Ocoee, Florida, caters to its pet population, offering ample enrichment and training opportunities. A quality program provides comprehensive obedience sessions, agility training, and puppy plans designed to develop appropriate behaviors as they grow. 

Ocoee is an ideal location for pet parents and their furry companions, but Florida is also among the most affected by harsh weather, such as hurricanes. With the increasing occurrence of natural disasters, preparing your home and family, including the furry members, is essential. 

That means having adequate supplies packed into an evacuation kit for yourself and the canine and working on essential skills to maintain optimal safety in an emergency situation.  

Many pet parents enlist the services of a professional and qualified dog trainer to teach their pup essential skills if an event happens.  

These tasks are distinct from basic commands and behavioral training but follow the same structure such as using positive reinforcements. Please see website to learn more about customized dog training programs. 

Preparing Your Pup for Florida’s Harsh Weather 

Whether you live in Ocoee, Florida, and encounter hurricanes or another part of the country that sees wildfires, earthquakes, or tornadoes, being proactive in preparing for the potential of a natural disaster is critical.  

Part of that preparation involves teaching your dog special commands and behaviors to safely guide them through harsh weather conditions. Before signing up for training, a priority is to make sure your dog’s vaccines are updated and have the pup microchipped if you become separated in a storm. 

Here are essential training guidelines for maintaining health and safety when facing an Ocoee hurricane with your canine. 

Come 

Often, before a hurricane, people are anxious to evacuate to a safe place to avoid potential harm. With extreme winds, heavy rains, and possible flooding, it can be easy to get separated not only from the people you’re with but from your furry companion. 

Precautions should be taken before the storms to prevent this possibility. One proactive measure is to ensure your pup understands to “come” whenever you call for him. While distractions like dangerous weather can hinder a dog’s response, he will be less likely to run off as you evacuate. 

This will also offer peace of mind knowing that if you do get separated, you can scour the community by calling and he will come.  

The pup will become conditioned to this response if his training starts at an early age, building from a basic understanding to a more complex level where the canine responds regardless of the number of distractions in the environment.  

Advanced training is critical when evacuating under hectic circumstances. Visit 15 Tips to Prepare Your Dog for a Natural Disaster – for tips on keeping your dog safe in a natural disaster. 

The crate  

Crate training is an essential skill most puppies are taught from an early age to give them a comfortable place to sleep and a safety zone if they feel insecure or anxious.  

When you live in a zone prone to harsh weather conditions, you want to be proactive in training your pup to be at ease in the crate for a prolonged period. This will allow an easier evacuation and ensure you don’t become separated in the storm. 

A dog should view his crate positively, and you should have no difficulty getting him to enter the carrier if you’re hurrying to leave. With the dog securely contained, you can dedicate time to packing everything in the vehicle before leaving with your puppy. 

The ideal method for crate training is to have the canine spend a few minute increments in the carrier when he’s still a young puppy.  

You can gradually build up to extended time perhaps having pup sleep in his crate with favorite blankets and toys. Eventually the dog will view his carrier positively, possibly spending time in it on his own to take a nap or relax. Read how to keep your dog entertained when stuck inside during a harsh storm. 

Eating off the ground 

Once you’re safely evacuated, your dog will be exposed to a new environment, odd sounds, new smells, and unfamiliar people. If the dog is not crated but walking loosely alongside as you search for appropriate shelter, he may come upon food or snacks lying on the ground. 

The food exposed to the elements will contain contaminants, putting the pup at risk for bacterial infection. The last thing a puppy wants or you need in an already hectic situation is for him to become ill with diarrhea or vomiting – or both. 

The easiest way to train a dog not to put something in his mouth or to prevent him from eating something is to command that he “leave it.” If he’s already holding tight to it, command that he “drop it.” When he responds appropriately, he should be praised and given a treat. 

Socialized for strangers 

You may evacuate to stay with close friends or family members which would be a comfortable setting for your pup who’s already familiar with these individuals. However, if you evacuate to a pet-friendly shelter where the canine will be exposed to strangers, the dog must accept unfamiliar people. 

While you may have sufficient training to prevent the possibility of an aggressive reaction to strangers, the situation could create incredible stress and anxiety for the puppy, adversely affecting his overall wellness.  

When socializing as a young puppy, you can take him for walks in public places exposing him to crowds of different people. Becoming comfortable around people, kids, and other animals is beneficial not only when evacuating from severe weather but also in everyday situations.  

Final Thought 

Ocoee caters to pets both dogs and cats with plenty for them to see and do. The city also has quality training programs primarily for dogs from experts who tailor each dog’s experience to their needs and purposes. Reputable providers offer tips on preparing dogs if the city is struck by a natural disaster such as a hurricane. 

While no one wants to think they’ll face harsh weather like this, Florida is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Advanced prep such as proactive training to keep your dog safe and healthy can mean less stress and anxiety for the pup and for you in a hectic circumstance.