Free Living Pet - Spring/Summer 2023

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Each issue of FreeLivingPET will have valuable information to keep your furry friends healthy, happy and living their awesome ‘free’ life. Many of us cherish our pets and know their lives are shorter than ours, that’s why FreeLivingPET strives to provide information and valuable knowledge that will extend that life as long as possible. FreeLivingPET aims to be your resource center for what’s in and what’s healthiest for your beloved pets. At no cost or commitment, subscribe today!

Visionary Publisher - Angela Brooks

Content Director/Editor - Laura Harvey

Proof Editor - Angel White

Feature Writers + Special Contributers: Squishy and Riley Bond Cover Artwork

“I believe it’s the innocence and unconditional love that animals posses that makes them so special and dear to our hearts.”

~ Laura Harvey

EDITOR

Love of Animals

At a young age I loved all animals; horses, dogs, cats, and even little critters like hamsters and salamanders. I especially remember finding a caterpillar and creating a nice safe habitat and releasing when it when it became a beautiful butterfly. I believe it’s the innocence and unconditional love that animals posses that makes them so special and dear to our hearts. I can’t imagine my life void of furry friends to make the journey more enjoyable and comforting. The fact that animals play many important roles in our lives is not a coincidence, I believe they were put on this earth for a reason. They go far beyond just as pets, they are; service animals for our support and disabilities, search and rescue for those lost or in need, a presence to come home to instead of an empty house, and part of our family. Even though we try and teach them the proper obedience and guidance, they are constantly teaching us how to be better in this world. We should all strive to be as forgiving, patient and loving as our animals show us. My hope is that we can learn and discover together, through articles and stories, the true extent animals contribute to our lives.

Our team here at Free Living Pet Magazine strive to provide articles and stories that share and highlight health and happiness of animals. We hope you enjoy.

Laura Harvey Content Director/Editor, Free Living Pet Magazine

Is Crate Training Cruel or Caring?

Many pet parents feel it’s cruel to confine their dog to a crate, even if that confinement is for training, but the use of a crate may show they care. .

When people think of crates and putting their dogs in them, they often associate this with cruelty because they feel they’re putting their animals in ‘prison.’ After all, you’re confining your furry friend to a small space and not allowing them to move freely about the home or yard. As humans, we don’t want to be restricted from going where we want to, so why should we also subject our pets to that? But what if crate training can benefit both you and your pet

and display the ultimate way of caring?

Benefits of crate training

There are many benefits to crate training, and we couldn’t list them all, but here are a few top benefits for using a crate when training a new puppy or an adopted dog that just came into your home.

Provides security.

Most dogs instinctively want to be in a ‘cave-like’ space or den where they can feel safe. Imagine if you were trying to catch a nap and laying on the floor in the middle of the kitchen, and people occasionally stepped on you or dropped items on your head. It wouldn’t be very comfortable, right? Well, this is the same for your dog. They may want to be around you and the action of the household, however, they need some respite and space to claim as their own. This is where a crate comes in handy and can be an excellent tool for training. A crate, used mainly for sleeping and resting, will provide an area free from kid handling, bustling about the house, and unsupervised time.

Creates structure.

Dogs need structure and order to feel more secure. They are creatures of habit and will thrive in an environment with a structured routine. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t deviate from the schedule from time to time, but keeping a daily routine as much as possible will help a dog feel more secure and safe.When training a new puppy, a crate functions as a den for sleeping, a space for resting when you have to leave or can’t

supervise their activities, and even a feeding place. A crate should NEVER be used for punishment, as that will create a negative association. As we know, dogs function and respond best to positive reinforcement and praise.

Makes it easy for travel.

Having a crate for your dog will help when you travel to new surroundings and places, both in the car and when you arrive at your destination. Familiarity with their crate will help them feel content no matter where you go. Crates will make for smoother feeding and sleeping in a strange place with new distractions and possibly other people’s pets.

Allows healthy growing.

