Ask Me How I Feel About “Flexi” Leashes

Ahhhhhhhhhh, retractable leashes… a hot topic  that inspired me to write down some brief thoughts…As most people who know me know, I HATE flexi-leashes.  This might be the one dog training tool that I absolutely cannot find ANY value in; (even silly ones usually at least have some kind of foundation in a reasonably good idea… for the most part); NOT this one (if you ask me…).

Everything you can do with a retractable leash can be done on a long, fixed line (albeit maybe not as conveniently).  The benefits of convenience, in my opinion, are far outweighed by the potential negative consequences of using of one these bad leashes.  Exhibit A…  (Fear tactic?  Possibly.)The injury in the photo to the right is a pretty typical example of what retractable leashes (cords, maybe more accurate?) can and do cause on a regular basis.  (I will accede to the fact that the argument could be made that the leash didn’t cause the injury; the poor – or complete lack of – training of the dog at the end of it did).  However, when was the last time you saw a well-trained dog walking down the street attached to one of these?  I’m going to venture a guess here & say never.  Been wrong before, but…

Exhibit A:

The reasons I can’t stand these things are as follows:1)     Simple mechanical malfunctions.  I worked at a major corporate-owned PETSTORE for 4 years and I can tell you from experience that these things malfunction.  Often, the mechanism inside breaks (never EVER at a convenient time… speaking of convenience) resulting in the line being continuously let out when you don’t want it to be OR jammed.  When and if the line jams and the contraption is ripped out of your hand, guess what happens?  Your dog was already taking off after something (or it wouldn’t have been yanked out of your hand) and now he has a plastic monster chasing after him.  It is scary to dogs when this happens, and many a canine has ended up on a “Missing” poster over it.

2)     Manners.  I can’t tell you how many times on how many different occasions (at how many different events, to the disillusion of how many people) I have seen someone’s dog 16 feet away from its owner wrapped around a display in a store, peeing on a table at an event, tying up another dog, “THIS CLOSE” to becoming dinner for another dog, in a completely different aisle or on a completely different STREET than the person holding the other end of the leash, jumping up, scratching, lifting their legs, wrapping up an exhibit, pulling down shelving… You see where I’m going with this.  “Manners” is also a nice way of saying this is yet another reason I can’t stand these things.  Safety may be more accurate, which brings me to:

Exhibit B:

Reason #3)    They are dangerous.  Notice the pictures that I have included thus far depict injuries to HUMANS.  Never mind the injuries to unfortunate dogs, including the BYSTANDERS.  I will again accede to the fact that it is probably POSSIBLE to use these things appropriately(?), responsibly, but I am gritting my teach while even typing out that sentence because I have such a bad taste in my mouth for these due to what I have consistently seen over the years.  I cannot recall ever once seeing somebody use one of these things responsibly… and I have seen a LOT of dog/human interactions (ya think? ;).Retractable (extendable… flexi… choose your word) leashes frequently cause injuries up to & including those in Exhibit B, adapted from Flexi’s own website.  (See picture on left.) I can already hear somebody arguing with me in favor of “Flexi” leashes by saying something like, “Well, I could say pit bulls frequently cause injuries up to and including the propaganda photos to my right” which is bullsh*t for many reasons and I will debunk that potential argument in another article. 4)     … and one of the more important reasons in my profession: retractable leashes send mixed (poor) communication signals to the dog.  There is ALWAYS tension on a retractable leash… ALWAYS.  The dog is aware of this, and this can have a SLEW of negative consequences, too innumerable to include all of them in this article, but teaching your dog to walk with tension on the leash  being the least of it.

And Reason #5:    The total lack of control any given owner has on one of these things leads to injuries to other dogs with unusual frequency. Even more so when there are multiple dogs on retractables.All three dogs were on leashes, but both of the attacking dogs were (1) larger  (2) on extendable leashes that were fully extended, leaving their owner with little control over them; (3) too large and strong for their owner to control both of them at the same time to begin with, [reliably on extendable leashes]. The other dogs’ owner should know better.  My friend had taken their dog outside for a poo, and suddenly around the corner  came the neighbor dogs at the ends of their leashes, their owner obviously not paying a great deal of attention to what her dogs might encounter out of her sight, running ahead of her as they were.  Even though she knew her dogs had attacked her dog just a few months’ previous, to the tune of over $300 in veterinary care.  This time was worse (& the vet’s bill reflects it).”

