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Tips for a Safe, Cool Summer

Safe Summer Activities

As summer starts to heat up, here are some ideas and tips for making it a safe, cool AND FUN summer for you and your dog. Dogs and cats cannot sweat to cool off in the same way that humans do. Most of their heat dissipation is done through their paw pad and panting.

Don’t Leave your Dog in the Car

Leave your dog at home if you have to run errands, go to an appointment, grab groceries, pick up the kids, etc. The inside of a car heats up very quickly, even on a moderately cool day. Leaving the windows open doesn’t have a noticeable effect on the temperature inside the car. Even if you are in the car with the AC running, a dog in the cargo area can overheat quickly.

Car Temperatures

Car Temperatures

What if I have to Travel with my Dog?

Plastic and fabric crates are not well-ventilated. If you do have to travel with your dog, use a wire crate or a good seat belt system. Other items to think about purchasing are a crate fan and a cooling mat. You can also put several bottles of frozen water around the inside of the crate to help keep bedding cool. Be sure that your dog has unlimited access to cool water.

Can I Shave my Dog’s Coat to Keep Him Cool?

That depends on the type of coat your dog has …  

With single-coated breeds like Poodles or Maltese, it is perfectly fine to give him a short summer cut.

Poodles
Maltese
Maltese

Double-coated breeds like Shepherds, Huskies or Pomeranians can benefit from trimming in selected areas. However, it is recommended not to shave the coat.  These dogs have an outer coat of stiffer guard hairs that cover a downy undercoat.  The layers work together as insulation to help the dog control his internal temperature during every season. In addition, the coat helps protect against bug bites.  The two layers grow at different rates and shaving can cause irreparable damage. Plus, it greatly hampers their ability to cool themselves. These dogs should be brushed frequently to remove excess hair, but not shaved.

Husky
Australian shepherd

What about doodles? These dogs can have complicated coats and it is best to consult with a groomer as soon as you get your pup so that you know how to take care of your dog’s coat. Many of these dogs end up getting a full body shave due to matting. If you are knowledgable about grooming, this Groom your Doodle at Home may be for you.

Adjust Where and When to Walk your Dog

Sidewalks and streets become exceedingly hot during the summer resulting in severe paw burns.

  • Use the Seven-Second Rule. If the sidewalk or asphalt is too hot to lay the back of your hand on it for seven seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
  • Change walk locations. Walk in the grass, in fields or in the woods. If necessary, drive to a good location for your walk.
  • Shift timing of walks. Walk early in the morning or late in the evening when the ground is cooler.

Surface Temperatures

Surface Temperature

Create Cool Treats and Activities for your Dog

  • Play in the sprinkler or hose with your pup.
  • Sprinkle your lawn and then set up a scatter feed, treat trail or treasure hunt for your dog.
  • Create a variety of ice pop treats. Freeze broth or water in ice cube trays, paper cups or even buckets. Add toys, treats, fruit and veggies. Freeze. Then unmold and let your dog enjoy a cool summer treat.
  • Fill a kiddie pool with water. Float treats, fruit or veggies and let your dog bob for treats.

Two-Ingredient Frozen Treats

  • 2 cups of fruit (blueberries, strawberries, pumpkin, cantaloupe, watermelon, etc.
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  1. Blend fruit to create a puree.
  2. Mix fruit and yogurt together.
  3. Pour into ice cube trays, silicone ice molds or mini muffin tins.
  4. Place in freezer for at least 1 hour.
  5. Store in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers for up to one month.

Heat Stroke

As summer days heat up, the risk of heat stroke increases for both humans AND dogs. Know what to look for so you can help your dog if it happens to you.

Who is at risk?

Panting to cool off
Brachycepahlic (short-snout) dogs have limited ability to control temperature. (from Sagehills Veterinary Services)

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Be proactive! By the time symptoms of heat stroke are apparent, it can already be too late.

  • Excessive thirst
  • Heavy panting
  • Difficult breathing
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy
  • Bright red tongue/gums *
  • Elevated heart rate

* If shock has set in, gums will be very pale in color.

  • Fearful expression
  • Confused/disoriented
  • Wobbly/unsteady
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dark urine
  • Collapse
  • Seizures

First Aid for Dogs in Distress

If you suspect heat stroke, act quickly!

  • Move the dog to a cool, shady area.
  • Pour cool (NOT cold) water over the dog’s body (not his head). In an emergency, you can immerse the dog’s body in cool water – keeping his head above the surface.
  • Do NOT cover the dog with wet towels! This traps the heat.
  • Give small amounts of water to drink.
  • Once the dog has cooled down, get to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

DO

  • DO schedule walks and outside activities for early morning or late evening.
  • DO provide lots of clean, fresh cool water.
  • DO provide cool surfaces and lots of shade.
  • DO limit time outside when it is hot and/or humid.
  • DO avoid sidewalks and asphalt.
  • DO restrict rigorous exercise
  • DO brush your dog regularly to remove excess hair and mats.

