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Your dog is your best friend, and you know them inside and out.

That is–until their behavior changes. It can be disconcerting, or even scary when your dog starts acting out.

Suddenly, your furry friend may seem uncharacteristically aggressive, snapping or barking without provocation. Or they might become strangely listless, uninterested in their favorite toys, or refuse to eat.

Why has your dog’s behavior changed, and what can you do to help?

If you are looking for dog training in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, or Durham, Top Dog Training and Resort is the premier dog trainer near you AND dog boarding near you. Our Chapel Hill pet resort is your one-stop-shop for dog behavior, grooming, and care.

Our certified trainers are experts on dog behavior, and we want to offer our perspective on behavioral changes and what you can do to help your dog.

Your Dog May Be Frightened by Change

Have you ever been stressed or scared because of a new job or a new city? Your dog can feel the same way.

Just like humans, dogs need to feel safe and secure. They get used to patterns, and when they are suddenly in a new space or facing new rules, they can get confused or lash out.

Adding a new household member, whether it’s a baby or another pet, can also throw a dog off its rhythm.

Not to mention, all of your stress around a new home, family member, or job can affect your dog. You may lapse in enforcing the rules that you have set in place, or your dog may simply be able to pick up on your stress.

It’s important to smooth over transitional periods by keeping routines as consistent as possible.

This point is especially true if your dog doesn’t have a routine or set of rules established yet. They can’t unlearn to jump on your bed if you let them sleep with you from time to time!

If you have altered your dog’s routine, diet, or environment recently, anxiety over the change might be the root cause of your dog’s strange behavior.

Your Dog May Be in Pain

If your dog hasn’t experienced any major changes recently, their altered behavior could be due to pain. In fact, if your dog’s behavior changes have been particularly sudden, pain is most likely the reason.

Just like humans, dogs can develop mildly irritating but not immediately obvious conditions such as eczema, toothaches, and joint and muscle pains.

A dog in pain is likely to exhibit sudden aggression: growling, snarling, or snapping, especially when you get near the injured area.

For elderly dogs, sometimes sudden aggression comes from the loss of hearing or eyesight, as they now have one less sense and are afraid. They may even experience dementia or insomnia.

Abrupt appetite changes are also key markers that something might be wrong with your dog’s health. Maybe your dog keeps begging for treats even after eating its regular meal, or maybe your dog has no interest in eating at all.

Appetite changes can reflect a variety of issues, from allergies to health conditions or just poor training.

Other behavioral changes associated with pain include:

• Becoming irritated at night
• Reluctance to walk, run, jump, or climb stairs
• Restlessness or difficulty finding a comfortable position
• Unwillingness to play
• Avoidance of other dogs or humans
• Panting without heat
• Hiding parts of the body
• Licking or itching
• Limping

If you suspect your dog is lashing out due to pain or a health issue, contact your veterinarian.

How You Can Help Your Dog

The first step is to visit your veterinarian. Your vet can determine whether your dog’s strange behavior is due to pain.

If your vet clears your dog of medical issues, it is time to get on Google and search “dog trainer near me.”

A certified dog trainer doesn’t just help your dog work through behavioral changes caused by environmental factors; they can also give you the tools to set strong routines and alleviate your pet’s transition-related anxiety.

That’s where Top Dog can help! At our Chapel Hill pet resort, our certified and knowledgeable staff provides a variety of training options to meet your pet’s needs.

We offer group and private dog training, as well as dog boarding, a dog day school, and grooming. To accommodate your busy schedule, we also offer a shuttle service.

Dogs are our passion, and we are so confident in our dog training in Chapel Hill that we give it a lifetime guarantee!

Contact us now for the best dog grooming, dog training, and dog boarding near you.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hillsborough Police Department will host its sixth annual Easter egg hunt and costume contest for dogs Saturday, April 16.

• Enter to win 10 FREE days of school
• Search An Rescue Demos
• Police Dog Demo
• Costume Contest
• Dog Treats in Egg Hunt
• Sample agility Equipment
• Foster Dogs up for Adoption and more!

Join us and the Hillsborough K-9 officers Jet and Vader this Saturday, April 16th at 10 a.m. at Gold Park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. Easter eggs with treats will be hidden throughout the park, with a separate search area available for older and small dogs.

All animals must be non-aggressive, current on vaccines, and leashed at all times. Participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form.

