7 Tips To Make Road Tripping With Your Dog a Breeze Content by Canine Cowboy Dog Resort

Going on a road trip with your dog is a great way to create life long memories while building the bond between you and your dog. Dogs spend the majority of their lives confined to the walls of our homes. Taking them on a road trip is a great way for them to get out and explore the world.

Last summer me and two of my dogs did a 3,000 mile road trip along the eastern half of the United States. We hiked, kayaked, and camped all along our route.

Here are my top tips for making sure a road trip with your dog goes smoothly:

1) Keep food, treats, water, bowls, leashes, poop bags, & meds easily accessible

Pack a bag just for your dog and have it easily accessible. Having to rummage through your luggage to find their food, water,  or bowls while making a quick stop can be time consuming and you don’t want to have to unpack your car just to find one item. 

2) Make a packing list & bring items based on the activities you will be doing

Common things you will need no matter the activity are food, water, bowls, poop bags, crate, leashes (bring an extra one just in case!), toys, blankets, treats, & medicine. 

If you are camping you may want to bring a long tie out line to keep your dog safe while in the campground. Also, pack extra blankets & sweaters for the dogs if you are tent camping. It can get cold at night and dogs will need help staying warm.

If you are going kayaking or swimming bring a life jacket for your dog and an umbrella to help keep them out of the sun

3) Bring prescription medication with you & bring more than you need

Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way, so please learn from my mistakes. My dog has 2 partially torn ACLs. She takes a prescription paid/anti-inflammatory medicine as needed. She rarely needs it and on our last trip I didn’t pack any. Big mistake. She ended up needing it on our last trip. I called her vet in Dallas to try and get a prescription filled in Tennessee. 

Since her vet isn’t licensed in TN she couldn’t call in the prescription for us to get it filled. I had to take my dog to the ER to get her the pain medicine she needed, delaying our trip by an entire day. Lesson learned: vets cannot fill prescriptions out of state so please make sure to take more than enough medicine with you.

4) NEVER leave your pet unattended inside of your car

Not for even 1 second. Not if you have a Telsa with “dog mode”. Not if you leave the AC running. Just don’t do it. Cars get broken into and dogs get stolen more often than you might realize. AC systems fail and cars can have mechanical failure leaving your dog stuck inside a hot car with no way out.

So that your dog doesn’t need to be in the car alone follow these tips for getting food and taking bathroom breaks:

1. Take your food with you in a cooler or utilize drive thru’s or take out services that bring the food out to your car. If you’re travelling with someone have someone stay in the car with the dogs while someone runs in to get food.

2. Petsmart & Petco’s are usually located in close proximity to major highways. This way you can take your dog in with you to use the bathroom and the dog will have their own grassy area to do their business as well. Home Depot and Lowes can also usually be found next to major highways however, not all of their stores allow dogs so call ahead to confirm if dogs are allowed in that particular store.

If you have an activity planned where your dog is not able to go with you take them to a dog daycare or boarding facility or safely crate them in your hotel room.

5) National Parks vs National Forests​

Dogs are generally allowed in campgrounds in National Parks however, dogs are not allowed on hiking trails within National Parks.

Instead visit National Forests. All 154 National Forests allow dogs on hiking trails. Dogs must be kept on a leash and the leash must be no longer than 6 feet in length. 

If wildlife such as bears or mountain lions are a concern in the area you are visiting you can put a bear bell on your dogs collar to scare away predators. Also, make sure to carry bear spray with you.

6) Utilize apps to find pet friendly accommodation and activities​

Some of the most pet friendly hotel chains include Red Roof Inn, Aloft, Best Western, & Choice Hotels.

Utilize apps and web sites like BringFido, BarkHappy, Pet First Aid, Paw Parks, and Vet Finder to help you find dog friendly accommodations, activities, dog parks, nearby veterinarians, and even other local dog friends!

7) Pet ID & Documentation​

Before setting out on your road trip make sure you dog has a properly fitted collar with updated phone numbers on their tags. Collars should be snug on their neck and should not be able to slip over their head.

If you dog is microchipped ensure the info tied to the chip is current. 

Make sure your dog is current on all core vaccines before leaving. These include Bordetella, Distemper/Parvo, & Rabies. Take a hard copy of their shot records with you and keep an electronic one in your email as well.

No matter where you choose to go have an amazing time, take lots of photos, and stay safe! Every dog deserves a road trip and a chance to explore the world. They will thank you with endless sloppy kisses.

What is the advantage of Individual Training over a Board and Train?

