I recently read an article regarding Dangerous Dog Legislation. I don't like how all dogs of a certain breed(s) can be lumped together in such blanket coverage. ALL dogs are capable of becoming "dangerous", even and sometimes especially the little guys.
I would like to share a voice of reason, why do we not require licensing and training of these dogs? One of my students came up to me after class and wryly commented "This isn't a training class for the dog, it's a puppy parenting class for the parents!"
This is true! When the human knows what to do and how to act with his little furry alien that does not understand a word he's saying better communication and understanding happens. You can then begin to grow a healthy relationship.
However, back to the issue of licensing dogs. It should be more than just licensing. A prospective owner could be required to attend a pet parenting class before adopting the dog. Then require Obedience classes for adopted dogs and parents.
To license a 6 month old puppy, an owner would need to prove they had taken the dog to at least one puppy training course. To license an adult dog, proof of training would be required.
Someone caught with an unlicensed dog would be required to attend a training course to get the dog back.
Raising awareness and proactive training is the way to help solve these problems, not blanket limitations of ownership.
Just my opinion...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Holidays are Coming
This year we are holding "Howliday Hintz", a 1-hour free workshop. We want everyone to have a pet-safe and happy holiday season so we've gathered advice from our vets, trainers, and sundry other experts to help you prepare a pet-friendly holiday.
We'll help you get your dog to greet people appropriately and how to do a fun trick. We have a holiday treat recipe, and safety advice on what is ok for your dog and what is NOT. We'll talk about puppy-proofing and keeping them safe in the snow and cold.
Here are the dates for the workshops, if you want to come on in and visit!
11/22 - Tuesday at 7:30pm
11/27 - Sunday at 3:00pm
12/8 - Thursday at 7:30 pm
12/10 - Saturday at 6:00 pm
12/11 - Sunday at 12:00 pm
Another important upcoming event is our National Adoption Weekend. If you or anyone you know is considering adopting a new pet send them in to PetSmart November 11-13. Local shelters like SCRAPS, SHS, and PetSavers will have cats and dogs available for adoption.
Finally, you'll see a photo of our current training calendar on this site now. That way if you've been wondering when I'll be having that Intermediate, Advanced or Clicker class you'll be able to see without having to make a trip to the store!
Please feel free to share this website with your friends! Thanks for checking in!
We'll help you get your dog to greet people appropriately and how to do a fun trick. We have a holiday treat recipe, and safety advice on what is ok for your dog and what is NOT. We'll talk about puppy-proofing and keeping them safe in the snow and cold.
Here are the dates for the workshops, if you want to come on in and visit!
11/22 - Tuesday at 7:30pm
11/27 - Sunday at 3:00pm
12/8 - Thursday at 7:30 pm
12/10 - Saturday at 6:00 pm
12/11 - Sunday at 12:00 pm
Another important upcoming event is our National Adoption Weekend. If you or anyone you know is considering adopting a new pet send them in to PetSmart November 11-13. Local shelters like SCRAPS, SHS, and PetSavers will have cats and dogs available for adoption.
Finally, you'll see a photo of our current training calendar on this site now. That way if you've been wondering when I'll be having that Intermediate, Advanced or Clicker class you'll be able to see without having to make a trip to the store!
Please feel free to share this website with your friends! Thanks for checking in!
Friday, July 22, 2011
No Fleas, Please!
I live on 27 acres with Gods bounty around me. Woods and fields, a pond, and about 3 acres fenced behind my house, around the pond, kept manicured for my dogs. I've been lucky enough to keep the fleas at bay for 20 years here until this last fall when I got Bob. Bob's a cat. Bob is not hindered by fences and so Bob gets out into the long grass, bushes, and forested areas where all the fleas are. They hitched a ride in with Bob, and so now we have fleas!
First clue - Sparky is scratching every 20 seconds. She has a bad reaction to the little pests. Second clue - actually finding one on Turbo. The Grim Groomer (Kelly is a love, we just call her the Grim Groomer because Turbo goes pale every time he see's her)comes and gets me while she's grooming the little guy and says "Turbo's got fleas!!!"
So I bought flea drops for everyone - I got the Hartz Fipronel which is supposed to be the flea "bomb" and applied it to everyone. I got 3 foggers and bombed the house. I got 2 quarts of outside hose-end bug stuff and sprayed down the 3 acre dog yard, plus hosed down the front porch where Cody's love seat rests. Yes some dogs get a dog bed, Cody gets his own cushy recliner love seat.
