In fact, according to yours truly: me, it has been proven as one of the most challenging things about owning a dog.
Why is it so difficult?
I really will admit when I got my first puppies (yes- that’s right, I got two 8 week old dogs at once), I thought that daily walks would be fun, and we could start walking right away.
Peaceful, nice, enjoyable.
NOT.
My dogs were terrible. It’s one thing to have your dog pulling on the leash and killing your back (you can just pretend it doesn’t hurt, wave kindly to people passing by, and act like you have everything put together), but when your puppy is rapidly gaining weight (Great Danes) and becoming stronger than you- the pull becomes a problem: physically, mentally AND emotionally.
I was really stressed. Matter of fact, I was doomed.
Why are all these people walking all of their perfectly behaved dogs around the neighborhood?
Meanwhile, me: My dog’s leash is tangled around my entire body like a trap, my dog starts pulling and I do everything I can to pretend it isn’t about to trip me to the concrete. I’m trying to walk nicely- wait, aren’t the dogs supposed to be the ones who are walking nicely? Don’t even BEGIN to think about carrying a COFFEE on this walk. I need BOTH hands.
Dog walks are no freaking joke.
LOOSE LEASH: MORE LIKE A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
One day, I took one puppy on a walk (que the pulling) with a friend.
She said, ‘you should really teach loose leash walking with her’.
Gulp. I am pretty sure you could see the sweat beads on my forehead. WHAT THE HECK IS LOOSE LEASH WALKING? I think my friend could probably HEAR my panic.
‘Of course I am practicing loose leash skills with her… We practice loose leash walking ALL the time’…. I could barely muster the words.
We walk forward a few steps- my puppy pulling on both her collar and leash as I pretend to know what I’ve gotten myself into.
GOOGLE QUERY: LOOSE LEASH WALKING TIPS
Panic sets in and I set to the googling.
Loose leash walking. Dog training. Dog walks that don’t create anxiety attacks.
Google dings back with 1 billion results.
“Loose leash walking in dog training: it means that the dog walks on a loose leash, without pulling ahead of or behind the person holding the end of the leash. In order to train your dog to walk on a loose leash, you’ll need patience and consistency.”
Well that’s just great.
I’m going to need more than just patience and consistency- I’m going to need a MIRACLE.
Wish me luck. Slam computer shut.
LEARNING TO LOVE LEASH TRAINING
Well, my dogs new how to grow fast, but they did not know how to walk nicely even though we continued to practice walking.
Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.raynaPhoto credit to @lexi.aspen.raynaPhoto credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
But, I knew I needed to keep practicing leash training or else we would literally never be able to leave the house.
I started my quest for teaching loose leash walking.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO LEASH TRAIN
I quickly learned that in order to get these two demons, I mean puppies, leash trained- we were going to need the right stuff.
All I had was a flat collar, and it felt like every time we went to practice leash training it was more like a ‘choke your puppy’ training session.
No, really. Both dogs would end up coughing from the amount of pulling and strain on their throats.
I’m no professional- but I knew that was not healthy. So, I investigated which items are healthiest for dogs to walk on a leash.
Here is what I found:
FLAT COLLAR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS A ‘REGULAR’ COLLAR FOR NOOBS LIKE ME
Your dog’s collar might be adorable but if it is hurting your dog, what’s the point?
I found that a flat collar was actually really uncomfortable for my puppy and it constricted her breathing. (Yes- every dog DOES need a regular collar for multiple reasons, including tags/identification, but is it best for training? Not really.)
Heres a cute one… because it’s cute…
Custom velvet collar, bowtie and leash set. Make your own here.
Anyways, I knew I needed to find something different if we were going to make any progress with leash training.
Using a regular collar can put strain on your dogs throat and neck, ESPECIALLY when they pull or if they are regularly pulling on the leash.
MARTINGALE COLLAR
A martingale collar is a type of dog collar that provides more control over the animal without the choking effect of a slip collar.
A martingale collar is often used on dogs who pull on their leash.
The martingale collar was specifically designed for sighthounds, which have necks that are larger than their heads and can easily slip out of standard collars.
Martingale collars have become popular with dog owners.
SLIP COLLAR OR CHOKE COLLAR
A slip collar (also called a choke chain or check chain) is a type of dog collar that consists of a loop of material that tightens when pulled, and is loosened when the lead is slackened.
Slip collars are used to train dogs to not pull on their leash, as the tightening of the collar around the neck punishes the dog for pulling.
At first, I thought that training your dog to walk on a choke collar or slip collar seemed cruel. But, as I looked into it, I learned that it is actually WAY better for the dog and their entire body to use a slip/choke collar rather than constantly yanking their neck around on a regular collar and leash.
GENTLE LEADER
The Gentle Leader is one that really got me angry.
The marketing of the ‘gentle’ leader is brilliant- and EVERYONE falls for it- it’s gentle of course, right?
WRONG.
The gentle leader is actually a head halter that puts pressure on your dog’s muzzle- not their neck like a regular collar.
This type of leash is used by putting the loop around your dog’s muzzle and clipping the leash to the ring on the back of the head.
I’m sure you can imagine how this would feel, being yanked or even pulled by the muzzle.
I can’t imagine anything less gentle.
LEASH
Since my puppy was pulling incessantly on the leash, I opted for a short, tight one that was within my control. I didn’t want them to pull me over or hurt themselves, so I went with a sturdy, comfortable leash.
Inside of the e collar is a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver goes on the dog’s collar and the transmitter stays with you, usually around your neck.
I REALLY loved the fundamentals behind the e collar methods to training your dog with both positive reinforcement as well as correcting when the dog is wrong- so I opted for using an e collar, a regular collar, and a standard leash. I also got a long leash for using inside the house or backyard to begin to start leash training.
Now that I had all the right equipment, it was time to start training!
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL LOOSE LEASH WALKING
Start in a distraction free area- like your backyard.
Put the long leash on your dog, and let them walk around without you doing anything.
This is called “getting used to the feel of the leash.”
Offer treats when your dog is walking nicely, keep your sessions short, and
Once you regularly see good behavior you can gradually increase to spending more time on the lead and add in some distractions.
ADD IN DISTRACTIONS
Have a family member or friend stand about 20 feet away from you, holding your dog’s favorite treat.
If your dog pulls ahead and creates leash tension, ask them to stop pulling by saying “stop” and “sit”.
Keep practicing this until your dog is really good at it, then move on to other distractions like another person or animal walking by.
Remember- baby steps! Rome wasn’t built in a day.
INCORPORATING TREATS
In my opinion, treats are an essential part of training your dog.
I made sure to include a treat every few minutes or even seconds during short periods of training. I got a treat pouch and kept the treats close by at all times!
Here are the treats that my puppy absolutely LOVES!
As you walk, keep the slack in the leash- don’t let your dog get ahead of you or lag behind.
If they start to pull, stop walking and make them sit until the slack is back in the leash.
PRACTICING PATIENCE (WHILE YOUR DOG PULLS ON THE LEASH)
One of the most important things to remember while leash training is to be patient!
Your dog has probably been pulling on the leash their whole life, so it’s going to take some time for them to adjust.
Be consistent with your commands and using treats as rewards, and eventually you’ll see results!
WALKING YOUR DOG: ENJOYMENT VS. SURVIVAL MODE
If you are as desperate as I am to teach your dog to walk on a leash, you probably understand that there are times that your dog really might not listen, might pull constantly and walking might not be fun.
SPOILER ALERT: sometimes your dog just needs to go for a quick walk to potty and it might not be the right time to train your dog.
Set aside collar and leash time daily if you can, be intentional about correcting behavioral issues, but do not be a perfectionist.
Walking with your dog is a process that sometimes comes in waves of ups and downs. Be sure to really recognize when your dog is ‘off duty’ and can have some ‘free time’ to stop and smell the roses.
DOG WALKS: THEY CAN BE FUN! (I PROMISE)
I started off thinking that getting a dog to walk appropriately was absolutely miserable.
But as I continue walking my dog every single day, I have learned that every walk is different.
Sometimes, I will have my dog’s attention completely, and sometimes I won’t.
But, EVERY single walk does teach me something new about them, and I have learned that in order to train your dog you have to dig inside of yourself as well.
Some of my most cherished memories and moments are just me and my dog out for a walk. I promise, it does get better!
LEASH TRAINING: THE FINAL VERDICT? WORTH IT. YES. A MILLION TIMES OVER.
Although training a puppy or older dog is NEVER easy- when you get a dog you have to start leash training.
Over time, with a million of hours of practice, blood, sweat and tears, my dog has become reliable both on leash and off leash.
I trust my dog with my life- something I NEVER would have guessed I would have been able to say about the floppy/clumsy/terribly behaved puppy I brought home.
Teaching your dog to walk nicely is a civic duty of pet parents- and I promise, it is so worth it.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
Coming in hot with my non-biased Embark DNA Review!
A few months ago I decided to do an Embark DNA Test for my Great Danes, even though I assumed they are purebred dogs.
Although I figured my dog’s results in the breed identification portion of the breed health kit would be Great Dane, I still wanted to get the test results and thought it would be fun to see both their breed results and their health report.
Here’s how my process went, what it was like to complete the DNA test and get my dog’s tested, and what pet owners should expect when taking an Embark DNA test.
ONE: EMBARK DNA REVIEW: THE DIFFERENT DNA TESTS AND WHY I CHOSE TO DO AN EMBARK TEST
There are a few different types of DNA tests for dogs. The most popular ones are the Embark and the Wisdom Panel.
The Wisdom Panel is a test that tells you the breeds in your dog’s ancestry going back three generations. It also screens for more than 250 different diseases. The Embark dog dna tests for over 160 different breeds and screens for more than 175 different genetic health conditions.
This test costs $159, and tests your dog’s breed, potential health risks that your dog will face based upon genetics, and provides a family tree.
This test gives a thorough breed composition as well as can go as far back as great grandparents on your pup’s family tree.
PUREBRED KIT
The Purebred Kit tests your dog’s dna for potential health risks as well as contains a breed identification kit. This health test kit is also $159.
This sample, however, is more targeted to the dog’s genetic makeup in regards to comparing it with another dog dna test that is related.
This sample kit could be used for canine research, breeders, or scientific research. Breeders often look at this kit for obtaining health results of the dog’s parents- however you should NOT rely on health results from a breeder who relies on a dog’s dna or breed ancestry from Embark. Refer to our blog post on OFA Health Testing.
BREED ID
The Breed ID kit is a simplified version of the breed health kit in the sense that it DOES NOT include any potential health issues that your dog’s DNA implies.
The breed identification kit ONLY checks for what dog breed your pup is- and can provide family trees on your rescue dog, any mixed breed of up to 350 dog breeds. So, instead of BOTH a health DNA report AND a breed identification report, the breed identification kit is ONLY providing you with breed identification.
The Breed ID Kit will look at the genetic makeup of your dog’s traits in the breed identification process in order to inform you what dog breed you have.
If you are looking to just simply provide a dna sample and learn about the breed ancestry of your dog, the Breed ID kit features just that for $109.
