It can be embarrassing when your dog acts a certain way in public, but you should recognize that it won't help if you're equally reactive. For instance, if your dog is barking and lunging at another dog across the street, pull it back and say nothing. Just remove it from the stimulus that triggered the reaction. Yelling at your dog for reacting simply adds stress.
It's important to remember that you need to set an example, because dogs watch us and learn from our body language. If you are stressed, they might not understand why, but they might see a reason for themselves to be on high alert. So be aware of yourself and note whether you are cuing your dog's reactions with your own stress.




by Tammy Reinarz, Owner, Tammy's Dog Training Service
Add Comment
 
 
Now that the temperature is super hot in New York City, it is important to keep your dog walks pleasant by  cooling her off while outside.

If your dog has been walking on the hot pavement, putting rubbing alcohol on his paw pads gives a quick all over cool down and instant relief. In extreme situations, a rub down with an alcohol dampened cloth on the chest and belly helps too. Remember to keep the alcohol way from his mouth (rubbing alcohol is NOT for drinking) and out of his eyes. Of course, post-heat care is no substitute for good sense where dogs and heat are concerned.


by Helen Fazio, Travel Dog Blogger, www.traveldogbooks.com
Add Comment