While most Covid-19 precautions are a (necessary) nuisance, the “six-feet apart” rule has actually made walk time a little less stressful for pet parents of reactive dogs. Now, crossing the street when you see someone with another dog approaching isn’t just common curtesy, it’s a CDC guideline. But what happens when we no longer have to stay six feet apart and a friendly neighbor wants to try an on-leash meet and greet?

Let’s take a closer look at leash reactivity and what you can do to deter the behavior.

What is Leash Reactivity?

Leash reactivity is a common behavior among dogs that many pet parents struggle with. There are several things that can trigger leash reactivity, including dogs, people, cars, and bicycles. The dog will bark and lunge, and the owner will likely struggle to gain control. This outburst is the result of frustration at the barrier (the leash) and excitement. Leash reactivity can be extremely frustrating for pet parents and quite scary for bystanders.

Tips for Managing Leash Reactive Dogs

• More Exercise – Usually, the root of the problem is excess energy. Make sure your pup is getting plenty of regular exercise. If your leash reactive dog has energy to spare, find a way for him to get his extra wiggles out. Doggie daycare can be a fun and effective way to tire your pup out.
• Stay Calm – As stressful and embarrassing as a leash reactivity temper tantrum can be, it’s important to try to stay cool, calm, and collected.
• Desensitize – Start by desensitizing your dog so they don’t get too hyped up on walks. Leash your pup, pour a glass of wine or grab a beer, sit down on the couch, and watch an episode of your favorite show. You can also take this time to work on getting his attention. Say his name and reward him with a tasty treat when he looks at you.
• Take It Outside – After you’ve worked on desensitizing your pup inside the home, move to a calm area outside the home such as your front yard, a quiet park, etc. Bring a towel, blanket, or mat to have your dog sit on (while on leash, of course) and let him watch other dogs (or whatever his trigger is) go by from a distance. Practice getting his attention, just as you did in your living room. Say his name and when he makes eye contact with you, reward him.
• Get His Attention – When you see another dog (or the trigger) approaching while on walk, try to get your dog’s attention before he notices and has time to react. Reward him when he makes eye contact and try to retain his attention until the dog passes by at a safe distance.
• Walk Away – If your dog starts barking and lunging, calmly turn around and walk away. Get some distance between your dog and the trigger, get his attention, and once he’s calm, you can try again.
• Don’t Punish – Don’t punish your dog when he’s being reactive on leash. Stay calm and remove your dog from the situation.
• Avoid On-Leash Meet and Greets – When someone with a dog tries to approach you and your dog head on, cross to the other side of the street or explain that your dog is in training and you’re not allowing him to greet others at this time.

Leash reactivity can be difficult to manage and a hard behavior to break. If you’re still struggling to keep your pup under control during what should be a pleasant stroll, enlist the help of a dog trainer. Visit our website or contact us at 1-800-964-7297 to learn more about our training programs and how we can help.

Make Frozen Dog Treats

Give your dog something tasty and keep him cool with a healthy frozen dog treat. This frozen treat recipe is easy, healthy, and your pup will love them!

What you’ll need:

• Kale or Spinach
• Goat milk (Can be found at your local mom and pop pet shop.)
• Coconut oil
• Blueberries
• Blender or food processor
• Ice cube mold

Instructions:

Grab a couple of handfuls of kale (about 2 cups) and toss it in the blender. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and a handful of blueberries. Blend together. Add a tiny bit of water, if needed. Pour mixture into your ice cube mold so that each cube is approximately half full. Top each cube with goat milk, freeze, and serve!

Have a Puppy Pool Day

Keep your pup cool in the backyard with a kiddie pool that they can lounge and play in. Instead of a blow-up pool that can be easily popped by nails or teeth, buy an inexpensive hard plastic pool. Fill the pool with a couple of inches of water, throw in some waterproof toys, and let your pup have at it!