THREE: GIVING A DNA TEST TO YOUR DOG: WHAT’S IN IT FOR DOG OWNERS?
One of the primary reasons I wanted to do a dog dna test review was because of the fun and easy process of getting my dog’s results: from start to finish.
It was SO much easier to complete the dna test than I thought it would be. Here is how it went:
Remember, the Breed Health Kit is the dog DNA test that checks for BOTH health markers as well as breed identification. The cost of my sample kit was $159.
RECEIVE THE KIT IN THE MAIL
When you get the DNA test in the mail- you need to activate it.
Go online and register your kit. Inside of your kit you will find a code that is individual to your dog.
Click on the ‘Activate Kit’ button as shown below. This will prompt you to create an account for your doggo and register your dog’s sample.
Trick: I opted NOT to fill out the physical traits of my dog OR add any photos prior to getting my results. I wanted to see if the dog DNA test was accurate enough to REALLY know that she was a Great Dane before I shared all of her physical traits with the portal.
SWAB YOUR PUP
Next, you want to swab your pup.
The DNA sample is collected with a swab that is provided in the kit.
You want to make sure you get a good sample- so I recommend following the directions clearly- I have seen some Embark reviews stating that their dog DNA test came back a few weeks later requesting an additional swab (owners did not swab thoroughly enough).
I swabbed my pup’s gums and inside of her cheek for 30 seconds. Then, I stuck the swab back into the swab vial and put it into the prepaid envelope.
MAIL YOUR RESULTS
It really is as easy as that! After you have swabbed- stick the prepaid envelope with your dog dna test into the mail.
Then comes the hard part- the waiting! The test can take WEEKS to come back- even months.
My test results came back within about 6 weeks- but luckily Embark sent a few emails along the way to let me know that the dog dna test had made its way to the facility and give updates that they were working on finding the results, etc.
FOUR: WHAT DID I LEARN WHEN I GOT MY DOG’S DNA TEST BACK?
As soon as your dna test results are back- you will get an email with the results.
If you got the Breed ID Kit- your results will be JUST breed identification related. If you got the Breed/Health kit, like I did, your results will be indicative of both breed/genetic diversity/dog’s background as well as indicators of any health markers you should be aware of within your dog’s genetic diversity.
Your ‘portal’ looks like this, and is broken up into multiple sections: Health, Breed and Relatives.
HEALTH
The Embark Dog DNA Test checks for 210+ genetic health risks. That is more genetic health risks than any other dog dna test on the market.
The Embark Dog DNA Test also screens for the MDR-01 gene that predisposes dogs to adverse reactions to certain drugs. Basically, this means that if your pup has this gene- they may have a harder time metabolizing certain types of drugs and may need a lower dosage or different drug altogether.
Gigi’s Health Results
The test will also let you know if your pup is a carrier of any genetic diseases, even if they don’t have the disease themselves. This is important information to have because it means you can be extra vigilant about health screenings for those diseases and make sure you are not breeding carriers with other carriers (which can produce puppies with the disease).
Because it checks for common adult onset diseases, the test can be used preventatively to help you stay on top of any diseases that are common in your dog’s breed.
BREEDS
The Embark Dog DNA Test can identify more than 350 breeds, including some wolf and coyote content. This is the most breed diversity of any dog dna test on the market.
My pup’s results said she was 100% Great Dane- which I knew. But, it was SUPER fun to dive into the colors that she carried for, as it also checks your dog’s coat and colors.
Gigi’s Colors
The test will give you a ‘breed family tree’ that shows what percentage of each breed is in your pup as well as the history/origin of each breed.
RELATIVES
This was my favorite part of the results .
The Embark Dog DNA Test will tell you how closely related your pup is to other dogs in their database.
My pup is distantly related to another dog in the database that is also 100% Great Dane. I also found several other relatives including a possible match for great grandparents.
A few of the dogs who share DNA with Gigi
I was able to reach out to one pet parent who shared a TON of physical traits (and DNA!) with Gigi and we talked for a few messages about how fun it would be if Gigi and Layla ever got to meet.
FIVE: ARE DOG DNA TESTS WORTH IT?
I do believe that the Embark dog dna test is worth it.
Although it is a bit pricy, I was glad that I went with the Health AND Breed identification kit.
If you already know your dog’s breed, but want to check for health markers only, there is no other option BUT to purchase the kit with both breed identification and health.
If you do not know your dog’s breed, they are a mixed breed or rescue, and you ONLY want to find out their breed- you can opt for the $109 breed identification kit- but in my opinion it is worth the extra $50 to get the health information as well.
I think the Embark Dog DNA Test is especially worth it if you have a pup with unknown parentage.
The test can give you a lot of information about genetic diversity as well as any markers you should be aware of.
SIX: SHOULD THE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST BE USED BY BREEDERS TO HEALTH TEST?
In my opinion, breeders should NOT use the Embark Dog DNA Test to health test their adult dogs in order to prove that they are fit to breed.
It is just NOT sufficient enough to provide enough information.
There are other, much more comprehensive health tests that provide far more information about the health of a dog and their suitability to breed.
The Embark Dog DNA Test is a great tool for learning about your own pet- but it should not be used as the sole source of information when making breeding decisions.
OPT FOR OFA HEALTH TESTING
When looking into dog breeds who are healthy and health tested, find a breeder who uses OFA Health Testing on their dogs.
OFA health testing tests things that Embark cannot test, like hips, heart, and eyes.
To further read, feel free to view my blog post about OFA testing.
I hope you enjoyed my Embark Dog DNA review! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll do my best to answer them!
These antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, and bronchitis in humans. They can also be used to treat urinary tract infections and skin infections.
Dogs should NOT take:
Tetracycline
Fluoroquinolones
Macrolides
These antibiotics are used to treat more serious infections such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and leptospirosis. They can also be used to treat urinary tract infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.
So, can dogs take human antibiotics? The answer is- it depends on the antibiotic. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medication, even if it is one that is safe for dogs. And, as always, follow the dosage instructions carefully. Giving your dog too much or too little of any medication can be dangerous.
As a pet parent, it’s important to know that you can use amoxicillin for your dogs- but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, amoxicillin is a prescription medication. This means that you will need to get a prescription from your veterinarian before giving it to your dog. If you have extra amoxicillin that was originally prescribed as a humans prescription, do your research before administering it as treatment or make a quick call to your veterinarian.
Second, you should always follow the dosage instructions that are provided by your veterinarian. Amoxicillin is available in both tablet form and liquid form.
The liquid form is typically easier to give to dogs as it is administered orally and can be mixed onto their food or with something like fish oil, but the pill form can be crushed and mixed with food or hidden in a treat if necessary.
FINDING THE CORRECT DOSAGE OF ANTIBIOTICS FOR DOGS
Finding the right dose of antibiotic for dogs is safest when you can speak with your vet.
After all- you are treating an animal with an antibiotic drug which does have impact on your pet’s health.
It is not okay to give antibiotics at random- without knowing what the cause is.
In order to find the dosage, you will need to know the entire body weight of your dog’s body.
If you don’t have a scale at home, most veterinarians will be more than happy to help you weigh your dog during an appointment or even over the phone.
Another antibiotic that can be used to treat ear infections is called enrofloxacin. If you are prescribed this antibiotic, it is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully as enrofloxacin can have some serious side effects if not used correctly.
Enrofloxacin is a narrower spectrum antibiotic which means that it works against a smaller variety of bacteria infection.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE MOST COMMON ANTIBIOTICS?
The most common side effects of antibiotics are:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
These side effects are typically mild and go away on their own. However, if you notice any severe side effects, it is important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Even veterinary specific medicines can cause gastrointestinal upset- and can change the flora of your pets gut. If your dog has an infection or you are prescribed any antibiotics or other medications, you should get a probiotic to keep your dog’s stomach flora healthy.
IS THERE A NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC FOR ANIMALS?
There are a few different natural antibiotics that can be used for animals.
Garlic is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which means that it works against a wide variety of bacteria.
This makes it a good choice for minimal side effects to treat infections.
Another natural antibiotic is honey. Since bees are food producing animals, it is best to source honey locally.
The most common way to use honey as an antibiotic is to topically apply it to a wound or infection.
When using honey medicinally, it is important to make sure that you are using raw, unprocessed honey for maximal benefit.
Honey is a narrower spectrum antibiotic which means that it works against a smaller variety of bacteria infection.
Honey is also a natural antiseptic, which means that it can help to prevent infections.
MY DOG IS HAVING AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO A DRUG
If your dog is having any sort of reaction to any medication, even any of the most common antibiotics, it should be considered an emergency.
In a reaction, your pet could struggle with their respiratory system and have difficulty breathing.
Their respiratory tract could swell up and close off, causing them to suffocate.
If your dog is having an allergic reaction to a medication, the first thing you should do is call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Do not try to give them anything else, not even over the counter medicines meant for humans- as these could further complicate the vet attempt in treating your pet.
ARE HUMAN MEDICATIONS THE SAME AS DOG ANTIBIOTICS?
The answer to this question is very complex. In short- no, human medications are not the same as dog antibiotics.
There are some similarities- such as the fact that both humans and dogs can take amoxicillin for bacterial infections.
However, there are also key differences that pet parents need to be aware of.
Dogs process medications differently than humans do. This means that the dosage, frequency, and even the side effects can be different for dogs.
For example, even though dog amoxicillin is safe, some human grade amoxicillin can cause stomach upset in dogs.
This is why it is so important to always speak with a veterinarian before giving your dog any medication- even if it is something as seemingly innocuous as an antibiotic.
SHOULD I GIVE MY DOG HUMAN GRADE AMOXICILLIN OR ANTIBIOTICS?
In theory, there are many medications that you can share with your pet.
However, be careful going to the human medicine cabinet for your pet’s antibiotics.
Many human medications, even over the counter drugs, can be dangerous or even deadly for animals.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
If you’re considering acupuncture for dogs, you’re not alone.
I personally began using Acupuncture out of a feeling of desperation. My Great Dane, Gigi, was having severe chronic pain from her Wobblers diagnosis.
When modern medicine was not an option for Gigi and her pain management as she was not a candidate for traditional spinal surgery- we were left with the option of lifelong pain medications- and worst- lifelong pain.
I decided to try and start searching for a treatment protocol that could relieve pain and help my dog’s condition.
Gigi at her first Acupuncture appointment
As pet owners, we will do anything we can for our pet’s health. I was motivated to help Gigi with her degenerative joint disease.
MY JOURNEY TO FINDING ACUPUNCTURE FOR DOGS
In my quest in understanding my dog’s health, I found Canine Acupuncture.
I was lucky to stumble upon an amazing canine acupuncturist who’s vet clinic was practically in my backyard.
I took Gigi in for her first acupuncture session.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE VETERINARY MEDICINE vs. WESTERN MEDICINE
TCM is a system of medicine that has been used for over 4000 years to treat human and animal patients.
The goal of TCM is to achieve balance in the body and prevent disease.
TCM encompasses several modalities including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, food therapy, and tui-na (massage).
Alternatively, Western Medicine is the system of medicine most commonly used in the United States.
