Your Dog is the Perfect At-Home Coworker

If you’re one of the many people who work from home, you know how special it is to have your dog by your side while you complete your daily tasks. Although occasionally distracting, dogs are great coworkers: They offer you a source of comfort and support when you’re stressed, they encourage you to take regular breaks away from your desk, and they never have an issue with what you have for lunch. Your dog appreciates your constant companionship, too! You know they’d never pass up the opportunity to spend more time with you (and all those extra belly rubs are an excellent bonus). 

But many companies are starting to encourage their employees to return to the office. This can be a difficult transition for you and your dog alike–you’ll both need to get used to new routines and a change in surroundings. If you’ve been called back to the office, it’s important that you help your dog adjust to the situation as much as possible. 

Dogs Thrive on Routines

Dogs are at their best when they’re able to follow a consistent routine. Giving them set times to eat, walk, play, and sleep helps them to be at their best behavior; they gain a great deal of calmness and confidence in themselves when they’re able to regularly practice daily tasks and commands. 

When you no longer work from home, you’re creating a huge change in your dog’s regular routine. Keep reading to learn five great techniques you can use to help make the transition much less stressful for your dog. 

Gradually Increase the Amount of Time You Spend Out of the House

If you suddenly switch from staying at home 24/7 to being gone for more than eight hours a day, there’s a good chance your dog will struggle and even experience some form of separation anxiety. If it’s possible, take a couple of weeks before your official back-to-the-office date and gradually increase the amount of time you spend away from home and your dog. 

As you go through this process, make sure you establish patterns that you’ll be carrying out before you leave and after you return from work. For example, start each morning by taking your dog for a walk and feeding them breakfast at a specific time; when you return, you can dedicate a few minutes to playing with their favorite toy or spending some time in the backyard. Whatever routine you choose, just be sure it’s as consistent as possible.

Give Your Dog as Much Exercise as Possible

Going for a long walk first thing in the morning, or before your shift begins, is a great way to tire your dog out so they’ll have the opportunity to sleep through your absence. All exercise can help boost your dog’s endorphins and increase their sense of independence. Furthermore, exercising together–whether you go on a trail run or play Frisbee in the backyard–is the perfect way to bond with your dog and let them know just how much you care about them. They’ll be at ease when you leave for the day, knowing that they’ll get to enjoy another great play session as soon as you return. 

Create a Safe Space for Your Dog

By now, your dog should have at least one safe, comfortable space to call their own in your home. If you’ve been working from home for some time, one of their safe spaces is probably somewhere in your office–I know I have a dog bed ready in the corner of my own home office. When you’re away from your dog for longer periods of time, they’ll need some extra comfort and reassurance, so be sure to put a piece of clothing or a stuffed animal that smells like you somewhere they can easily access it. 

Crate training can be extremely helpful in situations like these. Not only does a crate offer your dog a safe and comfortable place in which to retreat, but it can also help protect your home from any damage that could be caused by anxious and destructive behavior. Some dogs tend to chew or scratch when they’re home alone to help soothe the anxiety they’re experiencing. Crating is a great solution to this issue, but if you do decide to crate your dog while you’re away, it’s crucial that you ensure they have access to food, water, and a place or opportunity to potty.

Desensitize Your Dog to the Cues That Indicate You’re Leaving

Do you ever get the feeling that your dog can tell when you’re about to leave? Well, they can! Your dog can associate cues like putting on shoes or packing a backpack with you leaving the house. Some dogs can even determine if you’ll be away for a long time based on what your routine is before you leave. 

To help combat the nervousness your dog may experience when you take these actions, go through your leaving routine without actually leaving. For instance, if you put on your shoes and grab a backpack but don’t leave the house, you’ll weaken your dog’s association of these actions with you leaving the house. When you actually do leave, they won’t be starting the day with anxiety through the roof. 

Give Your Dog Puzzle Toys

Offering your dog mental stimulation is a great way to keep them distracted and wear them out. Whether you give them a Kong stuffed with treats or a puzzle filled with hidden goodies, they’ll be so focused on getting those tasty morsels that they won’t be as prone to anxiety. 