A week goes by, and my poor pets still have fleas! So I resorted to the old fashioned method, flea powder for Bob (who would have nothing do do with a bath)and flea shampoo for the dogs. Finally - success.
I then called Hartz and let them know I was dissatisfied with their product, faxed them copies of my receipt, and await a refund of my money. For the price of that stuff, compared to it's efficacy, I deserve it. The gentleman was very nice, and happy to return my money upon receipt of those receipts!
Now in another week I have to go through it all again, to be sure to kill the eggs and larvae that have hatched, but for now, I win. Lesson to my story? Don't get a cat! ha ha j/k we love Bob!
To be continued...
First clue - Sparky is scratching every 20 seconds. She has a bad reaction to the little pests. Second clue - actually finding one on Turbo. The Grim Groomer (Kelly is a love, we just call her the Grim Groomer because Turbo goes pale every time he see's her)comes and gets me while she's grooming the little guy and says "Turbo's got fleas!!!"
So I bought flea drops for everyone - I got the Hartz Fipronel which is supposed to be the flea "bomb" and applied it to everyone. I got 3 foggers and bombed the house. I got 2 quarts of outside hose-end bug stuff and sprayed down the 3 acre dog yard, plus hosed down the front porch where Cody's love seat rests. Yes some dogs get a dog bed, Cody gets his own cushy recliner love seat.
A week goes by, and my poor pets still have fleas! So I resorted to the old fashioned method, flea powder for Bob (who would have nothing do do with a bath)and flea shampoo for the dogs. Finally - success.
I then called Hartz and let them know I was dissatisfied with their product, faxed them copies of my receipt, and await a refund of my money. For the price of that stuff, compared to it's efficacy, I deserve it. The gentleman was very nice, and happy to return my money upon receipt of those receipts!
Now in another week I have to go through it all again, to be sure to kill the eggs and larvae that have hatched, but for now, I win. Lesson to my story? Don't get a cat! ha ha j/k we love Bob!
To be continued...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
We're Baaack!
After a year of not blogging, I am ready to pick up where I left off! Here's "Dude", a very busy Boxer who just graduated from Beginner class!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
New Decade, New blogsite
I hope you will bookmark our new blog page:
http://redogged.blogspot.com/
New e-mail coming soon!
http://redogged.blogspot.com/
New e-mail coming soon!
Reminder: CGC Class Starts Soon
If you're interested in getting that CGC, the Canine Good Citizen "Advanced" class starts on Saturday at 9:00 am! There is still plenty of room, and isn't it time to get out of the house and do something with the dog?
"Second Chance for Love" weekend is coming up Feb. 12-15 so if you are considering a new pet, please remember to adopt from a shelter and help save lives!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-contr...f-the-year.html
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2009, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top 10 pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2009.
Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.
Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.
Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Heavy Metals
It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
Garden Products
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.
Chemical Hazards
In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
With various dangers lurking in corners and cabinets, the home can be a minefield of poisons for our pets. In 2009, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products. Don’t leave it up to Fido or Fluffy to keep themselves safe. Below is a list of the top 10 pet poisons that affected our furry friends in 2009.
Human Medications
For several years, human medications have been number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, and 2009 was no exception. Last year, the ASPCA managed 45,816 calls involving prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor, so it’s essential to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets.
Insecticides
In our effort to battle home invasions by unwelcome pests, we often unwittingly put our furry friends at risk. In 2009, our toxicologists fielded 29,020 calls related to insecticides. One of the most common incidents involved the misuse of flea and tick products—such as applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. Thus, it’s always important to talk to your pet’s veterinarian before beginning any flea and tick control program.
People Food
People food like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can seriously disable our furry friends, and accounted for more than 17,453 cases in 2009. One of the worst offenders—chocolate—contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures.
Plants
Common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to APCC in 2009. Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera are often found in homes and can be harmful to pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.
Veterinary Medications
Even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed by well-meaning pet parents. In 2009, the ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.
Rodenticides
Last year, the ASPCA received 6,639 calls about pets who had accidentally ingested rat and mouse poisons. Many baits used to attract rodents contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestions can lead to potentially life-threatening problems for pets including bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.
Household Cleaners
Everybody knows that household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children, but few take precautions to protect their pets from common agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Last year, the ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Heavy Metals
It’s not too much loud music that constitutes our next pet poison offender. Instead, it’s heavy metals such as lead, zinc and mercury, which accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is especially pernicious, and pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.
