We have moved to Helping K9s, our website.
We also have an active facebook page Helping K9s, on dog related issues regarding rescues, training, fun, beauty, latest news and more. We hope to see you there, where interactions are much easier.
Since the start of this, our choice of dog training has become Natural Dog Training.
Thank you for stopping by, enjoy browsing and please visit us at Helping K9s
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Journey to the Heart of the Dog
I found this workshop description online - for a workshop in October 2009 and again in March 2010 Love it.
Sorry you missed it - Me too :)
But check out the website Natural Dog Training - there is lots of info there, enough to keep you busy for days.
The connection between dogs and human beings is far more profound than ever imagined. The only animal to integrate themselves into every aspect of human existence, dogs know us “by heart.” Learn what bonds humans and dogs and each dog to its owner. Thinking is what separates our two species; feelings are what we have in common. Explore why dogs do what they do, why we think about them the way we do, and how to understand a dog by learning to see “by feel.”
Traditionally the idea of heart has been a romantic notion, a wonderful sentiment, an apt metaphor, but dogs are here to show us that heart is tangible, material, and down to earth. It is a faculty of intelligence by which animals adapt to their surroundings and by which emotional energy is communicated from individual to individual, even across the species divide. The most amazing example of this is the dog-human emotional bond.
This is not a workshop about obedience. Before you set out to train a dog, you need to know how a dog’s energy works. You can establish amazing rapport once you learn how to work with his or her energy, instead of fighting against it.
Much of the time we will be outside observing dogs in nature and exploring Kevin’s way of knowing dogs. There is only room for a limited number of dogs, so you are welcome without your dog. Or if you’re thinking about getting a dog, come to this retreat first. If two people come together, they each get a 10% discount. Even if your dog stays home, you and your dog will be glad you came. Dogs want to be understood.
Sorry you missed it - Me too :)
But check out the website Natural Dog Training - there is lots of info there, enough to keep you busy for days.
Journey to the Heart of the Dog - Retreat Weekend
The connection between dogs and human beings is far more profound than ever imagined. The only animal to integrate themselves into every aspect of human existence, dogs know us “by heart.” Learn what bonds humans and dogs and each dog to its owner. Thinking is what separates our two species; feelings are what we have in common. Explore why dogs do what they do, why we think about them the way we do, and how to understand a dog by learning to see “by feel.”
Traditionally the idea of heart has been a romantic notion, a wonderful sentiment, an apt metaphor, but dogs are here to show us that heart is tangible, material, and down to earth. It is a faculty of intelligence by which animals adapt to their surroundings and by which emotional energy is communicated from individual to individual, even across the species divide. The most amazing example of this is the dog-human emotional bond.
This is not a workshop about obedience. Before you set out to train a dog, you need to know how a dog’s energy works. You can establish amazing rapport once you learn how to work with his or her energy, instead of fighting against it.
Much of the time we will be outside observing dogs in nature and exploring Kevin’s way of knowing dogs. There is only room for a limited number of dogs, so you are welcome without your dog. Or if you’re thinking about getting a dog, come to this retreat first. If two people come together, they each get a 10% discount. Even if your dog stays home, you and your dog will be glad you came. Dogs want to be understood.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Dogs - our other self
Dogs are our reflection in more ways than 1.
This is a recent facebook post of mine:
deep, still sigh this evening as i contemplate what we have been doing to dogs in our society. what is really going on that in recent years dogs are starting to get treated with psychiatric medication? -- dogs - the most open, joyful, playful, social and cooperative beings on earth-land.
According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an Estimated 93 million US Dogs and Cats are Overweight or Obese. That means that over half the nation’s dogs and cats are now overweight. This cost pets years of their lives and owners millions of dollars.
APOP reports the following as the primary risks of excess weight in pets:
This is a recent facebook post of mine:
deep, still sigh this evening as i contemplate what we have been doing to dogs in our society. what is really going on that in recent years dogs are starting to get treated with psychiatric medication? -- dogs - the most open, joyful, playful, social and cooperative beings on earth-land.
According to The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), an Estimated 93 million US Dogs and Cats are Overweight or Obese. That means that over half the nation’s dogs and cats are now overweight. This cost pets years of their lives and owners millions of dollars.
APOP reports the following as the primary risks of excess weight in pets:
- Osteoarthritis
- Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart and Respiratory Disease
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Kidney Disease
- Many Forms of Cancer
- Decreased life expectancy (up to 2.5 years)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Microchipping a dog - why because it can save your dog's life
Why you should microchip – a husky face in Lancaster CA shelter
This is a face of someone – and yes, I used that word deliberately - in a very high kill shelter in Lancaster, CA, LA County.The faces of some of those impounded there are on facebook – it breaks my heart how many get killed, and how many just needed another day or 2 to arrange for rescue. I think if I lived around there, I would not even have my own dog, just become a puller.
In any case, after a few days, they finally scanned this absolutely gorgeous girl. Tags can fall off but she is microchipped – GIVING HER MORE DAYS – and a second chance at life – even if the owner is not found. I vote for microchipping – and keeping your info updated. Microchipped dogs have a much higher chance of being reunited with their owners – and it buys them time at shelters.
