Modern Dog Spring 2017

What To Do If Your Dog Chews Everything + Let Your Adult Dog Train Your Puppy!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions S P RI NG 2017

DOG DECODER

Signs Your Dog Is Bored

HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG’S BARK, “READ” YOUR DOG’S TAIL & MAKE YOUR DOG LAUGH (REALLY ) p102

Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, 202–343 Railway St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1A4

THE T BES EAR G G O D S IN I E! R E H

Adorable Wedding Ideas p92

How To Choose the Right Dog

Let's Play! Toys, Toys, Toys! p94

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE ‘17

$5.95

READ YOUR BREED: THE BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG & MORE MOBILITY AIDS FOR DOGS MEET THE HAIRLESS BREEDS SLEEPAWAY CAMP WITH YOUR DOG!

Lisa Vanderpump: Rescue Rules

plus It’s True Love: Stars & Their Dogs + We’re Giving It Away! Win Cool Dog Stuff on p 24!

34

VOL 16

NO 1

photo renaissance photography

SPRING 2017

FEATURES 30

How Dogs Learn From Other Dogs Harness your puppy’s natural inclination to imitate other dogs—enlist your adult dog’s help in puppy training! BY STANLEY COREN

34

Adorable Wedding Ideas It’s puppy love and then some! Steal some of these sweet wedding ideas, from dog-inclusive “save the dates” to ideas for your big day!

42

5 Signs Your Dog Is Bored—And What To Do About It A bored dog is often a “bad” dog, plus, you want your dog to be happy! Here’s how to tell if your dog is bored and how to keep him occupied even if you’re at the office all day. BY TEOTI ANDERSON

50

Camp Canine Camp goes to the dogs! Beyond the opportunity to vacation together, canine camps offer a multitude of benefits for dogs and their people, from new friends and skills to a deeper connection with your dog. BY NOA NICHOL

BY ROSE FROSEK

56 How To Choose the Right Dog For You

Finding your perfect canine personality match

starts with assessing your own wants and needs.

Turn to page 60 for how to find your four-legged BFF! BY POOJA MENON 64

Looking For A Job You'll Love?

These entrepreneurs turned their love of dogs into careers they adore! BY J. LESLIE JOHNSON

84

How To Understand Your Dog’s Bark, “Read” Your Dog’s Tail Position & Make Your Dog Laugh (Really)

BY STANLEY COREN

2 moderndog

SPRING 2017

84 94 Lisa Vanderpump Rules

Prepare to become a big fan of this star deeply

dedicated to saving dogs. Lisa Vanderpump is

on the frontlines of the battle to end the Yulin Dog

Meat Festival, and she won’t stop until she has succeeded. BY ROSE FROSEK 106

Destructive Chewing What to do if your dog chews everything.

BY NICOLE WILDE

BODY & SOUL 70

The Biggest Health Threat To Your Dog

72

Don't Feed This Type of Peanut Butter To Your Dog; A Must-Have For Safe Travels & Adventures; Give Me A Paw

74 Cannabis For Your Dog

With none of the high but a host of other benefits

including pain relief, CBD products for dogs are

increasingly being turned to as an alternative to pharmaceuticals.

76

Eat Well, Do Good; Want To Win Awesome Dog Stuff Every Week?; Your Weekly Dose Of Happiness Delivered Free, Straight To Your Inbox!

78

Seasonal Allergies; The Find; Modern Dog Poll

BREED PROFILE

PHOTO DEBBIE GOLOB

PHOTO TANYA KING

50 90 LIVING

26

Is a Hairless Breed Right For You? Get to know the four AKC-recognized dog breeds!

12

It's Puppy Love!

Adorable puppies bring the cute.

98

The Bernese Mountain Dog The hearty Swiss working dog with a heart of gold.

24

We’re Giving It Away!

We’ve got three months of awesome giveaways, from joint supplements to delicious treats, and winners every week! Flip to page 24 to see what’s up for grabs!

BY KELLY CALDWELL

THE GOODS 48

Spring Gear Fun, cool, and tasty finds to kick off the spring season.

60

14 Ways To Improve Your Older Dog's Life Put a spring in your senior's step with these tips!

88

Doggy Décor Current obsessions & must-haves for the dog-inclusive home.

92

Let’s Play!

Toys, toys, toys!

104

Look What We Found!

Nifty finds for dogs and the people who love them.

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 10 Stuff We Love 14 The Scoop 22 Smile! Photo Contest 117 Marketplace

ON THE COVER

50

Gracing our front cover is adorable five-month-old German Shepherd mix pup Quinn!

Photographed by the brilliant Sarah Daloise of Sarahann Dog Photography and the Heeling Project, Sarah's wonderful enterprise centered in acknowledging and healing the grief of pet loss through the writing of a heartfelt letter to your dog. Find out more at sarahanndogphotography.com.

4 moderndog

SPRING 2017

38 Stars, They’re Just Like Us!

Candid snaps of celebrities out and about with their pups!

46

DIY Eat: Hide That Pill!

5 ways to make giving your dog his medicine a breeze, plus make your own Pill Pockets!

80

How To Keep Your Dog's Anal Glands Healthy Naturally

90

Beyond Borders NOBARS animal rescue saves dogs in need, regardless of which side of the border they reside.

102

DIY Craft: Flower Power!

Put some spring in your dog’s step with a flower- embellished collar!

109

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book.

Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s round-up of this spring’s must-reads.

112

Golden Oldies The cutest page on the Internet is all about old dogs!

120

Last Lick: It's Puppy Love!

Stars and their true loves—their dogs!

BY DR. PETER DOBIAS

BY ELISABETH FILLMORE

BY ROSE FROSEK

BY ELISABETH FILLMORE

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, Issue 1. Published quarterly

by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

Much Love,

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

magic sometimes i wonder if i am magic... seeing how those who touch me start to smile From Darling, I Love You, Poems from the Hearts of Our Glorious Mutts, by Daniel Ladinsky; illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

6 moderndog

SPRING 2017

LOLA BOOTHROYD SUBMITTED BY ALEX

OUR R E ADE R S WR IT E

"Cooper can't wait to get his next issue of Modern Dog magazine!"

—Rose Ungvari, Naples, Florida

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

I

t’s spring! After a long winter, we’re every bit as excited as our dogs to get out there and let off some steam. We’ve filled this issue with everything needed to inspire joy, make the most of the season, and live your best life with your dog.

From tons of toys your dog will go bananas for (we could all use more playtime!) to 14 ways to improve your older dog’s life (Super seniors! p 60) to getting a handle on destructive chewing, we’ve included happiness-making ideas galore.

We’ve got tips on how to choose the right dog for your personality, adorable ideas for dog-inclusive weddings, steps for keeping your home-alone dog happy and busy, photos to put a smile on your face, a recipe for DIY Pill Pockets, the best spring gear to get you outdoors, an inspiring interview with Lisa Vanderpump, and so much more! Here’s to a fantastic spring season spent romping with your pups!

R E P R I N T E D W I T H P E R M I S S I O N O F P E N G U I N R A N D O M H O U S E L L C . C O P Y R I G H T B Y D A N I E L L A D I N S K Y A N D P A T R I C K M C D O N N E L L , 2017.

CONNIE WILSON WITH PENNY, PHOTO KHAREN HILL

EDITOR'S LETTER

Puppy Training Mistakes?

"Such great important info... I wish everyone could humble themselves and learn from it."—Laurie Allen Are you accidentally instilling hard-to-break habits? Make sure you're not making these training mistakes with your new pup... >> moderndogmagazine.com/puppytraining

C ON TRIBUT OR S SPRING 2017

•

VOL 16

NO 1

Publisher

Modern Dog staffer Elisabeth Fillmore is an up-and-coming journalist and, it goes without saying, serious dog enthusiast.

She holds a BA in English literature from McGill University and spends her spare time watching women's soccer, reading science fiction novels, and hiking through the beautiful B.C. mountains with her Border Collie-mix mutt, Callisto. Read her heartwarming story on the amazing dogs and people at the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary on page 112!

Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Audience Development & Digital Marketing Director

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator, Subscription Services

Nav Nagra Design & Production

Clara To Advertising Manager

Jessica Palmer Sales & Marketing

Julia Pineda, Elisabeth Fillmore Junior Accountant

Celine Benipayo Copywriter & Administrative Assistant

Monica Miller Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Honourary Editor-at-Large

Modern Dog favourite Dr. Peter Dobias has 28 years of experience as a veterinarian. His love of dogs and passion for natural healing and nutrition led him to writing, teaching, and helping people create health naturally without drugs, chemicals, and processed food. Through his work and all-natural supplement line, he helps dog lovers get the gift of extra time with their dogs. He lives with his family and dog Skai in Vancouver, BC. Find more on Peter at peterdobias.com. Turn to page 80 for his article in this issue on anal glands.

Jytte Wilson GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION! Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 16, Issue 1.

Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 15, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003.

Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

PHONE

(604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131 (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031

FAX

Melanie Luther and her dog Douglas live in Calgary, Alberta, along with the rest of their furry (and human) family. Melanie is a freelance illustrator, and Douglas is a stay-at-home Dachshund.

They both enjoy naps, snacks, and cuddles on the couch. When not doing these things, Melanie loves drawing and Photoshop, cooking healthy treats, and hanging out with her wife (Douglas is usually there too). You can see more of Melanie's work at melanieluther. com. Check out Melanie’s wonderful illustration for “How Dogs Learn From Other Dogs” on page 30!

8 moderndog

SPRING 2017

The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements.

Copyright 2017 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

!