DON’T

  • DON’T schedule walks and outside activities for mid-day.
  • DON’T spend time in direct sun.
  • DON’T leave your dog in a parked car.
  • DON’T shave double-coated dogs.
  • DON’T rely on a fan alone to keep your dog cool.

Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CDBC, CCPDT-KA, ADT, FFCP

Kerrie hoar has a master’s degree in Biology and is a certified dog behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer and fear free professional. She owns Crimson Hound LLC dog training in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Visit Crimson Hound’s Website
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Explaining Support Animals

Explaining Support Animals blog

Therapy Dog, Service Dog, Emotional Support Animals … SA, ESA, PSD … What does it all mean?!?

The rules, regulations and terminology surrounding support animals can be overwhelming. As a result, the confusion leads to misunderstandings, mislabeling and misuse.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) govern and define support animals.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public spaces. The ADA differentiaties between service animals and non-service animals and provides protections for service animals only.

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) states that individuals with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations for housing in the case of animals that assist them at home and in public. The FHA defines types of assistance animals and provides protections for certain types of assistance animals, including service and emotional support animals – ONLY with regards to housing.

Service Animal

The ADA defines a service animal as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals.”

This definition applies to both dogs and miniature horses. The ADA applies ONLY to service animals and covers both Title II (state and local government programs) and Title III (places of public accommodation, such as restaurants or retail merchants).

WHAT DO SERVICE ANIMALS DO? Service animals perform a task(s) for a specific person; such as, seizure response, mobility assistance, autism assistance, hearing/visual assistance, psychiatric assistance, diabetic or allergy alert, etc.

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS? A service animal performs work or tasks for an individual with a disability. Generally, SAs are trained by a service dog organization or a private dog trainer, but they may be trained by the owner of the animal. Service animals undergo extensive training in both obedience and performing tasks in order to ensure that the animal is able to perform his task in any environment.

IS THERE A NATIONAL DATABASE FOR SAs? No. There are no license, permit or registration requirements for service animals. As a matter of fact, a vest, harness and/or leash is not required as it could interfere with the animal’s ability to perform tasks as long as the handler has the animal under voice or hand signal control.

WHERE IS ACCESS PERMITTED? Service animals go anywhere a human member of the public goes; although there are some exceptions in locations where the dog’s presence could pose legitimate public safety concerns.

CAN PUBLIC ACCESS CAN BE DENIED?

Under some circumstances, yes. The animal …

  • is not housetrained (e.g., urinating/defecating in a restaurant, etc.)
  • is posing a threat to the safety of others
  • is not being controlled by the handler
  • cannot be reasonably accommodated due to size or weight (usually applies to horses)

WHAT QUESTIONS CAN BE ASKED?

When the need for the SA is not obvious, two questions can be asked of the handler:

  • Is the animal required because of a disability?
  • What work or task has this animal been trained to perform?

WHAT CANNOT BE ASKED OR REQUIRED?

You may not:

  • ask about the nature or extent of the disability
  • request documentation
  • require a vest on the animal
  • require a harness and leash as it can interfere with the animal’s ability to perform the task

ARE THERE VACCINATION OR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS? You must comply with your state and municipality laws. In Wisconsin, all dogs must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and licensed in their home county. However, there are no such requirements for horses in the state of Wisconsin.

Service animals perform a task or tasks for a specific person.
Service animals perform a task or tasks for a specific person.

Unfortunately, the lack of strict regulations opens a loophole that has allowed a growing industry of online companies who provide SA and ESA certificates for support animals, harnesses, ID tags and even fake ESA letters.

Don’t fake SA or ESA credentials just so you can take your pet along. Incidents with uncontrolled imposters puts others at risk and make life difficult for those who legitimately need support animals.

Emotional Support Animal

The FHA states that “Assistance animals are not pets. They are animals that do work, perform tasks, assist, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities. There are two types of assistance animals: (1) service animals, and (2) other animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities (referred to in this guidance as a “support animal”). “

WHAT DO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS DO? Emotional support animals provide therapeutic support and companionship to their person.

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS? No additional training is required for ESAs beyond what is be expected for any pet.

IS THERE A NATIONAL DATABASE FOR ESAs? No. There are no license, permit or registration requirements for emotional support animals for the same individual privacy reasons that there is no database for service animals.

WHERE IS ACCESS IS PERMITTED? Support animals are covered by the FHA; therefore, have housing protections. However, it does not extend any farther. ESAs have access only to public spaces that already allow pets.

