Plan for pets when scheduling vacations
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
Special to the Star-Herald
I just got back from vacation; what an ordeal it was to plan to leave.
I am lucky that I have someone I trust who will stay right at my house and care for my animals. Lots of extra planning is involved when you have pets. Remember my ordeal last year with my pug getting lost and being found almost two weeks later? It was nobody’s fault, it just happened, but everyone involved was very upset until my pug was found.
If you are planning to leave your pet at a boarding facility you must plan ahead. Proper planning involves visiting and interviewing a reputable kennel, take a walk through and ask any questions you may have. Most kennels require all shots to be current and that your dog has their kennel cough vaccination. Be sure to do all of this in advance of your departure; the summer months are busy and kennels book up quickly. If a family member or friend is going to care for your pets, be sure to leave them with a written note giving them permission to take your pet to your veterinarian; and it is also a good idea to speak to your veterinarian and let them know you will be out of town and someone else will be caring for your animal. I always leave a long list of instructions and a description of each of my animals. Our pets are family members, so proper planning prevents much disappointment and possibly the cancellation of a vacation.
I am a firm believer in using a crate to train and housebreak a dog. Many people feel it is a horrible thing to put a dog in a small box, but done properly, that crate becomes your dog’s safe place, a place that he can go when he is scared, stressed or needs a moment alone.
The first step in crate training your dog is to introduce him to the crate. Encourage your dog to go into his home on his own. If necessary, toss in a little treat, don’t force him! He may quickly back out or be shy, but that’s normal. Just take it slowly. At first, don’t close the door on him, let him go in and out on his own. He is happy and unafraid of his new home, simply restrain him at the door with your hand. Make him stay in the home for a few minutes, then gradually increase the time and be sure to praise him! It is all about making the crate a good and very positive thing. Then gradually begin by restraining your dog at the door with your hand, making him wait and then praising; then restrain with the door and praise, and finally shut the door.
If you have done your work patiently and been supportive and rewarding, your dog should quietly enjoy his cage. If he doesn’t, it is time to start from the beginning. Done correctly, his crate will be where your dog wants to spend his “down time.”
Human vs. dog wisdom:
• Human Wisdom: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Dog Wisdom: A nap on the bed is worth two on the couch.
• Human wisdom: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Dog wisdom: If at first you don’t succeed, wait until your owner isn’t home.
• Human wisdom: A penny saved is a penny earned. Dog wisdom: A biscuit saved is a biscuit…what biscuit?
• Human wisdom: Haste makes waste. Dog wisdom: Haste makes lots of yummy scraps on the kitchen floor!
• Human wisdom: Early to bed, early to rise… Dog wisdom: Early to bed, early to nap…
• Human wisdom: The early bird catches the worm. Dog wisdom: The early dog catches the bird.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the wonderful animals that we have available for adoption at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. You can also visit us online at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
Please be responsible and have your pets spayed or neutered.
