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Effective Housetraining

The keys to successful housetraining are confinement and supervision.  Set up and implement a consistent structure with these components:

• Use a crate, small pen, or small confined area in your home;
• Exercise constant vigilance, be observant;
• Resign to taking your dog out - leashed;
• Reinforce correct elimination with high-value food;
• Use a verbal cue that your dog learns to associate with elimination;
• Adhere to set feeding/watering times;
• Choose a specific outdoor "potty place", and;
• Be patient.

Your daily goals are prevent accidents and reward outdoor elimination.

Most fold-up, wire crates are sold with a divider.  You can use it to shrink your dog's space and discourage crate elimination.  Avoid bedding in the crate for a time, as it could serve to absorb urine.

Vigilance is essential.  You must watch your dog constantly while he's unconfined.  Each accident in the house is a lost opportunity and a step backward in the training program.  You are developing your dog's preference for toileting outside.  If your dog has an accident, do not shove his nose in the pile or puddle.  This outdated tactic is an aversive that teaches your dog nothing...except to mistrust you.

You must take your dog on her potty trips on the leash.  Otherwise, you may not see whether she eliminates, and you're certainly in no position to reinforce (reward) promptly.

Reinforce outdoor elimination with a high-value food reward, e.g. chicken, cheese, or hot dog.  Elimination is a self-gratifying behavior:  the dog feels relief.  Your dog will learn that "going" outside works to get him a wonderful treat.

Teach your dog a cue word or phrase, such as "hurry up" or "do your business".  She will learn to associate that cue with eliminating and earning a food reward.

Housetraining is easier with a set feeding and watering schedule.  (Refer to the blog article, "Free Feeding Your Dog?  Don't Do It.")  Free access to food and water makes it nearly impossible to control "output".  Puppies normally require 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight.

You can designate a small area on or near your property as a "potty place".  Your dog associates this area with a bathroom trip, and you have a manageable clean-up job.

Successful housetraining requires a concentrated effort.  Dogs learn at different rates and respond best to a calm, patient, and unemotional demeanor.  Housetraining time varies depending upon your dog, his history, and your approach to the training.  If you're observant, you'll begin to recognize your dog's signals.  Pacing, sniffing a particular spot, and circling are all pre-elimination indicators.

If your housetraining plan isn't working, check with your vet.  He/she can determine whether a health problem exists which could prevent success.

For further information, contact:
Kimberly B. Mandel
CPDT-KA
908.822.9200

How To Improve Leash Walking

Autumn can provide a beautiful backdrop for hiking:  changing foliage, cool, fresh air, and exercise for you and your four-legged friend.  You can increase the enjoyment by teaching your dog leash manners.

Many dogs pull on leash.  The outdoor environment is highly stimulating.  It's easy for your dog to "forget" his human at the other end of the leash.  So many scents, so little time....  Dogs do what works for them.  If you allow yourself to "go along for the ride" when your dog is pulling on the leash, you are reinforcing his poor leash manners.  Remember that reinforcement makes any behavior stronger.  Here are several changes you can make to eliminate your dog's pulling...and spare yourself possible injury!

ASSESS YOUR EQUIPMENT

Use a six-foot nylon or leather leash.  A retractable, e.g. Flexi, leash is great for practicing distance stay and recall exercises, but not for teaching loose leash walking.  It's easy for your dog to ignore you when she's 16 feet ahead!  A six-foot leash allows easier control and reinforcement of your dog's position.

A walking harness may be helpful.  A harness with the D-ring leash latch on the chest works best for strong pullers.  (I like Premier's Easy Walk Harness.)  It's discouraging for your dog to pull out in front when the leash is attached at his chest.

TAKE CHARGE OF THE WALK

Too much freedom is not good for a young or untrained dog.  Keep the leash short:  12 inches for a large dog and 18-24 inches for a small dog.  Do not give your dog the option of yanking you hither and yon.  A short leash sends a clear message of your control.

