Categories
Tips & Tricks

Single dog or multiple dogs?

Many dog lovers want second or more dogs after a while. But what is better? Keeping a single dog or multiple dogs?

What will a second dog bring with it?

If only one dog lives in a household, there is more time and attention available for this dog. Especially if there are many dogs in a household, it is difficult to do justice to all the dogs and to exercise them according to their individual needs. With a single dog, it is also easier to react to problems and manage them. If two or more dogs pull on the leash or show other undesirable behavior, it is much more difficult to keep the situation under control. If vacation care is needed for the vacations or if one is dependent on help in case of illness, it is also much easier for a dog to get support. In addition, it must not be forgotten that a dog is significantly cheaper to care for. Food, veterinary costs, etc. double or multiply with several dogs. In addition, single dogs usually bond more closely to humans and have more intense relationships.

The factors in favor of multiple dog ownership.

Every dog is different and can enrich your life in a different context. For example, each dog can be trained for specific tasks based on its individual strengths, such as a particular dog sport or therapy dog work. In addition, the different characters of the dogs offer an interesting and deep insight into the dog world and intra-species communication. With a second (or more) dog(s), the dogs always have a friend available – be it for playing or just so that the single dog is not alone. A confident first dog can also teach the newcomer a lot. But beware! Undesirable behavior gets also copied.

Now, what is better?

It can not be said in general, whether keeping a single dog or multiple dogs is better. It depends entirely on the type of man and on the idea of his life. The more dogs are added, the more limited are the freedoms and the more time the dogs need. It is the same as the costs. It should be considered in any case just as with the acquisition of a first dog, well, whether one or more additional dogs fit into the life and whether one can do justice to these. It should also be noted that not every dog benefits from another dog, so it should also be looked at whether you really do the existing dog a favor with another dog. If the conditions are right and you have a lot of fun and joy in the intensive interaction with several dogs, keeping multiple dogs can be an enrichment. Equally, however, keeping a single dog can also be more advantageous.

If you are unsure whether a second dog is right for you and your dog, you can get advice from our professional dog trainers in the Trainer Chat.

Categories
Tips & Tricks

Your summer with dog – The best tips

Finally, it is summer. Many people are looking forward to this season all year round. For dog owners with their four-legged friends, however, the summer has some challenges in store. In this article, the most important aspects are addressed so that you can experience an unforgettable summer together with your dog.

Before introducing all the great things you can do with your dog in the summer, there are some important dog safety things to consider.

Attention to heat!

In summer, you must never leave your dog alone in the car. The car heats up so much within minutes that it becomes life-threatening for your dog. From 20 degrees it quickly becomes dangerous for all dogs in the car, for short-nosed dogs even earlier. Due to the fact that the internal temperature of the car rises extremely quickly, the dog must not be left alone in the car even for a few minutes.

The danger of the heat trap in the car is now known to many dog owners, another major danger that far more dog owners very underestimate is that of hot asphalt. At an outside temperature of 25 degrees Celcius, the asphalt is already over 50 degrees Celcius hot! To make sure that the surface is not too hot for your dog, you can put the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If the ground is too hot for your hand, it will be for your dog’s paws. Even if your dog walks across the asphalt without any problems, it does not mean that he is not in pain. Often dogs have no choice but to walk, and over time they burn the pads of their paws. A good rule of thumb is to test any surface briefly with the back of your hand before your dog steps on it, starting at 25 degrees Celcius outside.

But what can you do if the asphalt is too hot?

Small dogs can be carried to the nearest meadow. Medium and larger dogs can be driven in a dog buggy to the nearest meadow or taken by car to the nearest forest. For all dogs, however, it is advisable to do the dog walks in the morning and evening hours and during the day to take the dogs only to the garden or to the nearest meadow to do their business.

In addition to moving dog walks to the morning and evening hours, all sporting activities should also be moved to the morning or evening. On particularly hot days or when it does not cool down at night, sporting activities should be stopped completely.

Also, make sure your dog always has enough water and a cool place to stay.

Watch out for foxtails!

Another danger that lurks in the summer is that of foxtails. Foxtails grow on roadsides and can be very dangerous for the dog. The foxtail gets stuck in the dog’s fur and bores through the skin into the inside of the dog. Due to their small barbs, the foxtails can then only be removed surgically. In summer, you should avoid roadsides with foxtails with your dog, and when it‘s not possible check his paws and fur after the walk.

Have fun in the water!

But in addition to some of the dangers, you should be aware of as a dog owner in the summer, this time of year also offers some fun.

For example, many dogs love water and enjoy a trip to a lake. Summer is the perfect time of year for a variety of water activities. How about stand-up paddling with a dog? If you don’t have the opportunity to go to a lake, maybe a dog splash pool is a great way for your dog to cool off. Some dogs also have a lot of fun having a water fight with the garden hose. With all activities with or near water, just make sure your dog doesn’t swallow too much water – then you risk water poisoning!

Alternatives for water-shy dogs:

If your dog is not a water rat, then you can keep him busy indoors with various exercises. How about practicing a new trick from our Pupy app or making a dog toy for the dog? Or you can hide treats for your dog in the apartment. Chewables can also keep your dog busy in the summer. Just make sure it’s cool enough or that the dog takes breaks to pant in between to cool down.

Also, your dog will be happy about a dog ice cream. You can easily make dog ice cream on your own; various recipes are available on the Internet or you visit an ice cream parlor, which also offers varieties for the dog (a scoop of vanilla is also a possibility from time to time).

Your dog will also be happy about a dog ice cream. You can easily make this yourself, there are many recipes on the Internet or you can visit an ice cream parlor, which also offers varieties for the dog (a scoop of vanilla is also a possibility from time to time).

And what about traveling?