Exhibit C:

I did not actually include in these pictorial’s the injuries inflicted on dogs BY their own “Flexi” leashes.. I have knowledge of these through friends who work at vets’ offices and those injuries include: tail injuries resulting in amputation, lacerations down to the bone, injuries to tendons, torn skin (think inner thighs from leashes going under dogs), eye injuries, burns to the skin, etc.

In conclusion, I’d like to go on record as saying I can’t stand extendable/retractable/Flexi leashes.  I do not believe that they can be used 100% safely for the simple malfunction argument alone.  They do nothing to help in a typical dog’s training because of the constant tension on the collar.  They give the owner extremely limited control… to the potential physical detriment to both human & canine, as evidenced above.  They basically represent a gigantic percentage of what I feel is wrong with dog ownership these days; lack of: control, responsibility, understanding, and training.  Rant concluded.  Love it or hate it, thank you for reading.If you or someone you know have had your mind at all opened to my arguments here and would like assistance with your own dog, please contact us anytime at rrruffhouse.com we are always happy to educate and teach everyone who wants help.

Dog VS the bag

This is a mastiff named Guiness, he would say that he is a great protector of all things and takes great pride in keeping his house safe from intruders and all thing dangerous. Guiness weighs over 150 lbs and is a great source of comfort for his owner Ashleigh when she is away at work, she knows her house is safe and that nobody will get near the property, why? because guiness is a great guard dog and is big and strong and tough!! LOL

 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The scariest moment is always just before you start.

Six Household Products That are Not Dog Safe

Some Toxic Ingredients and Their Effects on People and Pets:

Ammonia – Used in many de-greasers for ovens, glass and stainless steel, ammonia has a very high VOC, burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. If it is mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas which can be deadly to small pets.

Chlorine – Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners and automatic dish detergent to name a few, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters. It can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting to laryngeal edema. Avoid this ingredient and be careful about letting your pet swim in the pool.

Glycol Ethers – Glycol ethers are found in many cleaning products that are not pet safe including glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removers. It has been linked to anemia, lung damage and kidney damage in people and pets.

Formaldehyde – The thought of a funeral home comes to mind when formaldehyde is mentioned and everyone can recognize the strong, nauseating smell. But it’s also used in products such as soaps and even some pet shampoos. It can contribute to asthma and is carcinogenic.

Some Cleaning Products That are Not Dog Safe

There are many, many cleaning products that are not safe for dogs on the market. Here are a few popular cleaners that contain some of the ingredients mentioned above as well as others:

Floor Cleaners – These include Pine Sol and Mr. Clean. Even if you manage to get all of the residue off the floor, the vapors linger and are dangerous to your pet. Try a non-toxic, pet safe cleaner instead.

Bathroom Cleaners – These include Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. Try a product such as Ecover Bathroom Cleaner instead. Never use a continuous toilet bowl cleaner such as Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It is very dangerous and the temptation to drink out of the toilet is a quirk in many of our pups.

All Purpose Cleaners – For use in the kitchen and around the house, the most common toxic all-purpose cleaners that scream “Danger!” are Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray and Formula 409.

Drain Openers – You may think that since this product is poured down the drain, it can’t be harmful to your pet. But the toxic drain openers give off dangerous fumes long after you’ve emptied them. For a non-toxic, pet safe option, try a product such as Earth Friendly Enzymes Drain Opener.

Glass Cleaner – It may seem that toxic glass cleaners are simpler products and are, therefore, safe but they are not. Instead of something like Windex, try a product such as Nature Clean Window and Glass Cleaner.

Laundry Detergent – It’s easy to assume that choosing a laundry detergent isn’t that important because the rinse cycle rinses it away. But there is residue left behind on clothes and pet blankets that can be harmful to your pet, especially those that chew on their bedding. Avoid detergents with toxic ingredients such as Tide and Cheer and try something like Down East’s Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Instead of using toxic cleaning products around the house, try one of the non-toxic and pet safe lines of cleaners. If you do decide to keep toxic cleaners, make absolutely sure they are put away. Put child safety locks on cabinet doors and put cleaners up as high as possible. Never use them when your pet is in the same room and air out the house after cleaning with them. Never leave any residue behind. But the warning signs are clear and you and your dog will be healthier and safer if you use cleaning products that are pet safe.

Dog Harness Vs Collars – How To Choose?

