Some of my furry friends attend obedience classes and learn basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Many of them pass with flying colors until they get home and go for a walk. At that point, a green light goes on and so does their nose. Some owners think these sniffing machines will wonder off and get hit by a car, or maybe even get lost. Why does he act this way?

All hound breeds, were bred specifically to track prey by following scent. The scent is on the ground and that is where the nose is placed. Breeds like this has been used for 100′s of years to hunt squirrels, rabbits, fox, and other small creatures.

The olfactory (smelling) power of a dog’s nose is about 10,000 times stronger than humans. So if you ever tell your wife “Something really smells good in the kitchen”, you can imagine how good it smells to us dogs. My furry friends get so focused on searching out wild game, they are difficult to control especially off leash in the park or woods. We hear your voice, but find it hard to listen to. Thus we have a real problem.

Don’t repeat your dogs name over and over. It only helps teach us dogs NOT to listen. I suggest using a long check cord or clothes line while taking walks in the great outdoors. Call our name, if we don’t listen the first time you give us the “come” command, begin reeling us back to you. That will teach us that we are to come when called. I suggest trying this in an area without a bunch of bushes and trees unless you like untangling things.

Bring some treats with you and when you give the command and your dog listens, you can give them praise and a treat. We dogs will do alot of work for food. After several successful days of on leash work, try it without the leash. If your dog doesn’t return on the FIRST command of “come”, then put him back on the leash and repeat. Let’s face it, you may be setting your dog up for failure by trying for total recall in a wilderness area. Try it in a more controlled setting. Does this information smell good to you?

Greetings!

I’m a frisky 10 month old Labrador Retriever named Annie. I live in scenic Northfield. I’ve noticed that this town is filled with bicycles, stained glass, the smell of muffins, and dogs. I’ve decided to be the voice of these dogs for their owners. Every month I will bark out a problem and attempt to give you insight to solve them.

This time of year I hear children begging their parents for a new puppy. I even hear them promising to feed, walk, and play with the pup. It seems like the parents are put in the “dog house” trying to make this important decision. Should they say “yes” or “wait?”

Caring for dogs develops responsibility and self-esteem in their young owners. If you are looking for the magical age to purchase a pup, forget it. The actual skills necessary to care for pets, though, depend more on a child’s ability to take responsibility and exercise self-control than on an age group.

While walking down the side walk I heard 2 people talking about the added expense of purchasing a pup. I reminded them not to forget the added responsibilities involved as well. Were they willing to care for the dog when their children grew up or headed to college or careers?

I suggest including the children in all discussions on caring for your dog. Often, kids can offer great suggestions and be part of the solution when it comes to any behavior problems in your dog.

Because some of my best friends at Doggy Daycare are rescue dogs, I’d suggest checking them out if searching for a dog. These “slightly used” dogs are looking for warm and friendly homes.

One last thing. I suggest you secure the services of a dependable veterinarian like Dr. Rich Lorang or Dr. Signe Wass. Neither one of them has cold hands, and really seem to like taking care of animals.

Your pal, Annie