Whisker Therapy

We’ve all been there; you’re the crazy person in the neighborhood with the dog that refuses to come when called.  Whether it was a training session gone awry or an accident that let them slip out the door, you’re now left with a dog to catch and a neighborly reputation to redeem. You know your four-legged fugitive hears you calling their name while they trespass into the neighbor’s garage and sniff-walk their way down the street, but they’re ignoring you.

Coming when called is one of the most important lessons to teach your dog, but it’s also one of the most difficult for them to grasp. Doing it right requires your time, dedication, consistency, and the right strategy.

First, Recover Your Dog!

If you’re training in a safe area and your dog isn’t doing anything besides sniffing the ground (while ignoring you), recovering them shouldn’t be too hard. The issue comes in when your dog is actively evading you or in danger of running into trouble.

A Game You Can’t Win

If that’s the case, first learn what not to do. Your instinct will be to chase your dog while yelling in your no-nonsense-get-back-here-right-now voice. In this scenario, your instinct is wrong. Some dogs love to play keep-away, and they’ll see you chasing after them as the start of a fun game. And because four legs are almost always faster than two, you’ll lose. Even if they don’t think you’re playing, they still won’t want to be caught.

Act a Little Crazy (or a lot)

A better strategy is to get them to come to you. We already established calling their name isn’t going to work, but there are other ways to get their attention. Screech like a maniac, stomp your feet, jump up and down, do the worm dance—do anything out of the ordinary that will make your dog look at you. The second you have their eyes, turn around and run in the other direction. That’s right, run away from your dog. Most dogs will be so intrigued by your strange behavior that they’ll stop what they’re doing to chase you down.

Get Low

If your dog isn’t into chasing, try testing their curiosity. Once you have their attention, sit or lay down on the ground. Flap your arms and make wailing noises for added affect. Your dog will probably think you’re either hurt or playing a fun game, and they’ll want to come over to investigate.

Last Resort

If neither of those strategies work, your only option is to go and get your dog. Whatever you do, however, don’t run. Walk calmly toward them and talk using a soft, normal voice. You don’t want to spook them, and you really don’t want them to think they’re in trouble.

Now, Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen Again

Every time you let your dog get into a situation where they have the option of ignoring you, you reinforce unwanted behavior. After the dramatics of catching your loose dog are over, make plans to make sure it doesn’t happen again. To do that, say goodbye to off-leash time. If your dog’s recall is unreliable, they shouldn’t be off leash in public places—ever.

An alternative is to get a long training lead (15-30 feet), and attach it to your dog’s snug-fitting harness. Never use a collar, because the sudden force of running, reaching the end of the line, and jolting backward can seriously hurt a dog’s neck. Whether you’re out training or just having fun, keep your dog on the long lead. When you call them and they ignore you, you can reel them in so ignoring you isn’t an option.

Why Your Dog Is Ignoring You

No matter how it seems, your dog isn’t ignoring you out of spite. They’re not doing it because they’re remembering that one time you took them to the groomer’s or stole back the shoe they pilfered from your closet. Dogs don’t think like that, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a reason behind their behavior.

They Honestly Don’t Know Any Better: They might recognize their name when you’re screaming it down the street, but recognition and comprehending what’s expected of them aren’t the same. You say their name all day long, and most of the time, you don’t expect anything from them. How are they supposed to know this time is different? Even if you add a firm “come here!” to your call, they won’t know what you want unless you’ve spent a considerable amount of time training the cue.

They’re Suspicious of You: Think about it; what tone of voice do you use when calling your dog? Are you stressed, frustrated, angry? If you are, you can believe your dog knows it. When you finally get a grip on their collar, do you scold them? If you can relate to any part of that scenario, you’ve essentially taught your dog NOT to come when called. Why would they want to come to you when they know they’re in trouble? Their options are to either head toward the angry,  unpredictable owner or continue chasing the neighbor’s cat and sniffing out cool scents. Cats and cool scents will win every time.

They Don’t See the Point: Even if your dog isn’t running loose through the streets, they can still ignore you in a passive way. These indifferent offenders are usually easier to catch than a high-energy runaway, but the issue of them ignoring your call is still a problem. They’re basically telling you that listening to you isn’t important to them.

Finally, Work on Better Behavior

When you finally get your fingers on fur, you can start correcting the behavior. Except, the “correction” isn’t so much a solution to the problem as it is an overall change in what you’re doing. Remember, teaching a reliable recall isn’t a simple process. It happens in stages, and there are several pieces to a complicated puzzle. Here’s what to do:

Stop Punishing

The reason punishment or negative reinforcement doesn’t work with recall training is because in order for the dog to understand what they’re being punished for, you need to act the exact second they decide to ignore you. Several minutes will pass while you’re chasing them down, and that time will serve as a barrier to disassociate the punishable action from the punishment. Instead of associating the punishment with their decision to ignore you, they’ll connect it to the moment they’re within your grasp. In their mind, they’re being punished for being near you.

To avoid this conundrum, shower your dog with love and praise the second you have them. Give them a high value treat, scratch between their ears and tell them how amazing they are. You could be boiling with rage on the inside, but you can’t let it show. Letting your dog see your anger will only ensure the next time they get loose, you’ll have an even harder time catching them.

Amp Up The Positive Reinforcement

The second your dog decides to listen to your recall should be the best second of their life. It should be full of their favorite things, whether that be food, praise, or a quick round of a fun game. The best thing you can do is always have a high value treat in your pocket. We’re not talking about a dog biscuit here; you’re going to need the good stuff. Cheese, chicken, jerky—your dog needs to go crazy for it. If food isn’t your dog’s thing, find something that is. Some dogs are absolutely obsessed with specific toys and games while others do anything for a good belly rub. As your dog gets better at recalls, you can eventually empty your pockets of treats, but high-value positive reinforcement will be your most useful training tool.

