A dog play bow is a friendly gesture that dogs typically use when they want to invite another dog to play. The gesture is made by lowering the front half of the body while keeping the rear end and tail up in the air. This position may also be accompanied by a wagging tail and an enthusiastic expression on the dog’s face.
When dogs bow to each other, they are essentially using a social interaction and inviting each other to play.
A play bow from a dog will usually present with body language of the dog keeping their rear end and tail in the air while lowering their front half down to the ground with their front legs extended. Typically, during play bows, the dog bows so low that it pushes their chest low to the ground which suggests at least a bit of submission towards the other dogs it is playing with. The dog may also have an enthusiastic expression and may be wagging their tail.
A bow from a dog is often considered a friendly gesture and is used when they want to invite another dog to play.
PLAY BOWS WHILE A DOG PLAYS WITH OTHER DOGS
While playing, a dog might use a bow to show their submission to the other dog. This is most likely to happen when the play gets too rough and one of the dogs wants to submit and end the playtime.
A DOG MIGHT USE PLAY BOWS AS A MEANS OF BEGGING FOR FOOD
A dog might also use a bow as a way of begging for food or attention from its owner. Begging bows are different from play bows, as the dog will keep its entire body low to the ground with its head down and its rear end in the air. This is a very different posture from a play bow, which has a more confident and relaxed feel to it.
If you have a pet who loves to play with other dogs and you notice frequently uses the play bow, you can learn a few things about them.
First off, the play bow typically suggests that your dog understands the social hierarchy of dogs or animals.
SOCIAL HEIARCHY
Maybe your pup is playing with an older pet and understands that his/her energy level is too high for that particular animal. In that case, the play bow suggests your dogs understanding of social hierarchy and is a way of showing an attempt of calming himself down with a play bow.
CONFIDENCE
Additionally, if your dog frequently uses the play bow while playing with other dogs, it’s likely that they are confident and secure in their own skin. This is a good trait to have in a pet!
PLAY SIGNALS
Lastly, if you see your dog using the play bow frequently, it possibly suggests that your pup is in tune with the different ways of play.
Some dogs get too rough when they play, not understanding or sitting back to watch the way in which other pets might desire to play.
But using a play signal like a play bow allows pets to gain a better understanding of the type of play their furry friend is looking for.
BOWING AS AN INVITATION TO PLAY: HOW TO DO A DOG PLAY BOW
Dog tail in between legs: dog tails tell the story of how they feel. If your dog’s tail is in between their legs, this usually means they are feeling scared or submissive.
Sometimes, a dog will also tuck their tail if they are in pain. If you see your dog with their tail in between their legs, take note of their body language and try to comfort them if possible.
One of the most common ways that dogs communicate is through their tails. When a dog’s tail is held low and between their legs, it usually means they are feeling scared or submissive. This is often seen when a new dog meets another dog for the first time, or when they are being scolded by their owner.
So, how can you determine what canine body language means what and whether your dog’s tail is something to be alarmed at?
DOG TAIL IN BETWEEN LEGS: RED FLAG OR NOT A BIG DEAL?
A dog with a tail between their legs is usually a sign for something. But, what is it a sign for?
That is the biggest question for dog owners.
A dog’s tail position is one of the biggest giveaway’s to how they are feeling.
Traditionally, pet owners have always thought that if a dog is feeling happy, their tail will be high up in the air and wagging back and forth. If they are feeling scared or submissive, their tail will be low to the ground and between their legs.
However, pet experts have researched tail behavior in many different dog breeds and allowed us to learn more about our canine companion in relation to the ‘tale’ that the dog tail tells.
WHAT DOES A DOG TUCKING ITS TAIL BETWEEN THEIR LEGS USUALLY MEAN?
Typically, a dog’s tail position tucked between their legs, a lowered tail, or a tail tucked slightly below their body means that the dog is feeling insecure.
The dog might have been frightened by other dogs or experiencing an unfamiliar environment. The tail between their legs is a distinct body language from your furry friend that the dog is showing submission, fear, anxiety, or feeling uncomfortable.
As a dog owner, if you see your dog with their tail between their legs, have a look at the environment around you and see if you can determine what it might be to cause your dog’s tail to tuck under their hind legs. You might be surprised at how tail positions can help you understand your dog better.
HOW CAN WE GET TO KNOW OUR DOG BETTER BY UNDERSTANDING THEIR TAILS?
The many dog tail positions have a lot to speak to dog owners about.
A dog’s tail tells it’s owner whether it is feeling ashamed, whether it is enjoying it’s new environment, and can even be clues as to a dog’s behavior.
DOG BODY LANGUAGE AND TAILS
A TUCKED TAIL: A dog’s tail tucked typically is a classic example of dogs who are showing fear, submission, or a general discomfort.
A WAGGING TAIL: A wagging tail does not always mean a happy dog. In fact, a dog could be wagging its tail because it is feeling threatened or even aggressive. If you see a dog with its tail high in the air and stiff, this is usually a sign that the dog is feeling dominant or aggressive.
A TALL BUT NOT STIFF TAIL: A dog tail that is held slightly upward but not stiff or outward might be representing a dog who is feeling confident and alert.
A HAPPY AND LOW TAIL WAG: A dog wagging its tail low to the ground and in a relaxed manner is usually a good sign that the dog is feeling content and happy.
A SUDDEN TAIL TUCKED: A dog that suddenly tucks its tail can be a sign that they are about to do something mis
A LIMBER TAIL: A tail that is hanging limply or appear to be broken can be a sign of pain or injury in your furry friend If you see your dog with a limp tail, it’s best to take them to the vet right away as Limber Tail Syndrome can be very painful.
Dogs communicate a lot through their tails, and as a pet owner, it’s important to be able to understand what your dog is trying to communicate with their dog wags and tail tucks.
Not all dog breeds will have the same ‘rules’ of dog tail communication.
For example, there is a big difference in tails between a dog bred for hunting, like a Labrador Retriever, and a dog bred for herding, like an Australian Cattle Dog.
Dogs that were bred for hunting typically have tails that are used as a rudder when swimming and help them to change directions quickly when running after prey. This is why many hunting dogs have tails that are long, strong, and thick.
On the other hand, dogs that were bred for herding typically have tails that are shorter so that they do not get in the way when running and working. Additionally, herding dogs often have docked tails, which is when the tail is shortened surgically, in order to avoid injury while working.
Other dogs, like terrier breeds, were bred to work underground in dens and burrows. For these dogs, having a long tail would be more of a hindrance than a help. This is why many terrier breeds have naturally short tails or docked tails.
French Bulldogs will have a tail that is naturally short due to their genetics, while a Poodle’s tail will be curly due to years of breeding.
Knowing the difference in dog tails can help you understand why your dog wags their tail the way they do and can also be helpful in deciphering what your dog is trying to communicate.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics of dog tail communication, let’s take a look at some of the different tail positions and what they might mean.
If your dog’s tail is wagging back and forth rapidly, this usually means they are happy and content.
If your dog’s tail is tucked under their hind legs, this usually means they are feeling threatened or aggressive.
If your dog’s tail is stiff and held up high in the air, it usually means they are feeling dominant or confident.
If your dog’s tail is hanging limply, this might be a sign that they are in pain or injured and you should take them to the vet right away.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS IT’S TAIL TUCKED AROUND OTHER DOGS
If you notice your dog has his or her tail tucked around other dogs, it could or could not be a problem.
Do you think that your dog is afraid? Do you think your dog is experiencing anxiety? If you think so, then you might want to make some changes so that your dog feels confident around its canine friends.
If you don’t think that your dog is afraid or anxious, then it’s possible that they are just being polite. In the canine world, it’s considered rude to go nose-to-nose with another dog, so they may be showing a tail slightly tucked as a behavior when they are around many dogs or in a new environment as a way of keeping bad behavior at bay.
It is not inherently a bad behavior for dogs to have tails between their legs, so keep that in mind when determining whether their tail is implicative of something that you might need to make changes to.
MY DOG HAS THEIR TAIL TUCKED BETWEEN THEIR LEGS WHEN NEW PEOPLE COME OVER
If your dog tucks their tail between their legs when they have house guests, the odds are they might be showing behavior that is signaling some fear of new people.
Look for different signs of anxiety to determine if your dog has social anxiety when others come over such as cowering, hiding, or pacing. If your dog is displaying any of these behaviors in addition to tail tucking, then it’s likely that they are feeling overwhelmed and might benefit from some behavior modification training to help them feel more comfortable around visitors.
If your dog only has their tail slightly tucked when new people come over and they are not displaying any other signs of anxiety, then it is likely that they are just being polite and no action needs to be taken.
In either case, if you are concerned about your dog’s behavior around new people, it never hurts to consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian to get their opinion and help you create a plan to make your furry friend feel more comfortable.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now that you know a little bit more about dog tails and their positions, you can start to decipher what your dog is trying to tell you.
Remember, every dog is different and will communicate differently, so it’s important to get to know your furry friend and what their unique tail wags mean. With a little time and patience, you’ll be reading your dog’s tail like a pro in no time!
