Dog Living Magazine Nov/Dec 2010

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November | December 2010 Volume 5 | Issue 6

2010 Howliday Gift Guide AKC Accepting Mixed Breeds? Holiday Travel Tips A New Kind of Therapy Dog

It’s a good doggy day

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Come help us celebrate... Howl-iday open house and pet photos Photos with Santa: Coastal K-9 Bakery Saturday, November 20 2:00pm-4:30pm Tippy’s Treats & More Saturday, December 4 2:00pm-4:30pm

Tippy’s Treats & more 7134 Market Street Wilmington, NC 28411 910.319.7786

Coastal K-9 Bakery, Inc. 5905 #9 Carolina Beach Rd. Wilmington, NC 28412

910.794.4014

Toll 866.794.4014 Free

www.coastalk9bakery.com

www.doglivingmagazine.com

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table of contents p. 10

p. 13

p. 17

p. 25

Features

In Every Issue

8 That’s My Dog! Dog Living subscribers show off their pets

7 Ollie’s Corner Cha-cha-changes at Dog Living

11 Tips for Happy Holiday Pet Travel Because the holidays can be stressful enough

8 Happenings See what pet-friendly event is coming to a location near you

13 2010 Howliday Gift Guide It’s our annual gift guide for people and pets

9 DOGhealth FAQ on the Dog Flu

18 AKC Welcomes Mixed Breeds? Nope, that’s not a typo!

10 DOGoutings Greensboro Watershed Trails

16 Your Pet’s Greatest Gift to You You can learn a lot about life from your pet

12 Ask August Why don’t people spay/neuter?

21 Housetraining 101 An excerpt from trainer to the stars Tamar Geller’s latest book

17 Unleashed Lisa Lampanelli

26 Dogs Helping Children A new kind of therapy dog

25 Tail Waggers A very doggie Christmas 27 Dogs On Film Our puparazzi are always on the lookout for dogs about town 28 Dog Living Directory Your resource for all things dog 30 Doghouse Poll Team Cesar or Team Victoria? 30 DOGnews Get the scoop

On The Cover 2010 Howliday Gift Guide…..p13 AKC Accepting Mixed Breeds?…..p18 Holiday Travel Tips…..p11 A New Kind of Therapy Dog…..p26 Cover Photo: Brittany Wright Cover Model: Biscuit Biscuit was rescued from Surry Animal Rescue and had seven brothers and sisters! Her mom and dad fostered her and one of her sisters. When the time came for Biscuit to go to a forever home, her foster parents couldn’t bear to part with her, so they adopted her.

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November/December 2010

Volume 5, Issue 6

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editors

Suzanne Jalot

Art Director

Dustin Keipper

Ollie and August

Contributing Writers Jim Clark Elysa Cooper Tamar Geller K. Gwendolyn Doug Koktavy Penny Leigh Jason Pergason Phodography

K. Gwendolyn Brittany Wright

Sales Pam Gosdin Cheryl Turner-Blanco Marketing & Promotion John Leonard Wendy Jalot Circulation Manager

John Leonard

Distribution

Ryan Young

A publication of OllieDog Media, Inc. www.doglivingmagazine.com info@doglivingmagazine.com P.O. Box 1914 Wilmington, NC 28402 910-452-3775

Subscriptions: A one-year subscription is only $16. Call 910-452-3775 or go to www.doglivingmagazine.com to subscribe. Change of address? Call 910-452-3775 or email circulation@doglivingmagazine.com. Advertising: For more information, call 910-452-3775 or email sales@doglivingmagazine.com. Submissions: Please email editor@doglivingmagazine.com for submission guidelines. ©2010 by OllieDog Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this magazine is prohibited without written permission of the publisher. This includes, but is not limited to Internet postings and photocopies of the magazine. Dog Living and its logotype are trademarks of OllieDog Media, Inc. The information provided by Dog Living Magazine is intended for informational, educational and/or entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be nor is it a substitute for professional advice. It may be necessary to consult your pet’s veterinarian regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations in this publication. All materials and services in this publication are provided “as is” without any representations or warranties. Neither Dog Living Magazine nor its affiliates, nor any of their respective agents, employees, advertisers or writers shall be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error, omission, timeliness, completeness, deletion, defect or failure of performance. OllieDog Media, Inc. reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason.

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Whoah. This is our 5th Anniversary issue. I can’t believe I was just a young pup when my mom started this magazine and just look at all the grey that has been added to my face from working here. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful community of animal lovers all across the state of North Carolina. Through the years we’ve made some changes to the magazine. We’ve added features, we’ve gotten rid of features, we’ve tweaked the format and then some. We’re constantly evolving. As my mom says, “If you don’t evolve and grow, you die.” That sounds a little morbid to me, but, whatever. You can bet we’ll be evolving right on into 2011 and I’ve got a sneak peek at what you’re in store for: • We’re going to provide more content in digital form so in-between print issues, you can still get your Dog Living fix online. Our website will be updated with fresh stories on a regular basis. • Our strong community on Facebook and Twitter continues to grow and we will be more interactive with all of you. If you’re not already a fan/follower, then get online and sign up! • Our editorial content is going to be more heavily focused on North Carolina. Heck, we’re a North Carolina magazine so we’re going to celebrate that fact. You’ll still see stories of national interest, of course, but we really want to bring you stories that relate to your home state. • More contests! We love giving you free stuff. You love getting free stuff. So we’re going to do more of that with opportunities for you to win the latest dog gifts/gadgets/gear through the print edition and online. I think that about sums it up. And on a personal note, I, your Assistant Editor Ollie, will promise to try and keep any cat stuff out of the magazine. Mom has slipped some cat stuff in a couple issues in the past, but I’m determined to put a stop to it. This is a dog magazine and dogs rule!!! Now if I can just get our dumb old house cat to realize that, August and I will be in a much better power position in the house. Have a great holiday and thank you for reading! Woofs and Wags,

Ollie Assistant Editor

Insured & Bonded American Red Cross Pet CPR & First Aid Certified • Pet

Feeding & Watering • • Dog Walking • • Pet Play/Cuddle Time • • Pet Transportation • • Field Trips • • Overnight Stays •

