Downeast Dog News September 2015 by Downeast Dog News

59 sites

59 sites 48 sites

60 sites

Name: _________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________

Name: _________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ Month to begin: _________________________________ Email: _________________________________________

Return these forms with a check for $31.65 (Maine residents) or $30 (non-Maine residents) to: Downeast Dog News 266 Meadow St. Rockport, ME 04856

Phone: ________________________________________ Month to begin: _________________________________ Email: _________________________________________

YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION

YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

Subscribe online at www.DowneastDogNews.com/join or fill out the forms below and mail with your check.

Buy one new subscription, get one free to use as a gift for your favorite dog-lover!

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Mail in the form (right) or order via e-mail at katie@downeastdognews.com

Make Downeast check payable to Downeast Dog St. News and mail Dog News, 266 Meadow Rockport, MEto: 04856 Downeast Dog News, P.O. Box 725, Poland, ME 04274 To inquire about wholesale pricing, call (207) 230-0260 x6 To inquire about wholesale pricing, call (207) 988-2605.

Make check payable to Downeast Dog News and mail to:

an More th of orth ______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ $100 w side! Phone: Phone: s in n o p u o 1 copy q ($4) ❑ 2 copies ❑ 3 copies ($11) c q 1 copy ($7) q 2 copies❑($13) tax+shipping) 3 copies ($20)($7)(includes

Yes! Send me the Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches & Trails in Maine! Yes! Send me the Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches & Trails in Maine! Name: ____________________________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ City/State Zip: _____________________________________________________ City/State Zip: ________________________________________

Mail transportation the form below or order online at (ferries, buses), DowneastDogGuides.com emergency info and more.

Includes travel safety tips,

rules, contact info and more.

th of couponons insid Each listing provides or e!

More than 300 dog-friendly More than parks, beaches and $100 wortrails.

Order your guide today!

emergency info and more.

Volume 10 • Issue 9 • September 2015

Hot Dog News

8&9

Adoptable Dogs

Calendar of Events

See EXPLORE on page 5

Photo above: This little guy is ready for some Maine fun! Photo by Catherine Howland

our favorite waggy-tailed pals. Midcoast Region There are lots of little nooks and crannies along Mid-coast Maine. You’re never far from unique, eclectic boutiques, the fresh sea air,

Let’s explore some places throughout each region where our pets can join in on the fun! This season, lots of pets have been spotted kayaking, riding in bicycle carriers, swimming, and even enjoying a late afternoon ice cream with their humans. Wow! Sounds like fun! So let’s explore where we can enjoy the blissful summer with

Basic Training Dogcation Time In Tips Maine Special Feature!

INSIDE 2 6

Ah, the end of summer. We love getting out into the fresh air. We love to enjoy lots of fun activities like hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and swimming, but what about our canine kids? Where can we take them where they’ll be a welcome part of the travel and tourism scene?

By Catherine Howland

EXPLORE MAINE WITH YOUR PETS!

DowneastDogNews.com

DOWNEAST DOG NEWS

FRE E

Hot Dog News

Fall Family Fun Day and Vaccine Clinic at Tractor Supply ROCKLAND, ME - Catahoula Rescue of New England is excited to announce that there will be a Family Fall Fun Day at Tractor Supply in Rockland as part of Pet Appreciation week on Saturday, September 19th from 10am until 2pm. The event will include activities for children ages 8 and up. Maine Equine Welfare will be on hand with information as well as Catahoula Rescue of New England. Marie Finnegan from K-9 Solutions will have a fun agility cross set up for dogs and their owners to try. This event is family and pet oriented, so please feel free to bring the whole family! The Knox County Animal Response Team will also be set up and will be sharing about ways that you can help others in time of disaster in our area. This is a great program run by fabulous people! Activities will be running throughout the day! Refreshments will be available for a small fee. If you are looking for something different and unique to do that will help a great cause, please stop by! Margo Maloney of Horse & Hound Veterinary Services will also be doing a low cost vaccination clinic during

the event. For more info on vaccines for your cats and dogs, please view their website: http://horsehoundvet. com/ and reserve your spot by calling Shannon at 207-273-1320 Catahoula Rescue is a 501(c)3 approved all-volunteer rescue group whose mission is to advocate for homeless Catahoula Leopard dogs and Australian Cattle Dogs; these animals are placed in permanent, loving homes, and the group also promotes responsible guardianship through humane education. Our main focus is to work with our local shelters and dog owners to increase breed awareness, work on behavioral problems/challenges, and placement. If a dog is already in a shelter setting, we work with the shelter by either helping to find an approved home or foster placement, provide resources to help facilitate an adoption, or by providing an assessment that might lead to an adoption. For more information, you can call either Catahoula Rescue at 207273-1320. Most activities are free of charge; however, a donation to the rescue is greatly appreciated.

Local Pet Photographer Named Maine's Best Second Year Running

Debra Bell, owner of Bell’s Furry Friends Photography located at 890 Coldbrook Road in Hermon, was recently named Bangor’s Best Pet Photographer by Market Surveys of America. This is the second year that the “Best Pet Photographer” category was included in survey options. “The best thing about this award is that my clients have voted for me,” Bell said. “My job is to document the relationships of people and their pets. The fact that they think enough of me to take the time and vote means just as much as sweet puppy kisses." Market Surveys of America is a survey company that is independent of newspaper or magazine publications. Their annual “Best of the Best” winners are determined by tallied public ballots for a particular region and taken online through their

website (bestofsurveys.com). Bell’s Furry Friends Photography, a division of Bell Imaging & Design LLC, offers at home or on location photography sessions for people and their pets throughout Maine. Bell is a member of the Maine Professional Photographers Association, the Professional Photographers of America, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, the Paul Bunyan Chapter of BNI (Business Networking International), and the Beautiful Beasties Network. Bell and her husband are owned by greyhounds Buddy and Laura and a Maine Coon Cat named Olivia. For more information visit bffpetphotos.com or on Facebook. com/BellsFurryFriends.

Downeast Dog News

From the Publisher

Publisher/

Graphic Designer

Katie Grant

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

President

Wendi Smith

Parent & Publishing Company Maine Pet News LLC

Our Goals

• 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.

Maine Pet News, LLC 266 Meadow St. Rockport, ME 04856 Ph: 207-751-7786 katie@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

Circulation

Downeast Dog News is distributed free of charge at pet-friendly locations in Maine.

Subscriptions

Individual and gift subscriptions are available for $30 (+ tax) per year.

Speak!

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

Molly, Cassi, Johnnie and myself enjoying some time outside! My three favorite sidekicks!

