Finding that perfect gift for your pet....Priceless!!

Did you know that 63 percent of dog owners and 58 percent of cat owners give their pets gifts during the holiday season? Sometimes when owners buy gifts for their pets, they tend not take into account that a gift can be an opportunity to strengthen both their pets’ emotional and physical well-being as well as a means to increase their current pet/owner human/pet bond.  The Gloucester County Times (NJ), interviewed one man about how he celebrates Christmas with his golden retriever, Rue:  “She gets a pretty Christmas Eve outfit that she tugs and pulls off within 10 minutes,” he said. “That’s a $75 waste of money each year.” (http://business.time.com)

This year when seeking out that perfect gift for your pet, ask yourself these two questions:

• Can  this gift improve our relationship?
• Does this gift help strengthen my pets emotional and physical well-being?

Keeping the above questions in mind will help you provide that perfect gift and that is ...priceless.  

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Remember to schedule an annual wellness exam for your pet. An annual physical examination is one of most important gifts to help your pet live a longer, happier, and healthier life.   
• Do you or your pet get stressed thinking about going to the vet?  A good gift would then be to have your vet come to you.     
• Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering can provide major health benefits and helps to fight pet overpopulation.  If cost is an issue, consider finding a veterinarian who supports a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter program.  
• Does your dog suffer from cracked paws or dry noses during the winter?  Consider a product like Doggie Wellness BowWow Butter Balm.  Products like this significantly help those dogs whose paws and noses are more sensitive during drier weather.
• Instead of buying packaged dog treats, think about making your own.  The benefits of making your own treats are numerous.    
• Take your dog for a Reiki Treatment - Reiki is a form of spiritual healing that helps harmonize the mind, body, and soul of your pet.
• Offer your dog a hydro massage with essential oils - These massages are designed to help our canine friends who may have joint, skin and/or relaxation issues.
• Love to pamper your dog? How about treating her to a manicure complete with nail painting?
• SHHHH...!!  The newest accessorizing trend for our dogs...feathers.  It’s not only for humans anymore...!
• Having trouble bathing your dog in the winter?  Consider a do-it-yourself doggie wash to get the job done.
• Looking for a way to give a gift to a friend or neighbor's dog?  How about a gift certificate?  Gift certificates are a thoughtful way to help others pay for veterinary, grooming, training or any other service you think their pet may benefit.
• Do you have difficulty finding the time to regularly exercise your dog?  Consider hiring a dog walker to help you out.  
• Is your dog is home alone for long periods of time?  Think about giving the gift mental and physical stimulation by bringing your dog to doggie daycare a few times per week.  
• Support fundraisers hosted by your local shelter and rescue organizations. Chances are you will probably find some fun items for your own pet.  It’s a win-win for everyone!
• The gift that keeps on giving...make a donation to your local shelter in your pet’s name.
• If emergency responders came to your home, would they know that you have animals inside?  Give the gift of safety and affix a pet alert sticker on all entrances to your home.  
• Would you know what to do in the event of a medical pet emergency? Take a Pet first aid course so that if you are ever faced with a pet medical emergency you will be more prepared.   
• Do you feel that your dog could be better behaved when out in public? Enroll your dog in a basic obedience class.  I recommend NFAH and will be leading these classes!! Our next session is scheduled to begin 1/16.  For more details call:203.312.9000.
• Having difficulty with canine behaviors in your home?  Consider hiring TLC Dog Trainer!  Call 203.241.4449, visit my website @ www.tlcdogtrainer.com or check out my Facebook page - TLC Dog Trainer - you will see that I am equipped to help you with any behavioral issue that you may experiencing and can help you improve the current human-canine bond you have with your dog.

Still looking for that perfect gift for your pet?  
Listed below are some great companies who can help.  All of their products are manufactured in the USA and have recommended to me by clients or which I have personally used.  