Better yet, take your dog to Paws Pet Resorts where they can romp and play in our splash pool! A private or group pool session can be added on to any dog daycare or boarding stay, plus you can watch all the fun on our doggie webcams. Call 1-800-964-7297 for more information about our Pool Time add-on.

Take a Walk on the Beach

When the pavement is too hot for your regular walking route, head to a dog-friendly beach. You can walk your dog in the cool, wet sand or let him run around and play in the water (if city rules permit). Some Orange County dog-friendly beaches include Dog Beach in Huntington Beach, parts of Laguna Beach during certain hours of the day, Corona del Mar during certain hours of the day, and San Onofre State Beach Trails 1 & 6 in San Clemente.

Visit city websites for more information.

After your pup has had his fun, he’ll be wet and covered in sand. Don’t worry, you can bring him to Paws Pet Resorts for a refreshing bath. Visit our website to learn more about our bathing services.

Enjoy Water Play

If your dog loves water, keeping him entertained and cool during the summer is easy with simple water play. Turn on the sprinklers, use the hose, or you can even bust out the squirt guns. The kids can have fun with this activity, too!

Utilize Indoor Doggie Daycare

If you don’t have an outdoor space for waterplay or your dog just needs to exert more energy, bring him to Paws Pet Resorts for some indoor play. Indoor doggie daycare is available 7 days a week so your dog can escape the heat and have some fun whenever you need it. Our indoor doggie daycare options include group play, individual care, and lots of fun add-on activities like Mini Agility and Pool Time. Visit our website for more information about our indoor doggie daycare service and all of our fun add-on activities.

Hot Weather Safety Tips Every Dog Owner Needs to Know

While there is lots of fun to be had during the summer, the hot weather can pose a real danger to your dog. Here are a few safety tips to keep your dog safe in the heat:

• NEVER leave your dog in a parked car. When it’s 85 F outside, the temperature inside a parked car with cracked windows can reach 102 F in just 10 minutes.
• Keep your dog inside the house when it’s really hot outside. Keep your house cool by running the air conditioner, using a fan, and keeping the drapes closed.
• Make sure your dog has lots of shade and plenty of cool water when he is outside, but don’t leave him outside for long!
• Walk, run, and play during cooler parts of the day, such as early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid exercising in excessive heat. Don’t forget to bring some water for your pup, too!
• Do a pavement check with the back of your hand before you walk. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Walk on the grass when you can.
• Be aware of symptoms of overheating in dogs, such as excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and more. Dogs with short snouts (pugs, bulldogs, etc.) are more susceptible to overheating. If you suspect your dog is overheating, get him to the vet ASAP.

For more dog care tips, fun how-tos, and Paws updates, make sure to subscribe via email. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and lots of cute furry faces.

For the past 15 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing your dogs with the highest standard of care all while having lots of fun. Now, we’ve added even more ways to enhance your dog’s daycare or boarding stay, including upgraded boarding options, fun activities, extra add-ons, and expanded grooming and training services.

Let’s take a closer look at some of our new offerings!

New Dog Boarding Options

We’ve always been a cage-free facility, providing our overnight guests with spacious suites and comfy accommodations, but now we’re taking luxury boarding to a whole new level. We now offer three different boarding options to better accommodate our furry guests. Every boarding guest receives their own private suite, walks, and playtime, and every pet parent receives peace of mind knowing that our trained and caring staff are on site 24 hours a day.

Good Dog Boarding Package

Because every dog is a good dog! Guests will enjoy a spacious private suite, participate in daycare or individual playtime, and go for AM & PM potty walks outside.

Pampered Pooch Boarding Package

Because every dog deserves a little extra! Guests will enjoy a spacious suite, participate in daycare or individual playtime, and go for AM & PM potty walks outside. They will also receive a tuck-in service that includes a “yappy hour” treat and soothing bedtime story. Pet parents will receive an end-of-stay email report and photo(s).