Lost pets that are not microchipped have only a 13 percent chance of being reunited with their owners. When they have microchips they have a 74 percent chance of going back home. California legislators are considering a law that will require every cat or dog adopted at an animal shelter to be implanted with a lifesaving microchip.
Impound Number: A4316171
Mail to a friend
This is what someone said about her
really sweet girl…in with a golden retriever so dog friendly…smaller husky…just love her
Impound Date:
7/25/2011 10:37:08 PM
Sex
Female
Primary Breed:
SIBERIAN HUSKY
Age:
6 Years and 0 Months
Location:
Lancaster
Laurie Hoskins What the heck..the CTA didn’t show up–that’s a question not a definitive statement–the CTA was supposed to come TODAY AUGUST 1ST and she’s still listed!! Please keep cross posting her and find her a way out of there!! Rhonda Hallden –have you heard anything on this girl? M Saving Alife ..it doesn’t look like the CTA showed up!!!
15 hours ago · Like
posted on her thread today: Ok everyone take a deep breath 
UPDATE! Shelter people are complete imbacils! CTA canceld but guess what?.. A week later turns out the dog has microchip, really?.. Heloooo! So the dog is on hold till July 12th now. Great, what a waste of time. Do these people get paid $2 an hour and just dont wanna do anything or what is it? I have no comment here… duuuh…
6 hours ago · Like
Felicia Wilkey Grrr! Ok, since she’s microchipped, has the shelter bothered to call the owner?!? I can only hope that the owners are beside themselves trying to find her. Otherwise, well, I won’t even go there.
4 hours ago · Like
Felicia Wilkey I’m thinking July was a typo and should be August.
4 hours ago · Like
She is in this album 
If there was identifying info like a chip or tag, they have to hold the animal for 10 BUSINESS DAYS. If she came in on the 25th with either, “10 days” would be 8/5 – no surgeries on weekends, so available 8/8.This is her impound picture
On microchipping (from various sources on the www.)
Microchipping your cat or dog is the best way to ensure you have every chance of being reunited should they go missing.The size of a grain of rice, the microchip is inserted under the animals skin between the shoulder blades and can be easily detected with a special scanning device. These devices are kept at vets and rescue shelters and will detect the chip and it’s unique identification code.
The national microchip database can then be checked and a quick telephone call can reunite owner and pet.
Microchip. Microchipping involves the injection of a tiny chip (about the size of a grain of rice) just under your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. For those who are skeptical of microchips, here is a little information that may put your mind at ease. The microchip is housed in a type of glass made to be compatible with living tissue, so it won’t affect your pet adversely.
The process of inserting a microchip is similar to when your pet receives a shot and no anesthesia is necessary for implantation. Once in place, the microchip can be detected immediately by shelter staff with a handheld device that uses radio waves to read the chip. This device scans the microchip, and then displays a unique alphanumeric code that will be entered into a database with your information. Most animal shelters check every stray pet that comes through their doors to see if they have a microchip. If a microchip is found, the shelter contacts the database to find your information. Microchips are said to last 20 years, so there is no need to remove or replace it in the duration of a pet’s lifetime.
Although microchipping seems to be catching on, according to the Coalition for Reuniting Pets and Families, less than 5 percent of all pets are microchipped. Although microchips are a lifesaver, don’t rely on it as your pet’s only means of identification. While your local shelter may have a microchip scanner, your neighbor most likely doesn’t, so a collar with an identification tag is a great addition to the microchip.
It uses a “radio frequency” that allows a special scanner to read a number that is identified with a specific pet.
Opponents of the bill say that chips move around on a dog’s body and cannot always be detected. And some accuse microchips of causing tumors and cancer.
Supporters acknowledge that chips can “migrate on an active dog,” but can be found; …”it just means scanning a wider swath.” The AP also interviewed four veterinarians about microchips causing cancer and all of them stressed that “problems are unlikely when chips are inserted properly.”
Lawmakers are optimistic SB 702 will pass in mid-August.
Monday, July 25, 2011
What is a therapy dog -an introduction
An introduction to therapy dogs
A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide company, affection or comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes or nursing homes. The establishment of a systematic approach to the use of therapy dogs is attributed to Elaine Smith, an American who worked as a registered nurse in England. Smith noticed how well patients responded to visits by a certain chaplain and his canine companion, a golden retriever. Back in the USA in 1975, Smith started a program for training dogs to visit institutions. Working with therapy dogs is also called Animal Enhanced Therapy, Animal Assisted Activity and Animal Assisted Therapy.
This is a picture of Smoky, a Yorkshire terrier, the world’s first known therapy dog – and war dog in WWII. The stories are fascinating. Today the effectiveness of dogs for veterans with PTSD is well established.In order be suitable to be a therapy dog, the canine must enjoy human contact, not mind being petted or hugged in different ways, must be friendly, patient, confident and gentle. Walking on different surface, sudden loud noises, strange sights, peeping machines, wheelchairs, commotion or crisis situations should not get him upset or cause to react negatively. He must react appropriately with other dogs or animals, walk well on leash, come when called, sit and stay when asked to do so and tolerate being lifted.
Therapy Dogs are chosen first for their temperament and are then highly trained. They actually want to do this, they have a disposition towards this kind of work. They are tested and certified for suitability for therapy work. First they have to pass the AKC Good Citizen test and then the added requirements for therapy dogs. Once a dog passes the therapy dog test, he/she is then registered and officially a therapy dog. The service as a therapy dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your dog.
