Are you practicing enough social distancing from your dog?

Jennifer Maurer • Mar 28, 2020

We can all agree that that the Covid-19 pandemic has been a frightening and stressful situation for all of us. We can all also agree that it is a relief that this terrible virus can’t be spread to our beloved canine companions. What may sound strange to some is that this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be practicing social distancing from our dogs. That’s right! I said we need to be practicing SOME social distancing from our dog. Here is why!

We are all spending much more time at home and around our dogs which is a very good thing. This allows for more walks, play time and cuddles. Another positive is that many people have decided that since they are spending so much time at home, this would be a perfect time to adopt a new dog/puppy. Rescues are adopting out and finding fosters at an accelerated rate. All great things!

What we need to be careful about is spending TOO much time with our dog to the point where separation anxiety can set in. Eventually, this pandemic will be over, and we will be back to our normal work and social schedule. We don’t know how long that will be and in the meantime your dog is getting used to having you around all the time. This means that they may become very sad and anxious when reality sets back in. This is especially true for pet parents with rescue dogs who may have been abandoned by previous owners or those with new dogs/puppies who are just starting to bond with them. Separation anxiety can occur when there are life changes in the home which is what has been happening to all of us right now.

So, what is separation anxiety? The American Kennel Club describes it as this, “Separation anxiety is the result of real stress caused by the pet parent being away from their dog”. The symptoms are not just a whimper or a chewed up slipper. Here are the behaviors to watch out for that may mean your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. These behaviors happen every time you leave and many only happen when you leave.

Excessive barking or howling
Destructive acts (chewing furniture, excessive scratching at the doors or windows, etc.
Urinating or defecating in the house.
Excessive salivation, drooling or panting
Intense pacing
Attempts to free themselves from the crate that may cause them harm.

Separation anxiety is a serious issue and is a challenging behavior to correct. This is why you should take precautionary measure to prevent it from happening which means some social distancing from your dog while we are home bound. This may not be necessary for those of you who have had your dog for a long period of time but it is critical to those who are new dog owners.

For those of you with puppies, this would simply mean crating your dog for 1 – 2 hour time periods throughout the day. Be sure to leave something wonderful to chew on for them (like a frozen Kong with peanut butter) so they begin to associate alone time with wonderful things. While we should all be getting outdoors and walking our dog, having some social distancing from your dog may mean taking one of your walks each day WITHOUT your dog. For those working from home, close your office door a few hours each day creating distance between you and your dog.

Enjoy all this extra time with your dog because it won’t last forever but be sure to practice some social distancing so they are prepared emotionally when things do get back to normal.

If your dog is already exhibiting separation anxiety, please reach out for a free 30 minute consultation on how to resolve this issue.

Stay safe!

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Dog Licking a Plate — St. Louis, MO — PetImpact! Dog Training

Go Ahead! You Can Do It! Feed Your Dog from Your Plate!

By websitebuilder • 03 Aug, 2021

Many of my clients look at me in astonishment when I say it is OK to feed your dog human food from your plate! We have always been told that this act creates begging behavior and causes intestinal problems. Under certain circumstances, this is indeed true. However, if done correctly, using foods that are safe for your dog (click on the link to see a list of foods that are unsafe ) and in moderation, it is actually a wonderfully, positive thing! There is a new trend in teaching and relating to dogs called bond-based learning which I incorporate into my dog training programs. The thought process behind this type of teaching is that by having a strong bond with your dog, it will ensure your dog makes positive choices when it comes to good behavior. A technique used in this type of training is food sharing. Food sharing provides an opportunity for social learning with you and your dog. It has been shown that food sharing helps reinforce the bond you have with your dog and allows them to feel safe and secure around you. Sharing food with your dog does not always equate to begging. Begging behavior can happen even when you don’t feed from your plate. Since their sense of smell is more heightened than ours, smelling you cooking and serving dinner can be overwhelming as they salivate over all the deliciousness. Many dogs can’t contain themselves from their desire to join in and beg which becomes a big distraction during meals. I have found that the opposite is true when you are sharing your meal with your dog. Now, I am not saying you should feed your dog when they beg. What I am saying, is that you can feed your dog when they are laying calmly next to you and not begging which in turn teaches your dog not to beg! This is where marker training comes in. Give your dog the “Down Stay” cue and after just a couple of seconds, mark the behavior with your marker word (i.e., good) and treat off your plate. Begin to spread out the length of time that you are marking and treating. If your dog does beg, ignore them until they settle back down for a minute or two and then mark and treat. Your dog will soon learn that being patient and quiet during meal time leads to tasty things! This opens up a whole new world of possibility for you and your dog! Imagine a holiday dinner that includes your favorite, furry family member! And next Spring and Summer, think about all the outdoor dining experiences you can have! Food sharing is a great for socialization and a wonderful bonding experience! If you are interested in learning more about my positive reinforcement and relationship-based training methods, reach out for a free phone consultation. You can learn more at PetImpact.com .

Aggressive Dog — St. Louis, MO — PetImpact! Dog Training

Dog and Dog Aggression: The two sides to the story!

By Jennifer Maurer • 14 May, 2020

Bringing a new dog into your home where there is already an existing dog doesn’t always run smoothly. The fact of the matter is every dog has their own distinct personality that may not jive with each and every dog. There may be a difference in energy levels, play styles or socialization preferences. If it isn’t a good match, unwanted behaviors may occur including marking, guarding and aggression. Typically, the dog who is exhibiting these behaviors gets the blame. But look closely, in reality, there are two sides to every story.

Getting Back to our Real Life Schedule

By Jennifer Maurer • 29 Apr, 2020

Just like us, dogs thrive on having a set schedule for their day including food, naps, play time, walks and training. The Covid-19 quarantine has many of us working from home. So, your dog’s schedule may have gotten out of wack or you may have set an entirely new schedule.

What It Means to Train with Love

By Jennifer Maurer • 25 Apr, 2020

Your love for your dog is not just the emotional feeling you have for them, it is the actions you take as it relates to the care you give them and specifically your approach to teaching them. Here are 5 ways to express your love for your dog when training (in no particular order).

Stop Stressing the Dogs Out!

By Jennifer Maurer • 17 Apr, 2020

We are all showing signs of stress during this quarantine whether that be binge eating, over-sleeping or just plain crabbiness. So, it is not surprising that our dogs are feeling the pressure too. Dogs are extremely sensitive to our emotions which may cause them to act out as well. They don’t understand why their routine has changed, why they can’t go to the dog park, why their parents are around all the time (yes some dogs actually want space!), why people don’t greet and pet them anymore on their walks and most importantly why their parents are so stressed out.

Mother with Baby and Dog — St. Louis, MO — PetImpact! Dog Training

And Baby Makes 4

By Jennifer Maurer • 10 Apr, 2020

I love working with young people who adopt their first dog. Dog parenting, while not as challenging as child rearing, definitely helps prepare you for what it is like caring and being responsible for another living being. One of my long-time students, Maui was just introduced to his new sister, and she isn’t one of the canine variety! Maui’s parents have brought a new baby into the fold. What is great about Lauren and Neal, is that they wanted to be completely prepared for the transition to ensure Maui felt comfortable and the baby was safe. So, they asked me to give them some pointers which I am here to share with you!

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