Happy September DDN readers! We are officially in the “-ber” months if you can believe it! I do hope that each and every one of you had a great summer with your pets. We Mainers had it pretty good this year with a mild summer – only a couple of really hot and humid days with which to contend. As the summer winds down, we still have a number of visitors come up to take in the beginnings of Autumn and our milder temperatures. Also, many Mainers at this time of year take time to travel within the state. With this in mind, our paper this month is dedicated to traveling with our pets within our wonderful state. Our cover story touches on a number of pet-friendly activities to do within the state thanks to our writer, Catherine Howland.

Definitely check out some of the pet-friendly activities she mentions! Flip to pages 8 and 9 and you’ll find our yearly “Dogcation Time in Maine” special! We love to highlight some of our favorite pet-friendly spots in this spread. We have a number of pet-friendly lodging facilities as well as pet supply locations and other animal centered businesses throughout the state. This spread includes a map as well so you can see if any of these great spots are along your journey! At home, I am looking forward to the change of season. Comfy jeans, sweaters and scarves sound much nicer to me right now than shorts and tank tops! It’s also much easier to keep a baby warm when it’s cool out than to cool them down when it’s hot – or so I’ve discovered! :-D Speaking of Abel, we have made some breakthroughs with him and our male pup, Johnnie! Johnnie has always been a little weary of Abel as he is “my” dog and very suddenly, my attention was elsewhere once Abel arrived. Also, babies are unpredictable and that made Johnnie a little anxious. As Abel has gotten older, we’ve made sure to control their interactions and try to teach Abel what sort of

-Katie, Baby & The 3 Beagles

Bridgton Veterinary Hospital Raising Funds For Dock Dogs World Champion Qualifiers Our very own Kristin Hanscom and her Labrador retriever, Hattie, have qualified to compete in the Dock Dogs World Championship this November in Iowa. Hattie has qualified in the Big Air and Deuling Dogs divisions. As you can imagine this trip will be an expensive endeavor. Bridgton Veterinary Hospital is planning to help Kristin and Hattie take part in this amazing opportunity by helping with fundraising efforts. We will be hosting one raffle every

month until the event. All the money will go toward Kristin and Hattie's travel expenses to get to the World Championship. The September raffle prize is a a 1 year supply of Frontline and a red fleece Heartgard blanket! Tickets are on sale now for $1.00 each. The winner will be drawn September 30th. Right: Hattie gets some air!

Advertising Rates and Guidelines Ad rates (per month)

3-month minimum recommended Business directory: $45/month 1/16 page $75 B&W, $90 color 1/8 page $135 B&W, $165 color 1/4 page $230 B&W, $275 color 1/2 page $405 B&W, $485 color Full page $705 B&W, $845 color Ask about 3, 6, and 12 month discounts

Circulation

10,000+ issues per month are distributed in pet supply stores, veterinary offices, dog daycares, groomers and other pet-friendly establishments across Maine.

Deadline

Advertising deadline is the 20th of the preceding month.

Contact Katie Grant, Publisher, (207) 751-7786 or katie@downeastdognews.com

September 2015

behavior is appropriate with the dogs. Johnnie is very good at signaling to us when he does not want an interaction, and Abel is beginning to pick up on it too. After watching my husband and me over the last year gently pet our dogs, Abel has now learned how to do the same! Since Johnnie now knows that Abel can control his fine motor skills, he seems more at ease with interactions. The biggest breakthrough was just the other day while all of us were outside in the backyard – Johnnie was sitting in the grass, enjoying the sunshine, and Abel wanted to go visit him. He toddled his way over (with me close behind!), and as we approached, Johnnie lay down, stretched out and rolled right over, offering his belly for Abel to pet. It was the first time I saw Johnnie say to Abel, “I trust you,” and it was a beautiful thing to watch. Abel gave him a couple good, gentle scratches, keeping that trust, and then went about exploring the yard. I think they are on the path to becoming absolute best friends down the road! I hope you all have a wonderful September – happy Fall!

Table of Contents

Hot Dog News ........................ Furry Words ............................ Ask the Vet................................. Basic Training Tips ................ Baxter ........................................ Dogcation Time In Maine! . Performance Dog Training. Words, Woofs & Meows ...... Hotel Pet Etiquette................ Dogs for Adoption................. Calendar of Events ............... More Hot Dog News.............. Business Directory ................

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

Furry Words

Sara Moore, Animal Communicator

When I first started doing readings, I was amazed at what people did for their animals. Let me preface that by saying I had a black lab named Lucy growing up. She ate television remotes and batteries like they were candy, never got sick, and loved her freedom runs. She was a total non working family dog who got to swim in our pool and snuggle with us on the couch. When we first got her, dad swore she’d be a hunting dog that would sleep outside. I think he had dreamy visions of her being the Labrador on the cover of the L.L Bean catalog with a bird gently tucked in her mouth. Well, Lucy never went hunting and never once slept outside. She knew that when mom went up to bed she was allowed to lie beside her until dad came up. It’s like she had magical hearing, and before dad even made it to the stairs to join mom, Lucy would reluctantly yet quickly lower herself and retreat to her own bed. I would like to point out her bed had never been outside and remained in the corner of their room for her entire life. As a mother, I would do (almost) anything for my nine year old son Zachary. Even as I say that, I’m pretty sure it would never compare to the way you or we treat our animals! If Zachary asked for ice cream for dinner, I’d say no way! If you did a reading with me and your dog wanted some, I bet you’d ask me what flavor and stop at the store on the way home. That is amazing. When I buy clothes for Z, I get what’s on sale and what I know he’ll fit into. Rarely do I shop based on style, and luckily, he doesn’t seem to mind. Do you know how many dogs have asked for bandanas or collars with very specific (and often expensive) patterns or fancy shirts, jackets, Halloween costumes and even hats? A LOT of them! And I have a feeling they’re all wearing them now as you read this. My son would probably argue they have a better life than he does, and I can’t say I totally disagree! A few years ago, I was on Good Day Maine with Evie, a sweet black lab who was born with out kidneys. She was brought into the Animal Refuge League and was adopted by the director who knew that not many people could give her the care she needed in order to survive. This care included being on a vegan diet because her body could not

process any animal protein. Have you ever tried a diet like this? It’s work! Yes, you may feel amazing, but holy smokes you really do have to think and plan and really love yourself enough to do it. Evie was so loved and gave tenfold in return. She was amazing and full of gratefulness. I am smiling as I say this, aware that chicken nuggets are on the menu at my house at least once a week, and I’m grateful my son can eat a “normal” diet. There’s a good chance he’d starve to death otherwise. The other thing that I had been unaware of is how many dogs get massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, and holistic medicine. Not all of them want this kind of treatment, but I would say the majority of them have something to say about each modality if given the chance. Sure, we loved our Lucy, and my mom would give her more of a massage than the rest of us did, but that doesn’t compare to what some of the dogs I read get treated to. Sitting here now, I know my headache is from my neck needing an adjustment. Have I called my chiropractor? Nope. Why? I have no good answer, but if I were your dog and you had any indication that something was off, I’m sure it would have been scheduled and fixed days ago. With all of that being said, in my next life, I want to come back as your dog. I’m already looking forward to having my meals planned, my warm spot on your bed, the time and freedom to run and play and be silly, the best collars and clothing, top of the line medical care, and receiving the purest level of love that can only be found between the human and animal connection. In return, I will give you unconditional love and do my best to behave. I will be proud to be included in your family and won’t even expect an organic vegan meal although I am pretty sure I’d be thrilled to have ice cream included as part of my diet. Feel free to spoil me rotten, too! This human life really has been fun, but to be a dog would be simply amazing. 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

