Author: Orla O'Keefe

Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I'm here working on my blog. You're welcome to reach out and connect with me.

How To Introduce A New Dog Into An Existing Pack

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Introduce A New Dog Into An Existing Pack

So you’ve decided it’s time for a new dog. You’ve prepared the house and are so excited to bring your new family member home. The problem? You already share your home with a dog (or dogs). Though dogs are pack animals and generally enjoy having other dogs around, introducing a new pup to your existing pack takes some time and a lot of patience.

The first rule for introducing a new dog to your existing pack is having the dogs meet on a completely neutral site. This can be a new dog park (one your existing dogs haven’t visited before), a new hiking trail, or just a neutral open field. That way, you avoid any territorial issues with your existing pack.

You’ll have to enlist the help of some friends or family members. Depending on how many dogs you already have, you may need more than one.

With the dogs leashed, walk your existing dog(s) a few feet in front of your family member or friend with your new dog for a little bit. When dogs appear to be generally calm, it’s time to have them meet.

However, this does not mean simply letting the dogs meet face to face – this could easily result in a fight.

The key is to let the dogs meet how they normally would – through smell.

Slow down with your existing dog(s) until you drop behind your friend with the new pup. This allows your current dog to sniff the new dogs rear, essentially “introducing” them.

Now, reverse the roles. Walk with your existing dog(s) in front and let the new pup smell their rear. This process may need to be repeated several times until the dogs are comfortable with each other. Once they appear in a calm state, you can walk the dogs next to each other with the humans in the middle.

If the dogs appear to get along and are relatively relaxed, you can allow them to meet off-leash in an enclosed area, such as a dog park or fenced area in a neutral spot, like a friends house. This allows them to get even more acquainted with each other.

The entire process may have to be repeated a few times until the dogs are comfortable with each other.

Once the dogs are acquainted and comfortable with each other, it’s time to take them home! The key here is to have your existing dog(s) enter the house first. This will act as an invitation for the new dog to come inside.

Hiding all existing toys and food bowls will help with possessiveness or territorial issues. Also, make sure you remain in a calm state!

If you’re calm, your dogs will be calm.

It’s crucial not to overwhelm your new dog. After all, they just met their new fur siblings and just arrived at their new home! Take them around the house slowly, showing them where they will eat, sleep, and play.

It could take some time for everyone to get along and become friends. But, with time, love, and most of all, patience, your new pack will quickly be inseparable!

7 Tips To Reinvent Your Relationship With Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

7 Tips To Reinvent Your Relationship With Your Dog

The bond between a human and their dog is like nothing else.

Jennifer Arnold, author of the book “Love Is All You Need: The Revolutionary Bond-Based Approach to Educating Your Dog”, wants us to change the way we view the bond with our dog. We believe that a well-mannered, well-behaved dog is a happy and secure dog. However, it’s the opposite. A happy and secure dog is a well-mannered, well-behaved dog.

We focus on how a dog does rather than how a dog feels.

When dogs feel loved and secure, their behavior problems seemingly disappear. Arnold is an advocate of the bond-based teaching method, where we focus on strengthening our bond with our dog to help transform our relationships.

Here are her seven tips on how to reinvent the relationship between you and your dog.

Your relationship comes first:

Like humans, dog are social creatures. Because of that, relationships are powerful. If you and your pup have a great relationship, they’ll have motivation to make you happy. But, a relationship goes both ways. Both the dog and the human must have control. Since dogs have to function in a human world, the role of a leader falls on us, but that doesn’t mean we need to be dictators. A reciprocal connection will help keep your bond and relationship strong.

Look to understand your dog:

Empathy is necessary in any relationship, whether that’s human-to-human or human-to-dog. Dog’s already spend quite a bit of time trying to understand us. They analyze our mood, habits, and preferences. Doing the same for your dog will create a strong bond. Seek to understand them as much as possible. What games do they like? What do they like to eat? What emotions do they experience? Are they high-energy or a couch potato? Understanding your dog will undoubtedly help your relationship.

Watch through eyes of love:

How you perceive certain situations determines how you’ll respond to them. For example, if you think your dog gets angry and looks for revenge by shredding the couch or your paper towel roll when you are away, you’ll probably be angry. But, if you saw the situation as your dog did those things because they missed you, you won’t be as upset. If you are able to see the situation through their eyes, your relationship will strengthen.

