Elli enjoys a good daily walk. As long as the weather isn't too hot, rainy, too cold or snowing she's eager to get outside.
In comparison, Reilly's exercise needs far exceed little Elli's. The best way to wear him out is a good run with his friends at the dog park. Since going to the dog park isn't easy to do every day for us, we have to find other methods of getting all Reilly's energy out. I've learned that a tired dog is a good dog (mostly!).
So I've been working on incorporating different ways for Reilly and I to get exercise during the week.
We do go on walks daily. Although these walks are much too short to really make Reilly even slightly tired. Sometimes I will walk Reilly and Elli together for half of our walk, then drop Elli back home and continue on with Reilly.
The past few weeks I've been taking Reilly to the park in our neighbourhood and playing frisbee with him. He seems to really enjoy this and it does make him tired. The only thing that I have to watch out for is other dogs or walkers who may distract him while he's off leash. Luckily his recall is pretty solid, but you never know what might catch his attention and send him off running to make a new friend. I try to go to the park just before the sunsets. I feel this is the best time for the park to be relatively empty, especially as the weather gets colder.
I also bike ride with Reilly. We make two laps around our neighbourhood, or sometimes if it's not busy on the main road I take him north to ride by the alpaca farms for a change of scenery.
Since Reilly is lucky enough to get to go to his babysitter's house while I work, I'm trying to incorporate a mid-week stop at the dog park. Elli does not appreciate this since her main goal at that time of day is to get home for dinner.
Another thing I'm trying out with some success is working on new tricks with Reilly. He's a really smart dog, and it's fun to have some interesting tricks to show off. He just learned the trick "under". Basically he weaves under my legs as we walk down the hall. He gets it, but we haven't perfected the smoothness yet. Like when he went to his puppy classes, mental exercises like working on new tricks and training help him use up energy as well.
The latest thing is the hardest for me (although probably also the most beneficial for me). Last week I started jogging with Reilly. I'm a terrible runner, so we're starting off slow and increasing our distance and time spent running weekly. He seems to enjoy these (short) runs so far. He does start panting, so I know he's at least slightly tired. I just need to work on my own endurance so I can keep up with him.
Providing your dog with the adequate amount of exercise is important for their happiness and health. It's also important to consider the weather conditions and keep an eye out for any injuries.
My goals in maintaining a fitness routine with both my dogs is to keep them in healthy, add some variety to their days, and also socialize and train them to be good out in the world.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Crates
Crate-training my dogs has saved me in a few situations. I strongly recommend getting your dog used to being in a crate, especially when they are puppies.
Elli never liked her crate as a puppy. I would keep her in there during the night. She would bark, and growl, and scratch at the door to get out. I think she made a fuss about being left alone in her crate because she knew there were people in the house that would pay attention to her. But, she never had an accident in the night. So for house training the crate worked well.
Reilly never made a fuss about being in the crate at night. He just went in, got a cookie and went to sleep. He would only make noise if he had to go out. I would let him out in the backyard, just to go to the washroom never to play, and then right back in the crate he went until it was time to wake up.
Since both dogs are now house trained we use the crates for other purposes.
Elli had to have back surgery this past year (more on that later). Part of her recovery was strict crate rest. She wasn't too pleased about that. She was in the larger crate we have for Reilly, so at least she had enough room. She only lasted in that crate for a few days. At the same time, we discovered another use for the crate. She now uses her crate in the car as a car seat. This keeps her from moving around the car while I'm driving. Surprisingly, she actually seems to like being in her crate in the car. This experience has taught me that you never know when you might need to place your dog in a crate. It makes things easier if they are already used to it.
