Holistic Behavior Solutions

Winter Walking Dangers for Cats and Dogs | petMD

2012-01-25T12:38:00.000-05:00

Winter Walking Dangers for Cats and Dogs petMD

Teaching Manners for Life

2011-12-03T18:45:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favorite articles about training dogs in animal shelters.

Teaching Manners for Life

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study

2011-11-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

This study is a couple years old, but proves my point that aggression breeds aggression.

If You're Aggressive, Your Dog Will Be Too, Says Veterinary Study

Shelters find creative ways to combat ‘Black Dog Syndrome’

2011-11-10T10:27:00.000-05:00

Shelters find creative ways to combat ‘Black Dog Syndrome’

Click to Calm Book on Clearance!

2011-10-28T12:11:00.003-04:00

This is one of my favorite books for reactive dogs!!! Check out this great price!

http://store.clickertraining.com/cltocacolisp.html

Tucker's First Herding Lesson

2011-10-22T17:13:00.002-04:00

Elderly Dog in Need of Home ASAP

2011-09-20T12:24:00.001-04:00

Joey is about 10 years old Golden Retriever Mix. He is a happy, funny, and kind friend. He is great with other dogs, cats and people. He is neutered and house broken. Sadly, his owner is moving into retirement home and he is heartbroken giving him up. PLEASE, PLEASE be Joey’s new home.

Call (570) 828-7973 and leave a message. Someone will call you back.

Aromatherapy for Animals Conference Call

2011-08-25T14:54:00.000-04:00

FREE Conference call for everyone who shares their lives with animals!

This will be an introduction to using therapeutic-grade essential oils on your pets. This info will be useful for animal guardians, veterinarians, vet techs, groomers, pet sitters, trainers, healers, etc.

Tuesday, September 6th
8:00 - 9:00 pm EST

Dial-in # 605.477.2100
Access code: 459443#

Please let me know if you plan to join us & email me one topic of interest related to animal health & wellness that you would like to hear about on the call

There will be some time at the end of the call for Q&A

Please note: long distance rates will apply to your phone bill.

NEW! Canine Good Citizen

2011-08-25T14:04:00.004-04:00

I have added the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) training and test to my list of services. The CGC test is good for all dogs, especially those who like to visit public places, live in close proximity to other dogs & people, dogs who have access to children & the elderly, and for those who just want "proof" that their dog is as good as they think he/she is. For more info visit AKC CGC

Insurance companies have black-listed some breeds of dogs such as Rottweilers, pit bull-type dogs, Dobermans, etc. meaning they will not insure a home with such breeds or will raise the premium. Some insurance companies in certain regions have accepted the CGC certificate as a way to determine a dog is a good citizen and therefore will in fact provide coverage and/or offer a discount. For more information about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) go to
ASPCA BSL & see if your city or state is listed at Dogs Bite.

For more information on the CGC training and testing, please contact me directly.

Fear-Reactive Dogs

2011-08-20T17:07:00.006-04:00

It seems that reactive dogs are becoming more common. Below are some photos with step-by-step instructions to help your reactive dog.

Start by walking parallel at a safe & comfortable distance. Figure out what your dog's threshold is before you begin. 6 ft, 16 ft, 60 feet. This is the distance you can be from the stimuli without the dog reacting. I encourage you to use a clicker and really great treats during this exercise. When ever the dog looks at the other dog, but does not react, simply click the clicker & offer him a treat. The conditioned response is when the dog looks to you for the treat. Over time, your dog will automatically look to you when he sees another dog approaching. Dog approaching means good stuff!!! You will also want to click and treat for any automatic check-ins (dog offers you eye contact or looks to you for permission).

Then do some head-on approaches starting again at a safe distance and then creating a large circle to do a c-curve around the oncoming dog. Ex: You can get within 20 ft of an oncoming dog without your dog reacting, so at 20 feet you then turn to the left slightly and your helper turns to the right slightly and you walk around one another in a big circle. In a situation where one dog is bomb-proof with other dogs, you would then bring the fear-reative dog to greet the bomb-proof helper dog from behind. Allow the fearful dog to sniff the other dogs rear end first. This is how dogs shake hands and is very non-threatening.Finally, allow the dogs to greet one another in a normal canine greeting. You will want to keep leashes loose and remain as calm as you can. The dogs will sense your tension and fear through the leash so you must be relaxed. I like to use Valor and Peace & Calming essential oils when working with dogs who are reactive. You may also apply the oils directly to the dogs. Please note: this may not happen on the first introduction to a new dog or person. Take your time & work SLOWLY to increase the chance of success.

Friends at last!

Finding a Good Dog Trainer

2011-07-26T11:54:00.004-04:00

Call me! Just kidding. In all seriousness, it is not always that easy to find a good dog trainer that you can feel 100% comfortable with ALL of their training methods.

I have started working with several new clients in the last month alone that have had problems with other trainers. Some don't even realize anything was wrong until they experience my methods and then they recognize there are alternative ways to train a dog without force & aggression.

There are two basic concepts of training: force-based & positive reinforcement. Within those two categories there are thousands of different approaches and mindsets. For instance, someone may say they are a trainer that uses positive reinforcement, but they still rely on a prong collar to control the dog or there may be a force-based trainer who uses a clicker.

In my opinion, and this is just my opinion, a positive reinforcement trainer uses their brain to create a program using praise, treats, & play to reward a dog for good behavior and ignores most bad behavior. A positive reinforcement trainer works hand-in-hand with the dog's owners to set the dog up to succeed! They should not be using any type of force. Never hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking the dog regardless of pressure.

You should interview a prospective trainer before you hire him/her. Ask for several references and actually call them. Ask the references detailed questions about what the trainer's methods & results were. I will also caution you to be wary of references given by vets & local pet stores. They may be great, but don't just assume they are because your vet is referring them. Any trainer can walk into a vet's office or pet supply store and leave their cards behind without the vet or store owner ever experiencing the training for themselves.

Go with your gut! If you don't think something is right, don't do it. If a particular method seems to be hurting your dog...it probably is & you should stop immediately!!!

In Memory of Boss

2011-06-07T13:09:00.011-04:00

On Saturday we made the very difficult decision to have our beautiful Boss put to sleep. He was almost 10 years old and at 200lbs was feeling his age. He had been slowing down over the past few months. Last Tuesday he could no longer put weight on one of his rear legs making standing up and walking very difficult, but he still manage to get in and out of the house. As of Thursday morning he could not even get up. We gave him a few days to see if he would rally, but no luck. The vet came to our house on Saturday and assisted him on his journey.

For those of you who have had the good fortune to have been slobbered on by Boss, you know he was the sweetest, most gentle giant one could meet. He has touched so many lives from his early days as a pet supply store mascot to his days as mayor of our street. This was even more evident when people began coming to say their goodbyes to Boss. We rescued Boss about 2 1/2 years ago not intending on keeping him...hahaha! His owner had a stroke and was moved to a nursing home. He was this man's entire world. Boss was lost without his life-long companion and needed a place to go fast, so we offered him a temporary home while we searched for his forever home. Little did we know Boss had made other plans. We took him to one prospective adopter and he high-tailed it right back to the gate we came through and would not budge. He couldn't get back in the car fast enough. Boss had chosen us. When he first came to us people would call and say..."we hear you got a pony...can we come see him?" And the people came, and came back again. Everyone loved Boss! Boss has been a demo dog for me during presentations, but has taught me way more about life with big dogs then I ever thought I'd need to know. He is the only dog I've ever seen Lola back down from & he recently started playing with Tucker...who knew an old dog had moves like that!

I think how lucky we were that Boss chose us to spend his last years with. I am comforted by knowing that he is now whole again and running with those who have passed before him in the green fields above.

Run Free Big Man!

Natural Flea & Tick Protection

2011-05-15T13:18:00.003-04:00

Are you sick of using chemicals on your pet to keep those pesky insects away?

There is an alternative! Therapeutic-grade essential oils are a safe & effective way to keep fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, gnats, ants, and many other insects away from your pet, your family, and even your home & garden.

Poisons on Pets is an 84 page document from the NRDC about the potential hazards of commercial flea & tick products. Anyone who plans to use these products should definitely read this report first.

Young Living Essential Oils offers many essential oils that have insect repellent properties. I create my own formula that works well for my dogs. I start with Purification, a blend that has Citronella in it. Then I add Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemongrass.
Eucalyptus-Globulus and Geranium are other oils that compliment this blend or can be used in place of.

Seasonal Allergy Relief

2011-05-15T13:11:00.002-04:00

According to the news last week, pollen counts were over 5000 which is making even the strongest prescription allergy medications ineffective.

Some are saying this is the worse allergy season yet. People who have never been effected before are sneezing, coughing, & have itchy eyes. The pollen is making it more difficult than usual for people suffering from asthma as well.

Dogs suffer from allergies too! Some symptoms present themselves as itchy, dry, red skin. Dogs tend to lick, chew, and scratch almost obsessively to relieve the discomfort.

Why not opt for an all-natural option that does not leave you feeling drowsy? Young Living's therapeutic-grade Lavender essential oil is a natural anti-histamine among other things. Not only is this lavender great for burns, cuts, bee stings, calming, relaxation, and inflammation, it is also great for allergy relief.

If I wake up with allergy symptoms I reach for my lavender essential oil & put 2-3 drops in an empty vegetarian capsule, take internally, and I am good to go all day. Young Living's Lavender can be given to dogs internally or topically to dogs.

For asthma sufferers, R.C. rubbed on the chest or over the lung vita flex point on the feet is very helpful as is Breathe Again roll-on.

Creating Harmony: May Promotions from Young Living

2011-05-01T21:31:00.000-04:00

Creating Harmony: May Promotions from Young Living: "Get Thieves Cleaner, Thieves Spray, and Citrus Fresh FREE! May is spring cleaning month! From May 1–31, when you place a single order o..."

Levi Needs a New Home

2011-05-01T19:29:00.003-04:00

Meet Levi! He is an adorable mix of Jack Russell, Australian Shepherd, & Cattle Dog (maybe) weighing in at 50lbs. He is under 1 year and full of energy. His family rescued him from a shelter in NC when he was a baby. Due to the fast pace of life and lots of kid's actitivies, Levi needs to find a new home where he can have lots of room to run & plenty of fun doggie activities.

Levi would probably excel in agility as he is very smart and willing to please!!! He is up-to-date on his shots, microchipped and is neutered. He is located in Northwest NJ.

Levi LOVES children & other dogs. He would be best suited in a home with children old enough to handle is energy level. He is housebroken, knows sit, "go to bed", & will drop over for a cookie.

He loves to run, play fetch, & get attention. Please share the info & his striking picture with anyone you know who might be ready to add Levi to their family.

Aromatherapy for Dogs

2011-04-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

FREE Presentation

Aromatherapy for Dogs

Saturday, April 16th

11:00 - 2:00

Cherry Brook Pet Supply

459 Route 31 South

Washington, NJ

Looking for alternative ways to care for your dog? Come learn how therapeutic-grade essential oils can ease anxiety, manage pain, reduce stress, calm & relax, protect against fleas, ticks, & mosquitos and more!!!!

