Tips for Finding the Best Kennel for Your Dog

Don't Let Strangers Hurt Your Dog - How to Find the Best Dog Kennel
By John Sommer

It is important not to get overly excited about the kennel that you are interested in until you call and talk to someone from the facility on the phone. A lot of kennels are seasonal only working during the town's busy times of the year. Times when families are most likely to be taking vacations that involve them leaving their dogs behind. If you managed to luck out and the kennel that you are interested in is open the days that you need them, it is time to take the next step.

Ask the owner of the kennel if it would be ok with them if you came and toured the grounds. If they tell you no that that is not an option it is time to look elsewhere. A good kennel has nothing to hide and had no reason to put you off when you want to visit with the employers and inspect the property. It is a good kennel that is confident enough to let you just stop by and the drop of a hat.

Be Snoopy at the Kennel Once you are at the kennel don't be afraid to be snoopy. Really take the time to notice how clean the kennel is. Notice if there are any messes left in any of the cages and see if there is a fresh supply of food and water available for the dog. Remember if it is early morning when your visit occurs, that in most kennels this is clean up time so there might be little messes from the night before.

Don't be afraid to ask the staff questions, after all they are the ones that will be dealing with your dog. You are going to want them to patient and playful. Ask where your dog will be sleeping, how much interaction each dog gets, if they have a vet on call just in case something is wrong, ask them if they will follow the diet that is you already have your dog on. It is the way that they answer these questions that will determine how lenient and flexible that the kennel is.

Be Sure to Ask the Owner Questions It is a good idea to ask the owner if you can hang around in the shadows and watch how the employees get along with the dogs. You want them to be gentle and interacting with them. Notice how the dogs react to the employees also. If the dog seems OK around certain ones and not others it is time to ask about that reaction. If the own is a true lover of animals she will understand all of your concerns and not be afraid to answer any of your questions.

If you are happy with everything that you have seen during your visit and select the kennel now all you have to do is make the visit as stress free for your dog as possible. Take a few blankets and toys with you when you drop off your pet. The items that you leave with your dog will carry the smell of you and your home one them, and this scent will comfort your dog when he is missing you. When you are getting ready to leave the dog do it fast. Do not give your dog the chance to see that you are upset. Make him think that you are happy about the situation and let him know that he is safe.

John Sommer is a leading expert in the field of pet health and training. He runs the successful website [http://www.petinsurancepro.com. Topics range from finding cheap pet insurance coverage to how to feed your dog the right nutrients for the specific breed.

Making Your Dog Obey Commands

Reasons Not to Repeat Commands to Your Dog
By Mandy Makein

When working with your dog it is very important to not repeat commands that you give. There are many reasons why you should not repeat to your dog. Unfortunately most people do not realize how detrimental this can be to your relationship with your dog.

When working with your dog it is very easy to fall into the trap of repeating a command when your dog does not do the command immediately. Many people repeat over and over before the dog actually performs the command. This becomes a pattern between you and your dog. You give the command several times and then your dog may or may not do what you say. This creates frustration for both you and your dog! Sometimes your dog truly does not know what you want from her, but sometimes she is just so used to hearing the command two or three times before she has to do it. In your dog's mind "sit, sit, sit" becomes the command. Even though this is not your intention, it is what your dog has learned.

Some dogs, like children, don't believe you are serious the first time you say the command. They know that you will repeat it several times and then they may do what you are telling them to do. It is very important to mean what you say the first time you say it! If you tell a child to go clean his room over and over and never follow through and make him do it, he probably never will. But, if you tell your child to go clean his room and make him do it the first time you say it, he will learn that this is what is expected of him. He will learn to clean his room the first time you tell him to and you won't have to make him do it anymore. Dogs are just like this. They need to understand what you want and that you want it done the first time you give the command.