Are you having a dilemma on choosing a dog harness or a collar? Don’t get overwhelmed about deciding. There are so many different types of stylish dog collars and harnesses to choose from. This article will describe some of the ways on how to decipher on which one is right for your pet. We all love our best friend and want what’s best for them.

Let’s take a look at a Dog Harness

– A harness is designed to go over your dogs abdomen and chest area and then crossing over their back. One type is an “H” style which includes more padding for your best friend. This style helps distribute the weight evenly. The harness design is made to keep pressure off the neck and airway. It is made to protect their neck and back.

– Do you have a small dog or puppy? A dog harness is the way to go. When you have a puppy or small dog their necks and bones are fragile. With a harness you help them breath easier when on a leash.

– We all like taking our best friend for a walk or to the park. A dog harness will give you more control while walking and training him/her. Your dog can’t get out of a harness as easily as with a dog collar. While riding to the park some allow you to hook your best friend up to the seat belt. This will ease your mind by keeping them safe.

Some options for Collars for Dogs

There are many different types of collars. We will go through a couple of the most common types.

– Choker Chain Style: While using this type you can tug quickly on the chain so it tightens. Your dog will become alert and stop. This allows them to see what he is doing wrong and correct it. You should NEVER leave the chain on while unattended. And Never use if he/she has neck or throat issues.

– Quick Release collars for dogs are the most popular type. Made out of flat nylon with a plastic buckle. This allows for quick on and off of the collar. If you have a larger stronger dog it is recommended to use a standard buckle that is stronger. There are many stylish dog collars with the quick release. You have many options of colors, designs and sizes.

– When fitting the collar to your dog it is important that it fits properly. You should fit 2 finger widths between neck and collar. The collar should not slip over the ears. You don’t want it to big and have your best friend slip out of it while going for a walk.

When it comes time to choosing a dog harness or collars for dogs, see which one best fits your needs and theirs. Either way you decide make sure you put on their identification, rabies and license tags. Rather you decide on stylish dog collars or a dog harness, you want your best friend to be happy and obedient.

RAW HIDE, THE DANGERS OF GIVING THEM TO YOUR DOG

Rawhide is sold in just about every pet store – often in many different varieties. It’s a staple in most households with pets. Yet many blogs, organizations, and veterinarians warn that rawhide could not only be dangerous, it could actually be lethal. Here’s what you need to know before you give your dog rawhide.

What is rawhide? According toPet Planet, a franchise that prides itself on being well-versed in canine health, rawhide is the tough inner layer of bull, cow, water buffalo and horse hides. It is essentially a byproduct of the meat industry.

What are the dangers of rawhide? First of all, rawhide is not considered a food item. Thus, it is not covered by any labeling, processing, or content laws, and it may contain chemical preservatives. According to Associated Content, imported rawhide chews often contain toxins including arsenic, lead, titanium oxide, formaldehyde, chromium salts, mercury, cadmium and bromine. Even with the use of these highly questionable preservatives, the FDA reports that Salmonella has been detected in some of the imported chews. In the US and Canada, refrigerated trucks provide safer transport and the hides are generally only treated with hydrogen peroxide and a water rinse.

In addition to the chemical risk, rawhide can swell up to four times its original size in your dog’s stomach and cause life-threatening blockages. And dogs can chew off and swallow large pieces of rawhide which can get stuck in their esophagus, stomach, or intestines. This almost always requires surgical removal. In the terrible light of realizing too late, many dog lovers have postedwarnings and alternatives on their websites, like The Northeastern Boxer Rescue who lost a gorgeous dog named Maxwell because of a blockage caused by a rawhide chew.

The worst tragedies are the ones that can be prevented. If you must give your dog rawhide, make sure it was made in America. Choose one of the higher end brands and make sure it compliments your dog’s proportions and habits. For safety, monitor the chewing. Throw away the small, chewed down pieces.

Alternatives to rawhide: Or better yet, consider alternatives to rawhide like beef chews or rubber toys like the Kong (a delicacy when stuffed with peanut butter) or even the ingenious Antlerz, a chew made of deer antlers. They are long lasting, rich in minerals, and will not splinter during digestion.

Chewing is a very natural behavior for dogs. It helps keep the tartar from collecting on their teeth (preventing periodontal disease and dragon breath) and gives them immense satisfaction. There’s no need to take that away.

Do, however, chewse (you must have seen that coming!) wisely.

RRRUFFHOUSE IS EXPANDING AGAIN!

