HOWARD COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL AND ADOPTION

HOUSE TRAININGAdapted from an articleby Jacque Schultz, ASPCAindividual preferences.CONFINEMENTn an ideal world, puppies come with A method that helps build bladder andsome house training. A new caretaker bowel control.has a fenced-in yard to which no otherdogs have access and a stay-at-home CLEANINGschedule that allows frequent potty A good enzymatic odor neutralizer totrips to that yard. Under these circum- clean up accidents.stances, most dogs are housebroken inonly a few weeks. However, most of us Puppies can control themselves roughlyone hour for each month of age, up tolive in the real world.10 hours. At three to four months, theyIn the real world, puppies may have can usually stay clean for six hours overspent time in an environment where night but soil more frequently during thethey became accustomed to lying in day. Three walks a day is fine for mosttheir waste, which makes training dif- dogs eight months or older.ficult. We may hold jobs that keep usaway from home for long stretches or Puppies thrive on routine, and thatlive in housing without fenced-in yards. means seven days a week. Establish setThe further a lifestyle varies from the feeding, walking and sleeping times. Goideal, the greater the challenge house- out the same door to the same placeat the same time.breaking is.IReal world house training requires a A puppy usually needs to eliminateafter waking, eating and exercising.strategy based on three components.Charting his output will help you predicthis needs.CONSISTENCYA consistent walking schedule catered For the first few weeks in a new home,to the dog’s developmental stage and a puppy may seem like he is constantly10

HOUSE TRAININGsoiling, but as he matures and devel- to be fed a quality food up to four timesops muscle tone, he will learn to control a day, as part of regular routine. Don’tleave food out all the time, and supplyhimself for longer periods.fresh clean water until a few hours beConfinement, preferably in a crate, fore bedtime.builds control by associating the pup’sdistaste for soiling in his special area During bathroom breaks outside, thewith soiling inside the house in general. pup should wear a leash and collar andA crate also provides your dog with a remain under your control. If you don’tsafe haven to escape to when he re- acclimate the pup to your presencequires quiet time of his own. Make sure while he’s relieving himself, you maythe crate always has clean bedding, create a dog that won’t soil in frontfresh water and a favorite toy, and of you but waits until he’s back in thenever use the crate as a form of punish- house and can disappear behind thesofa or under the dining room table.ment.Remember, it is unfair to crate a pup forlonger than he is physically able to control himself. In these cases, confine himto a small space, such as a bathroomor kitchen, with papers at one end anda bed and toys at the other. It slows thehousebreaking process, but it is the bestoption, short of hiring a pet sitter, if noone can be home with the puppy during an average workday.Do not allow puppies access to carpeting, especially wall-to-wall, when itnears time to eliminate, for they oftenreturn to and repeat accidents here.Should an accident occur, get outthe odor neutralizer immediately, andclean, clean, clean.Your dog is incapable of making anyconnection between a bad behaviorand a punishment if the punishmentFeeding a quality food to your puppy comes too long after the bad behavior.increases healthy growth and decreases the volume of waste. Puppies needCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE11

HOUSE TRAINING continuedIf you come home and find a mess, cleanit up. If your puppy is sniffing the floor,take him out. If your puppy is circling,take him out. When your puppy goes inthe correct place, praise him immediately. Relieving oneself shouldn’t be atraumatic experience for your dog.As for bedding, your dog must earn itby keeping his crate clean for approximately seven days. When he accomplishes that, add thin bedding, suchas a sheet or worn towel. If that staysclean, then add additional bedding.If the problem stems from behaviorPeople sometimes forget that dogs are learned before you adopted the dog,animals. The only way they’re going to you will probably need to work with alearn to become house trained is if you professional.help them understand exactly whatyou expect of them. This takes time and “My dog keeps me outside for hoursbefore he goes.”effort on your part.COMMON PROBLEMS“My dog eliminates in its crate.”There are two common causes for cratesoiling. First, the crate may be too large,thus allowing your dog to soil at oneend and rest in the other. Second, bedding in the crate may be acting like adiaper, wicking offensive waste away.If the crate is too large, reduce its sizewith a barrier that blocks off excessroom. The pup should have just enoughroom to stand up, turn around in a circle and stretch out.12Some people walk their pups just untilthey eliminate and then promptly turnaround and head for home. In no time,dogs learn that they can extend the funonly if they drag out the process. A walkshould be the reward for soiling. Whenyou leave your home, take your dogimmediately to a suitable toileting spot,such as a lamp post, patch of grass orcurb in front of a fire hydrant.It’s helpful if this is a spot other dogs use.Issue your potty command. Circle thespot with your dog for five minutes to 10minutes, at most.