If you want your dog to do what you say the first time, you need to make sure that you reinforce this behavior. Give your dog the "sit" command and make sure to say it only one time. If she doesn't "sit" right away, make her by putting her into the "sit" position and then praise her for doing it. This is how you will have a dog that does what you want the first time you say what you want. You will no longer have to repeat commands!

Mandy Makein is an author and dog trainer. For more information on dog related issues visit her website at http://www.wecantrainanydog.com/

(c) Copyright Mandy Makein 2010. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Homemade Dog Shampoo Recipe

Homemade Dog Shampoo - Save Money and Avoid Harmful Chemicals
By Warren Davis

If you have a dog you already know how expensive store bought shampoo can be. In addition to the expense many of the chemicals can be harmful if overused or if used on animals with allergies. You can save time and stick to safe ingredients by making your own pet shampoo at home. In fact, you probably already have most, if not all, of the items you will need in your cupboard.

What to Use

You only need three ingredients: dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and glycerin. Select a dish soap that is soft and gentle. Dove and Ivory are good choices as are all natural varieties. However, any non-concentrated soap that you already have should be fine to use. If you do not have apple cider vinegar it can be found at any large grocery store. You may have the visit the pharmacy section for the glycerin.

How to Mix

Mix equal parts dish soap, apple cider vinegar, and water for the base. Then add 1/3 part glycerin to the mixture. Be careful not to over mix the solution or you will agitate the soap and turn what should be a shampoo like consistency into a frothy mess. Once it is well mixed put the homemade dog shampoo into a bottle with a tight lid and it will keep for many uses. Simply shake it lightly if the contents have settled and it should be ready to use again.

Bathing Tips

When bathing your dog avoid getting soap in his eyes. You will want the apple cider vinegar to protect their coat and leave it shiny but if it gets into the eyes it will burn. Take extra care when washing his face. It is highly recommended that you not dry your dog with a blow dryer. These tend to over dry the skin and coat. Simply use an old towel to get the excess water off and then allow the dog to air dry.

The key to keeping your dog happy and healthy is a regular bathing. If he is an inside dog a bath every 4-6 weeks should do the trick. If he is an outside dog more frequent dips may be needed. When you make your own dog shampoo at home you will save money over the store brands and know exactly what is in the bottle.

Can you use people shampoo for a dog? Get the answer to this and other dog shampoo questions by visiting our website at http://www.oatmealshampoo.com.

Tips When Considering a Second Dog...

How About Bringing Home a Second Dog?
By Justin R Hopley

If you're actually planning to bring home one more dog, then it's time you think a lot about it. You need to consider a lot of factors before you take such a decision. Not only that, a lot depends upon whether the new dog is a small pup or another dog. It also depends upon what breed you are going to bring.

First of all, you need to consider the budget. This is because you need to obviously feed two dogs from now. Apart from feeding, you also need to calculate the expenditure that is going to go for the veterinary visits, bringing home some toys and the pedigree. Apart from all these things, you also need to think of how much you need to spend on taking care of the health of both the dogs. So, all the expenditure is going to be multiplied by two if you're going to bring home a second dog.

Apart from all these things, that most important thing that you need to consider is whether the two dogs get along well with each other. If your old dog has any behavioral problems, then it would be quite difficult because he might actually envy the second dog. Both of them might actually fight with each other if you don't take adequate care.

You really need to have a lot of patience when it comes to dealing with two dogs. If both of the dogs fight with each other, then it's a very big problem. So whenever you get the idea of bringing home a second dog, consider all these factors. Ask yourself the question whether you are actually ready for the budget and also ask yourself the question whether your second dog can actually get along well with the new dog.

Justin has been writing articles for almost two years now. In his spare time he creates websites, you can view his latest website about Midland Walkie talkie and his latest post about Walkie talkie headsets.

Sedatives Are Working!

Consider Adopting a Loyal Rescue Dog

*** Editor:  It's been thought and certainly understood by people who adopt stray dogs or dogs given up because of an owner's poor finances, that dogs who are "rescued" are extremely grateful dogs. They inherently understand that you've saved their life and want them around and to be a part of your family. No dog is as loyal as an a rescued dog!