A word of caution before you go this route: you should never leave your dog unsupervised with a toy they could choke on. Make sure you do a trial run with your toys before you set them out to entertain your dog; and if you know your dog to be a chewer, it may be best to avoid giving them such toys while you’re not at home. A soft snuffle mat would be a great choice as it doesn’t have small parts that could be hazardous to your pup. 

Above All, Be Patient With Your Dog

Just as it will take you some time to adjust to your new routine, it will also take some time to adjust to being away from you for longer periods. Transitions are never easy, so be patient with your dog and offer them plenty of high-reward treats for good behavior. Pawsitively Pure offers delicious, healthy dog treats for dogs of every age and life stage. Browse our online store or send us a message to learn more!

Curiosity Gave the Dog an Upset Stomach

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. With their incredible sense of smell and innate thirst for adventure, all dogs occasionally find themselves digging up a bit of trouble. We’re guessing you’ve had to tell your dog to “drop it” at least once during your companionship. While some dogs quickly learn their lesson after destroying only one pair of shoes, other dogs may continue this behavior well into adulthood. 

It may be hard for us to understand this kind of behavior. Socks and rocks can’t really be that tasty, can they? But if you notice your dog ingesting items beyond their food bowls, it’s critical that you do some research and work on ending this behavior as soon as possible. Chewing and eating non-food items–other than dog-friendly toys and chew bones, of course–is more than just a nuisance for you; it can also be a harmful behavior with lasting consequences for them. 

Why Do Dogs Eat Inedible Objects?

To put an end to this troublesome behavior, it’s important that we understand where it comes from. There are a number of different reasons why your dog may want to eat non-food items. 

Nutritional Deficit

If you notice that your dog likes to munch on grass or dirt more than anything else, this may be an indication that their diet is lacking in key nutrients. Grass and dirt actually include nutrients that help aid and stimulate your dog’s digestion. You may have seen your dog munching on a mouthful of grass before vomiting; this is fairly normal behavior. When the grass and dirt eating is compulsive or consistent, however, you should talk to your veterinarian to discuss your dog’s nutritional needs.

Boredom

Destructive behavior in dogs can often be linked to boredom. Many dogs will engage in anything from rambunctious roughhousing to chewing up our clothes and furniture when they’re not physically and mentally stimulated. If your dog doesn’t get enough exercise–both mental and physical–they may try to release their pent-up energy in negative ways. 

Desire for Attention

For some dogs, any attention is desirable, even negative attention. When you notice your dog chewing on something off-limits, your first move is probably to scold them. However this may lead some dogs to double down on negative behavior so they can continue to get your attention, even if it’s to tell them no. 

Medical Issue

Unfortunately, eating non-food items can occasionally be a telltale sign of a digestive issue, parasite, or other medical issue. Consult your veterinarian if you notice this behavior, especially if it came on suddenly.

How to Correct This Negative Behavior

To choose the proper course of action to correct this behavior, you need to understand why they’re engaging in it in the first place. Start keeping a journal detailing the instances when you notice your dog eating non-food items. Be sure to keep notes about whether they’ve eaten their regular meal, what it is they’re consuming, and any additional stimuli or notable behaviors that accompany the instance. Then, you (maybe with the help of your veterinarian) can start getting your dog back on the right track. The following are just a few corrections that may help:

• Ensure your dog regularly gets exercise and mental stimulation. The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on their breed, age, weight, and so on. As a general rule, most dogs need about an hour of exercise a day, with active working breeds requiring much more than that. You should also keep a few puzzle toys on hand for your dog to get some brain training in.

• Get your dog the appropriate toys for heavy chewing. If your dog tends to tear up and consume their toys during play time, ensure you only provide them with toys designed to stand up to heavy chewing. Even the most durable toys can still get torn up with time, so keep a close eye on your dog while they play and dispose of the toy properly as soon as it starts to fall apart. 

• Dog-proof your home. If your dog has a propensity for eating your clothes/shoes/other such objects, remove their access to these objects as much as possible. Set up baby gates as needed. Get trash cans that have lids that firmly close. Put snap locks on your cabinets and drawers where necessary. 

• Try a corrective spray. There are sprays formulated with cayenne pepper or bitter apple that are designed to discourage your dog from chewing. Many dogs get a mouthful of the bad flavor and won’t be tempted to try chewing that object again. 