Get your dog to trust you:

According to studies, dogs develop attachment patterns to their owners similar to preverbal children. Therefore, it is necessary that your dog has a secure attachment to you. Dogs with a secure attachment to you are far less likely to have behavioral problems stemming from anxiety. You can strengthen their attachment to you by responding to their needs and never asking them to “earn” your love or attention.

Rethink training your dog:

Current training methods – even positive reinforcement ones – encourage a sense of conditional affection. A sort of, “I love you if you do as I say” or “I will feed you if you please me” type of situation. This can actually be detrimental to your dog developing trust in you. Damaged trust will create increased anxiety, resulting in problem behaviors. These behaviors could include a desire to secure a connection by mouthing or jumping, a need for greater control such as reactivity or stress coping mechanisms like paper shredding or excessive barking. Most training methods promote the solution of exerting more control over your dog, creating a vicious cycle.

Help teach your dog:

Dogs love to learn. It can be a social, internally motivating process, which allows dog to develop a strong bond to their teachers (you) and have control over their environment. Internal motivation learning helps us as well, as it requires far less attentiveness and lets our dogs be more flexible in understanding what good behavior is. A dog that knows the command “sit” when asked needs more management and direction than a dog that knows to sit when their owner is sitting. Giving your dog the chance to learn to direct his own behavior by watching you, will ensure he acts, for the most part, appropriately. Furthermore, dogs that self-direct are much more inclined to comply with you in the future when you have a particular request.

Let your dog amaze you:

Arnold says, “Cognition is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding as a result of mental processes such as memory, thought, planning, and perception”.

Dogs are capable of quite complex cognition. Can a dog learn to answer yes or no questions? Can they sniff out a hidden toy or treat? Why not try asking them? Try teaching them your left hand is “yes” and your right hand is “no”. Hide their toys or treats around the house or yard and tell them to follow their nose. We tend to focus on telling our dogs what to do rather than seeing what they are capable of doing. Who knows, your dog may just amaze you.

Your relationship with your dog is unlike any other. Why not strengthen it even more? Try using some of this tips to establish a deeper connection with your furry friend!

5 Things Your Pet Insurance Should Cover

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 Things Your Pet Insurance Should Cover

You’ve been paying your pet insurance premium monthly for as long as you can remember. You feel better knowing your pet is covered in case of an emergency or illness but when that time comes, the claim you submitted to your pet insurance provider gets rejected. They say that particular injury or illness isn’t covered by your policy.

Like humans, pets can benefit from an insurance policy. Health care coverage for your pet is great to have in the event you need it, but what happens in the scenario above? Not only did you pay a substantial amount of money in premiums, now you have to pay for their treatment out of pocket.

Cancer

Cancer is unfortunately quite common these days, especially for certain dog breeds. Treatment, which often includes chemotherapy and/or surgery as well as medications, can result in a big bill. Therefore, an insurance plan with cancer coverage is very important.

This disease isn’t just limited to senior dogs. If you have a breed that is predisposed to this disease, consider a plan that provides as much coverage as possible. Also, make sure the reimbursement limits are completely clear. Some older pets and those with pre-existing conditions aren’t always eligible for full coverage.

Chronic Diseases

Frequently seen in middle-aged and senior pets, chronic diseases are considered incurable and include heart disease, chronic liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and more. Plans that cover these diseases with no exclusions is the best option. Many dogs that live long lives develop a chronic disease so a health care plan that covers them is ideal. Be sure to be aware of any reimbursement limits for certain diseases, though.

Coverage for Chronic Diseases

In addition to a plan that covers chronic diseases, you’ll want to find a plan that covers the ongoing testing and treatment of these diseases. Certain insurance policies only cover tests and treatments for the year the condition was diagnosed. This means you’re liable for the costs after that year.

So, in addition to paying your monthly premium, you would also be paying for ongoing treatment expenses. Make sure you find a plan that will not only cover the initial costs of a chronic disease, but the ongoing treatment as well.

Breed and Species-Specific Diseases

Certain breeds tend to suffer from particular medical conditions. Golden Retrievers, for example, have a greater chance of developing cancer, whereas smaller breeds suffer from floating kneecaps (also known as patellar luxation).