Keeping Your Dog Safe and Happy While Traveling

My family, including Buster, will be going on vacation in the fall. We are staying at a camp on a lake. What do I need to be aware of to keep Buster out of trouble? There is nothing better than to take your dog on vacation with you. There are a few issues to be aware of that could cause problems for Buster, but I want to talk first about being a good neighbor. We love taking our dogs with us on vacation, but we need to be aware of other people and pets around us. I remember seeing a sign at the registration desk of one place that said, “Rude dogs and rude people need not apply.” How perfect is that!? We all want to have a good time, so here are a few recommendations for bringing Buster. Is your best friend a barker? Remember, unlike home, there will be people walking past your camp. Camps can be so close and so poorly insulated that you can hear a pin drop. If he has an issue like this, ask for a camp farthest away from everyone else. If he is really bad, look into a citronella no bark collar and test it on his barking before you go. Along the same lines is how is he with strangers. If he has a protective streak or is reactive to people or dogs, be sure to keep him under wraps. He will need to stay on leash, and you will need to be always alert to the “goings on” around you, so if you have little kids and the dog, be sure to divvy up who watches who. Remember: people don’t always think. They may have a friendly dog with poor manners. Inform them if Buster has issues and keep control of Buster. Even though you are in the right if anything happens, you know who will be to blame. Remember to never leave Buster in the camp unattended. If you must, be sure he is in a crate for his safety and house keeping’s safety. Most places don’t allow the dog being left alone even in a crate, so plan on taking him with you wherever you go. If Buster is allowed on the bed at home, this may not be allowed at the camp. If he is crate trained, bring his crate. Some dogs do better in an exercise pen with his bed from home in it. Another solution is bringing covers for the bed and furniture to keep them clean. For Buster’s well being, there are several things to consider: 1. Bring enough food for the whole trip. If you feed kibble, that is easy. If you feed rehydrated food, bring his water from home to use. If he eats raw, I make my dog’s food up in advance in

individual meals and freeze it. I keep it in a cooler or refrigerator depending on the circumstances. 2. I alluded to water in number 1. Bring water from home. You can get water containers from any camp store. They come in multiple gallon containers. If I am gone for more than a weekend, I bring my large water container. You can also use distilled or spring water. Many dogs get diarrhea from a change in water. That is why you see show and performance dogs with their own water. 3. How is Buster with fireworks, thunder, and gunshots? If he gets upset or freaks, bring something to help calm him down. Now that Maine has a fireworks for all policy, many dogs and people are reacting severely to the noise. Some coping tools are the thunder shirts, T-Touch (a hands-on calming technique for which you can get the how-to book online.), calming herbs, and/or nutritional supplements. You can find many different formulas either at health food stores, online, and from your veterinarian. If Buster is really bad, you may need to talk to your veterinarian for stronger medication to cope with the noise. Remember not to leave Buster in the camp unattended if he suffers from noise phobias because of the possibility of destruction to the camp and Buster! 4. You said you are going to a lake. Be courteous and pick up Buster’s poo. No one likes to walk barefoot on a beach and have something squish between his toes. We all know salt water can cause vomiting and diarrhea; lake water can do the same, so if you are having a long beach day, make sure you bring a lot of water with you. 5 Dogs swallow water when they retrieve in the water. If they over do it, they can develop water toxicity which can be fatal. It is rare, but if Buster is an obsessive retriever in the water, be sure to take many breaks. 6. Be sure to have shade for you and Buster. You can sweat and run in the water at free will, Buster doesn’t sweat and can only go in the water when allowed. 7. If Buster is a scavenger, keep him on leash. There can be many critters, plants, and trash which can make him sick if eaten. It is not fun spending your holiday at the ER. 8. If your camp is in the woods, watch out for porcupines, skunks, and other critters.Don’t let him out at night off leash. If in damp woods, be careful of mushrooms. Some mushrooms can make his stomach sick while others can be fatal. If he does get into mushrooms, take Buster and a baggy with the type of mushroom he ate to the nearest veterinary clinic or ER. If you can’t get somewhere fast, make him vomit by using peroxide. I love traveling with Bryan, my golden retriever. I am blessed with a well behaved, polite guy. I follow the recommendations mentioned above, and we are welcomed back everywhere we go. Enjoy your vacation with your WHOLE family. Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center, Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com officeawc@roadrunner.com

Downeast Dog News

EXPLORE from page 1

or walking and bicycling trails. If you’re new to Bar Harbor, one of the main attractions is the walking trail along the oceanfront. Sand Beach has always been a popular spot to go walking with your dog. Be aware that the town of Bar Harbor and any place inside Acadia National Park mandates that you pick up after your dog. If you walk along Bar Harbor’s downtown district, you’ll likely find pet friendly stores and boutiques too. Eastern Region Way Down East are Calais and Eastport. Both destinations are pet friendly and offer lots of fun things for dogs to do. From splashing in lakes to walking nature trails, both towns offer lots of outdoor activities for you and your dog. Calais offers two main motels, and both are pet friendly with a small pet deposit. Check out The International Motel and Calais Motor Inn for rates and availability. Calais offers a scenic waterfront walking path along the St. Croix River which can also be used for bicycling. If you and your dog(s) love the water,

you’re sure to find plenty of great lakes in the area where you can go swimming, canoeing, and kayaking with your furry kids as well. Most, if not all lakes, provide public access for both swimming and kayaking/boating. Some lakes worth dipping paws into include: Meddybemps Lake, Gardner Lake, Keenes Lake (which is also a campground), Cathance Lake, and Nash’s Lake. There’s still plenty of summer left, so grab your pup and come on Downeast! Grab your google maps app, or your Gazetteer and have fun exploring! Eastport boasts beautiful ocean scenery and breezes. This artsy alcove also has plenty of walking trails and lots of pet friendly restaurants that leave water bowls for dogs to take thirsty drinks from. This is the easternmost town in the United States. The ocean breezes, the friendly people, the food, the scenic pathways, and laid-back atmosphere make this quaint little town worth the trip. Dogs are welcome most everywhere and many businesses leave water bowls outside their establishments for dogs to drink from as they walk through town. Greater Bangor Area The Greater Bangor area boasts a number of dog friendly parks and trails, including the beautiful Waterfront Park along to Penobscot River. With a great network of pet supply stores and facilities, you know your dogs are welcome in this city and surrounding areas! There are also a number of pet-friendly lodging areas where you can relax and enjoy your stay knowing Fido is welcome. Winterport Winery, located just 13 miles from Bangor, is a pet-friendly winery! You can enjoy a sampling of delicious wines with your pup at their

