Pet Stuff

Saturday

Greyhound adoption: Greyhounds will be available for adoption, and knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about adopting a greyhound, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Furever Pets, 1902 N.E. Broadway in Portland. More information: visit www.fureverpets.com or call 503-282-4885.

Problem Pooch Class: A certified pet trainer will provide expert tips and advice on dog behavior and training issues at this humans-only class, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Ehmann classroom at the Oregon Humane Society, 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd. in Portland. Cost: donation; no need to RSVP. More information: www.oregonhumane.org or call 503-285-7722, ext. 225.

Introduction to training class: Learn about how to set up a dog for success and get an overview of the Oregon Humane Society’s training philosophy at this class, 5-6 p.m. at the society, 1067 N.E. Columbia Blvd. in Portland. Cost: $15 as a stand-alone class; this course is also included in any basic or puppy manners program. No dogs, please. More information: www.oregonhumane.org or call 503-285-7722, ext. 225.

Trail Blazers Pet Appreciation Night: The Portland Trail Blazers will support the Oregon Humane Society at “Pet Appreciation Night” at the Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks game, starting at 7 p.m. Send your best photo of your pet wearing Blazers gear to petpics@trailblazers.com to be shown on the big screen that night. Purchase your ticket www.oregonhumane.org; $5 from each ticket online will be donated to animals at the shelter. Purchase tickets here. 

–Monique Balas

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Article source: http://www.oregonlive.com/pets/index.ssf/2012/02/happening_this_weekend_pet-rel_6.html

Denver TV stations are finding a variety of ways to follow up the dog-bite story that lately has been at the center of a journalistic debate.

In light of the accident involving anchor Kyle Dyer, who suffered a serious dog bite while on-air in the studio, 9News will run five segments next week, Monday-Friday, during the 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts on Channels 9 and 20, with educational tips to help people understand dog behavior.

9News reporter Kevin Torres will demonstrate, with an assist from his own Jack Russell terrier, Pickles. Torres will take pointers from Suzanne Hetts of Animal Behavior Associates in Littleton.

Topics to be covered are dog behaviors with other dogs, dogs and interactions with children, how to approach a dog, the leash effect and how to determine offensive versus defensive behavior in dogs.

The report will include an update on Dyer’s condition.

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Article source: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19990674?source=rss

TRENTON, New Jersey (Reuters) – The New Jersey Assembly passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage on Thursday, sending the measure to Republican Gov. Chris Christie, a possible vice-presidential candidate who has promised a veto. The Assembly vote of 42 to 33 affirmed a Senate vote from Monday, and the bill is expected …

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Article source: http://news.yahoo.com/dog-bit-news-anchor-not-fault-231400057.html

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Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire.

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Article source: http://www.examiner.com/dog-behavior-training-in-detroit/tips-to-treat-pet-stains-by-doc-ssons-ii

Puppies must learn what they can chew

Q: I would like to put down a blanket on the hard garage floor for my 8-month-old puppy to sleep on. But everything I put down, I find in my yard, torn up. What can I do?

A: Normal dog behavior (“play”) consists of digging, barking, play fighting, play hunting, chasing and especially chewing. Unfortunately, many of these normal dog behaviors are not considered normal when living in a home. Chewing is perhaps the least desirable. Dogs like having things in their mouths. They use their mouths like we use our hands to manipulate and feel objects.

Pet Docs
Dr. Perry Jameson and Dr. Henri Bianucci

Dogs enjoy chewing on objects just as their wolf counterparts would chew on the bones of animals they had eaten. It is an inborn behavior, one they are going to do, and it is up to us to teach them what they can (and cannot) chew on and when.

When teaching dogs to perform or not perform behaviors we desire, we must remember they only do things they were taught or that come naturally. How we respond to whatever our dogs are doing reinforces their behavior whether in a positive or negative way. We must also remember they do not have the vocabulary we do and communicate as much through our attitudes and body language as much as the words we speak.

An example would be your dog barking every time someone comes to the door. You may think she does this because she is afraid of the person. To stop her, you reassure her each time by speaking in a sweet, soft voice, telling her everything is OK. Your dog does not understand what you are saying but rather learns every time she barks at someone at the door she gets your undivided attention. She interprets this as a good behavior of which you approve.

We cannot expect puppies to already know what is OK to chew on and what is not. You must spend the time to teach them, and you have to be consistent.