REINFORCE ATTENTION AND LOOSE LEASH WALKING

Be prepared to reinforce nice walking with high-value food, e.g. your dog's favorite treats or a bite of chicken or hot dog.  Remember that you are competing with the outdoor environment for your dog's attention!  Have something compelling in your pocket.  When your dog is walking nicely, give him a food reward.  He'll learn that walking near you is worth his while.  During your walk, interrupt him by saying his name.  When he looks at you, give him a food reward.  Your dog will learn to be attentive to you.

Your dog may pull even on a short leash.  (After all, pulling has worked in the past.)  No need to jerk the leash, simply, stand still.  Stop walking and plant yourself.  After a few moments, your dog will look at you and/or slacken the leash.  Good dog!  The walk continues.  It's the continuation of movement that reinforces attention and a loose leash.  Loose leash walking works instead of pulling.

Perhaps your dog has had many months to practice pulling on leash.  Change doesn't happen overnight.  With diligence, you can transform your walks into a more enjoyable experience!

Kimberly B. Mandel
CPDT-KA
908.822.9200

Hope For A Home Adopt-A-Thon

If you are looking for a new "Best Friend" come to our Hope For Home adoption event on Saturday October 9th from noon to 4pm.  It is on site at our location, Route 22 West North Plainfield, NJ.  There will be lots of great adoptable dogs from the Newark Area Humane Society.

Set Up For Success: Dog Behavior Management, Leadership, and Training

A new puppy or adult dog in the home means more demands on everyone, but there are ways to manage your addition for long-term harmony.  Behavior management and leadership can be achieved through knowledge and basic training.  Information applies to dogs of all ages.  This is a complimentary session.

On Saturday, October 16th from 10 -11 AM stop by for coffee, muffins, and practical information about canine behavior.  Our trainer, Kimberly Mandel, will offer ways to facilitate your new dog's home transition or to resolve behavior problems.  All questions are welcome.  This event will be held at Best Friends Pet Care located at 825 Route 22 West in North Plainfield, NJ.  Humans only this time, please.  Call for more details: 908.822.9200

Free Feeding Your Dog? Don't Do It.

Free feeding means allowing your dog to eat "at his leisure".  The food bowl is always accessible.  This practice can devalue your dog's food as well as set her up to become a finicky eater.  There's another way to feed your dog that develops a healthy respect for his food and, subsequently, you as the benevolent provider!

Food is an essential resource for all of us, and a primary motivator for dogs.  An always-available food bowl becomes devalued because it is, well, always available.  Dogs don't need to pay attention to or comply with  owners, when the most critical component of survival is accessible 24/7.  Who is providing this bottomless bowl, anyway? 

Decide on a good quality kibble for your dog and have a routine.  Whether your dog is a puppy or adult, you can set feeding times, say, 7 AM and 6 PM, for an adult dog.  At feeding time, put the ration of kibble into the bowl, call your dog to you, and ask her to "sit and wait" while you place the bowl down.  Give her an "OK" release to eat.  Allow 10-15 minutes for her to finish her food.  (Set a timer to remind you, if necessary.)  If your dog walks away from the bowl, and food remains, let him see you pick up the bowl and put it in an inaccessible place.  Repeat this at the evening feeding.

If you have been practicing free feeding with your dog, you can expect him to leave food.  This could continue for several days.  Don't worry and revert back to an undesirable method!  If you persist, your dog will change.  The benefits are:  an end to finicky eating and a new respect for you and the valuable resource you provide. 

For more information on free feeding and other ways to motivate your dog, call Best Friends at 908.822.9200 and ask for Kimberly Mandel.   All behavior and training-related questions welcome.

Fall Puppy and Dog Training

Summer is winding down, and we all settle into a new routine.  It's a great time to get your new puppy into a training class.  It's a great time to take action toward improving your adult dog's housemanners and social skills.  Here at Best Friends, we offer really useful training options to suit your lifestyle:  classes, board and train, and private sessions in your home or here at our center.