outdoor seating. Western Region Maine's western region also brings a large number of dog friendly parks and trails with which to explore with your furry family members. This region is contains a huge number of lakes and swimming areas, some of which allow dogs to join in on the fun! There are a number of pet-friendly lodging areas including campgrounds and vacation rentals so your family has a number of options to choose from that include amenities for ALL of your family members. Southern Region If you’re in the Ogunquit region, grab your dog and hop Finestkind Scenic Cruises. Featuring Mainemade boats, you’ll be cruising the waters in style. Well-mannered dogs are always welcome. Check with the other people on board to be sure everyone’s comfortable with dogs being on-board. As long as everyone’s okay with it, you and your dog can cruise the waters to your heart’s content. Another place worth exploring with your dog is Kennebunkport. One key attraction is the Seashore Trolley Museum. Not only can dogs ride the trolleys, this fine establishment features several walking trails as

well. After a fun day of exploring, you can share an ice cream with your furry kid! If you’re a nature enthusiast interested in ecological preservation and enjoy history, check out the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Carson Trail is dog-friendly and you’ll discover some impressive history on Rachel Carson to boot. It is educational and fun! As always, when traveling with your pets, don’t forget to bring lots of fresh water and a collapsible bowl with you on your adventure. Dogs need more water than we do while walking so be sure to bring plenty. Also, please remember to clean up after your pet. By doing your part, you are being a courteous, responsible pet parent, and you are helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases and viruses – some of which can be deadly to your dog and even humans. Share the beautiful natural environment that is Maine and try to leave it as clean (or cleaner) than you found it. Happy Waggin Tail Trails! Photo left: Some pups indulge in a little ice cream with their humans! Below: Out on a walk in one of our many pet-friendly areas! Photos by Catherine Howland

Please Support Our Advertisers MIDCOAST Harbor Hounds.............................................. 7 Loyal Biscuit.................................................... 2 Mr. Dog Training............................................. 2 The Country Inn............................................ 7 Two Salty Dogs ............................................. 7 Yankee Clipper............................................. 10 SOUTHERN Camp Bow Wow......................................... 16 Maine Veterinary Medical Center........................... 6 Newfie Fun Days......................................... 12 Paws Applause.............................................. 7 Pet Connection............................................. 7 Planet Dog...................................................... 2 Pleasant Hill Kennels................................... 5 Portland Veterinary Specialists.............. .. 2 Scarborough Animal Hospital................ 10 Tender Touch Veterinary......................... 10

September 2015

The Whole Dog Market............................. 10 Woofminster 2015....................................... 16 STATEWIDE & BEYOND ASPCA Bar Harbor....................................... 12 Catahoula Rescue of New England........ 7 Maine TV 85 ................................................. 14 Martha Dillard Pet Portraits................... 16 Puppy Love .................................................. 10 Silver Paws Pet Tags ..................................... 5 BANGOR & DOWNEAST Ashes To Ashes Pet Crematory ................ 6 Bell's Furry Friends Photography ............ 2 Green Acres Kennel Shop ....................... 16 Veazie Veterinary Clinic .............................. 6 WESTERN Bee's Pet Boarding ..................................... 10 Taylor Brook Animal Hospital ................... 5

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

Old Dogs THRIVE on New Tricks!

Don’t Underestimate your Senior Dog’s Hunger to Learn Our soul dog Dory, a Standard Poodle, is pushing 15. She’s nearly deaf, and her eyesight is failing. She has hip dysplasia, laryngeal paralysis, and some arthritis. Two weeks ago, she had her first vestibular disease event that temporarily rendered her unable to discern which way was up. It was horrifying. It is heart-wrenching to witness our dogs lose their strength and abilities as they age. We mustn’t, however, relegate them to the couch like bumps on a log. They can learn many new skills despite their age and limitations. Since the age of 12, Dory has added a respectable number of new tricks and moves to her repertoire (visit my You Tube channel and see her in her "Senior Dog Workout" video). For too long, I had let our young, high-maintenance dog grab most of the training time. When I started to work with Dory again in earnest, I was astounded not just at how hungry she was to learn, but how quickly she learned. At the age of 13, she even started to compete, and eventually

title in the sport of RallyFree. I help Dory practice body awareness, balance, and other skills on a regular basis to help keep her mind and body engaged and learning. These exercises help me monitor her range of motion, strength, cognitive function, and level of interest. We can’t stop the aging process, but we can help our dogs age gracefully. Old dogs can learn new tricks. They thrive on learning. PLAY to learn and learn to play. Our wonderful senior dogs won’t return to puppyhood, but we can help them make each day the best it can be. Play increases dopamine levels in the brain which, in turn,

helps with movement and feeds the whole body. Nose power Other senses may fade, but that olfactory system will continue to shine! Hide a toy or some kibble or treats in a towel, then release your dog to find the tasty bits. Each time he finishes, secure him in that spot while someone else plants the loaded towel somewhere else in the house or yard for him to find again. Take your senior dog to novel environments, so he can smell a whole new world. It’s magical to see him engage his sense of smell and fully immerse himself in new information. Old dogs must move… however limited that movement might be. The more we can incorporate movement into their day-to-day lives, the better! Food dispensing toys are your elderly dog’s crossword puzzle! Are you feeding your dog his meals from a bowl? Well, stop! Mealtime can be the perfect time for your dog to get some exercise, and he can get it by working for his food. A wide range of treat-dispensing toys is available in stores, but you can also make your own. At the very least, you can sprinkle the kibble far and wide, inside or outside, so that your elderly dog has to activate her hunting instincts to eat. He will love it! Dig it! Despite our objections, digging is excellent physical exercise for our

pooches. The next time you see a dog dig, refrain from reprimanding him, and instead, watch that extraordinary canine body: it’s a full-body workout! Establish a few “legal” areas in your yard for the purpose of exercise. Ramps and wobble boards Unless your dog is small enough to carry, chances are he will eventually need to feel comfortable using a ramp. Help him learn to use it before he needs it. A boogie board onto which you duct tape shelf liner for traction is an easy and inexpensive way to get you started. Begin with a small slope - or even flat on the floor - and offer high value treats to encourage your dog to use it. Always be sure objects are immobilized, have traction, and are strong enough to support your pooch. This same board, with a small object underneath it (such as a pen) can become a wobble board for your dog to stand on and balance as the board makes small movements. Feed your dog for any amount of effort he makes, then raise the criteria. Enroll in a class! Dory is pleased to be offering the class “Old Dogs, New Tricks” at my studio in North Yarmouth in September. Senior dogs are amazing. Celebrate and cherish the little things each day.

