Andrée L.'s profile

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answered a question Is it true a puppy can be crated an hour per month old they are?

Crates can be a great tool as long as they are used as a "safe and enjoyable" spot where dogs know they can enjoy a peaceful nap or some quiet chill out time . I know of several dogs who just will go climb in their crate and chew on their favorite toy or take a nap (the door isn't even closed). It's like your favorite chair... it's their favorite chill out spot.

answered a question What are good ways to introduce a dog to children?

1 Teach a child to always ask permission from the dog handler if the dog can be pet before even reaching for the dog. (yes they are oh so cute and huggable looking :) )

Always approach petting a dog from its side. Never head on or from behind. Never leave a dog and child unsupervised.

Let the dog smell the hand of the child, the child should be quiet and relaxed, not bouncing and screaming. The dog should also be relaxed and in an open space where the dog can leave at will (not trapped in a corner).

Using a small dog treat in an open flat hand can be a great way to introduce them (provided the dog has good treat taking manners).

If the dog is a "jumper" and can't seem to stay "off' the child, teach the child to turn its back to the dog until the dog settles down.

Don't force child and dog to spend time together if they don't want to.

Don't look a dog in the eye, it's a challenge to them.

Don't hug a dog, it's actually very uncomfortable to most of them. Don't pat the dog on the head or grab their head (you wouldn't like that as a human, dogs don't generally like it either).

Do not crowd the dog, if the dog walks away, let the dog leave. It's their way of saying I've had enough social time or I'm overwhelmed.

Teach them that a wagging tail does not mean the dog is happy, it means the dog is excited, not necessarily happy. You have to read to whole body language of the dog (is the mouth open, lips pulled back tight, eyes wide and the tail high and wagging like an exclamation mark? that's actually a warning to back off - not a smiling happy dog) - Always best to ask the handler. If there is no handler around, don't approach the dog.

answered a question How to keep your dog from defending it's crate?

The crate should be a pleasant place for the dog climb into at any time. Many dogs find it soothing as it's their "cave" and feel comforting and safe in a crate. You should welcome a dog wanting to go back into their crate to nap, or get quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the home/noise if they seek it (whether you need the door closed or not, it should always feel like a safe place for them to go to - it's their "haven").

You should also make time out of the crate safe and pleasant. Perhaps increase the amount of space she is allowed to roam freely gradually. Some dogs are actually overwhelmed with free roam of a house. They prefer to have a smaller space (it's more predictable to them). Or move the crate to a new room you want her to get comfortable with, so she can go in and out of it as she feel comfortable expanding her comfort with strange new territory. Gaining confidence outside her crate will help feel more relaxed everywhere, including inside her crate.

answered a question Do you let your dog sleep in your bed?

train them to sleep on their own bed. You're the alpha.

answered a question Any tips or tricks for giving a particularly wily dog a pill?

Greenies Pill Pockets are awesome