I’ve been receiving many emails from humane groups – as I do every holiday season – warning folks to forego getting a new dog or puppy during the holiday season.

Some of the reasoning is sound: too much commotion; too many decorative dangers; too many distractions; and too much overload and stress of the season.

For some families this may be true…but for many the holiday season may be the perfect time to bring home a new dog.

What is true and easy to prove is that shelters are full; adoptions are down as well as donations. Too many dogs and not enough homes – no doubt related to economic woes. It also appears true that many families have decided to cut back on holiday spending – spending that has in the past twenty years or so – gotten out of hand anyway. I propose a solution to these problems – adopt a dog this holiday season.

Most people do not plan when they are going to give birth to a child and do quite well protecting their babes from the “Dangers of the Holidays.” Same is true for puppies and dogs. The Canine Kingdom’s Puppy Nanny Tammy can easily walk you through puppy preparations, cautions, equipment and training routines.

I grew up following the Christian traditions of the huge tree, the stockings on the mantle, and all those packages prettily wrapped and delivered by a big guy in a red and white suit who somehow entered my house through the chimney. As a serious little child I often wondered what that all had to do with the birth of Christ. But I wasn’t stupid and didn’t express my doubts too much as the presents were always cool.

We dutifully wrote our extensive wish list to Santa and explained how good we were all year, realizing we would only get one or two things on that wish list. My parents were not rich but they were financially comfortable. My brothers and I would get a bunch of ‘stocking stuffers’ and one ‘special’ present.

But even considering price differentials none of those ‘special’ presents could compare to today’s price tags of laptops, MP players, flat screen TVs, and other electronic ‘toys’ that I must confess I have no idea what they do. I even know of a family who sent their four sons on a Caribbean cruise for 10 days.

There may be a silver lining to the recession/depression. Maybe it’s time to reassess our excesses. Nothing exceeds like excess is a miserable mantra.

If your child is old enough, responsible and has displayed a true desire to share her life with a dog I say go for it. In one week, I dare say, most once coveted holiday toys have been tossed in the far corner of the room its gleaming newness dimmed.

It’s hard to not love a dog for its entire life. Walks in the park, in town, in the woods I am sure are healthier than flexing nothing other than knuckles while texting tripe. A growing child often has gloomy days of doubt and confusion. Nothing can wipe away those feeling better than a dog tongue. Your kid had a falling out with some friends at school – not gonna happen with a dog.

There is no better way to teach your child about responsibility, love, sharing, joy, play, fun, loyalty, fairness – I could go on and on – than sharing life with a dog.

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

Starting next April, the American Kennel Club will allow dogs of mixed and unknown heritage to compete in agility, obedience and rally in AKC sanctioned stand-alone events.

Future Agility Champs?

It really is the age of Change.

The AKC evokes images of puffy, preened poodles, spangled long gowns sported by stodgy ring judges, tuxedoes, Madison Square Garden, the Westminster Dog Show, the rich, the entitled and their blue blood canines.

Since its beginnings in 1884 the AKC has registered what it considers ‘purebred’ dogs. Acceptance by the AKC allowed those dogs deemed as ‘pure’ the privilege of competing in AKC sanctioned events – notably conformation – the equivalent of ‘beauty queen’ pageants.

Of late, I’ve noted deviations from established AKC rules. Once a rare event, each year more and more ‘unrecognized’ breeds have been recognized by the AKC. Good business move for America’s largest all-breed, multi-million dollar corporation. More dogs equal more registration fees.

As of July 2009, the AKC fully recognizes 163 breeds with 12 additional breeds granted partial status in the miscellaneous class. Another 63 rare breeds can be registered in its Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The partial status and FSS breeds will eventually work their way up in the AKC ranks and receive full recognition.

The AKC is not without its critics. While many dog parents value their dog’s AKC registration ‘papers,’ they are hardly an indication of quality breeding, genetic health, or stable temperament. AKC registration papers are issued to any pups whose sire and dam are AKC registered – whether those pups were born in a puppy mill or a mansion. The AKC does not require any prior health screenings, breed standard screenings or titles that display intelligence, working ability and competence for its breed – a real thorn in my side.