The goal of Western Medicine is to treat disease with medications or surgery.
Common modalities used in Western Medicine include, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and radiotherapy.
CERTIFIED VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURIST
So how does acupuncture fit into all of this?
A Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist is somewhat of a mix between both!
They have completed an accredited veterinary program and then gone on to complete an additional 300-hour acupuncture certification to be able to perform Veterinary Acupuncture.
This combination of Eastern and Western medicine is what makes Certified Veterinary Acupuncturists so unique.
They are able to provide comprehensive care to their patients by utilizing both systems of medicine.
WHAT PET OWNERS SHOULD EXPECT WITH DOG ACUPUNCTURE
At Gigi’s first appointment, I was anxious to see whether or not this acupuncture treatment would be effective to alleviate pain.
When I first arrived, I explained my dog’s medical records and her amazing Veterinary Acupuncturist began to explain the treatment of Acupuncture therapy.
Pet parents should expect acupuncture sessions to be virtually painless for their dog’s body, and should see a healing response within just a few hours of time.
A typical acupuncture session lasts for about 30 minutes with a trained Acupuncturist.
Let’s talk about some of the things I learned at my first animal acupuncture appointment with Gigi.
ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES
The needles used on dogs are much smaller in diameter than the needles used on humans.
They are also solid, as opposed to the hollow-cored needles used on humans.
The smaller size and solidity of the needles make them much less painful when inserted into your dog.
They are a little bit intimidating to pet parents at first, but rest assured that acupuncture work is not painful.
ACUPUNCTURE POINTS
There are over 365 acupuncture points on a dog’s body.
The most commonly used points are located on the legs, neck, and back.
These points correspond to areas where your dog is most likely to have pain or discomfort.
Acupuncture for dogs will rely on these pressure points to help ease pain in the body.
NEEDLE INSERTION
Acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin and muscle tissue.
The depth of needle insertion will vary depending on the size of your dog and the location of the acupuncture point.
Most needles are only inserted a few millimeters below the skin surface.
Once the needles are in place, they are left there for 20-30 minutes.
The needles enhance blood circulation by opening up the blood vessels and by releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
After the needles are removed, your dog will be relaxed and may even fall asleep.
TREATMENT TIME
Acupuncture sessions usually last between 30-60 minutes.
First, the Veterinarian will conduct a general medical assessment.
Then, they will begin to perform acupuncture.
During this time, your dog will be lying on a comfortable table or bed.
The acupuncturist will insert the needles into your dog’s skin at various points on their body.
After the needles are inserted, your dog will be left to relax for a few minutes.
Most dogs enjoy this part of the treatment and will often fall asleep. Pet parents can sit with their pup the entire time their dog is receiving acupuncture treatments.
AFTER THE TREATMENT
After the treatment is finished, the needles will be removed and your dog will be able to go home.
Most dogs feel relaxed and calm after an acupuncture session.
It is important to avoid letting your dog run or play for at least 30 minutes after the treatment. You can use a crate to keep them calm, if needed.
This will give the acupuncture time to work and will help prevent your dog from getting injured.
Most people who take their pup for dog acupuncture report that their dog is extremely happy and pain-free for several days or even weeks post-treatment.
THE BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR DOGS
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of health problems.
There has been pain relieving effects for medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, joint disease, joint inflammation, Addison’s disease, neurological disorders (like Gigi!), gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal diseases, metabolic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and even treating pain from something as severe as a spinal cord injury.
Acupuncture has also been known to be helpful in treating behavioral problems such as separation anxiety and fear of fireworks.
Overall, acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat a variety of health conditions in dogs.
Gigi with her sisters on a Big Barker Bed
When I originally took Gigi to her first dog acupuncture treatment, I really did not expect the results that I was about to receive for her.
HOW DOES CANINE ACUPUNCTURE ACTUALLY WORK
Canine acupuncture works when a Veterinary Acupuncturist inserts needles into specific areas on a dog’s body.
The goal is to release endorphins, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of health conditions in dogs.
It is important to note that acupuncture should only be performed by either licensed Veterinary Acupuncturists or Chiropractors.
ANIMAL ACUPUNCTURE AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
The nervous system of a dog is similar to that of human patients.
There are acupuncture points located all over the body that correspond to different areas of the dog’s body.
When the needles are inserted into these specific points, it helps to release endorphins and reduce pain, providing blood flow and releasing tissue inflammation.
First and foremost: Acupuncture helps to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation which can be beneficial to your dog’s condition, pretty much no matter WHAT their condition is.
WHEN VETERINARY MEDICINE IS NOT HELPING A DOGS SUFFERING
Since prescription medication and some traditional medicine does not have anti inflammatory substances but rather can cause inflammation, alternative therapies like acupuncture work can be extremely beneficial to improve blood circulation.
Veterinary medicine is an incredible resource that has helped our dogs in so many ways. Most pet parents will admit to being extraordinarily grateful for their Veterinarian.
However, there are times when traditional medicine is not enough to help a dog suffering from pain or an injury.
This is where acupuncture for dogs comes in. Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative treatment that can be used to treat a variety of health conditions in dogs.
GIGI’S STORY OF VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE
After Gigi’s first Acupuncture treatment, I was really surprised at how much better she felt.
The results were almost immediate and she continued to improve with each subsequent treatment.
Now, Gigi is a happy and healthy dog who loves to go on walks and play with her toys.
I am so grateful that we found acupuncture for dogs and would recommend it to any pet parent who is looking for an alternative treatment for their dog.
If you are considering acupuncture for your dog, I would encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about it. They will be able to provide you with more information and help you decide if it is the right treatment option for your dog.
Have you ever tried acupuncture for your pup?
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There are many reasons why dogs might start fights with each other, including:
Possession aggression: This is when a dog becomes aggressive over something he perceives as his, such as a toy or a spot on the couch.
Territorial aggression: This is when a dog feels like his territory is being threatened and he becomes aggressive to protect it.
Fear aggression: This is when a dog is afraid of something and lashes out in aggression in order to protect himself.
Redirected aggression: This is when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another dog.
Now that you know some of the reasons why dogs might fight, let’s look at how to stop dogs from fighting.
HOW TO STOP DOGS FROM FIGHTING: THE SECOND STEP IS MANAGEMENT
The first step in management is understanding what sets your dogs off and trying to avoid those situations.
POSSESSION AGGRESSION
If you have an aggressive dog who gets more agitated when they are around toys, items, bones, or food, they might have possession aggression or food aggression. This is often called resource guarding.
Dogs involved with a dog fight involving being possessive might initially appear relaxed and then suddenly start growling or snapping when someone comes too close to their prized possession.
To help manage a dog with possession aggression:
Make sure there are enough toys, bones, and food so that each dog has their own.
Do not allow children to take away a toy from a dog; instead teach them to trade the dog for something else such as a treat.
If your dogs start fighting over an item, do not try to intervene yourself; instead, use a loud noise (such as clapping your hands) to startle them and make them drop the item.
TERRITORIAL AGGRESSION
Dogs who become aggressive when someone enters their home or yard might have territorial aggression.
To help your dog with possession aggression, you can:
Give them their own toys that they can keep in their own space
Feed them in separate areas or in crates so they don’t feel the need to protect their food
Avoid leaving bones or other chew items where other dogs can get to them
Teach him a “welcome” command so he knows that it’s okay for people to come in
Keep him on a leash when visitors come over so you know that he will not approach them
Crate train so that your dog feels safe as well as other people feel safe in the same room as your dog
Fear aggression is common in many dogs. Most dogs are afraid of at least something, if not all dogs.
Your dog could be afraid of the silliest things, like the sound of the vacuum cleaner or a plastic bag.
Other dogs might be afraid of more serious things, such as men with beards or people in hats.
Younger dogs often start off afraid of their own shadows, and need socialized to understand what validates fear and what does not.
The first step to helping your dog with fear aggression is to find out what he’s afraid of and try to avoid those situations while you are working on building confidence.
If you can’t avoid the situation, then you need to help your dog learn to cope with his fear. This can be done through desensitization and counterconditioning.
REDIRECTED AGGRESSION:
Redirected aggression happens when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another dog.
For example, if your dog is barking at the neighbor’s dog through the fence and the neighbor’s dog starts barking back, your dog might become so agitated that he turns around and bites you.
Do not put your dog in a situation where he is likely to be aroused by something but unable to get to it.
If you see that your dog is getting aroused by something, try to redirect his attention with a toy or treat.
Make sure that you are not inadvertently rewarding your dog for being aggressive by giving him attention when he is acting aggressively.
DOGS FIGHTING IS VERY DANGEROUS AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY
Dogs who are fighting can cause serious injuries to each other, as well as to people who try to break up the fight. It’s important to understand what might be causing your dogs to fight so that you can prevent future fights from happening. There are four main types of aggression in dogs: possession aggression, territorial aggression, fear aggression, and redirected aggression.
Possession aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive when someone tries to take away their toy or food.
Redirected aggression happens when a dog is feeling aggressive about something but can’t get to the object of his aggression, so he redirects it onto another person or animal.
Territorial aggression is when a dog becomes aggressive when someone enters their home or yard.
Fear aggression is when a dog becomes afraid of something and redirects his fear onto another person or animal.
WHAT DOES A STRESSED DOG LOOK LIKE?
A stressed dog might:
Pace
Shake or tremble
Pant excessively
Yawn
Lick his lips
Avoid eye contact
Have a “half-moon” eye (whites of the eyes are showing)
Ears may be back or flat against the head
Tail may be down, between the legs, or wagging low and fast
Body may be stiff
If your dog is demonstrating any of the above signs, they might be stressed, even if they are not demonstrating all of them.
Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.raynaPhoto credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
Dog owners should be intuitive with their own dogs in order to identify underlying anxiety and their dogs stressors so that they can prevent dog fights in the first place.
WHAT DOES A MORE CONFIDENT DOG LOOK LIKE?
Some dog owners think that the most confident dog is the most dominant dog.
That is just not true.
The ‘pack leader’ will demonstrate calm behavior, a relaxed posture, and slow movements.
A confident dog is not afraid to make eye contact and will have a soft body with a natural wagging tail.
Confident dogs are not the ‘weaker dog’. They are not necessarily the older dog either.
The confident dogs will be able to help other dogs feel calm and comfortable by picking up on their cues.
Dogs who are comfortable with their situation will display:
Relaxed body
Loose ears
Relaxed tail
Happy to make eye contact
Happy to approach other dogs but also give space when needed
Not impacted when new people come into the dogs environment
Can happily be in the same house and same room as other dogs or a new dog
HOW TO STOP DOG FIGHTS INVOLVING GUARDING PEOPLE
Sometimes two dogs will get into a dog fight when one dog gets possessive over another dog while trying to ‘protect’ their owner or a person.
The first step in preventing this type of dog fight is to never put yourself in the middle of two dogs who are fighting.
If you try to break up a dogfight, you could get bitten by one or both dogs. The best way to break up a dog fight is to distract the dogs with loud noises or spray them with water. Once the dogs are distracted, you can move them away from each other.
WHY DO MANY DOGS GUARD THEIR OWNERS?