Reasons Why You Should Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog
By Dana Lloyd

You've made the decision to add a new dog to your family. It's such an exciting time! One of the things to think about once this decision has been made is where you will be getting your new dog from. Even though there are many reputable breeders in this country, you should absolutely consider adopting a dog from a local rescue group or shelter. There are many myths associated with shelter dogs that make it difficult for local rescue groups to do their jobs, which is saving lives and finding good homes for adoptable dogs and cats.

It's safe to say that millions of dogs are euthanized each year in this country. What's not known by many people is that many of these dogs were perfectly adoptable. Not only were they adoptable, but they would have made wonderful pets! Many people assume that if a dog is in a shelter it must be "bad" or aggressive in some way. This simply is not true of all shelter dogs. Many of these dogs end up euthanized because the shelters are inundated with animals and there is just not enough room or homes for all of them. In other words, they are euthanized through no fault of their own.

There are many reasons why people surrender their pets to local shelters or rescue agencies. Most surrenders are not because an animal is aggressive or bad. The following are some of the most common reasons why people make the decision to surrender their dogs: they are moving and cannot take the dog with them; divorce or separation; having a baby; no time to take care of the dog anymore. And then you get dogs in shelters who are there because they have been picked up as strays. Many times, these dogs have been in a home situation before but have ended up on the streets due to irresponsible owners.

If you decide to go to your local shelter you will most certainly see many adorable, adoptable dogs who are in desperate need of a forever home. Utilize the staff at these shelters or rescue organizations to learn more about the dogs there. Many of the animals come with at least a bit of history. In addition, many rescue organizations temper/personality test the dogs before adopting them out. Find out if the dogs have worked with a trainer, and if so ask what was discovered. You may be able to find out more than think.

By adopting a shelter dog not only will you be adding a wonderful member to your family, but you will also be saving a life and doing your part to help prevent pet over population. Most of these dogs get a bad rap through no fault of their own. Of course there are exceptions, and each shelter or rescue group should be researched to make sure they are reputable. Adopting a dog is a decision that should not be taken lightly. But if you do your homework and work with a rescue group that is knowledgeable and helpful, you will end up with a delightful addition to your family.

Dana Lloyd is the owner of La Bella Doggy Boutique, an online designer dog boutique that specializes in luxury dog fashion, dog clothes & accessories, designer dog collars, unique dog beds, gourmet all natural dog treats, dog strollers & carriers, dog toys and more. She is also an animal advocate who dedicates some of her time to dog rescue.

Visit this Designer Dog Boutique to see their selection of Designer Dog Collars.

Know that when you shop at LaBellaDoggy.com you are supporting a small family owned business!

Play Games to Bond with Your Dog

The Top 5 Reasons You Should Play Games With Your Dog
By Maria E Kelly

Playing games with your dog is probably one of the most important things you will do with him. Not only are games fun but what many people don't realise is that games can be really good for your dog's health and well-being. As a dog owner it is important that you know the How, When and Why of playing games with your pet. In this article I will explain why games are so important and so beneficial for your pet.

Why is Play So Important?

1. Playing Games Reinforces Good Behaviour

Dogs are predators, their instinct is to chase, hunt and chew. Now these instincts have been toned down over hundreds of years but they should not be suppressed completely. If they are, it can lead to unwanted behaviour such as being unruly, over boisterous, chewing up everything in your house and your garden! Games are a great way for your dog to reinforce his natural instincts and get it out of their system so that outside of play time they are the model pet that doesn't create havoc in your house.

2. Playing Games Builds Bonds

Playing games regularly with your dog is a great way to build a strong bond between the two of you. This works best if you are the one in control, you decide when play starts and stops, you bring out the toy etc. If you are the source of fun, your dog will just love being around you and will do everything you ask.