According to the 2009-2010 American Pet Product Association National Pet Owner Survey, there are 34 million mixed breed dogs in the U.S. The AKC will enroll spayed or neutered mixed breed dogs for a $35 fee. Do the math. But, for this one-time fee, your dubious heritage pup can participate in canine competitions – Agility, Obedience and Rally stand alone events sponsored by AKC-affiliated dog clubs. Once enrolled your dog will receive: a listing number and Lifetime enrollment in AKC CAR Pet Recovery Service; AKC CAR collar tag with AKC Canine Partners Listing Number; a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine; a frameable 8.5″ x 11″ AKC Canine Partners Certificate of Recognition; and an AKC Canine Partners decal.

Additional benefits include a free AKC Canine Good Citizen® certificate for dogs passing the CGC test, and the AKC promises various other offers from AKC affiliates and sponsors will be added to the program in the future. The corporation says that AKC Canine Partners is designed to strengthen the human-canine bond by encouraging training, responsible dog ownership and pet owner education. Well, I’m not sure if this is the main motivation but for dog parents who share their lives with mutts, I couldn’t be happier. Why shouldn’t ‘impure’ dogs engage in competition?

The first mixed breed events will begin on April 1, 2010. Plenty of time to start training.

Have fun. Remember dogs respond and learn best when well rewarded. Training dogs is not that complicated – reward the good – ignore the not so good. Stock up on agility equipment, training treats and dog toy rewards. The Canine Kingdom has a fine selection. Also available at the Canine Kingdom – dog coaching services for canine behavior problems and effective training advice.

Canine Kingdom Starter Agility Kit

To find an agility, obedience or rally event near you visit: http://www.akc.org/events/search/

 Change is good.

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

I just Googled Halloween and dogs and came up with two distinctly opposing topics – the dangers of Halloween to dogs and dogs in costumes – along with those perpetually popular sites entitled “Why Dogs Hate Halloween.”

Annie & Tsunami Looking Out for Ghouls

I would think most dog parents are aware of the Halloween warnings: candy (particularly chocolate and xylitol); electric lights, wires and candles; door knocking stress and lost dog dangers; stress related dog bite incidents; and costumes. A full list of Halloween precautions can be found at most shelter websites.

I don’t dress up my dogs. I do, however have a rain/snow overcoat for Annie who lacks a double waterproof coat of her own. The overcoat keeps her dry and the fleecy lining keeps her warm. She also wears boots in the winter because she gets painful, icy clumps between her toes. When Annie sees Hal get out her overcoat and boots she prances about flinging her squeaky toy up in the air while doing her happy dance. She stands patiently near the door as Hal adjusts her outdoor gear and buckles her up.

So, folks ask me, “What’s the difference between her coat and a costume?”

Dogs know the difference.

I am not being anthropomorphic. I know when a dog is happy and when a dog is sad or stressed. I recently listened to an interview with Marc Bekoff, noted animal ethologist, who questioned why people willingly note when an animal is happy but fail to recognize when an animal is sad. If an animal can experience happiness then surely they can be sad.

Some years ago I received holiday costumes for my dogs. I thought I would be considerate, put the dopey antlers and reindeer and elf stuff on the girls, snap a cute picture and send it off to the gift giver in appreciation for thinking of my dogs.

I began with Tsunami, my steady, bomb-proof dog. I opened up the cellophane packaging and called Tsu to me. She came, slowly, but had her ears back and held her head down so the whites of her eyes showed. She lay down at my feet as low as she could get. She did some tongue flicking indicating some stress and let out a big yawn – more stress and appeasement signs. Annie, who lacks Tsunami’s confidence picked up the signals, ran upstairs and crawled under the bed.

How could they possibly know we were going to dress them up with cheap costumes, make them look ridiculous and then continue with the further humiliation of capturing them looking like that in a photograph?

There are a lot of things we do not know about dogs. One thing I do know is that they are keen observers of us humans. I only wish I could recognize minute environmental nuances in the delicate and precise manner dogs do. Canine Sherlocks – they don’t miss a trick.

Pirate? I Will Not be a Stinkin' Pirate!

So, what do I think Tsunami sensed that put her on edge? Hal and I opened the package up in the kitchen. We began laughing. But it was a different laugh they sensed – not one that included a fun day playing ball. We mentioned their names…alerting them that something was up and it involved them. Did our laughs clue the dogs to potential humiliation? Must have. What else can account for Tsunami’s submissive, unhappy demeanor and Annie’s swift retreat?

