Miscellaneous Tips Article from GRREAT TIMES newsletter. Our speaker, Mary Ann Mullens from Merrimac Dog Training Club in Hampton, also gave us these tips: To break up a dog fight, throw a handful of everyday ground black pepper on them. (Our vet suggests that it would be a good idea to have saline solution on hand for washing out pepper that gets in the eyes.) To stop a dog from jumping up on you in greeting, don't step back or knee them. Step up into them. The dog will have to get down so that they don't fall over backwards. Teach your dog that other dogs it meets while out for a walk are a good thing by having them sit before the other dog gets there and feed, feed, feed until the other dog is past. Do not pull back on the leash and act worried. That is behavior which tells your dog that you are scared of the other dog and to prepare for trouble. For dogs that suffer from Thunderstorm-phobia: Think drugs! Your vet has many possible medications that can help your dog weather the storms. There is no need for them to suffer. For dogs that are suffering from separation anxiety: Fill a Kong with peanut butter and dog food and place in the freezer the night before. (Note that Kongs are dishwasher-safe.) Just before leaving, give it to the dog. Soon your dog will be saying, "Don't you need to go somewhere?"

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