Tag: Behavior & Training

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets: Tricks and Treats to Keep Them Safe

Posted on by Guinn
A red dog with a large head wears devil horns and a black cape, standing against fall-colored trees.

Halloween is a time of spooky fun, costumes, and delicious treats for humans, but it can be a downright nightmare for our furry friends. Many hidden dangers, from candy hazards to frightening decorations, can threaten our pets. This year, let’s ensure a safe and happy Halloween with these safety tips for pets.

Two dogs go on a spooky walk to prep for Halloween safety tips for pets.

Take a Spooky Walk: If your dog enjoys walks, take them for a Halloween-themed stroll in your neighborhood. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to experience the sights and sounds of the holiday in a controlled environment. ​Ple​ase bring lots of treats to help them form a positive association with ​the various ​sights and sounds from Halloween decorations. 

Choose Pet-Friendly Decorations: Decorations like fake cobwebs, glow sticks, and lit pumpkins may seem harmless, but they can pique your pet’s curiosity. Cats might see stringy decorations as toys and dogs may chew on them. Ensure all decorations are pet-safe. Some decorations, like glow sticks, can be toxic if ingested by pets. ​Please keep them out of reach, and be careful ​​where you place them.

A black cat sits with orange and black Halloween decor.

Safe Candy Storage: If swallowed, candy wrappers, chocolate, and lollipop sticks can be hazardous. Make sure to dispose of these items safely and securely. And remember to keep that bowl of candy out of your pet’s reach!

Pet-Safe Treats: ​Consider making or buying pet-safe treats. Many recipes available online cater to your pet’s dietary needs.
Soundproofing: The constant doorbell ringing and noisy trick-or-treaters can stress your pet out. Create a safe and quiet space for them with soothing music or a white noise machine to drown out the commotion.

Puppy Survival Guide Part 2: Mastering Management

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Puppy management: a puppy stands in an exercise pen on a tile floor with dog toys.

Training is essential, but management is key and often overlooked. Trust us when we say it will make raising a puppy easier! Follow these puppy management tips for effective training.

What is management?

Management is setting up and controlling the environment to prevent undesirable behaviors, for example, picking up shoes so your new puppy doesn’t chew them. We don’t expect infants or toddlers to stay out of trouble or danger, so why should we with puppies? When it comes to children, we are all well-versed in environmental management, such as baby gates and cabinet locks. We can easily apply these same practices with our puppies.

Why management is so crucial for puppies?

The more chances a dog or puppy has to practice or rehearse a behavior, the more likely they will repeat that behavior in the future. By preventing our puppies from chewing on shoes by keeping shoes put away out of reach, they are less likely to make a habit out of it. 

Second, it helps keep our puppies safe. Just like a tiny human slowly crawling around, grabbing things with their hands, and trying to explore the world, puppies will do the same… only at top speeds and with lots of sharp teeth! A puppy only takes a few seconds to grab an electric cord and chew through it. 

Lastly, it gives you peace of mind and a moment to relax. Raising puppies is a lot of work and can be stressful. Putting them in a safe, managed environment for a little while will allow some normalcy back into your life.

Our favorite management tools for raising puppies!

  • A puppy zone: Just like a playpen for babies, an exercise pen or contained puppy-proof zone offers a place for a puppy to stretch their legs and play. It will keep furniture safe from puppy mouths, especially during teething. It also gives them a space to hang out while you’re home that doesn’t require your undivided attention—allowing puppies to learn that they don’t need your attention 24/7 and to entertain themselves while you are nearby. A puppy zone should include a comfy area to sleep, puppy-safe toys or chews, and access to water. Ideal places to set up the puppy zone are higher-traffic areas in your home. Exposing the puppy to the sights, sounds, and regular going ons in the household. A kitchen or living room are great options for setting up a puppy zone. ​As shown above, you can protect your floors and simplify cleanup by purchasing affordable remnant sheet vinyl flooring from your local hardware store for your puppy zone.
  • Crate: A crate is a suitable sleeping place for puppies but not a suitable place for them to spend eight hours while you’re at work. You can even set up a crate in a puppy zone and leave the door open. Puppies will often put themselves to sleep in the crate if given the option! 
  • Baby gates: Baby gates are a great option to help contain your puppy and keep them from venturing into rooms they should not.
  • Metal-mounted water bowl: A metal-mounted water bowl is on the side of the kennel or puppy zone so puppies cannot flip the bowl and spill water everywhere. 
  • Pee pads: Puppies potty a lot, especially in the first 4-5 months. Pee pad training makes cleaning up after puppies much easier.