Cherry Brook Pet Supply

Sussex County Dog Walking Group

2011-03-12T12:47:00.004-05:00

Looking for a Fun Activity to do with your Dog?

Is your dog driving your crazy because he is not getting enough exercise?

Then this group is for YOU!!!

We will meet once a week at one of our beautiful recreation areas in Sussex County, NJ including fun trails, waterfalls, lakes, & rivers!

Dogs of all ages & breeds are welcome!

This is a great way to get in shape, meet other dog lovers, socialize young puppies, and enjoy nature!

Reactive dogs are also welcome. I will help you manage the reactivity level so that everyone is comfortable especially the dogs!

Training suggestions will be offered during the walk!

Sign up at
Sussex County Dog Walking Group

200+ Rottweilers Need Your Help

2011-02-27T13:52:00.004-05:00

On Monday, January 31st, sheriff's deputies raided a Texas ranch and seized over 200 Rottweilers, both adults & puppies along with a variety of other animals. These Rottweilers need your help. As with all seizures, the dogs can not be adopted out until the owners surrender the dogs to the Houston SPCA or a court orders them to do so. At which time, foster & adoptive homes will be needed.

In the mean time, information about donations can be found on the link below.

http://www.houstonspca.org/site/News2/38524243?page=NewsArticle&id=17297&news_iv_ctrl=0

Creating Harmony: 15+ Business Tips to Help Your Business Grow

2011-02-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

Creating Harmony: 15+ Business Tips to Help Your Business Grow: "Come out and learn some helpful hints on how to grow your business! 15+ Business Tips to Help Your Business Grow March 3rd7:00 - 9:00 pm All..."

Current Essential Oil Promotions from Young Living

2010-11-07T17:47:00.000-05:00

Purchase 225 pv in the month of November and receive a FREE 15 ml bottle of Frankincense Essential Oil! That's a $91.78 retail value!!!

Frankincense, the holy anointing oil, one of the gifts brought to the baby Jesus, is powerful on physical, emotional, and spritual levels.

Check out the promotion at:

Current Essential Oil Promotions from Young Living

Raindrop Technique

2010-10-31T09:53:00.005-04:00

The Raindrop Technique is a method of using Vita Flex, reflexology, massage techniques, etc., and therapeutic-grade essential oils applied on various locations of the body to bring it structural and electrical alignment. It is designed to bring balance to the body with its relaxing and mild application. It will help align the energy centers of the body and release them if blocked, without using hard pressure or trying to force the body to change.

D. Gary Young developed the Raindrop Technique based on his research with essentail oils as antimicrobial agents and his knowledge of th Vita Flex technique and its reflex points in the feed, and finally the knowledge he learned from the Lakota people of South Dakota using finger stroking and feathering techniques and the effects on the muscles and the nervous system.

There is an original technique that uses 7 to 9 therapeutic-grade essential oils (many of which are "hot" oils) and there is also a protocol for Parkinson's Disease which can be used for those with MS, Chronic Fatigue, Lou Gehrig's Diesease, etc. The Raindrop Technique can be customized with other oils based on what you are trying to accomplish. Raindrop Technique is also great for anyone suffering from Lyme's Disease!

Along with humans, the Raindrop Technique has been used successfully with dogs & horses. I have done several on my own dogs and look forward to working on some rescue horses in the near future.

For more information about how to perform the Raindrop Technique on your dog, please email me.

Howl 'n Hike This Sunday!

2010-10-08T10:11:00.001-04:00

Noah's Ark Howl N Hike is this Sunday at Horseshoe Lake in Succasunna, NJ. Come for the fun, stay for the costume contest, and support dog & cat rescue all at the same time. I will have a vendor tables, so be sure to stop by and say hello. This is an event not to be missed!!!

Holistic Dog Training: A Kinder Approach

2010-10-08T09:51:00.002-04:00

The fall edition of MARCI is ready! The entire edition is all about PETS!!!! Check out my recent article at MARCI Magazine.

Pretty Girl is Looking for Her Forever Home...

2010-10-05T10:07:00.003-04:00

It has been almost two years since Pretty Girl was surrendered to Father John's Animal House. Her previous family was unable to care for her due to an accident.

Pretty Girl's devotion and attachment to her former family was evident as she rapidly lost weight and became very depressed. Since then she has come a long way...but her journey is not yet over. She has yet to find her forever home.

Unfortunately, Pretty Girl is a perfect example of a dog who doesn't "kennel well". Potential adopters are turned off by her exuberant nature when they first meet her, which is a result of the stressful environment she is in.

Even though she is walked almost daily, it is clearly no substitute for a loving, nurturing home, which she desperately needs and deserves.

Pretty Girl is very intelligent and affectionate. She loves a challenge and only wants to please. She is quite athletic, and loves long walks, swimming and romps in the snow.

She would be best suited to a home where she is the only pet. Even though she adores children, it is recommended that she go to a home with older children, only as a result of her activity level.

If you would like more information, please contact Joanne at finnuola57@yahoo.com.

Free Thieves Products

2010-09-19T09:35:00.003-04:00

Thieves is a propietory blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, rosemary & eucalyptus radiata. With all the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-septic properties these oils possess, it makes Thieves the perfect oil blend to stock up on as we enter the flu season. When many of us think of the flu, we think of the seasonal flu and now the swine flu from 2009, but there is also the canine influenza which is running rampant in many areas of the United States especially in boarding kennels & animal shelters. The canine flu, just like the human flu can be fatal!

Thieves has been known to be effective against the flu virus, MRSA virus, common colds, as well as black mold. Thieves works well when combined with other oils as a flea/tick/mosquito preventative.

Diffuse Thieves in your home every day for added protection for the whole family. When diffused for 20 minutes, Thieves has the ability to kill 99.3% of airborne bacteria. When diffused for 24-48 hours, it can kill black mold.

Thieves oil can also be added to empty capsules and taken internally to boost the immune system or applied to the bottom of feet or paws for the same result. Add it to water for a mouth rinse to kill bacteria that brushing leaves behind. Apply a couple drops to a wet wash cloth and add to a load of wet clothes in the dryer instead of dryer sheets.

I would recommend Thieves oil for any kind of infection including kennel cough, pnemonia, upper respirtory infection, canine flu, etc.

From September 15th - October 31st, you can earn free Thieves products including one 15 ml bottle of Thieves Essential Oil, one Thieves Hand Purifier, and one Thieves Spray a retail value of $58.89.

To check out all the amazing Thieves products go to www.youngliving.com/en_US/thieves.

Thieves Essential Oil Presentation

2010-09-05T10:19:00.004-04:00

Neat Retreats is hosting "A Day of Healing" on Saturday, September 11th from 9 am - 4 pm at beautiful Cranberry Lake, NJ. I will be presenting the various uses of Thieves Essential Oil from 1:30 - 2:30 pm. Visit http://www.neatretreats.com/ for more info and to register. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the families of 9/11.

Free Essential 7 Kit - Only 2 Weeks Left!!!

2010-08-20T14:22:00.004-04:00

Earn a Free Essential 7™ Essential Oil Collection

This August, get all the benefits of the on-the-go Essential 7™ collection for free! Containing Lavender Essential Oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Lemon Essential Oil, Joy™ Essential Oil, PanAway® Essential Oil, Peace & Calming® Essential Oil, and Purification™ Essential Oil. This take-anywhere kit is the perfect kit for every home and every body!To qualify for your free Essential 7 kit, place a single order of 195 PV* or more August 1st - September 15th, 2010 and you’ll receive an Essential 7 collection—a retail value of $91!

Everyday Uses:

Rub Lavender Essential Oil on the soles of your feet to rest peacefully.
Inhale Peace & Calming Essential Oil when you want to feel relaxed.
Apply Peppermint Essential Oil to help soothe sore muscles.
Use Purification Esential Oil blend to soothe insect bites, cuts, and scrapes.

If you are not already a member and would like to take advantage of this amazing offer, please email me or visit my website for more information http://www.creatingharmony.vibrantscents.com/.

Dog Food Dilemma

2010-08-12T18:09:00.002-04:00

As a vegetarian & health-conscious consumer, I have choosen to remove meat from my diet. I carefully select the meat & poultry that my family eats, even though it is not very frequent. With 5 large & extra large dogs who eat meat everyday, twice a day it is not as easy from an economic standpoint to buy only the best organic or free-range beef & chicken. So today as I was doing my food shopping I resorted to buy the no name chicken breasts that were on sale. The breasts were huge!!! What does this mean...well I'm getting more for my money, but on the other hand this means the poor chickens were fed grain to increase their weight at a ridculous rate making it difficult if not impossible for their little legs to hold them up. They are also likely to have come from a farm where they are kept in battery cages & have their toes & beaks clipped to reduce the possiblity of them injurying other birds due to there close & stressful living quarters.

I know I must feed my dogs a species-appropriate diet and that even non-organic chicken is better for them than processed kibble, I morally feel as if I have done something horribly wrong. I have supported the cruelty that large farms guarantee. This is the dilemma I face everytime I go to the food store. For more info into what factory farms are really like I recommend watching Food Inc., a food documentary not only about farms that raise animals, but vegetables, fruit, and grain as well.

DogDaddy Fest

2010-08-11T10:11:00.000-04:00

DogDaddy Fest

Save 10% on Harmony Essential Oil This Month!!!

2010-08-08T21:30:00.003-04:00

Get 10% off all purchases of Harmony Essential Oil blend from August 1-31st. Harmony Essential Oil promotes physical and emotional well-being by bringing harmonic balance to the energy centers of the body. The liberating, balancing, and calming essential oils in this blend open us to new possibilities while contributing to an overall feeling of well-being.

To order Harmony Essential Oil and take advantage of the 10% savings, go to http://creatingharmony.vibrantscents.com/.

Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance

2010-08-04T21:24:00.000-04:00

Great article in Time Magazine debunking the dominance theory!

Dog Training and the Myth of Alpha-Male Dominance

100 Dogs Rescued from Mississippi Puppy Mill

2010-07-25T21:22:00.003-04:00

Click on the link below to watch clips of the latest rescue of 100 dogs from a Mississippi puppy mill. WARNING: This video is difficult to watch, but I feel it is important to share this information to educate people as to where the puppies are coming from that end up in pet stores, internet & newspaper ads.

Happy Birthday Tucker!

2010-07-06T20:22:00.004-04:00

Tucker turns one year old today. Wow...how the last 8 1/2 months have flown by. I'm so proud of Tucker's progress. It is amazing what a little patience and a lot of hard work can do.

Targeting

2010-05-29T21:05:00.002-04:00

Teaching a dog to target an object such as your hand is a great way to get your dog focused on you, increase his confidence, and have a lot of fun in the process! I teach my dogs to target my open palm at a very close distance, then when I'm teaching them a basic recall...I say the dog's name, HERE, and hold my hand out to the side. It works every time! Sometimes when the dogs are preoccupied by what they are doing a simple voice command doesn't work (in other words...I need to practice with them more), but once I hold my hand out and say HERE one more time, they dash to me as quick as can be and tap their nose on my palm. It works like a charm.
Hand targeting is great for multi-dog households as well. You can teach dog #1 to target your right hand and dog #2 to target your left hand. When each dog taps it's nose to your open palm, say his name, click, & treat. This gives you the ability to get the dogs to come to you each to their own hand so there is no worry of the dogs fighting over what is in your hand because they will only go to the hand that has been designated 'their hand'. This is also a great way to teach dogs to mind their manners and not reach over to steal a treat or toy being offered to another dog in the house.
You can get fancy and have the dog target a piece of paper (to start) with their nose. Then you can tape the paper to the wall next to a light switch and have the dog continue to target the piece of paper on the wall. Then make the piece of paper smaller and tape it to the light switch. Before you know it you can add a command to the task and your dog can turn the lights on and off. You could use the same methods to get the dog to retrieve the phone when it rings, ring a bell to go outside, open a door, etc.

