Socializing Your Pets - Yappy Hour/Ask the Trainer

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies.  Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. The ultimate goal is for them to avoid displaying fear or aggression. There are a number of different ways you can accomplish this - one is to find a situation where they can meet lots of people and other dogs.

One option is something like the Yappy Hours we hold at Cause to Paws. We push aside the displays and make room for the dogs (and people) to interact and socialize. These supervised sessions with other dogs is a good idea - you need to make sure to do this only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations.  We also have a couch area where you can sit with your puppy in a more private way,  where you and others can handle and pet the puppy/dog or allow them to "retreat" to an area where they can rest in case they get tired from playing with the other dogs. And it is fun. We test out new treats (for people and pets), toys and talk about our dogs - doesn't get much better than that.

Training your Pet - You can also attend socialization classes or a variety of training options - that go beyond just Puppy training.  Many trainers offer a variety of classes including Agility, Dog Park Behavior, Canine Good Citizen Training, and much more. At Cause to Paws we often have trainers come in to give free talks - including "Ask the Trainer" - where you can meet a trainer and ask questions (and remember no question is a stupid one) - about your dog's behavior, training or any concerns you might be having. It's a good way to know what is available before making a commitment . We have a new session coming up on Sunday, June 19th starting at 3 PM with Vera Wilkinson, from The Cooperative Dog.

In addition to classes - walk the streets, bring them to a park and spend as much time as necessary to ensure that you have a well trained, socialized and happy puppy/dog.  It is well worth the effort.

Pets, Sports, Clothing and Toys.......

Well Winter has come & gone - somewhere in there we have had Spring since I last posted on this Blog. I also think we had one day of Summer stuck in there somewhere & today it feels more like Fall. Hard to keep things straight - but that's New England for you.

Often I can tell what season it is by what Sport's Teams are in the News but with the Celtics & Bruins in their respective playoffs this year that has made it harder. Did do well with the C's & B's Tanks , Collars & Bandanas. As always we have a lot of Red Sox fans who show their pride all year round, although it was tough at the beginning of the season. Being only a mile from Fenway Park, we are often on the route home & we get a lot of happy fans (at least this May and June) who want to show that their dogs are part of Red Sox Nation, too.



Annie showing her Bruin's Pride



New England Patriots have their Pet supporters as well - but that appears to be very season oriented - a more Winter, TV watching item of clothing - goes well with the doggy pizza we sell!

And let's not forget the Cat Owners. We've decked them out in Sports clothing as well. Somehow dressing your dog or cat in sports/college teams does not qualify as dressing your dog among those squeamish with that concept. Seems these items don't count as clothing.

And Toys - as most of us know dogs (& cats) like to play with ball like objects - dogs have a thing for squeaky tennis balls & we also do a big business in small soccer balls (soft vinyl squeaking types - Kanji's favorite) - interesting that Footballs, Hockey Pucks and Baseballs are not high on the list of available (and likable) pet toys options.

Oh well.... I promise to be more communicative about the happenings in the dog world and Cause to Paw. Lot's of stuff happening. Like my Facebook Page and keep up to date on everything.

Off Leash Dog Parks

OFF LEASH PARK RULES

My town - Brookline, MA recently made the news - even National news, when they announced that they were thinking about (and then did enact) a fee for dogs to go unleashed in the approved parks in Brookline. as part of their Green Dog Program. This caused quite the uproar at a Town  Selectman Hearing with members of the community from, both sides of the issue, trying to voice their opinions. Selectman voted to charge $50/year per dog (residents - $100 for non residents) for the right to have your dog off leash during designated hours as well as a vendor fee to professional dog walkers.  The money is to help fund a  Park Ranger to help with enforcement/compliance as well as to improve the communication with dog owners about the program. Previously this was all done on a volunteer basis.  It was agreed that the cost was far greater to run the program then they will collect but the Town felt it was necessary to begin to add additional fees for use of the Parks (fees for organized Sports will also be charged).

I don't want to get into the pro's and con's of charging for the right to have your dog off leash - I can see both sides of the issue - what I want to talk about is what to do once you are at the park, basically park etiquette.

Brookline's Rules - which are similar or should be followed in all parks include the following:

• Aggressive dogs are not permitted on or off-leash. 
• Dogs who show continued aggression towards people, other dogs, or wildlife must be removed immediately.
• The number of dogs per person is limited to three.
• Dogs must be 4 months old to participate in the program.
• Dogs in heat are not allowed off-leash

 Before You Go to a Park

• License your dog and make sure vaccinations are current. Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, and healthy (no contagious conditions, diseases, or parasites). Put license and identification on dog's collar.
• Make sure your dog is under voice control (dog responds to and obeys your verbal commands).
  
  
  
• Bring waste pick-up bags. Cleaning up after your dog is critical and one of the major issues when the discussion about the program is brought up - COMPLIANCE to hours and waste removal are the biggest concerns always discussed.