Many dogs will act aggressive if another dog comes too close to their owner.
Some dog owners consider this as a form of protection. They try to label this action as heroic: their dog is protecting them and even willing to fight other dogs to ‘protect them’.
Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
If a dog is acting aggressive when another dog comes nearby its dog owner, this is not heroic, but rather called guarding.
Dogs growling or raising their hackles at another dog for ANY reason shouldn’t be praised.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY DOG IS GUARDING ME?
Identifying your dogs stressors is the first step.
If you know that your dogs triggers lies with the moment another dog approaches you, start by asking other dog owners to give your dog a wide berth.
This will help your dog feel more comfortable and less anxious. If you have friends with dogs, ask if they can help you out by not coming too close to you when your dog is around.
You can also work on desensitizing, socializing and counterconditioning your dog to other dogs being around you.
Start with having another person stand far away from you while you feed your dog his favorite treats. We recommend using a treat bag.
As he gets used to this, the person can move closer little by little until they are close enough to pet your dog without him feeling uncomfortable.
It’s important that during this training process, everyone involved ignores the fact that there is another dog present.
This means no talking to or looking at the other dog, even if he’s being well-behaved.
The goal is for your dog to associate the presence of other dogs with good things happening, instead of feeling anxious or stressed.
When your dog is comfortable with this exercise, you can start adding in movement by having the person walk around you while you are standing still.
Once your dog is doing well with that, you can move on to having the person walk past you while you are walking in the opposite direction.
Remember to go slowly and only increase the difficulty of the exercise when your dog is completely comfortable and not showing any signs of stress.
If at any point during these exercises your dog becomes anxious or stressed, you are moving too fast and need to immediately separate dogs and go back to the previous step.
It is important to never force your dog into any situation that he is not comfortable with.
Forcing a dog into a situation that causes him stress will only make his guarding behavior worse.
MY DOGS FIGHT WHEN THERE IS FOOD INVOLVED
Food is a very big trigger for dogs, and can continue to be so for a majority of some dog’s life.
Many instances of dogs fighting is related to when dogs are eating meals, treats, bones, or anything similar.
Many dog owners do not realize that food can be one of the biggest of dogs triggers to an otherwise calm dog becoming a ‘more aggressive dog’. Even dogs who are generally even-keeled can become uncomfortable with another dog getting into their space when they are eating.
TIPS FOR ELIMINATING ISSUES WITH FOOD
It is best to feed dogs in separate areas, especially if they are not used to being around each other.
If you have a multi-dog household, we recommend getting an extra food bowl and feeding station so that each dog can eat in his own space.
Crate training is an especially excellent tool to help more than two dogs stop fighting while eating. Crates help manage mealtime and feed dogs separately and safely.
This will help reduce the chances of your dogs fighting over food.
In cases where one dog consistently steals food from another dog, it is best to get a puzzle toy or slow feeder bowl to give the ‘stealer’ dog something else to do with his time besides trying to steal food.
Puzzle toys and slow feeders are a great way to keep any dog occupied and out of trouble!
DO NOT STEAL YOUR DOGS FOOD OR PUT YOUR HAND IN YOUR DOGS BOWL
Some training methods, especially in the ‘alpha‘ or ‘pack leader training’ methods will recommend that you steal your dogs food or put your hand in his bowl while he is eating as a way to show him that you are the ‘pack leader’.
This is an outdated and dangerous method that can cause your dog to become aggressive towards you or other dogs.
We do not recommend this method under any circumstances.
Instead, if your one dog is acting stressed around food, make sure to associate yourself with the ADDITION of positive treats/food. When you walk past your dog, throw a treat in his bowl or drop a few next to him so he associates you with something good happening.
Guarding food is a very natural behavior for dogs, and one that should not be punished.
In summary: apply these tips with your dogs who demonstrate stress surrounding food when around other dogs, other animals, or other people:
Avoiding triggers that may cause your dog to become aggressive
Feeding dogs in separate areas or using puzzle toys/slow feeders if they tend to steal food from each other
Never stealing your dog’s food or putting your hand in his bowl (this could trigger aggression
By using the above tips, you can help your dogs feel more comfortable around each other and reduce the chances of them fighting.
SEEKING HELP WITH DOG TRAINING FOR FOOD AGGRESSION
In cases where a dog is truly food-aggressive and fights with other dogs over food, it is best to seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist who can help you safely modify your dog’s behavior.
Dogs fighting is a very serious issue that can lead to many problems, including but not limited to: severe injuries, the spread of disease, and even death.
If you have two dogs who are fighting, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating. There are an abundance of dog training resources that can help.
Fighting dogs can be a danger to themselves, each other, and any humans who try to break up the fight.
DOGS IN THE SAME HOUSEHOLD FIGHTING
Dogs tend to fight with new dogs that they do not know already, but sometimes two or more dogs of the same pack can randomly begin to fight.
If you have two dogs or even three dogs in the same house, you will need to work hard to keep the peace with the house.
Multiple dogs in one household CAN get along in a peaceful way!
With obedience training, confidence building, and strong boundaries, your dogs can get along well under one roof.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
TIPS TO STOP FIGHTING WITH DOGS IN THE HOUSE
If your dogs fight with one another in the house, you can work to stop fighting with a few tips.
Crate train one dog or both dogs. This will give each dog his own space and help to prevent fighting.
Do not allow either dog on the furniture. This will help to create a hierarchy in the home and prevent fighting over resources.
Be sure to feed each dog in his own area and never leave food out where they can both get to it.
Make sure each dog has his own toys and do not allow them to play with the same toy at the same time.
Do not leave your dogs unattended.
Do not let kids or small children lay on top of your dog, pull the tail of your dog or interact with your dog unattended.
Plan ahead for when new dogs will visit.
Work with a dog trainer and animal behaviorist to help your dogs remain peaceful in the home.
MY DOG FIGHTS WITH NEW DOGS
If your dog fights with new dogs that it is unfamiliar with, it is likely because it is afraid but there are also other reasons:
Older Dog: Sometimes with an older dog, you might find that they no longer have the same interest as a younger dog to interact with dogs anymore.
Young Dog: Some young dogs have not been properly socialized and therefore might try to fight with new dogs.
Dog Parks: Dog parks can be a great place to socialize your dog, but they can also be a place where dogs fight. If you take your dog to the dog park, be sure to keep an eye on him at all times.
Barking: Dogs will often bark and lunge at other dogs when they are on a leash because they feel restrained and unable to escape. If your dog is barking and lunging at other dogs while on a leash, it is important to work with a professional trainer to help your dog overcome this behavior.
Reactivity: Reactivity is when a dog is overly sensitive to stimuli in its environment. Dogs who are reactive may bark, growl, lunge, or even bite in response to things that trigger their fear or anxiety. If your dog is reactive, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog learn how to cope with the things that trigger its reactivity.
Fearful Dogs: Fearful dogs are often the ones who start fights with other dogs because they are trying to defend themselves. If your dog is fearful of other dogs, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog overcome its fear.
Anxiety: Anxiety is a condition that can cause a variety of different behaviors in dogs, including aggression. If your dog is anxious, it is important to work with a certified trainer or behaviorist to help your dog learn how to cope with its anxiety.
Depending on the cause of the reactivity and aggression, most dogs if not all dogs can be rehabilitated and will be able to exist with any other dog without breaking out in fights.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING DOG BITES
The best way to prevent dog bites is to educate yourself and others about how to interact safely with dogs.
Here are some tips:
Never approach a dog you do not know, even if he seems friendly. Ask the owner first if it’s okay to pet the dog.
When meeting a new dog, let him sniff your closed hand before petting him.
Don’t bother a dog who is eating, sleeping, or playing with a toy.
Dogs can get jealous when you give attention to other dogs, so always ask the owner before petting another dog.
Never pull on a dog’s tail or ears, and never try to pick up a dog against his will.
Respect a dog’s personal space and do not invade it.
Never approach a strange dog from behind as this may startle him.
If you see a fight between two dogs, do not try to break it up yourself. Dogs can become aggressive when they are afraid or feel threatened, so it is best to call animal control or the police for help.
HELPING DOGS BE SUCCESSFUL ON LEASH
If you have worked with a dog trainer, you have probably heard that you should not let your dog interact with other dogs while on leash.
The reason being is that dogs on leash often feel threatened and anxious, which can lead to aggression.
However, there are ways that you can help your dog be successful when interacting with other dogs while on leash:
Make sure that your dog is well-socialized so that he knows how to interact appropriately with other dogs.
Be aware of your dog’s body language and look for signs of stress or anxiety. If you see these signs, it is best to move away from the other dog.
Ensure that your dog has a good foundation of obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and down. This will help you keep control of your dog if he does become excited or reactive around another dog.
Do not approach other dogs on leash or let the two dogs interact with one another while on leash.
Participate in on leash walks where the dogs do not interact, but rather learn how to exist with one another without playing, lunging or biting.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG ATTACKS ANOTHER DOG
First and foremost, if your dog attacks another dog, it can be very scary.
Try not to panic.
Also, do not try to separate fighting dogs, especially with your hands.
Try to make loud noises and get the dogs’ attention by spraying them with water from a hose or throwing objects near them.
Only once the dogs have stopped fighting should you try to separate them.
Then, take your dog to the vet for a check-up, even if he seems fine.
Afterward, make sure to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist to help you and your dog work through any issues that may have caused the aggression.
It is also important to talk to your veterinarian about what happened and ask for their advice on how to prevent it from happening again in the future including asking them if they have any recommendations for fear training and obedience training. Your vet might have great suggestions for a certified professional dog trainer.
Dogs are complex creatures and there can be many different reasons why they fight with other dogs. However, by understanding the causes of aggression and working on prevention.
Some parents like to be prepared with items such as loud horns, dog versions of pepper spray, or other tools in case their dog ever gets into a fight with another dog.
If you choose to carry any of these items, make sure to familiarize yourself with how to use them before you need to use them in an emergency situation.
Remember, the best way to prevent your dog from fighting with another dog is to be proactive and understand the causes of aggression. If you can identify the triggers for your dog’s aggression, you can work on prevention and management so that your dog can live a happy and healthy life.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG GETS ATTACKED
If your dog gets attacked, do not forget to get the contact information from the owner of the attacker.
Not only is it important for potential vet bills, but you will want to verify that their dog is up to date on its vaccines.
Next, try to get to the vet immediately. Getting to the veterinarian immediately is important because your dog will need to be checked for injuries, given a round of antibiotics to prevent infection, and possibly have x-rays taken if there are any broken bones.
If your dog has been attacked by another dog, it is important to take some time to understand what may have caused the attack.
It is also important to work on prevention so that it does not happen again in the future.
There are many different resources available to help you do this including books, online articles, and even working with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
While an attack can be frightening, it is important to remember that most dogs do not want to hurt other dogs and that with some training and understanding, you can help your dogs stay safe.
MY MALE DOG IS AGGRESSIVE
Male dogs can be aggressive for many different reasons.
Some male dogs are aggressive due to dominance, while others may be acting out because they are afraid or in pain.
