Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
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On the Blog Post "Is your Community 'Pedestrian Friendly'?"
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On the Blog Post Help! My Dog Won’t Let Me Know When He Needs To Go!
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
8:22 am on Thursday, February 14, 2013
ReplyKimberly, thanks for your message. Regarding the designated spot, take your dog out on a leash so that you can ensure that he doesn't wander off. Be sure to praise heavily and offer the best treats available when he does potty outside. You may wish to put a baby gate up in your daughter's room so that she can access it but the dog cannot, even if she should leave the door open accidentally. Don't feel guilty about putting your dog in the crate. When dogs have too much freedom, they can get into trouble. The crate can offer peace of mind that you know your house is clean and that your dog is being successful, instead of the alternate feelings of anger and frustration when your dog has accidents in the home. Lastly, if your dog receives only good things in his crate - like food, stuffed Kongs, etc. - he will enjoy being there.
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On the Blog Post Help! My Dog Won’t Let Me Know When He Needs To Go!
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
8:24 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
ReplyGary, it's great that you recognize the environment from which your puppy came. The puppy wouldn't know any differently when he came to your home, until he was able to learn and adjust to the your routine. Often accidents in the crate happen when the crate is just a little too big. However, very young pups do need to be taken out in the middle of the night sometimes because their bladders just aren't developed yet.
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On the Blog Post Help! My Dog Won’t Let Me Know When He Needs To Go!
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
8:20 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Susan, that's wonderful! Bell training is a great way to teach your dog to alert when he or she needs to go outside. Like all training, it takes consistency and patience but most dogs can pick it up quickly. Kudos!
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On the Blog Post Combatting the Counter Surfer
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
8:16 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
ReplyDear C. Panter - Congratulations on identifying what your dog's motivation is for counter-surfing! If your dog is being reinforced by getting your attention, then withholding attention as much as possible when your dog steals items is key. This is not to say that I would let your dog steal and chew up whatever they want. It's imperative that you "dog-proof" your home, just like you would baby-proof your home. Get down on the floor and see the world from your dog's perspective. Put away and put up anything that looks the least bit reachable. Should your dog be able to get something anyhow, calmly get up, take the item from the dog and put it up higher so it's unreachable again. Say absolutely nothing to your dog. This will be difficult to do, but any yell, scream, shriek, "No!" or other dramatic production is exactly what your dog is seeking from you. The more mundane your reaction, the more bored your dog will become with this game and the least likely he or she will see the need to keep it going. Then replace the item with something more appropriate, like a dog toy or bone, and praise your dog for playing with their things instead of your things. I hope that helps!
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On the article Is It OK to Shave Your Dog During the Hot Summer Months?
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
7:32 am on Thursday, July 26, 2012
ReplyThank you, thank you, thank you Dr. Tate for another wonderful and informative article. I'm so thankful that you wrote on this topic, as there are lots of misconceptions about shaving down dogs. Thanks for "shedding" light on the topic. I will definitely be sharing!
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On the Blog Post So You’re Thinking About Getting a Dog
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
8:20 am on Thursday, July 12, 2012
ReplyGreat information, Dr. Tate! I especially found it interesting that the main allergenic proteins in dogs originate inside their mouth. Thanks so much for sharing.
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On the article Readers' Choice 2012: What’s Your Favorite Place for Tacos?
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On the Blog Post So You’re Thinking About Getting a Dog
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
10:38 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
ReplyAshley, you are absolutely right. Allergies are also another thing to consider when choosing a dog. If there is any speculation that someone in the house might be allergic, it's best to consider some a breed like a poodle, where the hair curls and continues to grow (vs. shedding like most dogs). Be aware of "designer breeds," though, like goldendoodles or labradoodles when it comes to allergies. There may be some specific litters or dogs that don't shed, or shed less, but ultimately, there can be no guarantee which characteristics a mixed breed dog will retain from the parents. I am glad to hear that you were able to successfully and happily re-home your dog, Ashley!
Sarah Hoth, KPA-CTP - Dog Trainer
7:31 am on Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Hi Rebecca! The "dog factor" is a big one. People consider their dog as family members and don't want to have to walk their dogs in busy streets where no sidewalks exist. Being able to walk safely to and from the park (or just around the area) will be a huge factor in my next home purchase... and it's yet another reason that Webster is a great area!
Sarah Hoth
The Persuaded Pooch