Sill Shields™ and Door Shields™ -  Designed to protect your window ledges and doors from being scratched and scuffed by doggie claws and paws. http://www.sillshield.com/

Poochie-Bells® - Easily and quickly train your pooch to ring the bell each time your dog needs to eliminate outdoors. http://poochie-pets.net/

Too Hot for Spot - This unique thermometer is designed to raise awareness of dog car safety and bring attention to the possible hazards of leaving pets in a vehicle during any season. http://www.dogcar.biz/

American Digs - American Digs is a premium brand of dog products and apparel. This company strives to provide products that dogs are proud to wear.   http://www.americandigs.com

Katies Bumpers Whether you are a serious dog trainer doing land or water work or you have a dog that loves to fetch, Katie's Bumpers are great. http://www.katiesbumpers.com/

Ruff Dawg - Ruff Dawg has the right toy for your dog. These 100% superior-grade, rubber retrieving toys are made in the USA and are great for any size pooch. http://www.ruffdawg.com

Honest Pet Products Offers pet owners safe, quality made, truly NATURAL toys for their dogs and cats. http://honestpetproducts.com

Bottom-Line: The most important gift you can give your pet is making the time you spend together special.  Whether it be interacting with a toy, brushing your pet, or just hanging out, enjoy the time and find that gift which will assist in making your dog and the relationship you have with him the best it can be.

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Are you prepared for a pet health emergency?

According to www.Dictionary.com an emergency is “a sudden, urgent, usually unexpected occurrence or occasion requiring immediate action”.   If you have ever been in an emergency - especially involving your pet - you quickly learn the more prepared you are, the better equipped you will be in handling the situation.

Imagine coming home to, “Mom I’ve been trying to call you,  Winston (my black lab) just ate a whole bottle of Lucy’s (my other dog’s) pain medication....”  Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened this week.  So based on my recent experience with Winston and information from the experts, here are some tips designed to make you even more prepared if ever faced with a pet health emergency.  

• Keep the name and phone numbers of your regular veterinarian and 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital (including directions) in a location that is easily accessible -  some suggestions are to have all the information posted on the refrigerator, programmed in your car’s GPS and into your smartphone.  
• Listed below are three 24/7 emergency veterinary hospitals located in the Sherman/New Fairfield area.  
• Newtown Veterinary Specialists
• 52 Church Hill Rd
• Newtown, CT 06470
• Phone:  203.790.6383
• Veterinary Specialty Center of the Hudson Valley (did a great job with Mr. Winston)
• 1285 U.S. Route 9
• Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
• Phone: 845.632.3200
• Katonah Bedford Veterinary Center
• 546 N. Bedford Road (Route 117)
• Bedford Hills, NY
• Phone:  914.241.7700
• Have the number of a 24/7 Poison Control Center readily available in your home (there will be a fee charged for this service).  
• Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center   1.888.426.4435
• If you are transporting your pet to the veterinarian with an emergency always alert the staff that you in route.  This way the medical team will be ready to take action the moment you enter their facility.  When Winston and I arrived at New Fairfield Animal Hospital the staff was waiting, had all the proper medications ready and began treating him right away.  We saved valuable minutes, which are critical when facing a life or death situation.

Prepare a pet first aid kit:  Having a few items in a handy place is a great idea for dealing with a pet health emergency.  According to Mary Oquendo, Master Pet Tech First Aid Instructor, the items listed below should be part of every standard first aid kit.  

• Non-stick gauze pads

• Gauze rolls
• Cotton balls or swabs
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors with blunt ends
• Antibiotic cream
• Antiseptic wipes
• Blanket (foil emergency blanket) for warmth or to assist with transport
• Sealed sterile saline solution – once the bottle is opened it is no longer sterile.
• Plastic cards such as old library or used gift cards – they are the perfect size to cushion pad injuries. You can also use them to flick out bee stingers. Place the card under the stinger and lift up and out.
• Chemical cold packs or instant cold gel packs
• Large Syringe (no needle) for flushing wounds or administering medicine. Handy hint:  A squirt bottle or turkey baster can be used in place of a syringe
• Current medical information about your dog - including proof of rabies vaccination, current blood work, medications and any medical issues your dog may be experiencing.    

In Mary’s on-demand webinar, Making and Using A Pet First Aid Kit,  you will learn how to put together a more comprehensive first aid kit and how to use the contents stored inside.  For more information go to http://www.pawsitiveeducationaltraining.com

Bottom Line: Cindy Smith, staff manager at New Fairfield Animal Hospital sums it up:  When facing a health emergency with your pet, it’s important to get to the veterinarian as quickly as possible.  Do not waste time trying to diagnose your pet’s condition by going on-line, call your vet and describe the situation.  In a true emergency the difference between the life or death of your pet could be a matter of minutes.  Finally, If you ever have to transport your sick or injured pet to a veterinary hospital, make sure the staff is aware that you are on your way - just as in Winston’s case - the team can be waiting and have everything ready to begin treatment the moment you arrive.  