Therapy Dogs are chosen first for their temperament and are then highly trained. They actually want to do this, they have a disposition towards this kind of work. They are tested and certified for suitability for therapy work. First they have to pass the AKC Good Citizen test and then the added requirements for therapy dogs. Once a dog passes the therapy dog test, he/she is then registered and officially a therapy dog. The service as a therapy dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do with your dog.
Therapy dogs come in all sizes and breeds. It is the temperament and training that matters. In recent years, therapy dogs have been enlisted to help children overcome speech and emotional disorders. Therapy dogs can also do this schools, for people with learning difficulties or generally can be used in stressful situations, even as disaster areas.
Volunteering with a therapy dog is one of most rewarding services you and your dog can offer. These special dogs seem to instinctively know what a person needs. They bring a smile to their faces or a light to their eyes. The ability to touch a gentle dog can have quite a healing and soothing effect. It has been documented that interaction with pets can help reduce a person’s pain and improve his or her well being, as well as lower blood pressure, promote relaxation, relieve agitation, anxiety and stress, and improve communication. To patients, they are a welcome change from hospital routine, from infirmity, and loneliness or depression. Their faces literally light up. There is such joy – and rather then remember the pain, they remember the dog that came to visit.Therapy dogs make it easier for patients to talk, to remember past experiences and share common ties. Physically, the dog encourages patients to stretch, move and relate to others.
While not all dog or handlers find it suitable to work in hospice, The sight of a dog and the touch of its fur often brings peace and joy to those patients whose life once included animals. Physical contact has a calming effect and dogs have the ability to bring back pleasant memories of a person’s life.
“While working with a hospice program, dogs learn to be able to sense the process an individual goes through with death. Signs may include a change in breathing, restlessness or possible disorientation. In addition to the patient, dogs and handlers often have the ability to comfort family members including children. Handlers must recognize if it’s appropriate to stay or excuse themselves when the end is near. There are times when the family may request that the therapy dog lay by the end of the bed during the patient’s final moments of life. This might be because the patient loved dogs and the sight of the dog brings a sense of normalcy for not only the patient but the family as well.”from Therapy Dogs International (TDI®), founded in 1976 by Elaine Smith.
A therapy dog is NOT a service dog who stays with his owner (patient) and is trained to provide a certain service. Service dogs enjoy certain legal rights, such as access to restaurants, therapy dogs do not. Both kinds of dogs live a life of service.
Germs and therapy dogs: A side note from Infectious Disease: (May 8, 2009) — University of Guelph in Canada researchers investigated whether MRSA and C.difficile could be passed between pet therapy dogs and patients. The findings suggested that MRSA and C. difficile may have been transferred to the fur and paws of these canine visitors through patients handling or kissing the dogs, or through exposure to a contaminated healthcare environment. the conclusion of the study: The authors conclude that in order to contain the transmission of pathogens through contact with pet therapy animals, all patients and handlers should follow recommended hand sanitation procedures.
At age 19 years and 6 months, Baxter eased peacefully from his life on October 16th, 2009.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Pure Gold Rescue Angel Monthly Shelter Animal Fundraiser
Benefiting a no-kill shelter or non profit rescue organization
Our first month's beneficiary is Sammie's Friends in Grass Valley, California
After weeks of wondering and many tears, there came a brand new idea this evening to help dogs and other animals in no-kill shelters across the country:
"Pure Gold Rescue Angel" Monthly Fundraiser to benefit a non profit no-kill shelter or rescue each month.
Please consider benefiting the no-kill non-profit shelter Sammie's Friends
with the Pure Gold Rescue Angel.
It has triple benefit - helping animals in need - in these times of financial uncertainty, why not get Gold - and getting to wear a beautiful piece of jewelry.
These Angel images are handcrafted onto a quarter size 24 K pure gold token and contained in a beautiful, hand braided 14 K rope bezel, protected in crystals. Magical and with intrinsic value and not your everyday item, wear it with pride and knowing you have helped animals in need - and eased the worries of rescue workers just a little bit.
Certified .999 gold, as I photographed it in the setting sun - the magic of the gold sparked this idea. It is worth a try at least. Only those who never try are guaranteed to fail.
Every single penny above my cost will go to Sammie's friends, the designated animal rescue shelter this month.
The quarter size 24 K Gold token is beautifully engraved with the image of an angel and comes in a 14 K gold hand braided bezel.
Your donation above the value of the gold and gold angel art is tax deductible and you will receive a statement at the end of the year.
If you would like to get a Pure Gold Rescue Angel, please contact me through this blog until I have figured out the payment logistics.
How good can a it get get? A Beautiful Piece of Jewelry - Pure Gold - and you have Helped Animals in need!
Be a rescue angel and wear it with pride.
Imagine you are wearing your gold rescue angel and people you meet start commenting and asking about it - what a great way for you have to tell the story of dogs, their plight and your love for them and how this is helping rescues and shelters and you can tell them "I got it at helpingK9s.com". Any yes, it is pure gold. And yes, you are wearing it as a rescue angel and they they too can become one.
You never know who you meet. Everyone can add their voice.
Again this month's beneficiary is
Sammie's Friends of Grass Valley.