 

Meet Sherry, our newest staff member!! Welcome aboard

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce a new staff member to the rrruffhouse family! I have been working with this lady and her family for about a year now and she has become a valuable asset to our team. She was once one of my hardest students and once upon a time thought she was going to be the ” one ” case that was going to end my career as a dog trainer. I actually nick named her my ” BUT ” girl. Every time I would ask her to do something or asked why she had done what she had done there was always an excuse that started with the word BUT! After many, many months of me telling her that if she didn’t have a reality check the one thing she feared the most was going to happen, six months later it did! Her and I sat down and had a very honest heart tot heart where I explained that how she was treating her dog was going to bite her in the ass and now that it had we needed to try something different, MY WAY!  No longer was I going to allow her to give the BUT excuse, she was no longer going to treat her dog like a human being, and she was to put down and enforce some rules, boundaries and limitations, and she did! Not only did she finally understand what I had been telling her for almost a year, but now she understood why it was so important to do things my way. I am proud to say she has stuck to the rules and she has been firm with all the visitors entering the house and ensuring that they also were to follow the ” NEW TRAINING ” and she has been incredibly successful and I have seen such improvement with her, and how she handles a pack of dogs that I have now hired her for my Monday daycare days! So welcome aboard Sherry, hope you can handle it here ( I know you can ) and be careful what you ask for!! LOL

How to Keep Your Dog Busy and Happy

Most pet owners know that dogs need exercise. “A tired dog is a happy dog,” is a common theme among trainers and other professionals. Keeping your dog occupied, however, is more than just a physical requirement. Mental stimulation is just as important for a majority of dogs. Lacking proper physical and mental exercise, a dog is more likely to engage in problem behaviors such as digging, chewing and barking. You have several options for keeping your dog busy, whether you are together or away from your dog

Instructions

               Alone

1. • Fill a toy with treats for your dog. Some toys require the dog to work to get the items out while others dispense them as they roll around. These toys come in various shapes and sizes, and some can even be frozen to make your dog work harder.

   • Place treats throughout the house before you leave your dog alone. In the beginning, let it see where you are putting the items and when it approaches the food, say “Find it!” Soon, you can truly hide the treats and say “Find it” as you walk out, sending the dog on a scavenger hunt while you are gone

   • Rotate the toys that your dog has access to while you are away. Dogs get bored with the same options everyday, just as people do. Have one or two different toys for each day that you work. Your dog learns that it only has a short amount of time to play with it and is therefore more interested in it.

   • Fill a child’s pool with an inch or two of water if your dog remains outside while you are gone. Dogs enjoy playing in water and this can also keep them cool during hot weather.

     Together

     • Train your dog for 10 to 15 minutes each day. In addition to the mental stimulation, it provides a good opportunity to bond while you reinforce good behavior.

     • Teach your dog to shake or roll over. Any type of trick requires mental and sometimes physical exertion on your dog’s part.

     • Play a name game with your dog’s toys. Toss one of its toys just beyond reach and ask your dog to get it by name. Once it knows the name of the toy, add a second toy but still ask for the first. Reward your dog for fetching the proper one; then begin to ask for the other by name. Build this exercise up until you can use all of the toys at once.

     • Create an obstacle course in your yard. Use everyday items, such as tables, chairs, hula hoops and plant stakes, or purchase cones and play tunnels. Guide your dog on leash through the tunnels and cones and over or under the table and chairs until it understands the course on its own.

       Tips & Warnings

       •  Keep an eye on your dog’s toys to make sure they are still safe for chewing. Aggressive chewers should not have toys with small pieces that can be broken off and swallowed.

How to Keep Your Dog Busy and Happy

Most pet owners know that dogs need exercise. “A tired dog is a happy dog,” is a common theme among trainers and other professionals. Keeping your dog occupied, however, is more than just a physical requirement. Mental stimulation is just as important for a majority of dogs. Lacking proper physical and mental exercise, a dog is more likely to engage in problem behaviors such as digging, chewing and barking. You have several options for keeping your dog busy, whether you are together or away from your dog

Instructions

               Alone

1. • Fill a toy with treats for your dog. Some toys require the dog to work to get the items out while others dispense them as they roll around. These toys come in various shapes and sizes, and some can even be frozen to make your dog work harder.