Top Dog Boarding Package

Because your dog deserves the very best! Guests will enjoy an extra-large suite with a luxury bed, participate in daycare or individual playtime, and go for AM & PM potty walks outside. They will also receive a tuck-in service that includes a “yappy hour” treat and soothing bedtime story. Pet parents will receive an end-of-stay email report and photo(s).

Learn more about our boarding options and fees.

Add More Fun to Your Dog’s Daycare or Boarding Stay

Along with healthy and safety, FUN has always been a top priority here at Paws Pet Resorts. Whether your dog participates in group play or individual play, we want to make sure they have the best time at Paws! Our goal is to send our guests home happy and tired.

(Don’t forget, as always, you can watch all the fun your pup is having via our Doggie Cams!)

With that in mind, we’ve recently added some new activities and games that will stimulate and challenge your dog, mentally and physically, all while having lots of fun! These games are great for dogs with high energy, active dogs, and building educational skills. Learning games are also good for shy dogs to help them build confidence.

Sniff & Find

A simple hide and find game with treats. Great for shy dogs, food-driven dogs, and scent hounds.

Mini Agility

One of our most popular activities! Dogs will be guided through a mini agility course. Great for hyper dogs, athletic dogs, and dogs that need the extra exercise.

Puzzle Time

A fun game of hiding treats in puzzle toys. Great for food-driven dogs and scent hounds.

Herding Games

A game of chasing and herding. Great for herding breeds and bully breeds.

Rest, Recall, & Retrieve

Dogs will fetch and practice the recall command. Great for retrieving breeds and toy lovers.

Learn more about our new learning games and activity add-ons.

Additional Add-Ons to Enhance Your Dog’s Stay

When your dog boards at Paws Pet Resorts, we understand that this is his vacation too, so why not spoil him rotten?! We’ve added lots of à la carte services to enhance your dog’s stay, including:

• Private or Group Pool Time
• Yappy Hour Treat (peanut butter filled Kong)
• Relaxing Brush Out
• Personal Updates, including photos, to give pet parents peace of mind.

Learn more about all of our add-on services.

Expanded Dog Grooming and Dog Training Services

We’ve recently expanded both our grooming and training services at our San Clemente and Lake Forest locations.

Dog Grooming

At the Paws Spaw, we’ll pamper your dog with a nice relaxing bath, full-service groom, or à la carte services to send you home with a happy, clean pup! Our Standard and Premium bathing options are available 7 days a week so your dog can freshen up after a fun day of play or boarding stay.

We’ve recently expanded our full-service grooming service, now available Monday through Friday at both locations (by appointment only). Full-service grooming includes shampoo, blow-dry, brush-out, ear cleaning, nail trim, hygiene maintenance, and ‘cut & style’ or shave. Call your local Paws to make an appointment. See below for telephone numbers.

Dog Training

At Paws Pet Resorts, we offer positive fun training that really works. Our approach is simple. We use positive training methods, help pet parents better understand their dog’s behavior and motivation, and teach them how to use these skills to improve their relationship with their dog.

Training services are now available Monday through Friday at both locations. Visit our website to get more information about our training packages. Call your local Paws to schedule an evaluation with the trainer. See below for telephone numbers.

Make Your Dog’s Boarding Reservation Today!

Summer is right around the corner! Don’t wait to make your dog’s boarding reservation. Call your local Paws today to schedule your dog’s stay.

• San Clemente Paws – (949)276-4930
• Lake Forest Paws – (949)600-7080

We are proud to offer your dog the very best and give you peace of mind with all of our new offerings and upgraded services. We can’t wait to spoil your pup!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see behind the scenes photos of our upgraded accommodations and all of our new activity add-ons in action!

Seasonal allergies in dogs are very common and they can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Most symptoms are skin-related, but dogs with seasonal allergies can also suffer from ear infections and respiratory issues. If left unchecked, your dog’s seasonal allergies could become a bigger and more persistent problem.