Interested in making a forever home for a dog? Independent Animal Rescue also will be on-site with dogs available for adoption. The nonprofit works in the Triangle region to provide homes for hundreds of unwanted cats and dogs each year. It is run primarily by individuals who volunteer their time. See the rescue’s website, animalrescue.net, to read more about the organization and its adoption process and to complete an application form in advance.

Ah, spring! The flowers are blooming, the breezes are getting warmer, the world is waking back up–and so is pollen!

Spring brings seasonal allergies for many humans, but did you know that dogs can get seasonal allergies, too?

Top Dog is the go-to dog trainer near you and Chapel Hill’s best pet resort. Here, dogs come first. We care about your dog’s health and happiness more than anything else.

That’s why we want to share some information about dog allergies with you: what they are, what might cause them, and what you can do to help your pup feel better.

What Is An Allergy?

Let’s start with the basics. An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to the presence of a particular stimulant, called an allergen. The inflammation response goes into high gear, causing symptoms like swelling, rashes, and congestion.

When your immune system encounters an allergen, the allergen’s protein molecules interact with antibodies in your blood and attach to a mast cell, which releases histamines to create inflammation.

The immune system is trying to protect you, but when it comes to allergies, it responds with such unnecessary strength that it can be uncomfortable or, in extreme cases, dangerous.

Common Types of Dog Allergies

Just like humans, there are certain types of common dog allergies, including:

• Skin allergies
• Environmental allergies
• Food allergies

Skin allergies can be caused by fleas or environmental factors. They are often marked by itchy, red skin, called atopic dermatitis or eczema. Eczema can cause your dog to itch and bite its skin and lead to secondary infections.

Food allergies are usually marked by gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or bloating, but can also cause hives or swelling. Food sensitivities can also lead to itchy skin, normally behind the ears or on the paws.

Environmental allergies are the most common allergies in dogs. They are caused by factors such as dust, pollen, and grass and are often seasonal.

Environmental allergies can manifest as many things, including atopic dermatitis, watery eyes, congestion, and, in rare cases, chronic ear infections.

Most of these reactions are mild. However, it is important to note that, just like humans, dogs can go into anaphylactic shock.

Monitor your dog closely if they start a new medication or diet or enter a new climate, and if you suspect a serious allergic reaction, take them to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

How to Diagnose and Treat Dog Allergies

Because allergies have symptoms that overlap with other types of allergies and conditions if you suspect that your dog has allergies, a trip to the vet is your first step.

A vet will rule out other conditions and recommend allergy testing, through either a skin test or blood test. However, allergy tests are not always conclusive, and the entire allergy diagnosis process can get complicated.

If you suspect that your dog is being affected by a specific factor in their environment or diet, try to remove that factor. You could switch your pet’s food or deep clean the house to remove dust.

Working in conjunction with your vet, you may try a few different treatment options:

• Allergen avoidance
• Change in diet
• Allergy relief prescriptions, such as antihistamines and decongestants
• Allergy shots
• Regular bathing and grooming

 You may also consider finding a dog trainer near you to help pets understand when to stop allergy-causing behaviors and prevent complications due to itching.

Chapel Hill Dog Training with Top Dog

Whatever your dog needs, we are here for you! Top Dog’s expert, certified trainers make us your top destination for dog training in Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Durham.

We also offer dog grooming, dog boarding near you, and shuttle service so that you can make sure your dog makes it to Top Dog and back without any hassle!

Dogs mean everything to us, and we do everything we can to make sure that they are healthy. We are so passionate about dogs that we offer a lifetime guarantee for our training!

Contact us today to

What You Should Expect When You Adopt a Rescue Dog

Adopting a rescue dog is one of the best decisions you can make! Not only do you get to provide a home to an animal in need, but you also get a friend who loves you unconditionally!

If you’ve only ever bought a dog directly from a breeder or pet store, however, there are a few things you should know.

Top Dog Training and Resort is here to help! Dogs are our life. We are a Hillsborough, Durham, and Chapel Hill dog training and pet resort, and we also offer dog boarding, dog grooming, and our signature door-to-door dog pickup and dropoff service!

Here’s some advice from our certified dog trainers to help you build a strong bond with your rescue dog!

It May Take A While For Your Dog to Adjust

Every rescue dog has a unique backstory. Some may have had a loving home with an elderly caretaker who passed away, whereas others may have come from abusive environments.