I put the antlers on her head; I slipped her into the shiny, cheap reindeer suit complete with little hooves and white tail. I skipped the plastic red nose. Enough was enough. I told her to sit while I focused the camera. I looked through the lens and stared at my sad dog who sat obediently for me. I put the camera down, took off the costume and threw it in the trash. Soon, Annie came back downstairs.

Harleigh Enjoys Dressing Up

You say your dog likes costumes? Okay, I’ll buy that. There may be some dogs who like that sort of attention but I think most don’t. Please watch your dog closely for signs of stress, appeasement signals or that very sad look. Don’t make your dog unhappy.

 But Halloween doesn’t mean your dog can’t join in the festivities. How about stressing the ‘Treat” part of All Hallows’ Eve traditions?

The Canine Kingdom has stocked the store with festive holiday, healthy treats including sweet potato and cranberry flavors. These will put a smile on your dog’s face.

As a ‘Treat’ for my readers I found the niftiest free pumpkin carving stencils at bhg.com/dog.

Carve away and save the pumpkin meat, cook it up and add to your dog’s dinner. Yummy and so healthy.

Semper fido,

Marilyn

Abruptly, summer has ceased, warm weather replaced with blustery winds, driving sleet and rains and somber dark skies.

Not Long Now

Despite a lifetime of experience with these changing seasons, I never seem to be prepared. Last week, as temperatures plunged I stubbornly slipped into my sandals before heading out and was soon slogging through the grocery store parking lot. Wet, cold, shivering I returned home and sadly stashed the sandals.

That ill advised confrontation with Mother Nature proved me the weaker. I have a cold. Nothing more, nothing less – just a plain old common cold.

“I’m alright,” I tell friends inquiring of my well being. “It’s just a cold.”

I don’t know why we trivialize colds. They are really quite wretched. They hit you like a cyclone – fever, aches, pains. They then reinvent themselves. The fever soon subsides only to be replaced with never ending nasal discharge, runny eyes and numbing headaches. “I’m alright, it’s just a cold.” The damn thing is not serious enough to keep you under covers. Refusing to be wimpy about “just a cold” we usually go about our business for the next week or so armed with a box of tissues, decongestants, headache remedies and eye drops. No tea and sympathy for the cold. Tough it out – get over it. It’s just a cold.

Only my dogs understand me when I am sick.

Monday morning I realized things were not right. My throat was sore, my head ached and I just couldn’t drag myself from bed. Usually one good day in bed drastically lessens the duration of the cold. I told Hal that I was sick and would be sleeping in. He took the dogs, Tsunami and Annie, downstairs for outs and their breakfast preparations.

About an hour later I heard the rumble of dog feet running up the stairs. My dogs were coming up to see how I was doing. What sweet girls. Hal brought up the rear asking if I wanted anything like liquids, food, tissues, meds, etc. I put in my order and Hal went downstairs to pack up my needs. The girls stayed.

Tsunami took up her post next to my bedside. Annie hopped up onto the bed and settled into a spot at the bottom of my feet. This is what my girls do. If either of us takes to bed with an ailment, the girls take up a vigil. If they are called downstairs for an out, only one dog will leave at a time. Never is the sick person left alone. One dog is always on watch.

Nursemaid Tsunami

I didn’t teach my dogs to do this. They just do it. Somehow they work out a schedule. One dog may leave, perhaps to stretch her legs, grab a drink of water, ask for a walk – but never both dogs. Their patient is never alone.

I did put a little twist on this natural, self taught behavior. Tsunami does know the command “Hal! Go!” To Tsunami this means find Hal and jump on him. Hal knows this means he is to say “Show Me!” and Tsunami will bring him to me. Quite a handy little command when I am in need of some chicken soup. Much more personal than an intercom.

Their nursemaid diligence was so clearly illustrated several years ago when Hal took to bed for over a week following dental implant preparation surgery. His jaw bone was insufficient in girth to handle the implants so a bone augmentation surgical procedure was needed. That pretty much meant cracking open his jaw bone, pouring in some kind of bone augmentation material and closing up the jaw bone flap. See you in six months when your jaw bone is fatter the surgeons said as we left the hospital.