Stop Repeating Yourself

Every time you repeat the words, “Bailey, come here!” and Bailey continues to ignore you, you dilute the cue’s potency. Eventually, the call will be nothing but a buzzing in their ears, and they’ll be perfectly comfortable pretending it doesn’t exist. When you call your dog, do it once and only once. Don’t think they didn’t hear you, because they did. After you call, you have no choice but to follow through. If they’re not listening, use tricks from above to grab their attention or start reeling them in with the long lead. If you’re not in a position to make the recall happen, don’t initiate it. Only call them when you know for certain you can make it happen. Otherwise, you’re teaching your dog they don’t always have to listen.

Use Release as a Reward

When you’re at the park and it’s time to leave, you call your dog over to you so you can leash them up and head home. But if puppers is having a grand time, they’ll see being forced to leave as a major punishment. Even if you heap on the praise and give them a treat, leaving the park will be the punishment to trump all rewards. In order for the positive reinforcement to work, it needs to outshine all possible negatives. Leaving the park makes that impossible.

To solve the problem, you need to start using release as an added reward. When you call your dog over, give them a treat, praise them, and then release them back to whatever fun they were having. Use a release cue like “Okay!” or “Go ahead!” to let them know they’re free. They’ll be so happy to continue with the fun, they’ll credit you for making that fun happen. That association will benefit you in all future recalls.

But what happens when you really do need to go home? Before you get into that situation, you have to firmly establish release as a reward in your dog’s mind. Do it during training sessions in the yard, and do it over and over again. That way, when it’s the real deal and you need to get home to start making dinner, one negative reinforcement won’t make a dent in all the good work done by 1,000 positive reinforcements. As long as the release happens a lot more often than it doesn’t, your dog will hold on to the positive association, not the negative.

When it comes down to it, correcting a dog that ignores a recall is about avoiding situations where they have the choice of ignoring you while taking time to properly train the behavior you want. Start inside the house and then move to the yard. Next is a quiet public area with a long lead, and finally, test them with the lead in a distraction-filled place. Do it in stages and never move on until your dog is responding reliably. Next time an accident happens and you need to deploy an emergency recall, your dog might surprise you.

h/t: The Labrador Site, Calm Energy Dog Training

via Whisker Therapy

It used to be that just about the only place of business you could take your dog was pet supply stores. These days, more and more stores – and even restaurants – are becoming dog-friendly. While health code regulations force all dogs (apart from service animals) to stay outside restaurants, many are starting to invite people to bring their dog into their patio seating areas, and stores are allowing well-behaved, leashed dogs into their stores.

Keep in mind that each location may have local ownership, management, or regulations that don’t allow dogs in their locations. It’s always best to call ahead and verify that the store or restaurant you are planning on visiting does accept dogs on their property, and some of these businesses may be located inside shopping malls that don’t allow dogs. With that in mind, here are 10 restaurant chains and 27 chain stores that generally do allow dogs.

Restaurants

If you plan on bringing your dog to the patio area of a restaurant, there are some basic etiquette rules that you and your pup should follow. Allowing your dog to be unruly can change a business owner’s mind about allowing dogs, and that would ruin it for everybody else.

-Only bring obedient dogs to restaurants. Your dog should be able to maintain a down stay in order to avoid tackling a waitress and stealing another table’s food.

-Keep your dog on a leash attached to you. Using a hands-free harness will prevent your dog from dragging a table or chair away if they suddenly feel the need to chase something. You also need to respect the fact that other diners may not like dogs or may even be afraid, and you don’t want your dog to trip a rushing waitress. Keep your dog as close to the table and out of the way as possible.

-Allow your dog to relieve himself first. Other diners will not appreciate the sight – or smell – of your dog doing his business during their meal.

-Feed your dog first. You wouldn’t want to be brought to a buffet on an empty stomach and be restrained from eating anything. Feeding your dog first can help them focus on obeying you instead of their growling tummy.

-Bring along another human. In this crazy world, it’s not really safe to assume that if you tie your dog up to go inside to use the restroom or pay your bill that your dog will still be there when you get outside. Having another human with you to watch your dog if you need to dash inside helps ensure nobody else decides to run off with your beloved fur child.

-Don’t let your dog get on the table or lick the dishes or silverware. You may not mind letting your dog do those things at home, but health inspectors, restaurant employees, and possibly other restaurant guests may have other ideas about what is appropriate.

-All children, no matter how many legs they have, should remain relatively quiet. Just as you probably don’t want to listen to a screaming toddler during your entire meal, your fellow diners may not want to listen to a whining, barking, or howling dog during their meal. If your dog is a talker, you may be better off leaving him at home.

#1 – Dairy Queen

Many Dairy Queen locations allow dogs to sit with their owners in their outdoor seating area, and some locations even offer a free small vanilla ice cream for dogs.

#2 – Starbucks

Most Starbucks locations will allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas, and the “puppuccino” – a small cup of whipped cream – is a tasty off-menu item for your dog to enjoy while you sip your favorite drink.

#3 – Panera Bread

Most Panera Bread locations that have an outdoor seating area allow dogs.

#4 – In-N-Out Burger

While dogs aren’t technically allowed at In-N-Out – they have to stay in the car while you go through the drive through – they do offer several dog-friendly foods such as unseasoned burgers so that you and your pup can fuel up while you’re out and about town.

#5 – Applebee’s

While not every Applebee’s location has a patio, many of those that do allow dogs. Some locations even do the occasional “yappy hour.”

#6 – Shake Shack

Dogs are welcome on the patio of most Shake Shacks, and they all offer a special dog menu including items such as a “Pooch-ini” (a tasty concoction of dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard) or a simple bag of biscuits.