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

To honor to our long time contributor, Baxter, we will be reprising some of his best pieces from over the years. This month's column is one of the few unpublished pieces we have uncovered, enjoy!

Oh, the Suffering of Puppies

DE Dog News 4.8 x 3.5

MAINE VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER We treat all pet emergencies 24/7

Open 24/7 year round Located next to Scarborough Downs in the Enterprise Business Park right off Route One.

207.885.1290 mvmc.vet

Humans seem to have only one word for puppies: No! It goes something like this: “Can I chew on this shoe? No? Oh, I just found its mate. No. How about your hand? No. This magazine? No. A stick of firewood? No. This paper towel roll? No. Oh, I gotta pee, I gotta pee! Oh, that feels so much better. NO! NO! NO!” Sometimes your human will hand you an acceptable chew toy in exchange for the illegal chew – something acceptable to your human, that is. For you, it’s the same old boring toy. Other times, your human will take your hard-found treasure right out of your mouth and walk away. In the case of an accident, he might even pick you up and put you outside. Humiliating, to say the least. It helps that most puppies are cute. Even ugly puppies have their own charm. Hopefully, you’ve spent time endearing yourself to your humans, doing cute things: rolling over on your back, licking – or trying to lick faces, stumbling over your own paws. Humans also seem to love watching puppies chasing their tails. Go figure. All these things help, and humans don’t usually stay angry at the small mistakes too long. Now, if you’ve been chewing on their favorite couch (how could you know?) or pooping on their new rug – then I’m afraid no words of wisdom from this column can help you. It’s important to remember that as you grow older, their tolerance for the things you love – the taste of sweaty leather, the satisfaction of tearing a roll of toilet paper to shreds – quickly diminishes. What they put up with yesterday may get the ‘No’ word today. Try distracting them with things you’ve learned – like walking on a leash or coming when called. Show them you are really earnest about being the very best puppy you can be, and you’ll do just fine. Chow, Baxter

Downeast Dog News

PawsApplause

Don’t your pets deserve a vacation too? Country Inn at Camden/Rockport has designated pet-friendly rooms and May through October there are pet cottages available as well.

8 Country Inn Way Rockport, ME 04856 countryinnmaine.com 207.236.2725

Quality Pet Supplies & Grooming Salon Your local source for quality pet supplies and holistic foods. We are Maine’s largest supplier of raw food for your pet, visit us online at: www.pawsapplause.com

Oak Hill Plaza • Scarborough, ME 04074 • pawsapplause.com

5 5 Present this coupon and receive

OFF

PET GROOMING SERVICE

Present this coupon and receive

OFF

Any purchase of $30 or more (not to be combined

(not to be combined with

Call for an t appointmen today!

PawsApplause

pawsapplause.com

PawsApplause pawsapplause.com

HARBOR FEST 2015! September 4th - 13th

Join us for the Harbor Crawl September 4th - We'll be giving out Freebies!

Max & Auggie are Masters of Dog Fashion in the Fishin' for Fashion Show on September 12th 22 McKown Street - BoothBay harBor 207-633-PetS

September 2015

www.twoSaltyDogS.net

It’s Dogcatio stop you from vacationing there! There are a variety of lodging facilities that welcome your furry family members with open arms and numerous pet stores, doggie daycares, groomers, and dog-washes to visit. Some of our favorites include the Alouette Beach Resort with their beautiful pet-friendly ocean views in Old Orchard Beach or the gorgeous York Harbor Inn. Pamper your pet at Paws Applause in Scarboroug then after, you can check out the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, full of historical pieces and pet-friendly trails! Greater Portland (Sca rboroug h to Freeport) is no exception to petfriendliness. FidoFriendly Magazine selected Portland as one of the “50 Best of the Best in the Dog World”. Make sure to check out Planet Dog in Portland for a special souvenir for your pup! Annual dog events abound in Greater Portland and draw hundreds of attendees and animals. Even L.L. Bean in Freeport hosts a weekend long dog-specific event each year making Freeport a What’s the healthiest thing you can do for your pet? favorite destination by dog owners. Book a room at one of our favorite pet1 Feed them a nutritious, well-balanced raw food diet! friendly lodging establishments in the Oma’s Pride quality raw foods and treats. Freeport area: the Econolodge right on Route 1 or just a bit further south, the lovely Falmouth Inn. There is a difference between petfriendly and pet-tolerant, so, when we Ride the rails with say “pet-friendly,” we mean it! There are several on the mid-coast from your dog at Seashore Brunswick to Bucksport. Trolley Museum in Here is what the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber has to say about Kennebunkport! their communities: “The Boothbay 2 trolleymuseum.org Harbor region proudly stands behind the fact that they truly are As a native “Mainer”, I often boast that Maine is the most perfect state in which to live or vacation. It offers four very distinct and naturally beautiful seasons, landscape that encompasses everything from majestic mountains to sandy beaches, miles of rocky coastline and hundreds of pristine lakes, awestriking vistas and the quintessential small towns offering Main Streets lined with unique businesses, where you can still find the owner in the shop on most days offering Maine-made products. Maine is also perhaps the most petfriendly state. Though “pet-friendly” is a subjective term, experts base their rankings either on quality or quantity of amenities catering to furry friends. No matter what time of year or area of the state you plan to visit, you’ll find more than 300 dog parks, beaches and trails, and hundreds of hotels, motels, inns, B&B’s, restaurants, and stores that welcome you and your dogs! Maine is the perfect pet-friendly vacation or staycation destination with several communities catering to our four-legged friends! Four-legged friends are usually forbidden from the beautiful beaches in southern Maine, but don’t let that

pet-friendly. The downtown streets are lined with fresh water bowls for your pet. Several pet-friendly lodging properties offer their furry guests a gift upon check in. Stores, boats and even the downtown trolley welcome four legged riders! And, if that weren’t enough for one pet vacation, add thirty miles of wooded hiking trails, parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, pet shops, pet massage, pet grooming, pet sitting, pet agility, and obedience training. One thing is for certain, the pet whose o w n e r chooses the Boothbay Harbor region for his next family vacation is one ‘lucky dog!’” One of our favorite places to stay with Fido in the Boothbay Harbor region is the Flagship Inn & Suites. While in the area, swing into Two Salty Dogs to make sure your pet has everything they need for your adventures! We love heading north on Route One, you’ll find yet another region catering to our four legged friends. Here’s what Heidi Vanorse, owner of three pet stores in this region, has to say about the Rockland area: “There are lots of places along the coast to run and swim. And, although it’s not an official dog park, you can always find a playmate for your pooch at Snow Marine Park in the South End (and the great ocean view is a plus!).” Just a stone’s throw from Rockland are plenty of dog-friendly places to hike in neighboring communities such as Thomaston, Camden, Hope, and Lincolnville; where many local hotels and even a few restaurants allow dogs. Loyal Biscuit, (with three locations in

the area, Camden, Belfast, Rockland and a little further west, Waterville) is a favorite place for Fido to grab a treat while both the Lord Camden Inn and the Grand Harbor Inn provide

