DDN March 2015 by Downeast Dog News

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Hot Dog News

Furry Words & Ask the Vet

INSIDE 2 4

Whether you’re pouring over plans for your new dream home or making renovations to your current digs, don't forget your canine family member in the design process. There are countless dog-friendly ideas

By Susan Spisak

Perfect Pet, Perfect Vet Veterinary Feature

8&9

Training Your Performance Dog

Calendar of Events

Photo: Zach and Rachael Rodimel: The Rodimel’s Family Blog, www.therodimels.com

See HOME on page 5

buddy’s multi-purpose area. Have a countertop installed next to the washer and dryer for folding clothes, using the space underneath for his

that can be incorporated into your home, and they needn’t interfere with the style factor. In fact, the extra pet touches will have your friend’s wishing they had a dog lover’s dream home like yours. Include a versatile laundry/ mudroom that can serve as your

Tips for designing a home around your furry family members

Volume 10 • Issue 3 • March 2015

A DOG LOVER’S DREAM HOME

DowneastDogNews.com

DOWNEAST DOG NEWS

FRE E

Hot Dog News

Pope Donates $1 Million to Humane Society

Photo by Peter Ralston/Ralston Gallery

(THOMASTON, ME): The Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County (PMHSKC) is pleased to announce that longtime benefactor, Lyman Pope has recently donated one million dollars to help secure the overall vision of the organization that includes the construction of a new 10,075 square foot facility. This additional one million dollar gift supports PMHSKC’s 2.2 million dollar Capital Campaign, with 92% of the funding now secured. "For over fifteen years, in so many different ways, Mr. Pope has been a tremendous friend to homeless animals and the shelters who care for them across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont and a great friend to PMHSKC." said Tracy Sala, Executive Director. “I am deeply grateful for this gift and his faith in us. Mr. Pope's generous donation, along with strong support from the community,

over five hundred supporters, will have a substantial impact on our ability to save and care for homeless animals, benefiting the community for generations.” Mr. Pope has a long history of supporting PMHSKC from providing fencing for dog play yards, painting kennels, special dietary food for animals, Lyme testing kits, and, thanks to his generous support and vision, a generous gift to launch our building campaign. Mr. Pope of Jackson, NH, founded the Lyman Pope Jr. Foundation, which helps animal shelters in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. A lifelong animal lover, Mr. Pope has supported over 37 shelters in the New England region. Three individual shelters, the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, the Pope Memorial Frontier Animal Shelter in Orleans, Vt. and the Pope Memorial SPCA in Concord, NH, were selected by Mr. Pope for major donations to continue the good work and services they provide and have been named in his honor. “We are so thankful for Mr. Pope's support,” said Board President Kim Grinnell. “This gift will allow us to begin construction of the new PMHSKC facility in the spring of 2015, a facility that addresses a critical need in our community.” On any given day the Pope

See POPE on page 11

Thomaston Dog Park Association Fundraising Efforts Begin

For almost a year, many local volunteers have been enthusiastically engaged in building an association with the goal of designing, creating and offering a much needed fenced in dog park to serve Thomaston, Rockland, the St. George peninsula, Cushing, Friendship and other nearby communities. The closest dog parks are in Camden and Belfast which is inconvenient for many who wish to exercise their dogs on a regular basis. Over 3 acres of land has already been officially donated by the voters of Thomaston and the process has begun. The now formally organized Thomaston Dog Park Association has recently begun the important steps of incorporating as a nonprofit organization, created a Board of Directors with officers and

seating, water, and rubbish containers for waste. Mowed walking paths outside the fenced area are also available for leashed dogs and owners. Anyone who loves dogs and is interested in supporting a safe place for dogs and owners to socialize is being asked to show support for the park by purchasing one of the newly-designed Thomaston Dog Park bumper stickers. These are available at the Thomaston Town Office, Chambers Jewelers, The Loyal Biscuit, Hollydachs, and Pet Quarters for a minimum donation of just $5. The Thomaston Dog Park Association has also set up an account with Clynk so that community members can contribute redeemable bottles and cans using this easy fundraising tool.

is now ready to begin the critically important process of funding the development and maintenance of the dog park. Importantly, this legal action will allow all donations to be considered as a tax deduction. No funds come from the town for site preparation, fencing or maintenance. All funding will be dependent on dog lovers, businesses and other generous local residents of midcoast Maine. The attractive 3+-acre parcel of land is located on the east side of the Sunrise Section of the Village Cemetery and includes a large open field surrounded by woods. The proposed dog park will include a large enclosed, fully-secure open area with a double-gated entry system. It also will include a separately fenced area for smaller dogs or others who prefer to not engage with the larger park. Amenities available for Thomaston residents and all surrounding communities include a generous parking lot, a protective shelter, shaded areas for both people and dogs, benches for ample

Customized bags are available by contacting the Thomaston Dog Park Association and once filled can be dropped at any Clynk location including Hannaford in Rockland. Your donation will automatically be added to The Thomaston Dog Park Fundraising account. If you already have your own Clynk account, consider donating online from your account to the Thomaston Dog Park fundraising mission. Support is needed from dog owners, dog lovers, community members and businesses to help make this park a reality for all to enjoy in the years to come. An early spring community fundraising event is being planned and will be announced shortly. For more information on the park and fundraising campaign efforts or to stay informed on progress and events, please contact the association by email at thomastondogparkmaine@gmail. com or visit www.facebook.com/ ThomastonDogParkAssociation.

Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News Publisher/

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Katie Grant

Copy Editor Belinda Carter Contributors William Kunitz Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Susan Spisak Advertising Katie Grant 207-751-7786 katie@downeastdognews.com

President

Wendi Smith

Parent & Publishing Company Maine Pet News LLC

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• Provide the latest in dogrelated news and information. • Encourage and support dogfriendly businesses and Mainemade pet products and services. • Cultivate a community of responsible dog guardianship/ ownership. • Support animal welfare causes.

From the Publisher Hi DDN Friends! We hope that you are doing great! Did everyone tune into watch the Westminster Dog Show? We were very excited to see Miss P, the Beagle, win Best In Show in our house! We also hope that everyone has been digging out of the crazy amounts of snow we have received in this past month. Do you love it or hate it? Currently, I love it. I love winter and actually love getting "snowed in". There's something very cozy about a good snowstorm. Ask

Casco Bay Dog Training Club and students from Positively Best Friends, LLC in conjunction with Maine Families are hosting an event, “Wags and Wiggles: Success with Dogs, Babies and Toddlers”, on Sunday, March 22 after nap time from 2:00 to 3:00pm. It will take place at Positively Best Friends Training

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COPYRIGHT 2006-2015 All contents of Downeast Dog News are protected under United States copyright law. The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Downeast Dog News are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Content of ads is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content and Downeast Dog News assumes no liability for any errors, omissions or claims made by its contributors or advertisers.

Center on Route 27 in Edgecomb. Topics include introducing a new baby to a dog, managing dog and toddler interactions, and helping children and dogs to be safe around one another. The trained dogs of Casco Bay Dog Training Club and students of Positively Best Friends will provide fun and entertaining

Robyn and Cirra

For the seventh year, the Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 has been recognized as a "Top Dog Troop" for 2014 by the Dog Scouts of America. The Dog Scouts of America Troop Recognition Program rewards troops for being active and helping in their

community. The Dog Scouts of America is a national 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership, the important role of the human/canine bond and to challenge people and dogs to learn how to better serve each other. All troops work toward the goals and mission of the Dog Scouts of America while focusing on the needs and interests of each local community. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 offers a local membership program for people who advocate responsible dog ownership and enjoy participating in dog centered activities. Troop members and their dogs learn new skills working toward the Dog Scouts of America merit badges. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop promotes the positive treatment of animals, advocating only the most modern behavioral approaches to training. Promotion of responsible dog ownership and involvement in the community lies

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March 2015

-Katie, Baby & The 3 Beagles

demonstrations such as tricks and precision movement to music along with informative safety presentations. Expectant parents, families with children from zero to three, and the general public are invited. However, pet dogs should kindly wait at home. For more information, please call 207-837-3878.

Downeast Dog Scouts Receive the Dog Scouts of America “Top Dog” Award and Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award

Speak!

petting. He's pretty gentle with them and all three of them are fine with him too! I feel very grateful to have such laid back pups. I'm sure things will change as Abel becomes more mobile, but for now things are great! Check out the event below if you have a little one and pups - some great tips to create a happy living situation!

Wags and Wiggles: Success with Dogs, Babies and Toddlers

Maine Pet News, LLC 266 Meadow St. Rockport, ME 04856 Ph: 751-7786 Fx: 596-7323 katie@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News welcomes submissions of local news, events and photos. Email: katie@ downeastdognews.com.

me about my feelings toward the snow when I write this letter next month, and I will probably be singing a different tune. Come April, I am pretty much done and ready for Spring! Little Mr. Abel is growing up right before our eyes. He is now 7 months old and seems to be learning and changing everyday! He is VERY interested in the dogs now and it's amazing to watch. He wants to see what they are doing and loves "saying hi" to them each morning with some closely monitored

at the heart of this group. Maine is fortunate to have a thriving dog community in which dogs are highly involved in the lives of their people. The troop dogs are fine examples of the value that pets can have for the community at large. The Downeast Dog Scouts Troop 159 is a 501c3 non-profit subgroup of the Dog Scouts of America that was established in September 2007 as an all-volunteer affiliate of the Dog Scouts of America. It is the first Dog Scouts of America troop in Maine, serving Hancock County. Once again the Downeast Dog Scouts have been recognized for their volunteer service. The troop earned the Bronze President's Volunteer Service Award for the year 2014. As a group, troop members gave 478 hours of service to their communities. Troop leader, Robyn Douglas, was awarded the Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award

See SCOUTS on page 15

Table of Contents Hot Dog News ........................ Furry Words ............................ Ask the Vet................................. Basic Training Tips ................ Baxter ........................................ Perfect Pet, Perfect Vet ....... Performance Dog Training. Words, Woofs & Meows ...... What Is A Dental Grade? ..... Dogs for Adoption................. Calendar of Events ............... Business Directory ................