#7 – Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets has many dog-friendly locations and items on their menu that dogs love such as “Pupcakes.”

#8 – Sonic Drive-In

While you may or may not be able to allow your dog out of your car, you can still enjoy a dog-appropriate treat from Sonic while sitting in your car.

#9 – Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

While there aren’t a ton of locations yet, every location of Lazy Dog allows dogs on their patio and has a special dog menu with items like chicken breasts and brown rice.

#10 – Olive Garden

Some locations that have patios allow dogs. The policy definitely varies from location to location, so be sure to call ahead first.

Stores

Most stores that do allow dogs ask that they be well-mannered and potty trained. There are a few more general guidelines you should follow when bringing your dog to a store.

-Bring a towel or blanket if you plan on putting them in a cart. You wouldn’t want a human putting their dirty shoes or feet into a cart where you were planning on putting your purchases, and others don’t want to put their purchases in a cart where dirty dog feet have touched.

-Be mindful of allowing your dog to interact with others. While you might have brought your dog for the purpose of helping them get socialized, service dogs are there to work and should not be distracted from their jobs. Service dogs aren’t required to wear a vest or any other identification, so you should always ask the owner before allowing your dog to approach another.

-Clean up after them. Ideally, you should have your dog do their business before bringing them indoors, but accidents happen. Cleaning up after your dog is ALWAYS your responsibility, whether it’s your own backyard, a dog park, a popular walking trail, or a place of business. Leaving your dog’s poop to collect in a dog park to sour other people’s experiences or leaving a mess for a minimum-wage employee to clean up are equally reprehensible.

-Keep in mind…Some stores may have areas – like a Starbucks – inside where dogs aren’t allowed due to health regulations. Be respectful of the rules.

#11 – Home Depot

#12 – Hobby Lobby

#13 – Pottery Barn

#14 – Macy’s

#15 – Sephora

#16 – Bass Pro Shops

#17 – Barnes and Noble

#18 – Michaels

#19 – LUSH Cosmetics

#20 – TJ Maxx/Marshall’s

#21 – Restoration Hardware

#22 – Gap

#23 – The Apple Store

#24 – Bloomingdale’s

#25 – Urban Outfitters

#26 – Anthropologie

#27 – Hallmark

#28 – Foot Locker

#29 – Bebe

#30 – Abercrombie and Fitch

#31 – Nordstrom

#32 – Bath & Body Works

#33 – Old Navy

#34 – Saks Fifth Avenue

#35 – Ross

#36 – Tractor Supply Co.

#37 – Gander Mountain

Keep in mind that it’s always up to a manager’s discretion whether you and your dog are welcome inside a store or on a restaurant’s patio. If you are asked politely to leave, please quietly respect their wishes. Who knows? The reason no dogs are allowed certain places may be because a poorly-behaved dog caused a problem and the owner threw a fit when they were asked to leave. Don’t be the person who ruins an experience for everybody else.

(H/T: K9 of Mine, Rover, Dogster, Huffington Post, BarkPost)

via Whisker Therapy

We’ve all been there; you’re the crazy person in the neighborhood with the dog that refuses to come when called.  Whether it was a training session gone awry or an accident that let them slip out the door, you’re now left with a dog to catch and a neighborly reputation to redeem. You know your four-legged fugitive hears you calling their name while they trespass into the neighbor’s garage and sniff-walk their way down the street, but they’re ignoring you.

Coming when called is one of the most important lessons to teach your dog, but it’s also one of the most difficult for them to grasp. Doing it right requires your time, dedication, consistency, and the right strategy.

First, Recover Your Dog!

If you’re training in a safe area and your dog isn’t doing anything besides sniffing the ground (while ignoring you), recovering them shouldn’t be too hard. The issue comes in when your dog is actively evading you or in danger of running into trouble.

A Game You Can’t Win

If that’s the case, first learn what not to do. Your instinct will be to chase your dog while yelling in your no-nonsense-get-back-here-right-now voice. In this scenario, your instinct is wrong. Some dogs love to play keep-away, and they’ll see you chasing after them as the start of a fun game. And because four legs are almost always faster than two, you’ll lose. Even if they don’t think you’re playing, they still won’t want to be caught.

Act a Little Crazy (or a lot)

A better strategy is to get them to come to you. We already established calling their name isn’t going to work, but there are other ways to get their attention. Screech like a maniac, stomp your feet, jump up and down, do the worm dance—do anything out of the ordinary that will make your dog look at you. The second you have their eyes, turn around and run in the other direction. That’s right, run away from your dog. Most dogs will be so intrigued by your strange behavior that they’ll stop what they’re doing to chase you down.

Get Low

If your dog isn’t into chasing, try testing their curiosity. Once you have their attention, sit or lay down on the ground. Flap your arms and make wailing noises for added affect. Your dog will probably think you’re either hurt or playing a fun game, and they’ll want to come over to investigate.

Last Resort

If neither of those strategies work, your only option is to go and get your dog. Whatever you do, however, don’t run. Walk calmly toward them and talk using a soft, normal voice. You don’t want to spook them, and you really don’t want them to think they’re in trouble.

Now, Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen Again

Every time you let your dog get into a situation where they have the option of ignoring you, you reinforce unwanted behavior. After the dramatics of catching your loose dog are over, make plans to make sure it doesn’t happen again. To do that, say goodbye to off-leash time. If your dog’s recall is unreliable, they shouldn’t be off leash in public places—ever.

An alternative is to get a long training lead (15-30 feet), and attach it to your dog’s snug-fitting harness. Never use a collar, because the sudden force of running, reaching the end of the line, and jolting backward can seriously hurt a dog’s neck. Whether you’re out training or just having fun, keep your dog on the long lead. When you call them and they ignore you, you can reel them in so ignoring you isn’t an option.