WHAT QUESTIONS CAN BE ASKED/REQUIRED BY HOUSING PROVIDERS? Housing providers have the right to ask for a letter from a health care professional that includes:

  • the patient’s name
  • the letter writer’s relationship to the patient
  • the purpose for the ESA
  • the type of animal for which accommodations are being asked

WHAT ARE THE OBLIGATIONS OF HOUSING PROVIDERS? Individuals with a disability can request reasonable accommodations and/or modifications in order to keep an emotional support animal regardless of pet restrictions.

The housing provider CANNOT
  • refuse to rent or sell housing because of an ESA
  • evict a tenant because of an ESA
  • charge higher rent, a pet deposit or a pet fee to a person with an ESA
  • refuse to provide reasonable accommodations or modifications
  • refuse to provide housing on the basis of breed or weight restrictions
  • contact the writer of the ESA letter or ask the individual for details of their disability

HOW MANY ESAs CAN AN INDIVIDUAL HAVE? Generally, individuals have one ESA; however, an individual can have more than one ESA if each animal serves a different, documented purpose. In reality, each person in a particular unit may have their own ESA.

CAN A TENANT BE DENIED HOUSING OR EVICTED?

Housing may be denied or a tenant may be evicted if:

  • the individual does not provide an ESA letter or provides fake documentation
  • the housing provider demonstrates that necessary accommodations/modifications would impose an undue financial and administrative burden
  • the request would fundamentally alter the essential nature of the operations
  • the ESA poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others despite any other reasonable accommodations that could eliminate or reduce the threat
  • the ESA would or does cause significant damage to the property of others despite any other reasonable accommodations that could eliminate or reduce the threat

ARE THERE VACCINATION OR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS? You must comply with your state and municipality laws. In Wisconsin, all dogs and cats must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and licensed in their home county. However, there are no such requirements for other animals in the state of Wisconsin.

This is a list of short videos that help health care professionals walk through the process of writing ESA letters for clients.

Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals

Emotional Support Animal Regulations & Guidelines

Discussing ESA Considerations with Your Client

3 Things Therapists Need to Provide Before Providing an ESA Letter

ESA Letter Templates for Housing & Travel

Emotional support animals provide therapeutic companionship to their person.
Emotional support animals provide therapeutic companionship to their person.

Therapy Animal

A therapy animal performs a different job than SAs and ESAs. These animals provide psychological or physiological therapy for individuals other than their handlers. Since TAs provide assistance to others, they are not covered by either the ADA or the FHA.

WHAT DO THERAPY ANIMALS DO? Therapy animals provide comfort and support to people other than their handler.

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS? Therapy animals must have the appropriate personality for their work. Most important, they should enjoy meeting new people, actively seek out interaction and affection and be comfortable in new environments. They also need to be under control at all times. For dogs, this generally involves basic obedience training. Depending on the type of therapy the animal will be providing, additonal training may be necessary or required. Additionally, a temperament test is required by some therapy dog organizations. For example, the AKC Canine Good Citizenship test (CGC) or an examination by a TA evaluator. The dog must pass a certification test prior to working as a therapy animal. Cats and other animals are not required to undergo the same type of testing/certification.

IS THERE A NATIONAL DATABASE FOR TAs? Yes and No. Therapy dogs must be registered with one of several national pet therapy organizations. While these organizations have databases and provide insurance for TA teams, there is not all encompassing nationa database.

WHERE IS ACCESS IS PERMITTED? Therapy animals are allowed general public access to any places that allow other pets. In addition, they are permitted in public and private locations where they have pre-approved access permission for therapy purposes.

IS A CERTIFICATION OR ID REQUIRED?

Yes. Therapy animals are registered with a national TA organization and provided with an ID.

ARE THERE VACCINATION OR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS? Yes.

  • You must comply with your state and municipality laws. In Wisconsin, all dogs and cats must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and licensed in their home county. However, there are no such requirements for other animals in the state of Wisconsin.
  • Your national organization may have additional requirements such as additional vaccinations, annual fecal exams or annual veterinary wellness exams.
Therapy animals do not have the same public access privileges as service support animals.
Therapy animals must be a good fit for the environment in which they will be working. As can be seen here, this dog’s body language is saying that he is not comfortable . Therapy work in certain environments or therapy work in general may not be the right fit for every dog … and that’s okay.

Pet or Companion Animal

According the the FHA, “an animal that does not qualify as a service animal or other type of assistance animal is a pet for purposes of the FHA and may be treated as a pet for purposes of the lease and the housing provider’s rules and policies. A housing provider may exclude or charge a fee or deposit for pets in its discretion and subject to local law but not for service animals or other assistance animals.”