By taking these steps, you can help your puppy learn good behaviors! Using management to prevent unwanted puppy behavior will make life easier with your new furry friend. 

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Puppy Survival Guide series, where we’ll explore meeting the needs of puppies. Remember, puppies’ natural curiosity and love of play can lead to destructive behaviors if unsupervised.

Puppy Survival Guide – Part 1: The Importance of Sleep

Posted on by Guinn
Tan puppy sleeps on white blanket.

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience but comes with its fair share of challenges. Proper sleep is one of the most vital aspects of ensuring your puppy’s well-being and development. In this first part of our Puppy Survival Guide series, we’ll dive into why sleep is essential and how you can create a comfortable sleep environment for your new puppy.

The Sleep Needs of a Puppy

Like human babies, puppies require a significant amount of sleep to grow, learn, and stay healthy. Sleep is a vital part of their physical and cognitive development. While the exact amount of sleep varies depending on your pup’s breed, size, and age, the general recommendations are:

  • 8-week-old puppies sleep anywhere from 18 to 20 hours a day.
  • 12-16 week old puppies require 12-16 hours of sleep daily.
  • 6-month-old puppies start to sleep about the same amount as adult dogs, 10-14 hours a day. However, their brains are still growing. When you have house guests or return from an outing with your puppy, they may need a longer nap to recover.

During sleep, your puppy’s body undergoes crucial processes such as tissue repair, growth, and memory consolidation. It’s not just about getting shut-eye— it’s about giving your puppy’s body the time it needs to thrive. Puppies are like sponges, soaking up new experiences and learning from their environment. However,  many people misjudge the amount of sleep their puppy needs, making it harder for themselves and their new puppy.

Benefits of a well-rested puppy

  • Sleep helps consolidate new memories and experiences, improving cognitive development. 
  • Like humans, dogs can experience mood swings and irritability when tired. Ensuring your pup gets enough sleep can help maintain a balanced and happy disposition. 
  • A well-rested puppy is more receptive to training. When your pup is alert and focused, teaching them basic cues, house training, and proper behavior is easier.

Creating a Comfortable Sleep Environment For Your Puppy

Creating a comfortable and safe sleep environment is essential to provide your puppy with the best sleep possible. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Designate a quiet area. Choose a peaceful spot in your home where your puppy can sleep without disruptions. This will help them relax and sleep soundly.
  • Choose the right bed. Invest in a comfortable and appropriate-sized bed for your pup. Whether it’s a plush bed, a crate with soft bedding, or a cozy corner, ensure your puppy has a designated sleeping space.
  • Temperature control. Puppies are sensitive to temperature changes. Make sure the sleeping area is warm enough. However, some puppies may prefer a cool floor over a warm bed, depending on their breed type.
  • Establish a routine. Puppies thrive on routines. Establish a consistent bedtime routine with a short walk, playtime, and quiet moments to help your puppy transition into sleep mode.
  • Limit distractions. Keep the sleeping area free from loud noises, bright lights, and other distractions that might prevent your pup from sleeping well.
  • Be patient. Like any new routine, your puppy might need time to adjust to their sleep schedule. Be patient and understanding as they adapt to their new environment.

Stay tuned for the next installment of our Puppy Survival Guide series, where we’ll explore the art of management. And don’t forget, a well-rested puppy is a happy puppy!

Kayaking or SUP with your dog in Utah

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Women sits in kayak with red dog in a blue Utah lake with mountains in background.

You’ve seen the epic Instagram photos of a dog looking majestic at the front of a paddleboard on a gorgeous green reservoir with our unique Utah scenery in the background. If you’re thinking about trying this with your dog, read on! 

Don’t just bring your dog kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) for their first time and hope for the best. If your dog has a bad first experience, it won’t be fun for anyone, and they may make up their minds that it wasn’t safe and never want to join you on the lake again. You can set them up for success ahead of time to increase the chances of a positive outing. There are also many important safety considerations to make sure everyone has a great day on the water. Don’t learn the hard way!