@

#

STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter BM

1 This deep-pile portable pet bed features lofty orthopedic foam, suede-soft machine washable fabric, and a non-slip bottom, plus it collapses for travel, fitting neatly into the included travel bag! Perfect for dogs on the go!—Connie ($80, surefit.net) 2 Celebrate the bond you share with your dog with a handmade Hand and Paw bracelet. Lovingly artist-crafted from leather or nylon and silver-plated pewter, they make an absolutely lovely gift for yourself or a dog lover in your life. Plus, a portion of proceeds from each sale go to help shelters and rescues around the world!

—Cecilia (From $44, handandpawproject.com)

$

3 Make bath time faster and easier! Soos Two-In-One Pet Shampoo and Conditioner combines all of the exclusive, moisture-rich, immune-boosting benefits of Dead Sea minerals with coconut oil and vitamin E to gently clean, calm, cleanse and condition your pup’s skin and coat, all in one quick step!—Lauren ($13, soospets.com) 4 As a rescue, my Bernese Mountain Dog-Border Collie mix Callisto has a pretty sensitive stomach and doesn’t love treats, but Rayne’s Kangaroo Jerky is the exception. This amazing, healthy, and delicious treat is her favourite thing in the world, and best of all, she can share it with her feline sister!—Elisabeth ($7, raynecanada.ca) 5 These lovely, one-of-a-kind pendants and tags are made just for you in reclaimed pure fine silver, semi-precious stones, crystals, and pearls. Proceeds support The Smiling Blue Skies Fund for Innovative Cancer Research—what could be better? Makes a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.—Clara (From $50, smilingblueskies.com/art-jewelry) 6 Help your dog relax, even during stressful situations like vet visits and thunderstorms, with Bach’s Rescue Remedy For Pets. This all-natural stress reliever has been used on animals and human for over 80 years. Just add a couple drops to your dog’s drinking water for an immediate calming effect.—Nav ($21, rescueremedy.com/pets)

BL

7 Healthy heat. This reflected infrared therapy orthopedic dog bed from Floppy Disc uses NASA technology to reflect 98% of the body's infrared, helping the body treat arthritis, neuropathy, and the aches of aging!—Julia ($249, PetHealthyHeat.com or amazon.com)

%

8 Get your chew on! Barkworthies odour-free Bully Sticks are the ultimate chew. Safe, healthy, and long lasting, they’re tough enough to stand up to aggressive chewers—perfect for dogs who go through bully sticks quickly. Made from free-range, grass-fed cattle, these tasty single-ingredient treats are free of additives, chemicals, and preservatives! Yay! —Monica ($10, barkworthies.com)

(

9 I never thought brooms needed reinventing until I discovered WISP. The smart design of the WISPbroom and foot-controlled WISPpan make cleaning all the dirt and debris my dog Penny Palmer drags in feel effortless! Plus, the electrostatic bristles attract pet hair like no other! It’s a pet owner's dream.—Jessica ($40 for the set, thewisp.com) 10 These super-handy icing and cooling wraps from Coolaid are a multi-use must-have!

Powered by Coolcore technology, they can be used as cooling collars or on areas with inflammation and arthritis or post-surgery!—Celine ($20, coolaid.com) 11 These awesome dog shampoos and leave-in conditioning sprays smell great (love “Surfin’ Jack Coconut”!), are made with natural ingredients, contain no parabens, sulphates, phosphates or other baddies, and are packaged in a recyclable metal bottle. Plus, net profits go to help fund the Lucy Pet Foundation and save dogs! What could be better than doing good AND having a fresh, clean, happy dog?—Jennifer (From $13, lucypetproducts.com)

*

&

^

Hello, it's me!

PUPPY LOVE!

Lola

Tucker

Mini me!

Champ & Charles

Susie

Ruger

Nikita

Finnegan

Phantom

Wrangler & Jamaica

For a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to in the MD offices, the latest breaking stories and videos, cool contests, events, & exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog on Facebook & follow us on Twitter, Instagram, & Pinterest. Go to facebook.com/moderndogmag, twitter.com/moderndogmag, instagram.com/moderndogmag & pinterest.com/moderndogmag.

12 moderndog

SPRING 2017

PHOTO TERRAN BAYER, WESTWAY STUDIO

THE SCOOP

Fred & Ethel

This Amazing Org is Helping At-Risk Senior Dogs

“W

e envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.” This is the laudable goal of The Grey Muzzle, an organization helping homeless senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal welfare organizations.

Claire

Thanks to The Grey Muzzle, dogs like Claire get a second chance. Matted, scared, and alone, this 20-year-old Poodle-mix found herself being surrendered to the shelter by the only family she had ever known. Her age, irregular heartbeat, eye issues, and poor physical condition put her at imminent risk of euthanasia. Senior Dog Haven & Hospice could not bear to let her 20-year story end in a shelter, so they rushed to pick her up. Thanks to a grant from The Grey Muzzle Organization, Claire received blood work and medical tests on her eyes. Now she enjoys life as a pampered pooch in her foster home and hopes to

14 moderndog

SPRING 2017

find a special forever family that will give her the loving retirement home she deserves.

Or take Howard from San Francisco’s Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. At 11 years old, Howard found himself abandoned by his family with only one reason given to the shelter: “too old.” Instead of a name, he was now a number — #654156.

Howard was lame from arthritis and had a cancerous lesion, which gave him very little chance of attracting a new family. Day after day, he watched people pass him by, always smiling through his whiskers, always hopeful someone would see in his eyes that he had so much left to give.

Howard's lucky day came in August when Sherri Franklin, Director of Muttville, took one look at his sweet face and said, “I think I am in love!”

The very next day Howard began his journey with a ride

THE SCOOP

Howard

And so a new life began for Howard and Claire. These are just two of the senior dogs that The Grey Muzzle helped give a second chance thanks to medical expense grants. It really does take a village.

Want to help The Grey Muzzle?

You can give a monthly gift to help dogs like Claire and Howard, donate a bed or even a vehicle, make an “in memory of donation,” volunteer your time, or simply help spread the word—find out more at greymuzzle.org.

Maddie

from the shelter, holding his head out the window the entire trip.

Next up was his first flight—a Pilots N Paws plane ride to Muttville. Sherri knew Howard needed veterinary care, and thanks to Grey Muzzle she knew she had the resources to care for him. Once recovered from surgery, a hopeful Howard headed to his very first Muttville adoption event with a few of his new friends. He was a little nervous but gave everyone he met his big goofy grin. After a few more adoption events, it happened—a man named Patrick came

16 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Or help by shopping! The Grey Muzzle Organization has joined forces with the Gray Dog Club, a membership program that offers exclusive discounts on everything from medicine to dog beds to dog food. A large portion of monthly membership fees go to the Grey Muzzle Organization to help fund medical grants and help rescues and shelters with senior dogs. In addition, members have access to a vast array of educational information in regards to caring for senior dogs. Find more info at graydog.club! n

PHOTO LORI FUSARO

to meet Howard. It was love at first sight. Howard had a new dad!

THE SCOOP

I

s your dog suddenly scratching like crazy, perhaps even keeping you up at night? If his scratching is bothering you, imagine how terrible your dog must feel!

If your dog is incessantly scratching, biting, and licking, perhaps even wounding himself in the process, you have a problem on your hands—and you’re not alone. The second most common reason for vet visits is skin problems (#1 is gastric/ diarrhea issues).

The medical term for scratching caused by excessive itching is pruritus. There are two main causes—the skin itself (Is it infected?

Too dry? Too oily?) and allergies. Allergies can be environmental, seasonal, or caused by fleas.

The first step is to determine if your dog has fleas, which can cause intense itching.

If your dog has a flea allergy, a single flea can cause flea allergy dermatitis. To check for fleas, take a fine-tooth flea comb and comb at the base of your dog’s tail. Remove the collected hair and debris and press it against a dampened paper towel—if rusty red spots appear that’s flea blood your seeing. Your dog has fleas! A flea treatment is in order.

No fleas? Part your dog’s hair and take a look at her skin. Does the skin appear dry and cracked? Is there dandruff? If so, dry skin may be the cause of the itching. Dry skin can be caused by environment (do you live in a dry region?) or diet. Either way try the following:

18 moderndog

SPRING 2017

A better diet and more water. Buy the best quality dog food you can afford. If your dog eats kibble, supplement it with wet food, and make sure your dog always has access to fresh water in a clean dish.

Try Cubowl’s naturally antimicrobial copper-plated pet bowls! ($17, cubowl.com).

Add good oils (omega-3s!), essential for healthy skin and hair. Try Iceland Pure fish oils for dogs (icelandpure.com).

Give your dog probiotics for a healthy gut.

Avoid too-frequent bathing and make sure to use a super-gentle conditioning shampoo and follow up with a natural conditioner, like John Paul Pet's "tested on humans first" oatmeal shampoo and conditioning spray (johnpaulpet.com). And forgo the blow drying.

If allergies are to blame, it may be environmental, caused by pollens or grasses.

If your dog’s scratching is seasonal, that’s a solid hint that it may have an environmental cause. Turn to page 78 for an app to help with this! Or it could be food related. If you think your dog may have a food allergy, you’ll have to put your dog on an elimination diet to determine the culprit.

To start with, cut out grain and switch to a novel protein source. The most common dog food allergies are beef, dairy, wheat, corn, soy, chicken, lamb, fish, and egg. Furthermore, dogs with food allergies are frequently allergic to more than one thing.

To complicate matters, diseases such as Cushings can also cause skin issues so it’s a good idea to have your dog checked out by your vet!

THE SCOOP CAPTION THIS!

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE WINTER ISSUE IS…

An Afterlife For Animals?

