Summer is here – we all want to get out there and play!  When packing up the family for a summer road trip or even just to buzz around town remember that summer temperatures can result in dangerous conditions within vehicles.   For example, your vehicle temperature could be well over 100F even with an outdoor temperature as low as 82F.

There is a super cool website called mydogiscool.com that has great tips on keeping your dog happy, healthy and cool during the summer months.  It has a weather reporter that tells you based on your zip code whether it is safe to keep your dog in the car.   The website also has temperature comparisons for a car with closed windows, 2 windows cracked and 4 windows cracked.   While cracking a window or two helps to keep the temperature down somewhat, you might be surprised at how hot the car will remain.

Be an advocate for dogs… remember that we are all human and that we may not realize how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car.  So, if you see a fellow pet owner leaving their car with fido still inside on a hot day, you will want to gently remind them of the danger.  I must admit that early in this summer season I walked away from the car, with my dog still inside, for a quick errand not thinking to crack the windows.   A nice gentleman saw me enter the store and asked if I would go back and crack the windows.    I was a little embarrassed, as I should know better, but very grateful for the reminder.

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Tip #1 Metal Edging

Spring is here and now is the time to take stock of upcoming chores.  If you still have sharp edged metal edging snaking around your garden areas, make 2010 the year to deal with it.  And if you need convincing of the importance of this, just ask your vet.  Be sure they tell you what it costs for all those stitches, and how long your dog will be wearing the dreaded collar.

We used to suggest placing the vinyl cover over the sharp area, but the vinyl tends to warp away from the sharp edges.  A newer choice is metal edging with rolled top edge.  It might still hurt or bruise if stepped on, but will not cut paws or feet.  Also, place the edger no higher than the grass.

Something else to consider is a more permanent paver edge. Your independent garden center has lots of ideas ready for you to consider.

Tip #2 Chemicals

Weeds, insects, fungus.  There is a chemical solution for just about every pesky garden problem.

My first suggestion is to find a natural product to solve the problem.  There are more choices today than ever before, along with help to select the right one for your situation at your local independent garden center.

Whether you choose a natural or chemical type product, read and follow the directions on the package.  All products are carefully tested, and the consumer information on the package is the result of all that testing.  Also, keep in mind that the directions for use are their contract with you.

Whenever using a liquid product, always keep pets and children away from the treated area until the product is dry.  When using a dry type product, allow it to settle before turning the pets loose.  As always, follow label directions.

Tip #3 Big box store or independent garden center?

Why go to the neighborhood garden center instead of the chain box store when the chain store prices will be less?   Most of our local garden centers are staffed with people who make horticulture their career and study both in college and with continuing education at their stores.  I find good suggestions for plants and products that will be safer for my pets.

Early spring is training time at most garden centers as employees learn the latest information about the products they sell.  Most regions host a trade show each winter where seminars are presented for all the local horticultural businesses.  These businesses include garden centers, wholesale growers and suppliers, turf farms, landscape companies and students from the local trade schools and colleges.

Information, better selection, and quality are the reasons I use the local garden center.   I know I am paying more for my perennials, but employees can address my particular pet-specific needs and my plants come with the experience and expertise of every person involved with production from seed starting to final sale.

Just something to think about.

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Problems with your dog bolting through the front door so she can run around the neighborhood? Perhaps your dog is always tripping you as you walk through the door. Solve the problem by teaching your dog to “stay at the door.”

Your dog will need a basic sit, stay, and release. But by training a few minutes every day (perhaps just before putting his dinner bowl down…) you can have a dog that behaves well at the door.

Watch this video lesson to teach your dog to stay at the door.

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Over this past year, I have been amazed everyday watching my baby boy turn into a toddler. Around 10 months, we noticed that his communication skills really started to flourish. He began using sign language and becoming more verbal. Interestingly, he has also become more observant of the communication between our dogs.

Last night, he was playing in the living room when our two Golden Retrievers started to play rough with a little growling and baring of teeth. My son stopped playing, smiled and looked as if he was going to get in the middle, but then he babbled as if talking to the dogs and quietly walked around the dogs. After the dog play session was over, my son walked over to Rankine and gave him a big hug. They snuggled for a few minutes and then he was off to playing again.

As I watch him interact with our 4 dogs, it is clear to me that he has learned to read our dogs signs to know when he can hug them, play with them, pet them and most importantly when they want to be left alone.

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…and eyes, and ears, and tail…

Dogs don’t communicate with words or crying like we do. Their whining, barking, and growling is used in limited, and usually extreme, situations. To “hear” what your dog is saying, you really need to watch their body language.

Use these signals to assess your dog during training, agility, or other dog competitions. If you see signs of stress, try something easier for the dog to build up his confidence. Find games you can play to take his (and your) mind off of the surroundings at sporting events such as Touch Nose to Hand or other dog tricks.

A calm dog is relaxed – especially his eyes, mouth, ears, and tail. Take for example Rankine when his baby is walking all over him. Notice how his ears, lips, and eyes are relaxed. This is a calm dog who doesn’t mind the baby’s antics.

Had Rankine been asking baby to stop, you may have seen one of the following cues:

• Lip licking
• Yawning
• Ear flicking
• Flinching
• A “crescent” shaped whites of his eyes
• Intentional turning away from the baby
• “Freezing.” This is different from stillness in that you can almost see the tension in the body. If you ever see a dog “freeze,” beware. This is often a precursor to snapping.

You can learn more about a dog’s body language at Living with Kids and Dogs by Colleen Pelar. Watch her videos to see how dogs show their stress.

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