HOUSE TRAINING continuedIf he urinates, praise and go play. If heholds, go right back in and crate him. Tryagain in 15 minutes. Before you know it,you should have a dog that will soil oncommand in his spot.“My dog was housebroken, but whenhe turned nine months old, he startedto urinate in the house.”As a male dog matures and begins tolift his leg, he marks his territory, leavingolfactory messages for other canines.Consider neutering the dog, since anunneutered male is more likely to engage in marking behavior than a neutered one.A well-timed verbal correction whenhe is lifting his leg is helpful, too. Confinement will once again be necessarywhen he is alone until the problem is resolved.13

LEASH TRAININGIn Howard County, dogs are requiredby law to be restrained by leasheswhen off the owner’s property. A leashis an excellent safety device to protectyour pet from traffic and unrestrainedanimals.It will prevent your dog from trespassingon neighbors’ property during your walk.It also keeps your dog from jumping upon children or adults you encounter,ensuring that your dog has the chanceto be properly introduced.A leash is a great identification tool,symbolizing that the dog has an owner,and enabling someone who sees theleash and identification tag attachedto the dog’s collar to find you if you andyour pet become separated.An added benefit is it keeps your dogfrom harassing deer, squirrels and otherwild animals.Use a leash every time you reward yourdog and you with fresh air, exercise andcompanionship.14

HEALTH: ALLERGIESJust because you or a new householdmember has allergies doesn’t meanyou must part with your canine. If you’reallergic to dogs, chances are you’re allergic to other things, too. Parting wayswith your dog will solve just part of theproblem.While allergies can’t be cured, they canbe managed. Below are some stepsyou can take. See an allergist. Make your goal clear:You intend to keep your pet. Too often,the dog is the most obvious target andthe doctor recommends removing thepet before looking for other possible irritants in the home. Insist on a thoroughscreening to reveal all of the allergensthat bother you. Don’t give up. Even if the tests showyou’re allergic to dogs, don’t be talkedinto giving up your dog immediately.Since allergic people are usually bothered by more than one thing, it’s the total allergen level that causes problems.If you can remove the other allergensin your home, your symptoms may decrease. Consider allergy shots. Pet allergiesare particularly responsive to thesetreatments. Breathe clean air. Invest in a good airpurifier with a HEPA filter. Putting an airpurifier in your bedroom and keepingthe pets out will help. Groom the dog. Brushing your dogdaily will reduce shedding. Give your dog a bath. Bathing dogs inlukewarm tap or distilled water reducesirritants found on their skin and coats. Feed them right. A high-quality dietthat includes some natural fat can prevent excessive hair loss. Adding a littlefat a few times a week reduces skin dryness and flaking. Wash your hands after handling yourdog.15