2 4 4 6 6 8 10 11 12 13 14 15

Furry Words

Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

Sophie, our nine and a half year old yellow lab crossed the rainbow bridge in December and life without her is very different. There is no dog to greet me at the door, no warning that someone has entered the yard, and no one snuggled up with me on the bed keeping me warm. There’s been less motivation for me to go for walks on those cold or yucky days and our cat Casper is so bored! My life as an animal communicator and psychic do make the grieving process a little more bearable, however. I know she is around, and my intuitive nine year old son Zachary does, too. I have video from Christmas morning where you can see green orbs, which are balls of energy, zooming around a Zach as he opened his presents. I love looking for orbs in photos, but these were so intense I could see them with my own eyes, and even the cat was watching them! To me, it is a reminder that our lives will go on, and Sophie’s energy will always be around us. If you’d like to see what I’m talking about, I posted them on the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page. Another Sophie “visit” came in the middle of a cold winter night. Zach was in his top bunk and woke up because he was cold. He asked if he could come into my bed and I said sure. Like I said, without a dog the bed can get a little chilly! Our bedrooms are connected by a bathroom, and as he was crossing through into my room, he stopped and exclaimed, “Oh! Hi Sophie! I didn’t realize you were in here!” He crawled into my bed giggling as he told me how she was just sitting there watching us. Thankfully it did not freak him out, and he was sound asleep within a few minutes. I realize that this is not normal dialog for most people, but for us, it is the norm! I mentioned that Casper is bored and lonely. Adding a dog to our family is not an option at the

moment, so we adopted a sweet cat named Maple from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. I love that for $65 we got a cat that was up-to-date on all of her shots, was spayed and comes with a voucher for a free vet visit! Maple and Casper are not quite friends, but they’re figuring each other out. They are both so playful, and I hope they realize how much fun they could have together! I was in the kitchen one day when Maple went from totally relaxed and zoned out to full alert. Then she bolted out of there like she was being chased. I had no idea what was going on, but then I could feel Sophie next to me. Stinker was harassing the poor kitty! I laughed but told her to be nice (at least until Maple settles in). I do feel the need to explain that when I see Sophie, or anyone from the other side, she is a thought in my head. He or she gets my attention by covering me with goose bumps or making the pressure in my ears change. If I ignore him or her or am simply not paying attention, one of my ears may totally block for a few seconds. Once I feel him or her, I close my eyes to get an image of who has shown up to chat. Sophie’s energy comes through strong and healthy, but I cannot really touch her. It is a sense of knowing that she is there that gives me peace. Life without Sophie is not nearly as much fun as having her here with us. Someday I’m sure we will take the dog plunge again, but until that day I will have to take all the loving I can get from the dogs I meet through work and friends. Sara Moore is a psychic medium for people and animals. She lives in Conway, NH and can be reached at enlightenedhorizons@gmail.com. Readings can be done in person or long distance via phone or email. For more information and upcoming classes so you can learn how to better communicate with your pets, go to www.enlightenedhorizons.com.

Ask the Vet . . .

Dr. Judith Herman

What Should I Consider When Introducing My Dog to A New Home?

I am building my first home and ready to add the dog of my dreams to my family. I am getting a Great Dane as soon as the house is done. What should I know to make my new addition’s life wonderful? Adding a companion to a new home is such a wonderful experience. It sounds like you have already done your homework on finding the breed that fits your life style and your living space. I am guessing you are getting a puppy. I will cover both puppies and a second hand dog here. Many times when the house is “finished,” we move in, but there may be little things to be done to make it really finished such as touching up paint, installing carpeting, and unpacking boxes of things you don’t know where to put. Before you bring in your new companion, make sure the house is puppy/dog-proofed. Look at each room as if you are a puppy looking for adventure. Through the puppy’s eyes, you may find the cluster of wires behind the computer that need to be wrapped or concealed or hobby supplies that are in a basket on the floor with things that would be fun to chew and swallow. If a closet is not quite finished, create a barrier so Rover can’t get into the closet and chew up shoes, clothes, etc. It is good to have a safe place for your companion as a pup or second hand dog to call his bedroom or den. Most people use a crate, but you can use a spare room or an exercise pen if room allows. When deciding on window treatments, consider cordless blinds. Those hanging cords are really tempting to play with and can cause heartache if a puppy is strangled by the cord or if the puppy finds out that pulling the cord really hard can make the shade move all by itself. Consider the type of flooring and carpet you are getting. Synthetic carpeting can