Dogs need a lot more sleep than we do and puppies do most of their growing while sleeping. Therefore, providing a place where they can have plenty of time to grow will help your puppy, or grown dog, heal, refresh and become healthier. This makes it better for you to get a good night’s sleep when you know your pup is safe and secure in their crate. Of course, with puppies that are under six months of age they may not sleep through the night and need a potty break. But they should be returned to the crate, after they eliminate, for the remainder of the night without engaging in play or stimulating activity. Some pet owners will leave the door to the crate open as the dog matures and allow them to go freely in and out as they please.

Things you should never do with

crates.

Use for punishment.

As we said before, crates should never be used for punishment. Start small with no more than 2 hours for two months old, 3 hours for three months old, and so on until you’re at 4-5 hours tops. Be sure to work up to this gradually, with 15-minute intervals of you leaving and then returning and rewarding with treats.

Use too small or too large of a crate. Too small, and your dog can’t even turn around. This is not good for them and can create anxiety. Too large, and they’ll feel as though they have enough room to eliminate at one end and retreat to the other, thus, creating a very unpleasant mess.

Leave crates out in the elements. A dog should never be left out in extreme cold or heat. A crate can be covered with a blanket or towel to create more privacy or add warmth, but it should be in a comfortable environment. Ideally, crate training is for inside use and works well for potty training.

Let your puppy or dog out when they are crying or barking.

This only reinforces that they’ll be released if they make a noise. It may be hard at first to

listen to your new puppy cry when they are first getting used to the crate, but they will quickly learn that as soon as they quiet down, they will be let out.

Caring Crating Recap.

Of course, coupled with other techniques and forms of training, you’ll have a well-behaved and happy dog if you decide to use a crate. Remember, if you stay positive about a crate and how you associate it with the confinement, your dog will too. Use treats to encourage the entry of the crate and make it your dog’s favorite place to be. When used correctly, crate training can be caring and not cruel. Crate training for puppies is especially beneficial in their development and obedience. As your dog gets older, they may be allowed to sleep on your bed or beside you on the sofa, but having their special place, their crate, will also enhance their well-being and yours.

The Healing Power of Animal Reiki

Just as people are turning to alternative methods of healing for themselves, they now realize the alternative healing modality of Reiki and how it can support their pets. The energetic healing power of Reiki can transform an animal’s health and well-being.

I met Joan Marlow, a Reiki Master, many years ago when I attended a health workshop on aging. In hearing about the healing power of Reiki for humans, I was intrigued and captivated. Shortly after, I attended a Reiki class to become a Reiki practitioner, and with my love of ani-

mals, I expanded my training to become an Animal Reiki practitioner. I didn’t realize then that Reiki would support me in saving my dog’s life and ultimately helping others with their pets.

When Ranger was about five years old, he developed a lump in his neck that appeared overnight. Worried, we visited his vet, who aspirated it while sharing that it would most likely come back and require removal with the likelihood of cancer. I was sent home with medications and what was thought to be the best plan for the immediate future. With my knowledge of animal reiki, I began to put my practice to use to help Ranger. Feeling like I

couldn’t do it alone, I confided in my Reiki share group and asked them to join me in sharing this healing energy with my baby. I provided a current picture of Ranger and sent it to everyone in the group. For the next week and a half, I received positive messages of encouragement and growing members sharing

and sending Ranger Reiki energy, focusing on his neck and the tumor. Then something amazing happened. Just as quickly as the lump had appeared, it disappeared. One day I noticed it had shrunk to practically non-existent! At our follow-up with the vet, she couldn’t believe that the mass was gone and asked with curiosity what I had done to help. She was astonished as I explained the Reiki that was shared. Ranger never needed surgery, nor did any other lumps or tumours appear again. To this day, he is happy and healthy. I entirely attribute this to the healing power of Reiki.

As Joan says, “Reiki goes where it is needed. We might be the facilitators, but the animals lead the way of their healing.’’