HEALTH: POISONOUS PLANTSCurious canines may try to nibble on or eat household plants. It’s important tobe aware of plants that are toxic to dogs so that you can prevent your petfrom becoming sick. If you must have these plants in the house, store them in areas where the dog does not have access. If your pet ingests any of these plants,call your veterinarian immediately. If possible, bring the plant with you to the veterinarian or animal hospital for identification.AlmondAmerican YewAngel’s TrumpetApricotBalsam PearBird of Paradise BushBittersweet WoodyBlack LocustButtercupCastor beanChina BerryCoriariaDaffodilDelphiniumDologetonEnglish HollyEnglish YewFoxglove16Ground CherryHorse ChestnutIndian TobaccoIndian TurnipJapanese PlumJasmineLarkspurLocoweedLupineMatrimony VineMay AppleMescal BeanMock OrangeMoonseedMoonweedMushrooms (if toxicto humans)NightshadeNux VomicaPoison HemlockPokeweedPrivetRain TreeRhubarbSkunk CabbageSoapberrySpinachSunburned PotatoesTomato VineWater HemlockWestern YewWild CherryWisteriaSource: AmericanKennel Club

HEALTH: POISONOUS FOODSSome foods that are considered good for people can be very dangerous forpets. The list below highlights some of the most common foods that can bedangerous to animals. This is not an exhaustive list, and any decision to provideyour pet with food not specifically intended for animals should be discussed withyour veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your pet ingests any of these foods, call yourveterinarian immediately.Alcoholic beveragesApple seedsApricot pitsAvocadosCherry pitsCandy (particularly chocolate and any candycontaining the sweetenerXylitol)CoffeeGrapesHopsMacadamia nutsMoldy foodsMushroom plantsMustard seedsOnions/onion powderPeach pitsPotato leaves and stemsRaisinsRhubarb leavesSaltTeaTomato leaves and stemsWalnutsYeast doughSource: Humane Societyof the United States17

HEALTH: KENNEL COUGHKennel cough in dogs is very similar tothe cold virus in humans. Don’t worry; humans cannot get kennel coughfrom their dogs. This disease is so common and is named “kennel” cough because wherever there are numbers ofdogs confined together in an enclosedenvironment, such as a kennel, animalshelter or dog show, the disease is muchmore likely to be spread.ally have no rise in temperature and donot lose their appetite. The symptoms ofkennel cough usually will last from sevento 21 days and can be very annoyingfor the dog and the dog’s owners.Life threatening cases of kennel coughare extremely rare, and a vast majorityof dogs that acquire the infection willrecover on their own with no medication. Cough suppressants and occaThe same is true with the common cold sionally antibiotics are the usual treatthat affects humans. All it takes for in- ment options.fection to spread is a single infecteddog, an enclosed environment and sus- Even in the most hygienic, well venticeptible animals in close proximity. In- lated, spacious kennels, the possibilityfected dogs can spread the organisms of a dog acquiring kennel cough exists.for days to weeks even after seeming to Kennel cough can be acquired fromyour neighbor’s dog, from a Championhave fully recovered!show dog at a dog show or from an aniKennel cough in dogs will stimulate mal hospital. There may have been ana coarse, dry, hacking cough about infected dog, unknown to anyone, thatthree to seven days after the dog is ini- acted as a source for other dogs in thetially infected. It sounds as if the dog kennel.needs to clear its throat, and the coughwill be triggered by activity or exercise. To try to prevent the spread of kennelMany dogs that acquire kennel cough cough within the Howard County Aniwill cough every few minutes, all day mal Control facility, all incoming dogslong. Their general state of health and are immediately vaccinated againstalertness will be unaffected; they usu- the virus.18

HEALTH: HEARTWORMSHeartworms are parasitic roundworms that are spread from oneanimal to another by mosquitoes. Whenthe mosquito bites an animal that is infected with heartworms, the mosquitocan then infect the next animal it biteswith heartworms.Heartworms take five to seven monthsto become adults and can start reproducing at that time. Heartworms live inyour dog’s arteries. They damage bloodvessels, reducing the heart’s pumpingability, and can cause severe lung andheart disease. It is important to get yourdog tested each year to make sure ithas not become infected with this disease.not an over-the-counter product. Ifyour dog becomes infected with heartworms, treatment is possible, however,it is a complicated and expensive process, taking weeks for recovery.At Howard County Animal Control &Adoption Center, all dogs over the ageof six months at the time of adoption aretested for heartworms. The result of thetest is recorded on your pet’s medicalhistory report. We highly recommendspeaking to your veterinarian and starting your new pet on heartworm prevention right away.Heartworm prevention is important tokeeping your dog safe. There are avariety of options for preventing heartworms, including daily and monthlytablets and chewables, monthly topicals and six-month injectable products.Heartworm prevention should be given as directed by your veterinarian.Make sure you are using a brand recommended by your veterinarian and19

