Dogs

March 13 2019

March 13th is National K-9 Veterans Day

melissa Dogs, Training military dogs, veteran dogs

There are many heroes in the archives of history. While we never want to diminish the importance of our human heroes, it’s important to also remember the animal heroes of war. Horses, cats, dolphins and even rats were called to duty. In nearly every war, the military relied on animals to locate bombs and landmines, act as sentries, carry important messages and more.

Dogs were especially important in times of war, not only for their ability to inspire soldiers, but their ability to serve as soldiers. World War I saw the biggest concentration of dogs in the service – over a million dogs served with the Allies and Axis powers.

While many animals have served and died in wars, one canine hero stands out in the annals of American history: an American Pit Bull Terrier mix named Stubby.

Sergeant Stubby

In 1917, Stubby was found as a stray on the Yale University campus. He was adopted by Cpl John Robert Conroy and was smuggled to France in World War I.

When Stubby arrived in France with Cpl Conroy, they entered combat with the 102nd Infantry Regiment at Chemin des Dames. They were under fire night and day for over a month. But it wasn’t until April, 1918 that Stubby was seriously injured by a German hand grenade. He was sent to the rear to recover, quickly serving to inspire other wounded men.

After he recovered from the injury on his foreleg and chest, he was returned to the trenches with two wound stripes. He was the first dog to be awarded the rank of Sergeant through combat.

Morale of the soldiers improved wherever Stubby resided. Stubby not only improved morale, he proved himself to be an important member of the team. He warned soldiers of incoming fire and poison-gas attacks, and located soldiers injured on the battlefield. Once, he even sniffed out a German spy in the trenches and held him by the seat of his pants until soldiers could find him!

In the trenches, he gave early warning of artillery fire since he could hear the whine of incoming fire long before the soldiers.

After Stubby experienced a mustard gas attack, he returned to the front lines determined to use his incredible sense of smell to give early warning of mustard gas attacks. The military even created a specially designed gas mask to protect him!

He inspired loyalty and hope among fellow soldiers. Like all dogs, he had a unique ability to keep soldiers calm during traumatic events. Much like all soldiers, he engaged in battles (17 battles, to be exact, along with four offenses).

Not only did he serve his fellow soldiers on the Western Front for 18 months, 17 battles, and four offenses; he served as inspiration for Americans back home. Newspapers (that were just as unsure of his breed back then as current journalists are today) referred to him as “mixed breed”, “Bull Terrier”, and “Boston Terrier”.

After the war, Stubby returned to America with Conroy and after ten years, died in his owner’s arms in 1926. Thanks to Stubby’s bravery, he will continue his mission to serve as inspiration for military dog handlers around the world.

vet looks dog and kitten teeth, a magnifying glass

February 6 2019

The Importance of Dental Cleanings – National Dental Month 2019

melissa Cats, Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Training canine dental care, cat dental care, pet dental health month

Good oral hygiene is directly tied directly to a pet’s overall health and longevity. February is advertised at Pet Dental Month. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of deep discounts offered by veterinarians on dental cleanings and check-ups as well as a wide variety of products that promote a healthy mouth so that pets can have a great dental routine year-round.

Dr. Jan Bellows, a Diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College, and a prominent canine orthodontist, believes good dental hygiene can increase a dog’s life span by as much as a third.

“When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15-17 years if you brush their teeth daily … 11-13 years if you don’t,” he said.

The relationship between good dental hygienic and longevity is a straight forward one. Bacteria that builds up in the mouth doesn’t stay there but is ingested when a pet eats and works its way through the dog’s system. In severe cases of periodontal disease, the bacteria can also enter the blood stream. Consequently, bacteria that started out in the mouth can result in heart disease, kidney and liver failure and has also been directly linked to diabetes.

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80%of dogs show symptoms of oral disease by the age of three. Similarly, 70% of all cats over the age of three years suffer from periodontal disease. Not only is periodontal disease very painful but as with people, it’s completely preventable.

The first sign of trouble is usually stinky breath. Other signs include decreased appetite,

approaching the food and then backing away if their teeth hurt, dropping food and obvious discomfort when chewing, pawing the mouth and not letting you touch their jawline.

The Common Dental Issues:

Gingivitis is described as inflammation of the gum line as a result of a build-up of tartar and plaque and the accompanying bacteria.
Periodontal Disease develops when the infection resulting from a tartar and plaque building spreads between the teeth and gums resulting in bone loss and, ultimately, in teeth having to be distracted. Pets can also suffer from swollen gums and mouth tumors.
FORLs — Feline Odontoclastic Resorption Lesions. In humans, tooth decay causes the tooth to disintegrate from the outside inwards so that the cavity is visible to the dentist. However, the exact opposite happens in cats. FORLS cause the tooth to decay from the inside outwards. Consequently, the damage isn’t visible until it’s very advanced and irreversible, which means the tooth has to be extracted. FORLS are said to be even more painful than human toothache because the decay attacks the nerve. It’s also known as tooth resorption and happens in dogs too!