Tucker's Triumph

2010-05-28T15:42:00.002-04:00

I haven't had time to post an update lately...Tucker is doing AMAZINGLY well! We had him neutered about a month ago at 9 months of age. I wanted to wait until he was over a year for health reasons, but behaviorally it had to be done sooner than later. This has made a huge difference in his behavior as well as clicker training, free shaping, lots of walks & controlled play with frisbees, patience & understanding.

It is simply amazing how a relationship can blossom with a dog when you take the time to understand his needs and communicate back to him that everything is going to be ok. I have learned so much from him over the last few months.

Essential Oil Gathering Sunday, May 2nd

2010-04-29T18:42:00.003-04:00

I will be hosting my monthly essential oils gathering this Sunday, May 2nd at 12:00 noon. All are welcome. This month's topics that will be covered include seasonal allergy relief, natural flea & tick prevention & spring cleaning without the use of chemicals.

Imagine having a bottle of cleaning solution that is good for just about everything and doesn't come with a poison control warning on the label!

Please RSVP via email if you plan to attend.

Stamps to Help Shelter Pets

2010-04-21T10:24:00.003-04:00

Starting April 30th you can buy stamps at the post office that help to buy food for shelter pets. You can pre-order them online. http://www.stampstotherescue.com/

The Use of Essential Oils in Dog Health & Behavior

2010-04-19T21:06:00.003-04:00

I will be giving a presentation on May 1st from 10:00-12:00 at It's Your Dog Training facility in Hamburg, NJ. I will be covering flea & tick preventative, pain management, anixiety & stress relief as well as reducing fear-related behaviors. Pre-registration required at http://www.pawsinharmonyllc.com/. Hope to see you there!

Jezzy Needs a Home!

2010-04-17T21:17:00.005-04:00

This is Jezzy. I met her today at Paws 2 Your Heart rescue. She is 1 1/2 years old and super sweet. She is very petite...probably only 30-35 lbs. Jezzy is very eager to please and responded very well to our brief training session. She is incredibly intelligent and gentle. She gets along with all dogs, male & female & is said to be good with children. Jezzy should not however, be adopted to a home with cats. Jezzy is housebroken and ready to find her forever home. Click on the rescue link above for more information or to set up a meeting with Jezzy.

2010-04-14T20:35:00.003-04:00

In the month of May I am teaming up with Noah's Ark Animal Welfare Association to promote positive reinforcement dog training and dog adoption. I will be donating 15% of proceeds from dog training sessions when this promotion is mentioned and the client signs up for a minimum of 4 private training sessions. This is a great way to promote adoptions, but is not limited to dogs adopted from Noah's Ark. Please spread the word and ADOPT!!! There are lots of great dogs waiting in shelters & their time is running out!

Food for Thought

2010-04-11T19:30:00.007-04:00

This is how I manage to feed 5 dogs with good appetites a healthy and as close-to-nature diet as possible without spending thousands of dollars a month. I used to feed commercial raw exclusively when we had 3 dogs & business was better. Now with 5 dogs ranging between 70 - 200 lbs, I can't possibly afford to spend $600+ a month on food. So I am cheating by adding a grain-free kibble to the mix and buying chicken in bulk & on sale when I can find it.

First Ingredient:
Second Ingredient:

Nature's Variety offers some "exotic" meats which work well for Tyson who can't eat the usual chicken, turkey or beef. He likes venison, rabbit & buffalo. Boss also can't eat chicken, so he is also eating Nature's Variety.

Everyone else enjoys chicken breasts and/or thighs (boneless & skinless) and some beef liver. Because I can't afford organic meats & poultry right now, I boil the chicken & liver in a pot of water just long enough to cook the outside (about 5-8 minutes).

Then I put it in the food processor and shred / chop everything up in a jiffy.

Third Ingredient:

This is one of the best joint supplements on the market (that I have tried). Boss literally can not walk if he has been off of this powder for more than three days. Aside from joint support it is full of antioxidants & probiotics. Good stuff!

The assembly line:

The happy faces waiting patiently for dinner. Tyson & Boss are already waiting in their respective eating locations.

Rise in Canine Cancer

2010-04-06T19:31:00.003-04:00

Visit MARCI Magazine for my latest article on Canine Cancer on page 61-62. Click on the Spring 2010 edition. This magazine has amazing articles and is full of valuable information. Enjoy!

More Pets Injured by Flea & Tick Products

2010-03-27T14:00:00.001-04:00

EPA: More pets injured by flea and tick products
MATTHEW DALY
From Associated Press
March 18, 2010 12:52 AM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - Products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer.The EPA said it will develop stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick treatments that are applied to a pet's skin. The agency also will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products.The EPA's effort follows increasing complaints from pet owners that the "spot-on" products have triggered reactions in dogs and cats, ranging from skin irritation to neurological problems to deaths. Cats and small dogs appear particularly vulnerable, the EPA said, especially when given products intended for larger animals.Steve Owens, assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, said new restrictions will be placed on flea and tick products, with additional changes for specific products likely — including possible changes in some product formulas."These are poisons," Owens said. "These are products designed to kill fleas and ticks — and they do their jobs."The EPA is committed to better protecting the health and safety of pets and families, Owens said, but added that pet owners "need to carefully read and follow all labeling before exposing your pet to a pesticide."The agency announced last April it was increasing scrutiny of topical flea and tick products because of the growing number of bad reactions reported.The EPA said it received 44,263 reports of harmful reactions associated with topical flea and tick products in 2008, up from 28,895 in 2007. Reactions ranged from skin irritations to vomiting to seizures to, in about 600 cases, death of an animal.An EPA spokesman said he did not have a breakdown of how many deaths were dogs and how many cats.Dog and cat owners say their pets have suffered burns and welts on their skin; started to drool excessively; begun to shake uncontrollably; lost control of their legs or experienced other neurological problems after using the flea and tick treatments.A 2009 study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that the majority of illnesses linked to proper use of topical flea and tick products were mild. Cats were more susceptible than dogs to illnesses and deaths from misuse of the products, the report said."The important take-home message is that although adverse reactions can occur with all flea and tick products, most effects are relatively mild and include skin irritation and stomach upset," said Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president for animal health services.Pet owners should keep using the products as directed when faced with a flea infestation, Hansen said.Georgia-based Merial Ltd., which makes the popular Frontline tick and flea treatment, defended its product and disputed the EPA data."The number of adverse events reported for Frontline has remained consistently low since the product's introduction in 1996," the company said in a statement e-mailed to reporters. The vast majority of reactions are minor, the statement said.In a 29-page report, the EPA said the majority of problems for dogs occurred in smaller dogs, weighing 10 to 20 pounds. Some incidents occurred when products intended for larger dogs were given to smaller animals, the report said. Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, miniature poodles, Pomeranians and dachshunds were among breeds where problems occurred the most, the EPA said.Similarly, many problems for cats occurred when they were given treatments intended for dogs. The EPA is likely to require companies to revamp labels to clarify that products intended for dogs should never be used on cats, Owens said.

On the Net:EPA report on protecting pets: www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/pets.htm

Why You Shouldn't Buy Products Tested on Animals...

2010-03-22T21:20:00.003-04:00

Have you ever considered the pain and suffering the products you use on a daily basis cause to helpless animals?
I used to think that laboratories only used mice & monkeys to test their products on...but I was mistaken. Dogs are stolen from their front yards and picked up along road sides not to mention those from county pounds that are purchased for $10-$25 by class B dealers and sent to the lab for all kinds of nasty testing. Recently there was an article on MSNBC.com that brought attention to missing family dogs that were found in a university lab in South America. Years ago I read how Tufts University Veterinary School broke the legs of live and conscious dogs to learn how to reset a fresh break only to later euthanize the dogs. Can you imagine inflicting that kind of pain on a voiceless animal intentionally? I can't! I don't see any difference between that torture and the torture caused by serial killers to their animal victims. I understand there is a need for medical research...but it doesn't have to be done to those who can't speak for themselves, those that can't say "no", those who were once a beloved pet and are now nothing more than a test subject with a number. I refuse to buy any products (makeup, shampoo, lotion, medication, cleaning products, etc. that are tested on animals. Young Living Essential Oils tests their products on people...human beings who have a voice and consent to the test they undergo. More companies should be so honorable & conscientious.
Be sure to check out your dog & cat food manufacturers as well...there are some pretty scary undercover videos taken inside the Iams laboratory.

Rainy Days

2010-03-14T12:22:00.002-04:00

Rainy days are no fun when you have an exuberant puppy in the house, so I have to get creative so I can get a few minutes of peace & quiet. This morning started with a game of frisbee in the pouring rain to get rid of some of the energy...which really didn't even put a dent in his energy level. The garage becomes my training area and forces me to do some trick training. Then I get out the raw meaty bones to break up the boredom. Later in the day our hallway becomes the fetch & retrieve track. Can't wait to see the sun!!!

Sibling Rivilry

2010-03-11T20:58:00.003-05:00

I have considered myself very lucky. For the most part, all of my dogs have always gotten along. That’s not to say that a little squabble won’t break out occasionally over food, but it is always easily resolved. We make sure to do our best to not create unnecessary animosity between the dogs. The dogs only receive precious raw bones when each is in it’s own crate. They also eat their meals in different areas as to not provoke any sort of competition over resources.
When a fight does occur between two resident dogs it can be very scary and the future may seem uncertain. If you have children in the house, this creates even more concern. Some are nothing more then minor arguments while others can be very dangerous to both the dogs and people in the house.
Dogs may engage in arguments over anything from one dog being too pushy going through the doorway to vying for the attention of their favorite person. First, the reason for the disagreement must be established and then training can begin to teach the dog that his behavior is not necessary.
If you have two dogs that fight over eating their daily meals...you can simply feed them in separate rooms which will certainly eliminate the opportunity for the fight. It will likely reduce the anxiety that one or both dogs are experiencing in anticipation of a fight so that they can both enjoy their meals in peace. If it is impossible to feed them separately and the dogs are causing bodily harm to one another, you can feed one or more dogs in a crate.
If your dogs are not trying to tear each other apart while eating...you can teach them impulse control by training each one individually to sit and wait until you release them by name to eat their food. I still would not feed them side by side, but this will make it more manageable to feed them in the same room. It is also important to teach a “leave it” command in case food drops on the floor while both dogs are present.
If you are going to share your life with more than one dog at a time it is absolutely essential that each dog knows it’s name and have a good recall meaning that when you say the dog’s name & come, the dog responds immediately without thinking. All too often, we let our dogs get away with the response “I’ll be with you in a minute” and they continue to play with their house mate. It is not up to your dog to decide when they are done playing...it is your decision and it needs to be respected.
I like to train each dog who comes into the house to target my hand. I simply hold my hand out in front of the dog and wait for the dog to tap my hand with his nose...then I click and treat. In a multi-dog household I will start to add the dog’s name after a few minutes of repeated taps. Over time the dog learns when it hears it’s name and sees my hand held out it will automatically come running and touch it’s nose to my hand. This is especially helpful when you have two dogs that are engaging in play or are about to escalate it to something more and you say each of their names and they each run to their designated hands which automatically separates them and you once again regain control.
Another important aspect of impulse control is a solid sit / wait. Dogs often get into fights when racing one another through the door. If you teach your dog a sit / wait and then release each dog by name, then one dog at a time will go through the door and you eliminate the opportunity for a fight to break out.
Finally, everyone in the house must learn how to read canine body language. Some great illustrations can be found at ASPCA Canine Body Language to dispel the myths and help you understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
Once you feel confident that you can call your dog successfully out of just about any situation, you can detect when a situation might be about to occur, and you can reduce or eliminate the anxiety your dog is experiencing, you will be on your way to a fight-free household. Don’t forget that your dog can easily pick up on your stress. So while you may think you are cool as a cucumber...your dog knows better. Take a couple deep breaths and remember what you have been working on. When you exude confidence your dog will turn the leadership role over to you and you should be able to restore peace in your pack.