HEALTH: RABIESRabies is a fatal disease that can oc- Howard County Animal Control.cur in nearly all warm-blooded animals, although rarely in rodents. It is not The law requires pet owners to continuously maintain current rabies vaccinapresent in birds or reptiles.tions for their pets.The rabies virus, which is present in infected saliva, enters at the site of a bite. The first rabies vaccine that your petSaliva on an open wound also consti- is given is effective for one year. Aftertutes exposure. The average incubation the first year, you will only need to giveperiod in dogs is two to eight weeks, but rabies vaccines every three years toit can be as short as one week or as long booster your pet’s immunity to the virus.as a year.Rabies is a very serious virus and is always fatal. Most companion animalsare exposed to the virus by interactionswith wildlife, which can include bats inthe home. Rabies is easily preventedin our pets by maintaining their rabiesvaccines.Maryland state law requires all dogs,cats and ferrets to be vaccinatedagainst rabies by the time they are fourmonths old.If your adopted animal is over fourmonths of age and in good health atthe time of adoption, a current rabiesvaccine has been administered by20

BEHAVIORS: BARKING & DESTRUCTIVENESSAdapted from articles by Suzanne Hetts, dog’s destructive behavior. Althoughoccasional destructive behavior is norHumane Society of Denvermal, persistent and severe destructiveanine behavior problems, such as behavior problems need to be resolvedbarking and destructiveness, are for both the dog’s and owner’s sake.not just frustrating to the pet’s own- Remember, dogs do not participate iners. They may also create tensions with destructive activities out of spite or revenge. They often behave destructiveneighbors.ly to relieve anxiety or as an outlet forDogs are vocal creatures and bark to excess energy.communicate. They may be warningoff what they perceive to be territorial Often, the same factors can contributeintruders. They may bark during play to barking and destructive behavior.or when they are afraid, frustrated or By studying your pet and his activities,bored. Barking can also become a way you may determine which one of theseof getting what they want, such as to be causes is to blame – and may find a solet in the house or to get attention from lution to your problem.owners. However, continual barking forlong periods of time, or in the middle of ATTENTION-SEEKING BEHAVIORthe night, or at everything that moves, Without realizing it, owners may pay theis a sign of a problem.most attention to their dogs when theyare misbehaving.Similarly, chewing, playing, exploring,and investigating are normal behaviors SOLUTION Dogs must receive positivefor dogs – especially puppies.attention and reinforcement for appropriate behavior.Because destructive behavior is socommon, it is reasonable to concludethat all dog owners should be preparedto lose something of value due to theirCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGEC21

BEHAVIORS: BARKING & DESTRUCTIVENESS continuedFEARS Fearful responses to thunder- ions for long time periods with nothingstorms and loud noises often involvebarking and escape attempts that result in destructive behavior. In thesecases, doors, door frames, window trimand screens and walls are often damaged. These problems can be especially dangerous because excessivelyfearful dogs may injure themselves attempting to break through windows ordoors to escape a feared situation.In the summer, dogs are often frightenedby thunderstorms and firecrackers. Carsbackfiring, garbage trucks and othersudden, loud noises may frighten dogs.Dogs will look afraid with ears back andtail down as they bark, and peoplewatching them may not be able to determine the cause of barking.to do, dogs often display frustration-relieving behaviors,

crating your puppy for a long period of time, a puppy need not be fed in the crate and will only upset a dish of wa-ter. Make it clear to children that the crate is not a playhouse but a special room for the puppy, whose rights should be recognized and respected. However, you should accustom the puppy from the start to letting you reach into the