3. Playing Games Boosts Your Dogs Confidence

Confident Dogs love to learn, explore and try new things. By playing the right kinds of games with your dog you are encouraging him to learn more and you are helping to build your dog's confidence and self-esteem. Many games are a great way to train your dog to do something new or to reinforce what he has learned in your more formal training sessions.

Games, particularly with a puppy, should start off pretty simple but get more complex as your puppy or dog masters each games and skill. That way your dog's brain is kept active and he is always learning something new and interesting.

4. Games Teach You About the Relationship You Have With Your Dog

Another interesting benefit to playing games with your dog is that you will quickly learn about the type of relationship the two of you have. Is he willing to listen to you and do what you ask? If yes, that's great, your dog looks up to you and respects you. Or does he go a bit wild, knock you over and/or run off? If the answer is yes then I'm afraid your dog doesn't listen to you and hasn't yet learned to respect you. This isn't your dog's fault, it doesn't mean he's bold it's just a good indicator that he (and probably both of you) needs more training.

5. Playing with Your Dog is Great for your Health

Your dog gets so much out of playing games particularly if you make it a daily ritual. But your dog isn't the only one that benefits, games are really good for your health too. The most obvious benefit is that you are getting outside and getting some fresh air and exercise but did you know they are also a fantastic way to unwind and distress?

As we grow from children to adults one of the saddest things we stop doing is we stop playing. We get serious and we forget how to just let go, use our imaginations, play and be silly. Do you ever watch children at play and wish you could be that carefree? Well now you get to reconnect with your inner child and forget all your grown up troubles and worries for part of every day. I can't begin to tell you how good that feels and how good it is for your mental health!

Playing games will build a strong and unshakable life long bond between you and your pet and as I explain above you both really benefit. However, it is important that you know how to play with your pet and when you should play. If you'd like to find out more and get some great training tips please visit http://www.mariasdogtrainingacademy.com and sign up to my free 7 day dog training ecourse.

Dogs Need Exercise Every Day!

Do You Exercise Your Dog Enough?
By Jason Nest

How often do you exercise your dog? Are you exercising them enough?

I recently read an article from the UK that half of the dogs in Britain are overweight. Half!

Fat dogs are now such a common sight that many owners have forgotten what a healthy animal even looks like...

How can you know if your dog is getting enough exercise? First you need to assess your dogs energy needs. All breeds do not require the same amount of exercise, what kind of dog do you have? For instance a German Shepherd, Border Collie, or any kind of retriever are going to require a lot more walking then say a Pug, Bull Dog or even a Greyhound (Greyhounds have short speed bursts, but are not considered high energy).

Not only do dogs need physical exercise but they also need to be mentally stimulated. A general rule of thumb is that:

1. Dogs need at least 60 minutes of physical exercise

2. 15 minutes of mental exercise

Of course it depends on your dog, but 60 minutes should be the bare minimum of physical activity.

Your pet might not be the only one overweight in your family. Studies have shown that dogs can provide a support system for their owners to help motivate them to exercise daily. Get outside and have some fun with your dogs and shed a few pounds yourself!

Dogs that don't get enough exercise, can turn that energy into bad behavior out of boredom. If you are trying to decide on a breed for your family and you do decide to get a high energy dog, I hope you have or are prepared to have a very active lifestyle.

How often do you exercise your dog? Physically and Mentally? Leave a comment!

Learn more about dog training and dog behavior at http://dogcurve.com

Causes of Ear Infection is Dogs-Important!

*** Editor: My dog is recovering from a severe ear infection at this time. Somehow a "Foxtail-(Dry sharply pointed weed)" got into her ear and traveled all the way down to her eardrum. Lots of blackish discharge and a sore raw ear was the result. She's on antibiotic ointment right now. Always have your vet check to see if there's a foreign object in your dog's ear if the dog has an infection, shaking it's head and discharge is oozing out of the ear canal.