Please check them out here:
Sammie's Friends. It is a very fun website!!!
They work tirelessly for all kinds of animals in need. They need help.
Beloved Skye came from there.
Skye, a dog in my life who was the key to a door in my heart.
My heart since then has been broken many times, tears been shed in agony and disbelief - and ever since I have become aware of the plight of literally MILLIONS of dogs each year, I have wondered what I can do to help. This blog in a mini step in that direction, getting the word out to those around me, volunteering, in whatever small way possible at a local shelter and today, this idea of a monthly fundraiser with the help of these Pure Gold Rescue Angels.
For the Love of Skye
It was through going on the internet for helping some folks to raise a 1 y old pup from a shelter that I came across the many videos and postings regarding the plight of dogs and the neglect and cruelty done to them and other animals in our society and this world. My heart was broken over and over - and it is with deep gratitude to have had her in my life that I find myself doing all what I can to help. Help can come in many ways, just as love.
Different ways to help for different kinds of people.
This is one of the things I wrote about Skye.
♥ She IS Art - sculpted and painted by nature and imbued with a big spirit by creation itself.
She IS Art - no point really trying to describe it - she is a delight to behold....beautiful, present, playful, regal, happy, alert, with such elegance in movement, with determination & focus, loyalty in doing her job - independent yet open to adjustment & contact - slowly giving her trust and turning into a love bug.
she raises your spirits with her magnificent presence just being who she is from her essence...a transmitter of divine vibration.
maybe there are other dogs like this - maybe there is one such special dog for everyone that can have such an effect on someone. maybe i was just ready to see, maybe she really is that special, maybe it was reawakening past live connection. who knows...
...wish you could have seen her fly through the meadow, studying a situation, try to play with a cow, or teach stormy how to play or wag her tail or....
may you be blessed with an encounter such as this so when you hear someone say "it's just a dog" or "just a drum" or "just a promise" or "just a weed" - you know that they "just don't understand". not yet anyway...you've got to be open to the magic, willing to go through the portal into a different world, be amazed, accept what you find there, give it your full attention...allow your heart to be broken once again....humbled, still and awed - and be changed - ART.
Our first month's beneficiary is Sammie's Friends in Grass Valley, California
After weeks of wondering and many tears, there came a brand new idea this evening to help dogs and other animals in no-kill shelters across the country:
"Pure Gold Rescue Angel" Monthly Fundraiser to benefit a non profit no-kill shelter or rescue each month.
Please consider benefiting the no-kill non-profit shelter Sammie's Friendswith the Pure Gold Rescue Angel.
It has triple benefit - helping animals in need - in these times of financial uncertainty, why not get Gold - and getting to wear a beautiful piece of jewelry.
These Angel images are handcrafted onto a quarter size 24 K pure gold token and contained in a beautiful, hand braided 14 K rope bezel, protected in crystals. Magical and with intrinsic value and not your everyday item, wear it with pride and knowing you have helped animals in need - and eased the worries of rescue workers just a little bit.
Certified .999 gold, as I photographed it in the setting sun - the magic of the gold sparked this idea. It is worth a try at least. Only those who never try are guaranteed to fail.
Every single penny above my cost will go to Sammie's friends, the designated animal rescue shelter this month.
The quarter size 24 K Gold token is beautifully engraved with the image of an angel and comes in a 14 K gold hand braided bezel.
Your donation above the value of the gold and gold angel art is tax deductible and you will receive a statement at the end of the year.
If you would like to get a Pure Gold Rescue Angel, please contact me through this blog until I have figured out the payment logistics.
How good can a it get get? A Beautiful Piece of Jewelry - Pure Gold - and you have Helped Animals in need!
Be a rescue angel and wear it with pride.
Imagine you are wearing your gold rescue angel and people you meet start commenting and asking about it - what a great way for you have to tell the story of dogs, their plight and your love for them and how this is helping rescues and shelters and you can tell them "I got it at helpingK9s.com". Any yes, it is pure gold. And yes, you are wearing it as a rescue angel and they they too can become one.
You never know who you meet. Everyone can add their voice.
Again this month's beneficiary isSammie's Friends of Grass Valley.
Please check them out here:
Sammie's Friends. It is a very fun website!!!
They work tirelessly for all kinds of animals in need. They need help.
Beloved Skye came from there.
Skye, a dog in my life who was the key to a door in my heart.
My heart since then has been broken many times, tears been shed in agony and disbelief - and ever since I have become aware of the plight of literally MILLIONS of dogs each year, I have wondered what I can do to help. This blog in a mini step in that direction, getting the word out to those around me, volunteering, in whatever small way possible at a local shelter and today, this idea of a monthly fundraiser with the help of these Pure Gold Rescue Angels.
For the Love of Skye
It was through going on the internet for helping some folks to raise a 1 y old pup from a shelter that I came across the many videos and postings regarding the plight of dogs and the neglect and cruelty done to them and other animals in our society and this world. My heart was broken over and over - and it is with deep gratitude to have had her in my life that I find myself doing all what I can to help. Help can come in many ways, just as love.
Different ways to help for different kinds of people.
This is one of the things I wrote about Skye.
♥ She IS Art - sculpted and painted by nature and imbued with a big spirit by creation itself.