give off toxic chemicals that will affect the health of your new puppy or dog. There are “green” carpets that do not have toxic chemicals in them. Know that wood floors are easy to get marked up from toenails. Depending on how you feel about the marks, consider more layers of poly to protect the wood than is customarily applied. Make sure you air the house out before you or the puppy move in because of the fumes. When we move outside, we have other issues. Decide in advance where the potty area will be. If it is a pup, take him to that spot only to eliminate. A second hand dog may take a bit more training. It is helpful if there is a different substrate than the rest of the yard, so the dog can see, smell, and feel the difference. It can be mulch that is different from the rest of the yard, but it should not have any dyes. Pea stones or even a grassy spot with bushes around it can make it an outside room. If you are going to build a kennel, consider what ground material will be the easiest to clean up and the safest for your new best friend. If you plan on leaving the dog outside for long periods of time, placement of the kennel is important to prevent a problem called barrier frustration. Place the kennel where the dog will not be seeing the road or sidewalks. I do not recommend leaving a dog outside when you are gone. There are several behavioral problems that can develop, and your new neighbors will not be happy that you moved in. Barking, digging holes, and escaping are just a few of the problems. Using a kennel for the outside potty area is fine. If you are planning to use an invisible fence, remember that will usually, but not always, keep your dog in the yard, but it does not keep anything else out. Always change the battery when recommended. If the battery gets low, the dog can learn when that is and run through the fence. Many times when we move into a house, the landscaping, lawn, and outside spaces have not been finished. It is a great place for your dog to get muddy. Train the new guy to stand and have his feet wiped down before he gets in the house. That will certainly help keep down the house cleaning. A new house with a new companion is a great way to start the year. Have fun! Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center, Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com officeawc@roadrunner.com

Downeast Dog News

HOME from page 1

crate or bed. The utility tub may be fine for bathing a small breed, but if he’s larger and you have a couple grand extra in your budget, add a wash station or open shower. Stay organized by designating cabinets for his food, treats, medicines, grooming supplies, and toys. A hall tree with bench adds character and functionality; use hooks for his leashes and your coats, while shelves below hold his bowls—and your shoes and boots, too. Ask your contractor to build it, or purchase one. Skip carpet in your dog’s high use areas; it’s easier to clean ceramic, slate or tough, high-end laminate. You may like wood floors, but sharp

nails, wet paws and accidents can mar their beauty. There are glazed porcelain tiles that replicate wood planks; you may find they’re a perfect solution. You and your fur bud will enjoy these cool floors in summer, but in winter, warm them with rugs. For ease of cleaning those floors, install a central vacuum system. Pet hair and dander can easily be swept away in every room, leaving the quality of air much better, too. And these systems come with a variety of attachments for all floor surfaces as well as furniture and fabrics. When planning your kitchen, customize an open cubby under a cabinet or island end to tuck away another water bowl. In your living

area, consider a bay window with seat so your dog can lounge and watch the world go by—this will save wear and tear on your couch. If your home will have a finished basement that you’re going to use often, create an underthe-stairs, in-the-wall, rec room dog spot, complete with pillow and toys, similar to this issue's cover photo. If you’re handy and want to tackle the project yourself, check this online tutorial: http://www.therodimels. com/project-under-staircase-doghouse/. When thinking about your yard, be sure there’s a shaded patch of grass for your dog. If he’s a wanderer, install a fence, a nice safety and privacy feature. And if he’s a muncher, use

non-toxic mulch and plantings. Your home should be a special place that not only reflects your personality, but provides a sanctuary for you and all your family members, two- and four-legged alike. If you’re one of the many Mainers that are going to build or remodel this year, enjoy this creative adventure and get that dog-friendly dream home. For assistance with your vision, consult a professional contractor, builder or architect. Many ideas are also available online at www. pinterest.com, www.bhg.com/pets/, and www.houzz.com/pets.