Results from the first study to systematically explore beliefs about animal afterlife were recently published in the journal Anthrozoös. The study, which surveyed 800 U.S. participants, found that 45 percent of pet owners believed in animal afterlife (compared to only 37.8 percent of non-pet owners). 59 percent of participants reported a belief in human afterlife and, of that 59 percent, 75 percent believed in animal afterlife as well.

The survey also found certain demographics more likely to believe animals have a life after death.

Women, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Black/ African Americans, Buddhists, people living in the South, and pet owners are all more likely to believe in animal afterlife.

The researchers additionally discovered people held different beliefs for different animals. The leader of the study, Kenneth Royal of North Carolina State University, noted, “In general, dogs, cats, and horses were rated the most likely to experience an afterlife, whereas insects, fish, and reptiles were rated the least likely.”

For our part, we definitely hope our dogs will be waiting to greet us on the other side.

"One moment, Geoffrey. I'm downloading that one song by AC/DC. What's it called again?."

SUBMITTED BY: TINA GILBERT

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS "James, how many times do I have to ask you to throw that picture of the low class hound that accidentally fathered my fourth litter into the fireplace?"

SUBMITTED BY: FREDDIE MCCANN

"Thank you Alfred, now be a good boy and fetch me my ball."

SUBMITTED BY: CHLOE SENECAL

"Sir, where would you like your afternoon bone buried?"

SUBMITTED BY: MELISSA ELLISON

moderndogmagazine.com

21

C A R T O O N S © 2016/17 B Y D A V I D J A C O B S O N

True lo forevve er!

PHOTOS MICHELLE STEIGMEYER

Exercise your funny bone. Create a caption for this cartoon and submit your entry at moderndogmagazine.com/cartooncaption.

The most comic captions will be published in the next issue.

!

E L I SM

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Spartacus Rios

Olie Sasha

French Bulldog

Toy Poodle

German Shepherd

Xxx Xxx

Mylo

Maltipoo

Charlie Anne Shadow Pitbull Lab Mix

Australia Shepherd

Lilly

Lab Mix

Blackie Pekingese

22 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Eve

Coonhound Mix

Rinzler

Golden Retriever

Moscato

Labrador Retriever

Stella Paisley

Pug/Beagle

Raja

Dante

Pitbull/Terrior

Golden Chi Doxie

Chihuahua/Lhaso Apso

Teddy

Aussie Corgi

Opie Rose

Lux

Dogue De Bordeaux

Dutch

Silver Lab

American Bully

Peanut

Bear Boone

Samoyed

Dachshund Mix

German Shorthaired Pointer

Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?

Leo

French Bulldog

Dallas

Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Golden Retriever

moderndogmagazine.com

23

ENTER TO WIN

We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways each and every week in March, April, and May. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every week.

march

1st-7th

Win 1 of 12 packages of Cetyl M Joint & Immune Support for dogs! Supports a healthy immune system and joints and to maintain optimal health.

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-30th

Win 1 of 4 True Hemp Chews for Dogs Variety Packs from True Leaf Pet! Return the love with 3 varieties: HIP+JOINT, CALMING, and HEALTH.

Win 1 of 10 Barkery Boxes from Dantes Doggy Delights! These 1950’s inspired bakery treats are made with all natural and organic ingredients and 10% of all sales are donated to the SPCA!

april

1st-7th

Win 1 of 8 Pawdentify Pet ID Systems.

Easy-to-read and easy-to-attach ID helps keep pets safe. Made with Kevlar and a patented lock, Links-It keeps ID attached securely. Made in the USA.

may

Win an iFetch Too, the interactive, automatic ball launcher! Shoots standard-sized tennis balls from 10 - 40 feet and has a built-in, rechargeable battery so you can take it anywhere!

Win a Springer Dog Exerciser: the bike attachment that allows dogs to run safely beside their owners.

The heavy-duty steel spring absorbs up to 90% of tugs.

Is Your Dog Tuning

6 Things You

The lifestyle

magazine

Should Be

for modern

Adding To

dogs and

Your Dog's

Dinner + How

to Prevent

The lifestyle

FALL 2015

ns

their companio

Is Your Dog

1st-7th

Win 1 of 5 WISP cleaning sets!

These ultra-modern tools with smart design make cleaning more efficient.

Features the one-hand WISPbroom, foot-controlled WISPpan, WISPaway hanger, and miniWISP set.

8th-14th

Win 1 of 8 bags of Amoré Pet Foods’ MEGA Morsels. Benefits of raw, convenience of kibble! 100% of the ingredients come from Mother Nature, 0% from China.

WINTER 2016/17

Your Dog Is

Watching You

V6A 1A4

THE BEST DOG STUFF

Railway St., 40743013 Return Mail Dept, 202–343

Find out why

is in

GALORE! CUTE DOGS p22 ON FREE STUFF!!

ELAINE HENDRIX ACTRESS DOGS RULE WHY RESCUE

Depressed?

Stressed?

Help is on

p28

p30

Uncond itional Lov e! p26

Perfect Find Your Breed Match

Agreement Number

$5.95

Dog Today p106

ns

Pit Bull Flower

moderndog

DISPLAY UNTIL

p34

Power!

Meet the stars must-watch of 2017's movie!

YOUR Y FIX IS IN HERE HAPP here Publications

om

magazine.c

DEC ‘15

Talk To Your

and their companio

EPS 11 ST E TO TH T EC PERF Y PUPP

Vancouver, BC

p5

moderndog

modern dogs

A Dog's Purpose?

15

DISPLAY UNTIL

magazine for

p56

LE AB OP OR AD OTO S! PH EA ID 0

Find out! p112

You Should NOT

Win 1 of 5 Deluxe Click-n-Play Packs from The Doggone Good Clicker Company! They have the highest quality and lowest prices anywhere for Personalized & Blank Clickers and Treat Bags, since 1995.

Anxiety Separation

SIGNS YOUR DOG LOVES YOU p56

Are Youg Makin These g Trainin es?

Mistak

You Out? Why

Win 1 of 30 bottles of all natural Bacon Flavored Spray, made in the USA with flax and chia seed oil. Adds essential Omega-3’s to every meal!

Smiles Galore!

magazine.c

p22

om

MAR ‘17

$5.95

p94

le!

I'm Adoptab

Find out on ating You? Dog Manipulplus plus Is Your Training

p24

Tips, DIYs &

GREAT GIFT IDEAS! STARS & THEIR DOGS WIN IT! GIVEAW AYS DIABETIC ALERT DOGS p42 more! find Make This Cute your breed Dog Scarf! match: The Brittany, French Bulldog, Schnauz er

15th-21st

Win 1 of 10 one-year subscriptions to Modern Dog magazine, chock full of helpful articles, heartwarming stories, and so many cute dog photos!

22nd-31st

Win 1 of 2 Sturdibag Pet Carriers!

Light and durable, its flexible-height design (can flex without collapsing) is perfect for in-cabin airline travel with your small dog.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning March 1, 2017 at 12:01 AM (PST) through May 31, 2017 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.

24 moderndog

SPRING 2017

INSET PHOTO: CHARLIE SUBMITTED BY MIA

s y a w a e v i G t a Gre

Find Your Perfect Breed match

Is a Hairless Breed Right For You? Get to know the four AKC-recognized hairless dog breeds!

Peruvian Inca Orchid gile, smart, and swift, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant sighthound that developed in Peru. Clues to the ancient history of the breed are found in pottery and textiles, with the breed’s first appearance in Moche pottery occurring in 750 AD. They were also depicted in Chimu, Chancay, and Incan pottery. The Chancay people used dogs as companions, and certain pottery even depicts them in sweaters while the Chimu considered them good luck and used the dogs’ warmth for treatment of arthritis and respiratory conditions.

I'm Lively!

Is the Peruvian Inca Orchid right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/Peruvian-Inca-Orchid

The breed marries the appearance of speed and strength with refinement and can be hairless or coated, and comes in three sizes— small, medium, and large. Lively and alert, these dogs can be very good hunters and do well in lure coursing, rally, and agility. This loyal, noble, affectionate, and charming breed is well mannered around the house and loyal and loving to his family but reserved with strangers.

The Xoloitzcuintli

T

Loyal, alert, calm & trainable

he Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced SHOW-low-eats-QUEENT-lee), also known as the Mexican Hairless, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds. They were worshipped—and eaten—by the Aztecs, who also sacrificed them so these ancient canines could fulfill their role as guides through the underworld. Clay and ceramic figures of Xolos date back more than 3000 years and have been discovered in the tombs of the Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Zapoteca, and Colima Indians. Modern day Xolos bear a striking resemblance to these artifacts; this primitive, natural breed has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Appropriately, given its alternate moniker of the Mexican Hairless, the breed was paid tribute in Frida Kahlo’s art, as well as that of her artist-husband Diego Rivera. In a famous mural in Mexico City, he painted a Xolo baring its teeth at the invading Spaniards as they arrived in Vera Cruz.

Two varieties exist: coated, as well as the more popular “hairless” that is without fur save for a shock of hair on the top of its head. Like any good watchdog, they’re wary of strangers. Characterized as calm, tranquil, loyal, and attentive, these dogs range in size from 10 to 50 pounds, and are grouped into three categories: toy, miniature, and standard. Colours range from black, gray-black, and slate to red, liver or bronze.

Is the Xoloitzcuintli right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/Xoloitzcuintli

26 moderndog

SPRING 2017

I'm Loyal!