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

There are many symptoms that could indicate that your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies including:

• excessive scratching
• itchy and runny eyes
• scratching the ears, head shaking, and frequent ear infections
• clear runny nose and sneezing
• red, irritated skin
• hair loss
• hot spots
• excessive chewing and licking of paws
• inflammation or sores on the paws

How to Treat Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies

If your dog is exhibiting one or multiple symptoms listed above, you should have your vet take a look. If left untreated, ear infections, hot spots, and sores on the skin and paws could lead to bigger issues, like painful infections. Depending on the severity, your vet may prescribe topical and oral medications or even allergy injections for moderate to severe cases.

How to Manage Your Dog’s Seasonal Allergies at Home

Seasonal allergies in dogs can often be managed at home. Here are a few ways you can prevent or alleviate symptoms:

Avoid Allergens

One of the most effective ways to eliminate your dog’s seasonal allergies to limit exposure to allergens, but that’s easier said than done! After outdoor walks, make sure to wipe off your dog’s paws and underside to remove allergens from his fur and skin. If running and rolling around on the grass is making Fido itch like crazy, take him to an indoor doggie daycare, like Paws Pet Resorts, where he can run and play without being exposed to irritating allergens.

Use Scratching and Chewing Deterrents

If your dog just can’t stop scratching and chewing, use a soft cone, e-collar, or even some socks over his paws to deter the behavior. You can also try to distract your dog with a long-lasting treat, like a frozen Kong filled with peanut butter, or a puzzle game to keep him busy, like the ones we use at Paws.

Flea Preventative

Flea allergy dermatitis is a very common seasonal allergy in dogs. Using an effective yet safe flea preventative can help protect your dog from flea bites. Consult with your vet to find the best solution for your dog.

Fatty Acid Supplement

Give your dog an omega fatty acid supplement to support skin and coat health. Fatty acid supplements can help reduce and resolve inflammation, as well as reduce shedding and promote growth of the undercoat.

Regular Bathing and Grooming

Regular bathing and grooming can help keep your dog’s skin and coat clean, healthy, and free of allergens. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner to soothe irritation and prevent the skin from drying out.

If you need help bathing your dog, a professional dog bather or groomer can ensure that your dog gets a thorough yet gentle bath. At Paws Pet Resorts, we use a soothing oatmeal shampoo for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin. We can even use your vet-prescribed medicated shampoo to alleviate your dog’s seasonal allergy symptoms. Learn more about our bathing and grooming services.

Anti-Itch Spray or Cream

You can also try an anti-itch topical spray to relieve itching and soothe your dog’s itchy skin. There are lots of brands to choose from or you could make your own natural anti-itch solution with household ingredients such as baking soda and coconut oil. Before applying a purchased or homemade anti-itch spray or cream to your dog’s skin, it’s best to consult with your vet.

Seasonal allergies may be common, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to suffer. With proper treatment and preventative measures like the ones listed above, you can alleviate your dog’s discomfort and keep his seasonal allergy symptoms at bay.

For more dog care tips and lots of pictures of adorable dogs, follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

The best way to beat boredom and alleviate stress is to keep your dog busy and happy. Here are 7 ways to keep your dog entertained while social distancing.

Learn a New Trick

Teaching your dog a new trick is a great way to keep him busy and sharpen his training skills, all while social distancing. If your dog already knows his basic commands, work on a playful trick.

Here’s a step-by-step of how to teach your dog to “play dead”, featuring Paws Pet Resorts Head Trainer, Seth, and training pup, Olive:

1. Instruct your dog to lay down. (If your dog doesn’t know “down” yet, back up and start with teaching “down” first.)
2. From a down position, use a treat to lure your dog’s nose in a manner that guides him to roll onto his side.
3. Once on his side, reward and praise like crazy!
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until he gets the hang of it.
5. Begin to add whichever cue you’d like (e.g. gun hand gesture with the command “bang”) and repeat steps 2 and 3 using the cue.