Driving home, Hal muttered something. He wanted to know how he looked. As minutes passed his jaw and his head swelled more and more. Stuffed with super potent pain killers Hal bought my lies when I told him he looked fine, despite his pumpkin head visage.

The girls were guileless. When we came in the house they surrounded Hal – concerned and upset. I set Hal up in bed. The girls hopped up next to Hal, sniffing his face in an attempt to discern what was wrong with him. Such alien scents their noses detected. Somehow, mutely, the girls set up their schedule.

Hal with Nursemaid Annie

Never was Hal alone. Despite attractive distractions like the detested Brown delivery man, knocks on the door, leash rattling for walks – Hal was always watched over – for the entire week – 24-7 – by at least one German shepherd dog.

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

Jester is a blessed dog. He has one of the best dog parents a dog could ever wish for – Tammy. Jester and Tammy live in San Francisco – one of the most dog friendly cities in the world.

Happy, Healthy Jester

A few years ago Tammy decided to bring home another puppy to keep her and Harleigh, her older Cocker Spaniel, company. As a knowledgeable dog person – Tammy teaches puppy classes and is well versed and educated in all things dog – she began researching Cocker Spaniel breeders across the country. Some of her criteria? An emphasis on health, non-conformation-show lines, and an un-cropped tail. Her quest led her to a Florida breeder. When Jester was old enough to trek across the country Tammy flew east and brought the adorable black and white pup home.

Jester has it made. Only a few months old, he began his early education and socialization, which are chronicled in the Canine Kingdom’s “New Additions.” When not catering to her dogs Tammy does have another job that helps support designer beds, the latest and best dog toys, doggie day care, the newest collars, leads, crates, blankets, coats and the highest quality human grade foods that can be found. Her dogs go to the beach, on vacation, and frequently attend dog get-togethers. Their health is monitored by the finest of veterinarians, they are minimally vaccinated and they are afforded the best in integrative health care. The freckle-faced pup has advanced quickly and he is working toward titles in agility and rally.

Last week Jester underwent emergency exploratory surgery after collapsing in Tammy’s hallway. What went wrong? How could this young, healthy dog have gotten so ill?

Transport to Primary Vet

Here’s what happened – as reported by Tammy.

On Sunday morning, Jester threw up foam and had dark colored diarrhea. The rest of the day he was fine, went to training class, and ate all his meals. Monday morning Jester threw up foam, had dark colored diarrhea but the rest of the day he was fine and went to day care. I came home from work and he went for a quick walk in the park – gopher hunting having a jolly good time. I took Jester and Harleigh for a ride and while I went to a meeting they stayed in the car. On the way home he started to throw up again – nothing came up.

I got home and as we walked from the car to my apartment – about one block – he vomited foam again. He was not walking well – very stiff and odd. I thought I’d feed Harleigh dinner, but not Jester. I took him out for a walk because he had gas and he looked like he had to go. He is usually picky about where he poops – not now – he went around the corner and just squatted and drip, drip, black diarrhea. More foam vomit.

I ran upstairs to get my purse to go to the vet and left him in the hall entry. He lay on the floor and wouldn’t get up. I carried him to the car. His gums were nearly white at the emergency hospital; and he was having labored breathing.

This is all very scary. Definitely an emergency.

At the emergency hospital Jester was tested for anemia to rule out immune disorders, liver enzymes to rule out poison, and X-rayed to search for a blockage or an intestinal disorder. Tests were negative and while the gut was inflamed no foreign bodies were detected. But not all of the things that dogs swallow show up on X-rays.

The vet suggested exploratory surgery – believing there may be a blockage that does not register in the X-rays. After much deliberation Tammy gave the OK.

Jester's Stitches

The surgeon thoroughly looked through all of Jester’s intestines – nothing. While she had him open she took some samples for testing.

Jester stayed overnight and received supportive therapy. Fortunately, he came through all of these assaults very well. Still no word on what caused this catastrophe.

A few days later Tammy learned that there was a colonization of a bacterium called Clostridium perfringens in Jester’s gut. Usually not a big deal but in Jester’s case it was.

Jester is blessed. He has a good mom who knew what to do. She knew to monitor his vitals. She noticed he was weakening. Tammy rushed Jester right off to the emergency hospital. Jester has health insurance (this entire episode will probably cost near $4,000). And,  Jester has excellent post-surgical care.