Garden Products
It may keep your grass green, but certain types of fertilizer and garden products can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs. Last year, the ASPCA fielded 2,329 calls related to fertilizer exposure, which can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.
Chemical Hazards
In 2009, the ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. A category on the rise, chemical hazards—found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals—form a substantial danger to pets. Substances in this group can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.
Prevention is really key to avoiding accidental exposure, but if you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Friday, January 22, 2010
More January Puppy Grads
Congratulations to Kody the husky/heeler/lab/? cross and riley the miniature schnauzer for being such good students!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Intermediate Grads
Congratulations to Boss (already moved to NC)the GSP, Daisy the Springer Spaniel, Bandit the Border Collie cross and Jasper the Standard Poodle for completing the requirements of Intermediate level classes!
Good luck in NC Boss, Rom, and Ashley; and Rom, thank you for serving our country!
January Beginner Grads
Charlie the Chocolate Lab and Roxy the Basset-Lab both graduated Beginner! Yaaaay!!!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Meet Aspen
We have a new adoptee here at home, Cody and Turbo have a new sister. Her name is Aspen and she is a year-ish old Alaskan Malamute in an economy size. We've already fallen in love with her and although her former owner loved her as much, her lovely singing voice was landing them in trouble with neighbors. She can sing to her hearts content here, and she always has someone at home with her to keep her company!
Cody and Turbo are thrilled, Cody has been longing for someone more his size to really race and chase with!
Turbo and Aspen are learning to share the toys nicely, which to Turbo means that SHE needs to learn ALL the toys belong to Turbo.
Tell the nice people "Hello", miss Aspen
Cody and Turbo are thrilled, Cody has been longing for someone more his size to really race and chase with!
Turbo and Aspen are learning to share the toys nicely, which to Turbo means that SHE needs to learn ALL the toys belong to Turbo.
Tell the nice people "Hello", miss Aspen
Saturday, January 9, 2010
New Decade, New Grads!
Big hand for Alfy the Westie, Cricket the Pocket Beagle, Easly the Lab, Bandit the Shih Tzyu Zoe the Lab cross, and Pistacchio the terror of terrier crosses.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
December Intermediate Grads
Hat's off to Willow the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Kuma the Alaskan Malamute, and Bella the Boxer for their hard earned Intermediate Certificate!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas Everyone!
From us'ns to you'uns, have a very merry Christmas!
A Cody and Turbo Christmas Story:
I came home the other day and found the boys had decided to open a couple of gifts while mom was gone! I know how it went down; Cody drags a present outside to play with it, and when he opens it, well, it's a dog toy! Yahtzee! Turbo comes and takes it away because Turbo must have all the toys. Cody returns to the treasure trove tree and fetches out another present. This one was daddy's gift of sample hot sauces. Not-so-yahtzee, and not so much fun as the toy.
Moral of the story: Squeeze presents first to see if they squeak! Hot sauce is not fun to play with!
A Cody and Turbo Christmas Story:
I came home the other day and found the boys had decided to open a couple of gifts while mom was gone! I know how it went down; Cody drags a present outside to play with it, and when he opens it, well, it's a dog toy! Yahtzee! Turbo comes and takes it away because Turbo must have all the toys. Cody returns to the treasure trove tree and fetches out another present. This one was daddy's gift of sample hot sauces. Not-so-yahtzee, and not so much fun as the toy.
Moral of the story: Squeeze presents first to see if they squeak! Hot sauce is not fun to play with!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
December Graduations
Congratulations to Italia the Chihuahua, Skye the Siberian Husky and Lilly the Pom-chi for all their hard work! See you in Intermediate!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
November Grads
Here's the latest batch of graduates whose puppers remained in focus for my cel phone camera! Roxy the Boxer, Otis the Basset, Jay the Vizla, Pepper the Border Collie cross and Bernie the Yorkie all graduated Beginner class!
Pictures to come - apparently blogger isn't working right at present!
Pictures to come - apparently blogger isn't working right at present!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Fishin' Dogs
We have a babbling brook in the back yard that empties into our pond. The trout are going up the creek into the shallows, and Cody saw one the other day. Now he's spending HOURS at a time standing in the shallows waiting and watching the fish. He actually caught and crunched down one of our 2 koi - in the cold weather they get very sluggish. He hasn't caught a trout yet, they are a bit cannier. It doesn't daunt him one bit - he is going to catch one!
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