What is the advantage of Individual Training over a Board and Train? As a trainer I can train your dog to do about anything, but without training you to work with your dog will those results last?

We used to do a ton of Board and Train, but have now moved to Individual Training. Why? Over the years we have seen the results that have come with working one on one with a client and their dogs. Most owners lack the confidence and knowledge to handle the issues they are having with their dogs. Individual training gives you the practice to run through the scenarios you are having difficulty with with the trainer there to instruct and help you.

You are the one that lives with your dog and you are the one that needs to build that relationship together. Also you have many weeks of contact with a trainer to guide and answer all your questions that come up. We are also open to instructing other family members and children to work with their best friend!

Your success is our success, just check out our clients reviews, we get results!

Julia Weaver from Red Fin gives sound advice on bringing a new dog home

Bringing Home A Rescue Dog? Turn Your Home Into A Dog-friendly Space

June 14, 2020 by Julia Weaver Updated on July 10th, 2020

Maybe you’ve been thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your family to help increase companionship during these long days of social distancing. Or, maybe bringing home a rescue dog is just what you need to make your house finally feel like a home. Either way, with all the excitement and anticipation of welcoming your new best friend home, it’s easy to forget an essential step – making your home pet-friendly before bringing home a rescue dog.

1. Pet-proof your home

Each rescue animal will act differently when being introduced to a new home, so it’s impossible to ever be fully prepared when bringing home a rescue dog. However, as a safety precaution, be sure to keep anything that could be harmful or poisonous out of reach, and remove any belongings of yours that might get damaged or broken by your rescue pet. Below are more precautions you can take to prepare your home for a rescue dog and which will make for a smoother transition.

• Make sure you trash cans are covered and secured

• Keep poisonous plants and household cleaners locked away

• Put up pet gates to rooms you don’t want them to exploring yet

• Tape down exposed cords

• Keep the toilet seat closed

• Put away anything that could be a choking hazard or you don’t want them to play with

• Remove fragile items from their reach, like vases or picture frames

• Make sure all medications are stored away

• Screen off fireplaces and woodstoves

• Create a temporary barrier to block off furniture with wood accents, upholstery, or that can be easily damaged

2. Set up a section of your home as a safe area

First, designate an area or room in your home as a safe and private area for your pet. Consider using baby gates, pet gates, and closing doors to block areas that are off-limits. This way, your rescue puppy can become familiar with your home incrementally and at their own pace, taking in the sights and smells without becoming overwhelmed. You will want to remove any belongings that could be damaged or shouldn’t be eaten, and if possible, find an area with easy-to-clean floors near the center of activity so your rescue pet doesn’t feel isolated. Their new smaller spaces will help your rescue pet to feel safe and secure in their new home. 

3. Double-check the locks and screens on your windows and doors

Some pets are able to open windows and doors themselves, so be sure to check that everything is secure and the locks won’t budge. This is especially important if you’re bringing home a rescue dog who has the ability to climb or leap onto window sills. If you keep your windows and doors open for air circulation, purchasing durable pet-proof screens will eliminate any tears or punctures from clawing, chewing, and scratching at the screen, and will ultimately keep your pet inside and out of harm’s way.

4. Fill your home with pet essentials and toys

It’s important to stock up on pet supplies before bringing home a rescue dog. To ease the transition from the shelter to your home, consider buying these items from your local pet store beforehand:

• Collar and dog ID tags

• Dog leash (standard dog leashes and harnesses are recommended to begin with) 

• Dog food, preferably the same kind your rescue pet was being fed at the shelter

• Food and water bowls

• Pet toys

• Dog treats

• Dog bed

• Potty training pads

• A crate, if you intend on crate training your rescue dog

• A few grooming essentials, like a brush and shampoo

5. Prepare your home (and yourself) for accidents

When accidents happen – and they will happen – it’s best to clean them up immediately to avoid stains and eliminate odors. For carpet and upholstery, soak up as much of the liquid as possible by placing newspaper on top of a stack of paper towels. Stand on the soiled area or apply pressure to the area for about a minute. Next, use clean water and blot dry using paper towels. Use a pet odor neutralizer or a stain remover if the area still looks stained. Dog pee pads are a great way to teach your dog where it is okay to use the bathroom before eventually going potty outside.