Science-based and dog-friendly methods help owners learn to effectively communicate with their dogs to reinforce only desirable behaviors.  When owners have a "canine education", frequent reprimands and frustration can stop. 

Classes run in 6-week series, one hour per week.  New puppy classes (ages 2 months - 11 months) are starting on Saturday, September 11th at 10 AM.  New adult dog classes (6 months +) are starting on Monday, October 4th at 7 PM.

Our trainer is happy to talk to owners about training programs and options best for individual pets.  General behavior questions are also welcome.  Kimberly B. Mandel Trainer 908.822.9200

Watch Out Michael Phelps!!!

With Summer time upon us once again, we roll out a grand tradition at Best Friends Pet Care.

It's time once again for our Friday Pool Party in Doggy Day Camp!!!

Every Friday for the Summer we will have "baby pools" out and about in the camp room for the dogs to romp and splash in. You can bring your "Best Friend" in for a dip!

I wanted to include a cool article I found on dogguide.net that lists a handful of breeds that just love love love to swim...

13 Dog Breeds That Love The Water
When you think of breeds that love the water you might typically picture a Lab or a Golden Retriever. They are the most popular of the breeds on our list that have extreme aquatic tendencies! Many kinds of dogs love to swim, but I've compiled a list of some of the top canine splashers! If you have an active outdoorsy lifestyle, one of these breeds may be perfect for you and your family.

Schipperke
The Schipperke (pronounced skipper-kee) is a small (ranging from 7-20 lbs) Belgian breed that is always ready to go! They are incredibly smart and are known for their keen ability to pick up obedience commands quickly. They are independent and can be stubborn, so consistent training is a must. Members of this breed are commonly known as "Belgian barge dogs", as they were used for security and to keep the boats free of small pests. These little dogs are very comfortable on the water and they love to swim!

Labrador Retriever
Considered the most popular dog (by registration) in the world today, the Labrador Retriever is known to be an excellent family companion. Due to over breeding, there are many of these wonderful dogs in rescues today. If you are seeking to purchase a puppy, make sure you do so from a reputable source. Labs have a long puppy hood and are often clumsy until they mature (around 3 years of age). These dogs were bred for hunting Waterfowl, thus stems their love of swimming! Their thick coats are somewhat water-repellant.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This is an unusual breed of gundog. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are medium sized (37 to 51 lbs) red dogs, who - when used for hunting, romp around near the edge of the water, The dog's white markings and activity entice the birds who then swim over to check out what is going on. (This is known as tolling) When the birds are close enough, the hunter
emerges from his cover and this sends the birds flying, allowing a clear shot. This breed loves to work, loves its family and children. They are occasionally reserved with new people, but are not shy. They are always up for a good game of fetch - especially in the water!

Spanish Water Dog
SWD's are a versatile breed - being gundogs, herding dogs and an assistant to fishermen! The Spanish Water Dog is a medium sized (31-49 lbs) breed with a curly coat that can sometimes end up in cords! SWD's come in black, beige, brown, white or bicolor (black or brown with white). This is a high-energy breed with a strong herding instinct. They are generally not recommended for novice dog owners as they have a tendency towards being strong willed and occasionally territorial.

Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is one of the largest (55-65 lbs) and most rare of the Spaniels. They have a dense, curly coat that has a tendency to be very low shedding. This makes them a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. One of their most distinct traits is their strange looking tails! They appear almost "rat like" as they are smooth and hairless! This is a working breed and they must have access to the water that they are bred to work in! They are gentle dogs that love their families, but are known to be shy with strangers. They are great companions for children and do well with other animals. Irish Water Spaniels have webbed feet to aid their swimming habits!

Newfoundland
Newfoundlands create a splash as the largest dog on this list! These gentle giants are renowned for their work in water rescue! Newfys are known for their sweet, mellow personalities and their slobbery jowls! These dogs usually weigh in between 100 and 150 lbs! These dogs were originally bred to pull in fishnets and other heavy equipment. Newfoundlands have a natural fondness for children. Their long coats need to be brushed on a regular basis.

Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active member of the gundog group. They have a propensity for running and enjoy an active lifestyle. Irish Setters are large red dogs, ranging from 53-70 lbs. They were bred for hunting and pointing on all kinds of land and always enjoy a good wade in a pond or stream. The breed is gentle and good with children.

English Setter
While English Setters may resemble their red Irish "cousins", their coloring is drastically different! English Setters have speckled coats, also called "belton". The recognized color combinations are: white with black flecks (blue belton), white with orange flecks (orange belton— depending on the intensity of the color orange, they might be considered lemon belton or liver belton), or white with black and tan flecks (tricolor belton). The breed makes a great family pet, but they need to have lots of activity and stimulation. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive training methods. Get them out and swimming early with the family and you'll have a great outlet for that Setter energy!

Standard Poodle
Standard Poodles are great working dogs! Though their often-frilly appearance has caused rumors of “prissiness” - members of this breed are fantastic retrievers and gundogs. In fact, the show cuts you see on Poodles were originally fashioned from working clips that were done to protect the dog’s major joints when it was immersed in cold water. The Standard Poodle is highly intelligent and easy to train. The breed makes an excellent family pet and is considered to be hypoallergenic.

Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are up there with Labs on the list of popular family dogs! These large (55-80 lbs) dogs were bred to retrieve fowl and have an instinctual draw to bodies of water! It’s difficult to keep them from swimming if there is a lake or stream in sight! Goldens are exceptionally friendly dogs who are known for their outgoing demeanor. They usually get along well with other family pets and are a good choice for homes with children.

Portuguese Water Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog is a rare, medium sized (40-60 lbs) breed of dog that was originally bred to drive fish into fishermen's nets, retrieve lost tackle and nets, and to carry messages from ship to ship, or from ship to the land. The breed has 2 different coat types – curly and wavy. Both types are considered hypoallergenic and do not shed. PWD’s are very smart and have a high working drive. They are friendly, but usually bond heavily to one human family member. This breed must be kept mentally and physically occupied in order to have a content dog.

American Water Spaniel
An American original, it is believed that this medium sized (25-45 lbs) spaniel was developed in Wisconsin during the mid 1800’s. Though there is some debate, the breed is believed to be developed through selective breeding of the English Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Tweed Water Spaniel, and possibly the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. American Water Spaniels respond best to positive reinforcement during training. Harsh methods should be avoided as they can cause these dogs to become meek or even prone to biting. These dogs generally bond to one member of the household more than others. This breed needs fair and consistent training in order to keep them from becoming too dominant in their household.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (or “Chessies”) are believed to have been developed in Maryland during the early 1800’s. The breed is rumored to have started with the pairing of 2 Newfoundlands who were then selectively bred to other dogs. This large, strong (55-80 lbs) breed has a wavy double coat that naturally repels the water. Chessies are smart, friendly dogs that are naturally dominant and independent. They are generally one-person dogs and are instinctually quite protective. Patient training is required with these dogs as they generally have a mind of their own and need convincing to do otherwise. This breeds webbed toes aids them in their swimming ventures!

It's Prom Season!

Our doggy day campers enjoyed their first annual "prom" this past week.  We stole a page from one of our favorite movies, and had an "Enchantment Under The Sea Dance"

We crowned a Prom King and a Prom Queen and every dog went home with Prom Favors and delicious treats.

Help The Oil Spill In The Gulf

Best Friends Pet Care is finding an interesting way to help clean up the oil spill in the gulf.  We are collecting hair from the dogs being groomed with us.  You might be wondering what the tow things have to do with each other.  Well, hair is very efficient at collecting oil out of the air, off surfaces like your skin and out of the water, even petroleum oil. Products called Hair Mats and Hair Booms are made from hair and fur clippings to help contain oil spills.

There is plenty of information about the concept here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQOD_Ir2vQ

So, help the environment by scheduling a grooming with one of our excellent groomers today!!! 