Whale eye is NOT your dog looking like a whale, although that might be a simpler explanation. Whale eyes in dogs are just one of many parts of a complex web of dog behavior.
Whale eye in dogs is something that happens to a dog’s eyes when they are feeling threatened, feeling anxious or afraid, or for a variety of other reasons.
Whale eyes happen in a dog’s eye when the white part of the eye, called the sclera, becomes more visible. This happens when the dog’s third eyelid (nictitating membrane) partially covers the eye. Whale eye can also happen when a dog’s head is turned away from you, and you can see the whites of their eyes.
When a dog exhibits whale eye, it’s often a sign that they are feeling uncomfortable or threatened. It can also be a sign that a dog is about to bite, although not all dogs who show whale eye will bite.
WHY DOES WHALE EYE HAPPEN IN DOGS?
There are many reasons why a dog might exhibit whale eye.
Dogs communicate fear, stress, worry, or feelings of being upset or tense with their body language.
Dog body language can be tricky to figure out, but if humans educate themselves on what dog body language is trying to convey, they can identify whale eyes as well as other signals of fear or stress more easily.
COMMON REASONS YOUR DOG MAY BE SCARED OR TENSE
If you notice your dog feeling stressed out more often than relaxed, it’s time to evaluate the reasons why they may feel threatened.
Dogs fear a variety of different things, but some common triggers for a fearful dog include:
Other dogs
Other humans / strangers
A person they might not know well
The Veterinarian
A child who they don’t know / kids who are not respecting boundaries
Loud noises
New situations
The car
Many dogs will show signs of being stressed far before their owners will notice, so it is crucial to pay attention to your dog and their behavior to determine whether they are uncomfortable.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG IS SHOWING SIGNS OF BEING ANXIOUS?
WHY DOES WHALE EYE GIVE US SO MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DOG?
Whale eyes in dogs helps us to better understand the way in which a dog sees the world.
Whale eyes in dogs is a sign of many things, some of which may be stress related.
If your dog has whale eye, and you notice a ‘whale eye look’, you might notice the whites of his eyes are visible, and his third eyelid may be partially covering the eye. The dog’s head might be turned away from you, so you can see the whites of their eyes.
WHY DOES WHALE EYE IN DOGS MEAN THE DOG IS SCARED?
The reason that true whale eye happens in dogs is because the dog is paying attention in an extreme way, they are attentive to whatever is happening and the whites of his eyes have become extremely large and wide, making the colored part seem smaller. The dog’s attention is zeroed in on whatever it might be that they are nervous of.
The dog will most likely turn its head towards the current situation, or try to walk away. When the dog relaxes, the fearful whale eye will most likely go away.
SIDE EYE VS. WHALE EYE
Dogs with whale eyes often have a scared or worried expression.
Dogs with side eyes often have a predatory or aggressive expression.
It is important to be able to distinguish between the two, as they can mean very different things.
A PREDATORY STARE vs A FEARFUL STARE
A fearful stare is when a dog’s pupils are dilated, and they are trying to make themselves as small as possible. A predatory stare is when a dog’s pupils are constricted, and they are making themselves look as big as possible.
A fearful dog will have their ears back, possible closed mouth with lip licking, their tail between their legs, and they may be shaking. A predatory dog will have their ears up and forward, their mouth open with teeth showing, and their tail may be wagging.
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOUR DOG WHO IS DEMONSTRATING WHALE EYES?
Luckily, there are things we can do to treat anxiety in a dog. If you notice whale eyes or other signs of dog communication of anxiety, you can work on helping your pup with a few simple solutions.
FIND THE CAUSE OF THE DOG BEING NERVOUS
The first step is to find out what is causing your dog stress or anxiety.
Is it a particular person? Other dogs? The car? Once you have determined the trigger, you can begin working on a plan to help your dog feel more comfortable.
AVOID THE SITUATION THAT IS TRIGGERING YOUR PUP
If your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid situations where he will be around them. If the trigger is the car, then don’t take him for car rides until you have worked on helping him feel more comfortable.
USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
When your dog is not displaying signs of uncomfortability or anxiety, provide him with positive reinforcement in the form of treats, petting, or verbal praise. Using a treat or their favorite food, you can help your pup to understand that the situation is a positive one. This will help him to associate good things with the situation that is causing him stress.
There are many products on the market that can be added to your dog’s food or supplement regiment to help them remain calm.
Consider pet CBD for your fur baby, or speak to your veterinarian about a pet prescription that could help them with their worries.
CHANGE UP THEIR DIET
Diet impacts everything and gut health can make an impact on the way your dog is feeling.
If you think your dog may be experiencing fear and anxiety, switching up their diet to include more whole/raw foods could help their overall gut health.
Whale eye is a sign of fear or stress in dogs, and is often seen when a dog is feeling threatened.
By understanding the various reasons for whale eye and differentiating between them, we can help our dogs to feel more comfortable in situations that may cause them stress.
We can also avoid putting our dogs into situations that are known to trigger their anxiety or fear.
If you think your dog may be experiencing anxiety, there are many things you can do to help them feel more comfortable.
Most importantly, remember to be patient and understanding with your dog. They are not purposely trying to stress you out, and with a little love and patience, you can help them to overcome their anxiety.
Many dogs will show anxiety to their human with behavior signals. A frightened dog will have red flags over its entire body. But, humans often overlook these signals in their dogs because us humans don’t always know what to look for.
When dog owners become educated on what a stressed out dog looks like, they can solve conflicts with their dog before the conflict even begins.
So, it makes sense to become more in tune with dog body language and behavior so that you can understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON STRESS SIGNALS IN DOGS
Although many dogs show their anxiety in stressful situations in different ways, most dogs will demonstrate these signals in some common behavior.
Sniffing the ground– A dog shows nerves when they can’t seem to escape a situation and starts sniffing the ground as a means to escape the current situation.
Whale eyes– A dog’s eyes will get big and round when they are stressed. The whites of their eyes will be more prominent as their pupils dilate.
Lip licking– When a dog licks their lips excessively, it’s a sure sign that they are stressed.
Shaking– A dog that is shaking or trembling is trying to release the built up anxiety they are feeling.
Panting– Dogs will start to pant when they are feeling anxious or stressed.
Head turning– A head turn is often a dogs way of attempting to remove their entire body from a situation. This dog is turning away in order to show peaceful intentions, but demonstrate to their social groups that they are uncomfortable with the current situation.
Freezing– When a dog is feeling scared or threatened, they may “freeze” in place as a survival mechanism.
Nose licking– Dogs will often lick their nose when they are unsure of a situation.
Tail tucking– A dog that is tucking its tail is feeling scared.
Play Bowing– A play bow can be a calming signal when a dog is around other dogs that it might not feel comfortable with. A play bow is used when a dog may try to show other dogs that it does not want to fight.
Walking Slowly / Slow Movements– Moving slowly can be a dogs way of showing that it is not a threat and does not want to fight.
All of these signals are your dog’s way of communicating with you that it is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be able to recognize these signs so that you can help your furry friend feel more comfortable in stressful situations.
When a dog yawns, it might be trying to calm another dog that is getting too excited. Nose licking can also be a calming signal, and it’s often seen when two dogs are greeting each other. If a dog starts panting heavily, it might be a sign of stress or anxiety.
Lip licking can also be an anxious behavior, as the dog is trying to soothe itself by licking its own lips. Tail wagging can mean different things depending on the context. If the tail is held high and wagged stiffly, it may be a sign of aggression. However, if the tail is wagged loosely with a relaxed body, it usually indicates happiness.
Dogs also use eye contact to communicate. Their gaze can convey a range of emotions, from love and affection to fear and aggression. By understanding these common stress signals in dogs, we can better interpret their behavior and respond in a way that will help to keep them calm and comfortable.
COMMON STRESS TRIGGERS FOR DOGS
Dogs can have some unusual fears. Maybe your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, or perhaps he’s terrified of going for car rides. But there are some more common triggers that can cause stress in dogs.
One of the most common triggers is changes in routine. If you usually take your dog for a walk in the morning, but one day you have to leave for work early and can’t take him, he may become anxious. Dogs can also be stressed by changes in their environment, such as a move to a new house or the arrival of a new baby in the family.
LOUD NOISES
Loud noises, such as thunderstorms or fireworks, can also be stressful for dogs. You may notice your dog giving off more calming signals on the 4th of July than other normal and quieter days.
Unfortunately, you might notice your dog is afraid of people or kids. They might use signals like tail tucking or retreating when you have small kids nearby them, or they might bark when strangers walk by your house. Socialization is important for puppies, so if your dog didn’t have a lot of exposure to different people and situations when he was younger, he may be more fearful as an adult.
For some, it might be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your dog’s fear. Maybe they are using dog calming signals more often than usual, but you can’t seem to figure out why. In these cases, it’s possible that your dog is just feeling stressed in general. Dogs can have bad days too!
If you notice your dog is displaying any of these common stress signals, try to remove him from the stressful situation if possible. Crate training is a fantastic way to help your dog remain calm, feel safe and secure, and reduce stress in general. If you can’t remove your dog from the situation, try to provide some distractions, like a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or dog treats.