Some dogs will catch on quickly; others will need more time. Remember to keep it positive, be patient, and have fun!

If you want your dog to learn more fun tricks or get back to basics, drop him off at Paws Pet Resorts for some one-on-one training. Check out our training packages.

Take a Stroll

Getting some fresh air and exercise is important for your dog. Walks provide dogs with exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization (even 6+ feet apart). When out on a walk, dogs have the opportunity to engage with their environment, work on their leash walking skills, and burn off some energy.

Getting out of the house when you’ve been cooped up for so long is important for your wellbeing, too. Leash up Fido and take him for a stroll around the block. Just remember to keep your distance from others, no matter how cute they think your dog is.

If you feel like you can only do the same loop around the neighborhood so many times before you lose your mind, we get it. Bring your pup to Paws where he can enjoy walks with a staff member.

Keep Him Busy with Treats

As time goes on, it can be trickier to find ways to entertain your dog while social distancing. If you really want to keep your pup occupied, keep him busy with treats. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Long-lasting chews, such as Bully Sticks or Himalayan Dog Chews.
• Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter. You can even stick it in the freezer to make it last longer.
• Treat dispensing toys that make your dog really work for the treat.

Go for a Drive

To a dog, nothing is as exciting as a car ride. The second we grab our keys, Fido is bouncing up and down, just ready to go. Even if you’ve got nowhere in particular to go while social distancing, getting out of the house and taking a drive around town can work wonders if you and your dog are starting to go a little stir crazy. Remember to roll down your window so he can really enjoy it. After all, what good is a car ride if you can’t feel the wind in your fur, sniff all the scents, and fill your cheeks up with air?

Play a Game

Games and enrichment activities can stimulate your dog’s mind, burn some energy, and strengthen your bond, plus they’re plain fun! You can start with the classics, like fetch and tug-o-war. Then, you can move on to more challenging activities, like puzzle toys and DIY puzzle games.

Muffin Tin Treat Puzzle

(Source: ASPCA)

• Place a yummy treat (the smellier, the better) in various cups of a muffin tin.
• Top every muffin tin cup with a tennis ball, regardless if the cup has a treat in it.
• Encourage your dog to sniff out the treats, move the ball, and get the treats. (You will likely have to show your pup the treats by lifting a tennis ball to get it going.)

If your dog needs even more stimulation and exercise during this time of social distancing, sign him up for learning games Paws Pet Resorts. We offer add-on activities for any daycare or boarding stay, including Puzzle Time, Sniff and Find, Mini Agility, Herding Games, and more.

Give Extra Cuddles

This period of social distancing can be a little (or a lot) stressful for you and your dog. Relieve that stress with some extra cuddles. According to Thrive Global, science has shown that cuddling with your dog stimulates the brain’s production of Oxytocin in both of you. Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone” and is associated with feelings of trust, empathy, and strong bonds. It also inhibits the production of the stress hormone, cortisol. Spend some time with your pup and give him extra attention. You can give him a belly rub or a gentle brush out, or you can just simply cuddle up on the couch together.

Play at Paws Pet Resorts

Whether you’re working from home or trying to homeschool the kids, you may not be able to give your dog as much attention as you’d like. If your pup keeps interrupting your video conference calls or he’s bouncing off the walls with boredom, take him to doggie daycare. There are so many benefits to doggie daycare – regular exercise, relieving boredom, curbing destructive behavior, improved socialization, and increased overall happiness.

Luckily, Paws Pet Resorts is an “essential” business and we’re open for boarding and daycare. We’re closely following the social distancing guidelines outlined by local government officials and health experts, including curbside pick-up and drop-off, so you can stay safe and your dog can have some fun.

For more information about our services, give us a call at 1-800-964-7297. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for lots of fun photos of our adorable furry friends and behind-the-scene sneak peeks of life at Paws.