She IS Art - no point really trying to describe it - she is a delight to behold....beautiful, present, playful, regal, happy, alert, with such elegance in movement, with determination & focus, loyalty in doing her job - independent yet open to adjustment & contact - slowly giving her trust and turning into a love bug.
she raises your spirits with her magnificent presence just being who she is from her essence...a transmitter of divine vibration.
maybe there are other dogs like this - maybe there is one such special dog for everyone that can have such an effect on someone. maybe i was just ready to see, maybe she really is that special, maybe it was reawakening past live connection. who knows...
...wish you could have seen her fly through the meadow, studying a situation, try to play with a cow, or teach stormy how to play or wag her tail or....
may you be blessed with an encounter such as this so when you hear someone say "it's just a dog" or "just a drum" or "just a promise" or "just a weed" - you know that they "just don't understand". not yet anyway...you've got to be open to the magic, willing to go through the portal into a different world, be amazed, accept what you find there, give it your full attention...allow your heart to be broken once again....humbled, still and awed - and be changed - ART.
Trying socialization at a dog park?
My own opinion on dog parks: use at your own risk and with good supervision. They will not make a balanced dog out of an unbalanced dog. Do not use them as a substitute for appropriate exercise.
For images of what socialization can look like, click here
Harley on
Martha 's question about dog socialization for an older dog set in it's ways.(from a related other blog)
You mentioned that some dogs like the company of other dogs. We rescued our Chiahuahu/Terrier mix (18 lbs) when she was 22 months old. She exhibited intense fear aggression toward humans AND dogs. She’s over 3 years old now and has settled in with humans quite nicely, thanks to our loving home, regular relaxation massages and gradual exposure to dog-doting humans. I took her to a doggy day care in the beginning to try to socialize her and it didn’t go well. I think it was too stressful for her so I stopped. When we’ve taken her to the dog park and have boarded her two times at the same doggy day care place, she didn’t interact with the other dogs at all (I could watch her on the closed circuit TV from our vacation home’s computer). I feel sad that she’s an “only child” and doesn’t have fun around other pups. I’ve been wondering about trying her at the dog park again now that the weather is improving, but should I assume she’s one of those anti-social types and leave it at that? I don’t want to undo the balance she’s already achieved with humans by putting her in a situation that reactivates her fears.
Hi Martha, Harley here,
I have been training dogs for over forty years and I must tell you that it has been my experience that all dogs can change, as soon as their owners change. I want to point out a couple of things I noticed in your comment. The first thing I want to bring to your attention is how you speak about feeling sad about your dogs situation. While feeling sad for something or someone is a very compassionate and human thing to do, in the dog world if you try to approach a dog feeling sad about them they will only experience a negative energy, and see you as weak,and will not respect you as a leader and protector. You can not help your dog to move forward when they are being influenced by any human emotion,such as,anger,fear,and sadness.My suggestion would be to become educated on what it takes to be your dogs leader, when you learn to use calm and assertive energy, and understand your dog’s body language, you will be in better shape to help them move forward.
One last piece of advice. As far as your dog being anti-social, it is my belief that there is no dog that don’t want to be with other dogs. Dogs are a pack animals,and are very social by nature, and thrive in the pack. The dog park however, is a very unstable and chaotic place. It is not a good idea to take an already unstable dog to the dog park. In most cases, instead of being a calm and social experience it is just the opposite. A bunch of unstable dogs running around doing what ever they want, and their owners are the ones doing the socializing, talking on the phone, chatting with other dog owner, and not paying attention to their dogs. Learn how to be the Leader, and when you can make your dog understand that even when surrounded with unstable and chaotic dogs, she must remain calm and submissive, then you can take her to the park. If you have any questions, or want more information, just click on my name and you will be taken to my Dog Training Tips Community. There you will find, pictures,videos,and valuable information about dog training and understanding their behavior. Get a free e-book about how to be the Alpha and Stop your Dogs Problem Behaviour
I hope I have helped
For images of what socialization can look like, click here
Harley on
Martha 's question about dog socialization for an older dog set in it's ways.(from a related other blog)
Hi Martha, Harley here,
One last piece of advice. As far as your dog being anti-social, it is my belief that there is no dog that don’t want to be with other dogs. Dogs are a pack animals,and are very social by nature, and thrive in the pack. The dog park however, is a very unstable and chaotic place. It is not a good idea to take an already unstable dog to the dog park. In most cases, instead of being a calm and social experience it is just the opposite. A bunch of unstable dogs running around doing what ever they want, and their owners are the ones doing the socializing, talking on the phone, chatting with other dog owner, and not paying attention to their dogs. Learn how to be the Leader, and when you can make your dog understand that even when surrounded with unstable and chaotic dogs, she must remain calm and submissive, then you can take her to the park. If you have any questions, or want more information, just click on my name and you will be taken to my Dog Training Tips Community. There you will find, pictures,videos,and valuable information about dog training and understanding their behavior. Get a free e-book about how to be the Alpha and Stop your Dogs Problem Behaviour
I hope I have helped
Reactive dog on leash
Tip from dogmama on germanshepherds.com
I went to a "reactive dog class" (we're SOOO politically correct!) because Zack was exactly like that on leash. Here is what I was taught - and it works.