Brushing Teeth

In order to successfully brush a pet’s teeth, they must be comfortable allowing you to put your fingers in their mouth. Go slow and let them build up acceptance slowly. Obviously, you are starting with a puppy or kitten, it will be much easier. There is a large of variety of specially designed dog and cat tooth brushes and flavored tooth pastes.

Cats are not as accepting as dogs. Another tip from Dr. Bellows suggests taking a cotton swab dipped in tuna juice and rubbing it along your cat’s teeth. The mere friction of the cotton swab on the teeth is enough to actively reduce a plaque buildup. Because cats like the taste, you stand a good chance of working your way around the mouth. If not, what you don’t achieve in one day can be done the next!

Treats and Toys

There is also a good selection of treats that also offer an abrasive action to help keep teeth clean of tartar and plaque and a huge variety of toys that exercise the muscles of the jaw and also help to keep teeth clean such as tug toys made from a cotton-styled “floss” infused with mint to help maintain fresh breath too.

Building dental care into your pet’s routine is a great way of enhancing that human-animal bond too. There is nothing like fresh smelling doggie licks and cat kisses.

January 29 2019

National Seeing Eye Dog Day – January 29, 2019

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Media, Training dog training, service dogs, working animals

January 29^th marks National Seeing Eye Dog Day. It is also the 90th anniversary of The Seeing Eye organization, the first guide dog school founded in the United States and the oldest existing in the world.

Seeing Eye® dogs or, guide dogs as they are also called, are more than companion animals for someone who is visually impaired or legally blind. They are truly transformational assistants enhancing the independence, dignity and the self-confidence of the person they are paired with for life.

Raising dogs for this life-altering work is both time consuming and very expensive. Organizations such as The Seeing Eye® and Guide Dogs of America breed their own puppies and then work with volunteer puppy raisers to raise these dogs until they are old enough to undergo the special training needed for them to take care of a visually impaired person. They also pair and train a blind person how to handle and care for a guide dog.

Being a puppy raiser can be very rewarding experience as the dog becomes a beloved family member while they are being raised and socialized by their foster family.

Guide dog training organizations have regional puppy raising coordinators throughout the country who oversee volunteer puppy raisers and their initial training.

While having some knowledge of dog obedience training is useful, it is not a prerequisite to be successfully selected to help raise a guide dog puppy. Nevertheless, from the get go, a puppy must be taught to have impeccable manners around the home and taught not to jump on furniture, dig up the yard and be crate-trained.

“A potential puppy raiser is first invited to attend puppy club meetings in their region,” explained Michelle Barlak, public relations specialist for The Seeing Eye, Inc. “Each family must attend the meetings, puppy sit for other raisers, and help at the club’s planned socialization outings with the current puppies in the club. Once they feel they have learned the ropes, they can apply for their first puppy. Most of our puppy raisers are referred to us through word of mouth as our current raisers are our best advertisers!” She added.

Guide Dogs of America allow their puppy raisers the privilege of naming their puppy. The organization assigns a letter of the alphabet for every litter of puppies and the puppy raiser can choose a name based on the litter letter. Zack Gittlen, GDA’s Outreach Coordinator, comments “Raising a puppy for us (GDA) is an extremely unique volunteer opportunity. You are essentially volunteering your time 24/7 for a year and a half. Because of that, our raisers quite obviously get attached to the puppy/dog. Turn in day can be heart-breaking, but we always reinforce that the dog has a more important job to go on to fulfill. It is when they see the final product, their puppy in harness with the graduate, that they understand the magnitude of what they did. They donated precious time of their lives, to change someone else’s for the better.”

Because training a guide dog and ultimately the person they will guide can cost as much as $50,000, some guide dog training organizations invite members of the public or organizations to name a puppy in return for a minimum donation of $5,000. The donor dog-namer/s also receives updates about the puppy’s progress throughout its training and, ultimately, a graduation photograph. It’ wonderful gestures that will help change someone’s life for the better.

Portrait of a cute young small dog sitting on bed. Wearing steth

January 8 2019

To Vaccinate or Not: That is (NOT) the Question

melissa Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Safety, Training dog health tips, dog vaccinations

We live in a world of information. Some of that information is science-based, some of it is opinion-based. Never have we had so much choice in our lives and the lives of our pets.

Recently, the arrival of the “anti-vax” movement has caused some pet owners to begin questioning the value (and potential danger) of vaccines. Manufacturers and veterinarians have come under pressure to restructure the vaccination requirements and prove that vaccines are safe for pets.

