COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette, PO Box 374, Canton, TX (2026)

12/25/2025

MAY WE ALL HAVE A VERY "BLESSED" CHRISTMAS!!! God Bless you & yours on this very special day. May we all remember the "reason for the season"!! God Bless our service men & women, our Wounded Warriors, those who are away from their families, & first responders all over the country. God Bless America.

12/16/2025

CAN WE PLAY, CAN WE PLAY...HUH? HUH?...NOW, CAN WE PLAY???? Do you know WHY it is an "absolute" that when we are the busiest, the most stressed, & have the least amount of "time"...that is precisely the time our dogs are the most insistent that they want to play? It isn't that they "want" to play; they NEED to play or go for a walk to release their "stress energies"!!! .

There are two reasons for why this happens: 1) When we are "stressed", our dogs sense our stress & they want to make us all better. They know playing always makes us happy! When they can't make us "all better", this stresses our dogs! 2) When we disrupt a dog's routine/schedule this stresses our dogs.

When our dogs are stressed, they NEED to release their stress. They can't hold their stress IN. It must & will come out by trying to constantly "engage/interact" with you or chewing something up or chewing on themselves. OR, it will come out via the dog vomiting or having diarrhea "caused" by their stress level! [Note: When the dogs are stressed they have to p*e & p**p more frequently. Can you see a stress snowball for the family!].

SOLUTION: Take a mere 3-5 minutes & take your dog for a "mini walk" OR "play". Do you realize 3-5 min. of engaging/interacting with your dog/s (even when you think you don’t have the time!) will make all the difference & will take less time than shooing them away or dealing with the results of your dog/s' high stress level! This absolutely WILL help you, too...whether you think so at the time or not!

May we ALL have a wonderful & safe Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/15/2025

I NEED TO POTTY...LIKE NOW!!!!!!! Today starts one of the busiest weeks of the year for you & your family! No matter how good care we take of our dogs the rest of the year...chances are the time will get away from us OR we will "miss" our dog/s' potty indicators. PLEASE take extra measures to insure "your mistake" doesn't force your dog to have an accident! This will upset you & it is very unfair to force your dog to do what they know not to do!! Set an alarm, a timer...something, anything to make sure you "regularly" potty your dog/s. It will take far less time & be far less stressful to do this than deal with the results if you don't!!!

Also, pay attention if your dog is more bothersome than is their norm. THAT is a good indicator that they NEED something. Don't shove them aside. Pay attention. Let them outside to potty. If you have to walk your dog, take them for a "mini-walk". That won't take as much time as it does to clean up the mess they didn't want to make in the first place! Don't count on others in the home to potty the dog/s EVEN when you ask them to. I promise that has a 50/50 chance of happening!

To be honest, the more hectic (even due to stress) the environment is (your house or visiting others), I recommend "a potty break" EVERY HOUR!!! Reduce your stress & your dog's stress...make sure no potty accidents happen!! (www.thedogspeaks.com)need to potty now!!!

12/10/2025

HELP YOUR DOGS, FAMILY, & FRIENDS enjoy all the Christmas goodies & festivities together..."SAFELY"!! Have you noticed our dogs KNOW exactly WHO to use their "pleading eyes" & "please feed me" behaviors on? They immediately sense who the "real suckers" are the minute they enter the door...LOL! It is a sure thing that a family member or friend will "sneak" food to your dog under the table or when you aren't around. I mean, who can resist the dogs! But, this can happen & still help your dogs to NOT get sick as a result.

HOW...you may ask?? Whatever food or "treats" each dog is "allowed" for the day...put it in an individual container with each dog's "name" on it. I use cut up small amounts of turkey or whatever each dog can "safely" eat. [For weight purposes, you may want to reduce your dog's regular meals a bit due to what they will get during the day.] This really makes all that makes our Christmas get-togethers fun & enjoyable for all and with no aftereffects for your dog.

Below is an example of what I use, no matter whether at my house or someone else's house. The dogs & the people really get into this...and, if a container goes empty...LOL...someone will say, Deb...the dog treats are empty...can they have anything else. Depending, I may go into the kitchen & cut up a bit more of the turkey or whatever is safe for my dogs' tummies. It is really neat how everyone has fun with this & actually takes ownership in it.