Reilly is still having a bit of trouble when he's left on his own. He always manages to find something to get into. At least the things he destroys are getting smaller. A Ziplock baggie opposed to a couch cushion. To save some worry when I walk in the front door Reilly stays in his crate when he has to be home alone. Luckily this isn't very often, he usually goes to his babysitter's during the day. We do try leaving him out every once in awhile. Sometimes he does okay, but sometimes he gets into trouble. He actually seems to enjoy being in his crate. He goes in as soon as I say "crate", and isn't barking to get out when I get home. When I go to let him out, he stretches and yawns from his peaceful nap. One day (hopefully soon!) I would like to be able to leave him out all the time without having to worry, but he's not quite there yet.
Elli never liked her crate as a puppy. I would keep her in there during the night. She would bark, and growl, and scratch at the door to get out. I think she made a fuss about being left alone in her crate because she knew there were people in the house that would pay attention to her. But, she never had an accident in the night. So for house training the crate worked well.
Reilly never made a fuss about being in the crate at night. He just went in, got a cookie and went to sleep. He would only make noise if he had to go out. I would let him out in the backyard, just to go to the washroom never to play, and then right back in the crate he went until it was time to wake up.
Since both dogs are now house trained we use the crates for other purposes.
Elli had to have back surgery this past year (more on that later). Part of her recovery was strict crate rest. She wasn't too pleased about that. She was in the larger crate we have for Reilly, so at least she had enough room. She only lasted in that crate for a few days. At the same time, we discovered another use for the crate. She now uses her crate in the car as a car seat. This keeps her from moving around the car while I'm driving. Surprisingly, she actually seems to like being in her crate in the car. This experience has taught me that you never know when you might need to place your dog in a crate. It makes things easier if they are already used to it.
Reilly is still having a bit of trouble when he's left on his own. He always manages to find something to get into. At least the things he destroys are getting smaller. A Ziplock baggie opposed to a couch cushion. To save some worry when I walk in the front door Reilly stays in his crate when he has to be home alone. Luckily this isn't very often, he usually goes to his babysitter's during the day. We do try leaving him out every once in awhile. Sometimes he does okay, but sometimes he gets into trouble. He actually seems to enjoy being in his crate. He goes in as soon as I say "crate", and isn't barking to get out when I get home. When I go to let him out, he stretches and yawns from his peaceful nap. One day (hopefully soon!) I would like to be able to leave him out all the time without having to worry, but he's not quite there yet.
Cullen Gardens...We made it!
It took over two years, but I finally brought the dogs to
Cullen Gardens in Whitby. We live only a few minutes away from this park. So
Friday after work I packed up the dogs and we went over. We walked around the
trails that were once home to the miniature village. It was like an abandoned
ghost town, with a hint of being the perfect location for a horror film. The once
well-tended gardens were overgrown, and the pedestrian bridges were rotting
away. But, it was a more interesting walk then walking around the block for an
hour. We ran into a couple dogs out for walks, and a photographer taking some
nice fall shots.
We then ventured further north in the park where there is a large
open field. I let Reilly run a bit off-leash. We managed to find a stick to
play fetch with. Just when we were about to leave, a couple of dogs showed up
to play. They were also off-leash so Reilly got a good work-out playing with
them. I kept Elli on the leash since it’s technically not an off-leash park
(yet). While talking to the owners I discovered that the trails are quite
extensive. They are all clearly marked, and go all the way to Heber Down
(another location I had been meaning to get to).
Since the park is so close to home, and offers a good
experience for the dogs I think this is somewhere that we’ll start making more
trips to. I want to get back into the routine of taking the dogs out more. Reilly
has tons of energy to use up, and Elli and I can use a good walk too. I’m
looking forward to the opening of the official off-leash area at Cullen
Gardens.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Comfort
I admit I've always allowed Elli to snuggle up on the sofa with me (or whoever). But, now that Reilly is in our home and will soon be a big dog, I really don't want him to be quite so at home on the sofa. As I write this both dogs are sleeping on their respective sofas. I'm finding it hard to keep Reilly off, even though I know it's something that I will have to enforce. It's just so sweet having him want to be close! Luckily, we have old couches at the moment.