Don’t Force It

Some dogs may not enjoy this hobby. Hanging out on the water should be peaceful, but dogs who bark when they see other dogs or people will likely still do this on the water, and areas where people unload their boats and enter the water can be high-traffic with chaos that could be overwhelming. If your dog is uncomfortable with strangers or other dogs, you can try to avoid busier times or find lower-traffic areas to get in the water. Keep in mind that most of our reservoirs in Utah are increasingly popular when it’s hot out.

As TLC points out in their hit song, “Waterfalls” from the ’90s, you may want to “stick to the rivers and lakes that you’re used to” if your pup will be joining you. Avoid visiting a different body of water with your dog for the first time if you’re not going with someone who already knows the “lay of the land.”

Some dogs just really don’t like being wet or are afraid of water, but there are plenty of other fun activities you can do with your dog on land.

Black lab practices sitting in kayak on dry land.

Water Dangers

In Utah, it’s really important to check current conditions for deadly blue-green algae before you visit a reservoir or lake. Dogs are at higher risk than people because they tend to ingest the water, but harmful Algal Blooms also make it unsafe for people to recreate on affected waterways.

If your dog were to swallow a LOT of water (when fetching a toy repeatedly, for example), they could throw off their electrolyte balance and suffer from water intoxication. This isn’t common, but it’s something to be aware of because it does require veterinary attention. Make sure your dog takes breaks.

Practice on Land

If it’s your dog’s first time, start with your kayak or paddleboard in the yard on dry land and a bag of small, soft training treats. 

  • Reward your dog for standing, sitting, and laying down on the vessel while keeping as still as possible. 
  • Practice sitting in the boat with them and pretend to paddle while a helper feeds the dog treats. (Some dogs think grabbing the paddle with their mouth is fun, so watch out for that). 
  • Watch your dog for signs of stress, but if they’re still having a great time, you can gently let the kayak move side to side and keep those treats coming. Slowly increase the movement of the kayak. 
  • Move the kayak to different areas and have multiple sessions until the dog thinks the kayak is a pretty cool place to be.
Red heeler rides stand up paddle board (SUP) in Utah reservoir.

Focus

If you want your dog to sit, stay, or lay down on the kayak, you have to first practice those skills at home without any distractions, then in the yard, then slowly increase distractions.


Keep in mind that even if you know how to do something, it’s hard to focus on it when you’re super excited, scared, or distracted. So give your dog a break if they have a hard time while on the water the first time.

Practice on water

Once they are comfortable in the kayak on dry land, load them up and go to a body of water, ideally on a calm/quiet day. 

  • Practice getting in the kayak, then having them settle in the kayak. Have a helper, “fake paddling,” on the edge of the water. 
  • If they’re still comfortable, remain in the kayak with them and have a helper gently push the kayak out into the water. The helper will steady the kayak. Feed your dog treats while this happens. 
  • If the dog is still calm and settled, then you can do a test paddle in the kayak. 
  • If they are still calm and settled, move out further into the water with your helper still holding onto the kayak. 
  • If still calm, push out a little further, and watch the dog for signs of stress. 
  • If still calm, do a few paddles. Feed more treats. 
  • Keep this first session on the water short and sweet!

Lifejacket Practice

You should also start getting your dog used to their lifejacket at home before you even leave the house. If your dog is used to wearing a harness, they might be fine with the lifejacket, but it is bulkier than a harness. Show them the lifejacket and give them a treat immediately afterward. Practice having your pup wear the life jacket for really short periods with treats. Slowly work up to longer time intervals. Lots of treats will help your dog associate the new safety vest with Very Good Things!

Be Prepared

  • Cut and file your dog’s nails before visiting the lake, especially if you are renting a flotation device or if you have an inflatable watercraft. Having long nails can also make it harder for them to have a good grip on the surface of a hard plastic kayak. It’s also important to make sure you don’t get scratched if your dog panics or falls in. 
  • It’s always important to have dogs microchipped and ensure they wear a collar with updated ID tags in case you get separated.
  • The plan is always that the watercraft will stay upright, but especially if you have a large dog, make sure you’re prepared to fall in or tip over. Don’t bring any items you’d be devastated to lose.