One of the hotly contested questions is whether or not we should vaccinate our new puppy, and if yes – which shots are necessary and which are overkill? Which vaccines may cause dangerous (and sometimes fatal) reactions in my pet?

These are loaded questions and there are multiple sides to the argument. that you may wish to discuss with your veterinary staff. Some studies show that vaccinations can result in everything from encephalitis to cancer. There are studies that support those claims and vaccine protocol is already undergoing changes. Others claim that the dangers of vaccinations outweigh the benefits.

Let’s start with the matter of legality.

Rabies Vaccination Required by Law

While rabies is a disease that is 100% preventable, we still have more 59,000 people die from canine rabies each year around the world.

If you have a dog in the United states, you are required by law to have that dog vaccinated for rabies, and you are required to have the ongoing boosters every 1-3 years. The frequency of rabies vaccination varies from state to state. All states (with the exception of Arizona), require that the rabies vaccination be administered by, or under the supervision of, a licensed veterinarian.

The frequency of vaccination is most often dictated by the NASPHV Rabies Compendium, with the exception of a few states which have their own guidelines. The NASPHV Rabies Compendium document lists:

the approved manufacturers of rabies vaccines
which animals it can be safely used on
the dose
the age of primary vaccination
the booster vaccination date

We have nearly eradicated the rabies virus from our society. What used to be a huge problem, resulting in thousands of fatalities each year, is now only seen in wildlife. The rabies vaccine is the reason for this huge decline.

Herd Immunity

There is a theory of “Herd immunity” that anti-vaxxers call “BS”. Herd Immunity is the idea that if 99% of animals (or people) are vaccinated, it helps protect the 1% or so that are not vaccinated. This is not only valid, it’s proven.

For example, Distemper (CDV) is a disease that most vets haven’t seen in over 10 years. Distemper is a deadly disease with mortality rates as high as 50% of adult dogs and 80% of puppies. With ongoing vaccination protocols, most vets haven’t seen this disease in nearly 10 years.

When the recent “anti-vax” movement began taking over the pet industry, herd immunity protected those who weren’t vaccinated. But as more and more animals began an unprotected life, distemper began making a comeback. Cases are increasing each year that dogs are not receiving their core vaccines. Not only is this resurgence happening in our domestic animals, but there are increases seen in wildlife.

Which shots should I absolutely get? How do I know?

You are putting your pets at risk for death. These diseases are, for the most part, completely preventable. The core vaccines (which include Distemper, Adenovirus-2, Parvovirus-2, Rabies) should always be given.

Non-core vaccines (Parainfluenza, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, Borrelia burgdorfen, Giardia, Coronavirus)

Your dogs should always have their first set of shots and boosters in their first year, along with their rabies vaccines as required by law. The rabies booster is mandated for life. However, the non-core vaccinations may be reliant on other factors. These are some things you should consider:

Your lifestyle: If you frequently travel with your pets, visit dog parks, or compete in sports or dog shows, you should be sure to follow strict vaccination protocols for that region.
Your Location: Some states have diseases that are endemic, while others are not. For example, Leptospirosis is a disease that resides in water. Arizona has usually been resistant to this disease, due to its lack of water. However, it recently had a large outbreak that required us all to update our pets’ vaccines.
Pests: Lyme disease is endemic to certain regions, while other regions have less chance of exposure.
Legality: Legal requirements also dictate the frequency and availability of specific diseases (e.g., rabies). Some states require annual vaccinations, while others allow for 2-3 year boosters.

Titer Testing is a way of measuring your dog’s immunity through a blood analysis. You can do titer testing for “optional” vaccines and then vaccinate on a case by case basis. The drawback is that titer testing is expensive.

There are many ways you can protect your pets, but when it comes to vaccinations, it’s important to stick with the basics. At the very least, make sure your pets have their core vaccines. Discuss further options with your veterinarian.

Core Vaccinations:

Distemper (CDV)
Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2)
Parvovirus-2 (CPV-2)
Rabies

Non-core Vaccinations

Parainfluenza
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Leptospira interrogans
Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae
Borrelia burgdorfen
Giardia
Coronavirus

Current Vaccine Guidelines:


5 weeks	Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk. Check with your veterinarian.
6 & 9 weeks	Combination vaccine* without leptospirosis. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern.
12 weeks	Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (age at vaccination may vary according to local law).
12 & 15 weeks**	Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs.
Adult	Combination vaccine* Leptospirosis: include leptospirosis in the combination vaccine where leptospirosis is a concern, or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Coronavirus: where coronavirus is a concern. Lyme: where Lyme disease is a concern or if traveling to an area where it occurs. Rabies: Given by your local veterinarian (time interval between vaccinations may vary according to local law).