PET FRIENDLY! OCEAN VIEWS LODGING & DINING BEACH, CLIFF WALKS

WWW.YORKHARBORINN.COM

800.343.3869 ♦ COASTAL RTE 1A, YORK HARBOR, ME 03911

Bring your best friend to Old Orchard Beach ♥

Beachh Walk

OCEANFRONT INN

Beach Hotel an

More than 20 Pet-Friendly Rooms at 3 Properties!

d Suites

91 East Grand Ave., Old Orchard Beach, ME 877-342-3224 • LodgingOldOrchardBeach.com

FALMOUTH INN 6

Conveniently located between Portland and Freeport

209 U.S. Route 1 OPEN YEAR ROUND 1-800-499-2120 www.FalmouthInn.net

Downeast Dog News

n T ime in Maine! pet-friendly rooms. If you're looking for a differnt lodging experience, Pine Grove Cottages has a number of pet-friendly cottages available in Lincolnville. Should your pooch need

any sort of medical attention while in the area, or a place to board while you take a day trip, PenBay Veterinary Associates is right around the corner. The Belfast Chamber claims it’s a “great community for dogs!” Belfast and the surrounding towns are filled with dogs and their doting humans. Dogs here are a part of so many families! One of the great highlights of the area is the Belfast Dog Park. The park is a great resource for this community. It is meticulously maintained, and there is space for both big and small dogs. With many petfriendly lodging options in the area, dogs are welcome almost anywhere in town. There are many quiet neighborhoods in which to go for a stroll with your pooch, and of course trails along the water, the footbridge, and Sears Island. So, if you’re traveling with your dog, make sure to stop in Belfast for a dog-gone good time! And, of course, let’s not forget Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor, and Acadia National Park! Acadia National Park scores high marks for dog friendliness. Dogs are allowed on most of the 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage trails as long as they are on a leash not more than sixfeet long. One exception to Acadia’s leash rule is a privately owned section of the park near Seal Harbor called Little Long Pond where dogs can run and play off-leash, as well as, swim in the pond. As with other pet-friendly communities around the state, Bar Harbor and the surrounding towns offer many hotels, motels, B&B’s, and Inns that welcome your four-legged family members, Acadia Sunrise

you to visit with your pets, and we highly recommend them all. The number of people who travel with their pets is growing, and so too are the options for pets on the road. There’s never been a better time to pack your pet and hit the road in Maine!

Motel is one of our personal favorites. Most restaurants with outside seating allow your pets as well. Make sure to swing into Bark Harbor to stock up on pet supplies and toys, maybe even a gift for a fellow dog lover! Rangeley, a favorite four-season community in the Western Maine lakes and mountain region of Maine, offers miles of wooded trails where you can hike with your dog. Selfproclaimed “enthusiastic dog walker” Judy Morton, executive director of the Rangeley Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, says, “We have so many trails where you can walk your dog off leash. Leashes are not required on any of the hiking trails.” Dogs must behave well, of course, but Morton doesn’t wo r r y. “ I f p e ople a r e

traveling with their dogs, they must be good dogs,”

she adds. For a full-list of the pet-friendly parks, beaches, and trails pick up a copy of petMAINE, a statewide resource published in collaboration with Downeast Dog News (a copy may also be requested online at www. gotravelmaine.com). Having traveled with my three dogs on a number of occasions, I know a great deal of thought and planning goes into ensuring the time away from home for you and your pets is enjoyable. Downeast Dog News is here to assist in planning your travel with our “Dogcation” special section. All of the businesses you find on these pages are pet-friendly and encourage

11 12

207.236.2929 info@pinegrovemaine.com Pet Friendly!

Charming, efficiency cottages with private decks, BBQ grills, on 3 pine-covered acres. Studios, 1 or 2 bdrms; heat/AC, free WiFi, cable, 1 w/jacuzzi and fireplace. 2 Miles to beach. Located in Lincolnville - 4 miles north of Camden Village.

www.pinegrovemaine.com

www.grandharborinn.com

(877) 553-6997

Family owned and operated, offering the best of Downeast hospitality at a great price.

The Acadia Sunrise Motel offers our guests & their pets beautiful views of Acadia National Park. Conveniently located close to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Ellsworth and Downeast Maine.

952 Bar Harbor Road Trenton, ME • 207-667-8452 • acadiasunrisemotel.com

September 2015

A stay worth remembering Private Balconies | Gas Fireplaces | Included Buffet Breakfast | Complimentary Wi-Fi | Open Year-Round

www.lordcamdeninn.com

(800) 336-4325

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

Relationship – The Foundation of Obedience Performance In order to train for successful performances your relationship with your dog must have a solid foundation. Some of the things you need to have for a successful relationship with your dog include understanding, acceptance, patience, consistency, energy, play, trust, love and a sense of humor. Dogs are subtle and very observant. They take our posture, tone of voice and expression at face value and assume it is directed at them. A good trainer must be very aware of their voice, expression and body language. We talk a lot about being able to communicate with our dogs, but do we recognize when our dog is trying to communicate with us? In other words, is the pathway open? Does the dog see the handler as a helper/partner? Is the dog willing

to try or worried about being wrong? This is directly tied to how we communicate acceptance of effort Repeated failure by your dog is a recipe for disaster, so is inconsistent handling by the owner. We cannot build trust and leadership if our rules are not consistent and clearly communicated. Our dog must understand and value the reward system so they can understand which behaviors will be rewarded and which behaviors definitely do not work and will never pay. Is your praise meaningful to the dog or does it tend to deteriorate into nagging attempts at encouragement? Dogs need to understand that praise indicates the behavior is correct and ultimately will be followed by something the dog values. Encouragement is not the same as praise. Praise should mean “you are right!” Too many times words that are meant to be encouraging turn into nagging because the handler is becoming frustrated. For example – “come

on, let’s go, you can do it, hurry up” The tone of these words after a while becomes nagging and the dog shuts down because they don’t know what to do. It is not easy to always hear ourselves at a training session. We usually think we are much better at praise than we really are. Tape record yourself and see what you think! If your praise is good, what about your body language? Is it relaxed and inviting or, stiff and standoffish? What about your facial expression and your eyes? Remember that your dog knows you and is looking for information from you as to whether the behavior is good or bad. If you are

smiling but your body is tense and your words are sharp you will not fool your dog. The information you give your dog must be sincere. If you are tired or become frustrated, don’t train. Can you animate your dog just by expression and body language? Does your dog feel you are someone they want to join up with or is it only the food that is keeping them interested? If food is what is keeping the dog interested in you, then you cannot expect much success when you cannot use food. Spend your energy keeping the dog connected to you, not correcting the dog for leaving. You must become the pathway to all good things for the dogs. A dog that is happy in training will willingly move towards you with a bright expression as opposed to a defensive dog that will move away and avoid eye contact. Work to keep your dog bright and willing to train. Remember: your body language, expression and tone of voice cannot be incongruent. Everything you do needs to let your dog feel that they want to join you. Happy 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.