What Will $40 Buy You?

2010-03-02T20:44:00.004-05:00

Buying $40 on two plastic chicken-flavored bones is priceless when it gets both dogs to sit on opposite sides of the room and mind there own business. Ahh....PEACE & QUIET!!!

Two More Snow Days!!!

2010-02-27T12:21:00.004-05:00

2+ Feet of Snow in Northern NJ and It's Still Snowing!!!

To Neuter or Not To Neuter....That is the Question

2010-02-26T09:25:00.002-05:00

It's cuter to neuter! There are tons of catchy pro-neutering ads out there to help support the control of the animal population. I was raised believing that you neutered your dog when he was 6 months old unless you were a breeder. When I got involved in dog rescue it was the norm to neuter all dogs prior to adoption even if it were a small puppy. I have always thought this to be the "right" thing to do.

A couple weeks ago I was doing some research for an article I was writing and I came across some statistics that scared the hell out of me. While it is true that female dogs are more likely to develop mammary cancer if they are not spayed before their first heat, female Rottweilers are 3 times more likely to develop bone cancer if they are spayed before the age of one year. A male Rottweiler's chance of developing bone cancer increases by 4 times if neutered before the age of one year. It is similar to the result of a woman going through menopause and losing estrogen which contributes to osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), so why would it be any different for a dog? This lead me to start asking breeders & vets what their professional opinions are. One woman who has been breeding Rotties for 20 something years said to hold off as long as you can. She said one should not neuter before one year unless absolutely necessary due to temperament. My vet highlighted how unnatural it is to neuter an animal. There are many health concerns associated with neutering. Even the simple act of putting a dog under anesthesia can be life threatening. One of my best friends lost her Pug when he was administered too much anaesthesia during his planned neutering visit at the vet.

Now I am trying to figure out what to do. Tucker is about 8 months old. Due to his desire to be the leader and his constant pestering of our Lola I feel it would be best behaviorally to have him neutered. On the other hand...losing one Rottweiler to bone cancer is quite enough. I can't imagine doing something that could knowingly increase the chances of that happening again.

What are you thoughts?

What Is This???

2010-02-21T14:06:00.004-05:00

This is a video of Tyson's nightly teeth cleaning session. I look at it and think that Tucker is showing submission to Tyson, but then again it could be a calming signal, however Tyson is sleeping soundly until Tucker starts licking, so Tyson is not openly acting stressed. As you can see Tyson gets a little annoyed and Tucker offers a calming signal in way of a head turn and then he goes back to work. What do you think is going on here?

Snow Day!!!!

2010-02-10T15:50:00.004-05:00

Gotta Love a Snow Day for Work & School!!!

Ozone Therapy

2010-02-06T10:02:00.002-05:00

I just set up my new ozone machine! For those of you not familiar, ozone is a magical element.

Ozone therapy has been practiced in Europe for over 50 years with over 10,000 practicing physicians. In the U.S. Ozone therapy is only taught in naturopathic schools. Ozone will kill just about anything bad including bacteria, parasites and maybe even cancer because cancer can not live in where there is high concentrations of oxygen.

This morning I did a test with each of the dogs...I offered them water in their usual water bowl in the usual location and then I offered them a bowl with the ozone water. 4 out of 4 chose the ozone water. Boss wasn't interested in drinking either. Then I switched the locations and Tucker began to drink from the bowl with the tap water in the location where the ozone water had previously been. He stopped immediately and began to walk away so I showed him the other bowl with the ozone water in the new location and he drank the entire bowl.

I have had an ozone air purifier for years to kill bacteria in the air and now I'm using it to purify my water for drinking (for the dogs & family) and to cleanse my fruit and veggies when I can't find organic to rid them of those nasty pesticides on the skins as well as cleaning the raw meat that I feed the dogs. I'll post again with more uses...

Giving Your Dog a Place to Stay

2010-02-03T15:44:00.002-05:00

This exercise comes in handy when you are eating dinner and you don’t want the dog to beg at the table. You will give him “place” or “bed” command and he will go to his bed and lay down.

To break it down, first you start with the dog’s bed or mat. Sit near the bed and toss a treat on the bed. When the dog touches the bed even if it is just his mouth to eat the treat you will click. His reward following the click is the treat off the bed. Repeat several times.

Then you will want to build up to the dog standing, then sitting and then laying on the bed (which you will most likely have to give the down command for him to comply).

You will add the command when he is on the bed and is staying on the bed for more than a few seconds.

Then you will start to add in “stay”. Take one step away from the dog on the bed, return to dog, click and treat. Slowly increase the amount of steps and the amount of time before returning to the dog. When your dog is very reliable, step out of the room and return back immediately to the dog, click and treat. Remember to release the dog before he releases himself from the stay position.

If your dog breaks the stay, just ignore it. Return the dog to the mat and start again.

Shaping Success!

2010-01-31T10:03:00.003-05:00

Last fall I took Brandan to a Free Shaping workshop with Pam Dennison for two days. I wanted to do something that was outside my comfort zone. I had always thought that Free Shaping was all about teaching a dog to do tricks (which I had never really been drawn to). I am always looking for new things to offer my training clients, so I thought why not.
Long story short...It was a BLAST & I found a new training style that I now use in my every day training of basic obedience & behavior modification. First of all, Brandan loved it. He was so proud of himself as was I. I taught him to "take a bow", ride a skateboard, wipe his paws, and roll over & play dead.
In the months to follow my daughter actually recognized how happy Brandan was to have learned these new 'tricks'. She said, "Brandan seems so happy since you took him to that training seminar...he wags his tail more and looks like he is smiling" and she was right.
Now I use Free Shaping to teach a dog to drop an item, fetch a frisbee, roll over for examination, clip his nails, retrieve a particular item, go to place, etc. I rarely ever lure a dog into position any more. There is just no reason to. It is so much more fun to let the dog really think about the task and sit back and watch him figure out exactly what it is you want from him. It is very gratifying.

Cancer Cocktail

2010-01-30T11:22:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

8 oz raw chopped liver (e.g., beef, bison or chicken)
4 oz grated carrots
1/2 oz ground Brazil nuts, (the richest source of natural selenium)

Instructions:

Combine and serve. This recipe can easily be pureed in a food processor or blender, and serve as a complete meal or a topping for other meals

This recipe was created by Dr. John Carter, a British veterinary surgeon and research scientist, created this cancer cocktail after losing his own dog to cancer.

Courtesy of Animal Wellness Magazine.

Chickpea Biscuits

2010-01-30T11:08:00.004-05:00

Ingredients:

4 cups chickpea flour
1 cup apple sauce
2 teaspoons Saigon cinnamon
2 teaspoons carob powder

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Cover large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender. Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface and knead well. Cut into desired shapes and place on cookie sheet, or place dough in middle of cookie sheet, roll out to the corners, and lightly score with knife or pizza cutter. Bake for 20 minutes, then turn oven down to 175 degrees F and allow to bake for 40 more minutes. Allow treats to cool in the oven. Store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag.

You can replace the apple sauce with organic canned pumpkin or bananas; for your feline friend, try pureed liver. You can also use 1 finely minced garlic clove and 2 teaspoons fresh parsley in place of the cinnamon and carob powder. Another variation is to make the recipe with 1 cup of salmon, tuna, sardines or other fish, 1 finely minced garlic clove, and 2 teaspoons fresh parsley or catnip.

This is a great, nutritious recipe that any dog is likely to enjoy. If your dog has lost his appetite due to illness, try this tasty treat!

Courtesy of Animal Wellness Magazine.

Peppermint for Digestive Problems

2010-01-30T10:50:00.004-05:00

Peppermint Essential Oil is great for belly aches and digestive problems. I use it myself and it really works great on the dogs as well! When ever I notice one of the dogs seem to be having some stomach issues, I reach for my Young Living Peppermint oil. Boss loves Peppermint! One day I was offering various oils in the bottles to Tucker to see which he would like that day and Boss came over and picked up the small bottle of Peppermint in his mouth. I dropped just one drop of Peppermint in my palm and rubbed my hands together and presented them to Boss. He happily licked both hands. I have also applied Peppermint to his front legs which will reduce inflammation and relieve pain. He will lay down and lick his legs to enjoy the digestive benefits at the same time.

Cats like Peppermint too! Peppermint is a great remedy for hairballs, diarrhea, cramps, muscle aches and fevers! If you apply 5 drops of Peppermint to the bottom of both of your child's feet, the fever will dropped drastically within 20 minutes, so if your cat or dog has a fever, you can do the same by applying 1-3 drops (depending on size of animal) to the pads of their feet.

Among it's other amazing qualities, Peppermint will increase your mental alertness as well. So if you are competing in a dog sport, why not apply some Peppermint Essential Oil to yourself so both you and your dog can compete at your peak performance!

Any time I discuss essential oils I am referring to Young Living Therapeutic-grade Essential Oils to ensure the very best quality and effectiveness. Other oils may be cut with synthetic fillers and could be potentially toxic to your pets.

REACTIVE ROVER - Part I

2010-01-29T14:38:00.008-05:00

The most complaints I receive as a dog trainer are those about dogs who are reactive on-leash. Why is this? I think it a combination of things that have made this such a problem for so many dog owners.

1. Dogs are not given proper socialization during the crucial period of 5-12 weeks of age to other dogs, animals, and people of all ages.

2. Dogs with unstable temperaments are being breed rapidly in puppy mills across the U.S. and are then sold to unsuspecting people with little dog experience.

3. Dogs in shelters often spend a long time in a kennel surrounded by other dogs that they can see, smell, and hear, but can't get to which causes an unbelievable amount of stress and frustration. This is the leading cause of barrier frustration when a dog is restricted for long periods of time to get to what they want and be able to perform normal doggie greeting behaviors.