Some conditions and diseases are also species-specific. For example, cats are more prone to developing chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, whereas dogs tend to suffer from arthritis. Make sure you find a pet insurance policy that covers both breed-specific and species-specific diseases.

Hereditary and Congenital Diseases

Pets that suffer from congenital and hereditary diseases – those that are seen at birth and also develop as they age – should also be covered in your pet insurance policy. These diseases include hip dysplasia, entropion (upper eyelid disorder), and patellar luxation, among others.

Some plans consider congenital diseases “pre-existing” and will only reimburse you for hereditary diseases. Make sure you find a plan that will cover both. Veterinarian Dr. Karen Becker, says the more confusing the policy language is, the less likely you are to be reimbursed. To clear things up, try coming up with some “what if” scenarios and call prospective insurance providers.

Also, always be sure to note the maximum payouts and any reimbursement limitations for certain diseases.

5 Ways Cuddling Your Dog Can Help Keep Them Healthy

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 Ways Cuddling Your Dog Can Help Keep Them Healthy

If there’s one thing we can’t resist, it’s cuddling with our dogs. And sure it makes us happier than we’d care to admit, but it’s actually beneficial to your pup as well. Not only is it great for some serious bonding, it also gives you an opportunity to give your dog a “check-up”. Here are five things you can check for while cuddling with your pup.

Check the Paws

Cuddling is a great time to check your pups paws. Check for long or ingrown nails – especially on the dewclaws (if they have them). If you notice your dog’s nails are getting a bit long, make an appointment with the groomer or cut them yourself!

Then the Mouth

Dogs don’t have the best breath in general (except puppy breath!), but if they have seriously bad breath, something may be wrong. Really bad breath can be from an infected tooth or severe allergies that are causing sinus drainage. Contact your veterinarian if your pup is sporting some bad breath during cuddle time.

Watch the Eyes

Most of the time our dog is focused on everything else but us, but a cuddle session is the perfect time to check your pup’s eyes. Check for things like red-rims, Blue Eyes, which can be a sign of allergies. And if you notice any clouding or anything unusual, contact your veterinarian.

Check the Ears

Cuddle time on the couch is a great opportunity to check your dog’s ears – especially if they don’t stick straight up. If they look a little dirty, book a cleaning at the vet or clean them yourself. And if you see anything out of the ordinary, give your vet a call.

Feel for Bumps

While you’re cuddling, pet your pup and be on the lookout for any unusual bumps. This is especially important for longer-haired dogs. You’ll be able to feel for or find any rashes, hot spots, bald patches, or bumps. If you find one, contact your veterinarian.

Who knew that a good cuddle session can be a great opportunity for a health check-up? Keeping these five points in mind is a great way to keep your pup in tip-top shape – and gives you the perfect excuse for cuddling on the couch!

4 Very Real Ways Your Dog Is Making You Healthier

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

4 Very Real Ways Your Dog Is Making You Healthier

It’s no secret dogs makes us happy. The joy they bring into our lives is incomparable. And now, some scientists think dogs can actually make us healthier, too. Here are four ways our pups are helping our health.

They Boost our Immunity

If you have a dog that loves to give kisses, you may not want to push them away. Studies have shown that dogs can help boost our immune system by spreading microorganisms through our environment. Humans and dogs actually carry many of the same bacteria, so the additional exposure helps us fight off infections.

And for those who worry about allergies, some studies have shown that children who share their homes with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and allergies over the years. They are also less likely to develop the skin condition eczema.

They Help our Hearts

Many heart conditions can actually be improved through owning a dog. Pup owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. People who have dogs are also less likely to suffer from heart attacks. Not only are they less likely to suffer from heart attacks, they are more likely to survive one.

They Improve our Mental Health

Studies have shown that being around pets causes our brain to release oxytocin, also known as the “feel good hormone.” Pup owners are less likely to have a high production of cortisol, the hormone that is linked to higher stress levels.

Pet owners are also known to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. They are also known to have a higher self-esteem and calmer nerves.

They Get Us to Exercise

One on the greatest benefits of owning a dog is their ability to make exercise fun. Thanks to walks and games of fetch in the backyard, dog owners are 50% more likely to get their recommended 30 minutes of daily physical exercise.