And always remember to consult with your veterinarian if you think your dog may be suffering from anxiety or stress.
WHAT IS A CALMING SIGNAL IN DOGS?
Dog’s use calming signals to show that they are feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. Yawning, sniffing the ground, and lip licking are all examples of calming signals.
These signals are your dog’s way of communicating with you that it is feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed. As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to be able to recognize a dog’s calming signals as they are many dog’s only communication system.
ARE THE USE OF CALMING SIGNALS IN DOGS A GOOD THING OR BAD THING?
When dogs use calming signals, the dog is attempting to show humans and other dogs that it is not a threat and does not want to fight. Play bowing is a good example of this, as the dog is essentially saying “I come in peace!”
While the use of calming signals is generally a good thing, it’s important to be aware that some dogs may use them excessively out of fear or anxiety.
When your dog sees an approaching dog and you notice lip licks, whole body shaking, or other dog calming signals that are implicative of fear, it is crucial that you take note of their anxiety of unfamiliar dogs before it turns into aggressive behaviors.
A DOG DISPLAYING CALMING SIGNALS WHEN IT FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE
Dogs communicate their feelings and moods through their body language. calming signals are one way that dogs do this. When a dog feels uncomfortable, they may use calming signals to try to defuse the situation and make themselves feel better.
Common calming signals include licking their lips, averting their gaze, and yawning. If you see a dog doing any of these things, it’s important to give them space and not try to force them to interact with you or other dogs. By respecting a dog’s calming signals, you can help to prevent potential aggressive situations from occurring.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE A DOG DISPLAYING SIGNS OF STRESS
Dogs communicate their emotional state through a combination of facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations. When a dog is experiencing stress, they may display some or all of the following signs: rapid breathing, panting, drooling, yawning, lip licking, pinning their ears back, wide eyes, tense muscles, and a stiff posture. Dogs may also try to get away from the source of their stress by pacing, shaking off, or hiding.
If you notice your dog displaying any of these signs of stress, it’s important to take action to help them relax.
HAVE A LOOK AT YOUR DOG’S ENVIRONMENT
First, take a close look at their environment.
Are there any potential dangers that could be causing them to feel stressed? For example, is there another dog in the area that they don’t get along with? If so, try to remove your dog from the situation.
HOW ARE YOU INTERACTING WITH YOUR DOG?
Secondly, think about how you’re interacting with your dog. Are you being too forceful or demanding? Dogs can sometimes pick up on our own stress levels, so it’s important to remain calm and relaxed around them.
PROVIDE PLENTY OF REST AND RELAXATION TO DECOMPRESS FOR YOUR DOG
Finally, make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to rest and relax in their own space. A tired dog is often a stressed dog, so provide them with a cozy bed and some quiet time each day. By taking these steps, you can help your furry friend stay calm and relaxed in even the most stressful situations.
WHY DO DOGS PANT WHEN THEY ARE STRESSED?
Just like a dog begins showing calming signals at the onset of other stressful situations, panting is one way that many dogs can try to relieve their stress.
Panting is a normal, physiological response that helps to regulate a dog’s body temperature. However, when a dog pants excessively, it can be a sign that they are feeling overheated or stressed.
If you notice your dog panting more than usual, take a close look at their environment and make sure they are not in a situation that is too hot or humid. If the temperature seems fine, then try to provide them with some calm, relaxing time to see if their panting subsides.
WAYS TO HELP PREVENT YOUR DOG FROM EXPERIENCING STRESS
Dogs are social animals that thrive when they’re part of a social group. However, potential conflict can arise when dogs meet, which is why it’s important to socialize your dog from an early age.
PUPPY SOCIALIZATION IS KEY FOR CANINE COMMUNICATION
Puppy socialization classes are a great way to introduce your dog to other dogs in a controlled setting, and they can also help you learn how to read your dog’s body language and prevent aggression.
Socializing older dogs is still possible, but it may take more effort. Attending dog parks or arranging playdates with friends’ dogs are good ways to help your dog socialize.
You can also try attending training classes together or going for walks in new places. In any social situation, it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s body language and be aware of potential signs of stress.
If you see any signs that your dog is uncomfortable, make sure to remove him from the situation and provide a calm environment for him to relax in. Remember, socializing your dog doesn’t just benefit him – it also helps you create a stronger bond and a better relationship with your furry friend.
HIRING A TRAINER TO HELP YOUR DOG
If you notice your dog gets anxiety when another dog approaches, they are making intense eye contact with your neighbor when they cross paths, or you are seeing sweaty paws when you have guests visit, it could be time to hire a dog trainer to help you navigate these signals.
Dog trainers who are qualified in behavior have the skills to help you understand what your dog is trying to communicate and how you can better manage the situation.
A professional trainer can also offer guidance on how to socialize your dog and provide helpful tips on preventative measures you can take to reduce stress in your dog’s life.
IS YOUR DOG DISPLAYING BEHAVIOR THAT SHOWS THEY ARE NERVOUS OR STRESSED?
All of this evidence points to the fact that we need to be very aware of our dogs’ stress levels and take steps to reduce them.
Dogs communicate their stress primarily through body language, so it’s important for us as their guardians to be able to read these signals. If you see your dog displaying any of the signs of stress listed above, it’s crucial to remove him from the situation immediately.
You can also help reduce your dog’s overall stress by providing plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.
The Dexas Petware Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner was built for your dog’s muddy paws that you just can’t get clean fast enough as they barge back into your house from a (wet) afternoon adventure. But, does it actually work?
I put the dexas mudbuster to the test with my large dogs as well as with my tiny dog to see if this paw washer was really worth the hype.
WHAT IS A DEXAS PETWARE MUDBUSTER PORTABLE DOG PAW CLEANER?
Have you ever taken your dog for a walk, only to come home and realize your pup’s paws were absolutely disgusting?
And it always seems to be directly after I have vacuumed or mopped.
I don’t know about you- but I have 3 Great Danes (and one little who seems to like tagging along). Incase you’re as bad at math as I am- that is 16 dog paws. It’s nearly impossible to keep my dog’s paws clean.
So, as we entered into the wet, winter season, I wanted to find a muddy paw cleaner that actually works, and that is when I saw the mud buster and decided to give it a try.
MUDBUSTER PAW CLEANER
The Dexas Mudbuster Portable Dog Paw Grooming Tool is a ‘paw plunger’ with thick silicone bristles inside meant to gently loosen mud for easy gleaning of dogs paws.
Convinced? I wasn’t either. But heres a video incase you still don’t understand how it’s supposed to fix your dog’s paw.
SIZES
I have larger dogs than most, so I purchased the Large Dexas Mudbuster Portable Paw Washer- but it also comes in a medium mudbuster and a small for smaller dogs.
However, I think that medium sized dogs would be able to use both the medium size paw washer as well as the large, but it would depend on your dog’s paw size on whether they would work better with the medium or large mudbuster.
So ANYWAYS- I closed my computer, gathered all 16 dogs- I mean 16 dog paws, and we went out in search of some dirty water, dirt, mud, or messes.
(Side note: why is it that whenever you’re looking for mud or dirt, it seems nonexistent?)
EXPERIMENT STEP PART 1: FIND MUD AND LATHER THOSE CLEAN FEET
Well, the Dexas Mudbuster portable dog is making some large claims here- so I had to bust back with some even larger dirt.
We headed out to put the mud buster to the test.
A DIRTY PAW (OR 16)
Once we found some dirt, I let my dogs do what they do best. They played, they ran, they dug and they got those paws dirty.
MMMM…. Nothing better than muddy paws. Photo evidence of my Great Danes living their BEST DAY EVER below…
Then, we set off to show those paws who was boss.
GETTING THE DOG PAW CLEANER READY TO CLEAN THE DOG’S PAWS
The paw cleaner is pretty simple. All you need is to the following:
A Dexas Mudbuster Paw Washer
Some warm water
Possibly a few drops of doggie shampoo or soap (depending on how dirty your dog is)
Something to towel dry your dog after (depending on where you buy your paw cleaner- some of them come with a little towel to wipe dry your dog after you clean their paw)
A dirty dog (that one comes separately) but if you need one- feel free to come take mine.
FILLING THE PAW WASHER WITH WARM WATER TO CLEAN MY DOG’S DIRTY FEET
When you are ready to clean your dog, go ahead and fill the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw washer with some warm water.
I would say that the largest size Dexas mudbuster holds about 1-2 cups of water inside.
Fill her up and get your dog ready to stick their muddy paw inside.
WASHING THE MUD OFF MY DOG’S PAWS
Once the Dexas Mudbuster is ready to go- it’s time to clean those muddy paws.
Taking one paw at a time, put your dog’s paw inside. Remember that the Mud buster features thick silicone bristles inside, so you don’t really have to do much scrubbing.
Just simply move the dog paw around in a slight motion so that the soft bristles begin to remove dirt and other debris from the dog paw.
Once you are sure that the paws touched the external silicone brush enough to result in some clean paws, remove the dog paw and have a look at your results.
WHAT I NOTICED RIGHT OFF THE BAT
When I took the first dog paw to the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw cleaner, I was actually way more impressed than I thought I was going to be.