Essential Supplies

Lifejackets

Make sure you have a well-fitting life jacket for your dog and yourself. In Utah, you are required to have a coastguard-approved lifejacket for each person on your vessel, and this includes kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. DNR has patrol boats, and they will ticket you if you don’t have one. On rivers, you must be physically wearing your life jacket. 

Your dog may be a great swimmer but may become fatigued or disoriented, so just don’t risk it.

Some dog lifejackets have a clip for a leash, and some less expensive ones do not. You don’t want to “reel” your dog in by his neck while he’s trying to swim, so attaching the leash to a collar isn’t as ideal as a clip on the securely fitted lifejacket. We also recommend your dog have a lifejacket with a handle on the back in case you need to lift your dog back onto the boat. 

Poop Bags

Additionally, you should bring poop bags and a sealed container like an empty plastic jar or smell-proof pet waste pack-out pouch so that you’re not contaminating the water when your dog inevitably poops. It’s also the law to pick up after your dog and pack out any waste. Plus, rain brings all that poo into the water we’re splashing around in. Remember that reservoirs also store most of our drinking water!

Also… the excitement or the stress can affect your dog’s bowels, so be sure to give them a potty break before hitting the water. If they get restless while you’re paddling, they may need to go back to shore for another potty break.

Treats

Bring a waterproof treat pouch with high-value soft treats to make sure you’re more exciting than any ducks, fish, or other dogs/people floating by and to reward the behavior you want to see more of. Always Bring Treats! You can go above and beyond by bringing a stuffed kong or a bully stick to help your dog settle. 

Sunscreen and probably a sun hat that can get wet. Some dogs are also susceptible to sunburn, so be mindful of that when the hot Utah sun is burning down, and there’s no shade to be found. You may need to avoid the middle of the day. 

Plenty of clean, fresh water for you and your dog– Stay hydrated and avoid a trip to the vet to treat your dog’s upset tummy afterward due to potential giardia in the water.

Respect Wildlife

That leads us to the final tip. Keep your distance from wildlife and keep your dog on a leash so they can’t chase. Wild animals expend a lot of energy running, swimming, or flying away and might not be able to find enough food to replenish those energy stores when they need it. Also, stress can kill even if your dog doesn’t catch them. There’s a fatal condition that can affect wild animals called “capture myopathy,” which is caused by intense exertion or stress. 

Additional supplies

Mat for your dog – If you’re using a hard plastic kayak or SUP, you may want to cut up an old yoga mat to place it in the area where your dog will be standing. The slick surface can be stressful for dogs, so having a grippy mat will make them more comfortable and secure. If your dog is mat-trained, it can be helpful to bring that, provided you don’t mind it getting soggy.

Dry bag for your phone that goes around your neck that you keep tucked into your lifejacket. If you do use a drybag, it’s a good idea to have a float attached so that it won’t fall to the bottom of the lake if you tip. If you want to be extra safe, just leave the phone in the car. Or bring an old phone for taking photos and leave your expensive new phone in the car. 

Sunglasses or eyeglasses retainer so your cool shades don’t sink to the bottom of the lake. 

Float for your car keys, which will also drop to the bottom of a lake before you have time to react. Or seal them in a zippered pocket on your life jacket or shorts. 

Water shoes or secure sandals other than flip-flops – Flip-flops float away. 

Backseat Cover and Towels – Be ready for a soggy doggy!

We hope these tips and pack lists make a splash on your next adventure with your dog on Utah’s reservoirs. But remember, you don’t have to bring your dog if they won’t realistically enjoy this. It’s okay to just enjoy nature with your two-legged friends/family if bringing a dog will make it hard to relax.

Kayaking or SUP with your Dog-Pack List

  • Lifejackets for everyone!
  • Leash 
  • Collar with tags
  • Poop Bags
  • Sunscreen, Sunhat
  • Treats and Treat Pouch
  • Water Bottle and Water Dish
  • Grippy Mat for your dog
  • Dry bags
  • Sunglasses retainers
  • Floats
  • Water shoes
  • Backseat Cover and Towels 

Don’t forget to check water quality conditions before you go.

Let’s Talk About Doodle Dogs

Posted on by Guinn
A Doodle dog stands in the grass over a red ball looking up at the camera.