Jester Enjoys a New Pumpkin Toy While Recuperating

Are you prepared for “When Bad Things Happen to Good Dogs”?

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

A judge in Salem, N.J. ordered a former couple to share custody of Dexter, a Pug, after the pair paid lawyers $40,000 to settle the dispute. Court Judge John Tomasello said Dexter must spend equal time with Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare. Previously, courts found that a dog or a cat was not a child, but rather a piece of property like a table or a lamp that would be divided in divorce. The latest ruling could change the animals-as-property notion.

Packed Up and Ready to Go

I was pleased to read of this ruling. Dogs as well as other family pets are not lawn ornaments. They are living, sentient, loving beings who have been asked to share human households. When disorder and chaos strikes, in this case, in the form of divorce – pets – just like other family members – are emotionally traumatized. I do hope that Dexter adjusts well to the joint custody arrangement.

At some point this year, I heard of Jon and Kate and Eight and something about cheating and a separation. Maybe I stand alone here but I had no idea who or what the Jon and Kate thing was about. But there it was almost everyday in the news – Jon and Kate’s sordid this and that. At some point curiosity got the better of me and I read one of the “headline” stories concerning Jon and Kate.

I’m not a big reality TV fan. The Idols, the next best Dancers, the Survivors bore me to tears. Obviously I am in the minority as reality shows reproduce like bunnies.

So, for those of you, who share my taste in TV programs, let me explain that Jon and Kate and their eight spawn were/are the focus of a reality program. The show captured all of those marvelous moments of a young couple dealing with eight children. Yes. Eight. I do believe most of the little ones were the product of a multiple birth – the result of modern medicine and fertility drugs/treatments. Yes, I am vague because after learning of the theme of the show I quickly lost interest. I have never been inclined to view even one episode.

Happier Days?

Jon and Kate are back in the news again. This time because Jon packed up the family dogs and sent them back to the breeder, claiming Kate was not caring for them properly. (As part of their separation agreement – Jon and Kate move in and out of their sprawling estate to live with the eight children on alternate weeks.)

A little Jon and Kate history. At some point during the show the couple announced that they were adding two German shepherd puppies to their small nation. Two puppies at the same time? Not what I would recommend. Two puppies and a bunch of babies crawling around? Again, not what I would recommend. Fortunately German shepherd dogs are usually very good with babies. Unfortunately the pups suffered from baby abuse. Jon himself admitted that those puppies were prodded, poked, pulled, and sat on by all those babes, prompting investigations by local humane society authorities.

America watched as the family fell apart. Viewers learned of Jon’s affairs. The couple’s barbs were the fodder of the tabloids. This thing got really ugly, Jon and Kate graphically slinging verbal mud at each other.

The dogs are gone now…victims of the childish matrimonial squabbles of this vapid couple. I want to believe the dogs are better off. But I know that those dogs are grieving for their family – as wretched as it might have been. The older children surely must miss the dogs. What lesson did they learn from their parents? That dogs are disposable?  The lesson we should learn from this is that not everyone is entitled to share their lives with dogs. I hope the children fare better but I don’t see how.

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

Dog toys. How many do you have in your home? I have tons of them scattered all over the house. When I go shopping I’m always on the look out for cool toys. I have most of the toy collection featured at the Canine Kingdom. Well, someone has to test them and my dogs are willing participants.

Last night my local news station featured a segment about a non-profit web site that lists the results of pet product testing for dangerous chemicals like lead, arsenic and chlorine.

As Canine Kingdom CEO Mary Beth Close has said over and over – the pet industry is huge and unsupervised. I should know better but I have brought home dubious dog toys. I’m sure most of us are guilty of buying cheap imported dog toys – the ones in the supermarkets, big box pet stores and discount and dollar stores.

Time to rethink my buying habits. I may have been putting my dogs’ health in jeopardy. Nice to know there are groups around that monitor products, conduct lab tests and publish their findings. And nice to know that the Canine Kingdom researches, evaluates, and chooses its product selection based on safety, effectiveness, and quality.

For example, you will not find rawhide bones or chips, Greenies, small squeaky toys, tennis balls, or electronic shock equipment in the Canine Kingdom store, as these products have proven to be unsafe, less effective or harmful to dogs.