Suffering Dog Speaks to Joan

Several years ago, Joan was at a client’s home for a coaching session, which included some meditation. From across the room, Payson, the clients, flat coated lab, approached Joan

‘Reiki goes where it is needed’

and started nuzzling her hand, directing it to rest over her heart. Joan got the overwhelming sense she needed to focus on this animal and find out what it was trying to say. As Joan applied her hand to the dog’s chest, she felt the strong and clear message., “My heart is broken; I feel I’m being replaced.” Joan began to cry, and Julie, the client, asked what was happening. When Joan explained what she sensed from Payson, Julie began to cry too.

The family had recently adopted a puppy, and Payson, with her graying muzzle, was heartbroken that a younger, more playful dog was replacing her. Payson didn’t dislike the puppy but felt left out and forgotten. Julie was shocked and dismayed and kept repeating that it wasn’t the intention; Payson was deeply loved by the family and held an extraordinary place in Julie’s heart. Together they had earned the certification as a therapy dog team to work with seniors in rehabs, those bed-bound, and school visits with children. It took Julie only a second to immediately re-home the puppy and demonstrate her love, loyalty and devotion to the aging Payson. Weeks later, Joan revisited the family and found Payson in good spirits and much happier.

Reiki is a mind and heart-centred meditative focus. When you think kind and loving thoughts about someone or something, the energy flows through you and to whatever/whoever you’re having kind and loving thoughts about. Animal Reiki Practitioners must center themselves before trying to help the animal. They then ask for guidance in this meditative mindset in supporting the most significant and highest good for the animal or person you’re focusing on.

Years ago, Animal Reiki Practitioners would go into the animal’s habitat and offer focused, targeted Reiki for specific issues. Sometimes the dog, cat, horse or other creature would

Reiki Starts with the Practitioner

‘Typically animals will fall asleep or, at the very least show calmness...’

be resistant and unreceptive because we were targeting the Reiki ‘at them.’ With the practitioner often sitting on the floor, they would send Reiki into the space for the animal to receive or approach the subject more intrusively. Now practitioners will often sit on the floor and ‘invite’ the animal to join them in this meditation with the thought being, ’ Join me in this meditation.’’ Typically animals will fall asleep or, at the very least, show calmness when receiving Reiki.

es, this energy can facilitate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote the smooth flow of healing energy throughout the body. Hopefully, as more people experience the benefits of Reiki, it will become more widely recognized as a valuable tool for animal wellness.

There’s so much more that can be learned about the power of Reiki to help the well-being of animals. Even though this is an ancient Japanese practice it’s constantly evolving and

Reiki is excellent to share in an animal shelter where the evidence of the animal joining in the meditation is that a quiet calm takes the place of barking and agitation.

Traditional Veterinarians and Reiki

While traditional or Western medicine veterinarians may not yet acknowledge Reiki as a form of treatment or healing aid, many holistic and naturopathic vets have embraced it in their practice. It’s important to note that animal Reiki practitioners do not claim to be vets and instead act as a conduit for potent healing energy. By helping to release energy blockag-

adapting to the needs of animals as well as humans.

To learn more about animal Reiki, become an Animal Reiki Practitioner for your pets, or help others, please visit www.peacefullyhealng.com or reach out to Joan at

Joan@peacefullyhealing.com. Joan’s business Peaceful Easy Healing offers life and wellness coaching, education and alternative practices (Reiki for humans and their pets).

Keeping Your Pup Cool in the Summer Heat

What to feed your dog that will keep them cool when the temperatures heat up

Just like people, dogs can be affected by extreme temperatures and are especially prone to overheating. Did you know that certain proteins are cooler, warmer or neutral when it comes to raising the internal temperature of your pet? For example, chicken and turkey can be warming proteins, while Duck is considered a cooling meat. What you are feeding your dog may be raising their internal temperature and adding to their discomfort when facing rise in the thermometer. The following is a list to help you better decide what to feed your furry friend during the warmer months.