Why Your Dog Is Ignoring You

No matter how it seems, your dog isn’t ignoring you out of spite. They’re not doing it because they’re remembering that one time you took them to the groomer’s or stole back the shoe they pilfered from your closet. Dogs don’t think like that, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a reason behind their behavior.

They Honestly Don’t Know Any Better: They might recognize their name when you’re screaming it down the street, but recognition and comprehending what’s expected of them aren’t the same. You say their name all day long, and most of the time, you don’t expect anything from them. How are they supposed to know this time is different? Even if you add a firm “come here!” to your call, they won’t know what you want unless you’ve spent a considerable amount of time training the cue.

They’re Suspicious of You: Think about it; what tone of voice do you use when calling your dog? Are you stressed, frustrated, angry? If you are, you can believe your dog knows it. When you finally get a grip on their collar, do you scold them? If you can relate to any part of that scenario, you’ve essentially taught your dog NOT to come when called. Why would they want to come to you when they know they’re in trouble? Their options are to either head toward the angry,  unpredictable owner or continue chasing the neighbor’s cat and sniffing out cool scents. Cats and cool scents will win every time.

They Don’t See the Point: Even if your dog isn’t running loose through the streets, they can still ignore you in a passive way. These indifferent offenders are usually easier to catch than a high-energy runaway, but the issue of them ignoring your call is still a problem. They’re basically telling you that listening to you isn’t important to them.

Finally, Work on Better Behavior

When you finally get your fingers on fur, you can start correcting the behavior. Except, the “correction” isn’t so much a solution to the problem as it is an overall change in what you’re doing. Remember, teaching a reliable recall isn’t a simple process. It happens in stages, and there are several pieces to a complicated puzzle. Here’s what to do:

Stop Punishing

The reason punishment or negative reinforcement doesn’t work with recall training is because in order for the dog to understand what they’re being punished for, you need to act the exact second they decide to ignore you. Several minutes will pass while you’re chasing them down, and that time will serve as a barrier to disassociate the punishable action from the punishment. Instead of associating the punishment with their decision to ignore you, they’ll connect it to the moment they’re within your grasp. In their mind, they’re being punished for being near you.

To avoid this conundrum, shower your dog with love and praise the second you have them. Give them a high value treat, scratch between their ears and tell them how amazing they are. You could be boiling with rage on the inside, but you can’t let it show. Letting your dog see your anger will only ensure the next time they get loose, you’ll have an even harder time catching them.

Amp Up The Positive Reinforcement

The second your dog decides to listen to your recall should be the best second of their life. It should be full of their favorite things, whether that be food, praise, or a quick round of a fun game. The best thing you can do is always have a high value treat in your pocket. We’re not talking about a dog biscuit here; you’re going to need the good stuff. Cheese, chicken, jerky—your dog needs to go crazy for it. If food isn’t your dog’s thing, find something that is. Some dogs are absolutely obsessed with specific toys and games while others do anything for a good belly rub. As your dog gets better at recalls, you can eventually empty your pockets of treats, but high-value positive reinforcement will be your most useful training tool.

Stop Repeating Yourself

Every time you repeat the words, “Bailey, come here!” and Bailey continues to ignore you, you dilute the cue’s potency. Eventually, the call will be nothing but a buzzing in their ears, and they’ll be perfectly comfortable pretending it doesn’t exist. When you call your dog, do it once and only once. Don’t think they didn’t hear you, because they did. After you call, you have no choice but to follow through. If they’re not listening, use tricks from above to grab their attention or start reeling them in with the long lead. If you’re not in a position to make the recall happen, don’t initiate it. Only call them when you know for certain you can make it happen. Otherwise, you’re teaching your dog they don’t always have to listen.

Use Release as a Reward

When you’re at the park and it’s time to leave, you call your dog over to you so you can leash them up and head home. But if puppers is having a grand time, they’ll see being forced to leave as a major punishment. Even if you heap on the praise and give them a treat, leaving the park will be the punishment to trump all rewards. In order for the positive reinforcement to work, it needs to outshine all possible negatives. Leaving the park makes that impossible.

To solve the problem, you need to start using release as an added reward. When you call your dog over, give them a treat, praise them, and then release them back to whatever fun they were having. Use a release cue like “Okay!” or “Go ahead!” to let them know they’re free. They’ll be so happy to continue with the fun, they’ll credit you for making that fun happen. That association will benefit you in all future recalls.

But what happens when you really do need to go home? Before you get into that situation, you have to firmly establish release as a reward in your dog’s mind. Do it during training sessions in the yard, and do it over and over again. That way, when it’s the real deal and you need to get home to start making dinner, one negative reinforcement won’t make a dent in all the good work done by 1,000 positive reinforcements. As long as the release happens a lot more often than it doesn’t, your dog will hold on to the positive association, not the negative.

When it comes down to it, correcting a dog that ignores a recall is about avoiding situations where they have the choice of ignoring you while taking time to properly train the behavior you want. Start inside the house and then move to the yard. Next is a quiet public area with a long lead, and finally, test them with the lead in a distraction-filled place. Do it in stages and never move on until your dog is responding reliably. Next time an accident happens and you need to deploy an emergency recall, your dog might surprise you.

h/t: The Labrador Site, Calm Energy Dog Training

via Whisker Therapy

It used to be that just about the only place of business you could take your dog was pet supply stores. These days, more and more stores – and even restaurants – are becoming dog-friendly. While health code regulations force all dogs (apart from service animals) to stay outside restaurants, many are starting to invite people to bring their dog into their patio seating areas, and stores are allowing well-behaved, leashed dogs into their stores.