In the last two years, the Humane Society of Utah has seen a large influx of doodle dogs surrendered to our shelter. This blog will address why and what you should consider before bringing home one of these popular dogs.

What’s a doodle dog? 

First, what is a doodle? A doodle is any breed of dog mixed with a standard, miniature, or toy poodle. For example, a golden doodle mixes a poodle and a golden retriever, aussiedoodle = Australian shepherd x poodle, and bernadoodle = Bernese mountain dog x poodle.

Doodles gained notoriety from Wally Conron, a breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia in the 1980s. Conron tried to find a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs. He came up with the idea to cross a poodle with a Labrador retriever, hoping the positive traits that make Labs great service dogs would combine with the non-shedding characteristics of a poodle. This history may suggest that doodles are hypoallergenic and make great family pets.

Are all doodles hypoallergenic?

However, there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. Allergens carry in dander (dead skin cells), saliva, and urine, so they are impossible to avoid altogether. Some dogs produce fewer allergens or shed less than others, but no dog is completely free of allergens. In addition, allergies vary from person to person, so you never truly know if or how badly you will react to a particular dog. That’s why we always suggest treating every dog as an individual and interacting with them before bringing them home.

Second, it’s not black and white when it comes to genetics and mixing breeds. When you take the genes of two breeds, there is no guarantee of the puppy’s traits. You risk losing the desirable characteristics of each breed and inheriting health issues and undesirable traits. While mixing two dogs may counteract some of the specific hereditary diseases from each parent dog, there’s still no guarantee about which genes your pup will inherit. You could end up with any combination of these conditions, especially in the first mixed generation. Please keep in mind where and how we raise puppies can also contribute to their adult behavior. Puppies who experience early exposure and positive interactions with different people and environments in a home setting will have a better chance of success.

Doodle puppies who “look the part” and are supposedly hypoallergenic often cost more than doodle puppies who still shed or have a nontraditional-looking coat. That’s right; doodles have different types of fur! Many appear wiry, like Jack and Simba (pictured below). While wiry doodle coats will likely shed, they won’t require the regular trips to the groomer for trims and de-matting like a poodle coat will.

Three small dogs sitting on a bench. Including a red poodle, a cream doodle dog, and white and black mutt.
Jack (center) adopted from HSU DNA results came back primarily as a miniature poodle and Pomeranian mix.
Simba, the doodle dog sits on the floor looking up with his paw on the office chair arm.
Simba had his DNA test while waiting for adoption at HSU. He is a Lab standard poodle cross.

Do all doodles act the same? 

Third, because doodles are mixed with many other breeds, their behaviors come in a wide variety. For example, some families expect their doodle to behave low-key and goofy like their friend’s golden doodle. But, they preferred the blue merle coloring of the sheepdoodle or aussiedoodle may be in for a big surprise. Richard (pictured below) went through multiple families for not “behaving” like a doodle. He had a poodle coat, but he exhibited strong herding breed-like behaviors. 

Grey and white doodle dog Richard plays in yard with a tennis ball in his mouth.
Richard’s DNA test revealed he was a standard poodle sheepdog cross.

Doodles come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and can make wonderful additions to most families. However, we encourage you to do your research and understand that the doodle puppy in front of you may grow up differently than you expect. We often have poodle mixes available for adoption at HSU. Take a look at our website first if you’re considering one for your family. Like all our dogs, they come spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, and have age-appropriate vaccinations.

Fearful Dog Gets a Second Chance

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Maverick a fearful former outdoor dog lays on a wooden deck at his new home.

Maverick, a teenage puppy, came to HSU’s Pet Resource Center in Murray five days before Christmas.  His guardian said he could no longer care for him due to having a newborn. He described the 8-month-old pup as “smart and kind” and “very fond of his soccer ball.” He also shared that Maverick had a history of being nervous around all people, both familiar and strange, and he’d almost exclusively lived outside. Maverick was a fearful dog who needed a little help from our team of certified dog trainers.

Extra attention from our Behavior Team

While in our care, Maverick’s nerves reached new heights.  He was uneasy with his surroundings and terrified to cross the middle divider in his kennel, separating his food area from his potty area.  Erika Newman, HSU’s Behavioral Coordinator, shared, “When Maverick first came to us, he avoided contact with me at all costs.  When I slowly introduced myself to him, he offered up low tail wags, which for a dog, translates to, ‘I want to interact, but I’m very uncomfortable right now.’ When I finally approached him, he melted into my lap and began licking my face.  It was clear he wanted affection and closeness but was unsure how to go about it.” 

