Dogs, like people, can have allergies that flare up in the spring and summer (even fall for some sufferers). What can a pet parent do to help alleviate the scratching, licking and self-chewing which affected dogs do – sometimes non-stop?

First: Have a vet check the dog for allergies. Just scolding him for the behavior will not address the cause. You need to find out what he is allergic to. Then treat it. If the behavior continues after treatment, it may have become a habit you need to address behaviorally.

Second: Identify other stressors in your dog’s life. The chewing, licking behavior can also be caused by other types of stress. List the things you know that stress the dog, even a little bit. Then, one-by-one, eliminate or work to alleviate the stressor. After discarding the items, such as aversive behavior aids (shock collars, etc.), begin to de-sensitize your dog to stimuli that freak him out – Children, skate boards and thunder come to mind. You can teach him that these threatening sights and sounds can become signals for treats.

Third: Exercise him. Walking, running and playing hard help to burn energy and take his mind off his troubles. It also releases “feel-good” hormones that help to lessen stress. Mind exercises help, too. Shaping (training), interactive toys and puzzles can also help.

Fourth: Try stress-reducing products, like calming classical music made especially for dogs; Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap help some dogs feel safer and calmer; Pheromone therapies come in a plug-in and spray and work to calm the dog by mimicking the smell of a mother dog.

Fifth: If the chewing, licking, scratching behavior has become a habit, consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication – or to recommend a behaviorist/dog trainer. Most dog trainers have not had actual behavior training. You want a behaviorist.

If all these efforts fail, you and your dog just may have to live with it. We all have stress in our lives and some of us are just more sensitive to it than others.

Most of us have never thought that much about it. It was brought to my attention recently, when, not only did I lose my own beloved Willy (Sheltie), but several other pet parents, clients and friends, have also lost their beloved pet. All had to answer the question: What do I do now?

I did an internet search and found several sites for Pet Grief Counseling, but very little information about the actual disposal of the body of the dearly departed pet.

When I lived on a ranch in the country, it was common practice to bury the pet in the backyard, garden or other place where we could visit the gravesite when we wished. It is illegal to do that in most cities. It’s now part of the required disclosure when you sell a house. If there is a pet buried in the backyard, the seller must pay to have the remains removed and disposed of properly.

Okay. So, what do you do?

I called my vet who gave me the name of two local companies who will pick up your pet and bury or cremate the remains for you. Or, I could leave the pet’s body with the vet, where the burial company can pick it up and carry out your instructions for end of life services.

Here, in San Diego, you have the choice of burial services or cremation. The burial services are usually more expensive and include a maintenance fee for keeping the site attractive.

Three types of cremation services are available: Communal or Mass Cremation means that the remains of your pet are cremated along with a number of other pets. The remains can be disposed of as you wish – scattered at sea or some other place the crematorium provides; Private Cremation places the pet in a separate compartment for the cremation. The ashes are then returned to the pet owner; the third type of cremation is Individual Cremation where the pet is cremated entirely alone.

You can have the ashes stored in your choice of urns. The crematorium will help you choose one to suit you, the pet and your pocketbook.

To find the burial and cremation sites near you, search the internet for “Pet Remains” and your city.

What is your personality type?

1. Are you laid back and take things as they come?
2. Are you active and like sports or other energetic activities?
3. Are you introverted or shy?
4. Are you an outgoing extrovert?

2.   What are you looking for in a grown dog? Remember, the pup will grow up.

1. Do you want a watchdog?
2. Do you want your dog to accompany you in sports?
3. Do you want your dog to curl up on your lap and cuddle?
4. Do you want him to sleep at your feet?
5. Do you want him (or her) to be large or tiny – or in-between?

• Research the personality of different breeds to find one whose natural tendencies are what you are looking for in a dog.

2.   Bond With Your Dog

Teach him to let you…

1.   Cradle him on his back
2.   Lay him on his side and flip him over
3.   Examine his body, ears, feet and teeth

These actions, done correctly, establish trust in the pup and help him to see that you are the leader.

3.  Housebreaking

  Three Golden Rules

1.   Confine him
   1. a)       Use a crate
      1.  Confine him no longer than his age in months plus 1(example: a three-month old should not be confined longer than four hours at a time without a break).
2.   Supervise him
   1. a)      When he is not in the crate, tether him to you.
3.   Regulate him
   1. a)       Let him out on a regular schedule
      1. Do not use harsh corrections when he makes a mistake

4.   Explore And Socialize –

Poor Socialization is the most common cause of aggression in a dog.  

Take him to explore and familiarize him with:

1.   People, kids playing, strangers who want to pet him.
2.   Traffic, kids on skateboards, loud trucks.
3.   Other dogs.
4.   Leave him alone at times so he knows you will come back.
5.   Grooming – including bathing, brushing, nail trimming, teeth and ear cleaning.

 It is important that you do NOT comfort him when he shows fear. Instead, re-direct his attention until he becomes less sensitive to the experience. Reward him as he shows less fear.

5.         Teach Him The Rules Of Your Pack

Train him:

1. Leash Training – Walk on a leash without pulling
2. Come (or Recall) – The most critical cue to teach him.
3. Sit, Stand and Down – These will help you to control him in all types of situations and environment.
4. Stay and Wait – Stay means to remain in position until told to break; Wait means to pause, usually while you are doing something, like going through a door. You tell him to “wait,” you go through the door and then ask him to join you. You will use this command a lot.
5. Leave it – means “Do not touch it, smell it, lick it, pick it up or pay attention to it in any way.”
6. Gently – A courteous dog takes food “gently” from your hand.
7. Greeting guests with manners – Teach him to wait until he is invited to greet guests.

I can assist in all aspects of the dog adoption and parenting process by providing:

• A personality quiz for the prospective puppy parent.
• Breed-specific characterizations.
• Accompany parent to pick out the pup.
• Housebreaking assistance – from schedules to hands-on.
• Basic obedience classes or one-on-one training.

For more information, visit me at www.grandmadeespetcare.com.

My life will probably last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is a mystery to me.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to appreciate your pets. Enjoy them, love them, and take good care of them. Life would be much duller and much less joyful without God’s critters.
 We do not have to wait for Heaven,  to be surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness. It is here on earth and has four legs!