I needed to let Zack know that seeing another dog was a GOOD THING. So, we started, very slowly walking by yards & houses where I knew Zack wouldn't react - he might look, but he wouldn't lunge & bark. As we got close, I'd say, "I see a dog! You get a cookie!" and give him a little treat. Quickly, he learned that the scent of a dog = food. When he made that connection, he only got the treat if he looked at me. His focus needed to be on me.
Slowly, we progressed to walking by (not close - across the street) nicer dogs. Same, drill, "I see a dog, you get a cookie." The trick was, I needed to see the dog first so that his adrenaline wouldn't get pumped up. Even if I missed, we'd play the cookie game if he didn't get adrenalized by seeing the dog.
I needed to let Zack know that seeing another dog was a GOOD THING. So, we started, very slowly walking by yards & houses where I knew Zack wouldn't react - he might look, but he wouldn't lunge & bark. As we got close, I'd say, "I see a dog! You get a cookie!" and give him a little treat. Quickly, he learned that the scent of a dog = food. When he made that connection, he only got the treat if he looked at me. His focus needed to be on me.
Slowly, we progressed to walking by (not close - across the street) nicer dogs. Same, drill, "I see a dog, you get a cookie." The trick was, I needed to see the dog first so that his adrenaline wouldn't get pumped up. Even if I missed, we'd play the cookie game if he didn't get adrenalized by seeing the dog.
Now, if we see a dog on leash, he snapped his head to look at me. Dogs are good! Hooray!
Off leash dogs are another story. If its obvious he won't be bothered by the off leash dog, I do the cookie routine. If, however, he reacts no cookie and I ignore the behavior as we walk by. It's funny because when the "danger" has passed, he'll look at me like, "well? I wasn't THAT bad was I?"
Sometimes it's hard to not laugh out loud with these guys!
I don't have to give him cookies all the time anymore. I DO reward good behavior if the strange dog is staring at him or otherwise being a jerk. If I can see that I'm approaching a "jerky dog" - generally any breed that ends with "...oodle" - I'll do the cookie routine. But, it isn't constant feed, feed, feed anymore. It's one cookie for looking at me, one cookie as we pass & maybe a cookie afterwards just for good behavior.
Off leash dogs are another story. If its obvious he won't be bothered by the off leash dog, I do the cookie routine. If, however, he reacts no cookie and I ignore the behavior as we walk by. It's funny because when the "danger" has passed, he'll look at me like, "well? I wasn't THAT bad was I?"
Sometimes it's hard to not laugh out loud with these guys!
I don't have to give him cookies all the time anymore. I DO reward good behavior if the strange dog is staring at him or otherwise being a jerk. If I can see that I'm approaching a "jerky dog" - generally any breed that ends with "...oodle" - I'll do the cookie routine. But, it isn't constant feed, feed, feed anymore. It's one cookie for looking at me, one cookie as we pass & maybe a cookie afterwards just for good behavior.
Ways to socialize your dog
Here just some visuals about what socialization can look like. Take your canine friends with you to expose him/her to a variety of situations. Invite people over and teach him the way you would like them to behave towards visitors. Do this often, at least daily throughout puppyhood and adolescence. There are special requirements if you are going to train a service dog or specialized working dog. This is your good canine citizen kind of socialization which ideally every dog should get who lives in the vicinity of other people and 4 legged creatures...and a good basis for all dogs. IMPORTANT: you must be in control of these new experiences to keep them safe and fun, building healthy confidence in your dog, as well as a trust based relationship between you and your dog. YOU must be in charge to keep your puppy safe. For example - letting your dog loose in a dog park so he/she can "socialize" with other dogs may severely backfire if you don't know exactly the other dogs it will meet.From Minette on dogtrainingsecrets.com:
.... young dogs and puppies are forming “opinions” about their world and they need socialization with lots of other “good” dogs so that they can generalize “all dogs are good” but once the dog is mature and likes other dogs this generalization has hopefully already formed and you don’t need to continue to socialize with unknown dogs. 
Socializing your dog: It is fun, it is bonding and it can prevent a world of trouble later on.You will never regret the time and effort you spent doing this for your canine friend
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Advice for new dog owners
What advise do I have for future dog owners?
Inform yourself about what it will take for you and other members of your household to take on a dog.
Decide what type of dog is right for you and your family. And once you say yes to adopting the animal, stick with it.
Then have patience, spend time, much time, observe, get to know this being now living with you.
Establish yourself to be the leader in your team/pack, use discipline and boundaries from the beginning.
Be consistent all the time.
Most of all, have, build and feel trust and respect for your dog. Discover what kind of training works best for your new companion. Have patience. Observe, sense, feel the energies involved. Find out the proper cuddle times, get her/him to relax and enjoy your hands on the body.
Give guidance, correct instantly - stay calm - surrounding emotional and energetic states will get picked up and acted out by your dog.
Find many ways to socialize him/her.
Feed them good food, the healthiest you can offer.
Take care of their medical needs.
Find out what works best for them in training. Respect them and their intelligence.
Walk with them, take them places, channel energy or go slow, reassure with the tone of your voice. Allow them to do dog things, allow them to be dog-happy.
No pity or sentimentality.
No rewarding unwanted behavior.
Open your heart, be amazed, touched, surprised and allow the delight and joy. Get help promptly if needed - spend more time - and take lots of pictures.