As for Mr. Winston his 48 hour blood test just came back normal and we are hoping that his  second set of results will deliver the same news.  

Donna Gleason - TLC Dog Trainer resides in Sherman, CT.  She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Masters in Behavior Modification.  She offers professional in-home dog training (specializing in puppy education, basic obedience and behavior modification) as well as group puppy/basic obedience classes at New Fairfield Animal Hospital.  Donna is a member of APDT, Delta Society, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, Delta Society and consulting trainer for Paw-Safe Animal Rescue.  To reach Donna call 203.241.4449 or visit her website @ www.TLCDogtrainer.com

Volunteer, Donate, Foster and Adopt

“Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats).” - ASPCA

There’s a tale used by some rescue and shelter organizations intended to put the above statistic into perspective.  Although you can find many variations of this story on the internet, the message is always the same.  It is about a man who walks the beach and tosses the starfish that have washed upon the shore back into the ocean.  One day he was asked why he did this as there were miles of beach and numerous starfish along each mile.  How could this possibly make a difference?  As the man bends down to toss another starfish into the ocean, he replies, “It made a difference for this one.”   

Logically we know one person can t save all of the 5 - 7 million companion animals that enter  shelter and rescue organizations, but there are opportunities for everyone to make a difference in the life of one.  Let’s look at some of those ways:

VOLUNTEER

Misconception:  “I can’t volunteer, I am not comfortable working directly with the animals.”

Reality:   There are many volunteer opportunities within any shelter or rescue organization that does not involve direct contact with animals.”

• Help design and maintain a monthly newsletter
• Volunteer in the office (answering phones, filing etc)
• Arrange and participate in fundraising events
• Website maintainance
• Put together informational packets for new adopters
• Assist in screening new adopters
• Handyman work around the facility
• Landscaping and gardening

DONATE

Misconception:  “Shelter and rescue organizations are only looking for financial donations.”

Reality:  While cash donations are always appreciated, the supplies needed for the day to day operations are just as important.

Note:  To determine which items your favorite shelter/rescue organization is in need of, take time to visit their website.

• Towels
• Blankets
• Dog or cat food
• Litter
• Laundry detergent
• Newspaper
• Food dishes
• Cat and dog beds

FOSTER

Misconception:  “Fostering is only for children.”

Reality:  Did you know that you can work with your local shelter or rescue organization and temporarily foster one of their companion animals within your home?

Many times there is a screening process that occurs prior to fostering a shelter or rescue animal in your home.  However, once approved, the overall goal would be to assist in preparing the animals from the shelter into their forever home.      

ADOPT

Misconception:  “Most shelter animals are not good pets, that Is why they end up in the shelter.”  

Reality:   According to the Humane Society of the United States the most common scenarios as to why animals end up in shelters are due to “people reasons” as opposed to behavioral issues.  

• Their owners have passed away
• A divorce
• Owners have to move
• Owners did not spay or neuter their pets and could not keep the litter of puppies
• Owners did not have enough time to take care of their pet.  
• Owners could not take care of their pet financially

Bottom-Line:  As you can see, there are many opportunities in which you can help your local rescue or shelter organization.  Now it’s up to you to find that special way to make that difference in the life of one.    

Local Canine News:
Puppy classes
The next session of  canine basic obedience classes are scheduled to begin on Wednesday August 1, 2012 at New Fairfield Animal Hospital.  Please call New Fairfield Animal Hospital for more details 203.312.9000

New Fairfield Sherman Dog Walk and Pet Fair
To celebrate International Homeless Animals Day, the New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society’s First Annual Dog Walk and Pet Fair will be held on Aug. 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on the Sherman Green and the Naromi Land Trust’s Mallory Trail, on Route 39 in Sherman.

Donna Gleason - TLC DogTrainer resides in Sherman, CT.  She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Masters in Behavior Modification.  She offers professional in-home dog training (specializing in puppy education, basic obedience and behavior modification) and group puppy/basic obedience classes.  Donna is a member of APDT, Delta Society, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, Good Dog Foundation and consulting trainer for Paw-Safe Animal Rescue.  To reach Donna call 203.241.4449 or visit her website @ www.TLCDogtrainer.com

Every Dog needs a job - but what exactly is a job?

