Caissie Canine Instruction: Keeping your K9 Cool This Summer

We continue this week with our Summer Fun Facts. Did you know?

1.    Most domestic dogs can reach speeds up to 18 miles per hour, when running full speed. Greyhounds, world’s fastest dogs, can reach up to 45 M.P.H.

2.    8-10% of dog owners will have a birthday party for their pet.

3.    The average dog lives 10-14 years.

4.    “LAISSIE” was the 1^st animal inducted into the “Animal Hall of Fame”.

5.    Dogs have 18 muscles controlling their ears.

                                   K9 CORNER WITH THE CHIEF

In a perfect world the best way to walk a dog is with a slack leash and always walking to your left side. You do not want your dog to break his position unless you verbally command to do so.

The command I use to move is HEEL. This command HEEL means to move. It may be right, left or about turn. If your K9 is walking well without pulling you can start to add SIT, DOWN AND STAND commands.

I recommend when you practice training to first start in low distraction areas and keep your sessions short. Make sure you win these sessions, and you finish with ultimate praise. If your K9 is not having fun or not being praised, then this training will eventually become work for your dog, and he/she will become bored.

Leash management is important. Holding the end of the leash in your right hand and using your left hand and work only about a foot of the leash, this will ensure your K9 remains close to you.

Your K9 should never be allowed to lag or forge ahead. Every time you say the HEEL command you should be using your left hand to pop the training collar for the corrective and release for slack for the reward of good walking.

As you improve your leash management techniques with your K9 you can introduce more distractions. Your goal is to walk your K9 in all environments and your K9 should learn not to be reactive to other animals, noises, conveyances, and humans.

 REMEMBER EVERY DAY IS A TRAINING DAY

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

This summer has been hot and humid, and it is important that you keep your K9 cool during the summer months.

Most K9 owners will ensure that their K9 has access to fresh water, provide shade, have a small paddling pool or a cooling mat to provide relief.

Hydration is important for all pets and wildlife. You can consider putting ice cubes in their water bowl, to keep the water cool for a longer period.

You can also consider using a damp towel or cooling mat for your K9 to lie down on.

Remember to avoid walking your dog on hot pavement, as it can burn their paws. Also, be mindful to avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest days.

Please be aware of heat stroke signs in your K9. Excessive panting, drooling, vomiting, lethargy and weakness are all signs of heatstroke. If you suspect your K9 is overheating, seek immediate veterinary attention.