PHOTO ©AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

A

Lively, alert, playful & charming

Find Your Perfect Breed match

American Hairless Terrier

E

Friendly, loveable & inquisitive

nergetic, alert, and curious, the American Hairless Terrier is an active, small to medium-sized terrier. This affectionate, playful dog tends to be fearless and feisty. They are relatively easy to train and tend to get along with older, considerate children as well as other canines, cats, and other pets. The breed’s lack of fur makes the American Hairless Terrier a favourite of allergy sufferers.

The history of the American Hairless Terrier was identical to that of the Rat Terrier until the 1970s—the American Hairless is the result of a rare, major mutation that occurred in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972. A completely hairless puppy was born into a litter of normal Rat Terriers in Louisiana. This puppy, named Josephine, so won over her adoptive family with her sweet nature and intelligence that they bred her, leading to the development of a new breed.

As the Rat Terrier breed's ancestors were bred to hunt rats and other vermin, today’s American Hairless retains a strong hunting instinct and is game for just about anything. This smart and curious breed excels at a variety of sports and activities. They also make good watchdogs as they bark at unfamiliar sounds.

I'm Curious!

Is the American Hairless Terrier right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/American-Hairless-Terrier

The Chinese Crested

A

Lively, alert & affectionate

true family dog, the Chinese Crested is a playful, elegant toy breed that loves human companionship. One litter can commonly produce two varieties: the Hairless, which features soft, silky hair on the head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff, covered in a soft, straight coat. Because it sheds little to no hair, the Crested is recommended for allergy-prone owners. The breed is thought to have evolved from African hairless dogs and to have sailed the high seas aboard Chinese ships during the plague, chosen for its hairless status and ability to hunt vermin. Its status was elevated by the breed’s appearance by the mid-19th century in European art and in American dog shows in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the breed had acquired a considerable following in the U.S. The burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee acquired a Crested in the 1950s and became an ardent breeder and enthusiast, helping to further popularize the breed. It’s interesting to note that eight of the last 12 World’s Ugliest Dog contest winners were Chinese Cresteds.

With its champions and detractors, this breed may truly exemplify the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Is the Chinese Crested right for you?

Find out more at: moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/Chinese-Crested

28 moderndog

SPRING 2017

I'm l! playfu

DOG TRAINING

How Dogs Learn From Other Dogs Let your adult dog teach your puppy! Dogs can teach other dogs obedience commands.

By Stanley Coren Illustration by Melanie Luther

30 moderndog

SPRING 2017

B

ringing a new puppy into my home always makes me a more attentive observer of dog behaviour. My recently arrived dog is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever that I call Ranger. When he arrived at my house he was less than three months old and was still at the stage where he considered the ears of my adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ripley, to be chew toys. Although he was a typical playful retriever puppy, one of the more serious tasks that he seemed to have set for himself was observing the behaviours of my adult dog. He watched Ripley very carefully, always looking in the direction Ripley looked, as if to see whether there was something important to observe. Similarly, he would follow Ripley's movements around the house. It looked to me as though my puppy had decided that the adult dog probably knew some useful things and that by copying his behaviours he might derive some benefits for himself!

As a psychologist, it still surprises me that one aspect of dog learning that is overlooked by the scientific community has to do with dogs modeling their activities on the behaviours they observe in other dogs. This type of learning involves what scientists call allelomimetic behaviours, or group-coordinated behaviours that depend upon dogs’ inborn inclination to want to be with other dogs, to follow their lead, and do the same things. As a simple example, how do you think that wild canines, like wolves, learn to hunt?

It is clear that they watch the adult members of the wolf pack engaging in those activities and then copy those behaviours, applying them when they grow large enough to be able to do the work themselves.

In a similar manner, our domesticated puppies show tendencies to imitate the behaviours of other dogs from an early age. This continues throughout their lives. It appears that many socially significant behaviours are learned as a result of participating in such organized social behaviours.

This is one of the benefits of bringing a puppy into a home where there is an adult dog who knows the routines and the regulations. It makes housebreaking considerably easier, for one, as the puppy follows along and learns where and when to eliminate.

There are many examples of complex tasks that dogs can learn by observation. Perhaps one of the more dramatic involved the work of Saint Bernard rescue dogs. The breed was named for the hospice founded by Saint Bernard and located in the Swiss Alps on one of the principal roads that connect Switzerland to Italy. For many years the hospice provided winter travellers with a refuge from wind, cold, blizzards, and avalanches. The dogs assisted the monks in their searches for travellers who had strayed off of the main road. The monks seldom left the hospice without dogs, because the mountain fogs can come on suddenly and with no warning, making it impossible to see even a few feet ahead. Without the dogs the monks might have never found their way back to the hospice.

Together, the monks and dogs saved thousands of travellers.

The dogs worked in teams of three; when a lost traveller was found, two of the dogs would lie down beside him to keep him warm and lick his face to try to keep him conscious.

Meanwhile, the third returned to sound the alarm and bring back help. These dogs were never given any special training, and, in any event, no one is exactly sure how one would go about training a dog to do this task. Young dogs were simply allowed to run with the older experienced dogs when they went on patrol. In this way the new dogs learned what was expected of them. Ultimately, each dog not only learned his job but also decided for himself whether his professional specialty would eventually be to lie with the victim or go for help.

I have always thought that the tendency dogs have to model their behaviours on what they see other dogs doing might be used to help teach common obedience commands. Thus, I developed a routine to assist in my puppy's training that takes advantage of the fact that my adult dog already responds to commands that I want the puppy to learn. With the two dogs together, I give the obedience command to the adult dog, and then attempt to lure the puppy into position (for example a “sit” or “down”) using a bit of bait. This modeling approach definitely decreased the amount of time it took the puppy to catch the gist of what I wanted; after only a few repetitions, when it was the puppy’s turn to perform he would independently respond

Puppies show tendencies to imitate the behaviours of other dogs from an early age.

Bringing a puppy into a home where there is an adult dog who knows the routines and the regulations can make housebreaking considerably easier.

moderndogmagazine.com

31

correctly. Later, when I had the puppy alone and gave him the obedience command, I found that he understood the command a greater percentage of the time than I would normally anticipate.

This seemed to confirm my notion that it might be useful to deliberately use a dog as a demonstrator in order to help teach other dogs specific obedience commands.

Of course, I reasoned that if this were the case then some canine behavioural researcher would have attempted to demonstrate that experimentally, but when I searched the scientific literature to see if dog demonstrators could be useful in teaching obedience commands to other dogs, I found very little that directly dealt with this question in the published research archives.

I was therefore very pleased when a recent report from an investigative team headed by Anna Scandurra in the Department of Biology at the University of Naples landed on my desk. The article had just been accepted for publication by the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

The subjects of this study were 50 Labrador Retrievers, all of whom lived at home with their owners. One interesting aspect of this investigation is that none of these dog owners were professional trainers, so the question that the researchers were trying to address was whether an untrained dog can learn a new obedience command after seeing it demonstrated, even though it was being handled by a relatively untrained person and not a dog trainer.

There were two obedience commands that the dogs could be trained to respond to. The first was “trunk,” for which the correct response was to jump on a rectangular trunk. The alternative was “slide” where the correct action was to hop onto a child's toy slide. The first part of the research involved a pretest to see whether or not the dogs could already be induced to perform the task. The owners were asked to persuade the dog to perform the task using whatever methods they felt would work the best (including using food as a lure). Those dogs who managed to perform the task within the 15 seconds allotted were excluded from further testing, so that only dogs who had demonstrated that they did not

32 moderndog

SPRING 2017

understand the command would go on to the training phase.

In the training stage of the study, the desired behaviour was demonstrated by another Labrador Retriever who had already learned the “trunk” and “slide” commands.

The dogs who observed the demonstrator dog were then given another chance to try to perform the task. Their performance was compared with a control group who were also asked to perform the task without having observed another dog demonstrating the correct action. Remember that the dog owners were not practiced, professional trainers and were simply trying to lure or induce their dogs to perform the behaviour in any way that they thought might work.

The results were interesting and unambiguous. Of the dogs who observed a demonstrator dog, 62.5 percent performed the task correctly in the test phase, as compared to the 23.5 percent succesful performance rate seen among the dogs who did not get to see the demonstration. There was one interesting nuance in the results, namely that the dogs who were a little bit older seemed to benefit from the demonstration somewhat more.

Presumably a lifetime of watching other dogs behave had already taught them that sometimes it is useful to model the behaviour of other canines.

The experimenters summarized their data by saying, “In conclusion, our results suggest that observational learning could be useful in dog training.” They point out that it may be particularly valuable when the dog's training is being done by a relatively naïve handler rather than a professional dog trainer.

For me, this validates my casually developed technique of giving obedience commands first to my adult dog who serves as a demonstrator, and then following it by attempting to lure the puppy to do the same thing. The downside of puppies watching and learning is that they can also learn undesirable behaviours from the other dogs in the household. For example, Ripley has already taught Ranger how to open the clothes hamper and pull out dirty socks to use as play toys… n

PHOTO: RENAISSANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

INSPIRE!

Adorable Wedding Ideas

34 moderndog

SPRING 2017

2

For an extra dose of "aww," include your dog in your engagement announcement photos.

3

Improve your formal portraits: include your dog!

PEREIRA FROM HIDDEN OWL PHOTOGRAPHY; HOLLIE DYSON PHOTOGRAPHY

1

Guarantee a "yes!"

Enlist your dog's help in popping the question by having him present the ring.

PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT: VA FROM BOB SCHNELL PHOTOGRAPHY; LAUREN MCDONAGH-

By Rose Frosek

Who says you can't do a destination beach wedding with your dog?

7

We've all seen flower girls. What about a flower dog?