Cooling foods can also help with allergies and reducing inflammation. Don’t forget to add cooling fruits and vegetables too, such as; blueberries, kale, cantaloupe, raspberries, spinach, green beans, apples and watermelon to your pet’s meals. Another great cooling source of protein is sardines. You can buy them canned and packed making for a great meal additive you can keep on hand and easily store. Just make sure you find the one that is packed in water instead of oil, and without any seasonings.

Looking for a cool summer treat for your pup? Try freezing nonfat or low-fat plain greek yogurt with some mashed banana in a popsicle tray. This gives them some fun licking with probiotics and potassium in a cooling snack.

Always check with your vet if you have any concerns about adding or changing your pet’s diet. Especially if your pup has existing health issues. Introducing new tasty treats for your dog can be good but at the pet’s tolerance and with starting with small amounts. And remember, when you’re relaxing on the patio and retreating from the sun and heat, your dog will love you when you provide a cool refreshing treat!

Featuring Pets Living Their Best Life...

Look Who’s Walking the Red Carpet!

MC SQUISHY

IG: thelifeofsquishythecat

My name is Squishy the Cat! I am a troublemaking kitty who loves her mama! I am charmed by food and my favourite pass times are having the zoomies, getting into snacks while watching my celebrity friends online. Let me introduce you to a few of my favourites...

Penny The Talking Cat

Penny is an eight year old tabby cat. Full of both attitude and love, Penny makes comical videos with the assistance of her owner Aymie. With 8.5 million followers on TikTok, and over 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube, she is one of the most popular cats on the internet, sharing love, attitude and comedy, as well as doing merch! To check out our top pick, follow the link below.

OUR FAV VIDEO >>>

Beans the Ginger Cat

IG: beansthegingercat TikTok: beansthegingercat

Beans the Ginger Cat is a loveable tabby gain ing quite the following! Stealing the hearts of thousands with cute pictures and comical vid eos, this tabby is quite the internet sensation. To see our top pick of the adorable Beans the Ginger Cat, follow the link below!

OUR FAV VIDEO >>>

Weller is an of The Berner consisted of named Kylie, tunately are since been the Bunch, carrying His goal is to which he most our favourite OUR FAV VIDEO

gainof vidsensation. the

Magnus the Therapy Dog

@magnusthetherapydog

(Pinterest, IG, YouTube, TikTok)

Magnus is a yellow Labrador Retriever and is six years old. Although he was originally bred and raised to become a certified service dog for the blind, he instead became a therapy dog after his owner noticed he had an aptitude for this line of work. Now, Magnus spends his days visiting hospitals, and assisting children with severe learning disabilities or mental illnesses. Now Mangus is an internet star with over one million subscribers on YouTube and over 700,000 followers on Instagram, not to mention his Amazon Alexa Ad.

OUR FAV VIDEO >>>

Weller the Berner

IG: thebernerbunch

TikTok: thebernerbunch

adult Bernese Mountain Dog

Berner Bunch. The Berner Bunch of rescue Bernese Mountain Dogs Kylie, Lady and Gita, who unforno longer with us. Weller has the lone Berner of The Berner carrying the torch for his siblings. to spread smiles and happiness, most certainly does. To check out favourite video, follow the link below!

VIDEO >>>

Esther The Wonder Pig

@estherthewonderpig

(Pinterest, IG, YouTube, TikTok)

The proud owners of this pig were told that Esther was a micro piglet, but three years later she grew to 600 pounds and was determined to be a full-sized commercial pig. This is a pig who has her own book, and has been featured in Vogue magazine. Not to mention she is a New York Times bestselling author. Esther is a true wonder. To check out our top video pick, click the link below!

OUR FAV VIDEO >>>

Glen the Goose

IG: @glenthegoos

TikTok: @glen_and_honk

Glen the Goose is a very loved pet by both his owners, and his followers. His funny videos and attitude are heartwarming and wholesome. Glen can be seen in videos hanging out with his owner or chasing away any man because he has a fear of them, so much so he has been nicknamed the shamer of all husbands. To check out our top pick of Glen the Goose follow the link below.