Keep in mind that each location may have local ownership, management, or regulations that don’t allow dogs in their locations. It’s always best to call ahead and verify that the store or restaurant you are planning on visiting does accept dogs on their property, and some of these businesses may be located inside shopping malls that don’t allow dogs. With that in mind, here are 10 restaurant chains and 27 chain stores that generally do allow dogs.

Restaurants

If you plan on bringing your dog to the patio area of a restaurant, there are some basic etiquette rules that you and your pup should follow. Allowing your dog to be unruly can change a business owner’s mind about allowing dogs, and that would ruin it for everybody else.

-Only bring obedient dogs to restaurants. Your dog should be able to maintain a down stay in order to avoid tackling a waitress and stealing another table’s food.

-Keep your dog on a leash attached to you. Using a hands-free harness will prevent your dog from dragging a table or chair away if they suddenly feel the need to chase something. You also need to respect the fact that other diners may not like dogs or may even be afraid, and you don’t want your dog to trip a rushing waitress. Keep your dog as close to the table and out of the way as possible.

-Allow your dog to relieve himself first. Other diners will not appreciate the sight – or smell – of your dog doing his business during their meal.

-Feed your dog first. You wouldn’t want to be brought to a buffet on an empty stomach and be restrained from eating anything. Feeding your dog first can help them focus on obeying you instead of their growling tummy.

-Bring along another human. In this crazy world, it’s not really safe to assume that if you tie your dog up to go inside to use the restroom or pay your bill that your dog will still be there when you get outside. Having another human with you to watch your dog if you need to dash inside helps ensure nobody else decides to run off with your beloved fur child.

-Don’t let your dog get on the table or lick the dishes or silverware. You may not mind letting your dog do those things at home, but health inspectors, restaurant employees, and possibly other restaurant guests may have other ideas about what is appropriate.

-All children, no matter how many legs they have, should remain relatively quiet. Just as you probably don’t want to listen to a screaming toddler during your entire meal, your fellow diners may not want to listen to a whining, barking, or howling dog during their meal. If your dog is a talker, you may be better off leaving him at home.

#1 – Dairy Queen

Many Dairy Queen locations allow dogs to sit with their owners in their outdoor seating area, and some locations even offer a free small vanilla ice cream for dogs.

#2 – Starbucks

Most Starbucks locations will allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas, and the “puppuccino” – a small cup of whipped cream – is a tasty off-menu item for your dog to enjoy while you sip your favorite drink.

#3 – Panera Bread

Most Panera Bread locations that have an outdoor seating area allow dogs.

#4 – In-N-Out Burger

While dogs aren’t technically allowed at In-N-Out – they have to stay in the car while you go through the drive through – they do offer several dog-friendly foods such as unseasoned burgers so that you and your pup can fuel up while you’re out and about town.

#5 – Applebee’s

While not every Applebee’s location has a patio, many of those that do allow dogs. Some locations even do the occasional “yappy hour.”

#6 – Shake Shack

Dogs are welcome on the patio of most Shake Shacks, and they all offer a special dog menu including items such as a “Pooch-ini” (a tasty concoction of dog biscuits, peanut butter sauce, and vanilla custard) or a simple bag of biscuits.

#7 – Johnny Rockets

Johnny Rockets has many dog-friendly locations and items on their menu that dogs love such as “Pupcakes.”

#8 – Sonic Drive-In

While you may or may not be able to allow your dog out of your car, you can still enjoy a dog-appropriate treat from Sonic while sitting in your car.

#9 – Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

While there aren’t a ton of locations yet, every location of Lazy Dog allows dogs on their patio and has a special dog menu with items like chicken breasts and brown rice.

#10 – Olive Garden

Some locations that have patios allow dogs. The policy definitely varies from location to location, so be sure to call ahead first.

Stores

Most stores that do allow dogs ask that they be well-mannered and potty trained. There are a few more general guidelines you should follow when bringing your dog to a store.

-Bring a towel or blanket if you plan on putting them in a cart. You wouldn’t want a human putting their dirty shoes or feet into a cart where you were planning on putting your purchases, and others don’t want to put their purchases in a cart where dirty dog feet have touched.

-Be mindful of allowing your dog to interact with others. While you might have brought your dog for the purpose of helping them get socialized, service dogs are there to work and should not be distracted from their jobs. Service dogs aren’t required to wear a vest or any other identification, so you should always ask the owner before allowing your dog to approach another.

-Clean up after them. Ideally, you should have your dog do their business before bringing them indoors, but accidents happen. Cleaning up after your dog is ALWAYS your responsibility, whether it’s your own backyard, a dog park, a popular walking trail, or a place of business. Leaving your dog’s poop to collect in a dog park to sour other people’s experiences or leaving a mess for a minimum-wage employee to clean up are equally reprehensible.

-Keep in mind…Some stores may have areas – like a Starbucks – inside where dogs aren’t allowed due to health regulations. Be respectful of the rules.

#11 – Home Depot

#12 – Hobby Lobby

#13 – Pottery Barn

#14 – Macy’s

#15 – Sephora

#16 – Bass Pro Shops

#17 – Barnes and Noble

#18 – Michaels

#19 – LUSH Cosmetics

#20 – TJ Maxx/Marshall’s

#21 – Restoration Hardware

#22 – Gap

#23 – The Apple Store

#24 – Bloomingdale’s

#25 – Urban Outfitters

#26 – Anthropologie

#27 – Hallmark

#28 – Foot Locker

#29 – Bebe

#30 – Abercrombie and Fitch

#31 – Nordstrom

#32 – Bath & Body Works

#33 – Old Navy

#34 – Saks Fifth Avenue

#35 – Ross

#36 – Tractor Supply Co.