For how to make an adorable dog collar embellishment, turn to page 102 and visit: moderndogmagazine.com/floralcollar + moderndogmagazine.com/barkinbloom

36 moderndog

SPRING 2017

8

Or skip the ceremony altogether and send this too-cute wedding announcement!

RENAISSANCE PHOTOGRAPHY; JESS MORALES

What could be cuter than a canine ring bearer?

PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT: JAMES SANDERS FROM ELLE JAE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY;

4 6

5

For an adorable "Save the Date" announcement, include your dogs.

They're part of the family, after all.

PHOTOS LEFT TO RIGHT: PHOTO AFTERGLOW IMAGES; MAILE LANI

e air Love is in th

They take their dogs on coffee runs!

Kendall Jenner goes on a shopping spree together with her new Italian Greyhound puppy, Mew, in Los Angeles.

Dakota Johnson walks her dog to the local store for some morning coffee in Los Angeles!

! s r a t Sey’re just

They bring their dogs shopping.

Th ! s u e k li

Jeremy Piven takes his dog Butch on a ride in Los Angeles.

too ! cute

38 moderndog

SPRING 2017

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©LA PHOTO LAB, SPLASH NEWS; ©MANIK

Their dogs are their entourage.

Kate Upton seen travelling with her dog at LAX airport in Los Angeles.

(NYC), SPLASH NEWS; ©SPLASH NEWS; ©DIABOLIK, SPLASH NEWS

They travel with their dogs.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Ready for pouring rain or everyday walks in overcast weather? Louie de Coton Limited Edition Ultimate PNW Rain Jacket is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, with a stowaway hood. Designed to protect your little pooch, year round. Made in Seattle. From $65, louiedc.com or on Amazon.

IN STYLE

No beast is too butch for bling!

Walladoodle lets you customize the finest pet collars and accessories available! Build from the ground up—colour, buckle, bling, all to your specifications! Enter SMD15 at checkout for 15% off! walladoodle.com Mister Migs is “Dog Gear for Good!” Their distinctive dog gear helps autistic youth with barriers to employment through their nonprofit training program. Precious models the lovely “RagMuffin” dress. mistermigs.com

Snappy Snoozers Pet Beds are ideal for dogs!

Inflatable PVC makes them extremely comfortable and the waterproof beds are designed with a snap-able quilt that is easily detached and machine washable.

Use indoors or outdoors! snappysnoozers.com

Lucy & Co. bandanas—just in time for spring!

Available in fun prints and patterns, this simple accessory delivers instant style effortlessly. Tie on the perfect neck candy for your pup! $20, lucyand.co

Bold, bright, durable, and distinctive! The custom embroidery on Color Pet collars is visible from a distance in case your dog is lost. Choose from 18 different patterns starting at $24.95. Use code MD2017 for 20% off! colorpet.com

Keep your dog close to your heart now and forever. A unique nose print pendant from Robin’s Loving Touch is like wearing an emotion. Wet noses, warm hearts, unconditional love. robinslovingtouch.com

A sporty way to show off your puppy love, the "Dog Walking Is My Cardio" tee from Farfetched Apparel's Furtribe Collection is chic, soft, and stylish! Available on farfetchedapparel.com.

moderndogmagazine.com

41

TRAINING

5 SIGNS YOUR DOG IS BORED— AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

By Teoti Anderson

L

ife can’t be one long dog park visit, but does your dog understand that? Probably not. The reality is that many dogs stay at home while their people are at work during the day. Rather than whine around the house complaining there’s nothing to do, your home-alone dog may be stirring up trouble.

It’s important to note your dog is not doing this out of spite.

Spite is a very human trait, but not a canine one. Dogs are very honest creatures. Your canine pal isn’t going to sweetly kiss you goodbye when you head off to work in the morning, just to start plotting against you before your car even leaves the driveway. It’s just that when he’s bored, his choices to amuse himself are probably not going to match yours. Here are five typical signs your dog is bored, as well as what to do about it.

1

Barking

Several things can cause barking but boredom is a common culprit. Your pup may bark at the world outside his window, whether it’s at the mailman or a lizard; a dog left in a yard may bark at the neighbours; some dogs will howl—in any case, it’s not a good recipe for neighbourly relations!

2

General Mischief

Come home to an upended kitchen trash bin? Are your unmentionables scattered throughout the living room? Is the lamp knocked over? A bored dog can create his own fun by turning your house into his own private amusement park.

42 moderndog

SPRING 2017

3

Destructive Chewing

It doesn’t matter if you’ve spent $300 in dog toys. Dogs are built for chewing, and a bored dog is happy to put his teeth on whatever’s in reach, so coming home to a tattered rug, chomped-up sofa or even a hole in the wall isn’t that unusual. To your dog, chewing is fun! This can happen at any age, but prime times are when your puppy is losing his puppy teeth at about 16 weeks, and again when his back molars come in at about seven months.

4

Escaping

You may think your yard is a paradise for your homealone dog, but dogs quickly get bored when left by themselves in the same old enclosed space, indoors or out.

A jailbreak can begin innocently enough with your dog following his nose or chasing something he sees, leading him to dig under or jump over your fence. He has a grand adventure; it’s so much fun, it becomes a repeat escape.

5

Hyper Greetings

Your dog should be happy to see you when you get home, but are his greetings over the top? Does he jump up, zoom around the place, ignore you when you cue him to sit or settle, or generally act like a crazy beast? If he’s been bored all day, having his favourite person come home could cause all that pent-up energy to explode.

moderndogmagazine.com

43

5 Boredom Busters for the Latchkey Dog Dogs that are bored get into mischief, so give your canine friend something to occupy his brain and body while you’re away to help prevent trouble.

#1 Food-Stuffed Toys

How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Engaged The goal is to channel your bored dog’s energy into healthier outlets. Ever heard the adage a tired dog is a good dog? Give your dog plenty of exercise each day. Taking him for a walk is good mental stimulation, but unless your dog is very senior, it’s not near enough cardio exercise to get him tired. Play games of fetch, get him chasing a flirt pole toy, or arrange for puppy playdates. An exuberant bout of playtime with a wellmatched canine friend can tire your dog out good and quick.

Put all but four or five of your dog’s toys away, swapping them out each day for a new selection. This will keep them fresh for your dog. Ideal toys are interactive, such as ones you stuff with food your dog has to puzzle out. Perhaps skip the dog dish and feed your dog out of interactive toys altogether—a dog that is chasing a ball that dispenses kibble is not one that is interested in tearing up your shoes or tipping over the trash bin.

If your dog is chewing things he shouldn’t while you’re gone, he has too much freedom. Crate training him will keep both your belongings and your dog safe and secure, as he could otherwise easily eat something that could hurt him.

Just be sure he gets plenty of exercise outside the crate.

You may also want to consider a quality doggie daycare or hiring a credentialed petsitter or dog walker to come a few days during the week. Or, if possible, petition your office to make at least one day a week dogs-welcome. And don’t forget reward-based training classes. A well-trained dog is a joy to have in your home. Every minute can’t always be exciting for your dog, but making a plan to address home-alone time can help keep your dog’s boredom at bay, assuage your guilt, and keep your house in one piece! n Teoti Anderson, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, is a professional dog trainer and author of The Dog Behavior Problem Solver, Ultimate Guide to Dog Training, Puppy Care and Training, and more. She hosts the Get Pawsitive Results radio show on Pet Life Radio and educates pet parents and other trainers on canine behaviour through popular webinars and workshops.

44 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Get a durable hollow toy such as a Kong. Mix your dog’s kibble with peanut butter or cream cheese, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed bananas or plain yogurt.

Jolly Pets Stuff the toy with the mixture Monster Ball and give it to your dog as a puppy pacifier when you leave the house. If your dog gets really good at emptying these toys, try stuffing them then freezing them so that it presents more of a challenge. Busy work with a built-in reward!

#2 Durable Chew Toys Give your dog an outlet for his instinct to chew by providing bully sticks or durable chew toys.

Be sure the toy or chew stick is the appropriate size for your dog.

If it's small enough to fit entirely in his mouth, it’s too small.

Pet Qwerks Blinky X-Tire Ball

#3 Scavenger Hunts Before you leave the house, hide food-stuffed toys and treats throughout the area of the house your dog will be in while you’re gone. Help him find the first couple to start the game until he gets the hang of it.

#4 Music or TV Put on the TV or radio for your dog. The sound may also provide the bonus of masking the outdoor noises that cause an alarm barker to sound off.

#5 Surprise Visits Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who can come by during the day once in a while for a visit? If not, consider hiring a professional pet sitter to check on your dog and give him some extra playtime and exercise.

PET PROJECT

eat D.I.Y.

Hide that pill!

5 ways to make giving your dog his medicine a breeze, plus make your own Pill Pockets! #1 Chicken hearts (or turkey hearts for larger dogs). The aorta (the whitish tube at the top of the heart) provides a natural opening in which to insert a pill. Depending on the size of the pill, you may have to use scissors to cut the tube slightly and make a hole just big enough to allow you to push the pill into the heart ventricle.

Most dogs will delightedly gobble it down, pill hidden securely inside! If you’d rather not feed raw, cover hearts with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the stock for pouring over your lucky dog’s food. Freeze your hearts—cooked or raw—and thaw as needed before inserting pill. Can also be given as a treat!

#2 Liver paté. The paste-like consistency makes it easy to form around a pill and dogs love the taste. Note that paté, like bacon, sausage, gravy covered meat, beef trimmings, and poultry skin, is a high fat food. A little piece (no more than half an inch square per 20 lbs of dog body weight per day) of any of these items is unlikely to cause a problem as long as your dog does not have an underlying health issue.

