By arriving early, you can choose your spot before others arrive. Usually, corner spots work best for easily distracted or nervous dogs. Corner spots allow more wiggle room, so you’re able to control distance between other dogs and handlers. Distance is important, especially during the learning process, because it ensures your dog focuses on you until he learns polite behaviors. When in doubt, take a few steps back from other teams, and keep and maintain a three- to five-feet bubble from others.

Ask Questions If Confused

The worst thing you could do is leave class confused and frustrated. Usually, this happens during lecture time when the dog trainer is explaining how to teach your dog a new behavior. If you’re confused, raise your hand and say so politely. More than likely, you’re not the only one.

If you’re confused, the dog trainer didn’t explain correctly. Yes, it’s true. A dog trainer’s (teacher) job is to explain how to teach dog behaviors effectively so all dog owners (students) understand how to teach their dogs. Remember this when your dog (student) becomes confused because you (teacher) may need to explain it differently too. 🙂

As a dog trainer, I’m constantly interpreting your body language and checking in, so I can usually tell if you’re confused. There are moments when I’ve misread the group and everyone is doing their own things. That’s my fault. If I spot several confused expressions or someone staring into space, it’s my job as a dog trainer to stop and figure out how to explain it better. When new behaviors go seamlessly, I pat myself on the back.

Stay After With Questions

If you’re still confused, stay after class and ask more questions. Usually a third of the dog training class stays afterwards with questions pertaining to the session or behaviors at home, so be prepared to wait. Sometimes, a few seconds of one-on-one with a dog trainer answers your questions immediately.

If you’re pressed for time, plan to email your questions within 24 hours. Quickly emailing questions ensures you remember valuable details, which is important to understand the situation. Email is hard to interpret sometimes, but hopefully your dog trainer is able to send links to answer your questions and provide further research on specific topics.

Practice at Home

Practicing at home is very important! Ninety percent of behavior issues happen at home, so practicing within your environment is vital. Post homework sheets in a visible area, such as the refrigerator, and read thoroughly.

Set aside five minutes per day for practicing. Keep dog training sessions short (one to two minutes) and practice throughout the day. Another good thing about practicing at home is you can control distractions, which is not the case at the dog training center. 🙂

The secret to teaching foolproof behaviors is teaching and practicing at home, so you can polish them during group class!

Happy training!