4. People do not spend enough time training their cute little puppies and then they wonder why when the dog is 1 1/2 years old it is acting in unacceptable ways and it is much more difficult to reverse these behaviors given all the time they have had to practice.

5. People unconsciously cause this reactive behavior by putting choke chains, electric shock collars, and prong collars on their dogs and then yanking them or worse yet shocking them when the dog pulls towards another dog (naturally wanting to greet). Over time, this leads dogs to believe that approaching dogs cause them pain and therefore they begin to react before the punishment is given to prevent the pain.

So what can you do if one of the above has lead to your dog being a reactive rover?

1. Throw out the choke chains, prong collars & shock collars!!!

2. Teach your dog to focus on you starting inside your home with little to no distractions and then slowly start to add distractions at a distance.

3. Start a counter-conditioning & desensitization program right away (more to come).

4. Set your dog up to succeed by having as many positive interactions with others as possible.

5. Get your most valuable treats out for this one. Your everyday biscuits just won't do. I'm talking chicken, liver, cheddar cheese, etc.

Canine Flu

2010-01-25T19:58:00.004-05:00

The Canine Influenza had some major outbreaks last year in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Florida. Dogs in boarding kennels, animal shelters, doggie daycares, training centers & dog parks are most vulnerable. One of my training client's dog had the flu last year and she said she nearly lost her 7 year old dog to the virus. With proper medical attention, dogs usually recover in 2 weeks, but if left untreated it could be fatal. A canine influenza vaccine received a one-year conditional license last July. This vaccine does not prevent the flu, but has shown to reduce the duration of the symptoms. So, in other words, the vaccine is not preventative and doesn't cure, only lessens the severity of the symptoms. You all know I'm not a fan of vaccines and I'm always encouraging people to socialize their pups, so I suggest boosting your dog's immune system as best you can by feeding a raw diet and adding supplements such as Colostrum to boost your dog's natural immunity.

Introducing Tucker!

2010-01-24T14:21:00.003-05:00

I've been keeping Tucker a bit of a secret from the blogging community. About 2 months ago I received a call from a woman who said her son needed to re-home his Rottweiler puppy. Given our full house...I was going to refer her to a Rottweiler rescue until she said his name was Guinness. When I said the name out loud my wonderful dog-loving husband said "where is he...let's go pick him up" and so we did. No thought, no planning, we just drove to the apartment and met this little pup who was 4 1/2 months at the time. Like many people who don't always put a tremendous amount of thought into buying a puppy for the first time, this young couple with two small children were overwhelmed with the responsibility of raising a strong-minded puppy. I don't blame them...they didn't know any better...but I do blame the many puppy mills out there that have no concern for the temperament of the dogs they are breeding and no worries about where they end up. Tucker is a product of a puppy mill and to no fault of his own has some serious behavior issues. Unfortunately, the couple who purchased him did not have any experience with dogs, especially not that of an assertive, must-have-it-his-way puppy. So once again I find myself down a path of behavior modification with yet another Rottweiler named Guinness. Out of respect and memory for our beloved Guinness (who has been gone for 2 years now), we have renamed the puppy Tucker. Let the fun begin!

Dog Parks - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2010-01-09T19:47:00.004-05:00

There are good and bad dog parks out there. The dog park we go to from time to time is one of the better ones. There are 8 acres of wide open space. There is a smaller pen for small dogs, there are signs when you enter that instruct you to remove the dog’s leash in the entry pen prior to entering the play yard and there are plastic bags provided to help influence you to pick up after your dogs. Pretty basic instructions, yet I am continually amazed at how many people do not follow these simple directions.
Many people have the misconceived notion that if they leave the leash on the dog they will have "control" over the situation. I’ve heard a man say "my dog doesn’t really get along with other dogs", so he put him in the very uncomfortable position of being on leash while all the other dogs are running circles around him. Why would you bring a dog to the dog park who doesn’t like other dogs? One of the last times I was there, a man was walking a Rottweiler on leash to the center of the park. As I watched from a distance I could see the dog stiffening more and more. The dog continued to receive a leash correction from the owner every time he would pull towards another dog to play mistaking it for aggressive behavior. I could not watch anymore as I knew what was about to happen, so I approached the owner and offered him my suggestion of releasing the dog. He said he was just "easing the dog into a new situation" and reluctantly listened to me. The dog went on to play very nicely with the other dogs. It is these kinds of situations that set the stage for dog fights. Most dogs unless genetically predisposed or trained to, would rather be friendly or ignore other dogs rather than engage in a squabble. When a dog is confined to a leash, it knows it has limited boundaries to work within. If it feels threatened, the dog will react in a fight or flight response. If the dog can not flee due to the leash, it is likely to turn to fight mode within a matter of seconds.
On the other hand...dog parks can provide a great place to exercise, socialize and play fun games with your dog(s) and meet other dog lovers in your neighborhood. I suggest visiting your local dog park for the first time without your dog to simply observe the setting. Watch how the people are monitoring their dogs. Are they all clustered by the entrance while the dogs are a mile away or are the people spread out interacting with the dogs? Are kids using the agility equipment intended for the dogs? If a fight breaks out, how is it handled?
I prefer to go when only a few people are there. You know when it is 20 degrees and snowing your are sharing the park with true dog people who have at least a little knowledge about dog-to-dog interactions.

Soldiers & Shelter Dogs

2010-01-09T19:45:00.001-05:00

What do soldiers and shelter dogs have in common? Many have been through traumatic experiences.
Former Air Force senior airman, Dave Sharpe recognized a transformation in himself after adopting a pit bull puppy from a local rescue. Prior to the adoption, Sharpe found himself waking at night to episodes of violence. The puppy gave him someone to open up to without fear of judgment. He could unleash his feelings & experiences while the puppy listened quietly and then lick his face to assure him everything would be ok.
The dogs give these heroes something else to focus on other than their injuries and trauma experienced in the past.
Sharpe started Pets2Vets partnering with the Washington Animal Rescue League to pair military vets with shelter dogs. This program helps Vets who suffer from brain injuries and PTSD get matched with dogs appropriate for their families, who would otherwise not be eligible for a service dog.
Service men and woman at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are transported to the W.A.R.L. shelter where they are matched with suitable shelter dogs 60 days before they are released from the hospital. The program then sets up weekly visits with their new dog and finally provides transportation for the dog to any location within the U.S. and pays for the dog’s first year of veterinary care.
Anyone who has shared their life with a dog knows the health benefits they can have...we didn’t need scientific studies to prove that one. Talk about a win-win!!!
For more information and how you can help support this wonderful work...visit www.pets2vets.org. They also have a Facebook page to follow the program.

Race Tracks Get Shut Down! Greyhounds Need Rescue!!!

2010-01-07T11:13:00.004-05:00

7 Greyhound Race Tracks close leaving hundreds of dogs looking for immediate placement. Read Commercial Appeal for more details. This terrible industry should be shut down completely. Just as with horse racing...as soon as the dog is not performing at it's peak or has a minor "defect" it is no longer valuable and ultimately disposable to the industry. For more info about Greyhound Rescue...visit Adopt-A-Greyhound.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T22:34:00.004-05:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful 2010 full of wellness & happy spirits.

Make your new year's resolution to have a better relationship with your dog(s).

Elderly Dog Needs Placement ASAP

2009-12-28T21:15:00.002-05:00

Sandra is a 13 year old Collie/Chow mix who loves everyone she meets and even likes cats. She is not too fond of other dogs though. Her owner is heartbroken to have to re-home her, however she has no other options. Sandra must find a new home ASAP. Please contact me if you might be able to help!

2009-12-24T21:04:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Holiday Cookies

2009-12-20T09:38:00.004-05:00

Don't leave your dog out when baking your holiday cookies this year!

Here is a simple recipe:

1 lb. beef, venison or commercial raw dog food
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups oat flour (don't use wheat or white as many dogs are allergic to wheat and cannot digest it)
1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
1 cup water (if using commercial raw...lessen the water a little)

1. In a blender or food processor, combine beef & beaten eggs until well blended and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour & rolled oats. Gradually mix in beef mixture with your hands, until well blended.
3. Add water and stir to form a sticky dough
4. Divide dough into 2 balls, so it is easy to work with
5. Knead each dough ball on a well floured surface, about 2 minutes, adding flour until the dough is no longer sticky.
6. With a rolling pin, roll dough to between 1/4" and 1/2" thickness.
7. Cut with cookie cutter and place on lightly grease baking sheet.
8. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees F.
9. Cool on a rack and store, at room temp, in a container with a loose-fitting lid.

As with all treats...give sparingly as to not encourage your dog to gain unnecessary weight.

Enjoy!

Recalled Pet Food and Treats | The Humane Society of the United States

2009-11-08T18:28:00.001-05:00

Did you know that pet foods & treats continue to be recalled? The news isn't reporting it, but it's still happening. Please read below.

Recalled Pet Food and Treats The Humane Society of the United States

Dog Allergies

2009-11-06T15:33:00.003-05:00

Is your dog scratching and extremely itchy? He could be suffering for seasonal allergies. Each fall our Golden Retriever gets a red rash on his belly and licks it almost uncontrollably. Luckily, we only see a holistic vet because if we went to a conventional vet they would likely pop the dog with steroid shot which ultimately will suppress the dog's immune system. Prednisone & cortisone will make the itching stop, temporarily, but it will return and it will probably be worse.

Young Living Lavender essential oil is a great anti-histamine and can be applied topically or taken orally in a capsule. Thieves essential oil is wonderful at killing mold which is a leading cause of allergies in both dogs and humans.

Give your dog some natural relief this fall...don't suppress his immune system, rather use something that will heal him without side effects and boost his immune system so he has a better chance at fighting off the itchies on his own!

Maddie Needs a New Home

2009-10-21T20:48:00.005-04:00

Maddie is a female dog about 35-40 lbs. She could be an English Bulldog / Rottweiler mix or an Olde English Bulldogge. Her owner brought her to the vet to be euthanized, but the vet would not put her to sleep because she is too sweet. Please contact me directly if you are interested in more details.

Prong Collars

2009-10-14T13:38:00.003-04:00

I had a training table at an event last weekend for a local animal shelter. I was one of three dog trainers with tables, however I was the only positive trainer. I was truely horrified at the number of dogs including the dogs owned by the two other trainers that were wearing prong collars. I'm not just talking about the big, powerful Rottweilers & Shepherds, but the Standard Poodles, Australian Shepherds, Collies, and smaller breed & mixed breed dogs. One couple paraded their three German Shepherds around the "circle" of vendors and attendees for hours constantly jerking on the prong collars to keep the dogs within inches of them. The poor dogs could not look at another dog let alone interact. What is the point of bringing your dog to a "dog-friendly" event if you don't plan to let your dogs partake in the fun? These dogs were shutting down right in front of me. Their body language was screaming for help. I wanted nothing more than to say something to these people and I should have...but I didn't want to make a scene.
Prong collars are proven to cause and increase aggression in dogs. Before I knew any better I used a prong collar on my Rottweiler per the advice of multiple dog trainers beginning when she was 6 months old. I hated to do it, but the "professionals" were telling me I needed to in order to have control over my dog. From a very young age she learned that when other dogs would approach and pass her on the street, she would get a yank of the collar around her neck to prevent her from going to greet these dogs. It didn't take long for her to learn that dogs approaching meant she would feel pain and naturally the dog caused the pain in her mind. She became extremely reactive to all dogs outside the house. Even if we were in the car and she saw another dog walking down the street she would go crazy. I was able to help her through Counter Conditioning & Desensitization, but I was always on guard and managing her. I totally blame myself for allowing this and even causing this to happen to her and would never want to be responsible for that again.
Prong collars may be an easy, inexpensive way to get your dogs "under control" and may assist in walking dogs more easily, but at what price to the dog? I highly recommend using harnesses in place of prong or choke collars. If you dog is alreay reactive to other dogs/people seek the advice of a positive reinforcement trainer...don't add pain to the dog's existing fears & anxieties.