Recommendations vary depending on the age, breed, and health status of the dog, the potential of the dog to be exposed to the disease, the type of vaccine, whether the dog is used for breeding, and the geographical area where the dog lives or may visit.

*A combination vaccine, often called a 5-way vaccine, usually includes adenovirus cough and hepatitis, canine distemper, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. Some combination vaccines may also include leptospirosis (7-way vaccines) and/or coronavirus. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred.

**Some puppies may need additional vaccinations against parvovirus after 15 weeks of age. Consult with your local veterinarian.

Bordetella and parainfluenza: For complete canine cough protection, we recommend Intra-Trac III ADT. For dogs that are shown, in field trials, or are boarded, we recommend vaccination every six to twelve months with Intra-Trac III ADT.

December 28 2018

Finding a Boarding Facility or Pet Sitter

melissa Cats, Dogs, Health, Lifestyle, Training am i a good dog owner, cat travel, what to do with dog while on vacation

That first time you travel without your pet can be a traumatic experience for both you and them. That’s why it’s so important to develop a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter. Today, we’re looking at how to find the best option for your pet.

Pet Sitters are those who come to your home one or more times per day (or perhaps even stay overnight in your home up to 18 hours at a time) to watch your pets. This is an excellent option for those with cats, nervous dogs, senior pets, or pets with medical conditions.

Boarding facilities are places you take your pet, where they reside in a kennel until your return. Their fees generally include playtime each day, regular feeding, and more. They can generally administer most veterinarian-approved medication, but may not always be able to accommodate specific diets.

No matter which option you choose, there are general guidelines that you should follow to find the best sitter or boarding facility for your pets.

Ask for Referrals

Your friends and family are often a great source for finding a reliable pet sitter or boarding facility. Ask who they have used in the past and whether they would recommend them.

Licensing/Bonding

Verify that any caretaker is licensed and bonded. Every pet sitter should be bonded for damage or theft, and each boarding facility should be licensed as a kennel. Both sitters and boarding facilities should be fully insured.

Check Credentials and References

Always check credentials and references provided by the kennel. You can easily search out complaints by typing in “name of kennel + complaint” into Google (e.g., Crazy8Kennel + complaint”)

Check reviews

Any reputable pet sitter will have reviews on Yelp, Facebook, the BBB website, their own website, and any number of other locations. Read them all and make sure there are no problems with the sitter or boarding facility.

Initial Meet and Greets

Once you have decided on a few possibilities for boarding, be sure to tour the facility. The same holds true for finding a pet sitter. All pet sitters include an initial meet and greet, which gives them an opportunity to meet your pets, pick up keys, and learn your routines. These generally last about an hour and always take place prior to your leaving town. Be very wary of any pet sitters who don’t provide this service, particularly if you found them online.

Each pet is different and you may discover that some of your pets do better with a sitter while others enjoy a boarding facility.

Cameras

Be sure the boarding facility you choose has cameras installed. In this day and age, there is almost no reason for them not to have them. Facilities should allow you access to a network where you can log in and check on your pets throughout the day, if you choose.

You can also add security cameras to your own home to make sure your pets are doing well with the pet sitter you select. Most pet sitter contracts require that, particularly if they will be living at your home. Even if their contract does not require you to notify them, be fair to the sitter and let them know that they are installed.

Another option is to choose a GPS tracker for your pets in case they escape or are otherwise lost. These are excellent to have while pet sitters or dog walkers are at your home. Most not only track your dog, but provide health information.

Keep in mind that not all boarding facilities allow you to leave them on the dog, particularly during playtime, as they can be a hazard.

General Rules of Leaving Pets

Never leave pets in care of friends or family.
Make sure facility and/or pet sitter is licensed and bonded.
Choose one according to your dog’s personality.
Never leave cats alone.
If they don’t require vaccination records from you, they won’t require them for others either. This can put your pets at risk for disease.

PetsWeekly offers a helpful list of questions you should ask prior to selecting a boarding facility. We’ve received permission to share them here.

Pay attention to the following while you tour the facility:

Does the facility look clean and well-maintained?
Does the facility smell clean?
What is the temperature in the kennels?
Is there adequate ventilation indoors?
How does the staff treat and interact with the animals there?
Does the facility ask for vaccination records?
Is there a requirement for pets to have Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine?
Do you see any evidence of fleas or ticks or other parasites?
Do the dogs and cats seem happy?
Are outdoor runs protected from the elements?
Are the indoor kennels large enough?

Things to ask the facility manager:

Do they have an emergency plan in place in case of natural disaster, fire or power failure?
Is at least one human on location 24/7?
Are cats and dogs housed separately?
What type of training does staff have?
Is a veterinarian on call and what is his/her name?

Once you establish a relationship with a boarding facility or pet sitter you like, maintain the relationship. It can be difficult to find reliable pet sitters and boarding for your pets that are trustworthy and reliable, so keep them close to you!