#37 – Gander Mountain

Keep in mind that it’s always up to a manager’s discretion whether you and your dog are welcome inside a store or on a restaurant’s patio. If you are asked politely to leave, please quietly respect their wishes. Who knows? The reason no dogs are allowed certain places may be because a poorly-behaved dog caused a problem and the owner threw a fit when they were asked to leave. Don’t be the person who ruins an experience for everybody else.

(H/T: K9 of Mine, Rover, Dogster, Huffington Post, BarkPost)

via Whisker Therapy

We all love dogs and know that their hearts are pure, but sadly, attacks still happen. At the end of the day, our loyal companions are still animals with instincts that need to be respected. If they feel scared, threatened, or defensive, any dog is capable of biting. What’s more, some pups are simply more likely to go for the “fight” instead of the “flight,” whether it’s from past experience or it’s just in their nature.

In light of a recent event where a dog attacked a passenger on a New York City subway, the subject of dog attacks — namely, how to prevent them, and what to do if one occurs — has been a hot topic of discussion. Would you know the signs of an impending dog attack, or what to do if it happened to you?

Prevention

Obviously, the best case scenario is to avoid an altercation in the first place, and there are signs that everyone, not just dog owners, should look out for.

First off, it’s our responsibility as pet parents to refrain from putting our pups in situations that make them nervous. You may want to take your companion everywhere you go, but if they startle easily or become anxious around other dogs or strangers, it’s best to keep them away from crowds — even if that means leaving them at home. You know your dog best, and it’s your job to determine whether a situation may be too overwhelming for them.

When you do take your pup out in public, keep a close eye on his or her body language. Even the calmest dog might get overwhelmed when they’re out and about. If they start to appear agitated, know when it’s time to take a break from the hustle and bustle.

Secondly, everyone should know (and should teach their children) that it’s important to never touch someone else’s dog without their permission. Even if you’re given the “okay” to pet a new pup, approach gently, slowly, and in a way that keeps you clearly visible (don’t startle them by coming up from behind).

Colleen Demling, a dog behaviorist from Dogtopia, shed some light on the topic in an article by PEOPLE. She describes the type of body language to look out for, explaining:

“Watch for a stiff body. Happy dogs are relaxed as they move. A dog that is agitated will have more jerky movement or no movement at all.”

She added that dogs who feel cornered or confined are also more likely to strike.

“Don’t approach a dog that is tied to something. When a dog is tied, they can feel more vulnerable. If they are approached by a stranger, they may try to bite. When entering a property, announce yourself and wait for someone to come let you in. Never walk into a house or yard without the owner. “

If you think your dog would go after another human or animal if they got loose, set up additional barriers, like a second gate in the front hallway or a self-closing door that locks, Demling says.

Stopping the attack

No matter how cautious or savvy you are about dog behavior, it’s still possible to find yourself in the middle of, or witnessing, a dog attack. As counterintuitive as it may seem, Demling explains that the best thing to do is to try to stay calm.

“Panicking can only exasperate the situation,” she says, adding that you should use anything you can to shield yourself, such as a purse, backpack, or briefcase. She continues:

“If you can reach a high surface, such as a tree trunk or the top of a car, that can also help. Do not turn your back on the dog, make eye contact or square off, as all of those things can escalate the attack.”

If it’s your dog doing the attacking, again, stay calm — yelling at them will only make the situation worse. One of the best ways to stop an attack or dog fight is to pick up the pooch by the hind legs, holding them in the air. This is known as the wheelbarrow method, and not only switches your dog’s focus, it protects you from getting bitten by staying away from their face.

Demling also suggests that if there happens to be a hose nearby, spraying the dog might be enough to distract them and loosen their grip. Once the altercation has been diffused, take the dog out of the situation immediately.

For more advice, check out 6 Methods For Safely Breaking Up A Dog Fight.

Have you ever stopped a dog attack? Tell us what worked — and what didn’t — in the comments below. 

(h/t: PEOPLE)

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Breed specific legislation (BSL) has been the cause of a lot of heartbreak and frustration. A lot of good dogs are at risk of losing the homes and families they’ve known and loved for years because people make assumptions based on fear and misunderstanding.

Aside from its direct harm, BSL can have indirect repercussions as well. Kayla Murray with the Austin Animal Center tells iHeartDogs about Chloe, a sweet dog who is at risk of losing her home in Austin, Texas to BSL – even though Austin doesn’t have any such laws in place:

“Chloe, a 3-year old, 80-lb, pit bull mix, arrived at the shelter in May 2017 as a stray. She had a microchip, and attempts were made to contact her owner, but nobody came forward to claim Chloe. This goofy girl won me and many others over while living at the shelter. She was well-known for her silly antics, fondness of all toys, love of splashing about in baby pools, taste for cream cheese, and her inseparable friendship with a particular orange ball. Sadly, despite everything amazing about her, Chloe continued to be overlooked.”

“In April 2018, [Chloe’s foster] Susan and her husband learned that their daughter had accepted a job in Ontario, Canada. She also has a pit bull, Vanna, but Ontario has laws restricting pit bull-type dogs from living within province limits, so Vanna cannot go with her. Susan and her husband agreed to care for Vanna for that year, which begins in May, and it has been determined that Chloe and Vanna cannot live together. Unfortunately, that puts Chloe and her team of volunteers back at square one, which is where nobody thought they would be after all the time, effort, love, and training put into Chloe.”

“Chloe has become used to home life. The theory of 3’s for rescue dogs tells us that at 3 months, which is where Chloe is now, trust and love has been built, and that she has an overall sense of security. Chloe thinks she is home. It would be one thing for Chloe to have to acclimate to a new home. There would be some bumps in that road, some obstacles to overcome, but she is a resilient dog and that would be manageable. But it would be extremely distressing for her to return to the shelter at this point. She will be so confused, she will lose the training she has learned, and most importantly, she will lose her feeling of security.”