Every other Sunday Mr. Socrates goes to work and performs a job.  His job is to assist Paula Gallo, Lead Manager at the Home Depot  - New Milford, Connecticut - in finding customers who would like to receive a free-estimate for any of their home renovation needs.  When at the store, associates always go out of their way to welcome Mr. Socs and their Home Depot customers.  No matter who is interacting with Mr. Socs, he knows the rules when working:  he is expected to behave in a certain way till his hour long shift is over and then off to the car he goes for a tasty treat.  That’s the routine and it never changes.  When returning home from work, Mr. Socs is tired and usually takes a long nap.  All dogs need a job.  However, some owners may have difficulty finding the right job for their dog.  Typically, the reason(s) why owners don’t find their dog a job can boil down to one of the following:  

• They may not realize that finding a job for their dog doesn’t need to be complicated.     
• They may not realize the importance of giving their dog a job.    
• They may not realize that all dogs can be given a job with a bit of time and effort.

Finding a job for your dog doesn’t have to be complicated.  A job doesn’t mean your pet has to become an AKC champion or to learn to sniff out bombs.  The good news is that a job can be much simpler and all dogs, no matter what issues they have, can learn a job.  Here’s the criteria to think about when finding a job for your dog:   

• A job is an activity or series of activities that provides an opportunity for mental and/or physical stimulation.  
• A job is performed regularly and routinely.  
• The behavior(s) that are expected when your dog is performing his job are consistent.
• A job well done is always reinforced/rewarded.

Why is it important to find your dog a job?  We have all heard the saying - A tired dog is a good dog!!.  Dogs who have a job tend to display less behavioral issues and are calmer due to the additional mental and/or physical stimulation they receive.  A job creates the opportunity for your dog to become a thinking dog.  Thinking dogs tend to display less behavioral issues.  Many dogs who live in an environment lacking of mental and/or physical stimulation often find their own creative ways to stimulate their mind and body - digging, barking, chewing, hyperactivity, attention seeking behaviors, chasing the cat and much, much more...  

Every dog can have a job: 
Use your imagination and the tips below as a guide to begin finding a job for your dog today.      

• When going for a walk, have your dog sit at all curbs, stop signs and when greeting new people.
• Have your dog sit and wait before exiting a door or their crate.
• Teach your dog go to his crate or a special place on cue.  
• Have your dog sit and wait before eating his dinner.  
• Teach your dog to go to a specific spot while you are eating your dinner.
• Teach your dog to eat his food out of interactive toys. Premier Pet Products offers some great products for this.
• Teach your dog to bring you his leash when going on a walk.  
• Have your dog pick up and place their toys in a toy box or basket.
• In the morning, establish a routine to have your dog greet and wake everyone up.  
• Teach your dog to find which cup the treat is hidden under.  Start with one cup and then increase the number of cups once he has mastered the previous level.  
• Teach your dog to find objects hidden in the house.
• When playing catch with your dog  - have him sit and wait before retrieving the ball.
• Enroll your dog into a group training classes (Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Agility and Rally are some great ways to help your dog become a thinking dog).

Bottom-Line:  Every dog needs a job.  Dogs who have been given a job tend to be more emotionally balanced and calmer due to the additional mental and/or physical stimulation they receive.   

Doggie Tip 101:  If the brand of dog food you give your pet gets recalled would you know the lot number?  Sometimes owners place their dog’s kibble into a dry storage container and throw away the bag.  When emptying the bag into its dry storage container, simply, cut the lot number off the bag and place it in the container.  This way you will never wonder if the food you are feeding your dog may be the one being recalled.  