OUR FAV VIDEO >>>

GROOMED

From a mobile Groomer’s perspective with tips for keeping your dog or cat looking purrdy.

Q1 - How did you become a groomer?

Personally, I knew from a young age that I wanted to dedicate my life to animals. I’ve always done jobs working with animals, from pet sitting to volunteering at the Phoenix Zoo. But in High School, I started to work at Petsmart as a Bather and fell in love with the Art of Grooming. This allowed me to work with pets and their parents to make them feel good, comfortable and healthy.

Q2 - At what age should you start having your dog professionally groomed?

As soon as you get your pet, you can start desensitizing your dog or cat to grooming by get-

ting a vibrating toothbrush and petting your animal with it all over, especially on his feet/ paws and rewarding them with treats. You can also start brushing as well; once your puppy has all his/her shots, they can start getting professionally groomed. This is usually about 3-4 months of age.

Q3 - What are the benefits of mobile grooming?

I have been grooming for approximately 20 years. And I have worked both in a shop and as a mobile groomer. I have found that a lot of pets prefer to be groomed by a mobile groomer. I do tell clients that mobile grooming is a

Interview with Drew Gould by Free Living Pet Magazine editor Laura Harvey

luxury service, so it typically costs more than if you take your pet to a shop. However, the benefit of mobile grooming is that your pet will get one on one attention, they will not go in a kennel, and the professional pet stylist (groomer) can

in a year and can help see or feel abnormal symptoms to point out to your Veterinarian. I have saved a pet’s life by noticing a bump the pet’s parent didn’t detect. This turned out to be a cancer lump, and the Vet was able to remove it,

focus on providing the best experience for your pet. The pet can also still see their home and not have to stress about car rides, other barking dogs (especially with cats), or other typical distractions that are in a shop.

Q4 - Why is professional grooming important?

Professional grooming is very important because we are trained professionals that see every single aspect of your pet. We will have our hands on your pets more times than your veterinarian will

and the pet is happy and healthy today. We can also aid in the overall health of the pet by maintaining coat and nails.

Q5 - How often does a dog need grooming?

This question depends on the pet. A normal hair cycle of a dog’s follicles is about 21 days. Typically, we recommend 4-6 weeks for full grooming. This allows trimming of the nails on a monthly schedule to help keep the quick (blood vessel) in the nails back. It also allows the removal of the undercoat or for a thorough brushing of the pet. Another positive aspect of a regular grooming schedule is that this is a positive mental

regimen for the dog’s schedule. They will begin to view grooming as a part of their routine versus a punishment. Also, allows us to pamper your pet!

Q6 - What can people do themselves to help with grooming and avoiding matting, etc?

This question depends on the type of breed you have. For example, most Doodles, Shih Tzu, and Maltese/Yorkie need regular brushing with a metal comb and a slicker brush to prevent matting. Labs and short hair breeds would need a de-shedding rake or a rubber brush. Another “homework” that I give a lot of clients is called the toothbrush homework, which is petting your dog’s feet and body with a vibrating toothbrush. This is the same feeling and sound as our dremel and clippers. You should also play with your pet’s feet, ears, and tails as well.

Q7. What do you like best about your job?

Honestly, the best part of my job is to develop a relationship with the pet and their parents. It’s truly as if I get to become a small part of the family, and I’m so thankful for each one of them. The best part of my day is when we are all done and come back inside, and the pet parent is like, “Oooh my gosh! You are

so beautiful!” It specially makes my heart happy when a pet gets tail wagging excited, and they are just so impressed they want to show off!

Q8. What is the #1 grooming tip for pet owners?

To make grooming a positive, regular routine in the pet’s life.

Q9. Why is professional grooming important? Can’t people just groom their pets at home themselves?

Professional grooming is so important because this job really is an art and a skill.