• Get proper veterinary attention. Discuss your dog’s behavior with your veterinarian and ask them to run appropriate tests to determine if your dog is suffering with a parasite or illness. Be upfront with your vet about the diet you feed your dog so they can determine if you need to add additional nutrients to their diet. 

Pica, or the consumption of non-food items, can seem like a tricky issue to tackle. But with keen observation and veterinary advice, you should be able to improve your dog’s diet and ensure they are only consuming the freshest and healthiest food and treats. 

We Love Our Weekend Farmers Markets

Every weekend, we set up our tents at three of the most wonderful farmers markets in Central Florida. For us, these market weekends are a treat: we get to be outside in beautiful park settings, meet new people, and offer tasty treat samples to the happy pups that join their parents. We’re lucky to have so many great dog-friendly events in Orlando, and we know that you dog moms and dads feel the same!

As responsible pet parents, it’s important to make sure your dogs are on their best behavior at the farmers’ market to ensure a fun time for all attendees. Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind before you bring your dogs to the Winter Park, Lake Mary, or Maitland Farmers Markets to stop by our booth.

Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Temperament

A bustling farmers’ market can be a high-stress environment for any dog. There are so many new sights, smells, people, and other dogs to encounter. While we know you want your dog to be included in all the fun, it’s so important to be realistic about your dog’s temperament and manners. Putting your dog in a situation where they’re unable to make the proper responses to a variety of situations can be dangerous for you and for those around you.

At a minimum, make sure your dog is comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and children. Your dog should also know commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” As always, be sure you bring along some high-value treats to reward them for good behavior in new situations.

Make Sure Your Dog’s ID is Visible

The goal in bringing your dog to the farmers’ market with you is to have a great time, not to put them under stress! However, even the best-trained dog may become overwhelmed in a new situation. What’s more, there’s always the possibility that you lose control of the leash when you have a handful of shopping bags. Whatever the situation, you want to make sure that your dog is easily identifiable in case of emergency.

If you don’t already have an ID tag on your dog’s harness or collar, you should get one now. You can also get your dog’s information embroidered on their harness or collar so you can make sure it stays with them at all times. Additionally, if your dog is not already microchipped, now is the time to do it. 

Get the Right Gear

You’ve obviously taken your dog on a walk before, so we’re sure you have a good leash and a collar or harness that fits your dog comfortably and securely. The farmers’ market is not a place to go off-leash, so this equipment is non-negotiable for your outing. We strongly recommend using a standard, non-retractable leash when you’re bringing your dog to high-stress and high-excitement situations like a market. Remember: not everyone at the farmers’ market is there to see dogs, and some vendors (especially food vendors) may not want dogs near their merchandise. To keep everyone comfortable, keep the leash short and make sure your dog doesn’t stray. 

Bring Water and Snacks

Here in Florida, we experience hot daytime temperatures well through the month of October and beyond. Your dog will dehydrate quickly in these conditions, so you need to make sure you have a source of fresh water and a vessel for them to drink from. Additionally, you may want to offer them a few healthy snacks to keep them satiated while you’re away from home. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have poop bags on hand to clean up any accidents and keep the market looking beautiful.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

It’s important to make sure you keep an eye on anyone who may be approaching your dog - dogs and children alike. While we always hope that people are responsible enough to ask permission before they pet your dog, not everyone knows these rules, and young children are likely to pet a cute puppy at their whim. If you notice someone approaching, put yourself between them and your dog and clearly state what kind of contact your dog is comfortable with, if any. You never want to put yourself or your dog in a position to be a liability.

Responsible Pet Ownership is Good for Everyone

When you follow these common-sense guidelines, you’re making sure that dog-friendly events are safe and fun for everyone. Farmers markets are great places for your dogs to socialize and explore. They’re also the perfect place for your dog to sample some of our tasty, healthy treats! To learn more, send us a message on Facebook or visit our online shop to order your dogs’ favorite food, treats, and bone broth. 

Preparing for a Long Journey With Your Pet

Summer is hot on our heels, and with it come summer vacations, trips to the beach, and family getaways for the whole family. There are so many dog-friendly activities around Florida that cater to pets of all different sizes, ages, and activity levels and their parents. But before you hit the open road, there’s one thing to consider: you need to cater to your dog’s needs during the journey. 