12/09/2025

THIS IS WHAT YOUR CHRISTMAS PUP/DOG "GIFT CERTIFICATE" COULD LOOK LIKE!! You can get really creative to spruce up my raw idea. Buy some basic equipment & a stuffed dog. Make a card re: the "gift promise" for after the holidays! [Note the PUP PLAY PEN in the pic!! I highly recommend & consider it essential to have a "pup play pen" & a "secured pup play area"!]

Choosing a pup/dog is an incredibly "personal" decision that the "person" receiving the gift MUST be "directly" be involved with. The person/family who will care for, love, be committed to & responsible for over many, many years are the ONLY ones who will KNOW the "right" pup/dog! [Note: Actually, it is the pups/dogs who KNOW who they are supposed to go home with before we do!! I say when the pup/dog grabs you by the collar & says, get the car started, time for us to go HOME...this is YOUR PUP/ DOG!!!!]

Equally important to realize is all that the pup/dog will be subjected to when thrown into a whirlwind of activity & stress at the very time they need to be adjusting, acclimating to a whole new world & people. They need time to figure everything out & that means all the sights, sounds, smells, etc. Bringing a pup/dog into your home at any time is initially "stressful" for them. [Note: Pups have been taken away from their Mom & littermates & I can't begin to describe the fear & anxiety that means to a puppy!!!] Any "new" pup/dog NEEDS your full attention, focus, & sense of security from you & their environment while they adjust & acclimate to their new home & family!!! Please be prudent when gifting anyone a pup/dog!!(www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/04/2025

ARE YOU OR THE PERSON RECEIVING THE PUP/DOG AS A "CHRISTMAS GIFT" REALLY READY FOR THIS!!?? Before getting a pup/dog at any time & especially at Christmas, please make sure you or the person is prepared for how to ensure THIS doesn't happen. It is absolutely crucial to be fully prepared before you bring any pup/dog into your home. Know how to prepare for ALL the caring for & training a new pup/dog entails. This is so very essential.

Don't find yourself trying to determine the hows & whats "after the fact"! I promise it is extremely stressful for the person/family. BUT, it is even more stressful to a pup/dog who is already stressed enough trying to adjust, acclimate to all that is their new environment & life. Even more important is when the person/family is stressed & "unprepared", it is the pup/dog who pays the highest price!!! My website has a lot of information that can help you, a family member, or friend preparing & caring for a new pup/dog. (www.thedogspeaks.com)

12/04/2025

PLEASE DO NOT "TOTALLY SURPRISE" SOMEONE WITH A CUTE PUPPY!!! You may think they want a pup & maybe that is because they go all "gaga" over every pup they see. Well, getting "giddy over puppies" does not mean that person is READY for a pup at that point in their life when faced with the "reality" of a new pup/dog in the home!!! BTW, how happy do you think they will be when having to potty the pup in the winter cold OR have to clean up the p**p & p*e which is pretty constant with a pup!! Think about an infant & how often the diapers have to be changed...welcome to the world of PUPPIES!!!! (Note: To some degree this is true even with a "new" adult dog!!)

I cannot tell you how many 6 mos. to 1 yr pups end up in a shelter or in "rescue" within a mere couple of months of Christmas. When people contact me after Christmas regarding their new pup/dog, they often say he/she got the pup as a gift & didn't want it or weren't ready or prepared for it!! This is why "rescue groups & shelters" are always overwhelmed late Winter, early Spring. Don't add to the massive influx of dogs into rescue that does occur!

12/03/2025

WHEN A WELL INTENTIONED, ALBEIT WRONG DECISION IS MADE...IT IS THE PUP THAT PAYS THE ULTIMATE PRICE!!!! Please consider the results of making such a life changing decision. Consider the initial joy & excitement VERSUS all that comes from bringing a puppy into your life, home, lifestyle, & what that ultimately means for you, your family & especially for the pup! When a wrong decision is made, people CANNOT, MUST NOT toss a "puppy" out with the Christmas Tree!!

12/03/2025

CAUTION: POPULAR CHRISTMAS PLANTS THAT CAN BE TOXIC TO YOUR DOGS! This article posted on VetDepot.com provides important information about popular Christmas plants that can pose a real danger for your dogs! Please take precautions to keep your buggers safe for the Holidays. (www.thedogspeaks.com)
Holiday Plants- Safe or Dangerous for Pets?
by VetDepot on December 21, 2011

Many families love to decorate with plants during the holiday season. Holly, poinsettias, mistletoe, and the Christmas cactus are all popular this time of year. Many pet owners wonder whether these festive plants are potentially hazardous to the health of their furry companions.
According to the ASPCA, some of these plants are cause for concern. Below is a list of common holiday plants and their level of risk:

•Holly can be toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Although holly’s toxicity level is relatively low, contact your veterinarian if your pet is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is depressed after ingestion. It’s best to keep holly out of the reach of curious pets just to be safe.