Other males may have been poorly socialized as puppies or have a history of abuse or neglect.
If your male dog is displaying signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
In some cases, medication may be necessary in order to help your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable around other dogs. However, medication should always be a resort taken after training.
Some male dogs mount female dogs when they are over stimulated and this should be avoided. Keep your male dogs separately from female dogs if they are not spayed.
MY FEMALE DOG IS AGGRESSIVE
Female dogs are known more for fighting with dogs that are the same sex as themselves.
This is because females are often more territorial and want to protect their home and resources from other females.
However, any dog can be aggressive regardless of sex.
If your female dog is displaying signs of aggression, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
If your female dog is aggressive toward any other dog, work on setting intense boundaries, crate training and seeking help from a balanced trainer.
MY DOG HAS SEPARATION ANXIETY
Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety that occurs when a dog is away from their owner.
This can be caused by many different things including prior abandonment, neglect, or abuse. It can also be caused by dogs not being given enough independent time, which is why crate training is so important.
Dogs with separation anxiety often display signs of distress such as barking, howling, chewing, pacing, and destruction when left alone.
If your dog has separation anxiety, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
Treatment plans for separation anxiety often include medication, crate training, and providing your dog with toys and bones that are only given to them when you leave the house.
With some time and patience, most dogs with separation anxiety can be cured and be confident being by themselves.
MY OLDER DOG IS SUDDENLY AGGRESSIVE
If you have an older dog that is suddenly demonstrating signs of aggressive behavior, it is important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Older dogs can become aggressive due to many different things including pain, cognitive decline, and sensory issues.
Since dogs cannot talk, they sometimes resort to other forms of communication to express their pain. Their pain could be stemming from:
Once you have ruled out any medical causes, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog.
Treatment plans for older dogs that are suddenly aggressive often include medication, crate training, obedience training, and providing your dog with plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
With some time and patience, most older dogs that are demonstrating signs of aggression can be helped with these treatment plans.
IN CONCLUSION
There are many different reasons why dogs may become aggressive. However, with some patience and training, most dogs can be taught to control their aggression. If you are struggling to stop your dog from being aggressive, it is important to consult with a certified animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist who can help you create a treatment plan specifically for your dog. With some time and effort, you and your dog can overcome this obstacle and have a happy and healthy life together. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful. 🙂
If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences with dog aggression, please leave a comment below! I would love to hear from you.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
But – do they work? And even more-so- what the heck are they?
THE FOUNDATIONS: WHAT IS A DOG E COLLAR?
An e collar is a training tool for dogs. But more importantly, it is a way for dog owners to communicate the rules and ‘norms’ of life with their pet, set strong boundaries, and help them to be successful in life.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SHOCK COLLAR AND AN E COLLAR?
Most people think that e collar use is the same thing as shock collars.
This is simply NOT true. E collar training is VERY different than training with shock collars.
Shock collars are known to create painful skin burns, cause extreme harm to the neck / skin, and can actually CAUSE negative behavior. Shock collars are made with the intention to punish a dog for bad behavior – and are NOT an effective way to train your pet.
Additionally, one of the main difference between shock collars and e collars is on the inside. On the inside of a shock collar is a shock unit- when you push the button on the remote control your dog will get shocked. The shock collar can be VERY unreliable- sometimes it will shock and sometimes it will not. A ‘cheap’ shock collar from Amazon or something of the like is known to create pressure sores and thus, negative associations with your dog.
Do not get sucked into thinking that a shock collar is the training tool that you should use to perfect your dog’s behavior. It will simply cause harm, pain and unnecessary behaviors or new behavioral issues over time.
ARE ELECTRIC COLLARS CRUEL?
If you are using a shock collar to train dogs, it can be considered cruel. Using a shock collar on your dog for any form of behavior modification can create confusion.
However, e collars work entirely different than a shock collar, and therefore the training sessions associated with these collars are also very different. In result- your dog will FEEL very different physically, emotionally, and their behavior will be very different when working with this effective training tool.
Not all collars for dogs are the same. E collars work with positive reinforcement AND negative reinforcement (YES- negative reinforcement IS a good thing- ALL dogs need correction in order to correct behavior when training).
So- when deciding if remote training collars are cruel- you need to know the difference between all the different types of collars for dogs. Bark collars, shock collar, or stimulation collars for dogs.
Choose a stimulation collar! We call these e-collars. This is the most ethical form of training collar for your pup and is NOT cruel.
WHAT IS ON THE INSIDE OF AN E COLLAR?
On the inside of ethical, modern e collars is what makes them an effective training tool.
What BETTER item to use on your dog’s neck than electronic collars with electronic stimulation that not only helps with their training but provides healthy muscular benefits as well?
WHAT DOES THE ‘E’ IN ‘E COLLAR’ MEAN?
The ‘e’ in e collar means ‘electronic’.
But what does that mean?
It means that there is a small stimulation box on the inside of the collar that sends out a electric charge to two metal contact points on either side of your dog’s neck. The electric charge is not harmful- and actually feels similar to a ‘tingle’ or ‘buzz’ that you might feel if you were to touch your tongue to a battery.
The charge is not harmful, and is actually very low level. The level of stimulation can be increased or decreased depending on what training stage your dog is in, as well as their individual personality and needs.
Any collar that does not include Electrical Muscle Stimulation is considered a ‘shock collar’, and should be treaded easily. Stim will train your dog what is right and wrong and allow them to understand your communication whereas shock collars will condition your dogs to the idea that you are going to harm them and cause pain when they are not responding correctly.
WHAT DOES AN E COLLAR DO FOR DOGS?
An e collar is used by dog owners or a professional dog trainer to help dogs succeed in ALL aspects of life.
Because e collars are ‘communication’ devices, rather than ‘corrective’ devices, they are used not to control your pet, but to help as your dog learns right from wrong.
Additionally, e collars teach dogs how to be safe, avoid dangerous situations while off leash, and gain strong recall.
E collars can also be used for maintaining positive obedience skills like walking on a leash, not jumping on people, avoiding counter surfing, and being able to gain the freedom to live their best lives while also being safe and healthy.
WHAT DOES AN E COLLAR FEEL LIKE?
E collars, unlike shock collars, DO NOT hurt or cause pain.
The level of stimulation can be increased or decreased- but should always start at the lowest setting.
The electronic e collar that we highly recommend has a ‘momentary’ and a ‘continuous’ setting.
The momentary is a quick stimulation that’s purpose is to get your dog’s attention or remind them of a certain behavior. It is similar to what you might feel if you were to briefly have your hand fall asleep, for 1 second.
The continuous stim is where the owner has control over the electronic collar with the remote, and can dial the volume of the e collar up and down, depending on the dogs behavior.
For example: if you are wanting your pup to recall while off leash from 100 yards away, you can begin to dial up on the continuous stim. As your dog returns to you, you will begin to dial down. This is a strategy that I like to call the ‘hot and cold’ game.
Either way, when using e collars with stim inside of them, the e collar feels like a slight buzzing- and does not hurt.
Most dog owners will try the collar on themselves before trying it on their dog to train.
DO E COLLARS TRAUMATIZE DOGS?
E collars and e collar training does NOT traumatize dogs.
E collars provide a way for dog owners to have clear communication with their dogs- and help them learn how to be safe and make good decisions.
Without e collars, many dogs would never be able to experience all the joys that life has to offer- like being off leash hiking in the woods, running and playing on the beach, or even just being able to have a safe walk around the neighborhood.
E collars provide dogs with a way to have freedom- while also keeping them safe.
However, having said that, using a low quality collar with your dog will put you at risk for contact burns, random harsh shock, and in turn: unexplainable behaviors.
HOW DO YOU USE AN E COLLAR?
E collars are meant to communicate with your dog.
First and foremost, before you begin dog training with e collars on any behavior, your dog should know the basic verbal commands.
For example, if you are wanting to train your dog to associate the use of ecollars in their dog training to the ‘sit’ command, they should ALREADY be able to perform the sit command.
If you are hoping to strengthen your dog’s leash skills- they should already have a foundation of training on leash skills in which you maintain control over your dog on leash.
WHERE DO I START WITH USING AN E COLLAR?
The first place to start using e collars on your dog is with their name.
After you have done this a few times, you will then want to begin using the e collar.
Start with the lowest level of stimulation and work your way up as needed.
I like to start on the lowest level and then increase the level if my dog is not responding.
Once you find the lowest level of the collar that works for your dog you are ready to begin training them to associate their name with the collar.
TEACH YOUR DOG TO ASSOCIATE THEIR NAME WITH THE COLLARS
Next, you will want to put the collar on your dog.
You will then want to say your dog’s name in a happy voice and immediately follow it with a treat.
Repeat this process several times until your dog is responding consistently.
Now you are ready to begin adding in the stimulation with the e collar.
Start with the lowest level of stimulation.
Remember to always start with verbal praise first and then follow it with a treat as well as a ‘marker word’. A marker word means that you are telling your dog that they have done something correct.
I like to use the word ‘yes’ as my marker word.
So, when I say my dog’s name and they look at me I would then say ‘yes’ and immediately follow it with a treat.
Once your dog is responding consistently, you can begin to add one extra step with your wireless remote.
Say your dogs name
Wait for them to look at you
Press the stim button
Simultaneously provide a treat (positive reinforcement) as well as a marker word ‘YES’!
SHOULD YOU TRAIN YOUR DOG WITH AN E COLLAR?
In short, we LOVE seeing healthy training of dogs using an e collar! Feel free to check out our guide below:
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
If you feel uncomfortable getting started, get some help from a professional trainer who can help you get started. With proper techniques, using an e collar can significantly help most dogs thrive and be confident members of society.
When it comes to using an e collar on your dog, there is a right and wrong way to do it.
Do you feel like giving up using e collars to train your dog? Is it just not working. Well, we have one last thing for you to try before you call it quits with your training.
Pet owners who gear up to use a training collar often find themselves frustrated, stating that their training goals aren’t going as planned.
Improper placement of the e collar is one of the BIGGEST problems with your dogs training. A proper fit on your dog’s neck should be the FIRST STEP in e collar training.
You seem to think ‘I have no idea if this thing is working’ often
If you notice any of these problems- you might have missed an important e collar detail: proper contact and a snug fit.
HOW DO I MAKE SURE THAT THE COLLAR FITS MY DOG?
The way that e collar dog training works is from the communication between the remote and the points that rest on your Great Dane’s skin.
When you push the button on the remote, you should rely on your dog’s collar to send stimulation to their skin, alerting them that you are attempting to communicate with them.
If these contacts do not fit snugly on your dog’s neck, they will not send proper stimulation, or any at all for that matter.
Even if just one of the contact points touches your dog’s neck, but not both, your dog will receive NO sign or indication from the collar.
Therefore, if you do not make sure that the collar is extremely snug on your dog, making contact with its skin and not just it’s hair, it will feel ABSOLUTELY NOTHING at all.
CONTACT POINTS ON YOUR GREAT DANE’S SKIN
Contact points are the two metal pieces that come in touch with your Great Dane’s skin when you are using the e collar.