#3 Almond butter. If your dog has grown wary of peanut butter after discovering a pill inside, try almond butter!

#4 Light cream cheese. If your dog is okay with small amounts of dairy, light cream cheese is the perfect (and tasty!) consistency for spreading around a pill.

#5 Hotdog pieces. Using a chopstick, make an indent in a piece of hotdog in which to hide the pill.

46 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Make Your Own Pill Pockets Make your own healthy Pill Pockets for pennies!

In a small bowl, combine: • 1 Tbsp milk (can substitute coconut or almond milk if you wish) • 2 Tbsp rice flour (any fine flour will work: whole wheat, coconut, spelt, barley…)

• 1 Tbsp smooth peanut butter Using a spoon, mix the ingredients together until you form a paste. Form into small balls then use the end of a chopstick to make a small indent in the middle. When you’re ready to give your dog her medicine, insert the pill into the indent and then pinch shut, sealing in the pill.

This recipe will yield 8–10 small Pill Pockets. Your homemade Pill Pockets can be kept in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to three months—just be sure to thaw them out before giving to your dog.

moderndogmagazine.com

47

Add instant, effortless style—tie on this kerchief bandana when heading out on your next dog adventure!

The Kobe bandana by Lucy and Co. is sewn in Los Angeles and available in limited quantities—just the thing for the dog-person that appreciates attention to detail and the dog that appreciates extra attention. $20, lucyand.co

G N I R P S !

R A E G

How cool is this? With its khaki, safari-tentlike exterior, Richell’s Convertible Pet Bed House marries style and function. It offers four different ways to keep your dog comfortable: Snap buttons convert it from a pet house to a pet bed, to a lounge, and to a mat! You can also use it outdoors for camping or a backyard party! $90, richellusa.com

put a spring Fun finds to ! in your step

!

Love This

Organic jerky chicken chips, dry roasted buffalo liver snaps… is your dog drooling yet? Primal Treats are wholesome, human-grade snacks free of antibiotics or added hormones, so you can feel good about rewarding your pup for being the best dog ever! $10, primalpetfoods.com

Made for active hounds and designed for demanding weather conditions, this waterproof, breathable, comfortable raincoat will stand up to whatever your dog or the storm clouds throw at it. This serious raincoat is a rainy weather must-have! $75, hurtta.com

48 moderndog

SPRING 2017

This soft, slim-fitting tee says it all! Destined to be your new favourite, closely followed by their “coffee and dogs” tee. $30, farfetchedapparel.com

What a steal!

Your dog deserves a beautiful, handmade ID tag. Woo Woo Tags are handmade in Erie, Pennsylvania with love, creativity, and expert craftsmanship. Durable yet lightweight, they’re hand-stamped with your phone number, dog’s name, and design accents for a one-of-akind accessory befitting a one-of-a-kind dog. $12, woowooworkshop.com

camp Canine Camp goes to the dogs! Beyond the opportunity to vacation together, canine camps offer a multitude of benefits for dogs and their people, from new friends and skills to a deeper connection.

By Noa Nichol

A

lysa Slay loved going to “sleep-away camp” as a kid.

She even worked as a staff member at an overnight camp once her days as a regular camper were over.

“I am just a big camp person,” she chuckles. “There’s something about the environment that’s so special, where you can try things you don’t normally get to do at home.

There’s also the aspect of making friends and memories that last a lifetime—what’s not to love?”

“Our goal was to take all the things that make sleepaway camp special for kids and create a similar experience for adults and their pets,” she says. “It’s really important to us to offer the chance to try new activities—things our campers, people and dogs, may not have access to in the often-urban areas where they live, or aren’t even aware existed.”

Take the lea p a t e n Yellowsto s!

Dog Camp

50 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Hence Dogwood’s full roster of spring, fall, and even winter camp activities, including lure coursing, skijoring, treibball (a sport in which dogs must gather and drive large exercise balls into a soccer goal), and “doga” (dog-friendly hatha yoga). To create a true camp experience, campfires, singalongs and s’mores are added to the mix.

“We’ve had people come to camp and see their dogs swim in a lake or pull a sled for the first time and, not only do their pets love it, it actually opens the owners’ eyes to who their dog really is and what he or she likes to do and is naturally good at.”

There are also a range of educational sessions and open discussions on topics like companion animals as spirit guides, connecting with your dog through a happy heart, and energy works for you and your dog. As Alysa notes, while the activities are “there to introduce people to things

PHOTO: ALANNA LEACH

No wonder then that, as an adult, Alysa, with longtime friend Dave Eisendrath, co-founded her own camp—with a twist. Combining a love of camp with a passion for pets, Camp Dogwood in Lake Delton, Wisconsin, offers campers of both the human and canine variety a place to “stay and play,” as per the camp creed.

PHOTO: RENNY MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

"I felt like I found my people [at] camp.

The bond created with my pets and the friendships made with other dog-loving owners is what makes the whole experience so everlasting."

—Camper Kari Bigger at Camp Dogwood with her pooches, Pia and Fritz

Camp Dogwood

they may want to pursue further at home, our real focus is to use the camp experience to strengthen the bond and relationship with your dog.”

One thousand or so miles east, in Vermont, is Camp Gone to the Dogs.

Founded in 1989, it is likely the longestrunning dog camp in the United States. It holds a similar philosophy.

“It’s a place where dog owners can come and try a variety of dog activities and see what they like to do,” says camp director Mare Potts. “Some just do it for fun, but we do have a great number of campers who continue with classes or sports at home. Some even go on to compete with their dogs, or to get their dogs certified for therapy work—things like visiting elderly people in nursing homes, or going to libraries to encourage children to read— which is something we love to see and, of course, are always very proud of.”

In fact, Gone to the Dogs offers at-camp prep and testing for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dogs International certification.

As for sportier pursuits, classes range from obedience and agility to disc, jump chuting,

parkour, dock diving, and freestyle dancing. There are also dog-friendly arts and crafts (think leash-making and paw-print creations) and guest speakers— canine experts like Christine Zink and Tim Lewis—who discuss such topics as preventing and solving behaviour problems and raising a leader dog.

“The speakers and topics change and the activities evolve—we add new and exciting things for campers to try each year,” says Mare, explaining that many of her campers are repeat customers. “The main thing is building that bond with your dog. We really see that development with people who bring a young puppy or a new rescue dog to camp and, over the years and through the various activities, develop a true partnership.”

Strong relationships, she adds, are also formed between the people who come to camp.

“We call it a family reunion each year, with so many people coming back and bonding over a love of dogs,” she says with a smile.

“Campers who have known each other for years have become such great friends—they

even vacation together outside of camp!”

The same is true at Yellowstone Dog Camps, run by Elaine Osmun in Red Lodge, Montana, where campers from all over the U.S. and Canada attend four five-day sessions throughout the summer.

“They’re a pretty diverse group,” says Elaine, adding that the dogs, too, differ in age, size, breed, temperament, ability, and camp experience. As at all the canine camps though, there are certain safety parameters around the dogs that can attend.

“We have dogs that are fearful or with some tough animal behaviours, and we can deal with that as long as the dog isn’t reactive and dangerous to other dogs or to people and isn’t going to be too overwhelmed by lots of activities and other dogs coming and going,” she says. “We’ve moderndogmagazine.com

51

Camp Gone to the Dogs

Beyond the 90 acres of space, swimming ponds, and hiking trails, Yellowstone features a large indoor arena where all levels of agility training and other activities are conducted. Accommodations at the camp are on-site, featuring comfortable, dog-friendly rooms that are either single or shared. Meals—for the people—are served family style, while pooches remain in their Camper Nancy Henderson at Camp Gonerooms to theto eat and take a well-deserved rest. At Gone to the Dogs, summer camp Dogs with her beagle accommodations are dorm-style, on a beautiful 250-acre college campus, while their fall session offers campers rooms at a dog-friendly inn. In Dogwood’s case, bunking options range from lodge rooms to cabins to tenting and RV sites, as well as a nearby dog-friendly hotel.

“My favourite thing about camp is spending almost 24-7 with my dog.

Even the 16-hour drive from Chicago to Vermont is time for us to have fun conversations, sing/ howl to our driving playlist and discuss plans for camp. I also love watching my dog do things that I had no idea she could do, and seeing her confidence grow as the week progresses.”

—Camper Nancy Henderson at Camp Gone to the Dogs with her Beagle

52 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Another canine retreat, Camp Unleashed, operates spring and fall camps at a gorgeous forested YMCA site with a private lake in Becket, Massachusetts, with a second autumn camp at scenic Blue Ridge Resort in Mountain City, Georgia. Founder (and “Chief Woof Officer”) Annie Brody, who for many years lived in Manhattan, started the camp because she “wanted to give city—and all—dogs the option of being off leash and in nature.”

“I named it Camp Unleashed so I’d stick to that mandate and wouldn’t chicken out!” she laughs. “My goal was, and still is, to invite people to come to camp, let their dog loose in nature, and thus get to see the world through his or her eyes. In that way, the objective has evolved over the years from simply a desire to let a dog be a dog, which means being in nature, not always tethered to its owner and feeling something other than a concrete sidewalk under its paws, to more of a mutual understanding between owner and pet.”

Camp activities, Annie explains, are team-based, encouraging a true partnership to form between man or woman and dog. From scent games to canoeing to recall work, all require communication between the two species. Unleashed also offers a variety of workshops designed to further strengthen the bond, including lessons on

how to teach your dog new tricks, canine cognitive games, and even “doglish as a second language,” which teaches owners to recognize, read, interpret, and respond to their pets’ nuances.