If this doesn’t make you want to run out and add a dog to your life – if you don’t already have one – we aren’t sure what will. And if you already share your home with a pup, perhaps it’s time to add another. The more dogs you have the healthier you are – right?

6 Spring Activities That Your Dog Will Absolutely Love

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

6 Spring Activities That Your Dog Will Absolutely Love

Who doesn’t love spring? The weather is finally warm, the days are longer, and all you want to do is be outside. Do you know who else loves spring? Your pup. So help them make the most of the season with these six activities your dog will absolutely love.

Go Shopping

Shopping isn’t just for humans. Next time you’re on a walk with your pup, stop by some dog-friendly stores and restaurants. Bring your dog to a pet supply store, like Petco or PetSmart, for some retail therapy. Once you’ve had your fix – and added a few new toys to their collection – pop over to a dog-friendly restaurant or café to get a bite to eat and relax.

Work Out Together

Since the weather is warmer, now is the perfect time to take your workouts outside. Don’t go solo, though, bring your pup with you! Working out with your dog is a great way to bond while getting some exercise. Jogging or biking is a great spring workout for both you and your pup.

Go for a Swim

If you’re the owner of a water-loving dog, take them for a swim this spring. You can either go to a beach, a hiking trail near a lake, or try a nearby river. Even a small pond, stream, or creek can be the perfect place to play fetch for a ouple hours.

Go Camping

Why make your dog stay behind the next time you go on a trip? A camping trip is the perfect opportunity to bring your pup along. Whether you plan on staying in a tent or a (dog-friendly) cabin, camping is a great opportunity to bond with your pup and spend some quality time exploring or hiking.

Be Competitive

Share your home with a puppy? Spring is the perfect opportunity to try competitive training. Once your puppy gets the basics down – like sit, stay, and lie down – why not take it up a notch with competitive training? Agility training is a great way for dogs to learn something new and release all that pent-up energy from the winter. They’ll get to jump through hoops and make their way around other obstacles, a perfect complement to regular ol’ training.

Off-Leash Fun

If there’s one place dogs love, it’s the dog park. Enjoy the warmer weather by taking your pup for some off-leash fun. If you live in an apartment, many complexes have off-leash areas but if you’re looking for a larger space, check out some dog-friendly beaches or dog parks. Not only will get to burn off some energy, they’ll get to meet and interact with other pups!

TRAININGYOURBESTFRIEND.COM

With these six dog-approved activities, you and your pup are sure to have the best spring ever!

How To Deal With Bullies At The Dog Park; The Dogs And Their Humans

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Deal With Bullies At The Dog Park; The Dogs And Their Humans

Whether they are on two or four legs, no one likes a bully. And while bullies aren’t everywhere, they can definitely pop up in certain places – the dog park being one of them. So how do you deal with bullies – both dogs and humans – at the dog park? Here’s your guide.

Pay Attention

Most dogs love the dog park. Getting to run around with their furry friends and release some energy keeps them happy and healthy. But not every dog – or owner – feels the same way. One way to keep an eye on potential bullies is to pay attention.

While some pup parents like to kick back and relax at the dog park, that’s not necessarily the smartest thing to do. Watch how the dogs are interacting with each other and how the owners are responding to their dogs, including those that aren’t being watched closely. Being on alert will help you react quickly if you notice any bullying happening.

Leave

One of the best ways to avoid a dog park bully is to leave. If a dog isn’t being handled properly by their owner, the best scenario may be to leave.

Move

No, we don’t mean move out of the city or state, we’re talking about moving around the dog park. If you have more than one dog or there are a group of dogs playing nicely with your own pup, keep their attention on you by walking around or playing with them. This will provide a distraction from a bully.

Make Sure There is Space

A good way to avoid dealing with bullies is by going to a large dog park. In a smaller park, there is not enough space to move away from the bully, which can result in an altercation. In a larger park, you’ll be able to remove your dog from the situation by isolating them.

Don’t Engage with Bully Parents

While dogs can certainly be more energetic and bully-like than others, most of the time it’s the dogs’ owners you need to watch out for. If you notice a dog owner bully, the best thing to do is simply not engage. It may be hard to hold back – especially if they’ll yelling at your dog – but engaging could lead to more serious problems. So, it’s best to just let them be and head home.

