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Butte Humane Society

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Dogs: Toy Recommendations

Toy Recommendations

by: Shannon Wright, BHS Canine Behaviorist

 

Welcome Dog Friends! 


image of a white and black pit bull mix outside in the grass next to a yellow duck toyThis month I wanted to give some light and love to a topic that we tend to overlook, TOYS!

It’s a part of the package deal for most dog owners. Ideally you get a dog and the toys start rolling in. But then what? Dogs differ on their value of toys and I hope this article will shed some light on helpful tips and recommendations for how to make toys hold their value for your furry companions. 

Let’s talk about the beloved tennis ball! Classic, am I right? Well you may be surprised to find out that tennis balls can actually do more harm than good. If overused or left unattended tennis balls can and will wear down your dogs dental over time. Our Veterinarian doesn’t recommend them, instead opt for a softer squishy ball and make sure to monitor your pup while this toy is being played with; because they’re also very easy for a dog to destroy them posing a choking hazard. The Kong Squeeze ball or Chuck It ball can be used as an alternative to tennis balls. Head over to The Best Dog Ball Review to see the in depth review.

Some other resources are listed below for your convenience.

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/safe-dog-toys

https://www.dogwoodvetclinic.com/4-safe-dog-toys-and-4-to-avoid/ 

Now what about the access to toys? Does your dog have free range to grab whatever toy at any time? Do you have a toy box for your dog’s toys? Maybe you’ve noticed that after you purchased a new toy it is exciting for a little while, but after a week or two later, your dog barely gives any attention to it.

 

Allowing for constant access to the toys will devalue them. I suggest taking back just a few of those toys, put them away for a couple of hours or maybe even a few days, then when you and your dog are ready to engage in some play, take out the hidden toy and watch your dog’s eyes light up like they’ve never seen it before. Then after play time is done, put it away again. Your dog will show more engagement with the toys and the hope is that they will find value in the old toy. Plus, maybe save a few bucks along the way! 

Also, are you doubling down on the treats? Swap out a tasty treat routine for an opportunity to grab these toys and have a quick play session. Once the dog is finding value in their toy again they may prefer the play session instead of the quick snack routine. 

Finally, be sure to inspect toys regularly, any moderate to severely damaged toys should be tossed out to avoid your dog swallowing a harmful piece. A blockage and exploratory emergency surgery runs not only a high risk and recovery time for your dog, but will also cost on average $800-$7000 without pet insurance. Always pick toys that are the appropriate size for your dog to avoid a choking hazard.

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Dogs: Firework and Thunderstorm behavior techniques

June 2021

by Shannon Wright

 

Greetings Dog Lovers! 

It’s almost Independence Day!

Did you know July 4th is one of the most common dates for dogs to go missing? Trying these precautions can help ensure your dog will be happy and safe during the holiday. 

 

1.  MAKE SURE YOUR PETS MICROCHIPS ARE UP TO DATE!

2.  Be proactive! Create a safe space for your dog that is comfortable and indoors.

3.  Minimize the Noise.  Suggestions include playing music or turning the TV up a little louder than usual during fireworks. 

4.  Use calming techniques:

Proper use and benefits of a Thundershirt:  Often I hear about how Thundershirts don’t “work”. Truthfully, they don’t work because we put them on and expect some type of magic to happen. If we only use them in a time of desperation or as a last resort, our pets will associate the Thundershirts with all the scary stuff that happens. In other words, our dogs hear the fireworks or start to have anxiety and fear and then we put the Thundershirt on. This is subconsciously helping to create a negative association with the Thundershirt.

The goal is to create a happy emotional response to the Thundershirt. If you plan to use a Thundershirt this Independence day, be sure to condition your dog to the Thundershirt before the scary stuff starts to happen. A brief conditioning process includes putting the Thundershirt out for your dog to sniff, each time your dog approaches the shirt say yes and reward, repeat repeat repeat.  

Next, continue the conditioning by putting the thunder shirt on your dog, reward your dog and then immediately go do your dog’s FAVORITE activity while they’re wearing it; car ride, walk, fetch, special playtime with another doggie friend, etc. We want to show our dog when the Thundershirt comes out and goes onto our dog the best things happen!

After your dog’s favorite activity is over, take it off, reward your dog and be sure to repeat the process. This will help your dog to develop a healthy view of the Thundershirt and every time they see it they will know good things are coming their way! 

5.  Tire them out.  Some other ways to help your dogs during the firework season, exercise them early in the day! Have a playdate with another dog. Go for a swim or hiking adventure.

On a final note: if your dog has supersonic hearing or a fear of the noise that comes along with fireworks, apply all the above suggestions but also speak to your dog’s veterinarian.

 

Happy Fourth!!! 

 

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Dog Health: Laser Pointer Syndrome

Laser Pointer Syndrome
By:  Shannon Wright, BHS Dog Behaviorist
May 2021

Greetings Dog Owners!