December 21 2018

Getting Ready for Your First Puppy

melissa Dogs, Lifestyle, Training finding a puppy, how to train a puppy

Times have changed since I brought home my very first puppy. I still remember how excited I was holding the squiggly bundle of fur in my arms as he looked up at me in total adoration.

I wasn’t prepared for a puppy. I was young, I barely had the money for my own place, but I knew we would do just fine. Life would have been a lot easier if I knew then what I know now!

Here are some things I would tell my younger self to prepare for that first puppy.

Getting Approval

You might be surprised how many people run out to bring a new dog into their home only to learn that dogs are not allowed either by HOA laws, rental agreements and even homeowner insurance policies. Whether you rent or own, be sure you have approval for pets. Also check for breed bans and/or breed restrictions – they are far more common than you think. You can often add a rider to your policy for a minimum charge, but at the minimum you should have all your records in place.

Puppy Proof Your Home

Before you bring home a new puppy, it’s important to puppy proof your home. Is it absolutely necessary? That’s negotiable. But I will tell you that if you plan properly, you will save yourself a lot of money in veterinarian bills and save your puppy a lot of stress. Puppies are curious and they explore in much the same way a human toddler explores – by putting their mouth on everything. This can include electrical cords, remote controls, walls, hands, shoes, your bed and anything that is within reach. You may also need to consider adding gates or a doggy door for easy indoor/outdoor access. Remember that any outdoor access should lead into a safe, enclosed area to prevent predators from grabbing your small dog.

Puppy Proof Your Yard

Don’t bring home your new dog without making sure your yard is dog proofed. Walk your fence line and find any potential escape areas. Check your gardens for any potential hazardous or poisonous plants that may harm your puppy. If you have a pool, make sure there is a way for your dog to climb out safely – you may even consider teaching your puppy how to swim and where to get out of the pool. If you have a backyard with a gate, make sure you padlock the gate and remind pool cleaners or landscapers that you have a new dog on the prowl!

Establish Ground Rules

If you have children or other pets in the home, it’s important to establish your ground rules. Puppies need a lot of sleep during the day. Puppies may also nip harder than they intend to, potentially angering or hurting others, so it is important to supervise your puppy when it interacts with young children and other pets.

Have the Basic Supplies Ready

Starting out is fairly easy. You’ll need to have some basics including:

- Food
- Water
- Bowls
- Leash
- Collar
- Harness
- ID tags

Other useful items to add to your new puppy checklist include:

- House-Training Pads
- Crates
- Play Pen
- Beds
- Brush or Comb
- Chew Toys
- Stuffed Toys
- Treats

Veterinarians Are Required—Budget Accordingly

Choose a veterinarian that you like and trust. You’ll have a long relationship with your vet, and it’s important that you and your dog like them. You’re not locked in forever, but it’s good to have someone you can call on the weekend who will get back to you. It is also a good idea to know your vet’s hours and have a back up 24-hour office in mind in case of any emergencies.

Your puppy will need vaccination and check ups, along with physicals and dentals. They will need heartworm medication that requires checkups and routine flea and tick (and possibly worm) medication. You’ll need to clip their nails, groom them and make sure they are progressing properly. If you don’t want to get insurance, you need to plan on a savings account. Responsible pet care is not an inexpensive prospect!

Start Training Immediately

Trust me on this. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and aggravation if you focus on training early. Not only does it help you bond with your dog, it helps your dog become a confident, contributing member of your home.

Enroll your puppy in puppy training and socialization classes. Enlist the help of a full-time trainer for private lessons if you feel that your puppy needs some special attention away from other dogs.

Your family does chores; your dogs want to do the same. Food is an excellent reward, but figure out what your puppy’s total calories should be and make the rewards a part of their diet. It’s better for your dog’s digestive system to eat small meals throughout the day and this will also help them avoid getting bored with their food.

Find a Reliable, Licensed, Bonded Pet Sitter

Again, this is an important part of having a dog. You won’t be able to have your dog with you all the time, and things can happen that may impact your care. Having a reliable pet sitter on call who knows your pets is an invaluable resource.

December 12 2018

Dog and Puppy Holiday Gift Guide 2018

melissa Dogs, Fun, Training dog toys, holiday presents for dogs

What could be more fun than giving your dog a gift during the Holidays? Once your dog discovers wrapped boxes and gift bags contain goodies for him, you’ll be amazed at how quickly he becomes part of the holiday festivities.