6. Designate a space for their food and water

It’s best to keep your dog’s food, water, and toys in their safe area to begin with, but you’ll eventually want to establish a location for your dog’s supplies. This could be near an exterior door, perhaps to your backyard, and an area your dog can have some time to themselves. A laundry room or mudroom is a great place to store your dog’s things, but don’t forget to secure anything that could be toxic. Designate an area to store dog toys, install hooks for leashes and collars, and store dog food in a container with a lid.

7. Dog-proof your backyard

It’s no secret that dogs love the outdoors and find any excuse to bolt for the door. And while your rescue dog thinks it’s all fun and games, it’s important to take the necessary steps to pet-proof your yard to keep your dog from running off and to keep them safe from backyard dangers such as plants that could be toxic to your rescue pet. Here are a few steps to take to dog-proof your backyard before bringing home a rescue dog:

• Fence in your yard

• Remove toxic plants and flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and hydrangea

• If you have a pool, install a fence around it to prevent them from going in then not be able to get back out 

• Designate an area in your yard where your rescue dog will use the bathroom 

• Keep your yard clean of debris and bushes under control

• Make sure your trash cans are closed and secured

• Mow your lawn regularly

8. Make sure they don’t have access to your garage or shed

Make sure to secure your garage or shed to keep your dog safe from any products or chemicals that are poisonous, flammable, or corrosive. And because dogs love to explore and sniff out new scents that are interesting but potentially dangerous, place all items that are poisonous (and potentially fatal if ingested) in a secure container where your dog won’t be able to access it. This includes petrol, oil, antifreeze, rodent baits, fertilizers, insecticides, and auto supplies. 

9. Have your local veterinarian information handy

Find a highly recommended veterinarian close to your home, and research where the closest 24-hour emergency animal hospital is just in case. Be sure to jot down the number and keep it somewhere everyone in your household will be able to easily find it, perhaps the fridge, a message board, or the drawer where you keep your dog’s important documents.

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5 Alternatives to Walking for Lazy Dogs and Their People (No Judgment)

Walking your dog daily is a necessary part of dog ownership. However, despite your best efforts, life sometimes gets in the way. Maybe the weather is terrible, you’re not feeling well, or you’ve already gone on three walks and your dog is still bouncing off the walls.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you. There are plenty of ways for your dog to get exercise without even leaving the house. Here are nine fun alternatives to walking that you and your dog will both love.

Fetch

This one seems obvious, but it’s also easy to forget when you’re thinking of dog exercise options. If you’re feeling extra lazy, get a ball launcher that lets your dog play fetch on their own.

Dog yoga

Yes, you read that right! There are dog yoga classes called Doga, or you can practice yoga with your dog in the comfort of your home. Just come armed with patience and a sense of humor, and don’t be too surprised if your dog doesn’t quite get the whole “quiet concentration” aspect. If nothing else your giving your dog some one on one attention!

Flirt pole

A flirt pole is essentially a fishing pole for your dog to play with. You can purchase one, or you can build one at home with a stick, some string, and a few choice dog toys (that you don’t mind getting torn up). Just attach your dog’s favorite toy to the end of the string, and go nuts.

Bubbles

Disclaimer: some dogs love chasing bubbles, and others are completely indifferent to them. But if your dog falls into the former category, bubbles are a fun and inexpensive way to while away the afternoon. You can use regular non-toxic bubble solution, or get special dog bubbles that feature flavors dogs love, like peanut butter or bacon.

Hire a dog walker

And of course, you can always turn to finding a dog walker when your dog needs a walk. : )

Barking at the Mailman every day?

Desensitizing your dog to a knock at the door is what we do to help stop all the unnecessary barking. Watch how we do it.

10 Reasons Older People Need Pets

Companionship

Loneliness can become an unwelcome companion as we get older and can lead to depression as well as physical problems. Dogs mold their schedule and personality to you. They are never unavailable or off duty. Smaller dogs, in particular, can easily travel with you wherever you go.

Having a Routine

Having a dog is a responsibility but needn’t be taxing. The routine of caring for a pet can give structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don’t always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to, and isn’t that a good thing?

Exercise

People benefit from regular physical exercise regardless of their age. But it is hard to get into a regular exercise routine and so very easy to skip it. Having a dog can be a great way to make walking a regular part of your permanent daily plans.

Stress

Older people with pets exhibit less stress than their pet-less counterparts. Maybe it’s those regular walks or the sense that you have a friend to share life’s challenges. Or maybe it’s that tail wagging every day when you wake up.

Getting Out

Having a pet, and particularly one that requires regular outdoor activity, helps you stay connected to life. There’s the vet. The place you have your dog groomed and washed. You need to be involved in social activities. Having a pet is a good way to stay involved.