Depending on their background, your rescue dog may demonstrate anxiety, distrust of other animals or people, or bad habits when you first get them.

I remember the heartbreak I felt when my rescue dog, Bailey, bolted out the door and down the street the second we brought her home.

She was scared of the new environment, but a week later, she was snuggling in my lap–already the little princess!

Don’t get discouraged if it takes your rescue dog weeks or even months to adjust to their new life.

Just have patience with your rescue dog and do your best to provide an open, comfortable environment where they can explore their new home and their relationship with you.

If you need any advice on helping your rescue dog adjust, look no further than Top Dog’s knowledgeable staff. At Top Dog, we foster a caring, fun environment that helps dogs learn.

Your Dog May Need Some Training

Many rescue dogs do not come from backgrounds that build healthy habits. They may not be familiar with walking, listening to commands, or using the bathroom outside.

So, you may be asking yourself, “Where are the dog trainers near me?”

If you live near Chapel Hill, dog training at Top Dog is the answer!

Our certified trainers are dedicated to teaching dogs in the way that makes sense for the individual. We understand that no two dogs are alike, so every dog needs a unique approach!

We offer three different “classrooms” for the dogs in our care: the training room, where they learn basic skills and manners; outside, where they learn to socialize; and field trips to pet-friendly establishments, where they learn how to behave in public.

In addition to our main training regimen, we also offer private lessons and a boarding school program to better suit both your needs and your dog’s!

You Will Fall in Love

All pets are unique and lovable, but there is truly something special about the bond between a rescue dog and their family.

While rescue dogs need some extra patience as they adjust to their new home and learn better manners, the unconditional love they provide is more than worth it!

Top Dog is there for you and your rescue dog every step of the way. We’ll work with you and your dog to establish healthy habits from the get-go.

Even years later, if you are headed out vacation and finding yourself searching for “dog boarding near me,” we are your top choice!

Top Dog’s boarding program is an environment where your dogs can relax while you are away. We provide clean, comfortable beds and calming music, as well as access to our expert trainers and Day School.

To pamper your pooch with the best Chapel Hill pet resort while also making sure that they are on their best behavior, contact us today!

Pets are an essential part of every household. Guaranteeing their safety during disastrous situations is the owner’s responsibility. To help you do that, we are listing 4 steps to follow when creating an emergency plan for pets.

An Emergency Survival Kit

In a disastrous situation like hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes, an emergency kit should be your priority. It should contain:

• At least three days’ worth of food and water.
• Compiled medical records and essential medicines.
• Basic first aid essentials like bandages, disinfectants, gloves, scissors, ointments, saline solution, flea, tick prevention medications, etc.
• We suggest you opt for microchipping your pet to keep track of their whereabouts. Otherwise, you can always put an ID label or tracking collar.
• Keep items for sanitation, including a litter box, newspapers, trash bags, paper towels, etc.
• A picture of your pet and you in case you two get separated.
• Some of your pet’s favorite toys to help reduce stress during disasters.

Draft a Getaway Plan

You must do your research before you abandon your house during emergencies. Conduct your research and identify safe zones to head for if need be. Identify friends or family members who may be willing to take care of your pet or look for boarding facilities or hotels that can help you out.

Buddy Rescue System

Disasters often come unannounced and unexpectedly. Make sure you talk to neighbors or friends who can evacuate your pet in case you are unavailable.

Contact your Vet

Discuss your pet’s conditions with your vet before drafting the plan. Ask them or any specific medications that you need to carry during emergencies. They will also provide you with contact details of emergency treatment centers for your pets. Make sure you keep that list safe and readily available during an emergency.

Hearing loss in dogs can be hereditary, due to trauma, the result of congenital disability, or an infection. It is especially common for dogs to lose their hearing as they age, similar to humans.

Some breeds of dogs have what is called ‘congenital deafness.’ This refers to a loss of hearing triggered by certain genes. This sort of loss of hearing tends to be permanent and cannot be treated.

Here are the main signs that your dog is losing its hearing.

1.   Disobedience

It’s pretty common for people to mistake a loss of hearing in their pet for a behavioral problem such as disobedience.

This is especially true if your dog has thus far been very well behaved. A well-behaved dog that suddenly stops responding to its owner’s instructions and commands can easily be pegged as being disobedient.

Generally speaking, this sort of loss of hearing affects senior dogs. Before getting angry at your dog for misbehaving, make sure to conduct certain tests at home to check whether your dog is being disobedient by not listening to you, or whether he simply cannot hear you.