WHAT DO COMPANION ANIMALS DO? Our pets are our companions, our partners, our teammates, our comfort, our home … They give us joy, join us in activities and give us comfort.

WHAT ARE THE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS? Companion animals do not have any requirements for training other than local ordinances regarding leash laws and animals being under control in public and not running at large.

WHERE IS ACCESS IS PERMITTED? Companion animal public access is dependent upon state, county and local ordinances. Whereas access on private property is up to the discretion of the property owner. Retail locations who allow pets will have signage posted and/or information on their website.

ARE THERE VACCINATION OR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS? You must comply with your state and municipality laws. In Wisconsin, all dogs and cats must be up to date on rabies vaccinations and licensed in their home county. There are no such requirements for other animals in the state of Wisconsin.

Companion animals provide comfort, and can function as emotional support animals.
Our pets are our companions, our partners, our teammates, our comfort, our home ..

Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CDBC, CPDT-KA, ADT, FFCP

Kerrie Hoar has a master’s degree in Biology and is a certified dog behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer and fear free professional. She owns Crimson Hound LLC dog training in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Visit Crimson Hound’s Website
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Navigating the Loss of a Pet

Pet Loss blog
Pet loss poem. "Grief is the price we pay for love" by Queen Elizabeth II.

Our furry family members come into our lives and fill up our hearts. When they leave, they take a piece of our heart and soul with them. Navigating the loss of a pet is a difficult and heartbreaking process. Be sure that you are prepared for the process and know about the many options available to you.

Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to my amazing dog, Finn.

Last week, Finn, my 8-year-old, three-legged pup was off his food a bit. I took him to the vet, thinking he may have cracked a tooth or having some underlying pain. I was floored when x-rays revealed that his chest was filled with fluid that was compressing his lungs.  We rushed him down to UW Madison Veterinary School clinic and they confirmed cancer.  

Their treatment plan included leaving him there for the weekend to have a CAT scan and further diagnostics.  Possible options included: 1) Distinct, operable cancer masses that would require major surgery … to gain just a few extra months.  2) Inoperable masses that could possibly be treated with chemo … to gain only a few weeks.  3) Take him home and let the disease run its course … likely giving us only a few days. Rather than leaving him alone and scared in the clinic, we decided to bring him home and let him be Finn for as long as he was able.  Yesterday, he left us.

Did I think about trying surgery or chemotherapy in the hopes of gaining a bit more time with my beautiful boy?  

Sure I did … but only for a moment.  I strongly believe that it is our responsibility to think in terms of what is best for the individual in question.  Surgery or chemo might have given us more time with Finn, but would it be quality time?  With the condition of his lungs, would he even survive surgery?  If he did, recovery from major chest surgery for a three-legged dog would be a long road.  Chemotherapy would leave hiim feeling sick.  Would any of these options provide Finn with additional QUALITY time?  Almost certainly not.  This is why we chose to do nothing.  To just love him and enjoy what little time we might have with him.  Today, I am feeling lost and bereft, but also feeling blessed to have had 8 wonderful years with my magnificent boy.  

Pet loss poem "Don't cry because it's over. Smile Because it happened" by Dr. Suess.

Providing a good death is the responsibility of pet owners.

Finn’s passing was hard and it was heartbreaking, but it was a good death.  We are obligated to give our dogs a good life and a good death.

In her article, “How Do You Know When to Put a Dog Down?”, Dr. Liz Bales suggests that you consult with your veterinarian and ask yourself the following questions:

  • Does my dog have a good quality of life? Are they eating and drinking? Are they able to urinate/defecate? Do they enjoy human interaction?
  • Does my dog have more good days than bad?
  • Is it possible for my dog to recover with a treatment plan that I can commit to both financially and personally?

Many times, when faced with the loss of a beloved pet, we struggle to know what is the best plan.

“Your veterinarian may be able to provide you with medications, treatment options, and changes that you can make at home that may help improve your dog’s quality of life. However, it may be that there are no additional medical or home interventions that will cause enough improvement to bring your dog back to an acceptable level of comfort. If that is the case and you answer “no” to one or more of these questions, it’s time to talk about euthanasia with your veterinarian.”

You may choose to keep your pet at home and provide palliative care rather than opting for treatment or invasive surgery.  If you choose this option, be sure to work with your veterinarian so that you are able to provide the care that your dog will need.  Write down a schedule for medication administration.  Ask your vet if you are unsure of a dosage, timing or administration procedure.  

Have supplies on hand: urine pads if your dog becomes incontinent, a help-em-up harness if your dog has mobility or stability issues, high value foods if your dog has refusing food, etc.  Be prepared to clean up messes in the house and have some sleepless nights. Can you take time off work to be with your pet or do you have friends/family who can help out? Self-care is important. Allow family and friends to provide support and ask for help when you need it.