 And Kudos to the HealthyStuff.org web site for listing dangerous pet products. HealthyStuff.org tested over 400 pet products, including beds, chew toys, stuffed toys, collars, leashes, and tennis balls. Since there are no government standards for hazardous chemicals in pet products, it is not surprising that there were alarming levels of toxic chemicals found – even in well know brand names like Coleman. HealthyStuff.org results are especially of concern to pets and children. Pets and children are frequently close to floor and commonly put products into their mouths. Exposures are greater, resulting in greater health concerns. Check out some of the new test data on these common pet products: Tennis Balls; Chew and Tug Toys; and Pet Beds. Get a list of Pet Products By Level of Concern.

This Coleman Dog Bed Has High Levels of Lead

The U.S. government doesn’t require full testing of chemicals before they are added to most consumer products. And once they are on the market, the government almost never restricts their use, even in the face of new scientific evidence suggesting a health threat. Because children, adults and pets can be exposed to chemicals from many sources, and because the effects of some chemicals are cumulative, it is important to look at the whole picture concerning chemicals and health. The law that’s supposed to do this, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, is outdated, according to the non-partisan U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). In 2005, the GAO found:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has limited data on existing chemicals including toxicity and exposure information;
• EPA lacks data to ensure that potential health and environmental risks of new chemicals are identified;
• Chemical companies are not required to develop and submit toxicity information to EPA unless EPA issues a rule;
• EPA has used its authority to require testing for fewer than 200 of the 62,000 chemicals in commerce since 1979;
• For “new” chemicals, EPA estimates that only about 15 percent include health or safety test data; and
• For existing chemicals, only 5 chemical groups out of 62,000 have been restricted by EPA in 29 years.
It’s up to you. Keep your family safe. Only buy from reputable, reliable sources and manufacturers.

Semper Fido,
Marilyn

Dogs can control my level of happiness. Yesterday – because of dogs – I was on cloud nine.

A Dog Day Afternoon

Still dragging after a very intense, mentally taxing Holistic Vet Conference we attended last week, I met with my students, Traci Sanford, a cop, volunteer firefighter, wife and mom, and her K9 Wolf, a Search and Rescue dog-in-training.

No stranger to animals – Traci has enriched her life with the company of a motley menagerie of pets since childhood. Now she is learning the world of SAR in the hopes that she and her dog will make a difference. So others may live.

Traci is a very serious student. She is always prepared with the proper equipment and follows a precise routine when she works her dog. I have taught her that dogs relish consistent routines, repetitions and prompts and Traci has taken that advice and followed through.

Pre-Search Warm-up

Calm consistent handling, along with a strong reward system has produced a dog who has experienced success in his trailing skills.

Wolf is being trained as a scent specific, on-lead, trailing dog. After certification, Wolf may be deployed to assist in finding a lost person. He will be effective if a scent item is available. His skills will be useful in cases of lost children – from a home or campsite, Alzheimer patients who have wandered off, and hikers or hunters who have a vehicle parked at a trailhead. Prior to certification testing Wolf must be able to follow an aged trail – up to 24-hours old – over 2-miles long, over varied contaminated surfaces.

Smart as Wolf is, teaching these skills is not easy and does not happen over night. It can take two years of preparation to get to this level of competence and the training never does stop. His skills must be kept sharp and challenges, in the form of more difficult trails, will continue as long as he is operational.

It’s serious work. Wolf’s reliability along with Traci’s handling skills can mean the difference between life and death. But Wolf doesn’t know that. Wolf does what he does because he is rewarded for success. If he is not successful we take a step back, re-evaluate the situation, ignore the errors, and reward, reward, reward his feats.

Yesterday, I was not prepared. I failed to bring radios that enable me to communicate with the team. This would be a true blind trail for Traci and Wolf as I was laying the trail and would stay secreted until they found me. It was up to them – they were on their own. After some time, I heard the familiar sound of the bell attached to his harness. They were close I surmised. I stayed hidden behind a large maple in the dense forest.

Wolf Searching

I did bring a camera and captured a moment of Wolf – deep into the trail – following the scent processed by his very talented nose and brain.