   • Place treats throughout the house before you leave your dog alone. In the beginning, let it see where you are putting the items and when it approaches the food, say “Find it!” Soon, you can truly hide the treats and say “Find it” as you walk out, sending the dog on a scavenger hunt while you are gone

   • Rotate the toys that your dog has access to while you are away. Dogs get bored with the same options everyday, just as people do. Have one or two different toys for each day that you work. Your dog learns that it only has a short amount of time to play with it and is therefore more interested in it.

   • Fill a child’s pool with an inch or two of water if your dog remains outside while you are gone. Dogs enjoy playing in water and this can also keep them cool during hot weather.

     Together

     • Train your dog for 10 to 15 minutes each day. In addition to the mental stimulation, it provides a good opportunity to bond while you reinforce good behavior.

     • Teach your dog to shake or roll over. Any type of trick requires mental and sometimes physical exertion on your dog’s part.

     • Play a name game with your dog’s toys. Toss one of its toys just beyond reach and ask your dog to get it by name. Once it knows the name of the toy, add a second toy but still ask for the first. Reward your dog for fetching the proper one; then begin to ask for the other by name. Build this exercise up until you can use all of the toys at once.

     • Create an obstacle course in your yard. Use everyday items, such as tables, chairs, hula hoops and plant stakes, or purchase cones and play tunnels. Guide your dog on leash through the tunnels and cones and over or under the table and chairs until it understands the course on its own.

       Tips & Warnings

       •  Keep an eye on your dog’s toys to make sure they are still safe for chewing. Aggressive chewers should not have toys with small pieces that can be broken off and swallowed.

QUICK UPDATE THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE!

 

So where do I start as not to bore you? Well as many of you know that my big dog Daddy just over a week ago broke his back leg and has had surgery, well what you may not know is he is NOT allowed to walk too much for seven months ( UGH! ) so he is kinda depressed because his friends are out playing and he is not. Some of you may also know that we have a new boot camp dog in named Rusty, he is a Yorkie mix and a very friendly little guy and is about 10 pounds soaking wet ( if that? ) He has warmed our hearts here like no other dog, he goes into the yard with all the dogs ( almost 1000 pounds collectively ) and does not even flinch, he loves being down there getting to run and play. Rusty has never experienced this kind of dog yard ever before but acts like he grew up here! Last night Rusty did not want to go back out into the yard to play or pee and I didn’t know why, I thought it was a bit strange because he had been down there all day and loved it! In fact didn’t want to come in when called. Also the night before last, Rusty’s first night here he slept in his crate with his bed and blanket and we didn’t hear a peep out of him, but this morning he was crying in his crate so I looked in at him and thought maybe he needs to pee, so out we went. Nope! that wasn’t it either??? By this point Daddy was whimpering as well so I also took him to pee, nope! that was not what he wanted. I was tired and confused by this point so I brought Rusty out of the crate to come lay with me, Nope! He didn’t want me at all, ( strange because he follows me everywhere ) so I put him down on the floor. Rusty went straight to Daddy to see why he was whimpering, Daddy stopped!!! So did Rusty!! Well I was so impressed with little Rusty that I actually had a tear in my eye because he went and soothed Daddy in one minute and I have been trying and failing for seven days!!!!

 

So it has been several hours now that neither dog has been upset, Rusty does not want to go out and play today, he feels his job is to be Daddy’s body guard and new BFF!! they are inseparable today where ever Daddy lays down,  Rusty is right there. Rusty is the first dog Daddy has let near him since surgery, also Rusty has been washing Daddy’s face and ears and Daddy didn’t eat him!!!!!! That is a huge plus! I am not a religious person by any means, but I am I guess you could say……. spiritual, I don’t always under stand why things happen , but always know there is a reason whether I under stand that reason or not? Rusty was kind of a last minute boot camp dog, and I was really wondering if I should take him in so soon after Daddy’s surgery? I did for some reason, and felt good about bringing him in too. Maybe Rusty is here to make Daddy’s recovery this little bit easier?? Daddy is happy today, and has not been in over a week! Yes Rusty is in boot camp and learning all kinds of good things that he will be able to take home, but Rusty has taught me a thing or two as well. I always say ” it takes a good dog to teach another dog ”  well it took Rusty to teach this old dog ( me ) that sometimes I am not the fixer of all things, and although I was doing my best to make Daddy happy, I just wasn’t. It took this little dog, who is not part of his pack to put a smile on his face! Yup!! It took a dog to show me that it really does take a dog to teach another dog or simply, make him happy. Dogs never stop amazing me!! I LOVE MY JOB!!!!!!  Thanks Rusty!!