How do you know when it is time to let your dog go?

You may be told that “he will let you know when he is ready.”  You may be knowledgable and objective enough to see the changes in your dog that will tell you when it is time, but a Quality-of-Life Scale is an excellent tool to help you make the decision. Lap of Love is a great resource for end-of-life care and decisions. Here are some QOL resources that you can find at Lap of Love:

There are many decisions to be made when dealing with the loss of a pet. I would encourage you to think about them ahead of time so that your are not left making quick decisions “in the moment.”  

In-home euthanasia is not available everywhere, but it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian if you would like to explore this option.  

Some veterinarians don’t advertise this service, but will do in-home euthanasia for their clients.  We had the option of having our vet come to our home for the procedure. However, I was worried that the stress from the other dogs would cause too much anxiety or even fear for Finn.  Other pets and children are something else to consider when making this decision. VetAngel is an in-home pet hospice and 
euthanasia provider directory. This can help connect 
families with local veterinarians offering 
compassionate, end-of-life pet care in the 
comfort and familiarity of home.

What about euthanasia at my veterinary clinic?

Some vets may need you to schedule your appointment in advance. While others may be able to squeeze you into their schedule.  If your vet’s practice has multiple vets, you may need/want to schedule in advance if you want to be sure that your pet’s vet is able to see you through the procedure.  

We didn’t know how fast things would go. However, our vet assured me that they could fit him in on a same day appointment, so we decided to wait to schedule. Unfortunately, Finn’s vet was not working yesterday, but the vet and vet techs that worked with us were fantastic.  A room had been prepared with a pile of soft blankets on the floor.  They had set out yummy treats and a stamp pad and paper for making a pawprint keepsake. They gave us time and privacy to settle him in and say goodbye – before and after.  While I have been through the process with several dogs, the vet explained what would happen and gave us plenty of time to process each step.  

From the sedative to the placement of the catheter in his vein to the administration of the euthanasia medication, they were careful and kind throughout. My sweet boy passed peacefully in my arms.  

After-life decisions are another thing to consider.

Whether you choose cremation or burial, there will be decisions that you will have to make.  Explore your options so that you have a plan in place.  You may want to bury your dog at home, in a pet cemetery or even have his ashes interred with your or a family member.  With cremation, you will most likely have the option of a group cremation or a private cremation. A private cremation is more expensive, but you will have the option of having your pet’s ashes returned to you. Whatever you choose, be sure to check to see if the service is availabe in your area. Also, check that your state/municipality allows for your chosen option(s). For example, some states do not allow backyard burials, some places are off limits for the spreading of ashes.

What about memorializing your pet?  

Do you want a special urn?  This could be something that you order at the time of cremation or it could be a special container that you want to have handcrafted to hold his ashes. There are many keepsake ideas for ashes – jewelry, a planting, pottery, a painting, blown glass sculptures, etc.  Perhaps you want to have a custom burial marker made or want to set up a scholarship or make a donation in your pet’s name.  Do you want a last photo of your pet or even a pawprint or photo of you holding your pet’s paw?  Write these things down so that you remember to do this. 

Pet loss poem "Pets come into our lives to teach us about love, adn their departure teaches us about loss."

The loss of a beloved pet is a difficult and heartbreaking process.  

Hopefully, you have a strong support system that you can lean on as you process this loss. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Sometimes those around you brush off the death of a pet. Sometimes they simply do not understand the depth of your grief. Please know that whether you have a support network or not, there are professionals who specialize in helping pet owners cope with the loss of a pet.

If you are on social media, you might think about joining a pet loss support group. On Facebook, you can find groups to support owners who have lost a pet and owners who have terminally ill and older pets. If you are faced with behavioral euthanasia for your dog, Losing Lulu is a wonderful facebook group specifically created to support dog owners who have had to make this decision. The Losing Lulu website has resources that any dog owner may find helpful in processing their loss.

Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit that offers many free resources and webinars on dog training and behavior have done two very good webinars on this topic.

Caring For Your Dog Through 5 Stages of Your Dog’s Lifespan presented by E. Kathryn Meyer, DVM with Peace & Comfort.

Grieving – coping with the recent or anticipated loss of your pet presented by Sandra Grossman with PetLoss Partners.

Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CDBC, CPDT-KA, ADT, FFCP

Kerrie Hoar has a master’s degree in Biology and is a certified dog behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer and fear free professional. She owns Crimson Hound LLC dog training in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Visit Crimson Hound’s Website
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The Box Game

While the box game is fantastic mental enrichment for any dog, it is particularly good for helping fearful dogs. They gain confidence as they explore new and novel objects, textures and surfaces.