Professionals Pet Stylists spend hours, days, and years learning and honing their skills. It takes patience, experience, and a whole lot of love to do it right. We take classes on different breeds, skin, health, and coat care. Additionally, we learn first aid and CPR. We’re knowledgeable about animal behavior, how to safely handle and groom the pet, and so much more.

There’s a whole convention geared towards the pet care industry, especially groomers, where we can take classes and learn about the newest products to bring back to our community. This helps to contribute to and improve our pets and their families’ lives.

Drew Gould completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behavior and Physiology from Arizona State University. She decided to pursue a career in pet grooming. Being from Hawaii, her goal is to bring the Aloha Spirit to her clients through a stressfree grooming experience for their precious pets. You can reach her at drewgrooming@gmail.com

Ranger’s Reviews

Hello my furry friends, it’s time for my reviews on the latest and greatest pet products I’ve found and researched. As usual, when I look for new products I try to step out of my normal routine and seek to find those that are different. I feel I’ve found some that are intriguing and useful and I hope you’ll find this issue’s products as ‘pawsome’ as I have!

Not Just Another Dog Bowl

The other day, during my usual morning walk around the neighbourhood to check my ‘peemail,’ I noticed several humans carrying water bottles that said ‘YETI’ on them. I thought they were cool and wanted one for myself. To my surprise, I was able to find a new item created specifically for dogs at yeti.com. Something online at yeti.com!

It’s their new YETI Boomer Dog Bowl, and it comes in 4 or 8-cup sizes. Of course, I needed a larger size, so I purchased the 8-cup. There were also a variety of colors and a stainless steel option to choose from. I was drawn to the striking Seafoam color, so I added it to the cart.

Additionally, you can customize your bowl with a monogram, your pet’s name, or a logo design. These bowls are extra durable and resistant to dents, making them great for travelling. They can be used for either four or eight cups of kibble or water, depending on your pet’s size. They’re even dishwasher safe and have a non-skid ring on the bottom to stay in place as we eat. We all know how annoying it is to try and eat out of a bowl as it continually moves across the floor.

Oh, and did I mention they are also safe for food and BPA-free. Don’t miss getting one of these bowls for yourself!

I give this product a 5 paw rating!

Collar Comfort

It’s always important to me to have a collar that’s comfortable. For me, it’s about the three C’s; Comfort, Care, and Cuteness. My Mom naturally wants one that’s durable and has a place for my identification.

I believe I’ve found the best of both worlds and the perfect collar for both dogs and cats. This one comes from an Etsy shop and is handmade. Normally I’m about not using real leather, and I try to promote vegan products, but in this instance, I really like the comfort and durability of this particular collar. It comes in a variety of colors and sizes and is a combination of a collar and dog tag.

A great addition to your fur fashion wardrobe. The personalized engraved nameplate doesn’t get in the way of your fur and is silent for that late-night scratch.

Food for Thought

The quest for healthy good dog food is always a challenging one.

I’ve tried many different raw and freezedried dog foods to high-quality kibble, and it seems I’m constantly searching for and testing food. Mainly, I’m trying to have a variety, but also like checking out what’s new on the market.

So when I heard about Dr. Marty’s Nature’s Blend Essential Wellness, I had to give it a try. What I instantly liked about this product line was the freeze-dried healthy ingredients that travel well since you can have it with or without water added.

You can ‘pant (breathe)’ easily because it’s made without artificial preservatives, additives or fillers, and it tastes great too!

Everything about this collar is great. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5-paw rating is because I wish it was vegan leather.

TEACHING ALL DOGS NEW TRICKS

Interview with Top Dog Trainer, Myra Markley

By Laura Harvey

When I set out to interview Myra Markley, founder and trainer of an obedience/service dog training school, I didn’t realize the depth in which her instructional studio went to facilitate dog owners to be self-reliant and self-sufficient.

Her program is much more than teaching your pet to sit and stay and roll over; it involves life-saving knowledge on both the dog’s part, as well as the owner’s part.

I sat down with Myra at her training studio after the last four-legged client had exited the building. I began with questions to find out more about her unique practice.