Wellness Clinic

Please join us Saturday May 1st from 3pm to 4:30pm as we host a People for Animals Wellness Clinic.

Vaccines $12.00
Rabies
Canine Distemper Combo (DAPP)
Dog Bordetella
Cat Distemper Combo (FVRCP)
Cat Leukemia Vaccione

Routine Testing
Dog Heartworm & Lyme plus          $25
Cat Heartworm,Leukemia & FIV    $25
Breed DNA Test                             $100
Fecal Exam                                      $21

Microchip Implatantion                 $35

Deworming
Puppy or Kitten                         $5
Cat or Dog     6 months  $3 and up by weight
Tapeworm Injection        $5 and up by weight

Hope for a Home Adopt-A-Thon Was a Success!

Thank you everyone who attended and participated at the Hope for a Home Adopt-a-thon this past weekend.  It was a huge success and over 10 dogs from the Associated Humane Society in Newark found new homes!  We are so happy for them and wish them good luck in their new home!  Below are some pictures taken at the event.

April Camper Of The Month

Say hello to Bailey!!!

Congradulations to Bailey for being chosen as the Camper of the Month for April 2010!!!

Bailey is a very vocal little lady that enjoys rough housing with her friends.  She is the flash of brown that you frequently see zipping around the Doggy Day Camp room.  Bailey is 4 years old and has been coming to day camp for almost that entire time.  She is "old school" and likes to show the new dogs the ropes. 

Happy April Bailey!  Thank you for being the Camper of the Month!!!!

This Weekend!!! Don't Miss it!!!!

If you are looking for a new canine companion, Best Friends in North Plainfield is the place to be this Saturday....April 10th from 10am to 3pm.

Look at previous post to get all info!

Find a New Best Friend!

On Saturday, April 10th from 10am-3pm, Best Friends in North Plainfield is hosting Hope for a Home Adopt-a-thon.  Meet adoptable dogs from The Associated Humane Society and help give a dog a second chance in life!  In addtion to dog adoptions, there will be obedience training demonstrations, meet the vet table with Plainfield Animal Hospital, local pet related vendors, raffles, family entertainment, and more!  Donate a bag of food to the humane society at the event and recieve a free raffle ticket.  All adoptees go home with a goody bag filled with Best Friends coupons!

Best Friends is Spotlighted at the NJ Super Pet Expo

At the New Jersey Super Pet Expo Danielle, the manager from our Windsor, NJ location was interviewed for the "How Cute is Your Pet" segment of The Cute Pet Gazette.   Check out her interview about Best Friends Pet Care.

March Camper of the Month!

Congradulations to Sox Kelly for being our Camper of the Month for March 2010.

Sox is a very happy and active blonde Golden Retriever. He is under 2 years old and loves to play with his buddies in Doggy Day Camp. No matter what else is going on in the room, Sox always seems to be in the middle of the action.

If your are not enrolled in doggy day camp, look in to it and you can be have some fun with Sox!

Love Is In The Air!

Cupid visited Best Friends this past week!



Our Doggy Day Campers had a great time with their Valentine's Day Party on Friday February 12th. They sent each other Valentine's, with some help from their human camp counselors. They also made Valentine's for "mom and dad" with selt portraits on them. The campers are very generous and they said we could share some of the pictures from their photo shoot with our blog readers.


We and they hope you enjoy!!!!

Super Pet Expo is Coming!

Join us for a fun weekend at the Super Pet Expo in Edison, NJ! Best Friends Pet Care is a sponsor this year. We will have a huge booth with lots of fun games and prizes. There is also a puppy playground and tons of toys & treats(for humans and dogs). There are also lots of interesting animals and shows to see!

It is a great 3 days that your pet won't want to miss!

See you there...

Polar Bears Playing (by Norbert Rosing)

Below are some pictures taken by German wildlife photographer, Norbert Rosing.  He was near Hudson Lake in Manitoba when he spotted a polar bear approaching his sled dogs. He thought his dogs were in big trouble, but the bear just wanted to play.

Photos by Norbert Rosing