Top 10 Thank You Gifts for Your Jingle Dog. Linda Michaels, M.A., — Del Mar Dog Training


Check out Linda’s book, Do No Harm™ Dog Training and Behavior Manual, available to download here.

By LINDA MICHAELS, M.A., DEL MAR DOG TRAINER
SPECIAL FEATURE TO THE U~T San Diego
Linda Michaels MA Del Mar Dog Trainer fall autumn dog

Reward your dog for all the joy and love you get all year!

Our precious pups bring such joy to our lives and deliver unconditional love all year long. Consider saying thank you with gifts that keep on giving throughout the year. Some of these may make you smile — all of them will make your dog smile.

1) Adopt or donate. There is no greater gift. Consider adoption to fill that special place in your forever home, or donate some resources to your local shelter or rescue group.

2) Socialize. Socialize, Socialize! Socialization is the most critical learning activity of all. Begin at 8 weeks of age, if possible or as soon as your new rescue settle into her new home. Participate in socialization activities regularly and frequently. Hang out at Starbucks or run errands together.

3) Gentle leashes. A front-clip harness or a step-in for toy breeds is best. Avoid shock, prong and choke collars. These devices are singled out as equipment to avoid by veterinary behavior experts in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2006 (“Good trainers: How to identify one.” Vol. 1). They can cause a variety of documented medical injuries (“Gentle Leashes,” 2012. Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM) and may cause aggression. They are illegal in a growing number of countries.

4) Veterinary care. Choose a vet both you and your dog like and trust, one that takes the time to bond with your dog, and practices gentle handling and restraint. Consider integrative care. Ask questions. Spay or neuter. Get that orthopedic bed your dog has been dreaming about.

5) Training. Be sure to use the Hierarchy of Dog Needs. The scientifically endorsed, non-aversive method works for wild animals at progressive zoos and wolfdogs. It can work for your dog, too. It’s effective, long-lasting, safe and fast, as well as truly dog-friendly. Get a private behavioral consultation to target those behavior problems that have cropped up, or enroll in a class.

6) Diet. A super-premium grade food with a specifically named meat as the first ingredient is best. Canine nutritional expert Dr. Doug Knueven DVM, tells us. “There is no greater obstacle to canine health than poor diet.” Venison Holiday Stew (made by Merrick) would be well-received.

7) Exercise. Check out the many great trails, beaches, parks and neighborhoods you can explore together. Consider enrolling in a dog-sport class.

8) Grooming. Choose a groomer who takes the time to make your dog feel safe and practices gentle handling and restraint. Would your dog appreciate a spa massage treatment or a blueberry facial?

9) Environmental enhancement. Rotate food-toys, interactive puzzles and safe chew-items to keep your dog busy and happy. Add a window with a view and dog-friendly landscaping. Don’t forget to provide a quiet place where you dog can rest away from all the excitement of the holiday season.

10) Your love. Infuse all the above with your love — the best gift of all.

Learn more about pet parent problem-solving, teaching classes, and private consultations in the Do No Harm Dog Training Manual.

Dog Training Manual Do No Harm Force Free Positive tranier san diego del mar

The Do No Harm™ Dog Training Manual was designed as my own personal guide for teaching basic manners classes, and evolved into a reference manual for my private behavior consultations. Created as a practical guide for either or both training formats, it is also helpful for pet parents who want an inside look at dog training and behavior, as well as for those who seek force-free solutions for specific problems. Written with love for the “heartbeats at our feet”. You can purchase and download the PDF ebook dog training manual here.

Linda Michaels, “Dog Psychologist,” M.A./Psychology a Top Ten Rated U.S. Dog Trainer — Del Mar Dog Training, may be reached at 858.259.WOOF (9663) or by email: LindaPositively@gmail.com for private manners/obedience instruction and behavioral consultations near Del Mar and the San Diego Coast. Please visit us at DogPsychologistOnCall.com  All rights reserved.

 

Originally published UT San Diego, Scratch ‘n Sniff. Chris Ross, Editor

Related Articles:

Top 10 Ways to Say Thank You to Your Dog Part I. By Linda Michaels, M.A., Rancho Santa Fe Review.

Top 10 Ways to Say Thank You to Your Dog Part II. By Linda Michaels, M.A., Rancho Santa Fe Review.


2 responses to “Top 10 Thank You Gifts for Your Jingle Dog. Linda Michaels, M.A., — Del Mar Dog Training”

  1. Hi is there anyone that could help us with dog food we have a 4 ye old Aussie pure bred always have had them and this one has had ear and skin allergies this year. Never had this problem were feeding candidae pure salmon after first feeding her all stages that she came to us on. I have seen many vets no help just medicated. We groom her every other day she only lives in house except for play and walks. Could it be confortis? I’m going to stop it and pray New food will help. I have done so much reading on the Internet this past month and thought about going to signature since they have no potatoes lamb formula or salmon formula but often maybe no salmon since she’s been on salmon with no avail any help would be much appreciated thank you

    • Hi Kris, We’re so sorry to hear that you are having problems. Allergies come from three things: 1. Fleas 2. The Environment — Indoors and Outdoors and 3. Food. Most people try a change in diet, because that’s easiest for them and many don’t know that indoor sensitivities are very possibly more frequently a cause of allergies. Your dog absorbs household products, such as carpet chemicals and floor cleaning product ingredients through the pads of her paws, etc., etc., etc. Air fresheners could be the culprit. I would try to make the house as chemical free as possible. If you want to try a diet as well, an “exclusionary” diet that contains just one source of protein, and one source of carbohydrates is available at your local pet store. You want the ingredients to be foods that your dog has not been exposed to: Duck and Sweet Potato, is a favorite. My new book, The Hierarchy of Dog Needs, coming out Fall 2016, has a chapter on Proper Nutrition. I hope this has helped! Please join me on FB! I’m crazy about Aussies. Poor baby.