Trick Not Treat

2009-10-09T11:54:00.004-04:00

I’ve never really like Halloween, even as a child. All the people dressed up in weird and sometimes scary costumes hiding their true identity. It just rubs me the wrong way. So how do you think our canine friends perceive all the ghosts and ghouls? Many costumes can be down right scary to a dog, even the most social hound can be put off by a mummy. Just the idea of the door bell ringing over and over or the constant knocks at the door brings images of dogs that are so totally stressed. The best thing to do this Halloween is give your dog a tasty bone or Kong stuffed with something really yummy and close them in a bedroom, study, crate or other safe place away from the busy front door. Put a T.V. or some music on for them to drown out the noise of screaming children and ringing doorbells. Even dogs with the best temperament around children should be carefully supervised when costumes and candy are present. A stressed dog reacts in ways he otherwise would not and we all know that candy and dogs don’t mix. And let's talk about all those doggie Halloween costume contests...I’m not saying you shouldn’t dress your dog up in some silly outfit, but be sure your dog is not miserable. Most dogs do not like to be confined and most do not like wearing hats or “things” around their heads/faces. If your dog is the exception to the rule then have at it, but be sure it is what your dog wants, not just what you want.

Does this dog look happy?

Rescue Me - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

2009-09-30T12:27:00.002-04:00

Rescue Me - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation
Rescue Me
If a look could convey a request for rescue, that’s what the young guy below seems to be asking of us. He was one of more than 100 border collies removed from squalid conditions at a puppy mill last week in Portland, Tenn. In response to allegations of cruelty and neglect the Sumner County Sheriff's Department had called us in to handle the removal, transport and placement of the dogs and to help gather evidence. It's your support that allows us to conduct these operations and deliver animals from these appalling conditions and into new, better lives.

And an update: I recently brought you up to speed on the long-running cruelty case involving William Hanson who, with his wife Tammy, was convicted in Arkansas in 2006 on 20 counts of animal cruelty for mistreatment of dogs, and who then was brought on charges in recent weeks in Vermont. Hanson fled Vermont before he could be arrested and was a fugitive. Thanks to two tipsters (who will both receive a $1,250 reward from The HSUS) who simultaneously provided information about his whereabouts, he has been apprehended and he’ll be extradited to Arkansas. And 22 dogs relinquished by Hanson have been transported back to shelters in New England by The HSUS, where they will be placed for adoption. We can only hope that this marks the end of this tragic story and we send our immense gratitude to the citizens who provided the tips and the humane and law enforcement authorities in multiple states who worked together to close this chapter.

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Over-protective at the dog park

2009-09-13T17:39:00.004-04:00

We were at our local dog park today with Brandan and Lola. As with most dog parks, there are signs that say you must remove the dog's leash before entering the park. There is always one person who is too 'afraid' to cut the cord and take the leash off. Today there were two.

The first person was a man with a male Rottweiler. He had slowly made it to the middle of the 5-acre park still on leash. The dog was visibly getting more and more frustrated at every step. Multiple dogs had run up on him and were trying to play but as soon as he would attempt to play back he would hit the end of the leash which probably felt much like receiving a leash correction. I watched for about 5 minutes (maybe not even that long) to see what this man's intentions were. I then approached him and kindly encouraged him to remove the leash to lessen the dog's frustration. He did, although not happily and the dog went off to play with all the other dogs without incident. His reason for keeping the dog on leash was it was their first time and he wanted to acclimate the dog to the park.

The second person was a girl with a mixed breed puppy probably about 5-6 months old. As I worked my way over to her I observed the puppy growling and snapping at the dogs surrounding him. I mentioned to the girl that he probably won't have that same "aggressive" reaction if she took his leash off and he can move about freely. She said "he is very dominant with other dogs". So I said there are plenty of stable adult dogs here that will put him in his place if he is too rough with them. As soon as she released the leash off he went running along side three other dogs and I never heard another growl from the little guy.

It just amazes me how very few of us humans prevent dogs from acting like dogs and doing what they would do naturally if we didn't intervene at every turn. Below is a video clip of my mom's dog, Maggie playing with Brandan and Tyson. She is a perfect example of someone who simply can't let dogs be dogs. Throughout this short clip you can hear her instructing the dogs to 'be careful' and 'not too rough'. I am the one laughing and saying 'they're just playing'. At the end you will see her break up the fun because she's afraid someone will get hurt. Maggie lets out these sharp yelps and at the time she thought she was hurt, however now she realizes it is just her way of showing how excited she is.

Happy Birthday Boss!

2009-09-11T21:54:00.001-04:00

Boss turns 8 today! Happy Birthday Boss!

Swine Flu Protection

2009-09-03T19:28:00.004-04:00

This is a little off topic...but I thought you might find this of value.

Last week on Monday my husband came down with terrible body aches & a pounding headache. By Thursday he had a 102.3 fever and we were at the doctor's getting a prescription for Tamaflu in the probable case that he was suffering from H1N1 or Swine Flu. As many of you know there is no medication for the flu, however Tamaflu is supposed to lessen the intensity of the symptoms.

As soon as we got home I started diffusing Thieves oil in the house, mixed a spray bottle with water and Thieves oil and sprayed it on all the door handles, hard surfaces and in the air, I applied Thieves to the bottom of both of our feet and began ingesting it orally in capsules. I believe it is the combination of the Thieves protocol and my daily dose of NingXia Red that has protected me from contracting the flu from my hubby.

Thieves oil contains Lemon oil, Cinnamon oil, Eucalyptus radiata oil, Rosemary oil and Clove oil. It received its name from the story of the thieves that doused themselves in essential oils during the Black Plague in Europe. These thieves were able to steal from all the plague victims without contracting the illness themselves. It is believed that Thieves oil can kill MRSA and black mold, so I'd say it is definitely powerful enough to fight off the flu no matter what the strain. I have armed myself and my family with the Thieves waterless hand sanitizer, Thieves foaming hand wash and of course more Thieves oil!!!

Please don't vaccinate for the H1N1 without really looking into this vaccine. There has not been enough research done on the long term effects. Boost your immune system naturally and take charge of your health to protect against this and many other illnesses.

Misty Bean...

2009-09-01T20:26:00.004-04:00

Tonight Misty lost her battle with Chronic Renal Failure. It has been 2 1/2 years since she was diagnosed as only having 25% of her kidneys functioning. As posted earlier, Azodyl was a wonderful supplement that I really think helped her stay with us for so long. My heart is sad tonight, but I know she is no longer suffering and she is once again whole. Her spirit will live on. She will be loved forever and never forgotten. Love you Misty Bean.

Language Barrier

2009-08-30T20:36:00.003-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me how people really believe their dogs understand English. I've heard people say "sit" 5 to 10 times before the dog actually sits down? It is like me saying "asseoir". If you don't speak French...you won't know what I'm telling you to do. How many times would it take me to say the word before you figured it out? I could add some hand gestures or facial expressions which might help or maybe not. What if I decided you were being disobedient, stubborn or downright disrespectful and I slapped you upside the head or yanked at your arm until you were in a sitting position? Would that be considered justified? I think it would be considered assault! Then why do so many dog owners and dog trainers consider this a means of training the dog? Why is the dog considered stubborn because it doesn't speak / understand the same language?
Take a moment and look at the communication skills you use with your dog. Don't be so harsh when the dog doesn't perform the task you've asked of him. "Listen" to what your dog is telling you via body language, facial expressions and look deep into his eyes to find his soul. You will develop a whole new way of communicating with your dog and your relationship will greatly deepen.

Pet Store Pug

2009-08-27T22:35:00.003-04:00

How long is too long to keep a puppy in a pet store window? What do they do with them when they get too old/big? Today I was at the mall and was encourage to go see the puppies by the person I was shopping with. As I ranted about how pet store puppies come from puppy mills...I noticed a rather large Pug. Much bigger than I would expect to see at a pet store. Turns out he was born on April 1st, so he will be turning 5 month next week. As we continued our way around the mall I kept thinking of this poor little pup who had his back turned towards the viewing window facing the corner of the cage. I later returned to inquire about the pup. I asked how much he was and was told $699 discounted from $1000+. I asked how long they would keep him there. The rather grouchy woman said "until he sells". As a trainer I'm thinking he totally missed his vital socialization period and will be extremely difficult to housetrain since he has literally lived in a box for the first 5 months of his life. He happens to be a small dog...what happens to the Labs and other medium to large dog breeds that grow quickly and don't sell. They can't keep them in those small cages forever...so where do they go? When I asked if they would turn the puppy over to a shelter or rescue she said "NO". I am not someone who would ever buy a puppy from a pet store, but it was really hard for me to leave the mall without that little guy in tow. My heart breaks for him. No human or canine companionship, no toys, no exercise...what kind of puppyhood is that??? They also had a breed new to me...a "Huskita" (Husky / Akita mix)...great huh!

Pain Relief with PanAway

2009-08-19T13:59:00.004-04:00

PanAway is a luxurious blend of Wintergreen, helichrysum, clove and peppermint. I use this oil on myself, my husband and of course my dogs.

When Guinness was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) we looked at all the ways to reduce her pain. Everynight I would massage PanAway on her tumor. Within minutes the heat would completely disappear due to the anti-inflammatory effects. It was amazing! Guinness looked forward to these massages each night and I was thrilled to have something to provide her with relief.

Now I use it on Tyson in the morning to help get him moving and at night after a hard day of play. Tyson has hip dysplasia in both hips...one moderate...one severe. He is very stiff after exercise and rest, so it takes him a while to get up in the morning. He definitely gets relief from his PanAway massages!

Just last night Boss was experiencing some lameness in one of his rear legs. He didn't want to put any weight down on it. At 185 lbs. there is not a whole lot I can do to assist him, so out came the PanAway and I massaged it on his back, spine, hips and both legs. This morning he was up and about again.

I try all essential oils on myself first before applying them to my dogs. I know the benefits first hand. Please contact me if you are interested in trying out PanAway or any of the other wonderful Young Living products.

Rottie Needs Rescue Fast!!!