• If you would like to see Mr. Socs at work, please join us at the New Milford Home Depot on 5/20 @ 11:00.
• The next session for my puppy/basic obedience class is scheduled to begin at New Fairfield Animal Hospital on June 6, 2012 @ 6:00 p.m.  For more details, call NFAH:  203.312.9000

Donna Gleason - TLC Dog Trainer resides in Sherman, CT.  She is a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a Masters in Behavior Modification.  She offers professional in-home dog training (specializing in puppy education, basic obedience and behavior modification) as well as group puppy/basic obedience classes.  Donna is a member of APDT, Delta Society, Shelter Animal Reiki Association, Delta Society and consulting trainer for Paw-Safe Animal Rescue.  To reach Donna call 203.241.4449 or visit her website @ www.TLCDogtrainer.com

Brunch at Biscotti’s Ristorante, Pawsafe Animal Rescue and an iPhone

On March 31, 2012, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Biscotti’s Ristorante will be hosting a fundraiser brunch ($12.00/person) for Pawsafe Animal Rescue.   No, there won’t be any puppies at this event, but there will be over $2,000 of amazing prizes that can be won through door prizes, raffles, silent auctions, and even a chance to win a brand new iPhone 4!  Let’s take a look at Pawsafe Animal Rescue and their motivation for this fundraiser.      

Daine Scuderi  - founder of Pawsafe Animal Rescue  - describes the organization as a “non-profit, canine based, rescue that aims to provide a better life for adoptable companion animals without homes and to assist in the effort to limit the overpopulation of these animals.”  Pawsafe got its beginnings in 1987 when a very pregnant stray cat found residence at a local Department of Public Works (DPW) facility where she could not stay.  A DPW employee tried to find a safe place to send the cat but no one could guarantee that she wouldn't be euthanized.  Eventually, this cat found her way to Diane, and she delivered the cat’s 4 adorable kittens.  Today, due to Diane’s efforts and the dedicated volunteers who support the Pawsafe mission, they are proud to say that Pawsafe has saved the lives of over 6,000 dogs and cats.    

PawSafe’s goal has always been to have a dedicated adoption facility, training center, and, spay/neuter clinic which would be open to the public.  Achieving this goal will offer the group an opportunity to almost triple the number of animals that they are currently saving and allow them to be able to rescue cats once again.  In order to proceed with their dream of opening an adoption facility a minimum of $250,000 needs to be raised.  Thus their motivation for this fundraiser!  

Scott Haines, owner of Biscotti’s Ristorante is excited about hosting this event and to show his support will be donating a percentage of the receipts collected during the fundraiser back to Pawsafe.  He hopes that everyone in the community will show their support and have brunch at Biscotti’s Ristorante on March 31 between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.   It’s guaranteed to be a fun time for all and maybe if you’re lucky you’ll leave with some amazing prizes.

For more information about Pawsafe Animal Rescue and volunteering opportunities - please visit their Facebook page and “LIKE” or visit their website at http://pawsafe.org.  

Dog Park Safety - Being Proactive vs. Reactive

Dog Park Safety

How to be Proactive vs. Reactive

It’s a warm sunny day at the dog park .  All the dogs are playing nicely.  Owners are chatting.  When all of a sudden…there’s a fight.   A dog fight.  This time there were no injuries.  However, that isn’t always the case.  Unfortunately, if you have ever visited any one of the 600 dog parks across the United States, you know one of the many risks of bringing your dog to the dog park is a dog fight.  What you may not know, is that owners who are aware of the risks, understand the personality and temperament of their dog, and are able to recognize the signs of appropriate canine play tend to have have a safer and more enjoyable visit.  How can owners obtain this knowledge?  Let’s start at the beginning...

Approximately two years ago, I was approached by a State of Connecticut Animal Control Officer to develop a program on dog park safety.  The goal of this program was to give owners the information needed to keep themselves and their dog(s) safe while at the dog park.  Before designing the program, I spent many hours observing owners and their dogs.  Here is what I learned:

• Sometimes owners don’t observe the rules of a dog park.
• Sometimes owners bring dogs who may not be suited for the dog park environment.
• Sometimes owners don’t know how to help their dog get ready for the dog park.
• Sometimes owners are unable to distinguish the difference between appropriate and inappropriate canine play.  

Based on my observations it became apparent that pet dog owners needed to have a solid understanding of the following:

• An awareness of the pros and cons of being in a dog park.

• To learn which dogs are the best - and not the best - candidates for the dog park.
• An understanding of how to prepare your dog and what to expect while in the dog park.
• Be able to identify what appropriate intercanine behavior looks like.

In my webinar titled: Dog Park Safety - How to be Proactive vs. Reactive each of the above topics will be covered.  The goal of this webinar is to provide pet dog owners with the knowledge to keep each visit to the dog park a positive and safe experience.   


Scheduled to be live on 4/1/12