Success! I held out a Wolf approved tug toy, a rather used and abused rope tug and Wolf grabbed it up in his formidable jaws and we enjoyed a rather vigorous game of tug – a game Wolfster always wins. Victoriously he ripped the rope from my grips and pranced about, his happy dance, swinging and killing the tug while stepping high and gloriously.

The three of us laughed and headed out of the woods and back to the roadway. The air was crisp – a hint of fall in the air – but still warm enough for a German shepherd swim. It was time for a swimming lesson. Though Wolf loved the search end ritual of the walk down to the Raquette River, he still lacked the confidence to get in the water over his head.

Plunking Stones and Otter Leaps

In typical fashion, Wolf galloped into the river, leaping like a crazed otter along the shoreline, checking back with us, smiling and mischievously dousing us in the process. Don’t tell me he doesn’t know what he is doing.

Armed with small stones we called to Wolf to establish eye contact, and threw the stone about four or five feet past him into the deeper water. After an irresistible volley of plunking stones, Wolf took that definitive, defining step into the black water.

He plunged a bit but his strong leg paddling kept him afloat. Sleekly he swam up and down the river, biting the water, enjoying the weightless sensation of the swim.

The Swimming Wolf

Dogs just wanna have fun!

Semper Fido,

Marilyn

A few years ago I had the privilege to observe a very experienced dog handler and his German shorthair pointer follow a very long, complicated scent trail. Judging by the white grizzled muzzle and the depth of the dog’s expertise in following scent, I’d say he was about eight years old. The dog’s brown eyes exuded confidence and intelligence. The handler, who was no youngster himself, kept his eyes on his dog as they worked the elusive trail. They were the perfect search and rescue pair. Both worked in unison, the handler observing his dog and the dog subtly returning indications to his handler. Mutely, they flawlessly followed the path of a lost person.

Like dancers, the dog led and the handler followed carefully affording the dog the freedom to follow his nose along the scent trail. Scent moves with the wind, with temperatures and can tumble down hillsides and through buildings and waft into tree lines and float on waterways. The veteran pointer knew his stuff about scent.

And that man sure knew how to handle a lead – his connection to his dog. Carefully and expertly he coiled the lead up when the pointer circled or backtracked chasing invisible scent. Never was there tension on the lead attached to the collar on that sleek neck. At times he held the lead up high over hedges and then low to clear a broken fence. They were a team each performing their task to perfection.

One of my special pleasures is walking my dog. Like so many others, I live in a village that has leash laws – and they are enforced. That’s OK with my though because I like to feel a lead in my hand. It is my connection to my dog. I could walk my dog blindfolded and feel the energy and emotions of my dog through that leash.

What is my favorite type of lead? I really can’t answer that question. Can you tell me what your favorite shirt, hat, or purse is? I have all kinds of leads for all kinds of situations. I also have leads in different colors, patterns, lengths and materials. Some leads snap around my waist for hands free walking, some are nylon, some cotton some utilitarian and some whimsical. I don’t dress my dog but I like to have different, colorful leads. I think Tsunami likes them too. I know she likes the attention she gets when we stop at the outdoor café for a latte. “Oooh, pretty leash Tsunami!”

The Perfect City Leash

Tsunami's Leash of the Day

Time for our walk. Tsunami, what leash would you like today?

Semper Fido,
Marilyn

Dog Walking Nirvana

Would you buy a product that includes a pamphlet warning that the device may cause serious injury to your eye and face? How about if the pamphlet also warned of rope burn abrasions, severe cuts, appendage amputation and a rather strong warning about never using the product near small children?

I doubt you would but I see these confound things all over the place. The most common type is sold under the brand name Flexi Lead.There are other brands available – usually cheaper made – including one manufactured brand that was recalled last year because it tended to snap resulting in a clasp projectile heading right plunk into your head. To read the recall follow this link. http://www.caninekingdom.com/index.php/Dog-Product-News/Worldwise-Inc.-Recalls-Retractable-Dog-Leashes

Flexi Lead

It’s been pretty warm lately here on the East Coast so we’ve been walking our dogs in the municipal park which skirts along the shores of a large lake. The prevailing winds drop down from the mountains and whisk along the lake creating cool, dry breezes.

The park includes several large grassy sports fields and a real pretty pathway all along the shore. There are several boat ramps and a few floating docks. It’s a nice place to take a stroll. It’s a nice place for a dog too.