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March 2015

STATEWIDE & BEYOND ASPCA Bar Harbor............................... 12 Bell's Furry Friends Photography........ 6 Canicross 5K.......................................... 16 Dogn'i Apparel......................................... 2 JJ Photos.................................................. 10 Maine TV 85 ......................................... 14 Puppy Love ............................................ 6 Silver Paws Pet Tags ............................ 4 BANGOR & DOWNEAST Bear Brook Kennels ............................ 12 For Dogs Grooming ............................ 2 Green Acres Kennel Shop ............... 16 WESTERN Bee's Pet Boarding ............................. 10 Taylor Brook Animal Hospital .......... 5

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

Crating Peace & Harmony

How “crate-happiness” can enhance your dog’s.. and your... life, no matter what his age! One of the standard questions I ask of a new client is, “Is your dog crate-trained?” If the dog is an adult, I frequently get the response, “Oh, he’s fully house-trained, so we got rid of the crate long ago.” For the house training effort, you can’t beat the crate as your best friend. It becomes your puppy’s own personal den, a place where he can be safe from what is going on in the household and where he sleeps at night. A crate keeps your dog safe from himself, but don’t get rid of it just because your dog is house trained; the crate has much more value. TRAINING “CRATE HAPPINESS” “Crate-happiness” does not always happen spontaneously, but it can be very easy to get started. Here is one technique to try.... You will need: 1. A hungry dog 2. A generous supply of small

(about 1/4”), delectable treats: delicious food you know your dog will love (such as pieces of meat) 3. A crate with lots of openings (for treat delivery) with a towel for bedding Congratulations! The crate (now referred to as “Fred”) has just become a new family member. Your dog, in no time, will become very jealous. Here’s how you can make it happen: 1. Place Fred in a location of prominence where there are few distractions. 2. Bury a few small treats in the

towel and toss a generous supply on top. Close the door. 3. Start a conversation with “Fred” in a happy voice. Ignore your poor, hungry dog. 4. Feed Fred frequently. Toss treats towards the back. 5. Make feeding Fred a huge production. Your dog should be very interested. He might even start to circle, sniff, whine, or scratch at Fred. Ignore him. 6. When your pup has reached his desperation level to get in, ask him to sit, then open the crate door and release him to go inside. Don’t close the door! Let him go inside, clean everything up, and leave if he chooses. Toss more treats in the crate while he’s in it. Close the door when he leaves. Ignore your dog. 7. Repeat the process. You will soon find that your pup will be willing to stick around longer to be sure he does not miss anything! He even might want to get “squatters’ rights” by planting himself inside and just waiting for the good stuff to arrive - let it happen! You are now on your way to having a “crate-happy” dog!! If your dog has negative associations with crates, it will require a greater effort and a more careful approach on your part, but

the reward of having a crate-happy dog is substantial. Proceed with patience and understanding. Do not get confrontational with your dog, force your dog in the crate, leave him in the crate for too long unattended, or do anything else that might give him a bad association with being crated. Crate Benefits include: safety, comfort, preventing undesirable behaviors, management, portability, practicality, house training, management for multi-dog households, recuperation from surgery, traveling, going to the vet clinic, groomer, kennel, or daycare, training with self control, settling, coping with separation… and more!

Dory, our Standard Poodle, helps train Hugo to learn to like the crate during some crating games. "It's impossible to get him into the crate!" his humans had declared. Here, Hugo doesn't want to come out. Photo by Diana Logan

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connection Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine www.dianalogan.com 207-252-9352

25% OFF SALE!!* Saturday, March 21st 10am - 5pm

In tribute to our long time contributor, Baxter, we will be reprising some of his best pieces from over the years. This month's column was first printed in the January 2008.

2013 & 2014 BeSt Maine Pet Store winner COAL THE WONDERDOG!

FOOD | TREATS | TOYS *Excludes food

22 McKown St. BoothBay harBor - www.twoSaltyDogS.net - 207-633-PetS

Snow Days

First, I have to tell you my father gave me a wonderful thick coat and a long bushy tail. In the summer I’m always looking for a cool place. I lay down in puddles. I dig holes and lay in them. Inside, I find cool tiles to lie on. Not all dogs have lots of fur. If you are a greyhound, you might want to skip this column. But the winter brings snow and for a dog like me, it’s pure rapture. When my humans let me out into the first snow of the winter I immediately lay down in it. I soak up the cold and let it spread into my chest and tummy. I roll on my back and wriggle around. I rub my neck in it. It covers my face and eyebrows and nose. Heaven has returned to my world. I love to play in snow: to run and jump into the big piles my humans build. I love to grab chunks of it and play keep away with my humans. I love to snoot around in it, following the sent of rabbits and other furry things – and discovering the occasional bone from last summer. I love to eat snow. Well, most of it. Some of it tastes awful. But if I stay with the pristine white stuff, it tastes wonderful: frosty and pure, better than the water my humans give me. I love to run as fast as I can in snow, bounding and dodging and weaving around my humans, scattering snow into the air, creating narrow trails that turn on one another. I love to duck into the woods and feel the snow on my back as I brush past the trees. Winter is my season and snow is my passion. Chow! Baxter