Dog Ear Infection - 3 Main Causes For Canine Ear Problems
By D. Thurmond, D.V.M.

If you own a floppy eared dog, chances are you have experienced problems with a canine ear Infection. This is one of the most common reasons cited by pet owners for a visit to their vet.

It is easy to understand why a dog with an earflap that covers the opening to the ear canal might have more frequent bacterial or yeast infections. The ear canal is prone to remaining moist and retaining wax in the dark when the ear is covered. A dog with ears that remain upright is less likely to develop a yeast infection in the ear but may suffer from canine ear problems caused by mites or bacteria breeding in wax buildup.

The painful problem has three main causes. An ear infection is uncomfortable and can be painful for your pet. He may repeatedly shake his head or may hold his head at a tilted angle in an attempt to relieve the pain. In extreme cases of dog ear infection the animal may scratch at his ears until they bleed.

Ear Mites

Both dogs and cats can be troubled with ear mites. Untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections and lead to damage of the ear. The parasites are visible under a microscope and burrow into the ear canal. The mites feed on debris and wax in the canal and cause the skin to become inflamed.

An infection can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by your vet. If ear mites are present a miticide will kill off the parasite. Miticides may be in the form of ear drops or powder inserted in the ear canal.

Infections

Dog ear infections originate as both bacterial and fungal or yeast. It's possible for your dog to have more than one type of infection present in his ear canal. Owners of Cocker Spaniels and Golden Retrievers quickly learn to keep their dog's ears clean and dry to avoid canine ear infections. Other breeds especially at risk of ear problems are Weimeraners, Rottweilers, Shar Peis and other dogs with ears that cover the entrance to the ear canal.

Both bacterial and fungal infections that lead to ear problems make themselves known by the foul odor emanating from the ear canal. In severe cases the pet owner may notice a fluid on the pinna.

Flushing and cleaning the ear canal is the first step in controlling a bacterial dog ear infection. Following the cleaning your vet will suggest a topical or perhaps a systemic antibiotic.

Antifungal topical and systemic products will help correct a yeast infection or kill other fungi present. Correcting dog ear problems can take time as the fungus or bacteria are gradually eliminated.

When the animal is free of infection, pet owners are advised to use a mild cleaning agent to keep the dog's ears free of wax, debris and parasites.

Harsh products containing chemicals will be painful when applied to the delicate skin. Environmentally safe dog products such as Zymox and Dermapet will not irritate damaged skin and cause pain for the animal.

Allergies

An allergy to fleas, gnats or other insects often results in irritation to the outer ear flap, the pinna. Other pet allergies can also cause problems even if the ear canal appears to be clean.

Food allergies, inhaled pollens and contact allergies may cause the ear flaps to become thickened and the skin to acquire a rough, leathery texture. This is usually accompanied by redness and an itching that can drive your dog to scratch his ears with a vengeance.

If your dog's ears seem to be bothering him or you notice redness or a change in the texture of his pinna, canine allergies may be present. The allergies are treated in the same way your vet controls allergies that cause skin irritation.

If flea allergy dermatitis is the problem, eliminating fleas is a logical step for pet owners and can be accomplished with topical or oral pet flea medicines. For contact or inhaled allergies, your veterinarian will recommend anti-inflammatory drugs such as antihistamines and corticosteroids. The steroidal drugs may also be used to temporarily ease swelling and discomfort when ear mites are diagnosed.

Infections can often be treated quickly and easily when they are in the initial stages. If infections or parasites have become well established, eliminating the problem is more difficult as the dog may develop a chronic problem.

If treatment is delayed for an extended period of time and standard antibiotics and treatments cannot gain control of the infection, surgery may be recommended as a last option to solve dog ear infections.

