Have an Aggressive Dog in Chicago? Find Out Where to Get Help!
If you’re new to dog ownership, and you’re seeing signs of aggression in your dog, you’re not alone—plenty of dogs experience these phases of aggressive behavior, whether they’re a recent rescue or you’ve had them for years. Thankfully, no matter when aggressive tendencies show themselves, you’re not stuck dealing with them on your own. Specific dog training classes and tips are available for you to better handle your pet, and to help your dog make the transition from high-strung or mean to calm, cool and collected. Tips for the Home Your first step with aggressive dog behavior can be trying to train your dog at home. As with any other training, positive reinforcement (treats, praise) will be more effective than training with negative reinforcement (hitting or swatting the dog)—try to praise your dog when they are showing good behavior like being quiet, sitting calmly, etc. This teaches the dog that you like it when they do things like that, and that when they act differently, they won’t be praised or get treats. Exercise extreme consistency with your training—make sure to scold the dog with a strong-sounding “No” when they are misbehaving, and to praise them when they show good behavior. This establishes a routine of how they should act. Pinpoint the reasons they are acting hostile (are they anxious, scared, jealous, angry?) and work from there. There are generally three types of aggression—dominance aggression, wherein the dog thinks he is superior to you; fear-based aggression, wherein the dog is afraid of a traumatic incident in its past repeating; and territorial aggression, which is what happens when another animal or person encroaches on the dog’s space. Territorial aggression is the most common, and while fixable, is very involved and labor-intensive—you have to be consistent and determined. Make sure to take your dog on plenty of walks so that it gets enough exercise—sometimes, this can mean hiring a dog walker to stop in when you’re unable to do so. Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers One way to satisfy an aggressive dog before training is to use dog chew toys intended for aggressive chewers. These durable dog toys can hold up to strong bites while helping to redirect the dog’s aggression to a different target. However, these dog toys for strong chewers aren’t the only solution you should rely on, and training may be the best way to help make your pet less aggressive. Aggressive Dog Training in Chicago If you live in Chicago, and have an aggressive dog, there are a handful of trainers out there specializing in aggressive behavior. Here are a few that you can consider to start with: Chicago Paws – Serving Chicagoland residents as well as Evanston, Skokie and Lincolnwood, this trainer provides in-home training for your aggressive dog. Chicago Paws works with puppies, housetraining, aggression (towards dogs or other people), barking, separation anxiety, new babies in the home and the issues that can arise as a result, and much more. Found Chicago – Offering standard training as well as more specific “Boot Camp” training and private sessions, Found Chicago is located at 4108 N. Rockewell and is a non-profit organization serving Chicago dog owners. For more information about your dog, they start with a personalized evaluation to assess its specific needs. Barker Behavior – Serving a range of Chicago neighborhoods as well as some suburbs, these trainers help you learn how to train your dog as well as teach your dog better behavior. Their “Doggie Deluxe” option is a five-session class that is suited to aggressive, fearful dogs. Canis Familiaris – Located in Humboldt Park, Curtis Scott is behind this training program, including “Counsel K9,” a one-to-one private dog counseling session that will include you, your dog and your family. The session targets problem areas and provides solutions for them. When you need held with an aggressive dog, don’t lose hope—sometimes, acknowledging there’s a problem that needs to be fixed is the best thing you can do.