While many dogs do love car rides – we’ve all seen happy pups with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the breeze – it’s still important to make sure your dog will stay comfortable for the duration of your travels, especially if you’ll be on the road for more than a couple of hours. As always, preparation is key to make the trip a success! 

What if Your Dog Has Car Anxiety?

Some dogs aren’t as excited as others to hop in the car and go for a ride. Just like humans, some dogs may get car sick, and others just don’t like to be enclosed in a small space for very long. While you can still take your dog places, we recommend that you don’t travel too far if you know your dog has travel anxiety. Even with all the toys, treats, and comfort items, your dog will still get uncomfortable at some point.

If you have a few months before your road trip commences, you can start training your dog to love the car. Take it slowly and give your dog treats every time they comfortably approach your vehicle. Once they’re happy enough to hop in on their own, take short trips and give them plenty of treats along the way. You can even set up some puzzle games and toys in the car so they have a reason to look forward to being in there. 

Equipment to Bring for Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Food and Water

Dogs are creatures of habit and function the best when they’re sticking to a schedule. If your road trip will coincide with their regular feeding time, make sure you factor in a stop so you can feed them appropriately. If your dog tends to graze throughout the day, make sure their food is accessible in a stable location so they won’t stumble or strain themselves while they’re feeding. 

All dogs should have clean, fresh water readily available to them at all times. If you’ll be on the road for longer than an hour, you should invest in a travel bowl that’s comfortable enough to drink from and can stay sturdy inside a moving vehicle. Bring along enough water with you so you can go the duration of your trip without seeing an empty water bowl.

Safety Harnesses and Equipment

While Florida laws do not require dogs to be restrained in your car while you’re driving, it’s still a good idea to make sure they have safety equipment that will keep them from stumbling and protect them in the event that you need to stop short. Specialized harnesses hook up to your seatbelts and keep your dog secure without being uncomfortable.

If your dog is more comfortable in his kennel, get a travel kennel and put it in the back of your car. This is ideal for people with SUVs and cars that have back seats that can fold down. Your dog will feel right at home while you’re on the go! Just make sure they still have access to their food and water. 

Toys, Treats, and Comfort Items

Even a dog that loves car rides can get bored or uncomfortable after an extended period of time. Give them lots of fun and comforting items that keep them busy and make them feel safe. Offer treats to your dogs for good behavior and give them toys to snuggle and some to chew on. Be sure that offering treats doesn’t turn you into a distracted driver; it’s safest to grab and offer treats when your car is at a full stop. 

Tips for Staying Safe and Having Fun

Factor in More Stops Than You Would Without Your Dog

You may have developed a bladder of steel if you’re a seasoned road trip enthusiast, but your dog should have plenty of opportunities to take a break and do their business. Be sure to properly clean up after your dog at every stop; you’ll want to bring plenty of waste collection bags with you in case they’re not freely available. Your dog will also appreciate the chance to smell some new smells and explore!

Ensure Your Dog Has His Own Space

It can be so tempting to cuddle your dog on your lap while you drive, but doing so can be very dangerous. Not only does it turn you into a distracted driver and prevent you from having full range of motion, it also puts your dog at risk in the case of stopping short or an accident. Make sure your dog has a designated space in your car, preferably in the back seat. This can take some getting used to, so it’s a good idea to spend time familiarizing your dog with their area before you hit the road. 

Sleepy Dogs are Happy Travelers

The best scenario for everyone is when your dog gets to snooze while you get a majority of the driving out of the way. Before you start your journey, make sure you take your dog for a long walk and give them some mental stimulation through puzzles and toys. They’ll be in a relaxed state by the time you start to drive, and they should be able to get a nap in. 

There’s Nothing Better Than a Vacation With Your Dog

We love being able to take our dogs to the beaches and dog-friendly places across the state. Florida is a wonderful place for pet parents to thrive and give their pets lots of new and fun experiences. When you’re ready to hit the road, make sure you’re stocked up with healthy dog treats to make the trip fun and easy. Visit our online shop and choose from peanut butter & pumpkin flavor or blueberry & oat flavor!