  At the Park

• Keep your dog on leash until you are inside the park. Keep your leash on hand at all times.
• Check for park closed signs, wet fields, crews working in the park, or permitted activities, all of which mean off-leash hours are suspended.
• Pick up after your dog and encourage others to do the same.
• Keep your dog in sight at all times and under voice control.
• Be mindful of your dog so that other park visitors, their children, and their dogs are not anxious about their safety. Many people do not like unfamiliar dogs — and sometimes other dogs don't like unfamiliar dogs.

To learn more about Brookline's program check out the following links
http://brooklinegreendog.com/
http://www.brooklinema.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=706&Itemid=1029

If you are bitten by a dog at the park or if your dog bites others - there are things you need to know:
Regardless of who is the biter or the bitten - both are equally responsible for the incident.  Check the injuries - if there are puncture wound these can become infected and need to be treated. Exchange contact info and get witnesses info as well.. In Massachusetts the guardian of a dog who bites a person may be held liable for civil damages. Check out dogbitelaw.com
(thanks to Tails Inc of this information).

KANJI's - New Years Resolutions

Came across this in an email and I thought it was definitely time to start writing and sharing again. This is so appropriate and could have easily been written by my dog, Kanji!

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season - and a very Healthy one, too.

CONSIDER THIS KANJI's NEW YEARS RESOLUTION  OR HIS 12 DAYs of FORGIVENESS!

Dear God: Let me give you a list of just some of the things I must remember to be a good Dog.

1. I will not eat the cats' food before they eat it or after they throw it up.

2. I will not roll on dead seagulls, fish, crabs, etc., just because I like the way they smell.

3. The Litter Box is not a cookie jar.

4. The sofa is not a 'face towel'.

5. The garbage collector is not stealing our stuff.

6. I will not play tug-of-war with Dad's underwear when he's on the toilet.

7. Sticking my nose into someone's crotch is an unacceptable way of saying 'hello'.

8. I don't need to suddenly stand straight up when I'm under the coffee table

9. I must shake the rainwater out of my fur before entering the house - not after.

10. I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt across the carpet.

11. I will not sit in the middle of the living room and lick my crotch.

12. The cat is not a 'squeaky toy' so when I play with him and he makes that noise,
it's usually not a good thing.


P.S. Dear God: When I get to Heaven may I have my testicles back?

(I keep telling him that he looks better without them! and that he really doesn't need them to be a happy, healthy dog - but he's a guy and you know how that is!)

October is Adopt a Dog Month

Haven't written in awhile and decided it was time to do an update. My last write up was on Why to Adopt a Dog - How appropriate that my new one is on adopting as well!October is Adopt a Dog Month.  I found the following on the ASPCA site and thought I would share it with you. 60% of dogs brought to shelters are euthanized. We should try and save as many as possible!

Top 10 Reasons to Adopt an Older Dog

1. What You See Is What You Get
Older dogs are open books—from the start, you’ll know important things like their full-grown size, personality and grooming requirements. All this information makes it easier to pick the right dog and forge that instant love connection that will last a lifetime. If you’re not so into surprises, an older dog is for you!
2. Easy to Train
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Hogwash! Older dogs are great at focusing on you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than youngsters. Plus, all those years of experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking.
3. Seniors are Super-Loving
One of the cool parts of our job is reading stories from people just like you who have opted to adopt. The emails we get from pet parents with senior dogs seem to all contain beautiful, heartfelt descriptions of the love these dogs give you—and those of you who adopted dogs already in their golden years told us how devoted and grateful they are. It's an instant bond that cannot be topped!
4. They’re Not a 24-7 Job
Grownup dogs don’t require the constant monitoring puppies do, leaving you with more freedom to do your own thing. If you have young children, or just value your “me time,” this is definitely a bonus.
5. They Settle in Quickly
Older dogs have been around the block and already learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack. They’ll be part of the family in no time!
6. Fewer Messes
Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you for adopting a senior pooch! Older dogs are likely to already be housetrained—and even if they’re not, they have the physical and mental abilities to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With their teething years far behind them, seniors also are much less likely to be destructive chewers.
7. You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are those who yearn for a doggie friend of their own, but hold back because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come. And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8- to 20-year responsibility, which is not appropriate for the very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in her golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one.
8. They Enjoy Easy Livin’
Couch potato, know thyself! Please consider a canine retiree rather than a high-energy young dog who will run you ragged. Not that older dogs don’t require any exercise—they do—but they’re not going to need, or want, to run a marathon every day.
9. Save a Life, Be a Hero
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s life offers an unparalleled emotional return on your investment, and you’ll feel the rewards every day you spend together.
10. They’re CUTE!

Getting a dog - Consider Adoption.