We’re the special store for dogs and their people. We offer individualized service, holistic food/treats, made in Maine products, fun toys and a self wash! 429 Preble Street, South Portland Willard Square, Across from Scratch Bakery 207-747-4284

YANKEE CLIPPER

We groom the most important pets in Maine — Yours! Offering a full range of grooming services Including Hand Scissoring, Cat Grooming, Hand Stripping & Shedless Treatments

Call today and schedule an appointment with our award-winning staff

• Doggy Daycare with NEW online camera service so you can view your pup while away! • Boarding for cats, small dogs & other critters • Grooming • Cage Free

103 Tripp Lake Rd. • Poland, ME 04274 • 207.998.3358 beespetboarding.com • Find us on

License #F628

Food and Supplies for Cats and Dogs Watch your pet groomed live!

www.yankeeclipperpetgrooming.com click the webcam buttons

207.593.9100

589 Commercial Street/Route 1 Rockport, ME 04856

Downeast Dog News

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS By Don Hanson, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

Pets - Who Cares for Them When You Are Away? It’s September and Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here before you know it. If you plan on going away for either holiday and will need someone to care for your pets at that time, you should be looking for that someone NOW. No matter who cares for your pets during your absence, there are only so many spots available at the inn, and when they’re gone, they are gone. The best places will typically fill up weeks in advance of the holidays. While pet care providers may have last minute cancellations, you probably don’t want to bet your airline tickets on that. There are three basic options for having someone care for your pets when you’re away; a friend or family member, a professional pet sitter, or a professional boarding facility. This column will highlight some of the benefits and disadvantages of each of these options as well as review factors that apply to all of the various pet care choices. Before entrusting the care of your pet to anyone you should: • Notify your veterinarian and let him know that someone else is caring for your pet and may be contacting him in case of an emergency. • Set up an opportunity for your pet to meet those people who will be caring for him. Make sure that your pet is comfortable around them. Likewise, the caregivers need to be comfortable with your pet. If your pet will not be staying at your home, it is a good idea to give your pet an opportunity to familiarize himself with where he will be staying ahead of time. • Make sure that the people caring for your pet understand his behavior and any health issues. It is absolutely essential that you be completely upfront and honest about your pet’s health status and behavioral quirks. If your pet has aggression issues, failing to disclose those issues is putting others at risk. If he has occasional lameness and you forget to mention this, you may put your pet at risk for overexertion. • Make arrangements for an emergency contact, someone who can authorize medical care for your pet in the eventuality you cannot be contacted. This individual may also be needed to care for your pet if the pet care provider indicates

that he cannot care for your pet. Your contact may need to assume financial responsibility for your pet in your absence. Most veterinary practices, especially emergency clinics, require payment upfront. Emergency veterinary care can easily result in a bill greater than $1000. If the pet is a senior or has existing health issues, you may want to leave written instructions for the veterinarian with your pet care provider, just in case he requires medical attention in your absence. • Whoever is caring for your pet should have contact information for you, your veterinarian, and the closest emergency veterinary clinic and have a copy of your pet’s most recent vaccination records and any other information applicable to special health concerns for your pet. Questions to ask anyone who is entrusted with the care of your pet: • Have you had formal training in pet first aid and are you able to apply first aid if necessary? • Have you had training in and experience with supervising interactions between pets that do not interact on a normal basis? Are you familiar with basic canine body language? • Do you have experience in giving pets medications; pills, ointments, or injections? • Do you promise that you will not use any of the aversive tools or techniques defined as harmful in the AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines (Aversive techniques include prong (pinch) or choke collars, cattle prods, alpha rolls, dominance downs, electronic shock collars, lunge whips, starving or withholding food, entrapment, and beating.)? As horrendous as this sounds, it has happened even here in Maine. Friends and Family Having a family member stop by your home or having him take your pet to his home while you are gone is certainly an option worth considering. However, it is in your pet’s best interest that a friend or family member have the same basic qualifications as noted above. Also consider that the holidays are especially hectic events for most families and are probably a less than an ideal time to take on pet care responsibilities for someone else. You will want to ask a friend or family member many of the same questions you would ask a professional pet sitter. You will also want to review where your pet will be staying. Is there a fenced yard where your dog can spend some time outdoors? If your dog is used to having a quiet area for sleeping, will he have a similar area where he will be staying? If your friend has pets of his own, and they do not get along with your pet, will the friend be able to get all pets separate, safe, and happy? Professional Pet Sitter A pet sitter can often be a good alternative for a pet that is uncomfortable with change, is anxious

in new environments, is uncomfortable around other animals, or is a senior and no longer in the best of health. I always suggest that when looking for a pet sitter that you look for someone that can not only check in on your pets during the day, at least twice, but will also be there at night to watch over your pets and your home. While cats can technically get by with someone stopping by for a half hour twice a day, the same cannot be said for dogs. You want to keep your pet’s schedule as normal as possible, so a pet sitter should be in your home the same times of the day that you and another family member are there. Pet Sitters do not currently need to be licensed in the state of Maine, so you want to make sure you check them out thoroughly. In addition to asking the questions above, I suggest you also ask: • Are you a member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International, or the Pet Professional Guild? Although not the same as being licensed, a pet sitter who is a member of at least one of these associations is demonstrating commitment to his profession. Those that are members of the Pet Professional Guild must also commit to and follow PPG’s Guiding Principles of which section one states: “To be in anyway affiliated with the Pet Professional Guild all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Pet Professional Guild Members Understand ForceFree to mean: No shock, No pain, No choke, No fear, No physical force, No physical molding, No compulsion based methods are employed to train or care for a pet.” • How much time will you be spending with my pet(s)? In addition to feeding your pet and taking care of bathroom breaks, a pet sitter should be playing with and exercising your pets and depending on your pet, just spending some time with him relaxing. • What steps will you take if my pet accidentally gets away from you and runs off? Make sure that he can safely handle your pet when taking him outside so that your pet does not inadvertently run off. • How many employees do you have? • What happens if you get sick, are in an accident, have car trouble, or there is a blizzard? What is your backup plan to ensure that my pets will be cared for on schedule every day? Many pet sitters are one person businesses, so please be sure they have a contingency plan in place and that you are comfortable with that plan. • Are you and your employees bonded and insured? Remember, a pet sitter will have keys to your home. Professional Boarding Facility A professional boarding facility must be licensed in the state of Maine and must follow state regulations for the boarding of pets. These regulations govern housing, feeding, sanitation, record keeping, and basic standards of care. However, these regulations are very basic, and the best facilities will do far better. The best facilities will have staff training requirements for pet first aid,