“I think that our dogs deserve the utmost respect from us, and for us not to sway into the territory of, ‘Oh, I think I know what he wants, he’s upset because another dog barked or he hears sirens outside or whatever,’ as opposed to really understanding how dogs think,” she says.

“I’m always looking for the newest study, report, and insight that can help us develop camp programs and assist campers in bridging that species gap. It’s my small way of giving back, both to dogs and to the people who love them.”

To that end, Camp Unleashed partnered with the Tails of Hope Foundation to offer a very special camp for military veterans with PTSD and their service dogs last year. It was a small pilot, with just seven campers, but according to Annie “there was great value in it.”

“One gal came with her two service dogs and blossomed from the experience—she told us it was the first time in years she felt ‘almost normal’ again,” Annie recalls.

“We could see more than ever how the benefits of camp extend to both the humans and the dogs.”

Caroline Spark, owner of City Dog Country Dog in Portland, Oregon, couldn’t agree more. Her numerous retreats, set in the picturesque Yachats River Valley, include

City Dog Country Dog

PHOTO: STEVE SURFMAN; INSET PHOTO: DEBBIE GOLOB

had, for example, very shy dogs come and become more confident at camp, because we are very mindful to keep it a safe and inclusive environment.”

PHOTO: RENNY MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

“I never attended camp as a kid, so I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect. It is just as I imagined, only better, because the dogs are along.

Complete immersion in all things canine is my favorite part. We enjoy being able to sample new things and learn from really talented instructors and camp staff. The camaraderie that develops quickly and easily with fellow campers is wonderful Camp Dogwood

a reactive dog camp (a chance for dogs who are canine reactive to participate in specially designed activities and classes that help them practice being calm and focused around other dogs), a canine wilderness companion adventure camp (culminating in a basic canine wilderness companion certificate for your dog) and a camp for service dogs.

“Service dogs are awesome. They work hard, some 24-7, and deserve a vacation from time to time,” Caroline says, adding that the camp, a non-profit project called A Dog’s Dream, gives working pups the opportunity to swim in a river, play in an open meadow and sniff an animal trail to their heart’s content—i.e., it brings vacation Camp Unleashed opportunities to service dogs who

54 moderndog

SPRING 2017

otherwise may not have the means or opportunity to enjoy them.

“Increasingly, service dog owners or partners are aware that their dogs need time off. Like anyone, they work better when they have time to relax and just be a dog,” she explains. “I worked with psychiatric service dogs for a time and what I saw was the human partners wanted to help their dogs relax but needed coaching in how to do that.”

Indeed, Caroline stresses, City Dog Country Dog’s A Dog’s Dream camp is as much about the human campers as it is about the dogs.

“Partnering with a service dog brings benefits and also challenges, like managing public access, dealing with other people’s reactions, taking care of your dog’s healthcare needs, tackling ongoing training issues and facing the eventual retirement and loss of your beloved partner,” she explains. “This retreat gives people with various disabilities the opportunity to come

together and not only take part in facilitated group discussions, but share their stories and gain support from others with similar experiences. It was very powerful, and it made me—us—realize the need for this type of camp program is great.”

Back at Camp Unleashed, Annie, too, welcomes people with disabilities to come to camp with their service dogs—she’s even had disabled dogs, some in wheelchairs, attend a retreat and have “a great time.”

And that, she says, is part of the beauty of camp: the way it can bring campers from “all walks of life” together for a good time.

“It’s amazing the variety of ‘dog people’ we get at camp,” she says. “They come from all over, they work in all professions, they range widely in age … but the thing they have in common is that they truly love their dogs. Their dog is a member of their family and, not only could they not imagine vacationing without him or her, they want what’s best for their best friend. At camp, they find that.” n

INSET PHOTO: KATIE ROGERS SMILING FROM WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY

—Camper Lisa Brotz at Camp Dogwood with Cora

COOL CANINE CAMP ACTIVITIES

DOCK DIVING AT CAMP UNLEASHED: Dogs race down and fly off the end of a dock into the water, with distance the primary goal.

TREIBBALL AT YELLOWSTONE DOG SPORTS: This sport sees dogs use their herding skills to drive exercise balls into a pen.

STEVE SURFMAN; ALANNA LEACH; DEBBIE GOLOB; RENNY MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS TOP TO BOTTOM: KATIE ROGERS FROM SMILING WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY;

LURE COURSING AT CAMP GONE TO THE DOGS: A sport for dogs that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure.

KAYAKING AT CITY DOG COUNTRY DOG’S CANINE WILDERNESS COMPANION ADVENTURE CAMP: Yes, with your dog!

SKIJORING AT CAMP DOGWOOD: This winter sport involves a dog pulling a person on skis. moderndogmagazine.com

55

BEHAVIOUR

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU

56 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Finding your perfect canine personality match starts with assessing your own wants and needs.

Read on for how to find your four-legged BFF...

By Pooja Menon

P

icture this scenario. Ever since you can remember, you’ve loved dogs. Your childhood memories are full of instances where you begged your parents for a dog only to be told that you could have one when you were older and able to take care of the pup yourself. Then one day, that day arrives, and you’re finally ready to commit to caring for a living being other than yourself. But with so many options out there, how do you begin the search for your pup?

There are over 150 American Kennel Club recognized purebred dog breeds, and this is not taking into account the variety of “mixed” breed munchkins that are also looking for homes. How then do you find a dog that will be the yin to your yang? Don’t fret, because I’m here to help you get started on your search.

Choosing a fur mate is a bit like choosing a soul mate. It’s a lifetime commitment, ‘til death do us part. It’s therefore important to consider compatibility from every angle before taking the plunge, from basic personality traits and shared interests to similar energy levels. To make the process easier, I recommend you get out a pen and paper and make a list of questions to kickstart the thinking process.

Like, what kind of lifestyle do you lead? How much money do you make? Does your apartment allow dogs? If so, are there any size restrictions? How much time in a day do you have to spend with your pup? What kind of mental and physical stimulation can you provide? Are the people you co-habit with as excited as you are about getting a dog? Are you a fan of big dogs or small dogs? Is getting a purebred dog with papers important to you, or would you prefer to rescue a dog from your local shelter? (Remember you can find purebred and mixed breed dogs alike at shelters, both puppy and adult.) Do you prefer a female dog or a male dog, and why? Do you have time for the intensive grooming that a longhaired dog might need, or would you rather go for dogs with short and easy coats? And how important is a pristinely clean home to you?

Now let’s dig deeper. Say that you’re an active hiker who can notch eight miles a day without breaking a sweat. You’re probably going to want a buddy who can keep up with you on your adventures, like a Bernese Mountain Dog or a Vizla, or a BernVizla-mutt-mix. Say you live in a small apartment with barely enough room for two, then it’s likely a Chihuahua or a Dash-Bichon-Frise-mix would be better suited than a young Rottweiler. Say you have a high-stress job that leaves you with no time to take crate training breaks in the middle of your day, then an adolescent or senior dog would be a better option for your lifestyle than a puppy. Or say you hold a flexible job that allows you to nip home during your lunch break, or you have the resources to arrange for a dog walker, then a puppy might be an option to consider. But no matter what kind of dog you choose, big or small, young or old, purebred or mutt, they all require your attention, companionship, and care.

Sadly, too many well-intentioned people today make the wrong choices when picking out a companion, only to be overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising and nurturing a dog. moderndogmagazine.com

57

According to the ASPCA, each year more than 3.9 million dogs are surrendered to local shelters around the United States.

Out of which more than 1.2 million dogs are euthanized annually. Reasons for these statistics include an overcrowded shelter system with neither the money nor the resources needed to rehome each and every dog that comes through their door.

But such an outcome can be avoided, and very easily, with just a little bit of planning and forethought.

So, now that you have your list ready, let’s explore the different groups of dog breeds that exist, and consider if their character traits are compatible with what you have written down.

First up, we have the Herding Dogs. These dogs have a natural tendency to “herd” everyone around, from you to your friends to your Roomba. Herding dogs thrive when they have a raison d'être but can turn into a destructive tornado without one.

They are fiercely independent, loyal, highly intelligent, and have an inherent need to be busy. Think Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, the Belgian Malinois, Welsh Corgis, and German Shepherds. If you have your heart set on a herding breed, prepare to put in a good amount of work. Herding dogs need to be socialized early to people and other animals, and they need their people to be strong personalities that can lead. They also need a great deal of mental and physical stimulation to be happy and healthy, but if you keep your end of the bargain, the rewards of having them as companions are limitless.

Second, we have the Hound Dogs. These dogs are obsessed with scents or, in the case of the sight hound members of this group (think Greyhounds and Salukis), prey on the run. And once they’re on to something it can be near impossible to stop them. Hound dogs have a mind of their own which can make them hard to train. While they are incredibly devoted to their people, the call of their nose or a squirrel on the run can

58 moderndog

SPRING 2017

sometimes be stronger than their need to please you. Hound dogs are also sociable, stubborn, curious, and fearless. They tend to have high energy levels and a tendency to get into mischief when bored. If you have your heart set on a hound dog—think Beagles, Dachshunds, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, or Rhodesian Ridgebacks—recall training is a must before you let them off-leash at your local park. Plus, there is no reason why you can’t turn their talents into an opportunity for training, especially if there is some nosework or lure coursing involved.

Next, we have the Non-Sporting Dogs. Dogs from this group are many and as different as salt and sugar. Some share traits of playfulness, curiosity, cheerfulness, loyalty, and adaptability. Others exude dignity, calmness, courage, devotion, and aloofness. While choosing a member of this group, it’s important to do additional research to identify the unique personality traits of each specific breed. For instance, Bulldogs are great for apartment living and a more laidback lifestyle, being that they prefer couches to walks, but their bullheadedness can also make them stubborn and hard to train.