How to Prepare Your Home for a New Dog
If you’re preparing to get a new dog, either through adoption or a breeder, you’ll want to take some measures to protect your home and get your space ready for your new companion. Past simply buying things like dog food, a bed, a leash and other essentials, there are some things you may not even think of—scratches on the floor, chewing problems, etc. Getting your home ready for a dog isn’t complicated, and with a little bit of planning, the transition will be easy for everyone. Protect Your Furniture and Flooring Bringing a pet into your home opens up the possibility that your furniture may get a bit damaged at first. Cats can be scratchers, and dogs can be chewers. Whether you rent or own, you’ll want to protect your home from the damage that a new pet can cause—so how do you go about doing that? Of course, you won’t be able to protect floors completely from a dog’s nails, but you can schedule regular grooming appointments for nail trims so they aren’t dragging sharp or overly long nails across wood floors. As for furniture, you can consider using slipcovers on couches or armchairs. If your dog turns out to be a chewer, you can purchase bitter apple spray, which is a harmless spray that you use on furniture and other places where your dog might chew—wood trim, door frames, etc.—that has a very bitter taste to repel your dog. Secure Exits and Other Problem Points If you’ve got kids and you want to keep the dog out of bedrooms, investing in a baby-gate can be a good idea, provided your pooch isn’t big enough to outsmart it by jumping over it. You’ll also want to come up with plans for your home’s exits, particularly if your pup is sneaky and good at getting out. If you plan on using a doggie door, installing those is a good prep activity before you get the dog as well. Basically, you want to make your home as welcoming, yet as safe, as you can. Consider Hiring a Dog Walker If you plan on being away for long amounts of time—say, during the day while you’re away at work—you may want to consider setting up a dog walking schedule with a local dog walker. Dog walkers can stop into your home once a day, once a week, or whenever you need them to come by so that your dog can grow accustomed to a routine. Hiring a walker can also facilitate the housebreaking process, since your pup will be able to go out more frequently. Prepping your home for a new dog doesn’t take much time, but the few things you can do ahead of time can definitely save you some headaches! What advice would you give to a new dog owner?
Different Types of Dog Toys
Different dogs like to play with different types of dog toys. Likewise, different dogs will have different needs when it comes to playtime. Some pets will like to play fetch, while others prefer tug of war, while some dogs may only enjoy chewing. In order to make sure your dog is entertained, it’s important to have a variety of toys that your dog will enjoy. There area few different categories that you can choose from. Stuffed Toys Stuffed toys are great for dogs who like cuddling or light playing. Many dogs will adopt these toys as their own “little spoon,” so don’t be surprised if you find your pet snuggling with a stuffed animal in his bed. However, it’s important to make sure your dog doesn’t eat the stuffing from the toys, as it can be harmful to them. Some “stuffed toys” are simply plush on the outside, and do not have stuffing inside. Balls Tennis balls and other, smaller versions of them are great for dogs who like to chase things. Since they are easy for the dog to carry back and forth, these are ideal for playing fetch. Some toys even include a “thrower,” which is perfect if you don’t want to touch a slobbery tennis ball after your dog’s been playing with it for a while. Squeaky Toys Dogs love the squeaky noise that some toys make. Morbid as it may sound, it has been said that it has something to do with the shrill tone mimicking a dying animal, and the dog’s natural instincts to kill their food come into play here. If that creeps you out, you’re not alone—but most dogs like chasing these toys and flailing them around. They key here is to find one with a squeaker that isn’t too annoying to your ears. Tug of War Toys Practically self-explanatory, tug of war toys are meant for playing tug of war with your dog. They are typically rope, and have two ends for easy play for two dogs, or with you and your dog. Chew Toys Chew toys are great for puppies or dogs who tend to get bored. KONG makes great toys for keeping your dog occupied, due to their durability. It’s important to make sure to supervise your dog when they’ve got a chew toy, however, because if they’re a strong chewer they might tear the toy apart and try to eat it. Particularly in the case of rubber bones that are meant to smell or taste like chicken, this can be very dangerous for your dog. “Thinking,” or Reward Toys Some treats are like chew toys in that they keep dogs entertained and busy, but in such a way that the dog has to work harder or solve a problem in order to get a treat. These toys are great for dogs when you need to do something like mop the floor or vacuum, particularly if you just want them to mind their business for a few minutes while you get something done. In order to keep your dog happy, it’s ideal to have an assortment of toys on hand, as they won’t always want the same kind of entertainment.