Know When Your Dog is the Bully

Some dogs are just not meant for the dog park. No matter how desperately you want your dog to be a dog park lover, it may never happen. So if you do take them and they end up being the bully, apologize and stick to long walks or hikes instead.

VETSTREET.COM

Dog parks can be a wonderful experience for both you and your pup. But not every pup loves them. Use these tips to help you deal with dog park bullies – both in human and dog form.

Should You Really Be Letting Your Dog Sleep In Bed With You?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Should You Really Be Letting Your Dog Sleep In Bed With You?

Picture this: you’re all settled into bed and you hear the familiar pitter patter of paws in the hall. Then comes the jump up on the bed and soon enough your dog is snuggled right under the covers the with you. If this feels like a familiar scene, you aren’t alone. Countless dog owners let their furry friends sleep with them. But the question is, should you really be letting your dog sleep in bed with you?

We’ve got the answers.

Pros

Bonding

Over 71% of pet owners let their pets occasionally share their bed. And now researchers say that if you’re already in that percentile, there is no need to stop – especially if everyone sleeps soundly. There are numerous psychological benefits to the feelings of safety and warmth that a pup provides while in bed.

Happiness

Certain research has shown that both you and your pup might benefit from cuddling in bed together. Touching or petting benefits increases oxytocin levels in humans’ brains. Oxytocin, also known as the ‘cuddle chemical’, helps increase our feelings of safety and trust.

Pack-Mentality

If you have more than one pup, sharing the bed can be an awesome way to increase the pack-mentality of the group. Wild dogs sleep together in the wild as a pack and the same rings true for domestic pups.

Cons

Health Issues

If you suffer from any allergies or asthma, it’s probably not a good idea to let your dog sleep with you. Furthermore, some research says that dogs can bring potentially harmful bacteria and viruses to bed – including fleas and ticks.

Sleep Interruption

One of the biggest cons to having your pup sleep with you is that they can cause serious sleep disturbance – especially if you or your dog moves around a lot.

Dominance Problems

This can be a con if your dog already has an issue with the family hierarchy. Sharing a bed with a hierarchical-challenged dog may make matters worse. But if your dog doesn’t exhibit any these tendencies, you should be in the clear.

Love Killer

If you share your home (and bed) with another human, adding a pup in there can kill the romance. This may especially true for energetic puppies or bigger dogs that love to sleep right in the middle of you.

Trouble Boarding

An often glossed over con for co-sleeping with your dog is that it makes it hard to travel with or without them. If they aren’t comfortable in a crate, it may be more difficult to find a dog sitter willing to share their own bed. It may also be harder to find a hotel that either allows dogs or with a big enough bed.

The Verdict

The verdict here is that it is generally fine to share your bed with your pup – as long as you’re sleeping well. If you suffer from insomnia or generally have trouble sleeping, a dog in the bed is only going to make matters worse. And, if you have any allergies or asthma, consider nixing the bed-sharing.

But, there are numerous benefits to sleeping with your pup. You get increased levels of oxytocin and your dog gets a sense of love and security. Plus, it makes cuddling with your pup a whole lot easier.

8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Limping

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Limping

Dogs are resilient creatures – so when we see them limping in pain, we know something is wrong. While you may think a limp simply means a sprained muscle or broken bone, that’s not always the case. Here are 8 reasons your dog may be limping.

Broken Nail

If you’ve ever suffered from a broken nail, you know painful they are. Well, the same goes for dogs – especially since they have to walk on them! If the pain is severe, the dog will begin to limp. A broken nail can be caused by a tear or if it gets caught on something. Keeping your pups nails trimmed is a great way to avoid a broken one, especially since broken nails can become infected.

Torn Pad

A very common reason dogs limp is from torn pads. A torn pad can be caused by walking on rough terrain, walking too long on rough or hot surfaces – like dirt or sad – or making sharp turns. Active dogs tend to suffer from torn pads more often since they are on their paws more. If you notice a tear in your pups paw, consult your veterinarian.

Broken Bone

A broken bone is a serious cause of limping. Some broken bones are severe enough that they are obvious but others – like small fractures – may go unnoticed. A symptom of a fracture or broken bone is lameness and limping. If you suspect your dog may have a broken bone or a fracture, contact your veterinarian immediately. If caught early, they typically heal properly.