Here are a few gift ideas for your dog this holiday season:

Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo—Does your dog hate baths? Then what better gift to give him than waterless shampoo! Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo is designed for quick use between grooming sessions, and leaves dogs smelling fresh. This salon-quality product uses organic ingredients, including red raspberry seed oil, jojoba seed oil, organic argan oil and niaouli oil to sooth, nourish and protect coats. www.kibblepet.com

CoCoChews—Ever wonder what Hawaiian dogs like to chew on when they go to the beach? Coconuts! The fiber on the outside of the coconut shell is a favorite of dogs who like to gnaw, and also helps clean their teeth while they are chewing. CoCoChew takes advantage of this double benefit by using coconut husk in their chew toys. Two different durable rope toy designs are available: the CoCoChew Classic and the CoCoChew Junior for smaller dogs. Not only are these toys good for playing tug, but they also don’t get soggy when wet, like standard rope toys. CoCoChews are chemical free and made from sustainably sourced coconut husk. www.cocochewllc.com.

Bark Box—If you like to spoil your dog year-round instead of just at holiday time, consider getting him a subscription to BarkBox for Christmas. Your dog will receive a cardboard box every month containing an assortment of goodies, including treats, toys and other dog favorites. Each month features a particular theme, such as The Knights of the Hound Table, Chewrassic Bark and Sniffin’ Safari. www.barkbox.com

The Original Cricket Cookie—If your dog likes treats and you’re not squeamish about bugs, consider putting a bag of Original Cricket Cookies in his stocking this Christmas. Not only are Original Cricket Cookies healthy, containing more protein than treats made with chicken or beef, but they are also more sustainable than treats made with traditional animal products. According to the manufacturer, cricket protein uses less resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than chicken or beef. Original Cricket Cookies come in an assortment of flavors, including peanut butter and blueberry, peas and sweet potato, and sweet potato and apple. Although they are made with cricket protein, the treats have the same look and feel like traditional dog treats. www.jiminys.com
Chuckit! Pro Launcher – A must-have for every parent of a ball-obsessed dog, Petmate’s Chuckit! makes fetch fun for canines and easy for humans. The Chuckit! Pro Launcher lets you throw tennis balls farther and faster, and makes it so you don’t have to bend down to pick up a slimy ball. When you play with your dog using the Chuckit!, the launcher grasps the ball and releases it when you swing. You’ll be amazed at how far the ball will go with just a little effort. It’s the perfect gift for dogs who love to play. https://www.petmate.com/chuckit-pro-launcher/product/248201

UpCountry Collars – Perfect for a night walking with carolers. UpCountry collars come in more than 100 beautiful designs and the company offers matching leads and harnesses to complete the look. Made in the USA THE holiday collection features everything from sweaters to treats. Each year during the holiday season at Up Country, employees collect money for donation to a nonprofit organization. Up Country generously matches the total raised and the company actively participates in fundraisers for a variety of organizations. https://www.upcountryinc.com/our-products/category/holidays

PetSafe Pogo Plush Toys – Looking for a toy that will hold up to the heaviest chewer? PetSafe offers PogoPlush toys that come complete with a migrating squeaker and an inner cage under the plush covering dogs love. Great for any size, this toy can last much longer than your standard plush toys. PetSafe plays a lead role in helping pets become respected citizens and actively participates in community initiatives to create dog parks, as well as offering tuition assistance and supporting pet-friendly communities. https://store.petsafe.net/pogo-plush

Chilly Dog Sweaters – Dogs with short hair need help staying warm during the holidays, and what better way to do it than with a cute, 100-percent wool wintery sweater? Chilly Dog is offering the Black Snowflake Dog Sweater as one of its Nordic dog sweater designs. The sweater is made following the Fair Trade guidelines, and is hand-knit in South America. Available in eight different sizes, from XXS to XXXL, the sweater is suitable for all breeds and sizes. Checkout their website for more fun wintery selections! https://chillydogsweaters.com/

Ruffwear K9 Overcoat – Ruffwear proves it is the king of outdoor wear for dogs. The redesigned K9 Overcoat is great for any climate and the durable material allows it to stand up to even the most active dog. Wind- and water-resistant outer fabric keeps the elements out, while interior fleece layer keeps body heat in. Ruffwear’s Donation Program provides product donations to organizations and events that support outdoor spaces where wildlife thrives and people and dogs recreate. https://ruffwear.com/products/overcoat-jacket

November 21 2018

Pet Safe Holiday Decorating Tips

melissa Cats, Dogs, Safety, Training cat safety, dog safety

Preparing for the holidays can be a lot of fun. Whether it’s decorating a Christmas tree or adorning the house with holly, getting ready to celebrate the winter holidays can really get you into the spirit.

cat safe holiday decorating — Naughty kitty playing with a Christmas ornament under a tree

If you’re a pet owner, there’s something else you need think about as you prepare: your pet’s safety. Both cats and dogs can get into trouble around the holidays if you’re not careful. Let’s take a look at how.