“BSL tears families apart, and blindly discriminates without looking at an individual dog’s nature and personality. We never thought that BSL could stretch its prejudiced, ugly arms all the way from Canada and affect a dog in Texas. We were wrong.”

Kayla and the rest of the staff and volunteers at the Austin Animal Shelter are desperate to find Chloe a place in a new home – whether that be through foster or adoption. Chloe’s support team feel that having her in a shelter again would be failing her. They’ve worked hard, creating a Facebook page just for her, posting Craigslist and Nextdoor ads, posting fliers at local pet stores and taking her to adoption events. They even created a video so people could see for themselves how wonderful Chloe is.

“There are currently no potential fosters or adopters, and it keeps me up at night, not knowing what Chloe’s future is. I have tried everything I can think of, along with other members of her team.

Chloe’s team of volunteers is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her from returning to the shelter, which includes transporting her anywhere in the country if a loving adopter is found. They will also pay for an approved, rewards-based only trainer in their area. They would prefer that Chloe be the only dog for now until she can fully acclimate to her new environment. However, Chloe has shown lots of promise with confident dogs so if someone is interested in Chloe and owns a dog they think may be a good fit with her, we would love to discuss the possibilities of making that happen.”

If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Chloe, you can learn more about her on Facebook, or check out her info on Petharbor.

Featured Photo: For The Love of Chloe/Facebook

 

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

There are close to 200 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Each is assigned to one of seven groups based on the traits they were bred for.

While there is no such thing as a bark-free dog, the following 10 breeds are among the quietest, thanks to their inherent characteristics.

1. Pug

Pugs were originally bred more than 2,000 years ago to serve as companions to Chinese emperors and their families. To this day, these loyal cuties prefer a life of leisure full of good food and lots of snuggles.

While they certainly have a playful and mischievous side, Pugs make ideal house dogs thanks to their quiet, laid-back nature.

2. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Cavvies are up for anything! These sweet-faced pups simply want to please their pawrents, whether that means frolicking in the park or reading a good book in a favorite armchair.

Thanks to their royal roots and pampered history, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have little need for barking – unless, of course, they are separated from their favorite humans.

3. Japanese Chin

The AKC describes the Japanese Chin as “a distinctly ‘feline’ breed” and a “bright and amusing lapdog that is fastidious, graceful, and generally quiet.”

The origin of the breed is a bit of a mystery with some historians tracing them back to China or Korea before they eventually arrived in Japan 500 to 1,000 years ago.

4. Greyhound

There is a common misconception that Greyhounds cannot thrive as house pets. Despite their impressive speed and agility, these lanky hounds are just as happy to lounge around the house as they are to chase rabbits.

In an iHeartDogs survey of more than 130 Greyhound owners, 90% answered “No” to the question, “Does your Greyhound bark or howl a lot?”

5. Rhodesian Ridgeback

These big, powerful hounds are a bit of an anomaly. They are known for being strong-willed, independent, and energetic, yet they do not bark excessively as one might expect.

Fiercely loyal to their humans, Rhodesian Ridgebacks make excellent, well-behaved family pets as long as they have a strong leader and a moderate amount of daily exercise.

6. Basenji

The Basenji is known as Africa’s “barkless dog,” but that certainly does not mean this feisty little guy is silent! Owners describe the odd sound they use to express themselves as something between a chortle and a yodel.

Intelligent and poised, Basenjis are one of the oldest known dog breeds, having gotten their start as semi-wild African hunting dogs.

7. Chinese Shar Pei

The origin of the Shar Pei can be traced back more than 2,000 years to China’s Han Dynasty. They were known as versatile, intelligent dogs that served their owners as hunters, herders and livestock guardians.

These wrinkly pups are very protective of their beloved family, but tend to only bark during play or as a means of alerting their humans to a potential threat.

8. English Bulldog

Bulldogs have a gruesome history, having been bred in 13th century England to participate in bullbaiting – a “sport” in which a staked bull fought a pack of dogs. Despite their tragic past, they succesfully transformed into the intelligent, cuddly clowns we know and love today.

While they do not bark much, Bulldogs are known for their signature snorts, snores, wheezes and grunts.

9. Great Dane

Despite the implications of their name, Great Danes trace their origins back to Germany where they assisted nobles in hunting wild boars.

Don’t let their rugged history and imposing size fool you, these gentle giants are among the quietest breeds. However, if you do encounter a noisy Dane, its bark will be deep, loud, and quite intimidating!

10. Newfoundland

Newfies are named for the large Canadian island where they were first bred to work aboard fishing vessels. Heroic, hardworking and rugged, Newfoundlands are also gentle, patient and loyal with a long history as “nanny” dogs for children.

While watchful and protective of those they love, Newfies do not tend to bark unless absolutely necessary.

Do you agree with our choices? Which breed(s) would you add or remove from our list of minimal barkers?

 

H/T to AKC.org

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

You may want a dog that you can teach a few tricks, take for a couple of short walks a day, and who will snuggle with you every night. If your dog is on this list of high-maintenance dog breeds, however, you might get more than you bargained for.

Some dogs are high maintenance because they need massive amounts of exercise. Some dogs are high maintenance because they require a lot of grooming. Some dogs are high maintenance because they are extremely intelligent and become bored easily. And some dogs are extremely prone to a wide variety of health problems that may require extensive vet bills.

Every dog breed has their upsides of course, but it’s important to know what you’re in for if you get one of these high-maintenance dog breeds so that you can meet your dog’s needs and set him up for a lifetime of success. With that being said, here are the 25 most high-maintenance dog breeds.

#1 – Akita

Akitas are large dogs that can become aggressive with other people or dogs unless they are extremely well-socialized. They are prone to killing small animals and are unlikely to tolerate a child’s teasing. Akitas can be great, protective family dogs when they are well-trained, well-socialized, and receive enough exercise, but a breakdown in any of these or an owner that is either too aggressive or not assertive enough can result in disaster.

