Howling Success K9 Services - Need Help With Your Dog?

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Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on June 27, 2009 at 5:46pm

I am not always a big fan of dog parks. I have seen tragedy with dog aggressive dogs. I agree that most dogs may become aggressive when on a leash when other dogs are off the leash, but being off of a leash will not always guarantee your dog will not be aggressive either.
Dog manners are important and this is why I tell people that when your dog is on a leash and is meeting a new dog, do not let them go beyond the shoulder of the other dog just in case there is trouble. If you let your dog sniff a new dog beyond the shoulder area you are entering what I call the "danger zone". If the other dog takes offense and a fight starts, it is much more difficult to separate them when they are side by side. Plus, some dogs find it very threatening to be sniffed in the "private" areas by new dogs.
Dog parks are different though. What I recommend is before you allow your dog to enter survey what is going on. See if there are any “bully” dogs harassing other dogs. You will not have such a problem because you own a Golden Retriever and if picked on my guess is that your dog will submit. Once you decide the coast is clear I would take her off of the leash as soon as you enter the park. Again, your dog will not find it offensive if she is on leash and is approached by other dogs, some other dogs like I mentioned earlier may have trouble with this. Just keep an eye on her and be sure she does not become offensive with any dogs that may cop an attitude. This behavior may include stealing toys, trying to jump on the back of other dogs, or generally annoying a dog that is not interested in her.
If more people monitored their dogs in parks there would be fewer accidents and fights.

Comment by Daphne on June 27, 2009 at 5:22pm

Kris, How are you and the dogs? We are all doing well. Cheyenne is growing like a weed. I would like to take her to the dog park in town. I remember you saying once that it isn't polite (like people think) for dogs to sniff each others rear ends. So I am wondering what rules you could give me for the dog park before we start going there? Cheyenne is doing great. Learning "sit" pretty well and the jumping up is improving. Daph

Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on May 26, 2009 at 7:42am

Remember as scary as it is, reverse sneezing is not harmful to a dog. I hear of many people freaking out because they think there dog can't breathe or are choking but if you know what it is, you just try to calm them and wait until it stops. Glad Molly is doing better Rick but also know that she will probably continue the behavior on and off. Like I said, two of my dogs will reverse sneeze depending on the time of year and how excited they get.

Comment by Rick L. on May 26, 2009 at 7:36am

My basset/beagle "Molly" has been having some strange bouts of coughing/sneezing that seem to come from her stomach. As if she is having a spasm while trying to sneeze. It's been happening for several months now (ever since I had the floors waxed again) and lately the bouts seem to be getting worse. So I gave Kris a called and talked to her about the problem. She told me about "Reverse Sneezing". Now when I first heard from her about it I couldn't get my mind around it. So I looked it up at and there was the same thing happening to Molly.

I had asked Kris about using an antihistamine - benedryl - and gave her some that evening. It's now been almost 48 hours with Molly on benedryl twice a day and no more reverse sneezing! She doesn't seem to be listless or more tired from the benedryl and actually seems to be a bit more active.

She's a basset... she lifts her head off the couch a bit more.. hehe

So thanks Kris! She seems to be doing better but I'll give this a couple more days to see if it really clears her up.

Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on May 16, 2009 at 1:57pm

Yes, absolutely I do cage free boarding. I will eventually have two runs with concrete flooring and completely covered for dogs that are not social with other dogs, but if your dogs are social they will be living with me and my dogs. There is an application and medical release that you will need to fill out that you can find on my website. It is a word doc and very easy to print and complete. Also, if you have gone through a class with Howling Success you are automatically accepted as a member of our pack, but if you are not there is also a one time temperament test that I will give your dogs prior to boarding. I can promise you your two will be kept busy and happy while you are gone, and will always look forward to returning to us in the future. We have daily activities and play time for all dogs. Plus if you are in need of any training while you are gone we can take care of that too. I know you have seen my site but if you have any more question feel free to email or call. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kristine Berg

Comment by Sean Cooper on May 14, 2009 at 7:34pm

I have two dogs, both large dogs. I have had trouble with them in the past when they have been boarded in cages. I noticed you say you do not use cages if the dogs get on with other dogs?

Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on May 11, 2009 at 5:21pm

July 14th I will be speaking at the Tuesday morning Community meeting in Boquete. I will be discussing the advantages of training your dog, dogs as a security measure, what lead me to the beautiful area of Boquete and more. Bizzie the Border Terrier who is a therapy dog and assists me in trick training will also be present.

Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on April 13, 2009 at 6:56pm

I appreciate you sharing Cindy. She absolutely can feel changes in you. The dogs ability to feel sadness, anger and loss in us is something we can't ignore. The worst part is we can't explain to them. Love that dog which I am sure you do and do more and different things with her to keep her occupied until she comes out of it. Consistancy and praise is what a dog is most happy with.

Comment by Cindy Lee on April 13, 2009 at 5:32pm

thanks for responding, Kris! She is 2yrs. old; we chose her together. I also
think she senses the change in my behavior, too. Isn't it amazing how much they can be like people sometimes? Thanks again for helping.

Comment by Howling Success K9 Services on April 13, 2009 at 2:46pm

Cindy, how old is your dog? Change can effect dog's in strange ways. If you experienced a "break up" and the dog was close to that person, your dog also experienced a break up. Even if they weren't very close it is still a change. If combined with this and the fact that you moved it can be very traumatic on a dog. Dogs are creatures of habit. And it sounds like your dog has had two big changes in his/her life.

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