Christmas trees.
Whether you’re adorning the tree or hanging lights around the house, it’s important to keep your pet in mind. Certain types of decorations can be harmful to your pet. Tinsel, for instance, can be appealing to cats because of its string-like qualities. If you cat swallowed tinsel, it can become trapped in his digestive system and wreak havoc. Skipping tinsel on the tree is the best choice for cat owners.
Cats also like to bat at low-hanging Christmas ornaments, which can break and shatter if they are made of glass. Hang breakable ornaments high on the tree where your cat can’t reach them (and where your dog’s tail won’t take aim) or use wire to secure them to the tree so they won’t fall if disturbed.
And on the topic of the Christmas tree, cats have been known to try to crawl up the trunk of real Christmas trees, sending the end tree toppling to the ground. To protect both your tree and your cat, stabilize the tree by attaching it to the wall with wire.
Lights.
Indoor holiday lights can also be a problem for pets. Both cats and dogs who like to chew may be drawn to strings of lights. The wire between the bulbs can prove irresistible to chewers, and the results can be devastating if the lights are plugged in. Your pet can be electrocuted or a fire could start. It’s important to hang lights were pets can’t reach them. If you need to plug a string of lights into an electric socket near the floor, consider encasing the wire in plastic tubing (the kind used for aquarium filters) so your pet can’t chew through it.
Gifts.
Even giftwrapping can be dangerous to pets, particularly cats. Strands of narrow ribbon can be end up in your pet’s digestive system. Be careful to clean up ribbon after you have finished wrapping gifts, and keep wrapped packages out of the reach of pets.
Live plants.
While holly and mistletoe are attractive holiday favorites, they are also poisonous to pets. Poinsettia, another holiday favorite, while not poisonous, can upset your pet’s stomach if ingested. Faux holly, mistletoe and poinsettia are the best bet for keeping your pet safe.

Live holiday trees can also cause problems for mouthy pets. If your cat or dog chews on the needles, he’s likely to get a stomachache, followed by vomiting. Go with an artificial tree, place your tree within a gated area or even use a decorative fence around the tree. Another method for keeping dogs away from chewing your holiday tree is to introduce a fun new bone or toy to attract your dog’s attention from the tree and to the item. Ultimately, boundary training your pets to stay away from the tree will be most beneficial.

With just a little effort, you can make the holidays enjoyable for you and safe for your pet.

(Animal Behavior College has an updated article on this subject, and it has been featured on porch.com. Click here to view the Holiday Safety Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Season. Our section of the article is on holiday pet protection.)

June 20 2018

How a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer Can Help Your Dog

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There is Help for Separation Anxiety Now

As a professional dog trainer, who works with a veterinary behaviorist, we encounter many desperate cases. Some of the toughest cases we deal with are separation anxiety issues in dogs; it’s such an emotional situation. If your dog is reactive to dogs or humans, you can manage the situation by keeping your dog away from her triggers. But with separation anxiety, you can never leave your home. Now, there’s help for separation anxiety in dogs!

What Does Separation Anxiety Look Like?

Unfortunately, pet owners often misdiagnose separation anxiety because some symptoms resemble normal potty accidents and destruction due to chewing. When a dog with separation anxiety is left alone, she literally has a panic attack.

Panicked dogs will:

Destroy doorways
Break out of crates
Drool excessively (front legs are saturated in saliva)
Pant heavily
Defecate
Urinate

This is completely different from a dog that hasn’t been potty trained or a bored dog. As Dr. Karen L. Overall VMD, PhD, DACVB mentions, “Signs of separation anxiety must occur only when the dog is separated or denied access to the client or clients” (2007, Clinical Behavioral Medicine For Small Animals). As a dog owner, who shares her home with a dog that suffers from separation anxiety, this condition is serious. Many dogs have severely injured themselves.

Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)

Many dog trainers refer out separation anxiety cases because they’re beyond their skill level. They will refer separation anxiety cases to veterinary behaviorists who often have a long waiting list. Until a veterinary behaviorist sees a dog, the dog owner can partner with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT).

CSAT experts must exceed extremely high standards before entering the program. They complete a rigorous three-month program solely focused on separation anxiety. A major benefit of partnering with CSATs is they offer virtual dog training anywhere! That’s right–regardless of where you live, a CSAT can offer solutions, tips and even work with your dog remotely.