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DOGhappenings NOVEMBER November 6 Canine Carnival & Mutt Strutt 10am-2pm Crowder District Park, Apex Enjoy a day at Crowder District Park with your 4-legged companion! Enjoy pet-related vendors and help raise funds for the Wake County Animal Shelter. November 6 Walk for Animal Protection 9am Southern Village, Chapel Hill The event begins at 9am with live music, games, contests, kid activities, vendors and demonstrations including; agility, flyball, frisbee, and drill team. The 2 mile Fun Walk starts at 12pm. Paws4Ever is the triangle’s leading no-kill rescue organization and training center. Visit www.paws4ever.org for more information and to register! November 7 Holiday Pet Photo Event 1pm-5pm Orvis, Triangle Towne Center, Raleigh Bring your pet(s) to Orvis on Sunday November 7th and get your family portrait taken in a holiday setting by professional photographer Jessica Key. A 5×7 starts at $20. Proceeds from this event benefit the Neuse River

For an up-to-date listing of events, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com Golden Retriever Rescue. Contact: Jennifer Peckham, luvagolden@nc.rr.com or www.goldenrescuenc.org. November 20 Casino Night Bees Knees Gala 6pm-11pm Omni Hotel, Charlotte Come in your finest roaring 20’s fashion and enjoy dinner, drinks (cash bar), jazz and big band music and casino gaming with a floor to ceiling view of Downtown Charlotte. All proceeds benefit the Animal Adoption League. Visit www.mynextpet.com for more info.

DECEMBER December 4 Loboleigh’s 2010 December Christmas Pet Portraits 9am-5pm The Loft at 14th, Concord Reserve your space now by calling 704-906-4180 or email lobosphotography@gmail.com

FEBRUARY 2011 February 27 Monty’s Home Pet Expo 11am-4pm Schwartz Center, CFCC Campus, Wilmington An indoor event where you can browse through petrelated vendors, bid in the silent auction and learn about responsible pet ownership! Visit www.montyshome.org for more info.

MARCH 2011 March 26 Walk for Those Who Can’t 8am-Noon Location TBD Save the date for this annual fundraising event for Carolina Canines!

December 4 Wilmington Fur Ball 6:30pm-10:30pm Hilton Wilmington Riverside, Wilmington A black tie, red carpet gala to raise funds for Adopt An Angel and Pender County Humane Society. Visit www.wilmingtonfurball.com for details.

Got an upcoming pet-friendly event? Send your info to events@doglivingmagazine.com. Please include: Organization Name, Contact (name and phone), Brief Description of Event, Date/Time/Place.

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That’s MY Dog Name: Harley and Izzy Age: @1 and @2 Hometown: Cary, NC Favorite place to play: The backyard Favorite toy: Anything they can both chew on at the same time! Favorite activity: Going on long walks If your dog had a human profession, what would it be? Harley would be a gym teacher and Izzy would be a princess

Submitted by Dog Living Magazine subscribers Terri and Gray Methven

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DOGhealth Dog Flu FAQ What is canine influenza virus (CIV)? Canine influenza virus H3N8 (CIV) causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is also known as dog flu. The virus is very contagious to other dogs. Common signs are cough, runny nose, fever, lethargy and decreased appetite. Most dogs have mild symptoms, but some dogs may develop pneumonia and have a more serious course that requires hospitalization. How does CIV spread? Canine influenza is very contagious, meaning that it is easily spread from dogs that are currently infected to other dogs. A dog can spread the virus even if it doesn’t show any signs of illness. CIV can pass from dog to dog through virus particles in the air (e.g., through coughing or sneezing) or by coming into physical contact with other dogs (e.g., touching noses). It can also be picked up if a dog touches or plays with objects that were touched by infected dogs (for example, food bowls, toys). Humans can even move the virus between dogs. For example, they may spread the virus if they pet an infected dog, or even touch a toy or doorknob that a dog has contacted, and then touch another dog before washing their hands. You can take important steps to minimize the spread of canine influenza: • Keep your dog at home if he or she has signs of a respiratory infection, and contact your veterinarian regarding appropriate care and evaluation. • Routinely wash your dog’s food and water bowls and toys with soap and water. • Sanitize your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer, and wash your clothes after coming in contact with a dog that has signs of a respiratory infection. Can CIV infect humans? The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation and keeping close track of all exposures. To

date, there is no evidence that CIV can infect humans, and there has not been a single reported case of a human being infected with CIV. How can I prevent my dog from getting CIV infection? The most important step is to vaccinate your dog, as viral disease is best prevented by effective vaccination. There is a new vaccine available to control the spread of canine influenza virus and minimize its impact. Just like human flu shots, this vaccine may not completely prevent canine influenza but will make it less likely. And if a vaccinated dog does get the flu, the symptoms are likely to be milder. You should also stay aware of any information related to outbreaks of canine influenza in your area. Knowledge and common sense are your best defenses against canine influenza. What are the signs of CIV infection? CIV cannot be easily distinguished from other respiratory illnesses because the signs are similar to other respiratory infections. Dogs with CIV infection often have a cough that may be dry or productive (coughing up yellow sputum). They may act tired and lose their appetite. They may also have a nasal discharge. What are the treatment options for CIV infection? As with all viruses, there are no available drugs that kill CIV. The illness must simply run its course. Treatment options are focused on providing supportive care and making sure the dog is as comfortable as possible, hydrated, and eating well; those things will help boost the dog’s immune system so it can fight the virus on its own. Antibiotics may be used if a secondary bacterial infection occurs. Is my dog likely to die from CIV infection? Fortunately, the mortality rate for dogs with CIV infection is fairly low, about 5 to 8%. In addition, it is important to seek veterinary care at the first signs of a respiratory infection in your dog because early treatment can result in better outcomes. For more information on CIV, visit www.doginfluenza.com.

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DOGoutings

Greensboro Watershed Trails Scenery: Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Length: Varies

Greensboro Watershed Trails Greensboro www.greensboro-nc.gov

There are more than 42 miles of trails to explore around Greensboro’s municipal reservoirs. There are 13 trails that make up the Greensboro Watershed Trails and almost all of them are linear, meaning the way you walk in is the same way you’ll walk out. You’ll get a view of lakes, wildflowers, trees and wildlife. The Greensboro Parks and Recreation website (www.greensboro-nc.gov) is a great source of information about all the trails and you’ll also find updated maps of all the trails. Most of the trails have parking lots, but there are some where parking is limited to the roadside. If you live outside the Greensboro area, it’s worth a day trip to explore several of the trails. Some of the trails are popular with mountain bikers, so those trails might not make the best outing with your dog unless you want to be interrupted by bikers as you hike. Our favorite hike is the Townsend Trail because it is off-limits to bikes and at almost four miles one-way, it is one of the longest trails in the system. The Beech Bluff Trail is a shorter hike (1.3 miles one-way), follows a hillside bluff and offers views of wildflowers and wetlands. For more information, contact the Trails Division at 336-373-3816. Photographs courtesy of the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department