They should fit snug on your dog’s neck, right behind their ears.
You will want to make sure that these contact points have direct contact with your Great Dane’s skin and not just their fur.
If they do not have direct and physical touch to the skin, your dog will not feel the stimulation and it will be as if you never even pushed the button on the remote.
MY DOG IS YELPING WHEN WEARING ITS COLLAR
If you notice that your Great Dane is yelping when wearing the e collar, you should question the position in which you have the collar.
If your dog leans downward, for example, it creates space between the collar and the neck. But when it leans back up right, the position of the collar is altered.
Therefore, when using a level, let’s say 20, your dog will not feel the stim at all while leaning downward, but will be taken completely off guard when leaning upward.
The yelping is probably a result of incorrect position of the collar: a complete surprise at the sudden sensation upon finally feeling the point.
MY DOG HAS PRESSURE SORES UNDERNEATH ITS FUR / ON ITS NECK
If you notice your dog has developed pressure sores, it is likely from the e collar being too loose on their neck or you are wearing the wrong points.
PROPERLY FIT E COLLARS WILL NOT CREATE IRRITATION
As we stated before, the points must have direct contact with the skin and feel almost uncomfortably (to you) tight in order for proper stimulation to be felt.
A loose fit will cause the metal pieces to slide around on your dog’s neck. If the collar constantly rubs through your dog’s coat and hair- it can cause extreme skin irritation.
Work to tighten your collar strap until you can just fit two fingers underneath of the collar strap and the neck.
The collar should feel very tight and have no ‘wiggle room’.
ARE YOU USING THE RIGHT LENGTH OF CONTACT POINT?
There are different lengths of points which should be chosen wisely for good contact on skin.
For example: Short-haired dogs will need the shortest points so that the metal has direct contact with their skin.
On the other hand, long-haired dogs will need longer metal pieces to make sure the stim is not being lost in all of the fur.
Great Danes have very short / thin hair, and therefore usually the point that works best for them is the ¼ inch.
The next size up would be the ½ inch and so on. The longest point is usually no longer than one inch in length and would be for a pet with long hair, whereas the shortest contact points are 1/4 inch.
Comfort Pads
Comfort pads can be the answer to a lot of problems. Comfort pads are small, rubber discs that go in-between the points and your Great Dane’s body.
This provides a buffer between the metal piece and your dog’s body. It also helps with making sure the contact points do not get lost in all of the fur (as we discussed before).
If you have a pup with very sensitive skin, a short coat, or you are just trying to avoid any irritation, comfort pads may be the way to go.
WHERE DOES THE E COLLAR GO ON MY DOGS NECK?
The e collar should be positioned with the strap snug around your dog’s head, right behind their ears.
You will want to make sure that the contact points have direct contact with your dog’s skin and not just their fur.
If they do not have direct contact, your Great Dane will not feel the stimulation and it will be as if you never even pushed the button on the remote.
The best place to keep the collar is on it’s head, right behind one of the ears. If the collar hangs in the front of the neck, skin can become easily irritated.
SHOULD MY GREAT DANE WEAR THE COLLAR ALL THE TIME?
The answer to this question is usually no. You should only put the e collar on your Great Dane when you are actively training them or if they are in a situation where they may need a communication (i.e. if they are about to run into the street) or you’d like them to recall.
You should remove the collar every few hours to ensure that your dog’s skin does not become irritated.
It is also a good idea to remove the collar when your dog is eating or drinking so that they do not get food or water on the contact points (which can cause irritation) and so that they can have full range of their body.
THE FINAL STEP
After you have double-checked that the contact points are properly fitted that the strap is snug but not too tight, and that you are using the correct length of contact point- it’s time to put the e collar on your dog and start training!
Check out our guide for more detail on how to begin working with an e collar!
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
When I first got my Great Danes (yes- 2 Great Dane puppies at ONCE- WHAT was I thinking?) I was SO excited to start finding dog trainers, learn different methods and ‘quickly’ have the most perfectly trained dog.
Boy, was I wrong! Getting dogs trained is not an overnight venture.
Dogs need balance in their lives, just like people do. Too much discipline and your dog will become resentful and disobedient. Too little and they will take advantage of you and become unmanageable. That’s why it’s important to follow a balanced dog training program that will keep your Great Dane happy, obedient, and well-adjusted.
Anyways, what’s more is as I worked with my Great Danes, I realized that not only does my dog take time to learn, but SO DID I. I realized I had no idea what training methods really fit my style and even what a well behaved dog SHOULD look like.
That is when I began my journey of finding the training method that worked best for my dogs and our mission: solving problem behaviors and building trust while at the same time building a bond between them and me.
FIRST, LETS DEFINE BALANCED TRAINING
What is balanced training?
Balanced training is a dog training method that uses both negative (-) reinforcement and positive (+) reinforcement training.
In short: This type of training looks at the whole picture- not just one side.
For example, if your dog is jumping on you when you come home from work, you could say “no” and put your knee up to block their jump (negative), or you could ignore the jump and instead, wait for your dog to sit and then give them a treat (positive). Some of our favorite treats here:
You could also do a combination of both- say “no” and push their butt down to help stop jumping, and proceed to give them a treat once their butt hits the ground.
This method is called balanced because you are using BOTH negative AND positive reinforcement training- not just one.
MY FIRST AND LAST EXPERIENCE WITH PHYSICAL CORRECTION
Raising a dog is hard. Raising a puppy can be even harder. Ever heard of the puppy blues? There’s an actual WORD for the depression that one might feel with the sheer amount of work and fatigue a new dog can cause them.
When my puppy came home, I had an entire training plan, I knew what I wanted my dog’s behavior to look like, I had watched the clicker training videos on youtube, and I had done my research.
But what I didn’t factor in was how TIRED I would be.
I quickly learned that no amount of research or videos could have prepared me for the real thing.
TRAINING DOGS REQUIRES YOU TO RESORT ON HABIT, NOT ‘PLANS’
In those first few weeks, I made a lot of mistakes. But- to be fair, she did too…
One being the time she RAN and I mean RAN out the front door when she saw our nice neighbor and their new baby walking past with a stroller.
I gasped, I panicked, I turned into the worlds WORST dog trainer.
I started running after her- screaming “NO! NOOOO!” as if that would somehow stop a speeding bullet.
And what did my puppy do? She thought it was a game and RAN FASTER. So there I was- running down the street like a maniac, screaming at the top of my lungs- embarrassing myself and my poor puppy.
When I finally caught up to her, I was so out of breath and angry that I grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, shoved her in the house, and slammed the door.
I was relying on plans, rather than having built strong habits to fall back on in the midst of a frustrating moment.
DOGS NEED CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND CONSISTENCY
My lesson books told me I was a force free trainer, but my HABIT told me I was a big meanie who used leash jerks, terrible body language, and even ‘mean verbal tone’ to my dog.
She was SO confused!
And I was devastated. How could I have been SO mean and strayed so far from the way I wanted to treat unwanted behavior?
I knew I wanted and needed to be better for my dog. I also knew she would be acting out again- and probably soon- so I needed to know exactly how to act when she did.
PURELY POSITIVE TRAINING WAS JUST NOT RIGHT FOR ME
That night I sat with my dog, thinking about the immense leash pressure (sigh) and the lack of effective communication I had granted my dog when she made a mistake.
That is when it hit me- no amount of “science based” verbal praise was going to get her back to me when all 45 lbs of her puppy energy was running off towards something WAY more exciting than myself- should it be a baby carriage, other dogs, or a squirrel.
‘What in the heck am I supposed to do when I can’t control my dog? And how can I get to a place that my dog understands me?’
MY ROAD TO FINDING BALANCED TRAINING
Que the mad google research for dog trainers. We’ve all been there.
The midnight quest to solving life’s problems, one search at a time.
‘Balanced Trainers’, ‘Balanced Dog Trainers Near Me’, the results started flooding in.
I finally found an article that talked about the importance of BOTH positive and negative reinforcement in training.
It made SO much sense!
How could I have been so naive to think that one or the other would be enough?
Dogs are living, breathing creatures with feelings, just like us. They need both- just like we do.
Finding a trainer who could show me how to properly use both positive AND negative reinforcement was my next task.
I was sold on the satisfying and bonding behavior modification that could be accomplished by positive punishment (the addition of an unpleasant consequence) and positive reinforcement (the addition of a pleasant consequence).
I was intrigued by the concept of completing training exercises with both positive motivation for successful new behaviors, and discipline for any unwanted animal behavior (negative punishment).
Yup- I bought the cute planner at Target, I memorized the four quadrants, and I knew that this was the route for me.
WHAT ARE THE FOUR QUADRANTS?
The four quadrants of operant conditioning are:
Positive reinforcement
Negative reinforcement
Positive punishment
Negative punishment
I’ll go more in depth with each one below!
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT (+R)
This is when you offer the dog a reward for completing a desired behavior.
The reward can be a treat, toy, a clicker or verbal praise. The most important part is that the dog finds the reward valuable.
Some dogs will work for food, while others prefer to play with a toy or receive petting and scratches.
You’ll need to experiment to see what type of reinforcement works best for your dog.
When used BY ITSELF, reward based techniques can actually be ineffective and put your dog at a huge disadvantage, in my opinion.
NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT (-R)
This is when you remove an unpleasant condition after the dog completes a desired behavior.
For example, if your dog doesn’t like to be restrained on a leash, you can immediately release him from the restraint (leash, collar, or harness) as soon as he sits calmly.
The dog learns that the desired behavior (sitting calmly) will result in the removal of the unpleasant condition (being restrained), so he is more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
POSITIVE PUNISHMENT (+P)
This is when you add an unpleasant consequence after the dog completes an undesired behavior.
For example, if your dog jumps on you when you come home from work, you can immediately turn your back and ignore him until he calms down.
With +P, dogs learn that the undesired behavior (jumping on you) will result in the addition of an unpleasant condition (being ignored), so he is less likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT (-P)
This is when you remove a pleasant condition after the dog completes an undesired behavior.
For example, if your dog jumps on you when you come home from work, you can immediately put him in his crate or kennel.
With -P, dogs learn that the undesired behavior (jumping on you) will result in the removal of a pleasant condition (being out of his crate), so he is less likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
WHICH ONE SHOULD I USE?
The thing is, you’re going to use ALL four sections of the operant conditioning quadrant when you are a balanced trainer.
Balanced training requires dog owners to be well versed in each section so that they can make the best decisions for their individual dog’s needs.
I’ll admit, at first I was a little discouraged. It felt like a lot to learn and keep track of! But I’m telling you, it is SO worth it.
Not only will your dog be a better dog, but overall, you will notice a change in yourself.
You’ll be more patient, more consistent, and better equipped to handle any dog training challenge that comes your way.
So how do you beging working on balanced training? Check out the steps below!
IDENTIFY NONNEGOTIABLE BEHAVIOR ISSUES AND DEVELOP HABITS
Every Great Dane is going to have their vice.
My pups have shown me it all.
Leash pulling, eating things, counter surfing, destroying furniture, separation anxiety, the list goes on.
The first step is identifying which behaviors are nonnegotiable for you and your family.