The silicone brushes on the inside of the Dexas Mudbuster Portable dog paw washer actually DID make a dent on the cleanliness of my dog and it’s paw.
Her muddy paw, although not ‘sanitized’ per say, was cleansed of all visible dirt/grime/mud and after a quick paw dry with a cloth, I felt comfortable with her walking into the house and knew she wouldn’t be tracking in paw prints. (After I did the same with the other paws)
But, I then faced a bit of an obstacle. Read on…
THE WATER EXPERIMENT:GETTING CLEAN AND DIRTY WATER CHANGED OVER
I wanted to really understand just how much the dog paw washer was helping, so I decided to check out the mudbuster to see how dirty the water was after cleansing just one paw.
As you can see it was PRETTY GROSS.
So, I am unsure of if I am supposed to continue using the gross dirty water on every single one of my dogs paws (I’m aware I have more than the average amount of paws living in my home) or if I am/should empty it out between every single dog paw.
I guess the determining factor would be whether or whether not a dog paw caused the water to be too dirty to the point that it might affect the further easy cleaning of the future paws.
HOW LONG DOES THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER TAKE TO CLEAN PAWS
Well, I can guarantee you are not more lazy than me!
Well, just kidding. But, I do NOT like spending time on unnecessary things.
I’ve used paw wipes before- and by the time we’re through, the entire bag of wipes is in the trash, the paws are still dirty and it’s an hour later.
So, it was really important to me to find a paw cleaner that myself and other pet parents can use not only effectively but also quickly.
I think this has to be one of (if not the single) quickest of all dog paw washers I have ever used.
I had all 16 paws cleaned within just 10 minutes, which may not seem fast to you- but to me: ten minutes = fast and easy cleaning for 4 dirty dogs and their paws.
NEXT STEP: CLEANING THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER
I was NOT able to find any information on whether the dog paw cleaner itself was dishwasher safe. I did find some Amazon reviews stating that they stuck the cup portion of their dog paw cleaner into the top rack of the dishwasher- but not confirmed whether or not that would be safe for the silicone bristles.
I simply just took some soap and rinsed it out in the sink. Seemed to work just fine and I did not want to take the risk of having the bristles unroll or melt.
DO I LIKE THE MUDBUSTER DOG PAW CLEANER?
In the end, I did not expect to say this, but I really did like the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner.
With 4 dogs, 4 messes everywhere we go, and a really small house- I sometimes feel like I’m going to spend my entire day and life cleaning.
However, the large was perfectly sized to clean my dogs paws and it was easy to use.
It’s an easy to grip tumbler that would be easy to throw in a backpack or in your car to keep your car free of mud or dirt stains as well.
The silicone bristles are stronger than I felt they would be but still soft on their feet and left no scratches.
Overall, I felt that this product was significantly better and easier than even the best wipes I have found in the past.
PRO TIP: DOG ALLERGIES
I read once that if your dog is struggling with environmental contact allergies, one of the most simple things you can do is to rinse their feet every time you come inside from a walk.
Well, when my Great Dane, Birdie, was having a few issues with her paws irritating her last summer I set out on the mission to do so.
Seems easy enough right? Wrong, because nothing is as easy as it sounds.
It actually was pretty challenging to get her feet rinsed every single time we came inside because I didn’t want to just toss the concoction I was making for her little foot rinse/soak every time we used it, but the tub of water I was using was getting pretty gross after the repeat uses.
This is when the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner came in clutch because it allowed me to quickly rinse her feet without any water spilling everywhere or her getting her feet gross.
With the mudbuster, I think it would make it easier for dog owners to add things like aloe vera or a hypoallergenic soap to the mixture and quickly rinse allergens off of their dogs feet after a walk outside. Most dogs should have their feet cleaned regularly, but dogs with allergies it really does help to do it after every single time they come in contact with seasonal allergies like grass.
IN THE END
To conclude, I really liked the Mudbuster dog paw cleaner and I would definitely recommend it to other pet parents who are looking for an easy and effective way to clean their dogs feet.
I think it’s a great size, easy to use, and doesn’t take up a lot of space which is important in my small house.
If you have a lot of dogs or big dogs, I think this would be an especially great tool to have because it’s big enough to accommodate multiple feet at once. (I think works great for medium dogs or small as well)
It’s also affordable which is important for pet parents on a budget.
I hope you found this review helpful and that it gave you some insight into whether or not to purchase this item.
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best flooring for dogs. Many dog owners don’t even realize that there are such things as ‘pet friendly flooring’ vs. non pet friendly floors.
However, the last thing you want to be doing is getting new flooring right after you replace your entire floor. So, that is why it is important to look at all flooring options before you make the big decision.
WHAT CONSTITUTES THE ‘BEST FLOORS FOR DOGS’?
In this article, we will take a look at the best pet friendly flooring options for any pet owner.
We will look at the best dog friendly flooring for the following categories:
Scratch Resistant
Resisting Pet Grime and Stains
Moisture Resistant / Waterproof Flooring
Mildew Resistant
Solid Wood vs. Laminate Floors
Stain Free Carpet and Flooring
Best Flooring for Pet Hair / Pet Fur
Which is the best flooring to keep your dog safe?
WHAT CONSIDERATIONS SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT BEFORE CHOOSING FLOORING OPTIONS?
Before you decide on the right flooring for you and your family, you should have a good, long look at the pet in front of you.
Do you have a senior dog? Do you have a puppy? How many dogs do you have living in your house?
Do you have other pets as well? Each one of these factors will play a role in choosing the best flooring for dogs.
Some factors to think about before making your final decision:
Size of your dog: A big dog will do more damage to floors than a small dog, simply because they are bigger and heavier. Their nails are also likely to be larger and damage could be harder on traditional hardwood, for example.
Age of your dog: A puppy’s nails are sharp and they like to chew on things. They will also have accidents. An older dog’s nails are not as sharp and they are less likely to chew on things or have accidents.
Number of dogs: If you have more than one dog, you will want to take that into consideration when looking at different types of flooring. More dogs = more damage.
Other pets: If you have other pets in the house, like cats, that will also play a role in the type of flooring you choose. Cats tend to scratch floors, so if you have both dogs and cats, you will want to take that into consideration.
Now that we have looked at some factors to think about before making your final decision, let’s look at the best floors for dogs in each category.
SCRATCH RESISTANT FLOORS FOR DOGS
There are a few different types of flooring that fit into this category.
SOLID HARDWOOD FLOORING FOR DOGS
Solid hardwood floors are a popular choice for many homeowners. They are classic and elegant and can add value to your home. However, they are not the best choice if you have a dog. Dogs can scratch hardwood floors easily with their nails.
Solid hardwood flooring options are also much harder to repair than other flooring materials, so may not be the best option for dog owners.
If you are determined to use wood floors, make sure to use a scratch resistant finish on a thick, engineered hardwood flooring.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Laminate floors are a great alternative to hardwood floors when it comes to dog’s nails. A laminate floor will hide scratches from furry friends much more easily.
When it comes to a pet owner who is working to find flooring options that will withstand scratches, tile floors are a great option. Many tile floors are very scratch resistant and will not show wear and tear as easily as other flooring types.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TILE FLOORS AND WHICH ARE THE BEST FOR PET OWNERS?
There are many different types of tile to choose from, including:
Ceramic tile
Porcelain
Stone tile
Vinyl tile
Linoleum tile
If you are a pet owner, the most scratch resistant tile flooring option is usually Luxury vinyl. Luxury vinyl is a type of vinyl that simulates the look of stone or wood. Luxury vinyl is also very durable and easy to clean, making it a great choice for pet owners.
BEST FLOORING FOR STAINS
Nobody wants to deal with stains on their floors.
But, all dog owners can agree that animals are messy and create stains fairly often.
So, when looking for the best flooring, a consideration to keep in mind is the level of resistance and resolve towards these inevitable stains.
There are a few different types of flooring that are good for pet gunk and stains.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Once again, laminate floors are a great option when it comes to resisting pet stains. They are easy to clean and will not show wear and tear as easily as other floor. Laminate flooring is an engineered hardwood that is made with multiple layers of wood that are typically scratch resistant.
ENGINEERED WOOD
Engineered wood floor is a pet friendly flooring because it is resistant to scratches and easy to clean. Engineered wood floors are made with a top layer of real wood that is glued or pressed onto multiple layers of wood below it. This makes faux wood more stable than solid hardwood, which can be helpful if you have pets that like to run and play indoors.
In the realm of surface moisture that could create stains, it can also be purchased with a water resistant layer on top.
LUXURY VINYL FLOORING
Vinyl flooring is a great option for pet owners when it comes to easy cleaning and stain resisting. It is water resistant and can handle spills well. Many vinyl floors have a wear layer that makes them resistant to scratches and stains.
A luxury vinyl plank floor will actually resist pet stains better than a laminate or real wood floor because it is completely impervious to water.
TILE FLOORING FOR DOGS
Tile is also another great option for easy cleaning and pet stain resistance. They are water resistant and can be easily cleaned with a mop or cloth. Most tile floors have a glazed surface that makes them resistant to scratches
CERAMIC COULD BE STAIN RESISTING
Ceramic is a good option for pet owners because it is easy to clean and stain proof to common things like pet urine or mud. Ceramic is made from natural clay that has been fired in a kiln.