First Step

If your dog has separation anxiety, ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behaviorist and follow up with a CSAT. I’m looking forward to taking this course over the fall, so maybe we just might meet up. 🙂

mixed breed dog gives a woman the paw siberian husky

June 7 2018

Dog Pawing Behavior: What It Means and How to Stop It (Updated for 2025)

melissa Dogs, Training Dog Behavior, dog pawing at me, dog paws at me, dog paws me, dog paws person, dog scratched me, dog scratches me, dog training, dog training tips, how to teach a dog, how to train a dog, puppy scratches me, stop dog from scratching people

Pawing and scratching might seem like innocent or even endearing behaviors in dogs, but they can quickly turn into a problem behavior—especially when you’re dealing with a large breed or a small dog living with young children. While many dog owners tolerate the occasional paw to the leg, repeated pawing often signals a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

This dogs paw behavior can stem from a need for attention, a lack of mental stimulation, or simply a misunderstanding of what’s acceptable behavior. Thankfully, with consistency and a bit of insight into dog behavior, pet parents can guide their furry friend toward calm behavior instead.

Why Dogs Paw or Scratch People

Dogs paw at people for a variety of reasons, but it nearly always boils down to communication. In fact, according to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, 63% of dogs who frequently use their paw are reacting to unintentional reinforcement. That is, the dog owner is unknowingly encouraging the annoying habit by responding—often with affection or treats.

Common Reasons for Pawing:

Seeking attention
Requesting food or treats
Experiencing anxiety or discomfort
Lacking mental stimulation
Boredom or attempting to avoid negative attention

Even well-meaning patting can reinforce this unwanted behavior, especially in puppies still learning boundaries.

FAQs About Pawing and Scratching

Q: Is pawing a sign of aggression?

A: Not usually. It’s often a sign your furry friend wants interaction or is experiencing stress. If barking, growling, or a stiff tail accompanies the pawing, consult a behaviorist.

Q: Should I scold my dog for pawing?

A: No. Reacting with frustration may lead to negative attention, which is still attention. Instead, reward calm behavior and ignore the pawing.

Q: What if my dog paws guests?

A: Redirect the behavior. Teach your dog to sit on a mat when guests arrive. You can also redirect to chew toys or a nose “touch” command to prevent unwanted jumping or scratching.

How to Stop a Dog From Pawing and Scratching People

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve seen dogs paw at people in surprising ways. Years ago, during a home lesson, a massive Great Dane greeted me with a paw slap across the back that left scratches and bruises. That kind of bad behavior is more than an annoying habit—it’s a safety concern.

The dogs paw reflex usually begins with a reward, even if it’s unintentional. When pet parents respond with affection, food, or patting, dogs learn that using their paw gets results. Even teaching a “shake” trick can encourage dog behavior that spills into other contexts. Instead of reinforcing that motion, try teaching alternative behavior like “sit” or “down,” which can be more easily rewarded without causing issues.

Effective Ways to Curb the Behavior

When dogs paw, and it’s ignored rather than rewarded, the behavior naturally fades. Use these techniques to create lasting results:

Wait until all four paws are on the floor.
Reward only calm behavior—use “yes” or a clicker, then treat.
Repeat daily until the behavior becomes consistent.

You can also teach your small dog or puppies to “touch” with their nose as a greeting instead of pawing. This keeps their mouth and paws away from guests and maintains appropriate dog body language. For dogs who continue pawing for attention, redirect them to toys or chew toys and reward when they settle.

If your dog shows signs of discomfort, such as licking their paw excessively, wagging their tail unusually, or showing tension in their dog’s body language, it could be a sign of anxiety rather than dominance. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from turning into problem behavior.

Support for Pet Parents

Breaking a dogs paw habit takes time, but understanding your dog’s motivation is key. Whether you have a golden retriever, small dog, or a lively pup, the solutions are the same: teach alternative behavior, avoid rewarding bad behavior, and consistently reinforce the good stuff.

And while you’re working on training, don’t forget the importance of pet insurance. Accidents can happen—from scratched guests to injured paws—and pet insurance helps cover those unexpected vet visits, giving you peace of mind as a responsible dog owner.

If you’re dealing with dogs paw constantly or unsure how to interpret your dog’s body language, consider speaking with a certified trainer. You’ll be better equipped to guide your furry friend toward healthier, more appropriate ways to ask for what they need.

How to Stop Dog Pawing Behavior

When behaviors are no longer rewarded, they will disappear. When a dog paws at you, take a step back and wait until all four feet touch the ground. The moment all four feet touch the ground, say “yes” and reward your dog. Of course, most dogs will paw right afterwards because they’re not sure which behavior provided the treat. Reward only when all four on the floor again.

Continue to practice daily, and wait for your dog to make a choice—watching your dog make a decision is a glorious thing to watch. Some dogs will gently place their paw on a person, think for a few seconds, then drop their paw to the ground. Reward good choices every time!

To prevent your dog from jumping up and pawing guests, teach him to “touch” guest’s hands with his nose. This keeps all four feet on the ground, gives your dog a chance to decide if he wants to greet a guest and offers a form of physical contact (like petting) for your guest.

If you don’t reward it, the behavior will disappear. 🙂