For example, if you live in an apartment and can’t have a dog that barks excessively, then barking would be a nonnegotiable behavior for you.
Canine behavior is complex. Living in a dog world, especially when you are new to training dogs, is NOT easy. Behavioral issues are GOING to pop up. That, I can assure you.
Grab your Target planner and decide on your house rules. You’re going to need them.
LOOK UP BALANCED TRAINERS IN YOUR AREA
Finding dog trainers is never easy. Every human has their own training methods, even amidst balanced dog training methods.
But, choosing the wrong dog trainer who uses the wrong training methods can be a lethal decision.
RUN FROM ANY TRAINING ENVIRONMENT THAT USES ‘ALPHA’ TECHNIQUES
I’m sure you’ve seen the movies. The dog trainer comes to the house, roughs up the dog a bit, and then everything is fixed!
The dog magically becomes this well-behaved, obedient creature that follows every command to a T.
If you want a happy and healthy dog, find another trainer.
Balanced dog training is NOT being an ‘alpha‘, being dominant, performing knee-chokes, or any of that other cruel baloney.
MY TRAINER USES PHYSICAL CORRECTIONS IN THEIR TRAINING METHODS
There is a place for balanced trainers who know how to correctly use force-free techniques in the dog training industry and RIGHTLY SO!
Physical corrections, when used appropriately, should never actually physically hurt your dog.
A physical correction is meant to startle or surprise your dog so that they can break their focus on the undesired behavior and refocus on you.
For example, if my dog is about to bolt out the door, I might give him a quick leash pop so that he knows to pay attention to me instead of bolting out (ultimately potentially saving its life from running away or entering a dangerous road).
E COLLARS AND BALANCED TRAINING METHODS
Another example of a correction used ethically during training is the use of an e collar. E collars, when used ethically and appropriately, are one of the most humane and effective dog training tools on the market.
E collars can be used for a variety of things, such as recall training, boundary training, and more.
If you are interested in learning more about e collar training, I suggest checking out some of my other blog posts or contacting a local balanced trainer in your area.
Need help with modern e collar training? Check out our guide.
WHAT IS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Now that we’ve talked about corrections, let’s move on to positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is defined as any reinforcer that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
In other words, when your dog does something you like, you ‘reinforce’ that behavior by giving them something they find reinforcing in return.
The most common form of positive reinforcement is food.
Other forms of positive reinforcement include verbal praise, petting, and play.
Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!
WHEN SHOULD I USE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT?
Positive reinforcement should be used frequently to shape and mold desired behaviors.
If you find a trainer who ONLY uses positive reinforcement, it is our belief that you will not accomplish what you so desire.
Many dog owners spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on a positive trainer, only to find their dog relying on dozens of treats to perform simple requests.
When used in correspondence with humane corrective and communicative tools, positive reinforcement is absolutely a necessity for every dog.
TOOLS TO CHOOSE FROM TO TRAIN A BALANCED DOG
PRONG COLLAR
A prong collar is a type of collar that has metal prongs that point inwards, towards the dog’s neck.
Prong collars should be fitted by experienced trainers who know how to correctly fit and use them.
When fitted correctly, prong collars will not even pop a balloon!
When fitted incorrectly and used to train dogs, a prong collar can cause serious injury.
E COLLAR
An e collar, also known as an electronic collar or remote training collar, is a type of collar that delivers a low level electrical stimulation to the dog wearing it.
E-collars are most commonly used for recall training and boundary training, but can be used for a variety of other things as well.
E-collar training is one of the most ethical forms of training for dogs and allows owners to communicate effectively with their dogs.
A slip lead is a primary example of applying something negative when dogs demonstrate negative behavior. The slip lead around their neck will tighten and become uncomfortable when they pull, which will teach them not to pull on the leash.
Shock collars and dog training should not be associated in the same sentence.
Cheap shock devices off of amazon are inhumane and will cause your dog more harm than good such as contact burns, sporadic and confusing shocks, and a lack of communication or understanding of why they are being shocked in the first place.
There is a huge difference between a shock collar and a stim (e collar).
IS USING TOOLS ON DOGS CRUEL OR MEAN?
Absolutely not! I found that once I began my research based training, filled with both treats and communication, my Great Danes finally UNDERSTOOD what I was asking them to do.
They can play, run, spend time with other animals, live like they are meant to. They can be off leash and on leash, in the house and out of the house, with children and without children.
They are finally able to be a part of this world in a way that didn’t involve stress or punishment, but instead pure understanding.
Dog training is not about being mean or forceful, it’s about showing your dog what you want them to do and then using body language and physical touch to help get them there!
Dogs are not born knowing how to “sit” or “stay”, we teach them these things through patience, love, and most importantly- communication.
GETTING STARTED ON YOUR DOG TRAINING JOURNEY
It wasn’t long ago that I was frantically doing the google searches, looking for absolutely anything that could help my dog.
I had tried everything from traditional obedience classes to hiring a personal trainer, and while both of those things helped in their own way, I still wasn’t getting the results I wanted.
I felt like I was stuck in this never-ending cycle of my dog doing something wrong, me getting frustrated, and then both of us giving up.
I knew there had to be a better way, and that’s when I found balanced dog training.
If you are on your journey to finding a better way of training dogs, I recommend seeing if balanced work is right for you!
Thinking about getting a Great Dane? Here’s how to find a reputable breeder.
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Photo credit to @lexi.aspen.raynaPhoto credit to @lexi.aspen.rayna
Great Danes live an average of about 8-10 years, according to the AKC. But with good breeding practices and a proper diet and exercise regime, they can live up to 12 years old or more!
GREAT DANE LIFE SPAN – HOW LONG DO GREAT DANES LIVE?
It is well known that Great Danes tend to have shorter lives than other dogs. This is because they are a giant breed and are prone to a number of health problems which may reduce the Great Dane lifespan. (Health Risks in Great Danes)
Some of the health problems that large dog breeds, including Great Danes, are prone to include hip dysplasia, bloat, cancer, and heart disease. All of these things can be genetic, and lead to a shorter lifespan and shorter average life expectancy in the breed as a whole.
Bad breeders perpetuate the health conditions that Great Danes are prone to by breeding ‘Euro’ Great Danes.
Your Great Dane ‘average life span’ does not need to define them. Dog owners should be equipped with knowledge to help their big dogs live a long and healthy life.
Do you want to learn more about how, as a Great Dane owner, that might be possible?
IS A GREAT DANE’S LIFESPAN ACTUALLY SHORT?
When comparing life expectancy of different dog breeds, it’s very hard for us owners of giant dog’s not to compare a Great Dane’s life with one of smaller dogs.
The truth is, the life span of a Great Dane is indeed shorter than that of other dog breeds WHO are significantly smaller.
However, I find it interesting when comparing other dogs of both large and giant breed size that Danes actually do not have a ‘short life span’, like many like to state. (especially when they see you out for a walk).
Here are some of the common years / life span of familiar dogs:
As you can see, other breed’s pups of the same size are ABOUT the same in regards to the dog’s life as a Great Danes.
The biggest job of a large dog owner is to remember that every single year with a gentle giant is actually worth 3 years, as they are just that valuable and precious.
HOW DO I MAKE MY GREAT DANE LIVE LONGER? EXTEND THE GREAT DANE LIFE SPAN.
You can help extend the Great Dane life span, and improve the lives of the breed as a whole by taking the following steps:
Unscrupulous breeders often prioritize marketing a sale, promoting Great Dane puppies and filling their pockets with money over the health of the dog and future of the Great Dane’s family (that’s you!).
Back yard breeding is NOT just the nasty man down the street who owns a female dog and lets her mate with the neighbors’ intact male.
It is anyone breeding dogs without fully health testing their dogs prior to breeding, disregarding any disqualifying faults in the standard, and certainly anyone selling sick puppies.
These ‘breeders’ are often unknowledgeable about Genetics and inheritance of disease.
Bad breeders claim the terms ‘Euro’ without any proof that their genetics began in Europe. This statement is not only dishonest, but can cause a slew of health issues in conformation, including eyelid entropion and obesity.
They are also often unknowledgeable about the Great Dane Standard set forth by the Great Dane Club of America.
The biggest problem with back yard breeders is that they do not put any thought into their breeding program or the breed standard. They do not plan their litters, they do not health test or color test their dogs, and they certainly don’t care about the dog’s quality of life or dog’s health.
Back yard breeding can lead to a host of health problems for the pup and many dog owners.
Great Danes are already at a higher risk for certain conditions like bone cancer and hip dysplasia, so adding irresponsible breeding into the mix only exacerbates these health risks.
Fortunately, there are ethical breeders out there who are dedicated to promoting the health of the Great Dane breed. Ask a potential breeder for records of their health testing, breeding history, and if they have health concerns like bloat or hip or elbow dysplasia in their lines.
Protein is important for muscle development and maintenance.
Fat is important for energy, insulation, and healthy skin and coat.
Fiber is important for proper digestion.
Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth and must be at a 1:1 ratio with phosphorus for appropriate support of the dog’s joints. Without this ratio, you will not have a balanced diet and this can lead to huge issues.
A quality and healthy diet can really help dogs develop their best possible chance at longevity and a good quality of life.
Avoid boutique foods AT ALL COSTS- like this one. (Read full review)
There are many available foods that meet the requirements for a Great Dane, so talk to your breeder or veterinarian about what food they recommend or check out our raw recommendations here:
Treats and Bones for Great Danes:
We love a good Great Dane snack! But it’s important to make sure that any treats or bones you give your Dane are appropriate for their size.
When selecting snacks or bones for your Dane, always err on the side of caution and go bigger!
When choosing a bone or chew for your Great Dane, do NOT choose rawhide! Instead, choose something that is chemical free and safe to consume, like this:
Proper exercise throughout a Great Dane life includes offering plenty of free play and exploration on soft, varied terrain. For this reason, we believe that all Great Danes should be reliably off-leash trained!
Great Danes were NOT designed to be stagnant. They were designed to be active, hunting boars!
Now, a Great Dane lifespan is NOT determined by whether or not your Great Dane dog is raised hunting boars- but you get the point.
Make those hind legs work. Get those Great Danes working, playing, moving, exercising.
Swimming with your pup is an EXCELLENT form of exercise!
Exercise, fresh air, muscles and movement are medicine to both animals and humans.
Great Danes are no different- they need to be active. Such dogs will remain the healthiest for the longest.
GIVING OPPORTUNITY FOR ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR GREAT DANES
Providing your Great Dane dog with engagement activities is an absolute must.
Engagement for Great Danes can consist of , but is not limited to:
Food Games– Kongs stuffed with different types of foods, slow feeders, treat dispensing toys, etc.
Socialization Opportunities– Going to the dog park, doggy daycare, or hiring a dog walker / dog sitter to come over and provide some playtime while you’re away. Check out our socialization guide.
Enrichment Activities– Making homemade toys, going on different types of walks (scent walks, urban hikes, etc.), playing games (hide and seek), and more.
Puppyhood is the time to lay the foundation for a lifetime of engagement and keeping your Great Dane’s brain working.
