Dog Muzzles: Are Those Okay?

Muzzles help prevent dogs from being able to bite or snap at other dogs or people, but are they okay to use? While you can use muzzles in certain situations, there are other times that you should never use one. Find out more about the right and wrong times to put a muzzle on your dog.

When You Shouldn’t Use a Muzzle

You should never put a muzzle on your dog as a way to stop him from possibly biting visitors at your home or at a local dog park. If your dog is already feeling anxious or overwhelmed in these types of situations, putting a muzzle on can make things worse. You should also avoid having your dog wear a muzzle as a way to teach him that you’re in charge. For example, don’t put a muzzle on your dog and remove his food bowl if he’s a resource guarder. There are more positive ways to deal with these behavioral issues.

When You Should Use a Muzzle

If you have reason to worry that your dog might bite another dog or person while you’re out for walks or in a public area, it’s okay to put a muzzle on him. This helps prevent him from snapping or biting at a dog that runs up to him, or a child or adult who tries to pet him without your permission. Keep in mind that a muzzle is also okay for dogs to wear during certain dog training activities, veterinary procedures or grooming tasks.

How to Use a Muzzle

Having your dog wear a muzzle goes a lot smoother when you get him used to it. You can do this by letting your dog explore the muzzle first through sniffing. When he seems more comfortable, you can put the muzzle on and give him some treats while he’s wearing it. This helps your dog form a positive association with the muzzle. Have your dog wear the muzzle at home for gradually longer periods of time until he seems calm with it on. Getting him used to wearing it can make it easier for you to put it on him when you need to.

If you’re looking for help training your dog, DoGone Fun has professional trainers available to help. We offer individual lessons, group classes, and other training services. Please contact us for more details on our dog training services in the Chicago area.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/training-a-dog/dog-muzzels-are-those-okay/

In Between Grooming Care- Keep A Healthy Coat

Occasional visits to a professional groomer can give your dog’s coat a shiny and healthy appearance. However, you should be taking steps at home between these visits to help your dog maintain a healthy coat at all times. Use the following at-home grooming tips for your dog.

Brush Regularly

Brushing your dog’s coat on a regular basis helps it to stay shiny and in good condition. When you brush your dog’s hair, this distributes natural oils through it to keep it from looking dull. Brushing on a regular basis also helps prevent mats from forming, especially if your dog has a long or thick coat. Routine brushing can reduce shedding as well and get rid of dirt on your dog’s skin and hair.

Use the Right Brush

What kind of brush should you use on your dog’s coat? This depends on what kind of coat your dog has.

·         For longer coats, you should use a slicker brush, which helps reduce shedding. You can also use a pin brush with longer pins for a long, curly coat or a bristle brush with wider-spaced bristles.

·         For shorter coats, you can use a pin brush with shorter pins to prevent tangles from forming. You might also want to use a bristle brush with more closely spaced bristles to get rid of debris and dirt.

Consider Using a Comb

Running a comb through your dog’s hair can help remove tangles, especially when she has wet fur. You can also use a comb to divide your dog’s coat into separate layers that make brushing easier. If you’re going to use a comb, make sure you start with the more widely spaced end first. Use the more closely spaced end after removing mats or tangles.

Bathing Tip

If you’re going to bathe your dog, make sure you brush her fur beforehand and afterward. Brushing before a bath helps loosen tangles and dirt while brushing afterward helps prevent wet fur from getting tangled or matted. Avoid frequent baths, which can dry out your dog's skin.

If you’re looking for professional grooming for your dog, DoGone Fun can help. We offer several grooming services to keep your dog looking and feeling her best, including special treatment shampoos, nail buff and coloring services, teeth brushing, paw massages and more. Please contact us to learn more about our professional dog grooming services in the Chicago area.

This article was previously published at: https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/grooming-a-dog/in-between-grooming-care-keep-a-healthy-coat/

Getting a Dog When You're An Older Person

Having a dog around can provide you with much-needed companionship when you’re older. Dogs can help seniors stay social and physically active, but it’s important to make sure you’re ready to care for one. Keep the following information in mind if you’ve been considering welcoming a dog into your home.

Energy Levels

Some dogs have much higher energy levels than others and need a lot of activity. If you’re not up to the task of going for long walks or bringing your dog to a local dog park, you might want to consider getting a dog with a lower energy level. If you do end up with a high energy dog, keep in mind that your pup can burn off some of this energy at a local doggy daycare center.

Training

If you plan on getting a puppy, you’ll need to be prepared to go through house training and obedience training. This can take a lot of time and energy on your part, so think about adopting an adult or senior dog if you don’t want to go through those puppy stages. If you’re worried about behavior, remember that older dogs can be trained and learn new commands just as younger dogs can.

Grooming

Different types of dog breeds have different grooming needs. If you might have trouble doing tasks, such as brushing or bathing your dog, due to arthritis or other health issues, consider getting a low maintenance dog. You can also bring your dog to a local groomer for bathing, nail care, coat care, and other grooming tasks.

Good Breeds for Seniors

Certain dog breeds tend to be more suitable for older people. Some require minimal grooming, while others don’t need as much physical activity. A few breeds that are good for seniors include the Maltese, French bulldog, Bichon Frise, and Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Mixed breeds are also a good option to consider for your new pet. These dogs tend to have fewer health and behavioral problems overall.

If you need help training or grooming your new dog, DoGone Fun offers these services. Our training options include group classes and individual lessons at our doggy daycare and boarding facility, as well as individual lessons in your home. We also have a wide range of grooming services available. Please contact us for more information about our dog training and grooming services in Chicago.

This article was previously published at:

https://www.dogonefunchicago.com/owning-a-dog/getting-a-dog-when-youre-an-older-person/