Panosteitis

A condition in some large breed dogs and puppies, Panosteitis (or Pano), occurs as these pups grow between the ages of 5 and 18 months. Although it’s cause is unknown, Pano is a type of bone inflammation that can last for several months – switching from one leg to the other. There is no treatment other than pain management. Common breeds that suffer from Pano are German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia may cause limping in one or both of the front legs. Some dogs may go their entire lives without any symptoms of elbow dysplasia but others may show symptoms early on. It can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a radiograph and they will prescribe treatment based on the severity.

Hip Dysplasia

Dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia may go their entire life without any pain but some may start to show signs of limping at an early age. This disease can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a radiograph and they will offer treatment options depending on the severity.

Muscle Tear or Sprain

Another common cause of limping is a CCL tear. A CCL tear is a “tear in a cranial cruciate ligament that attaches the femur to the tibia.” A CCL tear is quite common and is typically found in overweight dogs that play and chase other dogs or toys. Canine athletes are also at risk. Similar to ACL tears in people, CCL tears are extremely serious and painful and require immediate veterinarian attention.

Bone Cancer

One of the more serious causes of limping is bone cancer, or osteosarcoma. These tumors can be extremely painful growths and may even be too small see without a radiograph. Veterinary care is extremely important as this type of cancer spreads quickly. A loss of the limb is a common result of bone cancer.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

12 Tips to Get The Most Out Of Going To The Dog Park

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

12 Tips to Get The Most Out Of Going To The Dog Park

One: Make Sure They’re Well Behaved On-Leash

Before you attempt to take your dog to the dog park and let them run off-leash, make sure they’re well behaved on-leash. 

Because there are a lot of new things to see and smell at the dog park, your pup might be tempted to behave erratically.

If your dog doesn’t behave on-leash, they’re not ready for the dog park. 

Two: Know Where They Are At All Times

Dog parks are big, open, and full of dogs. It’s ultra easy for your dog to wander away. They can go out of sight without you even noticing. 

Because of the general confusion at dog parks, it’s a must to keep track of your pup. 

Rover.com

Three: All Introductions Done On-Leash First

When dogs meet, they like to be on equal footing. When one dog is leashed and the other isn’t, it can make the leashed dog fearful or defensive. 

It will also let your dog know that you’re in control of the walk, their behavior, and their protection. 

Four: Practice Off-Leash At Home First

If you have a yard, or a small area at home where you feel safe, let your dog practice being off-leash there. 

If they have any doggie friends, bring them over to practice with your pup. This gives your dog the opportunity to be off-leash with other dogs around. 

Five: Try Off-Leashed In A Fenced Area

Go away from your yard to a place with a secure fence. Tennis courts and baseball fields are good for this. Let your dog off-leash to practice for the park. Look for triggers of bad behaviors and correct them in practice. This can help save your dog’s life. 

Rover.com

Six: Make Sure They’re Mind Their Manners First

If your dog is misbehaving in the practice areas, do not go to the dog park until you feel they are reasonably perfect. 

Seven: Pay Attention

Cesar Milan is fond of saying that most dog park problems come from owners “checking out” once their dogs start to play. They get lost in conversations, texting or emailing, or watching videos on their phone. Even well behaved dogs can get spooked and dart away. For your dog’s safety, pay attention at all times. 

Eight: Practice Commands

The more familiar and efficient your dog is following commands, the safer they’ll be at the park. 

Nine: Watch For Over-Possessiveness Or Guarding

Being around strange dogs can trigger your dog to resource guard. This leads to a lot of fear biting and fear-aggressive incidents. If you notice your dog becoming possessive of a toy, ball, or any other object, step in and correct them. 

Ten: Praise Good Behavior

Every minute at the dog park, and right after, is an opportunity to reenforce good behaviors. Make sure you correct the bad, but praise and reward the good as well. 

Eleven: Watch Water Intake

Dogs can easily slip into dehydration when at the dog park. There is a lot of excitement and activity. Make sure your dog is drinking water while you’re there, and that they take breaks as needed. 

Twelve: Exercise Away From The Park Too

Don’t rely on the dog park for your dog’s exercise. There is a lot of physical activity, but there’s also a lot of energy and excitement. Walking is still needed. Walking to the park, especially if the walk is 10-mins or more, is a great way to exercise and drain excess energy from your pup to prevent behavior problems while running around the dog park. 

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    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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