Set up the game to accommodate your dog’s current ability and comfort level. Firstly, use several boxes of different sizes and shapes. Start out with different boxes set up at different levels of difficulty – see the levels below. After that, let your dog try the course. Take note of where he is confident and where he struggles. Adjust the course accordingly to set him up for success.

Each time you set up the course, keep some boxes at easy levels, some where your dog is confident or gaining confidence and one or two more challenging set ups. Then, if the dog is not comfortable with any of your set ups, take a moment to change things up to back off a bit on the difficulty level. Most important, use his body language as your guide to his level of comfort.

The box game can also be played with a single box. Adjust the difficulty as your dog gains confidence.

Always scatter some treats on the floor between and away from the boxes. This gives the dog the choice to opt out of exploring boxes and still has the opportunity to receive rewards. Requiring the dog to put his head into a box in order to gain a reward when he is scared to do so (or simply doesn’t want to) is coercive. Coercion has no place in dog training. Rather than speeding up the process, it will actually hamper your efforts to help your dog gain confidence.

Level 1: Upsidedown

Lay a medium-size box upside down on the floor. Put a couple of treats on the box and scatter treats around on the floor.

Move back and let your dog investigate at his own pace. If he is hesitant to take treats off the box, move them to the floor near the box. If the flaps are scaring him, fold them into the box.

Once he is able to take treats off of the top of the box, he is ready for Level 2.

upturned

Level 2: Box Game on its Side

Turn a box on its side and place a treat on top of the box and on the edge of the bottom lip of the box. If the dog is nervous about the flaps of the box, you can fold those inside until a later step. If the dog is able to take a treat from the lower lip of the box, try moving the treat farther and farther into the interior of the box.

This level may be easier with a larger box to begin with – especially if the flaps are sticking out. If the box is small, the dog will have to brush his head along the top flap as he reaches in to pick up the treat.

As the dog gains confidence, you can decrease the size of the box. You can even fold the top flap down a bit so that it partially obstructs the interior of the box. We are working toward your dog being comfortable reaching into the box and brushing the flaps with confidence.

on side
on side

Level 3: Reaching Inside

At this stage, we are asking the dog to reach into a box to get his reward. Start with a box that is low enough that your dog can reach in and touch the bottom of the box without needing to touch the sides of the box or lean into the box. The flaps are folded in at this point. If the dog is worried about reaching into a box with solid sides, you can use a basket or hamper.

As the dog gains confidence, you can start using larger, taller boxes that require the dog to lean into the box to reach the bottom.

When your dog is reaching into the box with confidence and pushing it across the floor to get all of the treats, he is ready to move to the next level.

open
other containers

Level 4: Flaps Out

One by one, fold the flaps out. Eventually all the flaps are sticking out and the dog will need to touch a flap in order to reach into the box.

open with one flap
open with all flaps

Level 5: Adding Elements

The next level of difficulty for the box game is adding items to the box. Start with a single familiar item that you dog will not be afraid to move around with his nose in order to reach the treats. As your dog gains confidence, add more items – even novel items.

one tennis ball
multiple tennis balls
The Box Game
The Box Game
The Box Game
The Box Game

Level 6: Flaps In

Start folding the flaps inward so that they brush the dog’s head and face as he reaches into the box and as he pulls his head back out.

The Box Game
The Box Game
The Box Game

The Ultimate Box Game

Lock the flaps and let your dog work at getting into the box.

Some dogs will stick their head into the box and pull his head out to open the flaps. Other dogs will use their paws to open the box. Still others will dive right in and start ripping up the box to get inside. Any and all methods are acceptable.

The Box Game

Caution: If your dog is a box shredder, keep an eye on him to make sure he is not eating large pieces of the box. Avoid sticky and wet treat items to prevent scent and moisture from seeping into the cardboard – this can encourage the dog to ingest cardboard.

The Exploratory Box Game

The Box Game

Use a box, basket or hamper that your dog is comfortable with. Fill it with new and novel objects, textures and surfaces. Different types of balls (soft, fuzzy, rubber, textured, prickly, squeaky, etc.), stuffies, squeaky toys, rope toys, frisbee, crinkly items like water bottles or packing paper, etc. Chew toys like antlers, synthetic bones, bully stick, etc.

Let the dog explore as he chooses. If he pulls out a toy, take the time to play with him and his new treasure.

Kerrie Hoar, M.S., CDBC, CPDT-KA, ADT, FFCP

Kerrie Hoar has a master’s degree in Biology and is a certified dog behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer and fear free professional. She owns Crimson Hound LLC dog training in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Visit Crimson Hound’s website
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Backyard Activity Ideas for You and Your Dog

Fun Backyard Activity Ideas for You and Your Dog

This blog is all about having a great time with your dog doing a fun backyard activities that any dog and human team can participate in. Most of you have heard of dog agility and nosework, but have you heard of dog parkour, hoopers, treibball or rally? Each of these dog sports can be set up at home with simple items. Additionally, they can all be customized to accommodate dogs and people of any age or ability.