Scenery Ratings: 1 paw – Nothing much to look at 2 paws – Pleasant enough 3 paws – Some great views 4 paws – Gorgeous scenery everywhere

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Difficulty Ratings: Easy – Anybody can do this! Moderate – You might be sweating when you finish Hard – This could make some of you wish you were in better shape Very Hard! – Only dogs and people that exercise often should attempt


Tips

for Happy Holiday Pet Travel

Millions of people will hit the road this holiday season to spend time with friends and family, and for many of us, spending the holidays away from our pets is inconceivable. Planning ahead and taking some precautions can help ensure that everyone - including the furry members of the family - has a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips from www.GoPetFriendly.com to make sure your trip is a merry one! Strongly consider traveling by car. The airlines are plagued with huge crowds and massive amounts of baggage during this time of the year. Delays and cancellations are the norm and could cause increased stress for your pet. If your destination is too far of a drive, consider visiting before or after the busy holiday travel season. Make certain your pet is welcome at your destination. Friends and relatives may not be comfortable with having your pet as a guest. Confirm in advance that your host will welcome your pets and discuss any restricted areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay. Brush up on obedience. Our pets are introduced to new places, scents and people when we travel. Understanding what’s allowed in a new environment can be confusing for them, but a little training before you leave will allow them to showcase their manners, and may even save their life. Simple commands like “Stay,” “Down,” and “Drop It” can keep a dog from bolting out an open door, greeting guests inappropriately, or ingesting something that could be harmful. Give them a comfortable retreat. Many pets can become overwhelmed with holiday gatherings and would prefer a quiet spot away from the activity. Having their bed or crate and their favorite toy creates a welcome refuge where they can relax. Keep your pet’s normal schedule. As simple as it may seem, feeding and exercising your pet on their normal schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind you of your pet’s feeding time and don’t skip their daily walk! Avoid digestive disaster. It’s very tempting to spoil your pet during the holidays with foods and treats however it’s very important to stick to your pet’s normal diet while you’re traveling. Just eating foods your pet is not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Let other guests know that your pet is well-fed and anyone offering treats may be cleaning up after him later! The tree is off limits. Pets can be injured if they take tinsel or ornaments off the tree, and the water in the tree stand can have preservatives or bacteria in it that could harm your pet. Pets should not be allowed around the tree. Monitor your emotions. Over-excitement, anxiety and stress are common emotions around the holidays. Remember that your pet will pick up on your feelings, so relax, stay calm and have fun! For more information about traveling with your pets, visit

GoPetFriendly.com

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AskAugust August loves mail from doggies and humans! If you have a question you’d like to ask, just email her at August@doglivingmagazine.com.

Dear August, I love to explore new places with my dog and meet dog owners who enjoy outdoor activities as much as I do. Is there any type of formal group I can join? You know, kind of like a social network for dog owners?

Wilmington is home to the “Active Dogs and Dog Owners” group. And in the Raleigh area, there’s the “Dog Hiking Group.” All it takes is a quick search of your area using the keyword “dogs” at www.meetup.com. I’m sure you’ll find a group you love in no time!

Fido Friendly, Southport

Dear Too Many Strays, The short answer is because they are ignorant, selfish, arrogant fools. The long answer? Well, I don’t feel like giving the long answer, so let’s just pass around my short answer to anyone who does not have their pet spayed or neutered. (except of course in the case of medical reasons, which we will forgive)

Dear August, Dear Fido Friendly, There are several great groups all across North Carolina you can join. In Charlotte, there’s a “Run with Your Dog” group, an “Active Dogs” group, and, my Mom’s favorite, a “Dogs and Drinks” group.

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Why doesn’t everyone spay or neuter their pets? I don’t understand it. Can you tell me why? Too Many Strays Charlotte

Disclaimer: Ask August is provided for entertainment purposes only. For health or behavioral problems with your pet, you should consult with your vet or a behavioral specialist.


2010 Howliday

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We love gifts! It doesn’t matter if you celebrate a holiday or not, we’re sure you’ll still enjoy “shopping” through the next few pages.

Gift Guide

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1 Doodle Dog Aprons and Doodle Dog Bags Fun and functional! Made out of Crypton Super Fabric these aprons and bags are stain, odor and moisture resistant. $32 aprons, $36 bags, Cool Dogs & Crazy Cats, 910-457-0115

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************************************************* 2 Viva La Dog Spa Oatmeal Shampoo It’s a spa treatment in a bottle. This shampoo provides relief from insect bites, hot spots, skin irritations and dry, itchy skin. And, the bottles, caps and pumps are recyclable! $11.99, available at stores nationwide, www.VivaLaDogSpa.com

Porters Neck Veterinary Hospital Drs. Ron & Sharon Harris Dr. Rebecca Simmons Dr. Julie Fairbank Dr. Stan Griffith

We’ll Treat Your Pet Like One Of Our Own

686-6297 8129 Market St. th 1/10 Mile South of Porters Neck Shopping Center Hidden behind Crystal Blue Car Wash & True 2 Form

Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm Sat. 8am-12noon

Family Owned & Operated www.portersneckvets.com

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3 Adopt a Creature You can symbolically adopt one of several marine creatures while giving back to the efforts to restore the Gulf of Mexico. $35-$200, www.oceana.org/adopt ************************************************ 4 Pet Sitting This would be a much appreciated gift for pet owners who travel, or work long hours. $any amount www.krittercarenc.com www.allbreedcare.com www.chloesplayhouse.com ************************************************ 5 Save the Gulf T-Shirt Nautica designed this t-shirt and then donated the design to Oceana to help it’s efforts after the oil spill. $20, www.oceana.org 4

************************************************ 6 The Ultimate Guide to Doggy Fun in North Carolina From the editor of Dog Living Magazine, this guide is a handy reference tool for dog-friendly lodging, trails, activities and more across the great state of North Carolina.

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$5.95, www.doglivingmagazine.com ************************************************ 7 Gourmutt’s Bakery & Boutique You can’t go wrong with anything you find at Gourmutt’s! Home-baked goodies make great stocking stuffers or gifts for your fellow dog owners.

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$varies, www.gourmuttsbakery.com ************************************************ 8 Reflective Personal Gear Be seen and be safe with these leash and collar sleeves from Pat Bay International. 9

$6.99-$9.99, www.patbayreflective.com ************************************************ 9 Eco Drop Bed Your dog can drop onto folds of fleecy, recycled fabric for a long winter’s nap!