During meet and greets with potential adopters, Maverick continued with his low tail wags and would even roll over to show his belly or pee when approached.  Erika pointed out that these are submissive behaviors and indicate that a dog feels frightened or threatened and lacks confidence. “The goal of our department is to help all the pets in our care to build confidence through positive reinforcement techniques.  Since behavioral issues may lead a guardian to rehome their pet, positive reinforcement training is a critical service we provide for pets and adopters.” 

Fearful dog Maverick plays fetch with a tennis ball.

A foster home for the holidays

Luckily for Maverick, the Humane Society of Utah was hosting its annual Home for the Holidays program, which places pets into foster homes, so they don’t have to spend Christmas in a kennel alone.  This meant Maverick could have more one-on-one time in the comfort of someone’s home without a scary kennel divider in his way.  Annette Perkins took on the role of Maverick’s foster mom.  With Erika’s guidance, Annette worked to help Maverick feel more at ease by going slow with her interactions with him.  And she taught him alternative ways to connect with humans through positive reinforcement.

Over two weeks, Maverick’s nerves began to subside, and he started interacting more easily with other dogs and humans at Annette’s local dog park.  Slowly but surely, Maverick was transforming from a low-wagging tail pup to one who was more adventurous and easygoing.  With his newfound confidence, Maverick was ready to return to our Pet Resource Center and find an adopter.  He didn’t have to wait long;  he found a home with a woman named Beatrice and her daughter the next day. 

From fearful to confident

Recently, Beatrice shared with our team that Maverick is thriving in his new home, where he has a doggy door and can come and go as he pleases.  Outside, he enjoys chasing balls and playing in the snow, but his favorite place is right beside Beatrice, especially when it involves cuddling up next to her at night.  Beatrice wrote in her email, “I took Maverick to a dog park this week, and he had a blast running around with all the doggies!   I am just so impressed with how well-behaved he is.  He is settling in great, and I already love him so much!” We were so happy to see this fearful dog blossom into a happy and healthy companion.

Maverick cuddles with his new owner on the couch.

Leash reactivity- where do I start?

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Tan and white leash reactive dog pulls on leash while barking on a tree lined walkway.

Leash Reactivity is a term that many humans who own dogs are unaware of, and when they hear it, they don’t know what it means or looks like. Leash reactivity is an on-leash dog barking, growling, lunging, etc., at a trigger. The “trigger” is something or someone that causes this fear response to engage at a certain distance, specific to each dog with reactivity. 

Leash reactivity does not necessarily mean aggression. Dogs can be leash reactive out of frustration or fear, which does not always mean they intend to harm the other dog or trigger. For example, a dog’s leash reactivity may be based on the frustration of being unable to greet another dog. As a result, he barks and pulls on his leash when he sees the other dogs in an attempt to get to them. However, once given a proper introduction, he can play successfully or never shows this type of behavior when off-leash at the dog park. And remember, some fearful dogs may be asking for space from other dogs and do not want to be social with other dogs, and that’s okay too.

Training tips to start with leash reactivity

Tip #1: Bring the treats! Everyone likes a payday, winning the jackpot, or a tasty morsel after dinner. And dogs are no different. So not only will it be easier to work with your dog, but this method will help your dog form a positive association with their triggers.

Tan and white dog takes a treat from a lady's hand while sitting outdoors in a green field.

Tip #2: Give yourself space. Which will likely mean more space than you think. If your dog is leash reactive walking down the street, try crossing the street. If they are walking down the same street, stop behind a parked car that acts as a visual barrier, allowing them to gain distance between you and your dog. 

A tan barrier reactive dogs barks behind a black iron gate.

Tip #3: One training exercise we like to use here at HSU is Look At That (LAT.) This exercise changes the dog’s emotional response when they see their trigger. To practice LAT, start far from the trigger so the dog can remain calm. The moment the dog looks at the trigger, mark by saying “Yes!” or clicking with a clicker and immediately follow up with a reward (treat.) Continue to practice this exercise throughout the walk; over time, you can decrease the distance between the dog and their trigger. This reinforces the behavior of staying calm around the trigger and teaches them an alternate behavior to reacting. 