I came across this article that describes couches that are specifically made for dogs to lounge on. They look like real sofas, but are smaller versions for your dogs to enjoy. If you have the space for this, it could be a good idea. I'm hoping Reilly will learn to love the old comforter I've left on the floor for him.
I came across this article that describes couches that are specifically made for dogs to lounge on. They look like real sofas, but are smaller versions for your dogs to enjoy. If you have the space for this, it could be a good idea. I'm hoping Reilly will learn to love the old comforter I've left on the floor for him.
It's been awhile...
I know, I know I'm way behind on my blogging. I've been keeping track of things I want to blog about here. So hopefully I will be able to post a few tonight to catch up. I've just been busy lately with our new addition. A chocolate labradoodle puppy we named Reilly.
He's four months old now, and thankfully starting to grow out of some of the unpleasant puppy behaviours. Puppies are extremely cute, but they have a few habits that can be exhausting. I thought there might be something wrong with him, with the amount of accidents he had in the house the first few weeks we had him. Thankfully he's much better now, it's been over a week since the last accident. He also enjoys biting my ankles, especially when I'm getting ready for work, or wearing my fuzzy red slippers. I won't even mention how he likes to wake up at 4 am every morning.
Elli warmed up to him quicker than I expected. She seems to really enjoy having a friend to play with and boss around. They are still practicing sharing bones and not stealing one another's food, but over all they are doing great together. I'm also pleased with how Reilly seems to be helping Elli overcome some of her not so nice behaviours-such as sharing, and being more open to meeting all types of dogs on walks.
Today was a big day for Reilly. We took him and Elli to the dog park for the first time. Reilly had a great time running around and meeting other dogs. I was especially proud of Elli, she made a few friends and even ventured away from my side a little bit...but not too far. The last time I took her, she was swarmed by a bunch of big dogs, and she got a little scared. This time I tried to project the calm-assertive energy Cesar talks about. I see a lot more trips to the dog park in our future.
Next up...puppy school!
He's four months old now, and thankfully starting to grow out of some of the unpleasant puppy behaviours. Puppies are extremely cute, but they have a few habits that can be exhausting. I thought there might be something wrong with him, with the amount of accidents he had in the house the first few weeks we had him. Thankfully he's much better now, it's been over a week since the last accident. He also enjoys biting my ankles, especially when I'm getting ready for work, or wearing my fuzzy red slippers. I won't even mention how he likes to wake up at 4 am every morning.
Elli warmed up to him quicker than I expected. She seems to really enjoy having a friend to play with and boss around. They are still practicing sharing bones and not stealing one another's food, but over all they are doing great together. I'm also pleased with how Reilly seems to be helping Elli overcome some of her not so nice behaviours-such as sharing, and being more open to meeting all types of dogs on walks.
Today was a big day for Reilly. We took him and Elli to the dog park for the first time. Reilly had a great time running around and meeting other dogs. I was especially proud of Elli, she made a few friends and even ventured away from my side a little bit...but not too far. The last time I took her, she was swarmed by a bunch of big dogs, and she got a little scared. This time I tried to project the calm-assertive energy Cesar talks about. I see a lot more trips to the dog park in our future.
Next up...puppy school!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Hazards for your pets
I found this list on the new Durham Region Humane Society Blog:
THE 12 HAZARDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
1) Ethylene GlycolThis common toxin can cause acute renal failure with as small an amount consumed as 4.2mL/kg in dogs and 1.5mL/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seen are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and increased urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is usually fatal.
2) Chocolate
Seen more frequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the “purity of the chocolate”. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrhythmia and can progress to seizures.
3) Prescription drugsWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays added to visiting family and friends, ingestion of our human medications can be a real hazard. Dogs and cats do not react the same way as people do. Consulting with your veterinarian or Poison Control can be a life saver.
4) PoinsettiaCommonly thought to be “the” toxin of holidays the plant rarely causes more than gastric upset. Having said that, it is best to keep these ornamental plants out or reach (or out of the house) to avoid vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.