Not only will this set up your Great Dane for an active / smart / engaged and hard working brain, but it will help them live a happy life.
After all, who likes to be bored?
KEEP YOUR GREAT DANES LEAN
Not just in a Great Dane, but in ALL breeds, just a few extra pounds can shorten their life. Great Dane puppies grow fast- and should be kept on the lean side!
Obesity in the breed is truly something that is causing many Great Danes excessive pain and making Great Danes die early. Great Danes suffer and sometimes even have a short life due to being overweight.
If you really want your Great Dane dog to live the longest they possibly can, work to keep them lean and thin from the time they are Great Dane puppies until they are adults!
There is almost no such thing as a Great Dane that is too thin and it has been shown time and time again that thin dogs live very long lives.
REDUCING STRESS IN GIANT BREEDS
Stress is one huge contributing factor in bloat: One of the number one causes for why Great Danes die.
What is bloat?
Bloat is when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food or fluid and twists. This is a life-threatening emergency and often leads to death if not caught in time and treated properly.
If you have a Great Dane, you will find out soon that you need to find a team of Great Dane experts to help you with their care.
This means finding a veterinarian that sees a lot of Great Danes and has experience with the breed.
You want to find someone who is familiar with the common health problems that plague the breed and can help you catch any early warning signs.
Some veterinarians even specialize in giant breeds- so if you can find one of those, that is ideal.
But even if you can’t find a giant breed specialist, as long as you have a good rapport with your veterinarian and they are familiar with the common health concerns of Great Danes, that’s a good start.
The bottom line is: You want to be proactive about your Great Dane’s health and not wait until there is a problem to see the vet.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say.
So take your Gentle Giant for regular check-ups, even if they seem healthy.
This will help them stay healthy and catch any problems early on, before they get out of hand.
GREAT DANE’S LIFE SPAN AND HEALTH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED
The Great Dane dog is a gentle giant. But even though they are one of the tallest dog breeds, they don’t have one of the longest lifespans.
Like stated, the average lifespan of a Great Dane is about 8-10 years.
This is shorter than many other dog breeds their size.
So what causes such a short lifespan in Great Dane?
Health Issues:
Pyometra: Female Great Danes are prone to developing a condition called Pyometra. This is an infection of the uterus that can occur after they have been spayed. If not caught early, it can be fatal.
Joint Disease: Great Danes are also susceptible to Hip and Elbow Dysplasia. Dysplasia is when the joint doesn’t form properly and leads to arthritis. This is a very painful condition that can make it hard for your dog to walk. Joint disease is the number one cause of elective euthanasia in dogs.
Bloat: Another common health concern in Great Danes is Gastric Dilatation Volvulus- more commonly known as GDV or bloat. Bloat happens when the stomach fills up with gas and then twists. (as spoken about previously).
Prostate Issues: Male Great Danes are prone to developing a condition called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). This is when the prostate enlarges and can cause difficulty urinating. If not treated, it can lead to an infection or even kidney failure.
Heart Issues: Cardiomyopathy is another common health concern in male Great Danes. This is a heart condition that can lead to congestive heart failure and be a reason why Great Danes die early.
As you can see, there are a number of health problems that are common in Great Danes. Some of these conditions can be prevented with regular vet check-ups and some cannot.
THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING
If you are a Great Dane lover, you should advocate for choosing responsible breeders.
Nobody should buy a Great Dane on Facebook, Craigslist, or any other online marketplace.
These are not reputable breeders and there is no guarantee of the health or temperament of the dog.
A responsible breeder will have their dogs examined by a veterinarian and cleared of any health conditions before they breed them.
They will also be able to provide you with paperwork proving that the dog is healthy.
When you buy a dog from a responsible breeder, you are helping to improve the health of the breed as a whole.
So if you are thinking about getting a Great Dane, please do your research and choose a responsible breeder who works to keep your Great Dane healthy.
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Helping a dog with broken leg does not have to be stressful and exhausting. If your Great Dane has a broken leg, the first thing you need to do is get him to the veterinarian. A broken leg can be a serious injury, and it’s important to make sure that your dog receives proper treatment.
Great Danes are susceptible to a number of different injuries, including broken bones. A broken bone can occur for a variety of reasons, including trauma, cancer, or even just from falling awkwardly.
One: Fractured Bone in Your Great Dane
Fractured bones are considered a broken bone, which can be a medical emergency, so you’ll want to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Hairline fractures are definitely more common than broken legs in dogs, but still require pet parents to take action for bone healing.
If you’re unsure whether or not your dog has a broken bone, there are some signs that you can look for. These include:
Limping or holding up a limb
Swelling or bruising around the injury site
Whimpering or crying when the area is touched
Obvious signs of pain such as smacking lips, drooling, full body shaking, or other signs
Treatment for a broken bone will vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include immobilization, surgery, or even just rest and pain relief.
At the vet, you will likely be asked to complete x rays to identify the fracture site, as a fracture can have similar symptoms of a break.
Additionally, the healing process of a fracture vs. a break remains relatively similar.
Two: Finding the Right Vet for Your Great Dane
When it comes to finding the right vet to treat broken limbs with your Great Dane, you’ll want to make sure that you find a vet who has experience with broken bones or a fracture.
Visit Either Your Regular Vet or Emergency Vet First
When you notice your dog is in pain or not bearing weight on its bone or favoring one limb, you will need to get them to the vet immediately.
Take them to your regular vet if they are available. If your vet is not available or open, the Emergency Vet is the next option.
What Will Happen at the Vet?
Your vet or the emergency vet will want to weigh several factors in your Great Dane before they can give you a plan.
After your vet has assessed all of these factors, they will be able to give you a treatment plan for your Great Dane. This will most likely include your dog receiving x rays so that they can recommend a treatment method.
Veterinary Surgeon
Canine surgeons that treat Great Danes are specialists and experts in the field of performing surgery on dogs, including those who have a broken bone or any type of fracture that needs correction.
You may be referred to a surgeon.
When choosing a veterinary surgeon, you’ll want to make sure that you find one who is experienced in treating large breeds.
Orthopaedic Specialist
You might be referred to see an Orthopaedic Specialist.
Like veterinary surgeons, Orthopaedic specialists have completed additional training in their field and are able to provide more specialized care for your Great Dane.
Again, when choosing an Orthopaedic specialist, you’ll want to make sure that you find one who is experienced in treating big Great Danes, as treating toy breeds/small dogs/medium dogs can vary greatly from big dogs.
Three: Dog’s Pain with a Broken Bone
Breaking a bone is very painful, even for a dog. Also, even a fracture can be excruciating. Most dogs will express their pain by whimpering or crying when the area is touched.
Your dog may also try to lick or bite at the injury site. It’s important to keep your dog from licking or biting at their injury as this can cause further damage.
Interested in making your own homemade treats? Coopers Treats offers kits to make your own baked treats and pupcicles.
You can help your dog by providing them with a comfortable place to rest and keeping them calm. You should also try to remain calm yourself as many dogs pick up on their humans energy.
In order to reduce pain while you get to the doctors, you should lay them in a flat and supportive spot, give them water, and use an ice pack to apply pressure (not too hard).
Do not give medication on the way to the vet, as whatever you give your dog could interact with any medications that they need to administer for pain relief of the injury upon arriving.
Four: Issues that Can Happen With Broken Bones
There are a few issues that can happen if your Great Dane has a broken bone, including angulations, pressure sores, and joint contractures.
Angulations or Joint Contractures
Angulations happen when the bone is broken in such a way that it doesn’t line up correctly when it heals. This will cause your dog to have an abnormal gait and may require surgery to fix.
Joint contractures happen when the muscles around the joint tighten and cause the joint to freeze in place. This can happen if your dog doesn’t move their limb for a long period of time or if they have an incorrect cast placed. This stagnation can cause further damage and future health conditions.
Pressure Sores
Open sores can occur if your dog is not placed in the correct position and they rest on their injury for too long, which can cause skin breakdown. The dog’s skin will resemble open wounds and will need to be monitored for infection, but pet parents can heal them with time.
If you notice an open wound on your pup, definitely reach out to your vet to ask them what you should do. Any form of open wound should be treated to prevent infection.
Five: Where Is The Most Common Break?
The most common break in dogs is the humerus, which is the bone that runs from their shoulder to their elbow. This bone is often broken when dogs are hit by cars or fall from a great height.
Other common breaks include the radius (in the forearm), the ulna (also in the forearm), and the femur (the thigh bone).
The second reason is that older Great Danes are more likely to have health conditions that can lead to breaks. For example, cancerous tumors can weaken bones and make them more likely to break.
The last reason is that senior dogs are more likely to take medications that can cause bone loss. For example, steroids are a common medication given to older Great Danes that can cause bone loss.
For these reasons, senior Great Danes can have factors that can affect healing and cause breaks in the first place.
Six: Treatment Options
Pet owners should be aware of the many routes they might be recommended to take to help their dog’s leg heal.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a type of medication that can be used to help with pain and swelling. These are typically given orally but may also be given as an injection or topically.
Pain Medication
There are a variety of pain medications that your veterinarian may prescribe for your dog, depending on the severity of their pain. Never, however, administer drugs to your dog without speaking to your veterinarian for advice on the best course of medication.
Exercises and therapy may be recommended to help your dog regain the strength and mobility in their leg. This will typically involve exercises that you’ll do at home, but may also include hydrotherapy or laser therapy.
Depending on the severity of the break, your Great Dane may need surgery. This is typically done by placing metal plates or screws in the bone to hold it in place while it heals.
In some cases, your dog may need what’s called an external skeletal fixation (ESF). External Fixation is where metal pins are placed on the outside of the leg and held in place with an external frame. This is typically used for more severe breaks or when surgery isn’t an option.
Your Great Dane will need general anaesthetic for any surgery that they undergo.
No matter what treatment route you and your veterinarian decide to take, it’s important to be patient and follow their instructions. With time and proper care, your dog will heal and be back to
At Home Management Post Treatment
There are a few things that you’ll need to do at home to help them recover.
The first thing is to make sure that they’re getting plenty of rest. It’s important to let them heal, regardless of whether they have a broken bone, chipped bone fragments, or open fractures.
You can use an ice / cold packs to help heal the surgery site and keep the pain as minimal as possible.
A crate is a great way to keep them calm and let your dog heal. Here is our favorite crate for large dogs, which can be utilized if your dog breaks anything or has any type of recovery needed:
Sometimes other injuries can impact a Great Dane, some of which require non surgical recovery options.
The most common type of ligament injury in dogs is a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear. This typically happens when the dog’s knee twists or turns too much, causing the ligament to tear.
Treatment for this typically includes rest, weight control, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.
Pet Insurance
In some cases, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment for a broken leg, open fractures, and even the diagnostic x rays needed.
Because a fracture or or break can be very expensive, we highly recommend getting a plan before any major type of fracture or break occurs.
The Bottom Line
A broken leg in a Great Dane, whether a fracture on the front leg, back legs or a complete break, is never a small issue.
With proper care, most Great Danes make a full recovery and are able to return to their previous level of activity.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help!
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