Till death does you part
Yurt had lived with his owner in a car - till the man fell ill with cancer and got admitted. He kept asking for his dog and one of the medical personell knew the shelter - a visit got arranged. There was instant recognition. They got to say good bye - the man died a couple of days later. Yurt got adopted.
Inform yourself about what it will take for you and other members of your household to take on a dog.
Decide what type of dog is right for you and your family. And once you say yes to adopting the animal, stick with it.
Then have patience, spend time, much time, observe, get to know this being now living with you.
Establish yourself to be the leader in your team/pack, use discipline and boundaries from the beginning.
Be consistent all the time.
Most of all, have, build and feel trust and respect for your dog. Discover what kind of training works best for your new companion. Have patience. Observe, sense, feel the energies involved. Find out the proper cuddle times, get her/him to relax and enjoy your hands on the body.
Give guidance, correct instantly - stay calm - surrounding emotional and energetic states will get picked up and acted out by your dog.
Find many ways to socialize him/her.
Feed them good food, the healthiest you can offer.
Take care of their medical needs.
Find out what works best for them in training. Respect them and their intelligence.
Walk with them, take them places, channel energy or go slow, reassure with the tone of your voice. Allow them to do dog things, allow them to be dog-happy.
No pity or sentimentality.
No rewarding unwanted behavior.
Open your heart, be amazed, touched, surprised and allow the delight and joy. Get help promptly if needed - spend more time - and take lots of pictures.
Yurt had lived with his owner in a car - till the man fell ill with cancer and got admitted. He kept asking for his dog and one of the medical personell knew the shelter - a visit got arranged. There was instant recognition. They got to say good bye - the man died a couple of days later. Yurt got adopted.
Food to fatten up your dog
Diet, Exercise and Health
In case your dog just does not seem to gain enough weight and the ribs are showing despite an otherwise clean bill of health, a good appetite and apparent sufficient amount of food, here a tip
add sardines, peanut butter and this:
Everything German Shepherd (facebook) wrote: "This is a recipe to put weight on
your gsd...10# hamburger meat 1 JAR ALL NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER 1 jar
wheat germ 1 lg box of oatmeal (uncooked) 1 1/4 Cup vegetable oil 10
eggs INCLUDING BROKEN MASHED SHELLS 1 container plain all natural
yogurt 10 sm pkgs unflavored gelatin 1 1/4 Cup unflavored molasses A
pinch of salt 1 lg box Total cereal (2lb's) (pinch of garlic powder
to add flavor) Mix all ingredients together well, much like a
meatloaf.... ROLL INTO BALLS any size you like put into separate
freezer bags and freeze, thawing out as needed. It puts weight on in
a very short time, not to mention the gloss in their coat. You can
use it every day when they have to gain weight and it does not
produce diarrhea. It can be fed alone or with TO"
In case your dog just does not seem to gain enough weight and the ribs are showing despite an otherwise clean bill of health, a good appetite and apparent sufficient amount of food, here a tip
add sardines, peanut butter and this:
Everything German Shepherd (facebook) wrote: "This is a recipe to put weight on
your gsd...10# hamburger meat 1 JAR ALL NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER 1 jar
wheat germ 1 lg box of oatmeal (uncooked) 1 1/4 Cup vegetable oil 10
eggs INCLUDING BROKEN MASHED SHELLS 1 container plain all natural
yogurt 10 sm pkgs unflavored gelatin 1 1/4 Cup unflavored molasses A
pinch of salt 1 lg box Total cereal (2lb's) (pinch of garlic powder
to add flavor) Mix all ingredients together well, much like a
meatloaf.... ROLL INTO BALLS any size you like put into separate
freezer bags and freeze, thawing out as needed. It puts weight on in
a very short time, not to mention the gloss in their coat. You can
use it every day when they have to gain weight and it does not
produce diarrhea. It can be fed alone or with TO"
Friday, June 24, 2011
Euthanasia in animal shelters - why so many?
Please take a look my page too
Re-Posting this here from the examiner, to not forget
Euthanasia in animal shelters - whose fault is it?
Pam D'Addio
It's easy to blame the person holding the syringe when a beautiful, healthy, friendly animal dies solely because it's homeless. However, we need to look deeper to follow the levels of this issue all the way back to its heart. Shelter euthanasia is the symptom, not the cause. Who's to blame, really?
Shelters and their staff are often vilified for humanely euthanizing millions of animals that wind up in their care each year. But open-admission shelters are obligated to take in all animals that come their way. Decisions are made to euthanize, not by cold hearts but by administrators and staff whose facilities simply don't have the space or funds to care for the constant flood of unwanted, surrendered, abused, neglected and stray animals who pass through their doors day in and day out.
There are just too many dogs and cats in the world and not enough homes for them all.
People often complain that shelter staff were 'rude' to them when they surrendered an animal. Have they ever been on the other side of the counter, listening to someone say, "My dog is pregnant and I can't handle puppies", "I'm moving and can't bring him", or "I wanted my child to see the miracle of birth but I can't keep these kittens"....or maybe all three of these in the first hour of a busy day?
Animals are 'dumped' at shelters and people walk out the door relieved that the pets are no longer their responsibility. Many of them even optimistically believe the fairy tale ending of, "they'll find my ex-pet a wonderful home".