Downeast Dog News

Perfect Pe

Tips For Finding The Per

By Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH

Q A

I just moved to Maine and I am looking for a veterinarian. Do you have any suggestions? It is always difficult to move and leave a veterinary practice where you had a good relationship. It is just like finding a new dentist or doctor. The first task in finding a new veterinary practice is to watch the people with pets around you. Take notice of those folks who treat their dogs the way you do. These people may know of a practice that will fit your needs. Ask them where they take the dog; ask if they like the practice and why. Ask several people. The next step is to make a list of what you liked about your previous veterinarian and his practice. Then make a list of what is important to you as a guardian of your best friend. Put down everything you can think of even if it seems extreme or silly. You can always adjust your wishes to match your needs. Not everyone will have the same needs or wants. Some of the items on the list should address your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special needs. If you have a companion who is chronically ill and needs unique medication and/ or monitoring, this should be at the top of your list. If it is important that the practice has longer hours because of your work schedule, then a solo practice would not be right for you. What about emergency coverage? Many practices are using emergency clinics and are not available

Our mission is to provide quality life-long care for our patients through exceptional service, compassion, client education and community outreach. We are a full service practice treating dogs, cats, rabbits & other pocket-sized pets.

after hours; ot emergencies or a shares coverage. to drive to the p around the corne What is your phi personal life and This last ques What is your life to Fido? Are you that follows the the AVMA (Ame Association) or of the AAHA (A Association)? A leans toward alt medicine? Another point get the feel of th visit. Websites m clinics have them is best to check find out what th are. You can see potential client. my website has do and paperwork become a client. but I have a sp modality of trea you do not want saved you time b website. Once y have met people much as you do

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Downeast Dog News

et, Perfect Vet

rfect Vet for Your Perfect Pet!

H • Animal Wellness Center Augusta, ME

thers cover their own are in a local group who How far are you willing practice? Do you want it er, within five miles, etc.? ilosophy concerning your d medical care? stion is very important. e style? How does it apply u one who wants a practice e standard of practice of erican Veterinary Medical the even higher standard American Animal Hospital Are you someone who ternative, complementary

is to look at websites and he clinic before you go to may be deceiving, but most m, and in some cases, it them out first. You will heir practice philosophies what you need to do as a In the case of my clinic, an explanation of what I k to fill out before you can This may seem extreme, pecialty practice, and the atment is homeopathy. If t what I offer, then I just by explaining it all on the you have made this list, e who love their pups as o yours, then it is time to

visit the veterinarians who are on your list. You can make a surprise visit. Don’t expect to meet the veterinarian on this visit. If you see the waiting room is packed, go back another day to speak to the receptionist. While you are there, you can check how clean it is, if there are any bad odors, and assess the “feel.” Is the receptionist friendly and helpful, or does it appear that she is stressed out and not helpful? The receptionist should ask if she can help you. If it looks busy, just say you are new to the area and will come back later when it is less busy. The receptionist may have an information packet to give you. Using these brief encounters, you will get the feel of the clinic. If the feeling is good, the next step is to ask for a brief appointment to speak with the veterinarian. This visit will give you a test run. Be prepared to pay for this short visit. Remember, the veterinarian has taken valuable appointment time away from others to speak with you. Have your questions and concerns prepared so the veterinarian can address them efficiently. This may seem like a lot to do to find a doctor for Fido, but you are forging a relationship that will last. The more comfortable you feel about the new clinic and veterinarian, the calmer and easier it will be for your best friend.

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March 2015

TRAINING YOUR PERFORMANCE DOG Agility, Obedience, Tracking By Carolyn Fuhrer

Are We Teaching Our Dogs or Managing Behaviors? One of the foundations of good obedience training is helping the dog make correct choices. Your dog will have many, many questions about how to handle all the different scenarios that can occur in life. You must take the time to answer all their questions clearly, fairly, and consistently. If you do, they will begin to realize that looking to you for information will always help them make the right choices. To do this, we must give information that clearly shows what choices we approve of and what choices we do not like. Clarity on our part and fairness are extremely important to help our dog develop into a confident, calm companion who is not afraid

to make choices but understands there will be consequences for every action, and they will be clear, fair, and consistent. Teaching your dog proper behavior is not easy. It takes time, patience, repetitions, generalizing behaviors, and keen observation of your dog so you can observe subtle changes before an unacceptable behavior occurs and you can defuse it. In other words, you need to be able to get into your dog’s head while his potential “bad behavior” is still in the thinking stage. Teaching your dog not to pull on a leash, to accept petting and greet politely, to come when called, and not to be impulsively reactive to other dogs, people, or other pets, takes time and dedication to training and persevering through setbacks. It is okay to tell your dog “no” and show him the behavior that is acceptable. It is just as important to praise the behaviors you want so the dog understands

what behavior is expected and acceptable. If your dog pulls on the leash unless you have a cookie, cannot greet politely unless food is present, only comes when called if you show him food and is reactive to others unless you distract him with food, you have really not taught them what behavior is expected. You have taught him to expect to be “shown the money” before he complies. He has not learned self-control because you have managed the difficult situations by using food instead of helping the dog learn what behavior is acceptable. In order for a dog to