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is made from finer clay and fired at a higher temperature. Porcelain is more durable and dense than ceramic tile, making it a good choice for high traffic areas and homes with pets.
STONE
Stone floors are a good option for pet owners because they are easy to clean and very stain proof. Stone floors are made from natural stone that has been cut into thin tiles.
MOISTURE RESISTANT
If you live in a wet environment where it snows and rains a lot, you are used to your dog prancing into your house right after they played outside! The last thing you want them to do is bring water or mud all over your new flooring if those floors are not prepared to fight against pet accidents or slush.
Water resistant flooring for pets is one of the most important factors to consider! As a matter of fact, I’m not sure any flooring for pets should be called pet friendly if it is not able to resist water in some form or fashion.
There are many types of water resistant flooring for pets on the market, each with their own level of resistance: from light spills to full submersion in water.
The best way to find a truly water resistant floor is to look for floors that have been treated with a waterproof coating or wear layer suitable for your furry friends.
WHAT IS THE BEST FLOORING FOR DOGS AND MOISTURE?
Dog friendly flooring can come in a variety of forms, from water resistant to waterproof.
There are many types of water resistant flooring for pets on the market, each with their own level of resistance: from light spills to full submersion in water.
The best way to find a truly water resistant floor is to look for floors that state they are pet friendly flooring.
You CAN find pet friendly flooring that ranges from carpet to hardwood floors! Some of the best hardwood floors for dogs are actually laminate, faux wood, and luxury vinyl.
CARPET TILES ARE A GOOD OPTION
Carpet tiles are a good option for pet owners because they are easy to clean and stain resistant. Carpet tiles are made from pieces of carpet that have been cut into small squares or rectangles.
In the event of a major accident, carpet tile flooring for pets are much easier to clean up than traditional carpet because you can remove and replace individual tiles.
ARE WOOD FLOORS ABLE TO WITHSTAND PET WATER DAMAGE?
Typically, wood flooring is not the best option for homes with pets because it is not very water resistant.
However, there are types of wood flooring that are more durable and water resistant than others, and that is by adding a pet friendly stain on top of some of the best hardwood flooring in order to attempt to make it indestructible!
If you have your heart set on hardwood floors, be sure to choose a solid wood flooring and inquire about a pet stain to be placed on top.
WHAT IS THE BEST FLOORING FOR MILDEW AND CRUD?
The best flooring for dogs often comes with a whole lot of grime and mildew that can be tracked in from the outdoors.
There are many types of flooring that are resistant to mildew and easy to clean, but the best options for pet owners are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile.
These materials are not only water resistant, but they are also easy to clean and maintain by wiping with a pet friendly cleanser.
IS HARD MAPLE WOOD FLOORING FOR PETS BETTER OR IS ‘FAUX’ WOOD BETTER?
This is one of those (rare) times that the cheaper alternative is actually better for your pet.
Faux wood flooring , which is also known as “faux” wood, is actually a better choice for pet owners than solid hardwood floors.
This is because solid wood is more susceptible to water damage, while man-made wood is designed to be more durable and resistant to moisture.
So, real hardwood floors might not be the answer for you if you have a pupper in the house.
STAIN RESISTANT CARPET AND FLOORING
Can dog owners have their cake and eat it too?
Is it possible to have an entire carpet and dogs at the same time?
The answer is not without some elbow grease, but yes it is possible!
There are many types of stain resistant flooring for pets on the market, each with their own level of resistance: from light spills to full submersion in water.
The best way to find a truly water resistant floor is to look for floors that state they are pet friendly flooring.
You CAN find pet friendly flooring that ranges from carpet to hardwood floors!
Vinyl Flooring- vinyl plank flooring is known to be some of the easiest floor to keep hair. free
Linoleum Flooring
Concrete flooring
Tile (however grout lines can collect hair at times)
Certain carpets
SLIPPING, SLIDING, AND FALLING: IS THERE A SAFE FLOOR FOR ALL?
For seniors or those with visual impairments, smooth and level flooring is essential to help prevent trips and falls or potential joint issues with large breed dogs down the road.
Softer materials like carpet can also help cushion a fall.
If you have elderly humans or pets, it’s crucial to be cautious of sensitive flooring.
BIG DOGS AND FLOORING
Big dogs are prone to slipping on polished floors, so if you have a big dog, it might be best to avoid hardwood or tile and go for carpet or rugs instead.
Carpet is also a good choice for puppies who are still getting their footing.
The best bet for big dogs is to get something easy to clean and sanitary, like engineered wood flooring, but then have runners and rugs laid out that are washable.
Without a proper flooring for your animals to get a grip on their paw pads, they could be prone to issues like Knuckling, Panosteitis, HOD, or even Arthritis down the line.
Are you desperate for dog jumping fence solutions?
If you are a dog owner with a dog who has learned how to jump the fence, you’re probably at your whits end.
There are solutions to keep your dog from jumping the fence.
We’ve got ten ways to keep your dog safe and inside your own yard.
DOG JUMPING FENCE SOLUTIONS DOG OWNERS NEED TO KNOW
The last thing you need when you get home from work is to find that your dog has jumped the fence and is now roaming the neighborhood.
Or, even worse, you come home to find that your dog has been hit by a car because he or she was chasing after something on the other side of the fence.
No matter how much you love your canine best friend, it can be mentally exhausting to deal with a dog’s escape antics.
But, with these 10 ideas, your dog will grow to be successful at remaining in an enclosed space:
MAKE THE YARD MORE EXCITING THAN WHAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE YARD
MAKE THE FENCE HARDER FOR YOUR DOG TO JUMP OVER
GET INNOVATIVE WITH YOUR FENCE
CREATE NEW ANGLES ON YOUR FENCE
KEEP YOUR DOG BUSY
MAKE YOUR DOG EARN THE PRIVILEGE OF SPENDING TIME IN THE YARD
Let’s ‘jump’ right in!
FIRST THINGS FIRST: KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE
If your dog jumps over the fence regularly, the first thing you must do is ensure that they are safe. When dogs jump fences, there can be a serious danger involved.
Depending on the fence height and fencing material, your dog could get injured while jumping the fence. Also, if they manage to jump, the dog could run away and get lost or even worse get hit by a car and killed.
ITEMS ON YOUR SAFETY TO-DO-LIST:
GPS tracking device: Attach a GPS onto your dog’s collar. That way, if they are successful at jumping the fence, you will be able to locate them.
Get your dog microchipped: Getting a microchip put into your dog from your veterinarian will help someone return your dog safely in the event that your dog ever does manage to jump the fence and get lost.
Crate train: crate training your dog can help eliminate the dog from jumping while you work on the root cause of the problem and finding solutions to prevent the dog from continuing the habit.
TRAIN YOUR DOG THAT IT IS NOT OKAY TO JUMP OVER THE FENCE
Once you have ensured that your dog is safe, you can begin the next stage of preventing your dog from jumping your fence line.
Although this may sound easier said than done, it is crucial to actually teach dogs that fences are not meant to be jumped.
Determined dogs and high energy dog breeds who are out for an adventure do not realize that they are breaking the rules when they jump over a fence.
You will need to be consistent with your training and remain calm while you work on this behavior with your dog. Yelling at your dog or getting angry will not help them understand what it is that you want them to do.
Spend quality time with your dog, showing them that the top of the fence is a ‘no’ and respectfully remaining in the yard will give them rewards and treats.
When dogs jump the fence, it is usually an indicator that they are not a well exercised dog.
A few short walks per day might not be enough exercise for the pent up energy of some high energy breeds.
Many dogs require long periods of being able to run in open spaces per day. This form of daily exercise where dogs can run at their full speed is a solution that could help your dog from jumping.
HOW TO STOP DOG FROM JUMPING FENCE BY UTILIZING EXERCISE
If you have a high energy dog who needs more physical exercise or a young dog who just never seems to get tired, you need to be prepared to give them more physical exercise.
Take your dog to the dog park, if they are capable of socializing with other dogs in that environment
In addition to physical exercise, dogs also require mental stimulation to remain well behaved. Dogs who are bored often turn to destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, getting into garbage cans, and jumping fences.
You can provide your dog with mental stimulation by:
Dog training classes: Classes such as nose work, tricks or obedience are all excellent ways to give your dog’s brain a workout.
Get involved in dog sports: Dog sports such as flyball, agility or dock diving are all excellent ways to give your dog’s brain a workout while also getting some exercise.
Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of toys and chewS
Play hide and seek: This is a great game to play with your dog both inside and outside. It is a simple game that can be played anywhere and does not require any special equipment.
Use puzzle toys: Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog’s brain challenged and engaged.
THINK OF WAYS TO MAKE THE YARD MORE EXCITING THAN WHAT’S OUTSIDE OF THE YARD
Next, consider ways in which you can make your own yard more exciting than the thrill that your dog receives when they jump.
If you are still struggling stop your dog from jumping the fence, you may want to consider the way in which your pup actually is able to reach the top of the fence.