Making New Friends

There are lots of shared activities for pet owners, ranging from communal walks to charitable events and projects run by organizations that cater to animals and the environment. It can be hard to meet new people, but pets are a great icebreaker.

New Interests

Having a pet can expose you to a lot of new interests and activities. Maybe it’s cleaning up the neighborhood park where you walk your dog. Some hospitals seek pet owners who will volunteer to bring in their pets to spend time with patients.

Protection

Having a dog can provide significant security. Potential thieves will stay away from a home with a barking dog. Now, maybe your watchdog weighs only 12 pounds soaking wet. But the person on the other side of the door doesn’t know that.

Taking Care of Something

Sure, you need your pet. But your pet needs you, too. The desire to be useful and of value doesn’t magically disappear when your career ends or your kids grow up and build their own independent lives. It is very satisfying to take care of another living thing.

Investing in Life

At the end of the day, having a pet means that you have made a promise to continue being involved in another life. This commitment is one of the most positive decisions you can make as you grow older

Adopt and adult or senior pet. petfinder.com

5 Incredible Things Dogs Can Sense Before They Happen

Dogs are incredibly intuitive and aware of their surroundings. They know when their person is sad and can pick up on stress when their household is in chaos. Some people believe that dogs can predict when someone is going to die or can see spirits. Below are some of the other amazing things dogs can sense, for one reason or another.

1. Earthquakes

Records as far back as ancient Greece tells of dogs fleeing the city of Helice before a tragic earthquake. China also has stories of dogs showing signs of distress before seismic activity. Although dogs are very much aware of their surroundings, some scientists argue that a dog’s hearing is so perceptive, they can hear rocks crumbling under the grounds surface. Some seismologists think that the dogs feel seismic activity through their paws. Either way, if a dog in an earthquake-prone area begins to act odd, the change in behavior shouldn’t be ignored.

2. Storms

Just like with earthquakes, dogs can sense something on the horizon. Storms create an electromagnetic force that dogs can sense before the storm hits. Dogs also use their amazing sense of hearing and can possibly hear the thunder rumble from several miles away. Their olfactory senses are about 100 times more sensitive than that of a human and most likely can smell the electrical current in the air.

3. Illness (including cancer)

Humans give off faint odors of illness, such as certain cancers and diabetes. It’s too subtle for another human to detect, but with the dog’s amazing sense of smell, they may sniff out something that may be off.  If a dog is sniffing a particular area on the owner’s body obsessively, a trip to the doctor should be in order.

4. Seizures

Some dogs are specifically trained to be seizure alert dogs. These dogs are taught to alert their owners before an impending seizure. Sometimes they even lie on top of their owners during the seizure and summon help when they can. Not all dogs are actually trained to recognize the signs of an impending seizure. They instinctively know what is going to happen, but no one knows exactly how a dog senses this.

5. Labor

There have been documented reports of dogs predicting the onset of labor in pregnant women. Warning signals include dogs becoming virtual shadows of their pregnant owners the day before or the day of the onset of labor. Guesses as to how these dogs know to prepare for the new bundle of joy range from sensing the physical transition of the pregnancy or the woman giving off a “labor scent.”

All these things are a good reminder for you, as an owner, to check yourself (calm down and take a deep breath) you could be the cause of some of your dogs crazy behavior!

My dog fights me while I am trying to groom him what can do?

I tend to want to pick my battles on that one. When I have a dog testy in that way I let the groomer or the vet do most of the work. The groomer or vet has a different relationship with the dog than you do and can do some of the heavy

lifting,so to speak, for you.

 Before I start doing any grooming  I would get any energy he has out with running and playing with him, then some commands,so I'm setting up leadership.

1.  put the dog in place,
   

2.  start grooming
   

3.  correct bad behavior pop the leash on the prong collar
   

4. Say good for good behavior and end on the good behavior
   

The goal is to keep it short and sweet at first so he can see that good behavior gets what he wants (which is for you to stop grooming)

 Yes he does need to know that he's not allowed to growl or bite when he needs grooming. but timing can help and making sure you are in control and assertive, not frustrated, that will only add to the problem.

The more small times you do this will lead to better times overall.

Let me know if this helps. We can talk it through on the phone, or try something else. Every dog is different we just need to figure out what works!

Darlene

Why does my dog do that? Peeing in the house, growling, chewing things up...

