30 Seconds to a Safer Dog Walk

If you use a traditional tongue buckle closure collar for your dog, I'm going to show you how to make your dog walks significantly safer by following this 30 second procedure.

First, let's go over leash and collar anatomy. Nowadays, leashes and collars are made with many different closures. In this post, I will be referring to a leash with a "bolt snap" hook and a collar with a "tongue buckle" closure.

Dog collar with a traditional tongue buckle and a D-ring for leash attachment.

Leash with a bolt snap hook.

First, be sure your dog's collar is properly fit. It should be snug, but have enough room for you to fit your finger under it without feeling a lot of pressure.  Second, make sure you are connecting the leash hook to the collar's D-ring, not the ID tag ring. Here's the 30 second procedure that will make your dog walks significantly safer. Make sure the excess end of your pup's collar is tucked under the D-ring. Finally, hook your leash, gently tug to make sure all is set and head off for your walk. 

Happy walkies!

It's a little difficult to see in this photo. But, when you do not tuck the excess bit of your pup's collar under the D-ring, you run the risk of the collar pressing up against the leash bolt snap hook and opening it. Leaving this part of the collar untucked is a recipe for a loose dog.

This photo shows the excess collar tucked under the D-ring. This method leaves no opportunity for the material to rub against the bolt snap hook on the leash.

Scratch and Sniff

Summer; the season of outdoor living. From hikes, walks and swims with your best friend, there's no better time than now to talk about poison ivy, poison oak and all of those plants that can give you a horribly uncomfortable rash.

Education: Poison oak, ivy and sumac have a sap that contains the oil that causes that red, itchy and bumpy rash. The oil, urushiol, is found everywhere on the plants, which makes it VERY easy for your cat or dog to brush up against a plant and spread it to you by way of direct contact or contact with your couch, your sheets, your rugs.... EEK!

Identify: By learning to identify the plants, you can keep your pets and yourself away from them and live itch-free for the rest of the season. "Leaves of three, let them be". Let that be your mantra as you trek through the summer months with your pup. Poison ivy, oak and sumac are clusters of shrubs or vines with groups of three green leaflets on the vines. Often, you'll see them as a ground cover or a fuzzy vine growing up a tree. Avoid all of that or pay the itchy price. (Some people are not affected by the oil!)

Treatment: What to do if your pet comes in contact with the plants? Tubby time! Wearing gloves, wash your pup using a mild dog shampoo, rinse and repeat. Be sure to throw the drying towels into the wash on a hot water cycle.

Extra: Yes, your dog and cats can get the itchy rash, but it's very unlikely. Their fur protects their skin from being exposed to the oil. The rash on your pet will look much like it does on humans and it's treated similarly. If you suspect that your dog or cat has the rash, please see your vet.

Finisher: Remember, "Leaves of three, let them be". If you cannot avoid the plants, wash, rinse and repeat. Last, if your pet gets the rash, don't panic and visit your vet.

Have a happy summer!

A mutt butt and poison ivy, next to harmless green ivy, growing up a tree.

See that fuzzy vine? That's a poison ivy vine!

Leaves of three, let them be. That's a ground cover of an itchy mess.

Praise the Muzzle

Yesterday, I took one of my pups, Junebug to the vet. He has a history of anxiety, so we choose to muzzle him in certain situations; such as visiting the vet. I posted a photo of June at the vet, wearing his custom-made muzzle from Hot Dogs All Dressed Inc, in hopes to shed some light on pups wearing muzzles.

After I posted the photo, I received a lot of feedback. Most people expressed their concern June's comfort. This prompted my first blog post.

First off, Not only did we get Junebug's muzzle custom fit for his wonky-shaped head, but, more importantly, we introduced June to the muzzle in a very slow and positive manner. His muzzle has always and will always be paired with positive reinforcement. Here are the steps we used to help introduce Junebug to the muzzle:

• Leave the muzzle on the floor and let June approach it at his pace. As he investigates the muzzle, toss him some high value treats and calmly praise him. Repeat this for a few days.
• Hold the muzzle in my hand, in the direction of his snout. As he explores, while not forcing him to approach the muzzle, reinforce him with high value treats and praise. Repeat this a few times per day, for a few days.
• Hold the muzzle in my hand, in the direction of his snout and move it towards his nose, as if I'm putting the muzzle on him (not all the way) and offer high value treats and praise *through* the muzzle. Repeat this a few times per day, for a few days.
• Depending on how he takes to the previous step, repeat the previous step, moving the muzzle further onto his snout. Reinforce his acceptance with high value treats and praise. Repeat this step a few times per day, for a few days.
• Finally, put the muzzle on completely. Reinforce with high value treats and praise. Only leave the muzzle on for a few seconds to a few minutes. Repeat a few times per day for a few days.
• Extend his time in the muzzle, little by little, pairing it with high value treats and praise.

A muzzle signifies safety and responsible dog ownership. Muzzles are a tool used to help keep dogs and people safe, much like a specific collar or harness.  For example, dogs may wear muzzles because they have conditions that cause them to chew and swallow objects or incessantly lick themselves. And, of course, muzzles can be used to prevent dog bites. 

So, the next time you see a dog in a muzzle, do not be afraid. Instead, be happy that the pup's owner has taken proper measures to help their dog coexist peacefully in whatever atmosphere they may face. 

Junebug's nemesis is the vet's waiting room.