Next, it is time to get innovative with your current fence.
With solid wooden fences, reed fencing, wire fencing and chain link fences there are things you can do to help prevent dogs from jumping.
The best possible solution to altering your fence is called coyote rollers.
Coyote rollers are designed to keep coyotes from entering into your yard. When a wild dog approaches and tries to get into your yard, they will jump onto the top of your fence, but the coyote rollers (similar to round pvc pipe) will start rolling, ultimately preventing any wild dogs or animals from getting a grip on the fence and entering.
Likewise, if you have a newly fenced in yard, you can use coyote rollers and attach them to your fence posts to prevent your own dog from being able to jump outward.
CREATE NEW ANGLES FOR WHAT YOUR DOG SEES ON YOUR EXISTING FENCE
Next, consider what your dog’s view of the fence might be. Their perspective is different than a humans as they are shorter and see the world from a different angle.
By adding additional slats at an angle to your fence, you will be able to close up the gaps that your dog might be using as leverage to get over the fence. This is especially useful for wire fencing and if you have a chain link fence.
If you notice that there are any gaps that you see from their angle, consider plant shrubs or extra wiring to cover them up. Some dense shrubs may be a big enough deterrent, but it depends on the size of gap in your fence.
KEEP YOUR DOG BUSY
Young dogs, especially, need to remain active. Some older dogs, too, require an active lifestyle to remain confident and happy.
Keeping your pets busy will eliminate many behavioral problems, including fence jumping.
Here are some ideas for how to keep your dog busy:
Regular exercise: This is a must for all dogs. A good rule of thumb is that your dog should get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, but this may vary depending on the breed and age of your pup.
Interactive toys: Interactive toys are a great way to keep your dog’s brain challenged and engaged. There are a variety of different types of interactive toys available on the market, so it is important to find one that is appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and chewing habits.
Pet friendly stores: If you want to keep your dog busy while you are away from home, consider taking them to a pet-friendly store such as PetSmart or Petco. There, they can explore, sniff around, and socialize with other dogs while you shop for pet supplies.
Hiring a professional dog trainer: If you are struggling to keep your dog from jumping the fence, consider hiring a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can help you to modify your dog’s behavior and teach them how to stay safely within your yard. Hiring a trainer can also be a great means of getting your dog’s energy out.
Jumping fences is a behavior that can be prevented with the proper training and exercise regime. It is important to work on the root cause of the problem and find solutions that work for you and your dog. Consistency is key!
Leash aggression is a serious problem for dog owners.
It can be dangerous and even life-threatening for both the owner and the dog. Leash aggression can also be a sign of other problems, such as fear or anxiety.
Dog owners need to be aware of the signs of leash aggression and take steps to prevent and stop it.
WHAT IS LEASH AGGRESSION?
Leash aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive or violent on a leash. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as fear, anxiety, or frustration. Dogs who are leash aggressive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite when they are on a leash.
Leash aggression is a serious problem because it can be dangerous for both the dog and the owner. If a dog is leash aggressive, it may try to bite or attack people or other dogs.
This can lead to serious injuries, including death. Leash aggression can also be a sign of other problems, such as fear or anxiety. Dog owners need to be aware of the signs of leash aggressive dogs so that they can keep their own dog as well as other dogs and humans safe.
WHAT DOES A LEASH REACTIVE DOG LOOK LIKE?
A leash reactive dog is one that becomes aggressive or violent on a leash. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as fear, anxiety, or frustration. Dogs who are leash reactive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite when they are on a leash.
A dog that is leash reactive may seem fine when it is not on a leash. But the dog’s behavior might change when they are going for leash walks.
Leash reactivity does not necessarily mean that the particular dog has leash aggression as there are different levels of leash reactivity.
SIGNS OF A LEASH REACTIVE DOG
Leash reactivity may play out in the following behaviors:
The dog’s behavior gets anxious / nervous when on leash
The dog barks and growls when on leash
The dog lunges towards other dogs or people when on leash
The dog tries to bite when on leash
The dog’s body tenses up when the dog sees other dogs or humans / kids
Fearful behaviors such as cowering, hiding, or shaking
These are just some of the signs that a dog may be leash reactive. If you see any of these signs in your dog, it is important to seek help from a professional trainer as leash reactivity can escalate to leash aggressive dogs if not addressed by pet owners.
IS LEASH AGGRESSION DIFFERENT THAN LEASH REACTIVITY?
Leash reactivity is typically the beginning stages of a leash aggressive dog.
If a dog owner notices that their dog gets nervous when they are on a walk and the dog notices another approaching dog, they should take that as a warning sign that their dog could become leash reactive.
Typically, a dog becomes leash aggressive when they have unsuccessfully tried to avoid the trigger (in this case, other dogs) by engaging in leash reactivity behaviors such as barking, growling, or lunging and the behavior has not worked. The next step for the dog is to try to bite, which is considered leash aggression.
Leash reactivity can be managed with proper training, but if a dog owner does not address it, the dog may eventually become leash aggressive.
WHAT CAUSES LEASH AGGRESSION?
There are many different reasons why a dog may become leash aggressive. Some common causes include:
A perceived threat of a dog approaching on leash can be frightening in a dog’s mind
Dog does not tolerate other dogs well
Dog is forced to participate in high stress situations with other dogs, such as the dog park, when that environment is not fitting for them
Dogs who are not properly socialized may be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because they have not had the opportunity to meet and interact with different people and animals.
A DOG FEELING ANXIETY MIGHT DEMONSTRATE LEASH AGGRESSION
Dogs who are anxious or stressed may also be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because the leash can feel like a restraint to them. They may feel like they cannot escape from the situation, which can cause them to become anxious or stressed.
A DOG WHO IS NOT GIVEN ENOUGH EXERCISE FROM ITS DOG OWNER MIGHT BECOME A LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG
Dogs who are not properly exercised may also be more likely to become leash aggressive. This is because they may be frustrated from being cooped up and not having enough opportunity to run and play. This frustration can lead to aggression.
It is important for pet owners to make sure that their dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog and is less likely to be aggressive.
THE DANGERS OF A LEASH AGGRESSIVE DOG
Leash aggression in dogs requires immediate dog training.
If your dog feels threatened when they see an approaching dog while on the leash, it is your job as a pet owner to help them navigate the situation. At times, especially if the leash aggression has not been addressed in dog training, that means to avoid the other dogs entirely.
Leash aggression in dogs can be extremely dangerous not only physically but for your own dog’s well-being and lifestyle.
Here are a few ways in which an aggressive dog on leash can become a danger to others and themselves:
LEASH AGGRESSION IN DOGS CAN CREATE A DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF ANXIETY
Not only is it important to stop leash aggression for your own personal anxiety, but dogs who continue to practice aggression on the leash can develop generalized anxiety and phobias of other dogs, people, and environments.
This is because each time your dog reacts aggressively, it reinforces in their minds that the trigger is something to be afraid of. As a result, your dog may start to become anxious in a wider variety of situations.
LEASH AGGRESSION PREVENTS YOUR DOG FROM INTERACTING APPROPRIATELY IN SOCIETY
Leash reactive dogs are not suitable to do things like go for walks with other dogs, to the park, or on playdates.
This is because their leash aggression can result in fights and injuries to other dogs. Additionally, it may also result in you getting into you completely avoiding other dog owners or humans while you are on walks.
As a result, your dog may miss out on important socialization opportunities.
You might find yourself taking routes of dog walks that have less people, going to parks or public places less often and generally avoiding any sort of triggers that would set off your dog.
This can lead to you feeling isolated as you are unable to do the things that you love with your dog by your side.
Additionally, it may also limit the places that you feel comfortable taking your dog, as you may be worried about them reacting aggressively.
Not only is this limiting to your dog and make your dog feel isolated, but this can become very isolated for you as a dog lover as it can be very fun to spend time around other dog friendly people.
REACTIVE DOGS CAN HURT AND HARM OTHER DOGS OR PEOPLE
Most of all, it is important to prevent leash aggression because two dogs that are fighting on leash can be extremely dangerous and harmful.
Your dog could get injured from another dog’s teeth or nails. If your dog is on the receiving end of an aggressive encounter, this can cause long lasting physical and psychological damage.
Additionally, if your dog is the aggressor in the situation, they may cause serious injury or even death to the other dog.
If the dog’s level of aggression has escalated to reacting to humans, the dog could harm or hurt a human or even small child, resulting in major injury.
There are a few things to do to be successful when dogs meet. The method of which you will take depends on if your dog is already experiencing aggression on leash or if you have a non reactive dog.
First, let’s discuss what to do to prevent leash reactivity with a non reactive dog.
PREVENT LEASH AGGRESSION IN DOGS WHO ARE NOT YET AGGRESSIVE
The absolute best way to prevent any dog from becoming aggressive is to start before it begins.
Training skills begin far before a dog is ever put on a leash. The bond that you create with your dog and the trust that is developed is what will prevent your dog from feeling the need to be aggressive in any situation, whether that be on or off the leash.
Be sure to socialize your puppy from an early age, exposing them to as many different sights, sounds, smells, people, and animals as possible in a positive way.
