I always treat my dogs to something special to eat at Christmas.
Warning though loads of dogs end up in the vets from eating unsuitable or food too rich for them.
Be careful with high fat or salty foods, avoid gravy and bacon ad sausage etc.
Make sure chocolate and toxic foods are out of reach.
Be safe at Christmas.
Dogs that guard food or an object are not bad dogs!
They have an issue that can be changed using a good behavioural plan once the reason and dog have been assessed.
Trying to assert your authority and be the TOPDOG won't work.
The way to deal with it is to change the dogs mind as usually the dog is insecure not dominant.
Ask for help even if it's a puppy showing any sign of growling round food and items.
If left the risk of a bite is high.
Reactive dogs are on the increase in all areas and breeds now.
The good news is that now their are so many more methods and info to help them out.
Professional help to assess and work with you and support you is vital.
It doesn't matter whose fault it is lets change it rather than blame.
Fireworks can be a worry for your dog if they are scared of them. Lots can be done to manage their fear, like sprays, drops, dens and more.
The important thing now when managing the fear is that after bonfire is over you get help then for next year to reduce your dogs fear.
It takes time to get rid of noise fears so as soon as bonfire has finished that is the best time to start.
Hep with managing the fear is available now, even if via zoom or a call.
Taking your dog to the vets needs to be as stress free for all. Teaching your dog to be happy with going and being handled can help.
Easy to teach worth the effort and your vet will be grateful.
Teaching holds for examination and blood draws.
Teaching paw and leg holds and showing teeth etc.
My dog loves the vets and is easy to examine etc.
So exciting getting a new puppy, you have chosen, picked all the stuff and then....
Few days or a week in puppy stress can hit you, so much to do, am I doing right thing etc.
Ask and talk to someone, support is often needed,. It can be overwhelming.
Having more than one dog in a house can be great, but there can be issues. If there is challenges between dogs the sooner you get help the better. There is a risk that the problem can go too far and that the dogs can not live together when it happens.
Some solutions are simple and easy, but it must be the right solution for your dogs, getting it wrong could make the rpoblem worse.
we like to think all dogs get on but this doesn't always happen.
People say they have been together for years why now?
Always a reason and usually a solution.
Dogs are social but like us can fall out.
Teaching your dog to be polite round dogs and people is vital. You may see off lead dogs out of control. They may be friendly but they are annoying if no recall or run and jump up or knock into you. Dogs should be off if they are able to interact correctly with people and dogs. No jumping, no running off to everything. I recently was with a client and a very friendly but randy dog came and was annoying our recall session. I got hold of the dog but it was 7 mins before the owner appeared. Training is the key, we like them to play with permission, we like them to be stroked and admired with permission. We like off lead but without the risk of loss, stealing or causing harm. please train your dog.