focus and think, he must be calm, not out of control, or in a state of drive. A dog must learn to “settle” and look to you before you can expect him to make any progress in learning. This takes patience and perseverance. It is so much easier to take out a cookie and move on, but we haven’t dealt with the problem, we have only managed it. Our ultimate goal in training should be to teach our dogs to be reliably under control for their own safety and well-being as well as for others. A calm dog that can settle and focus is a happier and healthier dog than one that is always stressed and out of control. I believe it is our obligation to our dogs to teach them the necessary behaviors to help us enjoy life together. These behaviors must be reliable and clearly understood by the dog. So, next time you take food out, ask yourself, what behaviors am I rewarding and am I teaching or simply managing? Happy, thoughtful training!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 80 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions, and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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Downeast Dog News

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS period. Responding to this behavior physically was frequently recommended by dog trainers in the past, and unfortunately is too often still recommended by some trainers that have not kept up with the advances in the field of canine behavior. Since typically, a puppy’s nipping behavior is repeated on a regular basis, he must find that behavior to be a rewarding one on some level. In an effort to eliminate the “problem biting,” people often inadvertently reward the behavior. In addition to the unintentional rewarding by humans, puppy biting is often a behavior that can be self-reinforcing. Unfortunately, since we cannot ask the puppy why it finds the behavior rewarding, there is no way of having 100% certainty what the payoff is for each particular dog. However, if we look at typical canine instinctual behaviors, we can make an educated guess. Dogs, as predators, are attracted by movement and are hard-wired to pursue things that are moving away from them. A swaying pant leg, robe, or dress can appear to be a very stimulating toy, tauntingly inviting any puppy to “latch on.” Some breeds, such as the herding breeds, often have more of a genetic predisposition towards the biting of feet and ankles. This instinctually triggered nipping behavior often starts as a form of play and quickly escalates. A puppy may learn that when he grabs an ankle, he can get a person to yelp, just like a squeaky toy, which he finds extremely fun. No matter what the initial cause of the behavior, paying attention to the puppy in any manner (looking, touching or speaking to him) may be construed as a reward and at least from his perspective, participating in the play.

Your puppy’s increased aggression when you physically reprimand the biting may also be perceived as “rough play” and tacit approval from you to magnify the response. If the puppy feels threatened, an escalation in aggression may be motivated by fear or anger and frustration. Attempts at correcting a puppy that causes it to respond in fear or anger may result in a dog with serious behavioral and fear issues in the future. Remember the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Examine the circumstances and the environment in which the nipping behavior occurs. Consider time of day, what you are doing, what the puppy is doing immediately before the behavior, the puppy’s activity level (tired, over-tired, hyper), and what else is occurring in the environment. Many puppies will “act up” when they are bored and not getting enough exercise or conversely, they are over-stimulated and not getting enough sleep. Look for triggers associated with the behavior so that they can be prevented in the future by managing the puppy and its environment. For example, if your puppy starts nipping when you want to end a play session, look at alternative ways to end play. A quick trip outside to “do its business,” followed by some down time in a crate would be one way that you could manage this behavior. While prevention is one tool, we also need to ensure that the undesirable behavior is not being rewarded; this is often the most difficult part because it is our natural instinct to react. Put on some old worn out jeans and setup a situation where your puppy is likely to become a “land shark.” Make sure you have some tasty treats in your pockets to reward the behavior you like. When the puppy grabs at your pant leg, pretend you are a tree and stop. Do not look at, talk to, or touch your puppy. The very second the puppy lets go of your pant leg, quietly say “yes” to mark the behavior, and as long as your puppy

is not biting, reach down and give him a treat. If your puppy is one that likes to chase and nip at you from behind, perform the above exercise on leash, with the leash tethered to something secure like a large piece of furniture. When you step out of range, your puppy will probably start barking in an attempt to gain attention. Continue to be a tree, ignoring the puppy until he stops barking and lunging on the leash. Quietly reach down and give the puppy a treat; alternatively you can play with the pup for a bit. If you choose to play, be ready to completely ignore your puppy again when the play escalates to the point where he is too rough. If your puppy has an extremely reliable sit behavior, “extremely reliable” meaning that you can say “sit” once and only once and the dog will immediately respond on the first cue, then you could ask for a sit as a means of refocusing the dog. In this case by asking for a sit, you are using what is called a mutually exclusive behavior; a puppy cannot be sitting and “acting out” at the same time. This scenario illustrates how training for extremely reliable behaviors can be very useful. Play biting and nipping is normal canine behavior for a puppy. It’s best to start working on this right at 8 weeks of age. If your puppy is 13 weeks of age or older and play biting is still a problem, contact a reward-based, force-free trainer for assistance.

