Do Dogs Get Cabin Fever?

Chicago’s long, cold winters might leave you feeling eager to get out of the house. Does your dog feel the same way? Dogs can get cabin fever when they’ve been cooped up for long periods of time at home instead of being able to go outside and play.

Signs of Cabin Fever

Dogs tend to start acting up when they’re tired of being in the house. They might take their boredom out on objects in your home by chewing on them, such as furniture, shoes or other items. Some dogs will suddenly run around or jump up on furniture when they’re feeling restless. In some cases, dogs might become aggressive or urinate to mark their territory inside the home.

Reasons for Cabin Fever in Dogs

Dogs need to have regular physical activity and mental stimulation in order to stay happy and satisfied. Without these, frustration and boredom can build up inside them. When this reaches a certain point, dogs begin acting up in different ways. If your dog has been showing any signs of cabin fever, there are several ways to relieve this condition.

How to Handle Cabin Fever

Keeping your dog active and entertained are effective ways to deal with cabin fever. You can play games with your dog in your home if you have room. Fetch gives dogs opportunities to run around, while hiding toys or treats for dogs to find keeps their brain busy. When the weather is pleasant, you can also take your dog for longer walks or visit a local dog park to reduce the risk of boredom. If you have a fenced-in yard, let your dog run around and play to burn off energy.

If your dog is restless after a long winter, doggy daycare offers a great way to get rid of this boredom. DoGone Fun has half-day packages available that give dogs an exciting puppy playdate. Your dog can make new friends and get plenty of activity for a few hours or more per day. Contact us to learn more about our doggy daycare services in Chicago.

This article originally posted at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-daycare/do-dogs-get-cabin-fever/

What To Do When The Furbaby Hates a Crate

A crate provides dogs with a safe and cozy place to stay while you’re not home. You can also use a crate to help with house training. When you’re crate training your pup, keep in mind that you might hear a lot of crying and whining. What should you do if your dog seems to hate being in a crate? Use the following information to help you out.

Why Dogs Cry in Crates

Dogs cry or whine in crates due to their social nature. They want to be with their family members instead of being alone. While this is a normal occurrence, there are ways to get dogs used to crates. In fact, crates serve as a place where dogs can feel secure and comfortable with the right training.

Crate Training Basics

Making crate training a positive experience is the key to helping dogs feel happy in their crate. Be patient with your pup, and only have him stay in the crate for short periods of time at first. Put a favorite toy and a soft blanket in it to make the crate more enticing. You should start by letting your dog get used to the crate slowly. Use treats to build a positive association with the crate, and avoid closing your dog in there right away. Leave the door open until your dog can stay in the crate quietly. At this point, you can start closing the door of the crate and leaving your dog in it for longer periods of time.

Consider Doggy Daycare

Your dog doesn’t necessarily have to stay cooped up in a crate for hours while you’re at work during the day. Doggy daycare offers a chance for your pup to be able to spend time with several other dogs and play all day. This provides your dog with companionship when you’re not around and helps prevent boredom and frustration from being left alone.

For more information on doggy daycare in the Chicago area, please contact DoGone Fun. We offer a safe environment for dogs to play and have fun for several hours a day.

This article originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-training/what-to-do-when-the-furbaby-hates-a-crate/

Summer Vacation and Traveling With Your Dog

Summer vacations can be a fun and memorable experience when you bring your dog along with you. If your plans include hitting the road this summer to visit family or to go somewhere you’ve never been before, keep the following tips in mind to make it a safe trip for you and your dog.

Find Dog-Friendly Places

When you’re planning your vacation, look for dog-friendly hotels, parks and even restaurants both at your destination and along the way. Book a dog-friendly hotel or other accommodations at your destination, and keep a list of these places handy in case you need them on the road.

Keep Your Dog Safe

Make sure that your dog stays on a leash at all times when you’re out of the car, such as at rest areas. Your dog should also have updated vaccinations and microchip information. Bring a list of animal hospitals with you in case your dog does get sick or injured during your vacation. You should also bring medications that your dog takes, and make sure these are refilled before your trip if needed. When you’re in the car, your dog should have a seatbelt on for safety. Look into seatbelt harnesses that provide a secure yet comfortable way to make sure that your dog stays buckled in while you're on the road.

Pack for Your Pup

Your dog might not need a suitcase full of clothes, but there are certain items you should pack for your pup. Bring your dog’s food and water dishes, and provide plenty of water on the trip. You can also bring your dog’s favorite treats and toys, along with a first aid kit for pets and blankets to make the car extra comfortable.

If your planned summer vacation isn’t a dog-friendly one, consider dog boarding to give your pet somewhere safe and fun to stay. While you go away on your vacation, your dog can enjoy a perfectly dog-friendly vacation with other dogs and plenty of room to play. Contact DoGone Fun for more information about our dog boarding services in Chicago.

This article was originally published at https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/dog-boarding/summer-vacation-and-traveling-with-your-dog/