5) Raisins/GrapesBecause the mechanism of toxicity is not known, we do not know how much is too much. This “treat” can cause renal failure and even death.
6) MistletoeA rather infrequent toxin because of rarity and expense, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea,fluid loss and even death has been reported.
7) Macadamia nutsAlthough the chemical causing the toxin has not yet been identified this ingestion can cause depression, inability to use the hind limbs or stand, in coordination and vomiting. Fortunately, this toxicity is usually self limiting but unpleasant during the episode.
8) Bulbs
A Christmas time favorite, the amaryllis bulb can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Again not a pleasant Christmas morning surprise!
9) Road SaltRarely is this seen as an acute oral ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small cut and that can become quite painful.
10) Foreign bodiesToys, ribbons, ornaments – is it any wonder that the occurrence of these accidents increases at Christmas time. Just like you would with a baby in the house –pet proof your Christmas and avoid your veterinarians office this season.
11) Table scraps/change in dietSure everyone likes a bit of turkey but allowing your pets to ingest bones or letting Grandma feed the dog the left-overs could end up with a trip to the veterinarian. Try to avoid changes in your pets diet as much as possible.
12) HypothermiaAlthough this winter has not been too cold yet, hypothermia can and does affect our furry friends. Cats are especially prone to this and more so over the busy holiday season when they may choose to stay outdoors to avoid the hustle and bustle inside.
THE 12 HAZARDS OF THE HOLIDAYS
1) Ethylene GlycolThis common toxin can cause acute renal failure with as small an amount consumed as 4.2mL/kg in dogs and 1.5mL/kg in cats. Usually the first signs seen are lethargy, wobbliness, increased drinking and increased urination. If emergency treatment is not instituted this toxin is usually fatal.
2) Chocolate
Seen more frequently during holidays, symptoms can be variable depending on the “purity of the chocolate”. Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness, increased heart rate or arrhythmia and can progress to seizures.
3) Prescription drugsWith the hustle and bustle of the holidays added to visiting family and friends, ingestion of our human medications can be a real hazard. Dogs and cats do not react the same way as people do. Consulting with your veterinarian or Poison Control can be a life saver.
4) PoinsettiaCommonly thought to be “the” toxin of holidays the plant rarely causes more than gastric upset. Having said that, it is best to keep these ornamental plants out or reach (or out of the house) to avoid vomiting and diarrhea in your pet.
5) Raisins/GrapesBecause the mechanism of toxicity is not known, we do not know how much is too much. This “treat” can cause renal failure and even death.
6) MistletoeA rather infrequent toxin because of rarity and expense, mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea,fluid loss and even death has been reported.
7) Macadamia nutsAlthough the chemical causing the toxin has not yet been identified this ingestion can cause depression, inability to use the hind limbs or stand, in coordination and vomiting. Fortunately, this toxicity is usually self limiting but unpleasant during the episode.
8) Bulbs
A Christmas time favorite, the amaryllis bulb can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Again not a pleasant Christmas morning surprise!
9) Road SaltRarely is this seen as an acute oral ingestion but road salt can cause significant discomfort on the pads of dogs. Combine this with a small cut and that can become quite painful.
10) Foreign bodiesToys, ribbons, ornaments – is it any wonder that the occurrence of these accidents increases at Christmas time. Just like you would with a baby in the house –pet proof your Christmas and avoid your veterinarians office this season.
11) Table scraps/change in dietSure everyone likes a bit of turkey but allowing your pets to ingest bones or letting Grandma feed the dog the left-overs could end up with a trip to the veterinarian. Try to avoid changes in your pets diet as much as possible.
12) HypothermiaAlthough this winter has not been too cold yet, hypothermia can and does affect our furry friends. Cats are especially prone to this and more so over the busy holiday season when they may choose to stay outdoors to avoid the hustle and bustle inside.
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