The summer is also a popular travel season. Unfortunately, this leads to the fact that especially in the summer vacations very many dogs are abandoned. Please take care early enough for a caregiver for your dog, if you do not want to take him with you on vacation. If you decide to go on vacation together with your dog, please also organize everything important early. Then, however, the joint vacation with dog can bring wonderful memories.

Ultimate tip list for a great dog summer:

  • Attention hot asphalt!
  • No dog stays alone in the car!
  • Walks in the morning and evening
  • Attention foxtails!
  • Enough drinking water and a cool place
  • Trip to the lake: swimming, stand up paddling, and more
  • Dog paddling pool or water hose
  • In the apartment or house with mental stimulation
  • Make your own dog ice cream
  • Organize dog care for vacation early or plan a vacation with dog
Categories
Training

How to use a long leash in training my dog?

A long leash is a great tool in dog training – provided it is used correctly! In this blog post, you will learn for whom the long leash training is suitable, which long leash is the right one for your dog, and how to use the long leash in practice.

The long leash training is suitable for:

  • Training puppy and young dogs
  • Dogs that do not know you yet
  • fear dogs
  • Anti-hunting training
  • hunting dog training
  • recall training
  • Training of different signals at distance
  • Dogs, with emotional and/or social support needs

Which long leash is the right one?

You can find long leashes in different lengths between 3 to well over 15 meters. If you want to practice certain aspects of behavior with your dog, such as recall or orientation to you, less is always more. The reason for this is that we are in a training situation. So the further your dog can move away from you, the more difficult it will be for you to lead him over the leash.

The type of leash is also crucial and depends on what you want to train with your dog. Especially popular are the currently leashes made of biothane, which is a water-repellent material, but depending on the provider also very slippery in the hand. So if you have a dog that tends to have impulsive reactions and also likes to jump into the leash, it is better to take a material that is non-slip in the hand. Many long leashes also have a hand loop. This loop may seem practical at first look, that you can put it around your wrist, but in most cases, it carries a high risk of injury. It is not uncommon that either your hand gets caught in the loop when your dog runs off or your dog runs off with the leash and gets caught somewhere with the loop.

Our recommendations for a suitable long leash:

  • 5 meters length
  • No hand loop
  • Part rubberized

How to use the long leash in dog training.

Getting your dog used to the long leash.

Before you even start training your dog must get to know the long leash. The long leash should always be attached to a harness to prevent injury to the neck vertebrae. When you put your dog on the long leash, give him a little more leash at first until your dog reaches the final length. It is best to tie a knot at the end of the leash to give yourself a fixed point. Praise your dog verbally as long as the end of the leash is not yet reached and, if you like, reward your dog’s eye contact with some food. When your dog reaches the end of the leash, say “Slow down” and gently tug on the leash until your dog responds with a step back or eye contact. As soon as your dog loosens the leash, you stop gently tugging and verbally praise your dog. If your dog makes eye contact, you can also reward him with some food, a social game, or something similar.

Gradually, your dog will learn the limits of the leash and, if the leash length remains the same, he will even be able to keep the distance independently without pulling. Stay fair and give your dog the signal “Slow down” ready just before he runs into the leash. Mark for it with a knot in the leash (approx. 20 cm before line end), the distance, where you give your dog the signal.

Use the long leash in recall training.

Especially in recall training, it pays to take your dog on a long leash. For a successful recall, your dog must understand that he must run to you on the recall signal “Here”, no matter what stimuli have previously taken his attention. For this, it is important at the beginning that the word signal “Here” is conditioned at a relatively short distance. Once your dog understands what to do with this signal, you can gradually increase the distance and incorporate distractions into your training. If your dog does not listen to your recall signal, you can remind him by gently tugging on the leash that the command is valid, even if the distraction seems exciting. So for recall, it’s not only your will but also your way of demanding the command consequently that is important to train a reliable command.

Do you need help with training with the long leash or recall training? Then download the Pupy app now. Train with our step-by-step video instructions or chat with our professional dog trainers and find a personalized way for your human-dog team.

We hope you have fun training with your dog!

Your Pupy Team

Categories
Tips & Tricks

Dog in the car – How to drive with your dog relaxed on tour.

The car is a popular way of transportation with a dog. Especially those who want to go on vacation with their dog appreciate the comfort of their own car. For a relaxed and safe transport of your dog in the car, there are a few basic rules to follow, which we present to you today.

Accustom your dog to the transport in the car.

Before you drive long distances with your dog, your dog should be used to the transport in the car. This includes getting used to the ride itself as well as getting used to the safety devices, e.g. the placement in a transport box or the fixation by a safety belt.

In our app, you will find exercises on how to get your dog used to both the car and the dog crate.

Avoid nausea during the car ride.

If your dog is prone to nausea and vomiting during the car ride, you can prevent it by giving your dog very little to eat before the ride or, depending on the severity of nausea, discuss the situation with your vet beforehand.

Breaks

Sufficient breaks during the journey are important not only for you as a driver, but also for your dog! Full rest areas on the highway, you should avoid with your dog, especially anxious dogs can be quickly stressed by the noise of the highway. Use the breaks to get off the highway and go for a walk, especially on long stretches. A picnic together with your dog is also a great idea.

Make sure to offer your dog enough liquid.

Drinking enough is super important for your dog especially in the summer, so keep offering him water during your trip. There are bowls that you can also put in your dog’s crate during the trip, for example, without spilling water.

Attention in the heat!

For the trip to the summer vacation, you pay attention best to the fact that you start in the early morning hours or late evening hours. Always keep in mind that your car can heat up in traffic jams or even during a long drive. Air conditioning should only be turned on in moderation to prevent eye irritation or a cold in your dog. Open windows can also irritate your dog’s eyes and cause inflammation.

We wish you a safe trip with your dog!

Your Pupy Team