I am constantly surprised by the number of calls I get a from people wondering if I sell dogs. I find it interesting that people still think that calling a retail store is the way to go to buy their new dog. With so many dogs, of all types, available for adoption I am saddened that people still turn to pet stores for their dogs when there are so many other options available. Many dogs at pet shops come from Puppy Mills and can bring their own set of problems.

My dog was given to me by a friend - Kanji was an "accident", a wonderful accident between neighbors dogs ( a true love child) -but I wonder if I hadn't taken him would he have gone to a shelter and found a home - I sure hope so. There are lot of good people out there trying to help loving cats and dogs find new homes. There are a lot of reasons dogs and cats end up in shelters and it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with them. All dogs are checked out first to make sure they are adoptable. I suggest to people that a local shelter is the first place they should look for their new pet. I see lots of adopted dogs in my store and all their owners are thrilled with their choices. Even if you are looking for a specific breed there are breed specific rescue groups that can help. Adopting an older dog may also be an option you should consider. They are often well trained and socialized making new dog ownership that much easier.

Some local options for adopting dogs include:

The Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling, Massachusetts is a non-profit organization (formed in 1988 - incorporated in 1994) and no-kill animal shelter with no time or age restrictions.

One of their great causes that they support is the Save A Sato Program – www.saveasato.org – Established May 1999 - this is a joint life-saving venture with animal rescue volunteers of Puerto Rico. Hundreds of homeless, starved, poisoned and tortured animals are rescued and rehabilitated and sent to the shelter in Sterling, MA each year. The volunteers in Puerto Rico (at their own cost) take these animals known as "Satos" (mixed breed street dogs) off the cruel streets and care for them until they are healthy enough to be flown to Massachusetts. They are bathed, re-vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and vet checked. To date this shelter has rescued and re-homed thousands of these amazing animals.

Animal Rescue League, Boston adoption@arlboston.org The Animal Rescue League is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing domesticated animals and wildlife from suffering, cruelty, abandonment, and neglect. Since 1899 we have advocated the philosophy of our founder, Anna Harris Smith, that “Kindness Uplifts the World”.

MSPCA Boston Animal Care & Adoption Center www.mspca.org/boston The MSPCA's animal care and adoption centers around the state take in as many as 1,000 animals per center per month during the busy summer season. They provide vital services such as adoptions, behavior training, humane-education programs and spay/neuter programs.

Northeast Animal Shelter http://www.northeastanimalshelter.org One of New England's Largest No-kill Animal Shelters. Since 1976 Northeast Animal Shelter has placed almost 100,000 animals in loving homes.

A great place to find a cat - The Gifford Shelter www.giffordcatshelter.org is a cageless, no-kill facility founded in 1884 and sponsored by Ellen Gifford. The shelter is a pioneer in creating an environment that does not confine cats to small, movement-restricting cages.

You can always check out www.petfinder.com for other options - a great resource.

Fireworks and Dogs

It's that time of the year - in addition to Thunder and Lightening storms the dogs now need to deal with Fireworks - which can not only be scary but dangerous for them. Many dogs react with fear when they hear the loud, unfamiliar sounds of fireworks.

Here is some info you might find helpful: 8 Tips for Keeping your Dogs Calm on July 4th
by Lisa Spector June 29th, 2009

1. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day.
2. Keep your dogs inside during fireworks, preferably with human companionship.
3. Provide a safe place inside for your dogs to retreat. When scared of sounds they can’t orient, dogs often prefer small enclosed areas. (I once had a dog who climbed in the bathtub during windstorms.)
4. If possible, keep the windows and curtains closed.
5. Make sure all your dogs are wearing ID tags with a properly fitting collar. (Dogs have been known to become Houdini around the 4th of July.)
6. Leave your dog something fun to do – like a frozen Kong filled with his favorite treats.
7. Train with counter classical conditioning. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., CAAB, has a very clear definition and tips here.http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs.html
8. Sound Therapy: Play Music to Calm your Canine Companion Vol. 1 and 2. It is most effective when you first play the music well before the fireworks start, at a time the dog is already peaceful and relaxed. He will begin to associate the music with being calm and content. Then play the music a couple of hours before the fireworks start and continue to play through bedtime. The music doesn’t need to be loud to be effective as it has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. Click here for free samples and downloadshttp://www.throughadogsear.com/music_compositions.htm

Other options include using calming therapies such as:
D.A.P. is a "dog appeasing" pheromone that will help calm your dog's nerves. This pheromone is similar to the one mother dogs use to soothe their new born puppies.
Rescue Remedy: Bach Flower Remedies has an all-natural Rescue Remedy product for pets that you can apply directly to their skin or add to their drinking water or food to help soothe them through stressful situations. Rescue Remedy can be used in conjunction with other therapies - including Lavender aromatherapy foam or treats like Mellow Mutt from Dogswell that contains chamomile, clover, lemon balm and linden flower. We carry these options at Cause to Paws.

I believe you should do whatever necessary to give your dog comfort. Be your dog’s advocate – do whatever you can to make her feel better during the storm.