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$80-$170, www.westpawdesign.com ************************************************ 10 Critters on the Move This company can make large decals of any critter, including your own pet! $16.95 and up, www.crittersonthemove.com

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11 Pet Waste Removal Yeah, it’s not very pretty, but this is the gift of time to a busy pet owner. Let a professional do the dirty work!

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$any amount!, www.wastingtimepetservices.com ************************************************ 12 The Potty Patch Some pets just don’t like cold weather! Let them go potty inside without ruining your carpet.

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$39.99, www.pottypatch.com ************************************************ 13 PetZZZ Pad Keep your pet warm this winter with the PetZZZ Pad. It warms your pet’s bed to a vet-recommended 102 degrees as soon as their paw hits the pad. $19.99-$39.99, www.PetZZZPad.com ************************************************ 14 PawsOFF Can’t resist letting your dog on your bed? The PawsOFF bed cover allows you to indulge your pet and keep your bed clean. $29.99-$59.99, www.pawsoff.com 13

************************************************ 15 Oscar Bones Stockings They’re pricey, but these hand-stitched stockings are truly unique. Each takes just under 20 hours to complete and comes with an engraved tag with your pet’s name. $250, www.finelyfinishedneedlepoint.com ************************************************ 16 Haute Dogs Collars/Leads Your pooch will be proud to wear these collars (with matching leads) and you’ll be proud to know they’re from a company right here in North Carolina.

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$15.95, www.hautedogsrule.com ************************************************ 17 Coastal K9 Bakery Got a dog with digestion problems or food allergies? No problem. These all natural, organic treats not only taste good, they’re good for your dog.

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$varies, www.coastalk9bakery.com

Still need more ideas? There’s more to see at www.doglivingmagazine.com!

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Your Pet’s Greatest Gift to You by Doug Koktavy

Along with cheerfulness, trust and unconditional love, your companion animal has another gift for you. It is perhaps the best gift of all because it has the power to change your life. No, your pet is not a sorcerer…just a four-legged creature sent to bring you some wise lessons. You need only pay attention to your pet to find the gift within. Let me explain. Our furry kids are here with us for only a short while and then we must say goodbye. But why do pets have such relatively short lives? To make us feel bad and grieve over their loss? Or is there some other reason? When my first dog, a black Labrador retriever named Beezer, was diagnosed with fatal kidney disease, I learned to pay attention. It wasn’t easy. I was consumed with fear and guilt knowing I’d have to say goodbye soon and almost missed the lessons he was trying to teach me. Then I began questioning why this was happening, and asking what if? What if Beezer was here for a reason? What if his dying had some good to it? I started listening to my dog. Forcing myself out of my misery, I shared many quiet conversations with my wise old pal. What I heard was amazing. He told me I was wasting precious time being fearful and feeling guilty when we should be enjoying our last days and hours together. He told me his dying was just part of the circle of life, and he would see me again someday. He said I needed to learn to live in the present, because that was my safe zone. Nothing bad happens when you quit worrying about the past or the future and start living in the present. Later, when his sibling brother Boomer was diagnosed with bone cancer, I found I was much less afraid and didn’t feel guilty over things I may have neglected to do for him. Boomer, all about fun, had his own way of teaching me about presence and we had some good times together right up to the end. His dying actually was a sacred experience and brought me peace. Now I welcome new dogs into my home, no longer afraid of being hurt or feeling bad when their time is up. I also have a clearer understanding and acceptance of death and I know I’ve changed for the better since these pets left. These were Beezer and Boomer’s gifts to me. When it’s your pet’s time, remember the B Brothers’ lessons:

1. Don’t waste the precious time you could spend with your pet feeling bad. Your pet knows dying is just part of the circle of life. He doesn’t feel bad!

2. Work to stay present. Fear lives in the future and guilt resides in the past. Enjoy the safety zone of today.

3. Listen to your pet. He has amazing wisdom for you.

Doug Koktavy is a Certified Counselor, Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, and the author of The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer: Lessons on Living and Dying from My Canine Brothers, B Brothers Press, www.BeezerAndBoomer.com.

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Lisa Lampanelli

Unleashed

She’s known as the “Queen of Mean” but this insult comic has found a soft spot for four-legged critters. Lisa Lampanelli is known for her comedic brilliance on the New York Friars Club Roasts, is a regular on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” and recently added author to her resume with her first book, “Chocolate Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat and Freaks.” We were delighted to have the chance to speak with her as she took time out of her busy touring schedule to tell Dog Living all about her new family addition.

by Suzanne Jalot

I’m so excited that you adopted a dog!

Oh my god, I can’t believe after 49 years I was finally able to commit to something other than myself. It was so exciting!

So what made you decide to adopt?

Me and [my husband] Jimmy have been talking about it probably since the week we decided to get together. Because we sit on this park bench on Broadway and in New York there are apartments and like all these super cute dogs walk by, but neither of us has kids or has ever had a pet ourselves. We’re like, oh I don’t know it will be too much of a commitment and you know we’re commitmentphobes. About two months ago I said, “You know what? I’m gonna do it!” So I ended up passing this little rescue station and the dog was there twice in two hours when I passed by. I was like well this was meant to be. This dog is still sitting here after two hours and it’s meant for me to pick him up so I did.

Did you have the name picked out already?

Yes, I love Sarah Jessica Parker. Actually, I love Carrie Bradshaw. I don’t know Sarah Jessica Parker but I love the Carrie Bradshaw character from Sex and the City, so I said well what’s a cute name? Bradshaw is cute and Parker is cute and then I tested them out. Parker’s more of a dog name so when we got him I actually decided on Parker.

And you’ve never had a dog in the past?

Nothing. My mother and father had not wanted us to have pets because they like the house very neat. You know, typical Italian parents want everything to be perfect including the plastic on the furniture.

I know you’ve got a fiancée* so who do you think you’re treating better these days, your fiancée or your dog?

Oh my god the dog! I called my manager who also just adopted a Chihuahua and I said, “Maggie, is it really weird that if somebody

gave me the choice between my fiancée and the dog I’d pick the dog?” I think it’s more like that they need us. It’s this weird thing you feel very like, oh my god I’m responsible for this being.

You are a comic that some people say goes too far with some of your comedy. Do you think people go too far when they pamper their pooches?

I would have said yes it’s ridiculous three weeks ago, but now… They opened this very high-end K9 store near our apartment and I’m in there every day buying stupidly expensive stuff for him. Over the weekend, he ate steak! I haven’t bought him a diamond studded necklace or anything but you know I’m not that rich. But it just cracks me up I would have said yeah these people are idiots but you know what I mean? He is part of the family – not like that chick who slept with that lady – but he’s, you know, close to that.