If you realize that your dog is having problems understanding your voice, you can always use hand signals and other visual cues to communicate with your pet.

2.   Loud and Frequent Barking

When a human has a hearing problem, they often start turning the volume of the TV up or start speaking louder than they usually do. In the same way, a dog suffering from hearing loss is likely to bark very loudly and all the time. This is because, without proper hearing, the dog doesn’t realize just how loud it is being. So, if your dog has suddenly started barking very loudly, this may be a sign that it’s starting to lose its hearing.

3.   Excessive Sleep

Generally speaking, a dog that is still adjusting from its newly discovered loss of hearing will try to compensate for this loss by sleeping frequently. Although you may initially assume your dog is only sad, the truth is, it is undergoing changes that it does not know how to cope with.

These were some of the major signs that your dog is losing its hearing. If your pet is displaying any of these signs, it’s best to get him checked by a vet at the earliest.

Summers can be pretty harsh because the heat is relentless. No matter where you live, in the mountains or by the sea, when it’s summer, it’s hot, and our pets feel the heat just as much as we do. Well, to beat the heat, you can keep your pet in the house all day, but that’s no fun. Instead, you can use one of these tips to help your pet beat the heat.

Get a Kiddy Pool

There’s nothing more refreshing in the summer heat than a nice long dip in the pool. It instantly brings down your pet’s body temperatures, relaxes them, and uplifts their spirits. Plus, they can get some exercise while they splash around in the water.

Treat Them with Frozen Treats

A Popsicle is like the ultimate treat on a hot sunny day for both humans and pets. As long as you’re sure that your frozen treat of choice does not contain ingredients that might be harmful to pets, you can give them to your dog as a way to beat the heat.

Cooling Pads

Another simple way to give your pet a break is to get a cooling pad. They can frolic about and be as energetic and playful as they like and then simply cool off with the help of the pad.

Keep them Groomed

Do not let their coat get too long during summers. Make sure you regularly brush their hair and take them for trims. A professional grooming service can help you determine what length is ideal to keep your dog fresh during summers.

Keep them Hydrated

Keeping them well hydrated is key to avoiding a heat stroke. Make sure you watch out for telltale signs of dehydration. If your pet’s nose and tongue seem dry to the touch, they need water. A well-hydrated pet is a lot more active and feels refreshed for longer.

Taking your dog along with you on your travels can make your vacation so much more enjoyable for both you as well as your pup. You do, however, have to make sure that your pup is comfortable at each step of your travels.

If you’re not sure about how to take your pup along with you on vacation, here is a guide on the proper way to travel with your dog.

• Step 1– Get Your Pup Checked

  Make sure to take your pup for an extensive body checkup to the vet well in advance of your trip. You will have to be extra careful to make sure that your pup has gotten all the required vaccinations and that he meets the airline regulation requirements for pet travel.

  You should also ensure that your pup is perfectly healthy before he travels. Take care of his diet, and make sure that he gets all the nutrients he needs.

  Do not forget to carry bottled water with you on the trip and also any medications your pup might need. Most importantly, though, be prepared for any emergency that may arise.

  Before you board the plane, your vet’s number should be a contact in your phone, in case you need to contact him on an emergency basis. There is nothing wrong with taking the necessary precautions. Remember, it’s always better to be extra careful rather than regret something later on only because you weren’t careful in the preparation stage.

  Step 2 – Purchase a Dog Crate

  A dog crate is a perfect way to make sure your pup remains safe and protected if you’re traveling somewhere by car, and it is, in fact, a requirement if you are traveling by airline.

  Crates are extremely handy. Not only do they keep your dog safe, but they also make sure that your dog doesn’t get into any mischief during your travels. You can easily find the right crate at any pet supply store. Just make sure to purchase one that is appropriate for your dog based on its size, breed, age, etc.

  Remember that any crate that you purchase needs to be spacious enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and even lie down. Also, keep in mind that your crate needs to have strong handles so that you can lift it and carry it easily without any difficulty. The bottom of the crate should be made from absorbent, leak-proof material, in case of any accidents.

  Additionally, check to see that the crate that you buy has sufficient ventilation from both sides so that your dog has no trouble breathing wherever you go. You can even make the crate more comfortable by lining it with your dog’s favorite blanket, chew toys, and a bottle of water.