This will help your puppy to grow into a confident dog that isn’t easily scared or triggered by new things.
SOCIALIZATION CLASSES AND DOG TRAINING
As your dog gets older, you can continue their socialization through different methods. Hiring a dog trainer who you trust can help provide your dog with the dog training that it may need to be successful around other dogs in the future.
PROVIDING YOUR DOG WITH SUCCESSFUL INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER DOGS
Be intentional when your dog is a puppy to provide them with successful ‘meet and greets’ with other dogs. When dogs meet, many dogs get anxiety naturally.
So, prevent that anxiety by creating the dog’s environment to be successful. This means that you need to be in control of the situation, and not the other way around.
You can do this by:
Choosing a quiet place to introduce your dog to the other dog, where there isn’t a lot of movement or distractions
Allowing the dogs to approach each other on their own terms and at their own pace
If one of the dogs seems uncomfortable, give them space and time to adjust
End the interaction before either dog gets too tired or overwhelmed
Pay attention to your dog’s body language
Only allow your puppy to meet friendly dogs as to not give them a bad experience right off the bat
MANAGING LEASH AGGRESSION IN AN ALREADY REACTIVE DOG
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are able to prevent leash aggression in their dogs.
Many times, dog owners adopt a dog that is already leash aggressive or they may not have known the importance of socialization and expose their dog to too many new things at once, resulting in aggression.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are still things that you can do to help your dog.
Let’s discuss the value of a qualified dog trainer, positive reinforcement training, muzzle training and being in tune to your dog’s body language.
GETTING A QUALIFIED TRAINER
A qualified dog trainer should not only be someone who is certified, but also someone who has extensive experience working with dogs that are leash reactive.
The trainer should also be able to provide you with a training plan specifically for your dog’s needs.
Your dog might be in a place that is just too much for you to handle on your own, and you should be proud of yourself for bringing a certified dog trainer onto the team to help. Not all dogs respond the same to their owner as they might to a trainer conducting training sessions.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT DOG TRAINING
Reactive dogs need to be trained with positive reinforcement. This means that you will give your dog a treat or verbal praise when they display the desired behavior.
For example, if you are asking your dog to ‘sit’ and they do, then you will immediately provide them with a treat. The key is to be quick so that your dog associates the behavior with the positive reinforcement.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT EXERCISES FOR YOUR DOG
Here are some examples of positive reinforcement exercises that you can do with your dog:
Name Game – Say your dog’s name followed by a treat so that they associate their name with something positive
Sit or Down – Ask your dog to sit or down and provide them with a treat when they doLeave It – Place a treat on the ground and ask your dog to ‘leave it.’ If they don’t touch the treat, give them a verbal praise or another treat
Touch – Have your dog sit or stand next to you and offer them a treat. As they are eating the treat, lightly touch their side or back and immediately give them another treat. Repeat this process until your dog is comfortable with being touched
Remember to go at your dog’s pace. If they seem overwhelmed or stressed, end the session and try again later. Always use high value treats that your dog loves.
Muzzle training is a way to keep many dogs safe around other dogs as well as people. With a muzzle and proper muzzle dog training, not only your dog will be safer but also any other dog in the situation will too.
It allows you to have more control over your dog in high stress situations and can help to prevent bites.
Muzzle training should only be done if your dog is already comfortable with you handling their face and mouth.
It should also be noted that a muzzle is not a cure for aggression and should only be used as a management tool for dogs with aggression.
A basket muzzle combined with high value treats can be a powerful tool in creating a safe space with fearful dogs who tend to react aggressively.
SHOP HERE:
PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG AND THEIR BODY LANGUAGE
One of the most important things that you can do as a dog owner is to be in tune with your dog’s body language.
Dogs communicate through their body language and it’s up to us, as their owners, to learn how to interpret what they’re trying to say.
If you see any of these signs in your dog, it’s a good indication that they are feeling stressed. If the stress is not relieved, it could lead to an aggressive situation. Leash aggressive dogs rarely, if ever, become aggressive overnight.
Staying in tune with your dog and their stress signals will help you be the best dog parent that you can possibly be.
IS LEASH AGGRESSION CURABLE?
Most dogs who suffer with leash aggression can be completely cured with the proper training and management.
However, some dogs may never be 100% comfortable on a leash due to their prior experiences.
That being said, it is important to remember that even the most reactive of dogs can still learn to enjoy walks and be calm on a leash with the help of a qualified trainer.
Everyone LOVES using Harnesses for Great Danes… well, everyone except for me…
I, personally, cringe when I see a dog harness on Great Danes.
Why, you might ask? Well, you came to the right place to hear my rant about why I hate Great Dane harnesses.
Let’s discuss the common dog harness that both you and your dog love so much (well, at least you do) and determine whether or not this tool is actually right for your dog’s health and well-being.
Harnesses for Great Danes
Of course, you’re a Great Dane owner– you want the best for your Gentle Giant. We all do…
We can’t WAIT to get home from work just to squeeze our big dogs to bits and pieces, spoil them and proceed to spend the better part of the time we have off with them.
So, if you’re using a dog harness, chances are you probably are doing so for one of two reasons:
REASON NUMBER 1: You think the harness is the safest option for your giant breed dog.
REASON NUMBER 2: You are in over your head with yourBIG DOG and cannot keep them from pulling and choking themselves on walks!
Let’s go ahead and discuss both reasons.
Reason #1: You believe a harness is the safest option
So, you did your research on large dogs, you looked for the ‘no pull harness’ with the mesh lining and padded chest which ought to be extraordinarily comfortable for your Great Dane.
You paid extra for that reflective stitching that is sure to keep them safe from oncoming traffic! You even got fast release buckles incase you ever need to get your large dog out of their harness in a pinch.
Your dog’s comfort matters to you- and it shows.
So, did you cross all your T’s and dog all your I’s?
Well, not exactly.
Great Dane harnesses are BELIEVED to be safe for large dogs and their thick necks, big chests and long spines, but….. they aren’t exactly that.
We will talk about why in just a moment. But first, let’s discuss the second reason you may have purchased a dog harness for your Great Dane.
So, you did what Sally in the facebook group told you to do… You purchased an Extra Large dog harness that claims to provide EXTRA CONTROL, has a ‘no pull design’, and the reviews even stated that this extremely high quality harness completely TRANSFORMED their dog’s body overnight, changing the owner from a miserable walk to having better control… IN JUST ONE WALK!
RED FLAG…. PLEASE, see the red flag….
Anyways, continuing onward.
Let’s discuss the fun stuff.
Why are harnesses dangerous for a Great Dane’s neck?
The neck of a Great Dane is as fragile as porcelein and should be treated as such.
Think of it this way, when you’re using that ‘Gentle’ Leader to gain complete control on that nice, brisk walk with your Great Dane, you’re ultimately yanking their neck, whether you think so or not.
Additionally, you may even see the dog visible struggle, stress, and get anxiety from using a head halter. There is always a reason for your dog’s stress! “Harnesses that go around the muzzle, also known as a head halter, can present a unique challenge because few dogs easily adjust to them”, Schade says.
“Most do not enjoy the sensation and fight it by pawing at their nose, rolling on the ground, or rubbing their face on their person’s leg,” she says. “Additionally, if the dog races ahead and is jerked back, it might injure its neck.”
Why is a No-Pull Harness Bad for Great Danes?
Harnesses are a straight up nightmare for Great Danes.
Why? Because…
They restrict the way your dog’s body is designed to move
They create whiplash that is not natural for their skeletal system
First, harnesses restrict the way your dog moves. And if you wake up every single day and restrict your dog’s body from moving in the way it is supposed to move, eventually (and soon) there are going to be issues.
Secondly, using a harness as a means to gain control over your dog on the leash and ‘make them stop pulling’ is inevitably going to make YOU pull on the harness, creating whiplash on their joints.
“I have studied the effect of restrictive harnesses using a well-validated gait analysis system and demonstrated that there are significant alterations in a dog’s gait (both the amount of forward extension of the legs and even the amount of weight borne on the front legs) when wearing the harness, even without a leash attached.” –Christine Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP, DACVSMR
“As a specialist in canine sports medicine, I have significant concerns about the use of harnesses that wrap around the front of dog’s forelegs, particularly in circumstances like this, where a dog is exercising using a gait that requires forelimb extension”, Zink says.
Why could a harness hurt a dogs chest and shoulders?
The canine body is all connected, just like the human body.
Manipulating the body of a Great Dane with a tool that pulls from their chest or shoulders can cause long term damage, just as it would to a human.
“Front-hook harnesses, on the other hand, can affect a dog’s natural gait and hinder shoulder movement.” Nelson says these particular harnesses may not be a good choice for dogs who engage in athletic activities.
So, not only are front-hook harnesses dangerous for your dog’s health, but they could also hinder their ability to perform certain activities or exercises! Constant nagging or even slight yanking on everyday walks can add up, affecting the ability of your dog to walk in the way their body has designed them to.