Do you think you’ll incorporate stories about Parker into your act? Oh absolutely and by the way Jimmy always comes out on stage at the end of the show and we do this little bit together and the last couple times he’s brought the dog out on stage and people freak out, and I don’t mean to sound prejudiced, but he is the cutest dog maybe who ever lived. The dog loves the stage, he’s not scared of anything. He’s gutsy. Yeah, I think he’ll find his way into most parts of our lives. For more on Lisa Lampanelli, visit www.insultcomic.com. *We interviewed Ms. Lampanelli prior to her wedding in October

Web Extra! For the extended Dog Living interview with Lisa Lampanelli, visit www.doglivingmagazine.com. www.doglivingmagazine.com

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by Penny Leigh

North Carolina teams earning ribbons through AKC Canine Partners Zyla was the type of puppy that Suzanne Thompson dreamed of – cute, vivacious and smart. But she had no hopes of owning the puppy since Zyla’s future had been determined. Carefully bred and selected by the Canine Companions of Independence (CCI), the Golden Retriever-Labrador retriever mix was destined to be a service dog. Thompson’s friends are puppy raisers for Canine Companions. They took Zyla into their home when she was a young puppy and did her early training until she was 15 months old and ready for formal instruction at the CCI center in Orlando, Florida.

“When it came time for them to take her to Florida for her next phase of training, I decided to apply to adopt her if things didn’t work out,” says Thompson, a Roanoke Rapids resident. A few months later, Thompson’s phone rang. Zyla’s energy level made her an unsuitable candidate for assistance dog work. “She liked chasing balls and squirrels too much for them,” Thompson says. “She has been with me for about 1 1/2 years now.” Zyla may not have gotten the position of service dog, but Thompson quickly realized that she needed a job. She discovered the fun sport of rally that consists of a handler directing his or her dog through a course comprised of stations. Each station consists of a sign that directs the team to perform an obedience exercise, such as “About Turn,” “SitStay,” or “Call the Dog to Front.” Zyla excelled at rally, and Thompson wanted to enter her in competitions. But there was one problem. At the time Zyla was ineligible for the majority of rally trials because American Kennel Club events were not open to mixed-breeds. But that changed earlier this year when the AKC launched Canine Partners - a program for mixed-breed dogs and other dogs ineligible for AKC registration.

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Beginning April 1, mixed-breed dogs began competing along side the pedigreed pooches at AKC Rally®, Agility and Obedience trials. “I am really thankful the AKC decided to recognize the mixed-breed dog,” Thompson says. “There are a lot of wonderful, talented and hard-working dogs out there who are not purebreds. Now they have a chance to shine.” For more than 120 years, AKC – the oldest dog registry in the country – has been dedicated to registering purebred dogs and preserving their pedigrees, in addition to organizing competitive events for them. Over the years, AKC added more features for all dogs, including the Canine Good Citizen program, the Canine Health Foundation that funds research into canine diseases, and the Companion Animal Recovery that helps locate lost dogs and other animals. “Expanding the competitions to include mixed-breed dogs was another step in the AKC’s promotion of responsible dog ownership and training for all dogs,” says Mark Dunn, Assistant Vice President for AKC Canine Partners that is based in the AKC Operations Headquarters in Raleigh. Many rescue dogs have been in the spotlight since the program started. One of those is Uggie. It was the day after an ice storm in 2003 that Shannon Jones found the tiny pup hiding under her grill cover in the front yard of her Cary home. “She was somewhere between six and eight weeks old and very sick, but very tenacious. Initially, I had no plans on keeping her, but she got along so nicely with my other dog that she stayed.” Like Zyla, Uggie was a dog that needed a job, Jones soon discovered. “She needed something to do from the get go. I began training her


in obedience immediately. It was very lucky for both of us that my first dog, a Doberman Pinscher, also needed a job and so I knew what to do.” Today, Uggie is 7 years old and holds 85 titles in obedience, rally, agility, and freestyle. As soon as AKC announced its program for mixed-breed dogs, Jones enrolled Uggie, who earned the obedience title of Companion Dog and the Rally Novice title on her first weekend of AKC competition. “This opens another venue up that all dogs can compete and earn titles in,” Jones says. “I am extremely excited for those mixed breeds living in areas where only AKC is active. This will now allow them to earn titles where there was never the opportunity before.” James and Kristen Davis of Monroe agree. They said there were many events that their friends could attend with their purebred dogs while they stayed home with their two rescued canines. “We had been hoping for AKC to include mixed-breeds in their agility program for some time because most of our classmates have purebreds and AKC has more events closer to where we live. As we plan to always have rescue dogs, it is good to know that we will be able to compete in AKC on equal ground with our purebred friends,” Kristen explains. The couple and their dogs, Harley and Mo, compete in agility, an exciting sport in which dogs run an obstacle course including jumps, tunnels and weave poles. Today, the Davis’ spend many weekends with their dogs at agility trials, but admit they didn’t know much about the sport when they adopted now 5-year-old Harley from a shelter. “Harley, being a Boxer/German Shepherd mix, had tons of energy, and she began jumping small jumps made for our horses. However, she jumped several feet above them,” Kristen says. “At the time I was working in a vet clinic, and I knew of a client who had a champion agility dog and I asked her how to get involved.” Harley started beginner agility classes in 2007. “While we originally got involved as something fun to do with our dog, and a confidence booster for Harley, our competitive nature took over and we were soon interested in competing.” Since that time, the Davis’ added Mo, who was abandoned on the side of the road as a young puppy, and started him in agility training as soon as he was old enough. Both of their dogs are enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program, and Harley has already qualified for the most the advanced level of AKC Agility competition known as Excellent. Their goal is to earn the top title of Master Agility Champion. Not only have the dogs been doing well on their first venture into AKC events, the owners say they have gotten a warm welcome from the club officials and their fellow competitors. “I have had several people that I did not know come up to me and congratulate me on showing my mixed-breed,” Jones says. “I have also taken the time to do the same to other mixed-breed competitors as I hope to see the numbers of mixed-breeds competing grow.” Regardless of the type of dog they own, they share a common bond. Kristen Davis says, “So far a general love of having fun with dogs has united us all.” Penny Leigh is program manager of the AKC Canine Partners program and an avid competitor with her dogs in several sports.