Watching this amazing agility run is inspiring, but since the vast majority of pet dog owners do not have a high-drive, purpose-bred agility dog, it is more the stuff of dreams. Even so, can you do something like this with your own pet dog? Absolutely! Backyard agility, doggie parkour, hoopers, treiball, rally and scentwork are all great activities that can be fully customized to suit both you and your dog’s abilities and available resources.

Backyard Activity: Agility

You do need a bit of space for this backyard activity, but it is easy to customize your equipment and course to fit the space you have available. If you are lucky enough to have a huge space, you can set up a full agility course. But maybe you have a tiny yard, or no yard at all. You can still set up a few pieces of equipment in your yard, in your basement or even a spare bedroom. Make sure your dog has room to navigate obstacles and that your flooring provides a safe surface for jumping, turning and running (e.g., grass, sand, carpet, foam floor tiles, etc.)

You can purchase agility equipment, make your own equipment, or transform items around your home. What are you going to need?

Jumps

Cavaletti kits are available for purchase online and include cones and crossbars to create jumps. Additionally, you could build something more permanent with PVC or you can rig up jumps with something as simple as a broom handle and a couple of overturned laundry baskets.

Cavalettis
Backyard activity
Backyard activity

Tunnel

Tunnels are available to purchase online. You can also build your own. Create a frame with garden stakes and pool noodles. Push two garden stakes into the ground about 24-28″ apart. Push a pool noodle over the top of one garden stake. Arch it over and push it downover the other garden stake. What you have will look like a giant croquet hoop. Line up several of your hoops about two feet apart. Then cover them with a sheet and secure the sheet to the garden stakes with zip ties or hose clamps.

Backyard activity
Backyard activity
Backyard activity

Weave Poles

Pick up 6 to 8 garden stakes or chain link fence tension bars. To make lawn care easy, place the stakes in the ground in a straight line, a few inches farther apart than the width of your lawn mower. This won’t meet national standards, but it will allow you to mow your lawn without have to remove the stakes each time. To make them easy for your dog to see, use a 2-3 feet length of PVC pip or pool noodle as a sleeve over the stakes.

Weave Poles

Pause Table

You can use an elevated dog bed, a mat or a blanket for this piece of equipment. The key here is to have a visible target for the dog to sit/lie on to take a 15 second pause before moving on to the next obstacle.

Dog Walk

Dog walk

The dog walk is similar to a narrow bridge that your dog will walk up and across. You can build an official elevated dog walk or you can use an appropriately wide board. For example, if you have a medium to large breed, pick up a 2×12 that is 6 to 8 feet long. Lay it right the ground and practice with you dog just walking the length of the board. Once he has this down, you can elevate the board by attaching 2×4 or 4×4’s to the bottom.

See Saw

You can build a seesaw or you can use an appropriately wide board. For example, if you have a medium to large breed, pick up a 2×12 that is 6 to 8 feet long. For the center fulcrum, you can use a soup can or larger juice can laid on its side.

Other Obstacle Ideas

Grab a hoola hoop and have your dog jump through it. Set up cones to go around, do figure-8’s around or even a cloverleaf pattern. Lay out several pool noodles and have your dog step over them. There are so many possibilities.

Backyard Activity: Dog Parkour (AKA Urban Agility)

From the International Dog Parkour Association website:

“Parkour is a physical discipline in which individuals move through their environment and conquer obstacles in their path. It includes climbing, balancing, jumping, running, vaulting, creativity and working past fear. So what is dog parkour? 

Dog parkour, sometimes known as urban agility, is an activity based on the same principles. It is a challenging, but fun, physical activity in which the dogs learn to interact with their environment. Just like in the human version, in dog parkour we work on ways to conquer obstacles, such as climbing, balancing, and jumping.”

Basically, you can approach parkour as a sport in which you could earn titles – or as a fun way to interact with the environment on your neighborhood walks. In addition, parkour has been shown to be helpful in calming reactive and anxious dogs.

Equipment and Safety

  • As your dog’s partner, you are keeping him safe by acting as his spotter.
  • Harness and Leash: Use a harness with a 4-6′ leash clipped to the back of the harness.
  • Retractable leashes and long lines can become tangled and create a safety hazard
  • Long lines
  • NEVER use prong collars, slip/choke collars, slip lead or head halter.
  • Obstacles should be no higher than the handler’s shoulder height.
  • Do not let your dog jump down onto hard surfaces from any obstacle higher than that dog’s shoulder height. Instead, use his harness to help lower him to the ground.
  • Check before letting your dog enter public or private property.
  • Parkour can be done off leash if spotting is not necessary.