My husband and I share our home with two German shepherd dogs Tsunami, a retired SAR K9, and Annie, who we adopted as an adult. Tsunami tolerates just about any situation but Annie is a ‘reactive’ dog. She is suspicious of strange dogs and people and will react if they get too close into her ‘comfort zone.’

She enjoys getting out of the house for a good walk as well as the next dog though. We’re diligent about keeping her away from other dogs and people. When we see other folks, particularly dog walkers, we go off to the side, feed Annie treats and tell her she is the best dog in the world and wait for them to pass. This works well for all and keeps Annie in a calm, happy state.

Happy Annie

Yesterday, we were walking along the lakeside trail. I noticed a woman with a big dog across a field, heading in our direction. They were fairly far away but they were on my radar screen. At one point we were all walking on a parallel path separated by about 50’ and a row of cedar trees. This was all well within Annie’s ‘comfort zone.’

In the wink of an eye – calamity! The large Lab mix was on a Flexi type lead. For some reason, who knows really, he decided to charge us. Galloping straight at us – I could hear the cable buzzing away just hoping that: 1) it wasn’t one of the extra long 25’ leads, 2) the woman had the strength to hang on when this 100-pound dog reached the end of the lead 3) the cable lead was strong enough and would not snap.

The dog garnered momentum and after 25’ – hit the end of the cable and sure enough – the woman was pulled off her feet, the plastic handle contraption yanked from her grip and the dog was heading straight for us armed with teeth, 25’ of dangling, dangerous, amputating cable and a clanking, useless plastic handle.

Hal, ever the vigilant Marine, quickly handed Annie (who was now in full fight mode) off to me and we retreated as my husband stepped in to avert a disaster.

Hal charged the Lab with hands outstretched which slowed the dog down some – enough so that he was able to step on the amputation-causing wire cable and halt the dog. Once the dog was contained he was – fortunately for Hal – quite people friendly. The embarrassed, bruised woman caught up and all was well. Kind of. The handle of the retractable lead was damaged, the cable could no longer be coiled back and the woman had to walk to her vehicle with 25’ of dangerous, amputation, severe cut, rope burn abrasion causing cable in her hands.

Things don’t always turn out this well. Sometimes the cable wraps around people, children, dog limbs and body parts causing very, very severe injuries – and yes – amputation.

Retractable Lead Wound

In some cases I blame the users of retractable leashes as much as the manufacturers. There are controls on the handle. The cable can be set on ‘lock’ for a pre-determined distance. Unfortunately this distance can be too far – far enough for a dog to plunge onto a busy roadway after a squirrel while mom is obliviously chatting with a neighbor.

Another control allows the dog to run to the end of the cable and if the dog stops for a sniff the lead automatically recoils into the handle as the distance between walker and dog decreases. It’s kind of like Spiderman’s web on vertical mode, ping-ponging back and forth. I’ve seen people think the Flexi was on a short ‘lock’ mode and ouch! The dog is out in the middle of the street or grappling with a nearby pooch, dangerous cable wrapping around everything.

Retractable leads are very popular. Users say they allow their dogs to get more exercise. There are so many pleasurable, safe ways to provide exercise for both you and your dog.
By using a retractable, the handler loses the opportunity to educate their dog on how to walk properly on lead. The dog also loses the association with its handler because they can get, and stay, if they prefer, far away. Giving a dog more line to pull simply means he’s pulling further away, never knowing his limits. Retractable leads foster the dog’s disassociation with the handler, the exact opposite of what we strive for in our relationship with our dogs.

I highly recommend four to six foot leashes. Many laws stipulate that a leash be no longer than six feet. There’s a reason for this. The dog is near you, presumably in control and will not present a danger to others.

So Many Leads - So Little Time

 If you want to allow your dog more freedom and a chance to really stretch those legs, teach your dog a reliable recall. Patricia McConnell can lead you through the process in her DVD, “Lassie Come!”

If you are in an area where dogs are allowed off-lead, RuffWear has come up with an ingenious collar which includes an emergency lead when needed.

Unleashed!

It’s really clever and can prove invaluable when you need that control if a situation arises. Visit www.CanineKingdom.com for the newest collections of safe and beautiful leashes.
Semper Fido,
Marilyn

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