Puppies should never be left unsupervised until the appropriate behavior is learned. When left alone, they should be put in a crate to avoid bad behaviors. When in the appropriate-size crate (one in which they can turn around easily), it is uncommon for them to chew on their bedding. Crating insures you are present when they perform any behavior that is important at this stage.

When puppies perform an incorrect behavior while we are away and they are not corrected, they learn that it is acceptable. When they misbehave, you must be present to correct them immediately and then show them an acceptable alternative. An example would be a sharp loud “no” when caught chewing a slipper. Immediately take the slipper away and give him a chew toy and praise him when he chews on this.

You need to remember to reward all appropriate behavior just as much as you correct bad behavior. In this way, the puppy learns what gets a positive response from us and what gets a negative response.

It is important to have plenty of safe chew toys available. Never give old shoes or socks (or anything that when new you would not want chewed up) as toys. There is no way a puppy can learn to differentiate between an old and new shoe.

Spanking or physical punishment should be avoided. This is more likely to teach the puppy to fear people rather than to not perform a certain behavior. Dogs love to get our attention and, more importantly, our approval. A stern, “no” is more affective than a spanking.

It is important to catch them in the act and to correct them within five seconds. Animals do not remember what they have done, and punishing minutes later will only confuse them and teach them to fear you. Once you have made your disapproval known, it is then just as important to get them doing an appropriate behavior and give them excessive praise. By correcting their bad behavior and praising their good behavior, we can teach them to live in a house with us instead of destroy it.

Dr. Henri Bianucci and Dr. Perry Jameson are with Veterinary Specialty Care LLC. Send questions to petdocs@postandcourier.com.

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Article source: http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2012/feb/12/puppies-must-learn-what-they-can-chew/

In regards to dog training, train with the end in mind. Consider how you want your dog to behave in your home, how should your dog interact with friends and family members as well as what goals do you have for your dog:  family pet, therapy dog or a competition dog.

When people obtain a dog they would do well to hire a professional dog trainer and/or enroll in group dog training classes. The training should not only teach basic obedience commands but also simulate real world applications.  This makes the training real for not only the dog but also the owner.

Educational studies show when people are trained to apply newly acquired skills in scenario based situations, they learn to respond more quickly and effectively in real world situations. They are more likely to be pro active when placed in stressful environments rather than being reactive or worse yet, panic stricken. And, this is true in dog training as well. Once the basics have been taught, group class environments should simulate real world situations such as veterinarian office lobbies, dog teams passing each other near and through entranceways and hallways, group dog trail hikes, sitting and crossing at street corners, how to conduct dog to dog greetings, etc.

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A common scenario posed to dog trainers is one member of the household loves to rough house with the dog, whereas the other members of the family do not. This situation becomes even more problematic when the family includes small children.  Even if the dog “rough houses appropriately” with an adult member of the family, that same level of activity may not be safe around children who try to emulate the adult way of playing with the dog. Often times, it is difficult to convince this family member to stop the rough form of play because they find the activity pleasurable and so far, no one has gotten hurt.  So instead of trying to get the family member to eliminate active play, it is recommended to change the type of play from rough housing to an active game of fetch.  This way the adult family member can continue to have fun with their dog and ensure a safer way for the dog to interact with family members.

So now that the form of active play has been changed, another consideration should be the location of the active play.  It should not occur in the main part of the house where the dog is expected to show calm behavior.  Instead, the play should occur in the basement (provided the basement is not a play area for the children), in the yard or at a local park.

If the goal for the dog is to become a competition dog; it is likely that his prey drive for a tug toy or ball will be enhanced. So thought has to be given as to who is going to be responsible for working and handling the dog, what supervision needs to occur with the dog’s interactions with young children, children need to be taught not to run from the dog or play tug with the dog, what rules are put into place with the active games such as “sit” and “give”, where does the drive training take place, etc.

If on the other hand, the goal is for the dog to become a therapy dog; consideration has to be given to reinforcing calm behavior.  Case in point, is a young male Rottweiler, named Buddy, who belongs to a lady who is a senior citizen.  Buddy use to pull so hard on a leash that he once caused his owner to fall and break a rib.  He currently is participating in a board and train program with the Michigan Dog Trainer.  He is not only learning good household manners but he is also being reinforced for calm behavior.  It is not enough for him to learn to walk on a loose leash with an able bodied young person. He needs to learn to heel at his owner’s side at “her walking pace.” Therefore, his neighborhood walks are done at a super slow pace. So like Buddy, train your dog with the end goals in mind.

