As our dogs age, some may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or dog dementia, leading to confusion, anxiety, and changes in behavior. Having faced this challenge with my own aging dogs, I know that with the right support, dogs with dementia can still live joyful lives. In this guide, I’ll share signs to watch for, along with holistic strategies to help your dog feel secure, comfortable, and loved through every stage of aging.
Discover the Five Freedoms every puppy needs to grow happy and healthy. From proper nutrition and a comfy bed to playtime and gentle training, learn how to give your puppy the best life possible!
Excerpt for Blog: The Sad Truth About Board and Train: Why Your Dog Needs You in the Process (and How Remote Training Can Help)
Board and train programs seem like a convenient solution—you drop your dog off, they come back "fixed." But I’ve learned through years of experience that real, lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when you’re part of the process.
When dogs are removed from their comfort zones and placed in unfamiliar environments, they often become stressed, anxious, or even develop new issues. The sad truth is that many board and train facilities can’t replicate the specific environment where your dog struggles, like the home they’re guarding or the yard they’re territorial over. Plus, without you in the picture, who will they bond with and learn to trust?
Remote training, on the other hand, keeps your dog where they’re comfortable and allows you to take an active role. Not only does it build trust between you and your dog, but it also addresses their unique emotional needs in real-time, in the environment where the behaviors actually matter. It’s not about a quick fix; it’s about building a strong, lasting relationship that helps your dog feel safe, confident, and connected.
If you’re curious about how remote training can truly benefit you and your dog, let’s chat! Here’s the link to get started: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web
Strengthening the bond with your dog is crucial for their well-being and overall behavior. As a holistic canine behavior consultant, I have seen firsthand how building a secure attachment with your furry friend can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable relationship for both of you. In this post, I'll share three simple ways to improve your bond with your dog: engaging in activities you both enjoy, dedicating time to spend together without electronics, and sharing a meal. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior or would like additional guidance on building a stronger bond, schedule a complimentary appointment with me today.
If your dog did eat chocolate, consider the type and amount ingested, as well as the size of the animal. If the amount your pet ingested, provides a dose that is potentially large enough to cause symptoms, seek veterinary help immediately. Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency center for advice if you are in doubt or cannot tell how much chocolate your pet ate.
Halloween is one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of the year for kids, but for our dogs, it can be a frightening and unpleasant experience. The constant stream of strangely dressed visitors, new experiences, and noise can be upsetting for even the calmest of dogs.
According to a study done by the University of Michigan, people are four and a half times more likely to get a dog bite on Halloween than any other day of the year. There is also an increased risk of your dog running away or getting hit by a car.
Make Halloween a great experience for everyone in your family, including your dog, by following these eight tips:
Chocolate and artificial sweeteners are toxic (xylitol or birch sugar also found in peanut butter) to dogs, and they can get very sick, and even die from eating it. Candy wrappers are also a choking hazard, so make sure that they are cleaned up. If you’re bringing the dog with you trick-or-treating, be vigilant about keeping your dog away from any wrappers or treats that might have made their way to the ground.
If your dog seems to be stressed out, you might want to consider giving him a “time-out” and putting him in his room ( not crate) for a few minutes, or some other out of the way area. The constant activity and noise can make him feel unsafe, which can lead to a dog bite or the dog trying to run away, or react aggressively.
Take your dog for a nice long walk, or something that the family can do together with the dog, like a play session with dog-friendly treats. Some extra play date with fury friend, or a fun day at daycare
When a dog knows what to expect, he will usually be calmer in a stressful situation. Practice task like “sit,” “wait,” or “back off,” and use yummy, high quality treats. It will also help when the door is open for trick-or-treaters, so a routine refresher before the big night is good dog parenting.
If there are masks, make sure that the dog sees you putting them on and taking them off, so he knows who is underneath. Dogs can also have certain sensitivities to specific “characters.”
Some dogs might do well at first in a party environment, then get cranky if the activity goes on for too long, and eventually have a meltdown. Most dogs will usually give plenty of warning signs before this happens, so pay attention to what’s going on with him throughout the holiday. Often when people get bit, it’s not because the dog didn’t warn them; it’s because no one noticed that he was stressed or scared. If you have him out trick-or-treating and he seems tense, maybe it’s time to bring him home and continue the evening without him.
It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to keep up with impulsive “prey drive” dogs, but if you don’t reward at the right time, your interventions will be less successful and may not help at all. Keeping your dog on track with his impulse training will help him to listen to you when there is a lot of new activity around.
They are safety hazards when there are pets around. They can get knocked over, and our furry friends can also wag a tail right over a flame and get burned. If you need to have a candle in your pumpkin, keep it out of your dog’s reach. Pumpkins are tasty food, which will attract them to want to sniff, or even take a bite out of it.
With a little preparation and planning, even dogs with sensory issues can have a positive and memorable holiday experience. Good luck and have a Happy Howl-oween!
Need training help with your dog to get ready for haloween?
About the Author: Roman Gottfried is an internationally renowned Holistic Training™ expert. He works with dog parents worldwide to help their dogs reach their full potential, by teaching them the holistic philosophy of dog training. He sees clients online and in-person. For more information, please visit his website http://www.romansk9training.com.