Most dog owners are on the lookout for ways to increase health, decrease boredom and keep their furry friends happy and active.  One trend is using laser pointers or flashlights to engage in play with our dogs.

Though generally accepted as safe for cats, laser pointers should not be used for dogs.  While laser pointers seem to provide entertainment and exercise for your dog, they are more likely to be a source of anxiety that can lead to even more serious health and behavior concerns.

Laser Pointer Syndrome is a condition that results in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) behavior.  Laser Pointer Syndrome causes a dog to quickly become frustrated because they’re unable to achieve the target. A dog will become SO fixated on ‘the catch’ that nothing else matters.  In extreme cases, this fixation & drive can escalate, and your dog may start to lunge and leap at other lights, shadows, and reflections that attract their attention.

Looking for an easy-to-use, safe toy to help exercise your dog?

Flirt poles can be used in large or small areas and will still help exert energy from your dog. Before introducing a flirt pole be sure to teach a successful ‘drop’, meaning that your dog will drop on cue 90% of the time. It’s important to note that Flirt Poles trigger the prey drive in your dog and should not be used with multiple dog households or recently adopted dogs.

These items can be found on chewy.com, amazon.com, and at most of your favorite pet supply stores.

*Flirt poles/teaser toys should not be used by dogs with toy possessive issues. 

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Fire Weather: Prepare Your Pets!

By: Emily Acevedo, BHS Shelter Operations Manager

With summer rapidly approaching, it is clear that wildfire season is here. Northern California continues to be an area that is home to fires and evacuations during the warm, dry months. Here are some tips to help keep you ready to evacuate your pets quickly and smoothly.

1. Get Your Pets Microchipped

Have them microchipped and make sure their registered information stays current. Especially for pets who have been microchipped for a while. This is critical! Many animals end up in temporary shelters when they are pulled from evacuated areas and unfortunately, a very small percentage of them have microchips or proper identification. Microchips are a permanent form of identification that can be scanned easily and ensure that your pet is reunited with your family easily in the event of an emergency. If your pet is already microchipped, check their registration annually and update any phone numbers or addresses when they change.

2. Keep a Bag Ready

Prepare a go-bag for your pets. It should include bowls, food, leashes, collars and any medication or preventatives they are on. This is helpful in the event that you cannot return home for a long time due to evacuation orders. It can also be helpful to have a current copy of their medical records in case you need to take them to a shelter or boarding facility for an extended duration while evacuated.

3. Be Proactive With Your Pets

Acclimate your pets to carriers for safe transportation during an emergency. If you have cats or small dogs who need to be transported in a carrier, the last thing you want to have happen during an emergency evacuation is try to try to force them in. The best thing you can do is acclimate them beforehand. Leave the carrier out in a common area for them to explore in their normal environment, in a low-pressure setting. Reward them with a small treat when they enter the carrier- positive reinforcement goes a long way! Make sure to have your carriers in an easily accessible location with any blankets or toys they will need pre-loaded.

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Let’s Talk Tug!

The classic game of tug-o-war! 

Tug should not be played with a recently adopted dog. This information is based on a well  established relationship between an ADULT owner and a dog where play and socialization are regular with one another. 

Before initiating a game of tug – consider the following: 

  • Does your dog know drop? I mean really, really know drop? Teaching a solid drop behavior where your dog is successful 85%-90% of the time is absolutely key to having a good game of Tug-o-war. 
  •  Think carefully – does your dog have guarding tendencies with toys or perhaps redirection issues when frustrated? If you’ve answered yes, do not initiate tug games and seek to further help your pup with those behavior issues with a professional trainer. 
  • When you play tug of war only move the toy side to side and back and forth- never up and down.  Moving the toy upwards, towards you, creates an invitation for the dog to jump up and use it’s teeth, not a behavior anyone wants.  Tugging the toy in an up and down motion is not a natural movement for your dog and is strongly discouraged because it can cause pain and severe injury to your dog.
  • Do not allow small children to play tug with dogs.  

The Rules of Tug 

  1. Use appropriate tug toys.  The bigger, softer and squishier the better!
  2. Use toys that are lengthy and give plenty of space between the dog’s mouth and your hand.  
  3. Get OK with losing! Allow the dog to win 70% of the time. Remember it’s a game…fun!
  4. Practice ‘drop’ and generously reward your dog for dropping the toy.
  5. Feeling teeth? Drop the toy and disengage with your dog for 15-20 seconds. 

 

About Butte Humane Society

Welcome to Butte Humane Society (BHS). We are one of the oldest non-profit agencies in Butte County, California, working since 1911 to bring humanitarian care to dogs, cats and other animals.

We are a Limited Admission shelter that strives to make our animals as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.

Emergency?

If you have an animal emergency, please call Chico Animal Control (530) 897-4960