Tuesday Training Byte: Emergency training prep for your dog

Emergency preparedness applies to both humans and our canine friends. Emergencies are very stressful, so if we can prepare our dogs in advance, the situation can be smoother. Here are a few things that you can do.

1. Crate train your dog. If you need to evacuate, your pup will likely have to be crated, so it is best to have him used to it ahead of time. Dogs are den animals by nature and will enjoy having a crate in a quiet place with a chew toy as a place to retreat and feel safe.

2. Get your dog used to riding in the car. While some dogs LOVE going for rides, others hate it or get car sick. Start out teaching your dog to get in and out as a game, then gradually go for very short drives. It is safer to have your dog crated or tethered in your car.

3. Get your dog his Canine Good Citizen title. In an emergency or evacuation, your dog may have to be taken or handled by a friendly stranger. The skills learned in a CGC class will help any caregivers handle your dog and lessen your dog's stress.

4. Teach your dog a reliable recall. The "come" can be a lifesaving skill for a dog to have, but we need to train it in advance in various locations and with distractions so that it is reliable in an emergency, chaotic situation.

5. Muzzle train your dog. I know, this sounds silly, but if your dog is in pain or very afraid, it may bite even its owner. If you have gotten your dog accustomed to a muzzle at home, then should he need to be muzzled in an emergency, it will not be so stressful.

6. Train your dog to relax or "settle". I have addressed this in a previous post. I have a small throw rug with a rubberized backing that I can roll up and take with me. My dogs are used to the mat as a place to "down" and relax there. If you use this rug/mat at home, you can take it with you to the vet office, to the park, or if you evacuate and your pup will associate it with settling.