Living with Dogs

Before any big decision in life, generally you try to think about the effects and what it could change, the same applies with a dog. Do you get a puppy? Have you got the time to nurture it, train it and deal with all their accidents, while maybe having to replace a carpet or 2....or 3!!! Or do you get a dog? Could be previously trained, has experience in day to day things like car journeys, walks and vets and should not destroy a carpet or 2... or 3. What are your needs, and what can you accommodate. When you have decided on type, then you need to decide on breed. There are many different breeds and one should be chosen on your requirements. Do you have children or other animals? Can you go on long walks, if that's what your dog needs? Research breeds, temperament, health and all other information you can from as many sources.

You also need to consider whether you want a dog/male or bitch/female. From experience bitches are calmer, and more caring and nurturing due to having lower testosterone levels. If you do get a boy, think about having him castrated, as it will make him a lot more placid and friendly, while stopping his urge to mate with every female.

I am a firm believer that good parenting is the main role, but breed does effect the internal instinct and can make them harder to train. For example, I heard that Siberian Huskies should not be kept with cats, but we have 4 cats and we all know who's boss. It isn't the dog. So don't be put off completely, but if you do get a breed which has a tendency to be dominant, be prepared to be firm, consistent and available at all times,because a bored dog with lots of energy can be very problematic.

Both of my dogs I got when they were puppies, and I have loved raising them and seeing all their experiences for the first time. From the first bath to the first swim every time has been full of laughs and fun, something I wouldn't change for the World. Nothing beats seeing a clumsy little ball of fur, stumbling around the room trying to pounce on everything, and cause all kinds of trouble... I have never had dogs before, so for me it has been an experience where we have grown together, and learnt each others needs.

Another important factor to get under control before it gets out of control. Although, the inevitable will happen and almost always does. Many a morning I have walked downstairs to find a little present or wet patch on the tiled floor, but it's all part of the package.

Once trained, your dog will let you know when they want to go out, so all you need to do is put in the ground work, the rest will take care of itself. There are many products on the market to train your dog, some of which can be useful, for example the pheromone stick. You place the stick in the ground, and the dog can smell the scent, then identify where to go. Although some of the products are good, I have found that good first-hand training goes a long way.

Start by taking them first thing in the morning, after meal times and last thing at night, as a general rule.
If you can when you bring your new dog home, try to have a couple of days at home, so you can ensure a smooth introduction, and remember they will be nervous of their new surroundings.

Dogs.....and cats will usually start by looking for a place to go, if you notice them walking round sniffing more than usual, especially round the corners of the room, this is a sign. Animals normally have an instinct and some practice with toilet training. Here in England you can't take your pet home until 8 weeks of age. By then, they have already learnt some of the techniques of toilet training from their mother within the first few days of life, you just need to notice the signs.
If your dog or puppy is starting to squat, or lift their leg then be ready, as they are about to go. If you have a puppy, you can quickly pick them up and put them outside. Puppies, like babies can go several times a day, so try to take them out every couple of hours and encourage them to go. As with the other training methods, I have found that using a command helps, this means that once trained all you have to do is ask.

Always fuss and show affection once they have gone, so they know they have done a good thing.

You can train your dog perform all manner of tasks or tricks, which aids in their learning ability, and gives them the stimulation and exercise they need, as part of their daily routine. I have found training works best when your dog has been walked, as this helps to calm them they're not too excited and restless. I must clarify now that our dogs are by no means "sheep dogs", trained by whistle and obey every command... Oh no, they still have their moments and play up and act naughty. I still like them to be dogs at heart. I do however, at least recommend the basic tricks or commands. "Sit, lay down, heel, back and stay" are but a few to get started with, I feel these are paramount to any dog owner, to maintain control over your pet at all times and ensure safety at all times, we must never forget they are still animals and can still cause harm if threatened or scared.

Always start any training session calm and relaxed but confident that you are in charge of your pet.
Ensure that your surroundings have little or no distractions, you must maintain full contact with the task at hand. Stand about 2 feet in front of your dog. When giving the command remain firm and in control but happy, you don't want to appear angry or your dog will be scared.

These commands may not be right for you but they have worked for me and both dogs learnt very quickly.

The "Sit" command...
- Stand in front of your dog with your legs slightly apart.
- Hold a treat between your thumb and your fingers and hold up to your chest, say the word "Sit" load and clear.

Repeat this command until your dog obeys, if your dog sits then give them the treat and praise them. If your dog did not sit after you have tried a few times, then take a step closer forward and try again. Most dogs will automatically sit when approached from the front by their owner. If this still does not work then gently tap or press their back next to their tail, and repeat the command, sit. Once your dog has completed the task, you must give them the treat and praise them for doing well. Repeat the task until your dog sits on the first command.

The "Down" command...
This command should be quite easy as you have already mastered the first part with the "sit" command.
- Start by holding a treat in your thumb and fingers and give the sit command, now lower your hand down and flat to the ground in a pushing motion and give the command, "down", you may have to bend and push your hand right to the ground.