In addition to eligibility to compete in AKC sports, you and your dog receive a number of benefits when you register with AKC Canine Partners, including lifetime enrollment in the AKC CAR lost and found recovery service, 60-day free trial of pet health insurance, 1-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine and a frameable registration certificate. For more information on enrolling:

Online: www.akc.org Call: 919-816-3749 Email: akccaninepartners@akc.org

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Housetraining 101 by Tamar Geller

NEW HOME, NEW RULES I was once invited to the Today show to demonstrate a few Loved Dog techniques for bringing a new dog into the home. We had just finished a practice run, having set up the stage and rehearsed the segment the day before I was going to film it live. The stagehands were working their butts off to clean everything up, and I happily joined in—until one of them asked me to stop. I felt surprised and confused—I was just trying to help, to show them my gratitude for all of their hard work. Why on earth would they ask me to stop? What I didn’t know was that there was a set of regulations, established by the unions and the insurance companies, that assigned specific tasks to specific people. Even something as small as moving a salad bowl from one table to another represented a violation of the rules. It felt unnatural not to be able to help, but as I was learning, the TV world had its own rules that I had to obey. Thank God the stagehands were patient enough to understand that I didn’t know those rules, explaining them to me instead of smacking me with a rolled-up newspaper, spraying Binaca in my face, or choking me with a chain, telling me that they were the alpha leaders and that I shouldn’t misbehave or act so dominant. When dogs enter our homes, they’re in unfamiliar territory. They don’t speak the same language that we do. Their wolf instincts don’t naturally mesh with the rules and customs of our homes, our society, or what we would consider to be good manners. Even if we could provide our dogs with great coaching every minute of the day, they’d still make mistakes, at least at the beginning. Is it right to blame the dogs for being ignorant? Of course not! It’s up to us to communicate the rules in a way that our dogs can understand. It’s our job to teach them to make good choices, remaining patient and consistent while our doggies are doing all that they can to understand us. It’s like that kids’ game where you hide something and tell them whether they’re getting “warmer” or “colder.” Dogs are never going to learn what’s expected of them if you only tell them when they’re cold—or if you’re only going to say, “No!” Nothing is going to happen in a day. Your dog will need time to absorb and implement your lessons. Building trust and rapport takes time. So will learning the skills you’re going to need to be a successful dog coach. HOUSEBREAKING One of the first unwanted behaviors you’ll probably face is the inevitable accident. Housebreaking a puppy or dog who has not yet mastered the skill will require a crate. However, if you adopt an older dog, you may not need the crate—just a few repetitions of going out and celebrating a successful pee or poo will do the trick. When your new dog soils your favorite rug, you may feel the urge to yell, smack her with a newspaper, or rub her nose in the mess. Your instincts may tell you that you’ve got to let her know she’s done something wrong. But what has she done that’s so wrong? Think about it from her perspective: In wolf society, it’s appropriate to poop or pee whenever the urge strikes, wherever happens to be convenient, without having to ask for help or permission; the same is true of toddlers. To live in your home, your dog is going to have to learn (from you, her coach and teacher) an entirely new set of skills and rules:

1. She has to learn how to “hold it.” 2. She has to learn the appropriate places to go. 3. She has to learn how to get to those places, or how to ask you to take her to one of those places.

That’s a lot for your dog to digest, although not that much for you to teach. It isn’t brain surgery, but it will take a large chunk of your time and will probably test your patience in www.doglivingmagazine.com

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direct proportion to the value of the rugs, books, and curtains your dog is soiling. (Again, it’s a good idea to move your most treasured possessions to a safe place until your dog has better control over her bladder.) Housebreaking is nowhere near as hard as it sounds. It does, however, take time. The average dog takes four weeks to learn all the housebreaking rules. She might not seem to get it at all, until one day it clicks and you realize that it’s been a week since the last mistake. Let’s start with number one: The fastest way to teach her how to hold it is to use a crate. The crate should always be associated with pleasure, not pain. Toss a few small treats into the crate to get her inside. You can feed your dog in the crate during mealtime—you want your dog to associate the crate with the things that are good in her life—but you should remove any food and water once mealtime is over and take her outside immediately to relieve herself. Also, teach your dog that she gets her toys only when she goes into her crate. She can come out right after, but she will learn to associate walking into the crate with pleasure. Remember, we’re trying to teach her to hold it, hopefully for a couple of hours at a time. There’s a direct connection between drinking water and peeing. If you let your dog drink randomly, she’s going to pee randomly—you’re setting her up to fail. For your first few weeks together—until you’re fairly sure your dog knows the appropriate places to do her business—the schedule should go something like this. 1. Two hours in the crate, then let her out. Some of my clients ask me what they should do if their dog is sleeping. Let her sleep! Puppies grow during their sleep, which is why they sleep so much. 2. Immediately offer her some water. When you take her out, rush her to the water bowl. I call this “loading up.” While you don’t want her to drink inside the crate, you want to make sure that she’s getting plenty of water—dehydration can damage your dog’s kidneys. If you make sure she gets all the water she’d like with every meal, plus every two hours when you let her out of the crate, she should be getting plenty. Designate a specific area for the water bowl so you can monitor your dog’s intake. It’s best to keep the water by the door that leads to the housebreaking area, or even outside, so as to limit any opportunities for accidents along the way. If your puppy can’t make it to the water bowl without peeing, take her outside first. After she’s done, let her drink some water, and take her out to pee again in five or ten minutes. 3. Take her outside. Lead her to the place where you’d like her to poop or pee. If you’ve got an unvaccinated puppy, she won’t be ready for the outside world, so designate a toilet area in the corner of your yard (preferably behind bushes, someplace where children are unlikely to play), on a patch of grass, or on a balcony where you can lay down a “pee pad.” It’s crucial for you to accompany your dog—she may find other things to keep her busy outside and wait to come back inside before doing her business. Accompany your dog to the area you’ve chosen and wait for it to happen. As she’s going potty, give the behavior a name, something that you won’t use in any context other than this one—I like to use the phrase “hurry up.” (It can also be something fun—Oprah uses the word “poodie” with her two dogs.) Repeat it in a calm voice, for as long as your dog is going, like a lullaby. Try not to look at her—if she sees you staring at her, she may quit too early and rush over to be with you. When she’s finished, show your dog how happy you are. Smile and clap your hands. Enthusiastically repeat “Hurry up!” or whatever you called it, using the specific phrase as opposed to a generic “Good dog!” or “Good boy!” Reward your dog with a special “gold” treat, like a few tiny pieces of steak (about the size of a raisin), or chicken, and occasionally a little bit of hot dog or cheese. You want your dog to know that, right now, this is the biggest deal in the world, and you want her to have the biggest and most amazing treat as a reward.