Prevention:

*Always keep a collar with current identification tags on your pup at all times.

*Check your yard or patio for any weak spots: loose boards, gaps in fencing, etc.

*Make sure your fence is not low enough for your dog to jump. If you aren’t sure, don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised.

*When hosting a party, confine your dog to a quiet room with food and water or board him at Paws! Large crowds can spook your pup and you run the risk of him sneaking out when people are coming in and out of your home.

*During loud holidays (4th of July or New Year’s Eve), confine your dog to a quiet room with food and water or board him at Paws! Loud noises can spook your dog and may activate their natural reaction of “flight”.

*Talk to your vet about the benefits of getting your dog microchipped.

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Lost:

*Stay calm but be proactive.

*Search everywhere inside your home and backyard first. If your dog gets scared for some reason, it could go into hiding in the house.

*Once you’ve established that your pup is not inside your home, start with the area immediately outside your home. Call your pup’s name loudly, it might be enough to turn a wandering dog around.

*Check all local shelters, including your county shelter. Leave your contact info and a description of your dog if applicable. Check online lost pet registries often.

*If your dog is chipped, call in your dog’s disappearance. If found by a vet or shelter and scanned, you will be notified immediately.

*Use social media to your advantage. Post pictures, a description, and the circumstances of your dog’s disappearance on your social media sites and then ask your friends and family to share with their followers.

*Don’t underestimate the power of old-fashioned fliers. Make a flier with clear pictures, a description, and the circumstances of your dog’s disappearance. Post the fliers all around the area your dog went missing. Ask your local pet stores and coffee shops to post the fliers as well. The more people who know about your missing dog, the better chance of a reunion.

*Don’t give up hope. These things can sometimes take time. Keep checking with the local shelters and lost pet registries. Always get as much information as possible when responding to a lead.

We sincerely hope these tips help prevent your dog from getting lost. If your dog does get lost in spite of these safety measures, we hope these tips can help you find your best friend.

Know The Signs

For most dogs with anxiety, the behaviors are severe enough for the owner to know that something is not right. If you think your dog is behaving strangely but can’t quite put your finger on it, look for the signs. Yawning, lip licking, and avoidance are all signals that your dog is stressed. Pay attention when you notice these signals and do your best to determine what may be triggering them.

Practice Patience

If you notice that your dog is stressed or fearful, be patient. It will take time to desensitize them to the trigger. Once you’ve determined the trigger, go at your dog’s pace when working to resolve the problem. If you force your dog to face the trigger before he is ready, you could worsen the situation and lose his trust.

Try Classic Conditioning

Classic conditioning is when you associate the stress trigger with something your dog loves. For example, let’s say your dog gets very anxious and fearful when he hears loud noises and that you live close to a marine base where there is no shortage of loud noises. First attempt at desensitization could include giving your pup pieces of chicken during all that booming. If all goes according to plan, your dog’s anxiety of loud noises will dissipate and eventually, there will no longer be an issue.

Seek Professional Help

If you’re dog ‘s anxiety is severe and classic conditioning won’t work, you will want to consult with a professional. Do your research and interview several different kinds of trainers to make sure you hire the right trainer for your dog’s needs. Some trainers specialize in aggression while others focus on basic command training. Find a trainer who understands behavior issues, such as anxiety and fear, and work with them to help ease your dog’s stress.

The Importance Of Doggy Nail Maintenance

Even if it seems easier to ignore the long length of your dog’s nails, we can’t recommend it. Leaving your dog’s nails untrimmed can cause pain and discomfort, especially when walking. Nails that grow too long can start to curve and end up growing into the pads of the paws. This is painful and can lead to nasty infections. Long nails are also more vulnerable to getting caught on materials such as fabrics in which the end result can be a broken nail, or worse, an injured toe.

