We dog lovers aim for relationships we can enjoy. Most want to include our trusted four-legged companions in our daily lives as much as possible. For those of us who have well-mannered dogs, it's easy because we can rely on them to consistently respond to our commands. Their compliance is due largely to our commitment to building this relationship fairly, respectfully and humanely. 

Everyday, emails pour in to my Inbox with specific questions about dog behavior. "How can I take my dog along on our weekend hikes?" "Is it possible to get my dog to behave well enough so I can take him with me when I eat at dog-friendly restaurants?" Questions about how to resolve problems ranging from slowing down fast eaters and trimming nails to introducing a new dog or even cat into the home with an existing dog are routinely asked.

Where is this all going? Well, it's led me to start a special column of this newsletter! It's called "Dear Elaine" and in it I'll provide answers to the questions I get--which are typically questions we all have. So keep your emails coming and look for answers to those very important dog quandaries in "Dear Elaine."  And I promise to answer all of your questions to the very best of my ability or I'll find someone else who can!

Also, in a few days you'll be hearing those loud bangs followed by colorful lights in the evening skies above. Check out some valuable tips to help your pooch deal with fireworks during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in the article below.

Elaine

     

 

Dear Elaine, 

I love taking Poppy on the greenway for our early morning walks because it's so quiet and peaceful. And, now that she comes when I call her, I let her off the leash to smell all the wonderful scents along the way! What I'd like to know is - when I do let her off the leash,  how far is too far to let her go before I call her back?

Thanks, Christina 

 

Hi Christina,

Thank you for your important question! Many of our dogs are off-leashed trained and respond reliably and consistently when called. However, our dogs aren't robots and may forget, make mistakes and need reminders every now and then just like us humans! That's why I always recommend keeping your dog in sight at all times. If I can't see what's coming around that corner on the trail, then I call my dogs back to me. The perimeter I allow is one that is both comfortable for me and safe for my dogs. My job as leader is to keep my dogs safe and protected. In order to do that, I must be reasonably sure that the environment is safe. So I enjoy off-leash walks and hikes with my dogs in safe places. I hope you enjoy many peaceful, safe walks with Poppy!

 

 

 

Dear Elaine,

Thanks again for the amazing puppy program you did for Bear! We learned a lot and our son isn't afraid to pet him anymore. The play-biting is gone! Bear is growing fast and we're looking forward to beginning your training program soon. For now, we take him out for short walks around the neighborhood but many children come up all at once to pet him (because he's so darn cute!). What is the best way to handle this situation?

Thanks, Pete and Joan

 

Hi Pete and Joan,

Bear is an adorable, curious Newfoundland puppy who is definitely a magnet for petting! I'm so glad to know that the play-bite correction has worked and Bear gets to enjoy time with your son! When out on neighborhood walks, be sure that children wait their turn to say hello to Bear. That means that only one child at a time can calmly extend his or her hand for Bear to smell before that hand slowly pets his shoulder rather than anywhere up to the top of his head. Typically, hands that reach for the top of a dog's head lead to a dog's mouth reaching for the child's hand. To help avoid this, the hand should go to the dog's shoulder and then to the back of his head with slow-motion style petting and a quiet voice. I hope this helps as you enjoy your neighborhood walks with Bear!