  If you want your precious pup to accompany you on your vacation, you need to know the proper way to travel with your dog. These two tips will ensure that your dog is safe on your journey.

Dogs are sensitive creatures and can often fall victim to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. However, with the right amount of love, attention, and care, you can give your dog the happy, content life that he deserves.

Dog anxiety can afflict all breeds and dogs of all ages. While occasional feelings of anxiety triggered by a certain event are understandable and nothing out of the ordinary, the persistence of the feeling can drastically affect your dog’s well-being. You, as your dog’s parent, need to take action so that your dog can live a happy and fulfilled life.

• Before you can begin to help your dog get through this phase, you need to be able to understand it first. Here’s everything you need to know about dog anxiety and how to get it under control.
  

  Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

  Three main causes are known to be a source of anxiety in dogs

  Fear: fear-related anxiety can be triggered by loud noises like fireworks, car horns, and/or loud sounds by other animals. It can also be brought on when faced with strange, unfamiliar visual stimuli, or being introduced to new surroundings.

  Separation: About 14% of all dogs suffer through this. Separation anxiety makes the dog unable to stay alone without company, even if for a few hours. It’ll need a constant company for comfort. This is often the case with abandoned dogs.

  Age: Senior dogs often suffer through age-related anxiety because of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). This brings on Alzheimer-like conditions, causing confusion and anxiety in dogs.

  Symptoms of Dog Anxiety

  Watch out for these symptoms as these can indicate that your dog is getting anxious. If you can spot the tell-tale signs, you can be there for him and help him calm down.

  • Aggression
  • Incessant barking
  • Soiling inside the house
  • Drooling
  • Panting
  • Restlessness
  • Destructive Behaviour

  Keeping Dog Anxiety Under Control

  If you suspect your dog might be suffering from anxiety, you should consult your vet. The vet can help you pinpoint the type and severity of the anxiety and draw up a treatment plan to help curb and control it. There are two possible treatment routes to take:

  Training: Dogs can be trained to become desensitized to the stimuli that are causing them anxiety. This is done by introducing the dog to the stimuli and then rewarding them for facing it. This is an effective way but takes time and patience. Counterconditioning is also an option where the dog is trained to change his response to the stimulus.

  Medication: If the anxiety is severe, your vet might prescribe some anxiety medication for your dog to keep it under control. New studies have shown that CBD oil is also very effective at soothing dog anxiety.

  There is nothing more important to a dog parent than their dog’s happiness and well-being, so keep on the lookout for signs of dog anxiety. If you think your dog is exhibiting symptoms of dog anxiety, talk to your vet.

Allergies can be quite a nuisance for humans. The runny noses, itchy eyes, and discomfort get too much to deal with sometimes. Just like humans, animals get allergies, too, and they need medical attention as well. The question here is, how can you tell if your pet has an allergy?

• Biting and Scratching

The most common sign that indicates the pet is suffering from an allergy is that it scratches and bites itself like crazy to relieve the itchiness that it feels. Along with this, their skin also gets flushed and inflamed. These allergies could be due to pollen grains or any plants. Bathing your pet using mild shampoo can provide temporary relief. However, a visit to the vet is mandatory.

• Excess Shedding

Pets can get dandruff as a consequence of certain allergies that cause excessive hair loss and shedding. Dandruff dries out the animal’s skin, as a result of which it feels itchy. When your pet scratches its itchy, flaky skin, not only does it lose its hair, but it also sheds dry skin.

• Inflamed Skin

Just like runny noses and itchy eyes are common symptoms of allergies in humans, skin infections are common in animals. The skin of animals becomes inflamed and even infected as a result of excessive scratching. If you observe reddened, inflamed, or infected skin, you need to take your pet to the vet so that it can be given the right medicines.

• Paw Licking

Paw licking is a common habit in cats and dogs, but excessive paw licking can be an indication of pet allergies.

• Licking of the Anal Region

This behavior is more common in dogs, but it indicates that your pet is having an allergic reaction to something. If the dog is scooting towards its rear and is licking its anal region, it is probably because it is feeling itchy. When you notice this behavior, you should take it to the vet immediately.

• Respiratory Issues

Allergy-related respiratory issues are common in cats. Cats often suffer from allergic bronchitis due to pollen grains or poor air quality.

Keeping a check for the signs and symptoms listed above will help you figure out whether your pet is suffering from any pet allergies. You will then be able to take them to the vet and get them treated on time.