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

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets:
Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

Courtesy of ASPCA

Puppies

PUPPIES

"When is the best age to begin training a new puppy?"  My answer is always, "From the moment your pup first comes into his new home!"    

Daily tips to help you begin working with your pup from the moment you bring him home:  

• Offer lots of praise and encouragement when your pup shows appropriate behaviors.
• When working on a particular skill or playing with your pup, keep each session short.  Puppies have a VERY limited attention span.  Short sessions that end with your pup still wanting to engage helps to encourage positive future interactions with your pup.   
• Set your puppy up for success.  Request behaviors from your pup when you are reasonably assured the behavior will occur.  If your pup is interacting with a butterfly or chasing a leaf, it's probably better to wait till he is focused on you than to request a behavior when he is otherwise engaged.     
• Monopolize on a puppy's natural instinct to focus on you.  Take several walks throughout the day around your property, allowing your pup to just follow you.  During these walks it's important to allow your pup time to investigate his new surroundings and be a dog.  
• When your dog begins to run toward you, call him and offer lots of praise when he arrives.  Sort high-pitched sounds, clapping and stepping backward are three tips which typically encourages your dog to come to you.
• Manage your pup's access to areas in within your home until he can be trusted to exhibit the behavior you want.  
• Every day be consistent with the rules, expectations and messages that you send to your pup.

Have fun, be patient and most of all enjoy the journey.  Raising a puppy or adopting a new dog is about the ride not the destination.

Tips for Teaching Dogs New Skills

Sometimes teaching your dog a new skill can be a frustrating experience, for both you and your canine friend.  The tips below will help to set your dog up for success and make the experience more pleasurable for all:

1.  Always praise appropriate behavior.  This motivates your dog to repeat the desired behavior in order to please you.  
2.  Work on obedience skills for about 10 - 15 minutes each day (even less for a puppy).  During each session, I advise clients to train their dogs in the shape of a “Bell Curve”.  Start with a skill that your dog has thoroughly mastered - raise the bar- end with a skill or activity that your dog can perform with success.  
3.  With all new skills, start in an area that your dog is comfortable and relatively free of distractions.  As your dog gets more familiar with a skill and is responding consistently, slowly begin to “raise the bar” by increasing environmental distractions.      
4.  Once your dogs understands a skill in one environment, offer opportunities to generalize this skill in other locations.  
5.  If you find yourself getting frustrated with your dog’s performance, TAKE A BREAK and try again at a later time.