Q1. How did you get started training dogs?

I started my dog training career rather by accident. Being physically disabled myself and when I began living on my own, I realized I needed help, and other people were not always around when I needed them. I had heard of service dogs for disabled people and had even encountered a few when I would be going to my appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. The dogs are always very well-behaved, and for the most part, I barely noticed they were there.

So here is where it all started for me. There was one day in particular when I was bringing in groceries and putting everything

Myra with her service dog Raven

away when I dropped a bottle of ketchup on the floor. Nothing spilled, but I could not pick it up. I am unable to bend down to the ground to pick things up; all of the tools that I use to pick up fallen objects could not grip the heavy, awkward plastic bottle. After many failed attempts to pick it up, I thought to myself, “If I had a dog here, I would have had this thing off the floor by now.”

Eventually, I did call a relative who came over to help. But it was at that moment I realized I needed to do something. Having never owned a dog and definitely never trained a dog, I really didn’t know what I was getting into, but I was determined to try. After all, I thought to myself, “How hard could it be?”. Spoiler alert; It’s not that easy. So I searched rescues and the pound, and I finally found a young golden retriever.

Q2. What makes your training unique or different from other trainers?

I think what makes my training methods different from others is the fact that I myself am physically disabled, like many of my clients. Physically disabled people cannot physically train a dog like an able-bodied person. We have to make accommodations for our disability while still being able to effectively communicate with the dog. Also, there are many different types of physical limitations, so I had to learn to think outside of my personal box; not only to figure out how to train a dog to do something using my limited physical abilities, but I also had to learn to teach others how to work within their own physical disabilities to teach

I immediately started learning as much as I could about dogs in general (books, videos, articles, etc.), and I started taking classes with a dog trainer to learn how to turn this dog into not only a well-behaved pet but a service dog to help me.

their dog the skills, and the behaviors, that they needed. This often meant I had to do everything one-on-one with each individual client. There are so many different ways to teach a dog to sit (for example). An able-bodied person simply lures the dog’s head up. A person sitting in a wheelchair will usually end up with a dog in their lap if

they try this. It’s all a matter of position and movement, and it’s always individualized.

Teaching a dog to pick up an item when you can’t pick it up means you cannot show the dog what to do easily. And, of course, dropping something means you might not be able to pick it up again for a long time, especially if the dog doesn’t do it for you. These are challenges that have to be worked around, given each individual’s abilities.

Then, there’s always the challenge of does the dog have the drive and desire to do the job. There are some dogs that just don’t want to be service dogs, they just want to be pets, and that needs to be identified and respected, or you’ll end up with everyone being frustrated. It’s also the fact that not all dogs learn the same way, so if you don’t

have several different ways to teach an individual behavior to the dog, you may not be successful simply because the dog does not understand. I always take time to try to learn the dog’s personality and language, as well as the client’s personality and language, to figure out how to teach both of them to work well together.

Q3. What are the benefits of professional training?

Teaching a dog to be obedient on your own is fantastic if you can do it. Getting information from a book or watching videos is a great place to start. However, nearly everybody will come across some aspect of the training that is just not going well, and both the human and the dog might become frustrated.

Many people will work with a trainer right from the start to hopefully avoid a lot of frustration. Having a trainer right there, onsite, to point out something you’re doing at the moment that’s confusing the dog can be extremely beneficial. Also, trainers can read the dog’s body language better than most owners and can tell the owner why the dog is having so much trouble. The trainer can then suggest another method or two to try. This way, we’re not only training the dog but working on the relationship between the handler/owner and the dog.

Q4. Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?

Yes, you can absolutely teach an old dog new tricks. Over the years, I’ve worked with some dogs that were pets for the first six years of their life. A few of them even became service dogs. Others I worked with were just to help teach a few fun tricks to give the dog and owner something amusing to do.

Q5. What are the benefits of pet owners training with their dogs?