If you are struggling with your leash reactive dog and looking for advice, please visit our website or contact [email protected]

Enriching Your Cat’s Life

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Black cat lays with head upside down while playing with feather wand toy during enrichment session.

Are the 3:00 AM  zoomies causing havoc to your beauty sleep? Or are the mopey meows getting you down? We know how much you love your feline friend, but lately, the beat-up and tired wand toy hasn’t performed like it used to. Enriching your cat’s life isn’t hard to do, and with these tips, you’re sure to add some spark to your sweet fur baby’s life!

Spice Up Your Old Toys

Cat toys can get expensive, and paying an arm and a leg to entertain your cat should not be part of your New Year’s Resolutions. Instead, take some of their favorite old toys, put them in a baggie or container with catnip, and hide them for a week or two. Ensure they’re in a place your cat cannot access, like a high cupboard or locked closet. After some time has passed, pull out the old toys and watch your kitty go bonkers! If your cat isn’t enticed by catnip, don’t panic! Other herbs, like silvervine and honeysuckle, have similar effects on cats. Be sure to supervise your cat any time they’re interacting with herbs to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Fluffy cat sits on cat tower while reaching out and pawing at feather cat toy.

Work Hard, Treat Hard

Did you know that many cats can learn simple tricks just like dogs? Sit, lay, high five, and shake are all common tricks to teach a cat. Grab their favorite bag of treats, or even invest in a clicker, and start training them-you’ll be amazed at what they’re capable of! Like dogs, having your cat perform a trick or task for their treat is much better than simply allowing free access to their cravings. Many people also create obstacle courses for their cats to complete or offer treats in a puzzle to stimulate their minds as they “hunt” for their food. If you’re unsure of where to start, check out this video and remember that patience is key! This can be an extremely fun experience for both you and your cat.

Tabby cats give woman's hand high five during training session.

Think Like a Cat

It sounds silly, but sometimes all it takes to excite your cat is to think like a cat! Cats are natural hunters, and they imitate that instinct when they play. During playtime, think to yourself, “How can I make this toy act more like prey?” Slithering a teaser toy slowly on the ground, hiding small toys in corners, or gliding feather toys through the air may be just what your cat needs to activate their hunting instinct. Furthermore, cats hunt, kill, and eat their prey in the wild. So reserving a special treat for your feline friend post-play time helps set them in a natural rhythm and makes them more excited for playtime in the future.

Gray and white kitten lays on cat toy.


With these tips, you can enrich your cat’s life and increase your bond with them. If you want to add a little furry member to your family, you can always view our adoptable cats here.

Extending the Rule of 3’s: Lolly’s 3-Year Gotcha Day

Posted on by Guinn
Lolly, a dark brindle dog with a white stripe up her nose, poses on a white backdrop while wearing a white banana.

Here at the Humane Society of Utah, we love to tell adopters about the rule of 3’s. The rule of 3’s gives adopters an idea of what to expect when bringing home a new furry friend. 

The first 3 days allow the pet to decompress in a new environment. The first 3 weeks are for bonding and creating a routine, and the first 3 months help you solidify this routine and understand your pet more. Keeping the rule of 3’s in mind can help set you and your pet up for a happy life together. However, we often don’t discuss what happens after a pet has settled in and truly becomes part of the family. That’s why we decided to check in on Lolly and her owner Kev to discuss how Lolly is doing 3 years post-adoption.

Lolly Finds a Home

In 2019 a lovely dog named Chess came into our care. Kev knew he wanted a dog and often checked the Humane Society of Utah website. When he saw her picture, he immediately fell in love! Kev says that he got in his car, drove to our Pet Resource Center, and told the adoption counselor, “That’s my dog!” Our adoption counselor recommended they meet and go for a walk, but Kev knew that Chess was the dog for him. Sure enough, when they met, it was love at first sight! “We went out into the yard, and I introduced myself to her… she responded with a kiss. Her smile just really captures your heart because it quite literally lights up the room,” Kev remembers of their first meeting. As you can guess, Kev adopted Chess and changed her name to Lolly.