Considering Getting a Dog? Here’s a Handy New Dog Owner Checklist
If you’re considering getting a dog, you probably already know that you’ll need to buy things like a leash and bowls for food and water. But aside from the basic supplies, you’ll need to prepare a few more things, both at your home and away. Check out our handy checklist of things you’ll need to purchase as well as lineup in order to make sure bringing a pet home goes as smoothly as possible. The Basics Everyday life with a dog requires a lot of equipment, even if it may not seem that way. Starting from the moment your pooch gets up, you’ll need some supplies. He’ll need food—research whether you want to feed your dog kibble, canned food, a mixture of both, or something else entirely. If you’re unsure, it’s helpful to know that you can always change your mind if it doesn’t work out or if your dog doesn’t like the food you get—just make sure to transition slowly to the new food to avoid stomach upset. Of course, along with the food itself, you’ll need food and water bowls, and perhaps a mat or towel for underneath to protect your floors. After breakfast, you’ll need to walk the dog. This will require a few things such as a leash, a collar or harness (harnesses may be a better choice if your dog pulls or is small, as they offer a bit more control), ID tags and pick-up bags. If your dog is like most dogs, he’ll want to take a nap after that strenuous walk. Pick up a dog bed so he’ll have somewhere comfortable to sleep. Of course, know that no matter what, your pup will probably want to sleep on your bed or the couch instead of his own bed. Whether you let him is up to you. Food & Treats In addition to regular food, you might want to pick up things like treats or dog bones, as well as training treats. These can be used for housetraining, teaching your dog tricks, or rewarding him on walks. Choose ones that are made with healthy ingredients, and watch your dog’s intake—a fat dog might be cute in pictures, but an overweight pup can have a lot of problems, especially if it’s predisposed to certain health issues such as hip problems. You may want to pick up a bin to keep food in, as well, which can be easier than scooping food from the bag it comes in, not to mention it keeps the food fresh. Grooming Depending on the type of dog you have, and its general temperament, you’ll need to figure out what its grooming needs are. Look into purchasing dog shampoo (different than the stuff they sell for people), a brush or comb (Furminators are absolutely great if your pup sheds a lot), nail clippers and a toothbrush with toothpaste (yes, we’re serious). Flea and tick protection should also be on your list, but talking to your vet (we’ll get to that in a minute) should be the first step for that. If your dog doesn’t let you brush his teeth or clip his nails, you’ll want to find a reputable groomer (again, more on that in a minute). Toys Of course, you’ll need to keep that dog entertained. While some dogs are content snuggling up to you while you watch TV and doing little else, every dog will, at some point, want to play. Keeping a variety of toys on hand is key for keeping your dog happy. Be sure to have some plush toys, tennis balls, squeaky toys and a rope for tug of war on hand. After you get to know your dog, you’ll be able to nail down his preferences. If your dog is a chewer, consider tough, KONG-like toys. Be sure to avoid toys that may cause damage to your pooch if ingested, like rubber bones that are flavored like chicken—your dog will want to eat them, but they’re not safe if ingested. With stuffed toys, if they tear or rip, make sure to take them away immediately, as eating the stuffing can also be harmful to your dog. Training, Vet Care, Grooming and Dog Walking Chances are, you’ll need a bit of help with training if this is your first dog. Even the basics like “sit” and “stay” can be difficult to teach if you have no experience doing so. You can find personal dog trainers, as well as classes, in your area by doing a quick Internet search and researching what’s in line with your needs. The same can be said for vet care and grooming. Ask around about vet care—not every place will treat you and your pet the same. Some may want to upsell you with care that you don’t necessarily need, while others may simply overcharge. Keep phone numbers on hand for emergency vet care, as well, just in case something happens when your primary vet’s office is closed. Grooming can take on the form of many different things, from a simple wash and dry to a full-body workup, which might include de-matting, deshedding (using a Furminator brush to remove loose hair/fur), a haircut, a nail trim, brushing teeth and more. If you’re going to be away for long periods of time during the day, you may also want to look into a dog walking service. Extras Depending on your lifestyle, you might consider some other accessories. For instance, if you are getting a small dog and use public transportation, you’ll need a carrier. If you want to give your dog the chance to come and go into your yard as he pleases, a doggy door will be helpful. For potty-training, it’s helpful to have puppy pads on hand to avoid frustration of repeated messes on your floor. If you plan on crate training, you’ll obviously need a crate. Another helpful thing to have is a dog-gate (similar to a baby gate) which can keep your dog contained to one room or