Having the owner train the dog with the guidance of a trainer is the way I prefer to do dog training. I want the owner as involved as possible. Not only does it teach the owner how to communicate with their dog, but also how to listen to what their dog needs. Once they understand how to teach the dog to do something, they can teach their dog to do just about anything. Communication is absolutely essential, and if the owner doesn’t know how to communicate with the dog and maintain the behaviors, the dog will

I’ve made a positive impact in their lives andtaught them some new skills that will continue to benefit them in the future.

Q7. Are different breeds better for service and/or therapy dogs?

Breed really only matters depending on the type of job you want to do. You can’t expect a small dog to brace somebody without getting hurt. Tiny dogs can do retrieving, provided they can physically pick up the items. Again, sometimes this is a problem. If the dog is being trained for more anxiety or psychological disability, small dogs are much easier to travel with than larger

often regress back into doing anything to get the owner to interact with it again. Sometimes these behaviors are problematic.

Q6. How have you made a difference in your community?

I have worked with many disabled individuals over the years, and I have seen them grow in confidence as they work with their dogs. They also grow in confidence when being in public because now they have the assistance they need and don’t need to rely on other people as much. Being independent is a wonderful thing. I hope

dogs. Dogs have already been selectively bred for many different jobs, which is why we have so many breeds to choose from. It’s best to select a breed that already has the desired job in its traits. The obvious example is retrieving and thus getting a retriever. If you need bracing, you will need a nice, large, sturdy dog.

If you’re looking for more of a medical alert, such as a diabetic alert, a dog with a really good sense of smell, such as a beagle, can work very well, although many other breeds can do the job just as well. Dogs bred to be friendly and outgoing companions can make wonderful therapy dogs.

You also need to consider the personality of the individual dog. Shy and nervous dogs don’t do well in crowded public places and should not be expected to work in situations that make them uncomfortable. They just won’t do a good job because they are too uncomfortable. Not all dogs want to work and are not enthusiastic about doing the things the owner asks of them.

These things should not be forced; encouragement is fine. It’s also a matter of relationship between the dog and the owner. If the two have a very good bond, the dog will want to help the human. If the dog wants to help you, the dog will find a way to do it and may overcome some of the fear and insecurity of being out in the world with the person.

Q8. What tips do you have for pet parents?

If you’re getting a dog to become a service dog or a therapy dog, don’t pick the dog simply because it is cute. A common mistake I see is that they pick a dog that is shy or a little timid, and the person feels like he or she needs to take that dog to protect it to make it feel better. That’s totally noble and ideal if you just want a family pet. If you want a working dog, you need to find a very outgoing and confident dog, but also the dog that wants to be with and help the individual. Additionally, while training, being patient is vitally important.

Q9. How has your style or practice of training changed or evolved over the years?

My style doesn’t change very much. I’ve always been very flexible, and I try to take time to figure out the personality and drive of the dog and the owner so I can figure out how to help the two of them work well as a team. A lot of the methods that I have used over the years have changed because every team is unique, and not everyone

trains the same way. I have to figure out how to help that person communicate with that dog, given the fact they don’t speak the same language. Often I have to help build a language for both of them through not only verbal but physical signals that they can both understand. This also means that the human has to learn to read the dog’s language and understand what the dog is saying, which can be complicated because dogs are not verbal like humans, and most humans misread the subtle physical signals from the dog.

Q10. What’s the most rewarding thing about being a trainer?

The most rewarding thing is definitely seeing a successful team working well out in public. I’ve run into several of my clients in random places, like Walmart or the grocery store, over the years, and it is always a delight to see the person and the dog doing so well with their daily lives.

More About Myra

The commitment Myra has to her program and her clients, both human and canine, is truly commendable. I have a whole new perspective on what it takes to train a dog to be a service or therapy animal.

If you’d like more information about Myra and her training practices, check out her book; Managing Mutts: Training a Focused K9, that’s available on Amazon.

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The Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) is a worldwide grassroots organization dedicated to improving the lives of shelter animals and their caregivers through meditation techniques.