2009-08-17T20:25:00.002-04:00

Neo is a 5 year old male dog who is here due to a new baby in the family. Neo is a quiet, well behaved dog. Neo seems to be happy meeting new folks. This guy was living with another dog so it is safe to assume that he gets along with other dogs. Neo is a bit older and already trained, he is just looking for a comfy bed and a nice new family. Neo is up-to-date with routine shots and spayed/neutered. If anyone is interested, please contact:
Hi-Tor Animal Care Center
Fireman's Memorial Drive
Pomona, New York 10970
845-354-7900
(Open Mon - Sat, 10am-5pm;
Thursdays open late - until 7pm; Sundays Open Noon-3pm)

The Rabies Challenge Fund

2009-08-07T13:55:00.003-04:00

Many of you may be limiting your annual vaccines for distemper/parvo/Lyme/bordetella/etc. but what about Rabies? How do you get around vaccinating your dog every one to three years for a vaccine that is required by law? Many people try and many fail and ultimately have to give in and get their dog vaccinated...but at what risk. Please visit Rabies Challenge Fund, explore the website, read the info and listen to the Dog Talk Radio Show #122 at the top of the home page. You may be very surprised by what you learn. Dr. Jean Dodd of Hemopet and Dr. Ronald Schultz, Chairman of Pathobiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine have begun a grass-roots organization in an attempt to extend the length of time between vaccinations.

Loose-Leash Walking

2009-08-05T20:35:00.004-04:00

It is really easy to get your dog to walk on a loose leash and nows the best time to start! I love this time of year when it is still light when I get home and I can get a couple dogs out for a walk and enjoy relaxing hikes on the weekends.
Walking with your dog is not only good for your dog's health but it's good for you too! A nice morning or evening stroll is a great way to bond with your dog, get your exercise and allow your dog to follow some fabulous scent trails along the way.
Start by taking your dog outside. As soon as he begins to pull...stop and plant your feet in the ground. Wait for the dog to look back at you as if to recognize that you are still there (don't say his name or encourage him in anyway...just wait for him to remember that you are still there), then say "let's go" and turn in the opposite direction. When the dog begins to follow you and is close by your side..click your clicker and give a tasty treat. Your dog will no doubt begin to walk a head of you and begin to pull again. Repeat the above steps over and over again. The dog will soon realize that nothing good happens when the leash is tight and pulling on his neck, but great things like praise and treats happen when the dog is close by your side. It may take you a 1/2 hour or longer to be able to walk down your driveway because you will be stopping and turning, but this repetition will pay off. Once your dog is walking on a loose leash down the driveway start on the road...but don't expect miracles because now you are adding new smells and more distractions, so give yourself a short distance to work in and repeat the above. Slowly increase the distance you walk until you are walking your normal route without the dog pulling on the leash. I highly recommend using a Harness harness on the dog in the beginning especially for small dogs and Brachycephalic breeds. I do not promote the use of choke chains or prong collars. Both of these types of collars can cause damage to the dog's throat & trachea as well as evoke aggressive and/or fearful behaviors in your dog. I am also not a big fan of head halties or gentle leaders. I don't think these give the dog the ability to explore it's environment during the walk and let's be honest the walk is supposed to be as enjoyable for the dog as it is for you, right? How would you like a contraption around your face constantly pulling you to one side. Its also not good for dogs who are reactive towards other dogs or those that are timid as it doesn't allow the dog to perform it's normal body language, but instead forces the dog to look away from what might be frightening it creating more fear and anxiety. Enjoy your walk!!!

Teaching COME

2009-07-29T17:37:00.003-04:00

Everyone wants a dog that will come when called...the first time! Teaching COME is actually very easy and can be a lot of fun for both you and the dog. It is however a step-by-step process.
Step 4 of my foundation behaviors is teaching a positive association with the word COME. Start with the dog in front of you. Say the dog's name and COME & click as soon as the dog looks at you then follow with a tasty treat. Please note: the dog does not have to move at all. He just has to look at you. Not any treat will do. This could potentially be a life-saving command so make it worth the dog's effort. Use a treat the dog doesn't get any other time. It must be very valueable like chicken, cheddar cheese, steak or something equally as awesome. Practice this step EVERYWHERE...indoors and out. In your yard, on the street, at the park, everywhere! Start introducing distractions, but no distance. The dog should still be on a 4-6 foot leash. If the dog is very responsive to you in new environments with distractions, then it is time to "test" to see if he responds to the cue when he is not looking at you. Simply say dog's name & COME while he is looking away from you. If he spins around and gives you eye contact then you have made a positive association with your dog and the word COME. Praise in a very excited voice and give a "jackpot" of treats (multiple treats, one treat at a time). Now start to add some motion. Start with the dog in front of you on a 6 foot leash and show him a treat then take a few steps backwards. When he reaches you...say dog's name & COME, click & treat. You are only saying the magic words once the dog gets to you, not before. Even though you have the dog on a leash...he still can decide to stay put, move to either side or run right pass you. If you say the command to soon, you may be teaching him that COME means to come to you and keep going. Again, practice in many locations slowly increasing the amount of distractions. Once the dog is coming to you on his own without the lure of the treat...try saying dog's name & COME once again when he is not paying attention to you. If he spins his head and rushes to you throw a party...lots of praise and a huge "jackpot". If he doesn't respond then keep practicing...he's not ready for the next step. Finally, put your dog on a long lead starting at 10 feet and slowly working your way up to 50 feet. Commerical dog leads can be purchased at many pet supply stores or online. A long clothes line with a leash clip on one end will work well too. Just be careful of rope burn on your hands. If you have a dog who is likely to bolt at the first chance of realizing he has room to run...you might consider wearing leather gloves. Have a friend or family member help you by holding your dog on this long line keeping the dog close to them. You start in front of the dog showing him the tasty treat you hold and then you sprint away. When you get to your designated location...call the dog's name & COME. The handler will release the lead (holding the end) and the dog should run right to you with enthusiasm. Throw another party with a "jackpot". Repeat again in different locations increasing distractions & distance. This could take a few weeks or a couple months depending on how much time you dedicate to the training, your dog's breed, age and personality. It will work for all dogs! Make sure you keep it fun!!!!

The Name Game

2009-07-21T15:08:00.004-04:00

I have worked with so many dogs who only know their name to mean something unpleasant is going to happen...when was the last time you called your dog by its name in a happy tone for a good reason? Too often people are yelling at their dogs to stop doing something or to come inside and discontinue play only to be left alone while their person goes to work all day. Imagine your dog's name becomes a grand word and they whip their head around at the mere sound of it. I start by teaching the dog its name all over again with a positive twist.

Step 3 of my foundation behaviors is teaching the dog a good association with its name. This is what it would look like. (The dog must be primed to a clicker at this point or you can alternatively prime the word "yes").

1. Wait for eye contact from the dog
2. Say the dog's name in a happy, calm tone
3. Click the clicker or say "yes"
4. Provide a yummy treat reward

Repeat the above starting in your home with little to no distractions and work your way outside to the back yard and then to the street and finally to the local park slowly building the amount and degree of distractions. Do this over the course of a week or two depending on how much time you have to dedicate to the training. Once a day is ok...twice a day is great and more is a bonus.

Once your dog is giving you immediate eye contact in all these locations with a varied degree of distractions, go back home and when the dog is not paying attention to you...say his/her name. If he/she turns her head to look at you click and provide a jackpot of treats (multiple treats one at a time for a few seconds). Now you are ready to say your dog's name in the same various environments you have already gone to in order to build up the reliability that your dog will respond to his name when he hears it by whipping his head around to locate you each and every time without fail. This will help with the beginning of the recall command too!

Petey is Looking for a New Home

2009-07-20T10:29:00.003-04:00

Meet Petey! He is a 6 month old Cane Corso Mastiff mix who has been through a terrible ordeal. He was dragged by a dirt bike and kicked by an evil person. He is safe and recuperating in a foster home right now. He is highly social with all dogs, cats are unknown. He is being taught house manners & potty training in his foster home. He will undoubtedly be a large boy when he is full grown. If anyone is interested in adopting...please email me. Serious inquiries only!

Largest Dog Fighting Bust in U.S. History

2009-07-14T20:20:00.005-04:00

On July 8th authorities uncovered what is being called the largest dog fighting ring bust in U.S. history. CBS News indicates that over 350 dogs were rescued and approximately 30 people were arrested. The saddest part...most of these dogs will be euthanized and never know what is means to be a beloved companion but to me that is better than their former life of pain and suffering.

Rise in Aggressive Behavior

2009-06-28T10:27:00.003-04:00

I was asked by a training client yesterday why there seems to be so many dogs with aggressive behaviors. My two answers were puppy mills & owners being too busy. It is so expensive to live in the tri-state area of NJ/NY that most homes have both adults working. Add children & there list of sports & activities to the mix and there is little time left over to properly socialize, train and spend quality time with the family dog. It seems that most dogs who come to this area from the south via transports are much more laid back & have less aggressive tendencies & behavior issues. I don't doubt it has something to do with the calmer attitude of those living in the south and even though I don't agree with it, many of these dogs are let to run loose rather than being couped up in crates all day while their owners are at work. If anyone else out there has a hypothesis on why there seems to be more dogs with aggressive behavior issues, please post a comment. I'd love to hear what you think.

Calming Signals

2009-06-23T11:07:00.003-04:00

Turid Rugaas has brought a lot of attention over the years to dogs & their calming signals. Many people find it extremely hard to communicate with their dogs. I often hear..."I wish I knew what he was thinking". Well... you can. You just have to pay close attention to the dog's body language and he will very openly tell you what he is thinking and how he is feeling (happy, excited, stressed, sad, angry). I pay close attention to the calming signals of my own dogs and those of dogs I am training. It is very important that I don't over load a dog with too much new information and cause the dog stress. Calming signals and stress signals go hand-in-hand with one another. When the dog is stressed...he will yawn, lick, blink quickly, sniff the ground, urinate and/or freeze just to name a few. These are all signals given by the dog to calm those around him (usually what is causing his stress). Dogs often recognize these signals immediately and will turn away from the stressed dog to prevent an altercation. People are not as tuned-in. They continue to walk towards the dog (usually head-on in a threatening manner), reach their hand out to pet the dog and then wonder why the dog bit them "out of no where". It wasn't out of no where though. The dog was given all kinds of subtle warnings...the person just didn't know how to recognize them.

I was fortunate enough to attend a seminar given by Turid quite a few years ago. It was a long three day seminar. I learned so much. If you ever have the opportunity to meet Turid and listen to her speak I highly recommend it. Her book On Talking Terms with Dogs & her DVD Calming Signals are also great!

Clicker Training

2009-06-21T13:41:00.003-04:00

What is clicker training anyway? A clicker is a small rectangular box with a mechanism that when pressed creates a "click". The clicker is very similar to and was created based on the whistle used in ocean mammal training. When the dolphin jumps through the hoop (behavior) at Sea World the trainer blows a whistle and the dolphin returns for his fish (reward). So when you ask your dog to sit...wait until his butt hits the floor (behavior), click the clicker and reward with a yummy treat. Repeat this over and over adding the cue "sit" and the dog will learn very quickly that sitting gets him a reward and is a much better behavior to practice than jumping on people. Dogs learn much quicker when using a clicker because it marks the very behavior you are looking for exactly when it happens and is always followed by a yummy treat (you can also use toys, petting, etc). It is also consistent. The click is the same sound every time vs. your voice saying "yes" or "good boy" which can fluctuate and have various tones. Give clicker training a try and get rid of the punishment-based training that is very ineffective. All dogs can learn using a clicker including infant puppies which are much too young to understand "corrections".