•Poinsettias are sometimes considered toxic since they can cause irritation to the sensitive tissues of the mouth and stomach, but this is actually a plant of very low toxicity. Your poinsettias can stay–just keep an eye out for pets that try to chew on the leaves.

•Mistletoe is considered extremely toxic because it can lead to heart problems. Keep pets safe by making sure mistletoe is well out of reach.

•Christmas cacti are another safe plant for the holidays. They are attractive all year round and are considered to be nontoxic.

•Most pines are considered to be relatively nontoxic, but some can be dangerous. Check out the exact type of Christmas tree you have on the ASPCA’s site to be aware of toxicity. Chewing on pine needles can also cause stomach problems even if they are from a nontoxic tree. Many pet-owning families do best to block the tree off with an ex-pen or gate of some sort.

12/02/2025

THUNDERSTORM &/OR FIREWORKS ISSUES!!! A couple of times a year, I make a post on thunderstorms & fireworks. This is one of those times. We have lots of thunderstorms AND...New Year's Eve will be here before we know it. So, NOW...is the time to try & find help for your dog/s if they experience anxiety or sheer panic/terror. It is the time to check into things that can help your dog/s!!!!

PREPARE "NOW" FOR...thunderstorm issues & fireworks issues your dog has. Please take time...now, before the fact...to determine HOW to best HELP your dog/s endure upcoming thunderstorms or fireworks with the least amount of stress/anxiety as possible. First off, if you have an outside dog, PLEASE bring them indoors. Most dogs who have issues with storms or fireworks, their issues/reactions go beyond fear & panic. They experience utter, sheer TERROR!!!

All they know is they have to "get away" from what is happening. They will do anything. Chew out of a wood fence, dig under a fence, try to dig out of a concrete run bloodying their paws. If indoors & crated or fenced, they will grab at the wires with all their might & can damage their mouths & teeth. Claw at any confinement & damage their paws. Indoors...many dogs will try to escape any confinement. In their efforts to escape the noise that is causing their terror, they can hurt themselves & cause damage to the house.

For all of their physical traumas, the emotional trauma is every bit as severe or worse!! Even indoors when you are home, the dogs will often pace, pant, whine, cry. Owners know their dog can't help it...but, as it goes on & on...even the best of owners will often lose patience. This compounds the dog's trauma/terror level beyond description!! Be aware that leaving your dogs alone can also add to their terror levels.

There are "natural" approaches that can help some dogs. I have found that Melatonin is very helpful. It may take more than would normally be needed to calm your dog in other circumstances. There is no magical amount. I had a 60 # lab who only need 1/2 of a 3 mg. Melatonin. But, a 15 # Westie required 9 mg. to get any relief at all.

Some dogs are helped by Rescue Remedy. Some dogs are helped by DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromones). Sometimes, a dog can benefit from a Thunder shirt. I have had much input about these working to some degree or a lot! All of these seem to have a range of efficacy from one dog to another. Some are not helped at all. Others, helped "some", others...are helped a lot. I know there are many things out there that can help. A newer item that can help if the dog's issues are related to the SOUNDS are "ear muffs" for dogs! The one I am familiar with is called Mutt Muffs.

Please take time to develop a multi-tiered "game plan" as to how to help your dog. The television, radio, CD volume can help mask the noises to a degree. Years ago, before all the newer approaches...it was recommended to use a bit of Mineral Oil in each ear to coat the eardrum & muffle the noises. Mineral Oil is also a natural cleaning agent.

If your dog has a very severe, extreme reaction to fireworks & thunderstorms & you have not found a more natural approach to helping them that "works"...you may want to talk with your Vet & have a Rx medication on hand to help. These can include Xanax, Diazepam (Va**um), or Ace Promazine. NOTE: If going this direction, I prefer Diazepam or Xanax. Personally, I do not like Ace but, if this is the only option, talk to your Vet about the lowest possible level to start your specific dog at & to what level you can increase it IF needed to help.