Maybe.
As they're driving away, the race against the clock begins for the furbaby left behind. If it's lucky, it's given a vet check, food, water, a bed in a secure area and a 'few days' to charm a passer-by into adoption. (So many are too afraid and traumatized to 'show well' in their cage in order to win someone over.) They may need vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, spay or neutering, heartworm preventative or treatment, or a myriad of other medications or procedures.
CHA-CHING!
Before the day is over, the animal could cost the shelter facility hundreds of dollars as well as very precious, limited space. Most shelters are strapped for funds and full to capacity at all times. Some shelters immediately put down dogs who are older or of a particular breed without them ever being given a chance to find a new home. This 'selection' process is based on experience with adoption and the need to pick and choose which animals the limited funds can best serve. (Click here to read about Pit Bulls and euthanasia rates).
Some statistics that bring the problem into focus in a hurry...
- 50,000 puppies and kittens are born each day in the U.S
- A ratio of 1 pet with a home to 4 who are abandoned, abused, neglected, homeless
- 1 female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years
- 1 female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 pups in 6 years
- Only abut 19% of owned dogs and 22% of cats were obtained from a shelter or rescue
- 50% of dogs in shelters were brought in as strays without any identification and only 15% of these will be reunited with their families
Those who actually euthanize animals often suffer ridicule as well as extreme depression and burnout on the job even though most shelters rotate the technicians who euthanize into other areas and other jobs at the facility. But every day, cages fill up and countless innocents make the long walk down the short hall to their death. It's a horrible job but someone has to do it, and those many euthanasia techs who are truly kind-hearted animal-lovers take pride in making the passing as easy as possible even as their hearts break over and over again.
Humane euthanasia in a shelter is, for most, a far better end than what they may suffer on the streets. A painless death in the arms of a caring technician is better than starvation, illness, injury, dehydration, and encounters with other animals or with vehicles. If shelters stopped euthanizing animals, it would not stop animals from dying...it would stop them from dying humanely.
Another 'fairy tale' that people want to believe is that only old, injured, ill, or aggressive animals are put to sleep. In reality, millions of those put down are beautiful, healthy, friendly, young and happy even as they are euthanized. Again, it's a numbers game and animals of all types lose.
No-kill shelters do their best to protect as many animals as possible, but their costs are high since they sometimes keep animals for years if they're not adopted. Rarely government funded, they struggle to fundraise and solicit donations. Those animals lucky enough to land in their care are saved but they can only do so much for so many. Those turned away when no-kills are full often land in government animal care and control facilities where their clock starts ticking.
So, again, whose fault is it?
The saddest part is how preventable most of the overpopulation is. It's a worn refrain of Dog Rescue Examiner articles.....
ADOPT, SPAY / NEUTER, TAG / MICROCHIP, AND LOVE YOUR PETS FOR LIFE.
Further, work to educate people on responsible pet ownership (share these articles!) and urge legislators to pass laws that require mandatory spay/neuter of cats and dogs and prevent puppy mills.
Don't vilify those who are left to deal with society's surplus. We live in a 'disposable' culture where pets are often obtained on a whim (click here to read about pop culture's effect on shelters) and then discarded just as easily. Who's there to deal with the collateral damage? Shelters, rescues, their staff, volunteers, and individuals who all work hard every day to try to keep up.
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.....join the fight. Read related articles below, SUBSCRIBE above and follow Pam D'Addio on facebook @ Dog Rescue Examiner for more.
Crunching the numbers...click here for statistics on pet ownership and adoption.
To anyone who's ever rescued a dog.
Pit Bulls and euthanasia rates.
Dog who survived gas chamber to raise awareness.
What shelters want you to know if you need to re-home your pet.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
For future dog owners
- Inform yourself about what it will take for you and other members of your household to take on a dog.
- Decide what type of dog is right for you and your family.
- And once you say yes to adopting the animal, stick with it.
- Establish yourself to be the leader in your team/pack, use discipline and boundaries from the beginning. Be consistent all the time.
Most of all, have, build and feel trust and respect for your dog. Discover what kind of training works best for your new companion. Have patience. Observe, sense, feel the energies involved. Find out the proper cuddle times, get her/him to relax and enjoy your hands on the body. Give guidance, correct instantly - stay calm - surrounding emotional and energetic states will get picked up and acted out by your dog. Find many ways to socialize him/her. Find out what works best for them in training. Respect them and their intelligence.
No pity or sentimentality. No rewarding unwanted behavior.
- Feed them good food, the healthiest you can offer
- Take care of their medical needs
- Walk with them, take them places.
- Channel excess energy or go slow, reassure with the tone of your voice.
- Allow them to do dog things, allow them to be dog-happy.
- Open your heart, be amazed, touched, surprised and allow the delight and joy.
- Get help promptly if needed
Helping K9s - Dog help
Helping Dogs & Helping K9s came about through an experience of taking care of German Shepherd Husky for a little less than 7 months. This is the more philosophical part of it, the worldview section or, at times, rambling division on the rampant dog abuse& misuse in the world and ways to alleviate this worldwide suffering, dog training and and the consequences of the lack of proper training. For specific stories of dogs in need of help, please see the sister blog - Helping dogs.
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