Pet-icure Tips

The best way to ensure your pup behaves for his routine nail trim is to start early. If you have a puppy, begin trimming their nails now. Get them used to this practice, the better your chances will be of not having to battle them during nail trims in the future.

Hind sight is always 20/20. If your adult dog doesn’t handle nail trims well, it might be best to consult with a groomer or your vet. If you feel uncomfortable with trimming on your own (maybe your dog’s nails are black or you are just afraid of hurting them), consult with a groomer or your vet.

When trimming your dogs nails, use nail clippers. Grinders can seem less scary, but clippers are a better tool to ensure quicker results. If your dog’s nails are white or clear and pink in appearance, you will want to cut on white surface. The pink part of your dog’s nail is the quick. Cutting the quick will be painful and cause the nail to bleed.

If you want to diminish the need for nail trims, take your dog for frequent walks. Dogs who go for daily walks tend to need nail trims less often than those who don’t. This is due to the asphalt or other rough surfaces that naturally file down nails over time.

The most important thing is to never let your dog’s nails grow too long. Remember that overgrown nails can cause your beloved pup pain. Adding a nail trim to your dog’s maintenance regimen will help ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.

technique, crate training must be executed properly. Here are some tips to help you get started.

1. Size Matters

Make sure to pick the right crate. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It is in our nature to get a crate that has more space than what our dog needs, but dogs can view this extra space as a potty area.

Crates come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials and each have different benefits. Plastic crates have solid walls which create a dark and comfortable space. Metal wire crates are most common, sturdy, and can collapse for easy storage. Blankets or towels can be thrown over wire crates to create a darker atmosphere; use caution if you have an escape artist as it is possible for a dog to break out of these types of crates, this not only can damage an expensive crate, but can harm the dog as well. Fabric crates are great for on-the-go types as they are lightweight and can fold for storage; fabric crates are not as sturdy as plastic or wire, so it’s recommended that only dogs who are already comfortable with crates use them.

2: The Crate is Your Friend

Make the crate a good environment for your dog. Set the crate up in a common area of your house and leave the door open so your pup can go in and out as he or she pleases while you’re home. Introduce the crate to your dog slowly and don’t be forceful. Give your pup his or her favorite treats, bones, and toys in the crate to reinforce it being a good place. After your dog can go in and out of the crate comfortably, you can start closing the door a couple of seconds at a time, opening it, and rewarding. The door can be closed for longer periods of time as training progresses and it is recommended to use a “release” and “enter” cue/command word to let your dog know it can enter and exit the crate. Once the crate becomes a place of calm relaxation, it can also be used as an effective tool for humane punishment (a “time-out” zone), but it is essential that this is done properly and not overused so your dog doesn’t build a negative association.

3: Create a Routine

Just like us humans, dogs thrive best with rules, boundaries, and routines. As a general rule, puppies can only be crated one hour for every month of age. Adult dogs can be crated for up to 8 hours but that’s not ideal. If your work schedule requires your dog to be left alone for the majority of the day, consider hiring a dog walker to let your pup out midday to stretch his legs or take him to doggy daycare so he can burn his energy off during the day!

If executed properly, a crate can become your dog’s fortress of solitude. Follow these tips to get your pup acclimated to his new crate. If you find yourself or your dog really struggling with the crate, contact a trainer to guide you through the process.

– Improvement of the skin and coat
– Regulating the immune system
– Ease inflammation for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis
– Assisting with weight loss
– Assisting with chronic disease, stress, or injury

As with all supplements, there are things to consider before adding fish oil to your pups diet. If your dog is fed a raw diet of mostly grass-fed protein, he may not need any additional omega-3s. Too much can be a bad thing, the most common risk being a gain in weight. It’s important to do your homework when choosing a brand or manufacturer of fish oil. Make sure you are purchasing a safe, nutrient-rich supplement. As always, consult with your vet to determine if adding a fish oil supplement or fresh fish is right for your pup’s diet.