Lolly, a dark brindle dog with a white stripe up her nose, wears a bunny ears headband while looking up at the camera.

Lolly Becomes Family

Throughout the years Lolly has truly become a member of Kev’s family. Lolly has really found love in many things, specifically going on walks. “You could take her on a 20 mile walk and be home for five minutes, but if you pick up her leash again, she will undoubtedly get just as excited to go back out.” Kev reports that Lolly is also a big fan of toys and food, so if you combine those with going on a walk, Lolly is in heaven! Over the three years (and counting!) Lolly has been home with Kev. He says that she has added adventure to his life. “I love Lolly’s sense of adventure and adaptability. She is not scared of a hike, she is not afraid to go for a walk in the snow, and she is okay with a night in.” Kev also said that Lolly has made him a “happier and patient person” and that she has taught him so much about life. It’s clear that Kev and Lolly were meant to find each other!

Lolly, a dark brindle dog with a white stripe up her nose, sits in her owner Kev's lap on the ground both have smiling faces.

Thinking Long Term

We love hearing stories like Kev and Lolly’s! If you’ve adopted from the Humane Society and want to share an update on your pet, you can join this Facebook page. Although life can sometimes be stressful when you are a new adopter, the rule of 3’s and thinking long-term can help immensely with the transition. We truly believe that pets add many aspects to life, and that’s why our adoption counselors work so hard to help match you with the right pet. In addition, our Behavior team is always happy to help give advice post-adoption. 

When asked what advice he would give to potential adopters, Kev said, “Go play with some animals! Animals have their own personalities and have such unique forms of love. There is truly an animal for everyone.” If you’re considering adoption, you can view our adoptable pets on our website or call (801) 261-2919 ext. 227 with any questions. 

Ready to hike with your dog? Get to know FELT!

Posted on by Guinn

Have you always wanted to take your dog hiking but aren’t sure how to get started? Well, you’re in luck, because it’s as easy as FELT! That’s Fitness, Equipment, Location, and Training! 

Getting started

First things first, make sure your dog has the needed fitness level for tackling the open trails. If you have any doubts, talk to your vet before your first hike. If your dog is very young, very old, overweight or brachiocephalic (smooshy face), you might need to start with shorter distances and be extra cautious of extreme temperatures. Just like us, dogs who haven’t hiked before or lately should start with shorter, slower hikes to build stamina and avoid overuse injuries.

Group of hikers with a golden colored dog in Hiking Hounds dog training class walk down trail lined with tall green grass and mountains in the background.


Next, make sure you have the right equipment. A well-fitting harness will take the pressure of your dog’s neck and give you something to grab onto if you need to help your dog down a ravine or over a log. A standard six-foot leash can be a great choice, especially on more crowded trails, but many dogs also benefit from a longer leash, such as a 15 or 20 feet long line. This allows your dog more freedom to sniff and explore while also keeping her safe and in accordance with leash laws. You’ll also want to bring along plenty of poop bags so that you can do your part to keep our trails safe and clean for other trail users. Finally, make sure you bring plenty of treats! You’ll want to reinforce your dog for making good choices while out and about.

Location, location

When it comes to picking the location, there are countless great online resources, such as the AllTrails app. Just remember that sometimes the information is not always perfectly accurate, so be sure to double-check signage when you arrive to be sure you’re on the right track. On hot days, trails near water or with generous tree coverage can make for a more enjoyable experience for dogs and humans alike! Along the Wasatch Front, you’ll also need to be sure to avoid trails in the watershed, as dogs are prohibited in these areas, and there’s a hefty fine for straying into these areas. They will be delineated with “No Dogs” signage at the trailheads.

Group of hikers with a red colored dog in Hiking Hounds dog training class walk across a stream with green forest behind them.

The right training for hiking

Finally, be sure your dog has the right training to be successful out on the trails with other people and dogs. Some skills that will make the hike more enjoyable for both of you include: walking politely on a leash, greeting (or ignoring) other dogs as needed, crossing natural obstacles such as rocks and logs, coming when called, and more. If your dog doesn’t yet have a firm grasp on these skills and you’d like some guidance, The Humane Society of Utah offers a series of Hiking Hounds training classes throughout the summer. Each class is self-contained and will help your dog learn the skills they need to be a successful hiker for years to come.