Food For Thought...

2009-06-16T10:14:00.003-04:00

I just finished listening to The China Study on audiobook for the second time. This book is all about protein and more importantly (for us vegetarians) the harmful effects of animal protein on the human body. The irony here is that the United States and many other parts of the world consume an incredible amount of animal protein every single day and yet our carnivore companions consume tons of nasty grains in their kibble. This is how I see it...corporate America came up with the perfect no-waste plan. Raise animals to feed people, raise grains to feed the livestock that people eat and the left over nasty grains like moldy corn & wheat gluten that are not regulated by the FDA along with parts of the livestock that people wouldn't dare consume go into commercial pet food among other things that if you knew about you would never buy another bag of dog food off your super market shelf. Before you fill another bowl of food with kibble read What's Really in Pet Food. Consider researching raw diets and/or commercial dog foods without grains such as Evo, Wellness, Solid Gold, Before Grains, etc. which all offer varieties free of grains. And for all you meat eating humans out there consider a day without meat...just one a week. It really does make a difference. I highly recommend In Defense of Food, The China Study and Quantum Wellness for those of you looking to improve your own diet.

Victory for Sasha!

2009-06-11T14:12:00.003-04:00

Sasha is another victim of BSL. She has been wrongly identified as (hold your breath) a pit bull! Sasha is one of the lucky ones because yesterday it was verified that she is in fact an American Bulldog and therefore allowed to go home with her family. It really does make a difference when we take a few minutes out of our busy day to sign a petition put forth to save dogs like Sasha. For Sasha's full story go to The Petition Site. But don't stop there...speak up for other innocent dogs effected by BSL. This is happening all across the US and internationally. Don't think because you don't own a pit bull that this doesn't effect you. Every dog will have it's day when they are judged because of they way they look. It has happened to German Shepherd, Dobermans, Akitas and now it is happening to Rottweilers, American Pit Bull Terriers and many of the bully breeds. How would you feel if someone came to your home and legally removed your dog because it was a certain breed or breed mix? Your Lab could be next! Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves.

Puppy Mills on the Rise?

2009-06-02T21:32:00.005-04:00

At a time where puppy mills / pet stores have received some fairly negative press thanks in part to Oprah's recent investigation into puppy mills...it seems that every couple of days I'm receiving emails about another huge puppy mill raid. Yesterday I came across this MSNBC article about 400 dogs seized in Washington. HSUS states in the last few weeks they have rescued close to 1,000 dogs. That's a lot of dogs in a short span of time. So...is it because people are becoming more aware of what to look for and who to call to report these cruel prisons or is it because more and more people are jumping on the band wagon to exploit dogs for a profit? I can't impress upon people enough that most if not all puppies in pet stores come directly from puppy mills! Each and every puppy bought will be quickly replaced due to the supply & demand attitude of our society. Then when the puppy gets too big, too unruly, too expensive, too whatever...it finds itself in an animal shelter. It is estimated that 30% of dogs in shelters are purebreds and from my experience in animals shelters these purebreds for the most part were not from reputable breeders, but instead from petstores purchased on a whim without much thought. I once had a man surrender an adult male Rottweiler and his reason...he lived in a condo and the dog got too big. Really! Did you know that Rottweilers get big and males get even bigger? Please encourage your friends and family to visit a local animal shelter before the pet store at the mall. A dog's life could depend on it!

Kidney Failure

2009-06-01T20:49:00.004-04:00

Along with sharing my life with dogs...I also live with four cats. One of those cats, a 7 year old dilute calico named Misty Bean suffers from Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). Only 25% of her kidneys are functioning. She was diagnosed through a urinalysis two years ago when she was just 5 years old. I noticed one of the cats had been having accidents outside the litter pan which was very out of character for my kitties. I narrowed it down to Misty while observing her closely. Her intake of water increased dramatically and she would then rush off to the litter pan. At the time we only had a litter pan downstairs in the basement which proved to be too far for her. She also had lost quite a bit of weight while not reducing her intake of food.
My vet prescribed Azodyl along with some Chinese herbs and Sub Q fluids once a week. The herbs were difficult to administer as the taste was very repulsive to Misty. We tried shaving her belly and spritzing the herbs on her tummy which I'm told is just as effective. She also didn't like being restrained to have the cold liquid spayed on her bare belly. When she was feeling weak, she was much more compliant to be held down while I stuck her with a big needle and filled her with IV fluids, but once she started feeling better...forget that too! She is such a frisky little thing. She only weighs about 7 lbs, but she's got a lot of fight in her.
The one thing that remains consistent is her Azodyl pill twice a day, every day. I honestly believe that she wouldn't be here with us or her quality of life would not be what it is if not for the Azodyl. Misty happily takes this pill each day and if I sometimes forget, she actually walks into the kitchen and begins to meow while looking up at me as if to say "it's time for my medicine mom". She only does this when I've not yet given her the pill.

Tick-free Hike

2009-05-30T18:56:00.006-04:00

I'm so excited to say that today has been our first ever tick-free hike. We took Lola & Brandan into federal park land near our house today for an hour long hike. We were walking through tall grass, thick brush & lots of woods to get to the lake where the dogs could swim and fetch sticks. I used a mixture of water, Eucalyptus Globulus,
Lavender and of course Purification. I've had luck in the past using oils as previously posted, but there's always one or two hitch hikers when we get home. Today...none...zero...ziltch. If anyone wants to order these oils...you can log on to Young Living and use my member # 935628. Oh...we were not bothered by all the flying insects either!

Brandan Sleeping after a long day!

Too Many Vaccines!

2009-05-26T21:26:00.002-04:00

I was just reading a flier of a pet store sponsoring a low-cost vaccine clinic as a way to help out pet parents facing economic hardships. It of course is a really nice thought, however if there is anything that pet parents can cut back on during these uncertain times is vaccines. The vet is offering up to 5 vaccines at one time which is a total over load on the immune system. Out of all these vaccines, the only one required by the state of New Jersey is rabies. People are spending tons of money on good quality pet food which I applaud, yet they are pumping their pets with poisons and paying good money for it! There are many studies that have proven cancerous tumors develop at the injection site especially in cats. It is absolutely unnecessary to vaccinate your dog or cat every year. My dogs are vaccinated when they are puppies with a one-year booster shot for distemper, parvo & lepto and a three-year rabies as required by law. Since most of my dogs come to me as adults...they are given their rabies vaccine if their history is unknown and that's all folks. Titers can be used to test the antibodies to certain diseases existing in the dogs. This is good enough for many educated dog trainers, boarding facilities, doggie daycares, etc. From a training standpoint...it can be difficult to properly socialize your young pup or adult dog if your local dog park, doggie daycare and training facility require annual vaccines. Then you have to ask yourself which is worse...an unsocial dog or one who's life is cut short due to vaccine-related illness. Will the undersocialized dog grow up to become aggressive and ultimately be surrendered to a shelter and/or euthanized? I don't know the answer to this. My suggestion is to find a really good holistic vet who is well-adverse in vaccines and the harm that can come from them. They will be able to guide you in the right direction. A great resource for vaccine related topics is Truth About Vaccines & Truth About Vaccines Yahoo Group. The yahoo group is a great place to ask questions and gain knowledge from others experiences.

Pit Bulls Under Attack in UK

2009-05-21T15:00:00.004-04:00

This article is a great example that BSL (breed-specific legistlation) is not a cure-all, nor does it present a solution. BBC News wrote It's As Good As Having a Knife. It clearly states how many "illegal" dogs are confiscated each year and the numbers continue to go up from year to year. They even interview someone who admits to beating his dog to make him aggressive and causing him to be dangerous to whom ever he chooses. Why is it so hard to inflict harsher punishments on people in possession of fighting dogs, gang members & drug dealers? There is almost always illegal gambling, guns & drugs present during a dog fight. So why the delay in creating more task forces to get inside these organized events and really buckle down on all people involved? The authorities made an example out of Michael Vick, but all others involved were pleaded down, so where is the justice? What is going to stop those people from partaking in such activities again? And if they think Vick is reformed after spending a little time in jail...well that's a joke. He probably made more contacts in prison in the dog-fighting arena. The fear of certain breeds evoked by the media has made it a very difficult job for shelter & rescue personnel to find homes for these breeds, people can't get homeowner's insurance and dogs are dying at increasing rates in shelters because there is simply not enough room for the dogs thrown away by their owners like a piece of garbage.

Raw Deal

2009-05-19T21:18:00.003-04:00

As a follow up to my previous post about grain-free dog food...I wanted to talk about raw feeding. There are tons of great resources out there to help you get started. One is a yahoo group called Raw-Lite. I use two brands of commercial raw diets Steves Real Food and Nature's Variety. Steve's Real Food comes in Turkey, Chicken & Beef. Nature's Variety comes in Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Venison & Rabbit. Tyson has a sensitive stomach so he enjoys the more expensive varieties of Rabbit & Venison. The rest of the crew is happy with just about anything, so they eat the Steve's. The benefits of raw feeding are endless. As many of you know...Bulldogs are extremely prone to allergies. Since Tyson has been on raw meat, he has not had a single ear infection or skin allergy. All of my dogs are at a great weight, are energetic and have beautiful coats & clean teeth. Some of the commercial raw diets can be expensive, but there are ways around that. You can buy chicken breasts or chicken backs, turkey necks, ground beef, etc. to get started and mix it with kibble. This is the most natural diet for our canine counterparts. Can you imagine eating hamburger helper every day of your entire life. Well that's what I think of when people tell me they feed their dogs the same kibble for 12 years. Blah! Bones are great too (much safer than rawhide)...but they must be raw. NEVER feed cooked bones as they can splinter or break and cause major internal injury to the dog. Raw bones are a wonderful and easy way to keep dogs teeth tarter & plaque free. You should always supervise your dog while he enjoys his bone, but don't ever try to take it away because these are tremendously valuable items. Always trade off for something of equal value (cheese, hotdogs, chicken, etc). If you have any questions about raw feeding please post a comment and I'll respond accordingly.

Dogs with Allergies

2009-05-18T12:05:00.008-04:00

I just don't understand how there can be two totally different schools of thought when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our beloved companion animals. I just came across this article on CNN about what to do to alleviate allergy suffering in pets. No where in the article does it mention the quality of nutrition. It talks about ruling out ingredients, but nothing about how corn, wheat and other grains can cause major allergy symptoms in dogs and cats due to the fact that they are carnivores. The vet blatantly says allergies can not be cured! What! Are you kidding me? If you build up your immune system or that of your pets you can absolutely overcome allergies...I've done it myself. I used to be highly allergic to cats and certain dogs. I sought out a herbalist, did some detoxing with herbs, began eating the right foods, stopped eating animal protein and wah lah! My cats sleep right next to me every night and no more allergies. The same can be done for your dog (or cat). There are many high-quality grain-free dog & cat foods on the market which are definitely a step in the right direction, however still not as good as feeding a raw diet. I will post about raw feeding separately as I believe it deserves it's own title.