#2 – Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherds are extremely active and extremely intelligent. If they don’t get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, they can become destructive. Bred to herd sheep, the Australian Shepherd will chase and herd anything it can, whether that’s children, pets, bicycles, or cars. About one-third of all Aussies also suffer from some degree of noise phobia.

#3 – Border Collie

Like Australian Shepherds, Border Collies are extremely intelligent and are bred to run all day long. Often considered one of the smartest dog breeds, keeping a Border Collie entertained and exercised can be quite a chore for an owner who is not equally active. They do best when they are engaged in a dog sport such as agility or flyball to keep them learning, focused, and exercised.

#4 – Boxer

Not only do Boxers have a ton of energy, but they have a lot of health problems. They are one of the breeds most likely to get cancer. They’re also prone to developing various heart conditions, hip dysplasia, thyroid and eye issues, epilepsy, intestinal issues, and allergies. Boxers can be great family pets, but you need to be prepared for the possibility of extensive vet bills.

#5 – Brussels Griffon

The Brussels Griffon can be notoriously difficult to potty train, and they are the ultimate Velcro dog. If you want a dog that will follow you everywhere, including the bathroom, the Brussels may be right for you, but they are prone to separation anxiety and do best with an owner who spends most of their time at home.

#6 – Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is another companion dog that was bred specifically to keep a person company all day long. They can develop separation anxiety if they are left alone too much. These “love sponges” do best with an owner who is home most of the time. Their fur also needs regular brushing to prevent painful mats from forming.

#7 – Chow Chow

Chow Chows are very independent, strong-willed, and stubborn dogs that can be difficult to train. Without proper socialization, they can easily become aggressive. Their beautiful, thick coat also needs a lot of maintenance. They need daily brushing and regular attention from a groomer in order to avoid developing an uncomfortable matted pelt.

#8 – Cocker Spaniel

Not only are Cocker Spaniels prone to separation anxiety and have intensive grooming requirements, but they might be the most aggressive dog breed. Cocker Spaniels with little obedience training are more likely than most other dog breeds to lash out at not just unfamiliar people or dogs but even their owners. Their thick hair needs daily brushing and trimming from a groomer every 4-6 weeks and they are highly prone to ear infections.

#9 – Dalmatian

The “101 Dalmatians” did no favors for this dog breed. They have a tendency to be snappy with children, and an abundance of overbreeding and bad breeding when the movies made the breed popular has led to a large percentage of Dalmatians being born congenitally deaf, which makes training them even more difficult. They need a lot of exercise or they may become destructive.

#10 – English Bulldog

These adorable roly-poly dogs are one of the most popular dogs in the country due to their laid-back but loving personalities. Unfortunately, they are prone to a wide variety of health problems. They have more hip dysplasia than any other dog breed. Nearly 3 out of 4 English Bulldogs will develop hip dysplasia in their lifetime. They’re also prone to allergies, respiratory problems, and eyesight problems. You should have plenty of money set aside for vet bills for this breed.

#11 – English Springer Spaniel

Not only do Springers have high exercise and grooming requirements, but they are prone to a condition called “Springer rage,” where they seem to forget who and where they are and attack anything that comes close to them. In a survey by The Atlantic, 1 in 4 Springers had bitten somebody. Springers are also prone to dominance aggression.

#12 – German Shepherd

One of the most popular dog breeds in the country, German Shepherds are prone to a wide variety of health problems, including perianal fistulas, immuno- and pancreatic deficiencies, bacterial skin infections, pannus, degenerative myelopathy, and hip dysplasia. They can also become territorial and overly protective of their owners.

#13 – German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointers need plenty of exercise and tend to be very clingy. They need lots of interaction with their humans and high-intensity exercise. They’re prone to separation anxiety and prefer to be with their family at all times.

#14 – Irish Setter

Irish Setters have high energy levels, but it isn’t safe to take them jogging until they’re at least 18 months old to protect their growing joints. They are perpetual puppies, which can be fun but frustrating since they can be difficult to train.

#15 – Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terriers are extremely active and extremely intelligent. If they aren’t given enough physical and mental stimulation, they can find their own creative ways to keep themselves entertained – by digging up your yard, barking, or destroying things. They are highly trainable, but it can still be a full-time job keeping them exercised and entertained.

#16 – Labrador Retriever

Yes, even America’s favorite dog for the last 27 years is considered a high-maintenance dog. If you haven’t read or seen “Marley and Me,” you’ve probably at least heard of it. Labs need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble. They’re also prone to a lot of health problems, including hip dysplasia and allergies.

#17 – Old English Sheepdog

Old English Sheepdogs are very independent herding dogs that would prefer to chase anything they can than mind what you ask them to do. Their classic coat needs daily brushing and monthly attention from a groomer, especially if you plan to keep them in a longer cut.

#18 – Poodle

Poodles are the ultimate combination of high energy, extremely intelligent, and difficult to maintain the grooming on. They need plenty of mental and physical stimulation along with daily brushing and regular trips to the groomer to maintain their curly coat without it turning into one large, painfully uncomfortable mat.

#19 – Siberian Husky

Huskies were bred to run all day long – in the cold weather. They need plenty of exercise, but they are prone to overheating in hotter areas of the country. They’re also fantastic escape artists and shed a lot, especially when the seasons change.

#20 – Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkies have a lot of energy bundled into a small package. They’re also prone to “small dog syndrome,” which can lead to them biting people, and their silky coat needs daily brushing and regular trips to a groomer to prevent painful mats.

(H/T: Yahoo! Entertainment, Cheat Sheet, Life in the Dog Lane, Bark Post)

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