“The results of this study demonstrated that wearing a harness affects gait. Interestingly, regardless of the harness type, some dogs were found to be highly reactive to wearing a harness. In fact, even dogs who had been wearing harnesses most of their life and that were thought to be well accustomed to wearing a harness were still found to have significant alterations in gait while wearing a harness, regardless of the type of harness. Overall, wearing a harness was also associated with a longer forelimb stride length, shorter forelimb step length, a greater forelimb total pressure index percentage, and a shorter forelimb gait cycle.”
A dog’s gait is used to define how they move their legs when walking or running. This includes how high they hold their legs, how much weight is put on each leg, and even the pattern in which they move their legs. All of these factors play into how well a dog moves.
As described above, some many harnesses are actually studied in clinical studies and CHANGE the gait of your dog! THAT’S NOT GOOD- INCASE YOU NEED IT SPELLED OUT.
Long term affects of wearing a harness that alters gait
Your dog may seem fine today. They may seem fine tomorrow. But what about in a few years from now, when they are older and not as spry?
Slowly, you will start to notice changes in the way your dog moves. You may not quickly attribute these changes to the harness, but take it from the data and the experts.
Even some of the ‘best harnesses’ that Sally recommends over and over in that Facebook group may just be causing your Great Dane to age much quicker than you hope.
Common risks of Great Dane harnesses
Even what you think might be a ‘good harness’ can have detrimental affects on your dog or Great Dane.
Some of the best harnesses pose threats to our Great Danes. Have a look at some of the risks that Great Dane harnesses could be posing:
Sleeping in ANY item can be a huge owner error and cause serious long-term damage, eg. callouses, sores, traumatic injuries, etc.
Sleeping in a harness is potentially risky because it could get caught on something (like the dog’s crate) and become a choking hazard, Nelson adds. “It can also be uncomfortable for a harness to be on 24/7.”
Using a wet harness that doesn’t dry
Be weary of keeping a wet harness on a dog’s body, especially a leather harness.
In addition, pet parents should not leave a wet harness on their dog for a long period of time, as it can cause skin infection, advises Dr. Katie Grzyb, medical director at One Love Animal Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.
Wet items can create yeast and infection, which may go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Leather is also a breeding ground for bacteria, so keep that in mind if you do choose to use a leather harness.
Signs that your dog may have an infection from their harness include:
Your dog can also develop skin diseases underneath a harness, such as folliculitis and pyoderma.
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles, and pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin.
“Monitor hidden areas such as armpits and under the chest a few times a week to make sure that the harness is not causing skin irritation from rubbing,” Grzyb adds.
Using Great Dane harnesses can in fact harm their throat and trachea.
ESPECIALLY for dogs with pre-existing throat conditions or breathing problems, it is crucial to not use a front clip adjustable harness. This no pull design can put a significant amount of pressure on your dog’s windpipe, which can cause more coughing and hacking, and irritate an already pre-existing condition.
Buying a harness for Great Danes is not a ‘quick fix’ for training your dog.
You can buy a sturdy harness with high quality materials. You can buy a $200 Great Dane tactical harness, research endlessly the best harnesses for Great Danes… look into durable materials and superior comfort.
It is time to stop making excuses for our dog’s behavior on the leash and start taking actions to make them more successful– without the dangers of a harness.
Driving with dogs can be very scary and extremely dangerous.
Dogs should be contained in the car.
The Center for Pet Safety is the ONLY resource that you should use to verify whether the tool you are looking at has been crash tested and approved to keep your dog safe in the car.
The best harnesses for Great Danes include those that:
Do not limit your dog’s ability to move in their natural gait
Serve a purpose: Working dogs/service dogs wear a harness at times for a specific reason (should still not limit their gait)
Are crash tested and to be worn as a seatbelt
Veterinarian checked and approved for your dog’s specific body
First off, even though I think I have a good grip on dogs and what they need- I usually have found that I don’t.
So, I trust science, data and experts.
Now that you know that- here are the recommendations for the best harness based on safety, health and features.
Best crash tested harnesses
If you’re looking for a crash tested harness, you’re really only given a few options.
In 2011 the Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study to investigate the crashworthiness of pet travel harnesses. Based on the findings of that study CPS went on to complete a landmark pet travel harness study in 2013, sponsored by Subaru of America.
The ClickIt Harness by Sleepypod is currently the only (and best) harness on the market for car safety for large/giant breed dogs.
It is crash tested up to 110 lbs (for the XL), secures nicely into your dog’s seatbelt through two leash attachment points (somewhat around the shoulders), and has a reflective material / reflective trim.
The company states that the harness can be worn for working dogs or as a standard harness for leash walking, but we always recommend speaking to your veterinarian regarding your dog’s specific gait.
HELP-EM-UP Harness for Mobility Issues
If you’re like me- you are a Great Dane mama to a pupper with a mobility disease.
My Great Dane has struggled with Wobblers for over 1 year now and I do everything to help her mobility.
There are Great Dane harnesses made for the purpose of being able to help them maintain their mobility through all life stages.
HELP-EM-UP HARNESS CAN HELP YOU PROVIDE MOBILITY
I recommend the Help-em-up Harness which is used for Great Danes (and all other dogs) that struggle with:
It may have appeared to you that there was no reason that the dog bit, but to the dog– there was a reason.
By accepting to see through a lens that the dog sees, you will be able to better understand the reason for the dog acting the way it did, and therefore move on to finding solutions more quickly.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF AGGRESSION IN A DOG?
There are several different types of aggression that a dog might portray.
Territorial aggression: A dog might demonstrate this type of aggression when someone or something enters their territory- such as another dog on a leash, or a person walking by the house.
Redirected Aggression: A dog might show redirected aggression when they are feeling frustrated or threatened, but cannot reach the object of their aggression. For example, a dog on a leash who cannot get to a person or another dog might redirect their aggression onto the leash, or the person holding the leash.
Possessive aggression: A dog might show possessive aggression when they feel like someone is trying to take away something that they perceive as theirs- such as a toy or food bowl.
Defensive Aggression: A dog might show defensive aggression when they feel like they are in danger and are trying to protect themselves. Defensive aggression can also occur when a dog is sick or in pain and need medical attention.
A dog that has been teased, hit, kicked, or treated poorly by kids in the past might have learned that aggression gets them left alone (learned aggression)
A dog that is being defended by another animal might show aggression when kids come near (redirected aggression)
A dog that is territorial might show aggression when kids come in their space (territorial aggression)
A dog that is sick might show aggression when kids come too close because they are feeling defensive (sickness or redirected aggression)
Kids are simply obnoxious to some dogs- kids can be loud, fast/energetic, grab tails, rude, grab their face, try to lay on them, show no boundaries, etc.
Now that we know some of the reasons that a dog might show aggression towards a child, we can start to learn how to prevent these bites from happening.
Prevention is the absolute best solution to stop the dog bite statistics from increasing.
Dog bites do not happen overnight, and most dogs do not bite in general.
However, there are preventative actions that dog owners can take to prevent dogs from showing aggression towards other dogs, family members or kids.
SOCIALIZATION OF YOUR DOG
The best way to prevent dog bites is by socializing your dog from a young age. This means exposing your pup to as many different people, places, animals, and situations as possible.
You want your dog to be comfortable with all kinds of people- men, women, children, the elderly, people in hats, people in uniform, etc.
You also want your dog to be comfortable being handled in different ways- being petted, brushed, having their nails trimmed, being restrained, etc.
Teach children how to properly interact respectfully with your dog. This means no pulling on tails, ears, or fur. No climbing on, jumping on, or sitting on the dog. No chasing the dog. And most importantly- no hitting, kicking, or otherwise being violent towards the dog. My Dog Snapped at My Child:My Dog Bit & Hurt My Child Suddenly
If children are taught how to interact with dogs properly from a young age- it will go a long way in preventing bites from happening.
TRAIN YOUR DOG AND PROVIDE BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION INTERVENTION EARLY
Training your dog is one of the best ways to prevent aggression and bites from happening. Remember, your dog is trying to convey something to you almost all the time and dog body language is something that you can work to understand.
Provide a baby gate as a barrier for an older dog who might need a more calm environment than the stimulation of the kitchen. A baby gate might be a simple but incredible tool to help your dog learn that they are respected and not expected to tolerate everything that happens in the home.
SHOP HERE:
WHAT TO DO IF MY DOG BIT MY KIDS
As stated, our dogs are our family members and when a dog demonstrates aggression towards our children it can be extremely scary and frightening.
VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST
Aggressive dogs are typically in need of a veterinary behaviorist who can help provide intense behavior modification while also ruling out potential for any health issues that may be causing their aggression. The veterinary behaviorist will be able to both provide you consult as well as give your dog medical attention if needed.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Your dog does not need yelling, screaming or anger. These actions in response to aggression towards something or somebody else could aggravate your dog further.
There are many things that you can do to prevent bites from happening in your home.
It is important to provide rules for both your dog and your family members, train your dog, provide behavior modification intervention if needed, use tools, and seek professional help if necessary.
If a bite does occur- stay calm and remove your dog quickly from the situation.
Your dog might not be happiest living in a home with children but with some effort you can make it work!
Having a dog is a big responsibility and requires a lot of time, energy, and patience.
Make sure that you are up for the challenge before bringing a four-legged friend into your home!