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Article source: http://www.examiner.com/dog-behavior-training-in-detroit/dog-training-train-with-the-end-mind

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My discussion of the pros and mostly cons of keeping a pet dog outdoors exclusively comes with a caveat.

I stipulate that my thoughts do not apply to every dog’s circumstances.
There are farm dogs whose greatest joy is being with their people and “helping” with the work. Other examples perhaps, are teams of working sled dogs who spend their entire lives outdoors.

Livestock guardian dogs actually live and bond with their wards. In effect the herd becomes the “pack” that is so important to a dog.
The crux of the matter is that these dogs have a meaningful bond and relationship either with a pack or their master.

Dog behaviorists, trainers, veterinarians and rescue volunteers inform us that dogs, like wolves, are highly social pack animals.
In order to thrive they need contact with humans because they are their “pack.” Canines are also den animals. Your home provides a safe and secure place to sleep and hang out.

There are reasons why dogs become backyard residents.
Pet dogs sometimes are relegated to the outdoors because of behavior problems, destructiveness and not being housetrained.
These can be resolved through training and proper management when the pet first joins the household. Perhaps the decision to get a pet dog was not well thought out.

Many people acquire dogs and keep them outside for protection. Experts in dog behavior have learned that in actuality, most of the time, they are ineffective guardians.
Dogs will naturally defend what they consider to be their territory…the place they live in. If they are not allowed in the house, their instinct to protect it will not be as powerful.

Dennis Fetko, PhD commented on this topic: “what do you think I want to steal — your lawn?”
If dogs do bark at an intruder, it usually is ignored because the canine already has the habit of barking incessantly
When isolated from his pack (your family), your dog can become stressed and anxious.

They may dig holes, bark, howl, whine, chew and damage everything.
They tend to fence fight, try to escape and jump fences.
Sometimes aggression develops against you, your family or friends. They can easily become entangled in tie-ups and harm themselves.
These dogs can be stolen, poisoned, teased or accidentally released. Neighbor complaints generate visits from animal control.

Backyard dogs can have chronic health problems. They get fly strike on ears with sores and maggot infestation.
As a result of boredom and frustration, dogs develop obsessive habits such as pacing, tail chasing and self mutilation.
Many families end up giving up these afflicted dogs.
The future aspects for them are grim.

Those of us who are passionate about our pets and have shared our lives with them want to keep our pets indoors only. It is easier to get to know and bond with them…and they with us. It is their inherent instinct to be living with their pack.

Having a pet dog in our homes can be an incredible bonus to our lives. They are capable of such love, devotion and companionship.
Pets have an unending capacity to bond with us and become an integral part of our families.
Having an inside pet is worth the effort if you have the desire, time and circumstances to manage it.

We all know of beloved pet dogs who are exclusively outdoors.
This works for them because of their unique nature, favorable circumstances and devoted owners who bond and spend time with them.
The needs of these dogs for meaningful companionship, safe shelter and important “work” are met.

Everyone has the right to manage their pets surroundings as they see fit but there may be something to be learned here.

Anne Divine is a long time member of LAWS and has volunteered at Animal Control for 18 years.  She can be reached at: adivine@kc.rr.com.

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Frazzled From Wrangling A Wild Pooch? Learn The Tips You Need For Successful Dog Training!

Many who are unfamiliar with dog behavior find that training can be a difficult task; however, it does not need to be. Dogs are loyal, affectionate animals who desire to please their owners, which means that they are easily trainable, if one has the right tools and knowledge. This article will show you several strategies that are sure to give you a well behaved dog.

Take a class on training or study books and websites regarding the topic before starting to train your dog. It seems easy to train a dog but a lot of things that make sense to us won’t make sense to a dog. Learning the proper way to train and studying how to run a good training session will be beneficial for you both during this process.

Always use your dog’s name when issuing commands. When training your dog, it is important to be able to get and maintain their attention. Using your dog’s name when giving a command will make them focus. Use your dog’s name often. Get them used to both hearing and responding to it.

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A great dog training tip is to always be sure you properly enforce all the commands that are given to your dog. The reason is if you do not enforce them, your dog will not listen to them. You have to be firm with your orders and be sure your dog follows through on them. Do not give up.

Be sure to spend time with your dog and teach him things every day. When he is a puppy, teach him his name, how to come when called and show him the proper place for toileting. When he gets a little older, begin gentle leash training. When he is six months old, join an obedience class so that he can learn how to behave in public and get some formal training.