Sample Obstacles

  • Balancing on stumps, rocks, logs, benches, parking space barriers, retaining walls, etc. Be sure that any obstacle that you are asking your dog to climb or jump onto has been checked for stability.
Backyard activity
Balancing on s Stump
Backyard activity
Balancing on a Rock
  • Balancing on or weaving around parking spot barriers.
  • Walking along retaining walls.
  • Stepping up or backing up onto stairs or curbs.
Backyard activity
Parking Spot Barriers
Backyard activity
Retaining Wall
  • Walk on top of or crawl under benches.
  • Weaving around a line of trees or bushes.
Backyard activity
Walking on or crawling under a bench
Backyard activity
Weaving around a row of trees

Backyard Activity: Hoopers

Another great backyard activity is hoopers. Hoopers is a more accessible form an agility for young, older and disabled dogs. Basically, it involves running through tunnels and hoops and going around barrels.

You can create huge courses if you have the space, but you can also incorporate parts of this game into tiny spaces.

Hoops

Hoops can be purchased online or you can create your own with garden stakes and pool noodles.

Backyard activity
Backyard activity
Backyard activity
Hoopers

Tunnel

Tunnels are available to purchase online. You can also create your own by putting several of your homemade hoops about two feet apart. Then cover them with a sheet and secure the sheet to the garden stakes with zip ties or hose clamps.

Barrels

Barrels are not easy to come by, but you can replace them with trash cans, waste baskets, cones, or even folding chairs.

Backyard Activity: Treibball

Treibball is also called Urban Herding. From the National Association of Treibball Enthusiasts website: “Treibball is an exciting new dog sport that began in Germany a few years ago. The goal is for the person and the dog to work as a team. The handler directs the dog from a distance around a set of balls to push them into a goal one by one. In competition the dog’s work is timed. Distance, time, and the number of balls  are some of the variables in the game.”

Balls

Human exercise balls work great for backyard treibball games.

Goal

You can get fancy and build a goal according to NATE standards or you could also use a soccer goal if you have one. Conversely, you can make it super simple by just setting up a couple of cones and use the imaginary line between them as your goal line.

Backyard Activity: Rally

In rally, you and your dog work through a course that includes 10 to 20 stations. Each station has a sign that displays a skill for your team to perform. As a backyard activity, you can set up as many, or as few, stations as you choose and use skills that are as easy, or difficult, as you choose. Backyard rally is a fun way to have friendly family competitions or practice skills with your dog.

Rally course

Stations

Official sign holders are available to purchase online; however, you can just a easily clip your signs to cones or landscape stakes.

Signs

Create your own or download official signs for free.

Backyard Activity
Backyard Activity
Cones

Backyard Activity: Scentwork

Find It and Scatter Feeding

Scentwork or nosework is an activity that puts your dog’s amazing olfactory senses to work. This can be a super simple game of Find It or a Scatter feed in the yard. Hide treats in strategic location (or container) or two in the yard and send your dog out to locate them. Stick small pieces of cheese, hot dog or lunch meat to a stump, retaining wall or fence and let your dog sniff them out. Then set up a trail of treats for your dog to follow. These simple versions of scent work are easy to set up and give your dog instant gratification when he finds and eats the treat.

Freework

Another version of scentwork is freework. This amazing activity was created in the UK by Sarah Fisher to help reactive and anxious shelter dogs to decompress. Various objects, textures and surfaces are set up around the yard (or in the house). Different types of treats, both soft and crunchy are laid out around and on the obstacles at various heights. Intersperse with a few stations that include something to lick. This is a great way to help a fearful dog gain confidence through exploring known and novel objects. Additionally, it can help reactive and anxious dogs to calm down and decompress through the slow, methodical completion of the course.

Tracking/Trailing

Tracking can be as simple as making a line of treats for your dog to follow with his nose. Start simple and, as he improves, begin spacing treats farther apart. Then, start adding difficulty by creating turns and adding obstacles for the dog to go around, over and under. Additionally, you can set up a jackpot for him to find at the end of the trail – a pile of treats, a chew toy, even you!

Nosework

Finally, there is “true” nosework during which a dog is asked to locate a particular scent and then is rewarded for locating that scent. You can purchase supplies online and the AKC has a short tutorial on how to begin teaching this sport to your dog.

I hope this gives you some inspiration for ways you can get outside and create fun backyard activities to do with your dog. Enjoy!

Kerrie Hoar. M.S., CDBC, CPDT-KA, ADT, FFCP

Kerrie Hoar has a master’s degree in Biology and is a certified dog behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer and fear free professional. She owns Crimson Hound LLC dog training in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Visit Crimson Hound’s Website
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