We don't know what we would do without your daycare. Candie is such a precious little girl, and we try to make up for the suffering she experienced as a small puppy. We get so much pleasure watching her play with the other dogs during the day. She does so well despite having only 3 legs.
The dayschool training has really sped up her training. The report cards are great and we can see the difference when she is at home. We are also looking forward to watching the daycare video we just purchased. My husband gets so much pleasure out of watching her smile. Anyway, thank you and your staff again for taking care of our baby.
-- The Phillips Family - Mission Viejo
TIE-DOWN - The Magnificent Dog Management Tool
What is it? A tie-down is a leash, rope or cable that is 2-4 feet long and is attached to an immovable object (like a piece of furniture, or an eye bolt that is placed in the wall) and to your dogs buckle (or martingale) collar. A tie-down trains your dog to relax. It also keeps him out of mischief.
A tie-down should be placed in a fairly busy room in your house. It is used ONLY when someone is home, not when you've gone to work for the day. A tie-down is not punishment, it's management. He should be comfortable, have a mat, a chewie and toy while on tie-down. For safety reasons, do not attach the tie-down to a gentle leader, halti, choke, pinch or any other restricting collar. Be careful that the dog can't drag the piece of furniture around with him. Keep in mind a tie-down is NOT a tie-out. A tie-out is a cable that is used to tie our dogs in a yard so they don't run away. They often make dogs aggressive since the dog can't run away from any perceived threat, and we never recommend them.
Setting up your tie-down: Put the dog on it several times a day for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. You can give him a stuffed Kong or other chew toy. Then begin to extend the time the dog is on the tie-down, and vary it, so he doesn't know exactly how long he'll be on it, and will learn to be patient. If he barks while he's tied, either leave the room and return when he's quiet, or try squirting him with water, then quietly praising him when he stops barking. If your dog chews the tie-down, use a cable or chain. Wags & Wiggles store sells professional chew proof tie-downs that won't harm furniture.
Using the Tie-Down: Your dog has several decisions to make every day. For example: Should he choose to chase the cat, nip at the kids, bark, or jump up on the person at the door? It may be difficult for you to monitor what he's doing, and get anything done yourself. By just attaching him to his tie-down, he'll learn to relax while you go about your business.
General environment management: If you're busy, and you can't keep an eye on the dog, put him on his tie-down. That way he can't chew up the furniture while you're not looking!
Jumping up: If your dog has a habit of jumping up on guests, you can prevent him from doing that by putting on his tie-down before the guests comes in. When you've done your greeting and he's calmed down, the guests can either go up to him and pet him, or you can let him off the tie-down. Let him off when he's calm.
House training: A tie-down is a good tool for house training, and can be used in conjunction with crate training. Having your dog on a tie-down is just like having him in a crate, but it gives him a different view and more variety. It also allows you to be more interactive, petting when he's good. Just be sure to take your dog outside frequently to relieve himself.
Separation anxiety: Some dogs follow their owners from room to room, often trying to touch them, or lean against them. Though it's nice to think he loves you, there is such a thing as too much attention (and these dogs often are awful when left alone). Setting up and consistently using a tie-down a couple of times a day allows your dog to learn that although you go away, you always return, and that he can't attach himself to you.
Dog/Cat introductions: If you have a cat that needs to be introduced to your dog, and you're concerned that they won't get along, use a tie-down for the dog, and give the cat the run of the room. When the dog sees the cat, and remains calm, he gets a treat. (The cat also gets a treat for looking at the dog.) It allows your cat to feel safe and you to feel confident that your dog can't run after your cat.
Begging prevention: A tie-down can allow you to eat your meal in peace. Give him his own toy or bone on his tie-down before you begin eating. Then enjoy your food and conversation. Do occasionally remember to tell him he's being a good fellow.