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I call this process “making a party”—clap your hands, smile, and give your dog a jackpot of treats. When you do it, you’ll be creating positive associations with whatever behavior you’re trying to teach—in this case, relieving herself in the designated area. Try to start the party as soon as she’s finished. Soon she’ll start to look forward to it, speeding up the process and saving you from spending a lot of time waiting for her to go. One common mistake is to reward your dog after she’s back in the house—instead of giving her a fantastic association with the outside bathroom area, you’ll have a dog who would rather linger next to the refrigerator or treat jar. Make sure you have the treats with you in the place where you want your dog to go to the bathroom. I recommend having a small glass jar with special treats outside and a plastic bag in the fridge with precut super gold treats that you can grab on the go. 4. Treat your dog to a half hour of free time. Once you’re back in the house, give your dog thirty minutes to play freely. When you’re sure she can go a half hour without peeing, you can start to extend this free time, first to forty-five minutes, then to an hour, etc. When free time is over, you have a few options—you can take her out again, put her on a leash and tie her to your belt or the chair you’re sitting on, or put her back in the crate. Some dogs may protest for fifteen minutes or a half hour when you first put them back in the crate, but if you can ignore them with consistency, they’ll quickly learn the routine. If you’re following this routine and your dog still pees in the crate, chances are that you’re probably not spending enough time outside focusing on the task at hand. But there’s always the possibility of a bladder infection, so take your dog to see her vet. If your dog is going to spend the night in the crate—a good idea until she’s learned how to hold it—be sure not to give her any food or water for three hours before bedtime. However, if your dog constantly soils the white pad or towel, do remove them and let your dog sleep on the barren floor. If she does have an accident while in the crate and this time it isn’t absorbed by the towel, she’ll realize, “Yuck, I’d better hold it from now on!” It won’t take more than three of these experiences to drive the lesson home. But give your dog the best chance possible to succeed by making sure she’s “empty” before putting her in the crate for the night. She’ll be okay—even a seven-week-old puppy can be expected to hold it for six hours of sleep. WHEN DOGS HAVE TO “GO” When they’re puppies, they have to “go” more frequently than adult dogs, especially: • After eating and drinking • After napping or sleeping • After chewing • After playing DEALING WITH ACCIDENTS No matter how smart your dog is, he’s going to make mistakes. How you handle those mistakes depends on whether or not you catch him in the act. When you catch the mistake as it’s happening… Congratulations—this is a teachable moment! Celebrate the fact that you can show your dog the bull’s eye. Make it clear, by your voice and demeanor, that you are displeased. You don’t have to overdo it—think “urgency,” not “anger.” Urgently rush your dog outside—picking him up, if necessary—to the place you’d prefer that he go. But once you’re there, change your demeanor—bye-bye urgency, hello patience and encouragement. If your dog manages to go potty again, this time in the right place, reward him with an outpouring of joy and a jackpot of treats, as you say, “Hurry up” in an impressed and happy tone of voice.

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When you don’t catch the mistake… There’s nothing you can do. Do NOT push the dog’s nose into the pee or poop, or hit him with a newspaper. Neither of those acts communicates the real problem, which isn’t the act itself, but location, location, location. All you’ll be doing is teaching your dog to be more secretive about his business, training him to pee behind couches or in closets. Some dogs will even eat their own poop to hide the evidence! Calling too much attention to a mistake can also create attention-seeking behavior—if your dog feels ignored, he can always go potty in an inappropriate place. Maybe it’s not happy attention, but it’s still attention. When I was a toddler and felt ignored by adults, I used to dip toilet paper in the bowl and use it as wallpaper. Even though it was clean toilet water, it worked like a charm. So when you miss the mistake, the best thing to do is ignore it. If you’ve got the urge to hit someone, slap yourself on the nose with a newspaper and say, “Bad owner!” Next time you’ll pay more attention to your dog’s needs. Be sure to clean up mistakes quickly, using a cleaner designed to neutralize pet odors. Dogs are all about their noses, and lingering smells just encourage a repetition of the same behavior. Just don’t let her see you doing it—you don’t want to draw any extra attention to the behaviors you’re trying to eliminate. © 2010 Tamar Geller Excerpted from 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog: The Loved Dog Method

WIN IT! Want to win a copy of Tamar Geller’s book? Email contests@doglivingmagazine.com and put “The Loved Dog Method” in the subject line.

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Tail Waggers The holidays are a time when I seem to take stock of my life - where I am with my goals and dreams and what direction to take as I look toward the coming year. The one thing that always stands out, no matter what is going on in my life, is that life would not be complete without my dogs. Sure, I may complain that my house is always full of fur and that my dogs bark at anything and everything that moves…. but in the big picture, I know how empty life would be without the unconditional love and the joy that my five furry kids give to me. Here are some great gifts to share with both the dogs and dog lovers’ in your life this holiday season. Wishing you and your pups peace, health and happiness for the holidays and New Year!

New to the marketBest Friend Collar Collection A Tail We Could Wag has created a beautiful new collar design to celebrate our four legged friends. The colorful, hand-woven design includes a paw print that celebrates our love for our dogs and a ribbon to symbolize the fight against animal abuse, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting the ASPCA to help prevent animal cruelty. These collars come in sizes small to x-large and matching leashes are also available. Retail price: $24- $29 (collars), $34 (leads) To order or find a retailer near you: 866-726-WAGS or www.tailwags.com

by Elysa Cooper

New to the market“Sleeps with Dogs” Pillowcases What dog lover wouldn’t love to spend a night dreaming on these fabulous pillowcases from Faceplant Dreams? The 300 thread count, 100% cotton pillowcases are manufactured in an environmentally friendly and fair trade environment. “Sleeps with dogs” is just one of the many messages available that will be sure to bring a smile to your face as you cozy up with your pup at bedtime. These pillowcases come gift wrapped and fit standard and queen size pillows. Retail price: $27 single, $46 set of two To order or find a retailer near you: 941-244-3655 or www.faceplantdreams.com

New to the market- Wood Chuck Toy Planet Dog has done it again with another fantastic earth-friendly product. Wood chuck is a ball tossing toy that is engineered with sustainable bamboo and reused cork scraps and according to the company, offers strength and maximum “chuckability” with its ergonomic design. The Wood Chuck comes with an orbee-tuff recycled ball and a portion of every purchase from Planet Dog helps to support canine service programs. Retail price: $24.95 To order or find a retailer near you: 800-381-1516 or www.planetdog.com

Dogs in Pastel Portraits I can not think of a better gift than a portrait of your furry best friend. Mary Detwiler is a self-taught pastel artist who states she is passionate about both art and animals. These beautifully colorful works are drawn with all types of natural backgrounds- some real and some bordering on the surreal. Mary states her goal is to “capture the dog’s face, character and emotions, while giving the viewer a tiny glimpse of the animal’s perspective.”