Dog training sessions should occur at the same time each day, if possible. Dogs, much like children, can thrive on a set schedule. This pattern will promote a learning environment in which your dog is eager to learn at the given time. Sporadic training causes confusion within your pet and can prolong the training.

If you are training a high-energy dog, it may be beneficial to exercise your dog just before the training session. A dog that is overly energetic will have difficulty focusing on what you are trying to teach. The exercise session can be beneficial for the human owner’s health as well!

Teaching your dog a fun trick, such as “play dead” can be a fun way of distracting him. When your dogs behavior is bad, simply use the command you have established for his trick instead of using negative punishment. This provides for a fun activity for your dog and creates a positive environment for you as well.

Never cave in to bad behavior. Your dog will always love you, but it needs to know that you’re the boss. Don’t encourage bad behavior and let your dog know that any such behavior will be met with punishment. At the same time, make sure you reward good behavior as well.

A great dog training tip is to always end your training sessions on a positive note. Have your dog do something it is good at doing and reward him for it. The reason is because dogs respond better to rewards. By doing this, you will have a better chance of success with future training sessions.

The verbal tone you use with your dog can impact the message you are sending him. High-pitched, happy tones encourage your dog to action, as it is a tone that excites them. Low-pitched, stern voices will elicit caution in your dog. If he is getting in trouble, a middle-pitched, quick tone will help to distract him better. Learning to control your voice when talking to your dog will impact how he responds to your commands.

If you are obedience training with your dog, consider training him to pass the Canine Good Citizen test. Even if your dog never takes the test itself, the requirements of the test are an excellent standard of desirable dog behavior. If he excels at the categories of study, you’ll know you’re in great shape.

Once you know the right tools, dog training becomes a very feasible task. Even problem behaviors can be effectively targeted with the right skill set and knowledge. Our dogs are our best friends and as such, they desire nothing more than to make us happy. In turn, it is our duty to teach them skills so that they can be happy as well.

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Article source: http://www.examiner.com/miniature-schnauzer-in-cleveland/how-to-learn-the-tips-you-need-for-successful-dog-training

Dog Behavior Problems Solved With Easy Training Techniques

Training your dog has a lot more to do with training yourself than the animal. Understanding how dog training works will get you better results than if you just try to wing it. This article will give you the information you need to get your dog behaving the way you want it to.

To have an obedient dog, you should establish yourself as a master right away. Do not let your dog bite you or jump on you. You have to punish or reward your dog constantly. Never let your dog get away with anything, or even worst, become hostile towards you.

Participating in a group class can be a very effective way to train your dog. Group classes are almost always less expensive than individual training sessions. They also offer your dog the opportunity to socialize with other pets. Look for a smaller group though, so that you still have plenty of one on one interaction with the trainer.

If you don’t want your dog to chew your furniture, making it unpleasant, can help. There are many clear and odor free products on the market that you can put on an item. These products will make the item taste bitter or unpleasant, thereby, deterring your pet from chewing it.

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Be consistent and clear with your dog when training and as far as what you expect. You should be consistent in the words used for commands and the rules for appropriate behavior. Being consistent will help keep your dog being becoming confused and possibly resorting to unwanted behaviors.

Not all dog training needs to involve food based treats. Some dog breeds respond better to non-edible rewards. These rewards could very well include stuffed toys, rawhide bones, or rope toys. They will also have the added benefit of giving you and your dog a new activity to enjoy together.

Teaching your dog a “release” command is as important as teaching him “sit” and “stay”. However, when choosing your command word, make sure it is not a commonly used word like “OK”, or “good”. Your dog associates word sounds with commands, and will not understand that you are telling your kids “OK”, not him!

When puppies are little, they might develop biting habits which can easily be solved by placing a chew toy by your dogs mouth whenever he or she begins to nip at you. This will quickly teach your puppy that it is allowed to bite at toys but not at you.

Taking a dog on a daily walk, or even two, is an essential part of obedience training. a dog without exercise is not a calm dog, and it’s very hard to train a dog in an excited state. It is best to take them out before any rigorous training exercise so that they are tired and in a submissive state when you begin to teach them.

Your family pet needs you to teach it how to behave. Their instincts tell them to behave as animals, and to do otherwise requires proper redirection. This article has given you some ideas on how you can be a better teacher for your dog and have a well behaved pet.

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Article source: http://www.examiner.com/miniature-schnauzer-in-cleveland/how-to-solve-dog-behavior-problems-with-easy-training-techniques-1