PMHSKC will construct a new facility on land owned by the organization that is adjacent to the existing facility on Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston. The new building will feature a state of the art air exchange system and sanitation measures to reduce stress and disease, providing a healthier environment for staff and resident animals; separate dog and cat wings with segregated quarantine/isolation areas for sick and injured animals and a large room dedicated to educational

programs to reinforce humane values and animal care knowledge. Founded in 1989, the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County is devoted to caring for and placing unwanted and abandoned animals in loving homes; promoting responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of all animals; demonstrating and enhancing the benefits of the human-animal bond and ending pet overpopulation through aggressive spay/neuter and Trap Neuter Return programs. The

shelter is located between the Dexter Street Extension and Buttermilk Lane in Thomaston and is open between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays). PMHSKC provides animal support services to the towns of Rockland, Thomaston, Warren, Owls Head, St. George, Port Clyde, Martinsville & Tenants Harbor; So. Thomaston, Spruce Head, Hope, Union, Appleton, Montville, Cushing, Matinicus, North Haven, and Vinalhaven, Stockton Springs, Morrill and Thorndike. For more information about PMHSKC please visit www.hskcme.org.

By Don Hanson, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

HELP! My Puppy's A Land Shark! A common call we receive goes like this: “We have a new puppy. She’s 11 weeks old and has a lot of energy and is biting a lot as well as nipping at our ankles when we walk. We have tried spanking her butt, tapping her nose, and holding her on her back while holding her mouth shut. We continue to say, "no biting", but it doesn't seem to help. She actually seems to be getting worse with my spouse and children, and if anything, it is causing her to be more aggressive.” Don’t feel bad; you are not alone and I promise you, your puppy is not really a land shark in disguise. Having a puppy biting and nipping at your heels can certainly be a very frustrating and painful experience and often takes some of the joy out of having a puppy in the first place; let’s face it, being bitten by those sharp little teeth hurts! That being said, the behavior, from the puppy’s perspective, is a very normal one and right on target with his developmental

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor. He is a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and Certified Professional Dog Trainer. He produces and co- hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show heard on The Voice of Maine (103.9FM, 101.3FM, 1450AM & woofmeowshow.com) every Saturday at 7:30AM and Sunday at 8:30PM.

POPE from page 2 Memorial Humane experiences a high volume of visitors and inquiries, including those viewing adoptable animals and those who have a need for services. The demand for services continues to grow with intake of homeless animals reaching nearly 1,500 animals a year, more than doubling animal admissions from just ten years ago. The current building floor plan provides an overcrowded facility that is not conducive to meeting the animal welfare needs of towns in Knox and Waldo Counties that PMHSKC’s serves through contracted services and all others seeking help.

March 2015

What's In A Dental Grade?

At every annual checkup the veterinarian should be looking into your dog’s or cat’s mouth to assess the level of dental disease. It's important to do so because studies have shown that bacteria from a diseased mouth spread into the body are a contributing factor in kidney,

liver, and heart disease. There are four grades of dental disease. Dental Grade 1: Very clean looking mouth – usually found in only very young pets. Dental Grade 2: A small buildup of plaque on the teeth, not interfering with the gum line. Dental Grade 3: A significant buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, touching the gum line with red and irritated gums. Unfortunately, 80% of dogs over 3 years of age have this condition. Dental Grade 4: Significant plaque and tartar buildup with red and inflamed gums. The gums have become diseased and pulled away from the teeth – This condition typifies many older dogs who have had no dental care, especially small breeds. Above we have presented two

photos. The first is Buster, a 7-yearold Chihuahua. Buster has really excellent teeth for a small dog of his age, but if you look closely at the photo, you will notice a discolored area close to the gum line on his canine teeth. This is plaque. It has built up on his teeth, and its presence causes him to be classified as a Dental Grade 2. The second photo features Pickleberry. Pickle is a 6-yearold Maltese, a breed very prone to periodontal disease. Although Pickle's owner tries to brush his teeth at least once a week, this photo shows a buildup of plaque and tartar. Pickle also has gum recession exposing the roots of his teeth. Pickle is a Dental Grade 4. If your pet is a Dental Grade 2, you may be able to halt or at least slow the progression to a higher (worse) dental grade by implementing a regular dental home care program. Visit the

website of the Veterinary Oral Health Council for a list of products tested and proven to reduce plaque and tartar in pet's mouths when used on a daily basis. www.vohc.org Once your pet has reached a Dental Grade 3, a dental cleaning under anesthesia is needed to clean the mouth after which a dental home care routine can be started to help keep the mouth in a clean and healthy state. By Leah Haney, Bridgton Veterinary Hospital

Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption Tippy, 2 yrs, Great Dane Tippy is a 2yo Great Dane and she is absolutely beautiful! She's been in rescue for quite some time and is in need of a foster home or a forever home! Please email information.

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for