Smart Pup Smoothie Treats UbuntuPet All Natural Pet Remedies now offers Smart Pups, an all natural line of functional smoothie Retail price range: $50- $400 treats for dogs. Each product is scientifically To order or for more info: 941-755-2407 or www.dogsinpastel.com formulated to provide key ingredients to improve a dog’s health and is available in 3 formulations- Hip & Joint, Skin & Coat and Digestive Health. According to the company, dogs love the peanut butter and banana flavor and these treats can be served right from the cup, mixed with dry food or frozen for a long-lasting treat. The smoothies are about 100 calories a serving, made in the USA, contain no corn, wheat or dairy and are shelf stable. Retail price: $5.95 For more information or to find a retailer near you: 800-860-5340 or www.smart-pup.com www.doglivingmagazine.com

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Dogs Helping Children

by Jason Pergason

Dogs can help humans with so many things. There are service dogs helping to guide the blind and assist those with special needs. There are therapy dogs who bring joy to nursing homes and other facilities. And then there are Autism Assistance Dogs, one of the newest resources for assisting families who are caring for an autistic child. Children suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders is a rapidly growing epidemic. This often severe, developmental disorder affects the way these children perceive the world around them as well as how they respond and interact with it. Autism Spectrum Disorders and Autism often cause decreased social interactions, the inability to verbalize thoughts and feelings, night terrors, self-stimulating behaviors and a broad range of other symptoms. This disorder not only affects the child diagnosed with it, but often affects, and can even cripple, the entire family of an autistic child. Autism Assistance Dogs come in a variety of sizes and breeds and are specifically matched to meet the needs of the individual child. While out in public working with the dogs that we have in training, I am often asked “So, what do Autism Assistance Dogs do?” These well-trained dogs offer a number of benefits for families and children suffering with autism. First of all, these dogs serve as a “social bridge” for autistic children. Often, because of their behavior, these children are excluded from social settings by other children. Because a good number of children are automatically drawn to dogs,

these social encounters are often increased and longer lasting. These dogs often accompany their children to school where they participate in the classroom with reading and recreational programs. This helps to nurture increased participation in school activities with both classmates and the autistic child. Autistic children also commonly exhibit self stimulating behaviors, also referred to as “stimming.” These repetitive behaviors include spinning, shouting, and hitting. Assistance dogs are often trained to disrupt these stimming behaviors by touching the child on the hand or leg. By doing this, the dog is able to redirect the focus of the child and break the cycle of the behavior. Sleeping and night terrors are also common problems associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders. These dogs can assist with sleeping and creating better sleep habits with these children. Many Autistic children are very tactile and often sleep better when they experience some type of pressure and warmth at bed time. This often leads them to sleeping in bed with their parents for years, which can be disruptive for the entire family. Recently we delivered an assistance dog to a family in Florida. The first night that we arrived, the seven-year-old child, accompanied by his dog, slept soundly in his own bed for the first time in over five years. Trailing is another valuable skill that these dogs are trained for in order to assist families with autistic children. Many of these children run away from their homes and public places. After running away, these children are often drawn to bodies of water and the end result can be fatal. These dogs are capable of locating the child in a variety of environments and terrain. There are countless other benefits of having an Autism Assistance Dog. These dogs increase independence, often increase the child’s vocabulary, and provide an overall calming effect for the child in what they deem to be stressful situations. We have seen that these dogs reduce emotional agitation, help children focus and work harder in school, and working with a service dog gives these children more of a sense of pride and purpose. Jason Pergason is the Training Director at Highland Canine Training in Charlotte. www.highlandcanine.com

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Coming in 2011 Look for a refreshed and improved version of Dog Living Magazine in February 2011!

When it comes to celebrity dog trainers and their respective methods, who’s team are you on? Team Cesar Milan or Team Victoria Stilwell? 50% 50%

Cesar Milan Victoria Stilwell

This month’s question: Would you be more likely to patronize a non-pet-related business simply because you knew they supported pet-related causes or shared an interest in dogs?

Answer online at www.doglivingmagazine.com or send your answer to editor@doglivingmagazine.com and put “Doghouse Poll” in the subject line.

DOGnews Dog Living Magazine Raises more than $12,000 for the SPCA of Wake County The Dog Living staff received a warm and fuzzy feeling on October 3rd as they attended the Fur Ball fundraiser for the SPCA of Wake County. Nestled between an NFL dream package and a South African photo safari in the live auction was the chance to put your dog on the cover of Dog Living Magazine. We held our breath as the bidding went higher, and higher and higher! Demand for the auction item was so high, in a last minute show of support, we decided to offer up a second cover and ended up pulling in more than $12,000 total for both covers. 7th Annual Toys for Tots Agility Event Competitors from many different states (even as far away as California!) come to support this dog agility fundraiser. The event is hosted by the North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) and 100% of all entry fees go directly to Toys for Tots. Money and toys go to Wake, Durham, Johnston, Sampson, Chatham, Franklin, Vance, Warren and Granville counties. The event happens December 10-12 at Teamworks Dog Training in Youngsville and spectators are welcome! There’s no admission fee, but donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted. If you would like to participate, visit www.agilityevents.net to register. Senior Pets are Full of Love November is celebrated as “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” and pets adopted as seniors still have plenty of love to give. There are many

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advantages to adopting an older pet such as: • Low Physical Demands: Older dogs still need exercise, but will often be content with a quiet walk as opposed to rigorous active play. • No Housetraining: Adult dogs may already know basic commands and may be accustomed to living with humans. They require less supervision and you won’t have to constantly keep your eye on them like you would with a puppy. • What You See is What You Get: Mature dogs are not going to grow any bigger! If you’re looking for a certain size dog, you don’t have to “guess” what size an older dog is going be because he’s already there. Get on Board with Dog Living’s Non-Profit Subscription Program Did you know your non-profit can receive a portion of the proceeds from Dog Living subscriptions? All you have to do is apply for a special promo code for your non-profit group. Anytime someone subscribes using your unique promo code, we donate money to your group. It’s as simple as that. For more details, or to sign up your group, email suzanne@doglivingmagazine.com. Do you have the scoop on something we should know about? Call us at 910-452-3775 or email editor@doglivingmagazine.com.


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