A dog can be an amazing addition to any family, providing the unconditional love and companionship you didn’t know you needed until now. Better yet, pets can improve your health in myriad ways, from reducing your risk of depression to improving your cardiovascular health. But, sometimes, your little sweetie does things that are not so charming.

For dogs who pee indoors, this behavior is often related to a lack of physical exercise or anxiety, both of which humans can help attenuate with the help of a vet or trainer. 

 It could be a sign that he’s not so happy about your behavior. If your pet is pooping wherever he pleases,  It could also be a sign your pet is fearful, so consider addressing your own behaviors, like yelling or slamming doors, that could make them scared. Is there a lot of stress in your house with other family members? Or are you modeling the kitchen? These are all things that can get your dog out of sorts and doing things he wouldn't normally do.

Growling can mean a lot of things good and bad. My Cooper low growls when I am scratching his back but I know he is growling for more. It can also mean your dogs had enough of what's ever going on or a chance they’re feeling threatened or upset and want to get some distance. However, this is often a sign of illness, as well, so if your pet is growling at you frequently, it’s time to call the vet.

How do I make Vet. visits less stressful for my dog?

Question: How can I make the Vet visit less stressful? Everything about the veterinarian's office is stressful for a dog. Starting with the smell, new dogs in the waiting area, getting handled by unfamiliar people in invasive ways. The best way to help a dog who is fearful is familiarity. Ask the vet if they are open to practice visits
*Take your dog once a week for a while to the vet's office and just walk in the door and around the waiting area. Staying 5 min.
*Next visit have the office staff give treats. Pet if your dog is ok with it.
* Week 3 ask to go in an exam room with vets/vet tech. walking in and out.
You get the idea, it takes some time but will make vet visits more normal for your dog. Need help?www.artemisdogtraining.com

Stop the Barking!

Dogs and barking!  most folks really love their dogs but uncontrolled barking is a really annoying problem. We try to diagnose what the root issue of the issue. Many of my clients see increased bad behaviors in their dogs when the new baby comes home or there has been a lifestyle change. This is mostly because you are busy with a life change and a new baby and don't take the time to meet your dogs needs. If you can take 20 min. with your dog to play, one on one with just him, go for a walk, exercise at a dog park or park; your dog will feel more satisfied and less likely to nag you with bad behaviors and over excitement.

3 Reasons Dogs Bite

While biting is a form of aggression, only a small percentage of dogs that bite are actually aggressive.

Here are three reason which may cause a dog to bite according to Jonathan Klein, a dog behavior specialist, and animal behaviorist Dorothy Litwin.

1. Fear

Unless your dog is aggressive by nature, biting typically results from fear. A well-meaning neighbor may reach his hand out to pet your dog – but the dog, not wanting to be touched, or frightened by the stranger’s hand, may snap at him. “Quite often, people think they can just pet dogs on the head, taking for granted that dogs like to be touched,” says Dorothy.

2. Possessiveness

Whether your dog is possessive about food, a toy or territory, trying to take the thing he’s protecting away can result in signs of aggression, including biting. “What not to do is prove you’re stronger than the dog and take his stuff away,” says Jonathan. If your dog is possessive over food and shows aggression every time you approach his bowl, for example, Jonathan advises showing the dog that you’re going to make things better by adding a treat to the bowl. That way, he’ll come to associate your approach with something positive. Swapping one toy for another or trading a treat for a toy can help a dog overcome toy possession.

3. Pain or other medical reasons

If your dog is experiencing pain or discomfort, she may bite when someone touches her in the painful region. For example, you may not realize your dog has an ear infection until you touch her ear and are surprised when she snaps at your hand. Dorothy recommends that you always try to find a physical reason why your dog has started biting, especially if this is unusual behavior for her, and that if you can’t see anything obvious, to take her to the vet for a checkup.

When it comes to dog bites, prevention is the best route to take. A dog that bites isn’t necessarily aggressive or “bad”; he may just be fearful, protective and/or poorly socialized. Understanding why dogs bite, learning how to read canine body language, and taking steps to prevent situations that could lead to biting, are proactive and effective ways to avoid this behavior.

Take heart, dogs will be dogs!

Getting frustrated when your dog acts like…a dog. Dogs bark, dig, chew, sniff, and steal table scraps that are within snout’s reach. To them, it’s natural behavior! (Plus, they don’t understand the value of your favorite pair of shoes.) However, this doesn’t mean your dog should have free reign to do whatever he likes. It's your job to redirected these behaviors–and this takes patience! So take a deep breath, and get some perspective, we are here for you. Send us a message