As before repeat the command several times. If this has not worked you can gently tap your dogs legs forward to encourage them, or if they still don't understand move them to the down position yourself, repeat the command and praise them.
Again repeat until your dog can do it on the first command.

The "Stay" and "Come" Commands....
This is very useful if you walk your dog off the lead or even just want to leave your front door open without them running off.
This can be done either in the garden or a field or park but make sure their are no distractions, you don't want your dog running off before they are trained
- Stand in front of your dog and have them in the sitting position. Hold up your index finger and give the command "Stay". Be firm and assertive.
- Turn around and walk in the opposite direction for about 10 paces.
- Turn back to face them and give your "come" or "back" command. You may have to encourage them by patting your thighs but they should come bounding over.
- Give them praise and a treat.

Repeat the process but take a couple of extra steps every time, soon your dog will be able to stay for long periods of time without the worry of running off. This is a good exercise as it uses 2 types of command in one training method.

The "Heel" command......
This command helps to maintain control whilst walking, as some dogs like to pull. I have had problems with Kali my Husky, obviously pulling is in her nature so trying to combat this was a must. Dogs can be a problem if you are in a public place as they can be excited or confused with so many distractions. I have taught her the "Heel" command to combat this issue, it gives you more control by keeping your dog close to you.

When out walking with the lead stand in a quiet place, position your dog beside your leg and give the command "Heel".
- Start walking and if your dog starts to walk in front of you or starts to pull in another direction, give the command, "heel". As you give the command, correct them back into position by the side of your leg. The command and correction must be done quickly and at the same time for it to work. Correction should not be hard, just firm enough to confirm the action, a slight tweak of the lead usually works. This is done to bring their train of thought back to the the task in hand. You will find this happens in nature when dogs live in packs, the hierarchy or leaders give a playful nip if younger ones start to play up.

Repeat the steps until your dog walks at your heel without pulling, always start with your dog in the same starting position by the side of your legs. Admittedly, with a puppy it can be hard as they want to sniff everything which is new, but you need to establish the commands when the are young as they will get bigger, and more difficult as they get older.

Now this has never been an enjoyable experience for myself or my dogs, not sure why, but it's a task which must be undertaken...too frequently for the both of us. I must admit it's not as bad as the time my cat got covered in paint and I had to wash him, which as you can imagine was not the most pleasurable of undertakings, but that's another story

Both of our dogs know when it is bath-time, must be a change in the atmosphere or the calm before the storm, but they know and they try everything to avoid it. Like a child I expect, hiding round the house and doing their best not to get taken but the scruff of the neck to their inevitable torture. I'm not sure why they don't enjoy it, they like swimming and every-time I water the garden they continually try to bite the water from the end of the hose, so to feel uncomfortable in the bath just amazes me.
Once in the tub rigamortis seems to set in and they go rigid like a statue, luring me in to a state of calm before they do.... the "shake".
It's not a problem with my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, as she has short hair so it's like a fine mist, but with my Husky it's like a tidal wave which soaks me and the surrounding area, even the ceiling. I try to stop it but, alas I always get drenched...watch out for this when you are bathing your dog!!!

Obviously, you must always use a proper shampoo and conditioner for dogs, there are many different types available on the market including treatments for puppies and ageing dogs, you can also make your own but make sure you use dog-friendly ingredients. I always use a flea shampoo for the first wash and a cleansing or medicated for the second, and then a freshening conditioner. This helps to keep them smelling nice while helping to prevent fleas.
Make sure you wash every part of your animal including in-between the paws, ears and personal areas. I normally start at the neck and wash backwards, then do the head and face last, this reduces the "evil shake" and seems more comfortable to the dogs.
After I wash them we then move to the blow-dry room where we finish the treatment , they both love this part....just girls who love to get papered really

Despite what people say, I have never had a problem with my cats and dogs being together. They have always had a fondness for each other, and play like brothers and sisters do. We have so many pictures and videos of them playing and chasing each other, they really do share an affection and family bond which is beautiful.

They can stay in the same room with no worry of any trouble...well the cats sometimes get a bit grumpy, they like to keep the dogs in their place. Some breeds you do need to be careful of, as they have an instinct to hunt and chase which unless controlled could cause a problem. In some cases, if you already have a dog which has established a position within the family, you may need to reassert yourself and keep a watchful eye as it may not like you bringing cats, or kittens in and could try to play rough or bite. I believe good pack leadership is essential, you have to put the cats in a higher position than the dogs. This means feeding the cats and giving them attention first, before you do the same with your dog. This also goes for you too. If you think of a pack or a family it is traditionally the eldest adults or parents which eat, get spoken to, and lead the way first so this needs to be followed in your whole family. If the dogs show any aggression it should be corrected firmly and immediately.

Sometimes they can be cheeky and when you leave a room, they are quick to jump in to your nice warm seat..