Further, when using any of these, I recommend using the med the first time when you are home so you can observe how the med. affects your dog. I like to try things the first time when the issue is NOT occurring. Just so I can observe my dog's reaction to the med without the extraneous aspect of the problem.

SILEO is a newer medication for NOISE REACTIVE DOGS. I personally know many people who reported good results. Some Vets may also prescribe Trazadone which is rather sedative for the dogs, but could possibly work if needed. Better to have the plan to help your buggers...so, start now!!!

You really need to provide help to your dog because every time they experience the "terror", it reinforces & validates their fears. Each exposure to the fear/terror inducing catalyst exacerbates their fear/terror & cause an increased response level!!

11/27/2025

WISHING EVERYONE A VERY BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!! "Prayers of Thanks" for all of our Military men & women serving here & abroad, all of our First Responders, our Veterans, & our Police for their service.

11/20/2025

HIKING ETIQUETTE FOR HUMANS, BIKERS, & DOGS. This is a VERY interesting article. To be honest, I was aware there was an ETIQUETTE specifically for these instances. Certainly, I knew the proper behaviors when out with my dog & for horses. I just never knew there was a specific aspect for these 3 elements. From TEAM K-9 TIPS:

There’s nothing better than hitting the trail with your four-legged best friend. But with increased access to public parks and trails comes a greater need for responsibility. Today’s edition of Team K9 Tips breaks down the most essential (but often misunderstood) trail etiquette rules every dog owner should know—so you and your pup can stay safe, welcomed, and stress-free wherever you roam.

1. Trail Yielding: Know Who Moves Where
Trail etiquette follows a clear but commonly overlooked order of yielding: hikers yield to horses, bikers yield to hikers, and everyone yields to uphill traffic. When you're hiking with your dog, it's especially important to move calmly off the trail when someone approaches, especially if that someone is on horseback. Sudden barking or lunging could spook a horse—causing injury to everyone involved. Practice "park and sit" drills at home to get your dog used to calmly moving off the trail and waiting beside you. Using a harness with a control handle, like our Metal Buckle No-Pull Tactical Harness, gives you leverage in these moments. Consistently yielding shows respect, keeps others safe, and protects your dog's reputation on the trail.

2. Leash Rules: Freedom ≠ Off-Leash
Many dog owners assume that nature equals freedom—but most trails require dogs to be leashed at all times, regardless of how empty the trail seems. Why? Even the best-trained dogs can bolt if startled by wildlife or surprised by an aggressive off-leash dog. Use a leash under 6 feet in length (never retractable) and make sure it’s attached to secure, non-pulling gear. A front-clip or dual-clip harness can reduce pulling and give you better control. Retractable leashes are notorious for snapping, tangling, or causing leash burns—especially on narrow trails. Keeping your dog leashed shows other hikers that you're a responsible team. For a comfortable ride to and from the trail, don’t forget a Hard Bottom Car Hammock Seat Cover and Safety Belt to prevent backseat chaos and keep your pup secure after a long day hiking.

3. Wildlife Awareness: Respect Nature’s Boundaries
Whether it's a rabbit rustling in the brush or a deer crossing the path, your dog’s instincts might kick in faster than you can react. That’s why having a solid recall command or “Leave It” cue could literally save their life. Chasing wildlife is dangerous—not just for the animals, but also for your dog, who could get lost, fall off a ridge, or run into a wild animal that fights back. It’s also illegal in many areas to allow dogs to harass wildlife, and repeat offenses can get dogs banned from trails. Keeping your dog close and under control isn’t just about obedience—it’s about respecting ecosystems and ensuring trails remain open to dogs in the future.

4. Greetings Aren’t Guaranteed
It’s tempting to let your social dog greet every passerby or other pup, but that’s a big trail etiquette misstep. Many hikers are afraid of dogs, allergic, or simply trying to enjoy peace and quiet. Other dogs may be reactive, recovering from surgery, or training. Letting your dog approach without permission—even on leash—can trigger anxiety or fights. Practice attention games and reward your dog for calmly passing distractions.

Trail Fact of the Day
According to the American Hiking Society, over 70% of public hiking trails in the U.S. allow dogs—but over 50% of complaints from trail users are about unleashed or poorly behaved dogs. When trail rules are ignored, it often leads to entire parks being closed to dogs. The takeaway? Following etiquette doesn’t just make your hike better—it helps keep trails open for all dog lovers.

COME, SIT, STAY Canine Etiquette

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