Stop dog ear problems by treating infections and keeping your pet's ears clean and dry with discount pet meds from http://www.petscriptsdirect.com

5 Steps to a Quiet Dog.....

How To Stop Dog Barking In 5 Easy Steps
By Connie Bareford

It is an obvious fact that dogs bark, but how much barking is considered excessive? People have different tolerances towards dog barking and often the dogs owner can build up a tolerance against it, however for the sake of your neighbors you should try to discover why your dog barks. Here's how you could accomplish this in just 5 easy steps.

Step 1
The first and most important step is to discover what is the "Trigger" for your four legged friend to start barking. Once you have discovered the trigger, where possible try to remove it. For example if your dog continually barks at birds feeding on a bird table, either move the table or limit access to the room where your dog can see this. If your dog always barks at something like the postman then where possible distract your dog with other training tips when your postman arrives.

This is important because finding the barking "trigger" is the only real way you will ever stop your dog from barking. In the event you skip or ignore this step, you will struggle ever to control and manage your dog barking problem. You are also allowing your dog to start to take control and become the pack leader.

Step 2
Try to stop your fury friend from getting bored. A bored dog often barks and can even start to do more destructive things like chewing and potentially causing serious amounts of damage. If you have to leave your dog for long times try to get a friend or neighbour to come in and entertain your dog for a while. This step can stop your dog barking purely because of bordem.

Step 3
Consider a dog walker or dog sitter. The reason behind this is to give your dog some attention and possibly some exercise. In addition to that, this will give your dog some companionship.

Step 4
Train alternative behavior at certain times. Using the scenario of the post man in step 1 or perhaps someone ringing your front door bell. You can try to train your dog to pick up a bone or favourite toy during these times. It is not an easy job, but a dog wont bark with something in its mouth.

Step 5
Be A little lenient to your pet. As all canines bark. We knew this when we invited a dog into our lives. In fact a dogs bark can be useful. As their sense of hearing and smell are far superior from humans then they can warn us about all sorts of things.

Finally, if you accept that your dog will always bark and you just try to limit the barking by following some of the tips mentioned you should be able to control your dog barking problem.

More information about How To Stop Dog Barking and other dog obedience topics please visit obediencedogtraining.co.uk

Adjustable Wheels for Injured or Paralyzed Dogs

Adjustable Dog Wheels For Handicapped Dogs
By Charles M Johnson

Now you can provide comfort to your handicapped dog by getting an adjustable wheelchair for a perfect fit. These wheels will certainly improve their movement and will keep them at ease, even as they grow and their health changes.

If your dog is injured or paralyzed, then you can buy Dog Wheels to make their walking a lot easier and more comfortable. Losing the ability to walk is common in dogs that are disabled, injured or elderly. These situations are common but it does not mean the end of a dog's life. If you buy Dog Wheels or a cart that is adjustable, your dog will be able to get the exercise he or she needs to live a happy, healthy life.

Dog Wheels are common to those dogs who suffer injuries or diseases. Some of the most common reasons are disc disease, spinal cord rupture, arthritis, back and front leg amputation, neurological disease, hip dysplacia, ruptured discs, fractured back, leg weakness (chronic), paralysis, etc. So, do not start worrying if any of these mishaps struck your dog, especially if it hampers the overall movement, go to the web and get a dog cart from the a website like handicapped pets to enable him or her to run and play again. The dog carts are of many varieties and they are affordable too.

Dog Wheels are definitely the solution for your physically handicapped dog and it helps to keep it in a better shape. The dog cart also helps you to enjoy playing with your dog both inside and outside of your home.

Dog Wheels of different kinds can be found in the web, but while choosing the right one for your dog, you need to ensure that the wheelchair will adjust to serve the changing needs of your dog. In the past, dog wheelchairs were all custom made; expensive, time consuming, and complicated. Now, the best carts are fully adjustable and can be shipped the same day, then adjusted by the owner, without tools, for a perfect fit. Adjustability is important because you may want to use the dog wheelchair for another pet in the future, sell it, or donate it to a shelter. It is also important that the cart be able to fold flat for east storage, transportation, and shipping.