pet behavior, health, and handling skills. They may often include daily playtime as part of their package. Most facilities will have detailed contracts which you will be asked to sign for your benefit as well as the benefit of the facility. Most pets do very well when boarding, and many facilities suggest you give your pet a “test drive” by either boarding during the day or maybe even trying an overnight before you book a weeklong vacation. In addition to the questions above, the following are some suggested questions for the kennel. • Are you licensed? Even though it’s a legal requirement, some try to get around the law. • Is anyone on your staff credentialed as a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant or Certified Professional Dog Trainer? Understanding pet behavior is critical when caring for pets, especially for longer stays. Individuals that have the above certifications have been accredited by internationally recognized organizations and must continue their education in order to maintain their certification. Having at least one such individual on staff is a sign of a superior facility. • Do you allow interactions between other dogs and if so, how are they supervised? Supervising dogs at play, especially dogs that do not normally interact, requires knowledge of canine behavior and communication. Staff members need to be thoroughly trained via professional programs and dogs should be evaluated for size, age, and play style. Dogs should be supervised at all times. At Green Acres, we have one pet technician for five dogs or two techs for up to eight dogs. • Does someone stay at the facility at night? In some cases, owners may live on site, but there are facilities where that is not the case. Long before my wife and I got in the business, we boarded our pets. Having someone on site at night was and is still very important to us. • I’m repeating the following from above, but that’s because I believe it is so important. Do you promise that you will not use any of the aversive tools or techniques defined as harmful in the AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines (Aversive techniques include prong (pinch) or choke collars, cattle prods, alpha rolls, dominance downs, electronic shock collars, lunge whips, starving or withholding food, entrapment, and beating.)? I had to mention this one again because it has happened at boarding facilities in Maine. Hopefully, you now have some ideas of what to look for if you need someone to care for your pets. If you’re going away for the holidays, now is the time to start looking. Keep in mind that pet care providers are busiest when pet owners travel which often corresponds to when the kids are out of school. Reserve your spots early!

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor and the 2014 Association of Professional Dog Trainers Dr. Ian Dunbar Member of the Year. 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. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.

September 2015

Stress-Free Hotel Stays: Pet Friendly Hotel Etiquette & Tips

Our friends over at TripsWithPets.com have some great tips here about having an enjoyable stay at a pet-friendly hotel while vacation with your animals! See more pet-friendly tips and travel information at TripsWithPets.com! More and more pet parents are deciding to bring their pets along when they travel. For many, this means staying at a pet friendly hotel or other type of pet friendly accommodation. It's important to make sure that you and your pet are prepared. Following some simple tips will help to ensure that your hotel stay with your pet is an enjoyable one....and that you BOTH are welcomed back! Pick the Right Room

It's recommended to book a room on the ground floor and by an exit. This will make it much easier for you to take your pet out for bathroom breaks. Use Designated Potty Area Upon check-in, ask the innkeeper or front desk personnel where the designated dog potty area is. Make sure you adhere to their rules of where to let your dog relieve himself. And of course, always bring along poop bags and clean-up after your pet. Tucker them Out Be sure to exercise your pet. Exercise helps relieves anxiety, thereby making for a more calm pet. Ask hotel personnel about the best places to walk or run your pet.

COME CELEBRATE OUR 20TH ANNIVERSARY!!

Newfie Fun Days

Benefiting the Newfoundland Dog Breed September 19 & 20 9:30- 4:00 th

Rt.103, Piscataqua Boat Basin Eliot, ME

Treat the Hotel Room with Respect This means covering any furniture and beds that your pet may be allowed on. If the pet friendly accommodation does not allow pets on furniture, abide by their rules. Litter Box Placement If traveling with a cat, place their litter boxes in the bathroom. This will make clean-up much easier. Leave them Alone? Some pet friendly accommodations will allow you to leave your pet alone in your room. Our advice is not to leave your pet unattended unless absolutely necessary. Even the best behaved pets can bark and

become destructive when in new surroundings. If you must leave your pet alone, be sure that it's for a very short time. Alert the front desk or innkeeper that your pet is alone in the room and try putting on the TV or a radio to make your pet more comfortable. If your pet travels with a crate or kennel, place them in it when leaving the room. In addition, place a note on your door indicating that your pet is in the room. Don't Leave any Pests Behind Before leaving home be sure to give your pet a good cleaning and de-flea & de-tick them. This means a good flea and tick bath along with utilizing preventative flea and tick control. Leaving behind a stinky smell, or worse, fleas or ticks is the kind of thing that makes accommodations change their pet friendly policy. In addition, if a deposit is required, these types of things could very well prevent you from getting it back. Accidents Happen Even pets that have never had an "accident" indoors may do so under stress. Bring along a disinfectant as well as a rag in the event that you have to clean up after your pet. Not doing so could also cause a loss of deposit. Keep them Leashed To ensure that you're welcomed back, keep your pet on a leash and avoid taking them into dining areas or other restricted areas. Following some common sense rules will help ensure that your pet has a happy and safe trip. Visit TripsWithPets.com for more information on petfriendly beaches or check out our petMAINE travel guide for specific Maine pet-friendly beaches, parks and trails at downeastdognews. com. Photo: A sweet dachshund enjoys vacation pool-side!

Save an animal today. Make a friend for life.

Adopt a dog or cat or you can make a donation in their name.

141 Bar Harbor Rd., Trenton (207) 667-8088 Info@spcahancockcounty.org www.spcahancockcounty.org

Holistic Vet Seminar - Lyme Disease • Cardiac Seminar Grooming Seminar •Geriatric Seminar • Draft Workshop Rescue Seminar •Water Rescue Work Demo • CGC Testing Nosework Seminar & Demo • Grand March of the Newfoundlands Raffles • Many Vendors • Food Pavillion...and much more! All Proceeds Benefit Newfoundland Dog Health and Rescue Efforts & Betty Trott Memorial Fund, helping all animals in need. Visit us at www.newfiefundays.com and Follow us on Facebook For further info contact : info@newfiefundays.com

Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption Charlie, American Bull Dog/Hound Mix?

Charlie is a loving affectionate boy who wants to be loved. He is a snugglebug but also very active. He will play with other dogs but gets overstimulated if there is too much commotion. He is crate trained, but if left alone too long, he will chew though he is improving with this! His ideal home would be with an active family with older children. No cats or chickens. He should not be left at home for too long. He is a GREAT dog who has been in foster care for a year and needs a loving forever home! Please contact Janets Pets for more information about Charlie: janetspets@comcast.net.