Adjustable Dog Wheels for providing can grow and change with the health of the dog. Before purchasing one, you need to thoroughly understand how to use it and check with a veterinarian to make sure it is the the right choice. In some of the better carts, there are soft, comfortable harnesses worn by the dog and attached to the cart with easy clips. Older custom carts require you to lift the dog into the saddle. Most manufacturers have online shopping websites which enable the customers to buy online.

Charlie Johnson is a freelance writer for [http://www.HandicappedPets.com/ If you're looking for more information on Dog Wheels to help your loving dog live a more comfortable life be sure to visit us today.

Treating Separation Anxiety in Havanese

Havanese Training - What To Do If Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
By Piyush Parikh

Separation anxiety is one of the more common problems that Havanese dog owners face.  After all your dog is extremely loyal and wants to go wherever the owner goes.  We would love to have our Havanese accompany us wherever we go but that is just not feasible especially when we have to go to work or to areas where dogs are not allowed.

Leaving them at home can cause anywhere from slight levels of anxiety to severe behavioral problems that result in barking and destruction of your things at home.  When you come home you may find that your dog has chewed through your favourite pair of shoes or has peed on the carpet because they were anxious when you were not around.  It is sometimes hard to imagine that your cute Havanese turns into a little monster at home, all because they get worried that you left them and won't return.

The Sources of Dog Separation Anxiety

The main driving force behind the anxiety is their inherent nature of being pack animals and separating them from the pack causes them uncertainty and agitation.  They feel a sense of detachment when their master leaves and that gets them disturbed.  In fact, there are certain actions that the owner takes that builds on this anxiety and gets them even more agitated.

For example, if you give them attention before you leave or right after you return and this is done on a consistent basis every day, the pattern you set gets engrained in their routine and their agitation builds day after day.

Reducing Dog Separation Anxiety

What you don't realize is that you actually have more control on their agitation than you may think.  Certain changes in your actions could go a long way in reducing their agitation and thus curbing their anxiety.

Here are some simple ways you can reduce the anxiety:

Mix it up every day: If you have a set number of tasks you do each day before you leave, you may want to change it around a bit.  If you know that your Havanese dog starts to act up when you pick up the car keys, for instance, try using another approach to get your keys the next time.  Put your keys in your pocket well ahead of time before leaving.  Another common trigger is their morning walk just before being left.  If they know you leave them at home right after you walk them, try taking them for a walk well before you plan to leave.

Remain neutral: It is difficult not to give them affection just before you leave.  After all you will be miss them all day too.  However, doing this only escalates their anxiety when you leave them.  The same applies when you return home.  Try not to give them excessive attention before you leave or right after you return.  The most effective way to lower their anxiety is to disassociate your leaving and returning with the amount of attention they receive.  It is recommended that you pretend nothing has changed before you leave or when you return and you do that by ignoring your dog for 10 minutes before and after.  Don't pet them or hug them during those moments even if they make sad noises or have a sad expression.  Remember, you are doing this only to help them reduce their anxiety when you are not at home.

Start with shorter periods:  If you see your dog is getting anxious as soon as you leave, go out for a few minutes and then come back in.  That will change their expectation of how long you will be gone and when you return.  You can slowly increase the time you leave them so it would appear natural to them that you do come back even if you leave.

You Are Not Being Mean

You may think that some of these methods are cruel and it certainly feels that way when dealing with Havanese dogs who get extremely attached to their owner.  What you need to realize is that when you do this you reduce their anxiety which in turn allows them to be calmer and healthier in the long run.

If your dog's anxiety problems carry on for a long time, you should do everything you can to reduce it early and not let it get worse.  The last thing you want to do is come home to find your Havanese dog has done something they shouldn't have and you immediately respond by shouting at them (and that happens because you created that situation in the first place).

You can learn about these and other training secrets at the Havanese Training site.

Piyush Parikh

2010 HavaneseTraining