Poodles on the other hand are extremely easy to train because of their high intelligence and eagerness to please, but this also means they can get into trouble more often if they have nothing to occupy their attention. Other examples of non-sporting dogs include, the Shiba Inu, Boston Terriers, Chow Chows, Dalmatians, and the Coton De Tulear.

Then there are the Sporting Dogs. Like their name suggests, these are active, high-energy dogs with well-rounded personalities, and keen instincts in the water. They are also immensely likable and easy to train. Many are also keen hunters. Dogs in this group are easy going, and cheerful. Some can be a tad stubborn. But most have a confident and friendly disposition and are eager to please. They thrive with daily exercise and training. The adage “a tired dog is a happy dog

is a happy owner” is especially true in this instance. Some examples of sporting dogs include Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, English Setters, and English Cocker Spaniels.

Fifth, we have the feisty Terrier Group. Dogs in this group come in all sizes, colours, and shapes. From pint-sized to large, from chunky to svelte, these dogs are charming, spirited, confident, stubborn, clever, courageous, energetic, and would prefer to be your one and only, although with early socialization and continued exposure to other dogs, they can (sometimes grudgingly) accept other pack members—as long as they’re the bosses. Which means it’s imperative that you establish your boss status early on through continued obedience training. These dogs also make excellent candidates for agility training. Examples of terriers include Norwich Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers, and Russell Terriers.

Sixth, we have the pint-sized Toy Group. While dogs in this group are tiny in stature, don’t let their diminutive size fool you. They can be formidable, with a courageous streak a mile long. Think Chihuahuas, Havanese, Maltese, or Papillons.

Their small sizes make them great for apartment living, and while they need a moderate amount of exercise, these pups are just as content lounging in your lap. Dogs in this group have sparkling personalities and are alert, curious, fearless, proud, and affectionate. Some can be quick to train; others require more patience and additional training, so it’s important to explore individual breeds further if this is the group that rocks your boat.

Next we have the Working Dogs. Like herding dogs, canines in this group were once bred for specific purposes, from guarding property to pulling sleds to conducting rescue operations. Working dogs thrive when given a job to do. They are quick to learn, highly intelligent, capable, strong, fearless,

and some breeds can be fiercely independent and protective.

Think Doberman Pinschers, Siberian Huskies, Great Danes, or the Akita. By virtue of their size, personality traits, and strength alone, these dogs are not for the faint of heart. They need strong leaders to lead, socialize, and train them. In return, you’ll have a companion that’s loyal to a fault, with a lion’s heart and courage to boot!

Last but not the least, say hello to the Mixed Category a.k.a. dogs without a clear-cut lineage. Mixed dogs tend to be a mish-mash of breeds all rolled into one super-adorable package. Thanks to their diverse gene pool, mutts tend to have a healthier constitution than their purebred brethren, which is a huge plus. And while their personalities are influenced greatly by their gene pool (with shelter dogs, you can find some really unintentionally neat combos, like, say, the spunky friendliness of the Dachshund combined with the smarts and confidence of a bully breed), there are others factors that play equally important roles. The environment in which they were born into as puppies, the amount of time they spent with their mother and siblings, and the experiences they faced out in the world before they landed in shelters are all influencers. Some mutts are confident and happy go lucky right when you meet them; others are fearful and shy, taking time to warm up. But what all mutts have in common is their enormous capacity to love and their strong desire to please their newfound pack.

Now that you have your list of questions to get you started and a basic understanding of the different dog groups and personalities out there, I’d say you are officially ready to begin your search. Welcoming a dog into your family is a fun and rewarding journey with many perks, including bolstering your mental well-being and improving your health. Ensuring you choose the right dog is the secret to a lasting, successful, and happy relationship, and I wish you the very best of luck! n moderndogmagazine.com

59

IMPROVE YOUR OLDER DOG'S LIFE

By Rose Frosek

As dogs age, it’s especially important to provide age-appropriate activities to keep them sharp and happy and to help them get around comfortably and safely. And don’t forget a cozy, joint-cushioning bed for those all-important power naps!

1. Slower, shorter, and more frequent walks

with more time allowed for scenting. For most older dogs, exercise is still a great option to prevent muscle atrophy, even if they can't go as far as they used to. Shorter, more frequent walks can be very beneficial to a dog, not only physically, but mentally as well. For dogs that struggle to complete a short walk comfortably, a little support can go a long way.

GingerLead, for example, is a dog sling that helps dogs with weak hind legs walk. It's easy to put on and take off, and after just a little assisted walking you can see your dog's quality of life improve. Check out gingerlead.com for a video of a 16-year-old Golden Retriever named Miss Bobbi taking a GingerLead-assisted walk!

2. More frequent bathroom breaks.

3. Teach new tricks.

An older dog’s body may be slowing down but their mind is still active and they like to be engaged.

60 moderndog

SPRING 2017

4. Low impact playtime activities

like foraging. Hide little treats for your dog to find.

Choose treats with a strong, delicious smell so they’re easier to find for dogs with failing eyesight.

5. Food puzzles.

These keep an older dog busy and can be enjoyed lying down.

Check out the Buster Activity Mat. (kruuse247.com)

6. An orthopedic bed designed to ease old joints, like Bowsers' Oslo Ortho bed (bowsers.com).

Many dogs also love having a blanket to burrow under. Be sure to block draughts.

7. Utilize runners

to make floors less slippery, and ramps and stairs to help your dog access the bed or the couch.

Dean Flooring's attractive, nonslip carpet stair treads, runners, and rugs give older dogs much need traction (deanflooring.com).

ANGEL SUBMITTED BY ANNEMARIE

14 WAYS TO

11.

8. Help your dog in and out of

Canine massage and acupuncture (Find out how this can help

the car. A ramp designed to help dogs

at moderndogmagazine.com/massage)

in and out of vehicles can be a godsend for both you and your dog.

9. A heating pad designed for pets.

Try Achy Paws' self-warming pet mat. It's body-heat activated to naturally soothe sore joints (achypaws.com).

10. A raised feeder so your older dog

doesn't need to bend down to eat and drink.

12. A sweater or coat

for walks if it’s

cool out. Older dogs get chillier faster.

13. Smaller, more frequent meals.

14. Shorter bouts of play.

Be sure younger dogs aren’t allowed to pester old dogs to play when they don’t feel like it.

moderndogmagazine.com

61

Cool New Products SPECIAL PROMOTION

P.L.A.Y.’s American Classic plush toys are for the foodie in your life! Indulge your pup with five mouthwatering options featuring fun detachable components, amusing crinkles, and unique squeaker sounds. From $8, PetPLAY.com

Smarter pet care is here with Whistle 3 Pet Tracker & Activity Monitor. Visit whistle.com to learn more and get 15% off at checkout with code DOG15.

Holy Carp! BareItAll’s all natural, nutritionpacked pet snacks taste and do good. Made from abundant, healthy, sustainable, and protein/ omega 3-packed Asian Carp, BareItAll’s awardwinning pet treats show love to your pup and the environment. bareitallpetfoods.com

Your Dog's Safety And Happiness Are In The Bag! All the essentials your dog needs for its daily adventures (and emergencies too!). Code “ModernDog” for 10% off. ontheroadpet.com

Turdlebag holds your full bag of dog poo so you don’t have to! With a large compartment for full poo bags, dispenser for clean bags, pocket for keys, and a dump loop, Turdlebag keeps all your walks carefree. turdlebag.com

Bike dogs with the amazingly stable Bike Tow Leash! Even with trikes, scooters, and wheelchairs, dogs get a safe walk or run. Biking also trims their nails! Made in USA! BikeTowLeash.com

Thrill your dog every month and support a great cause with PupJoy’s 5-star-rated customized boxes! They’re packed with artisanal treats, toys, and more, and give back to shelter animals too! pupjoy.com

62 moderndog

SPRING 2017

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Apollo Peak, based in Denver, Colorado, invented Dog Wine.

Made with all natural ingredients including organic beets and herbs (no alcohol or grapes), it is designed as a fun way to enjoy a drink with your dog. #whydrinkalone apollopeak.com

Wrapsit is an accessory for folding quad chairs that slides onto your chair to create a dry, meshsided safe haven for small pets. Anytime, anywhere...simply open your chair! $60, wrapsit.com

The BUSTER Aqua Raincoat with four legs is a fun, fashionable, and warm raincoat for when it’s wet and messy outside. A durable waterproof outer layer protects against water and wind and it’s adjustable for a perfect fit! From $30, kruuse247.com

By "pup"-ular demand, Three Dog Bakery chefs created this allnatural premium dog cookie to look and taste similar to everyone’s favourite human sandwich cookies! Made with LOVE in the USA. threedog.com

Is your dog constantly panting?

Would your pet rather sit in the shade than go outside? Let Coolaid’s lightweight, chemicalfree cooling vests and blankets keep your pet the coolest around! coolaid.com

New Flavorit BarkBones are hefty chews.

Available in Nylon and Wood, three sizes and three delicious flavors: Peanut Butter, Mesquite Chicken or Mint. Flavor cells can be filled with your dog's favorite spread! petqwerks.com

Achy Paws Self-Warming Pet Mat is body-heat activated to naturally soothe achy joints. Its natural warmth increases your dog's blood circulation, eases joint discomfort, calms restlessness, reduces soreness, and lowers anxiety. achypaws.com moderndogmagazine.com

63

INSPIRE

These entrepreneurs turned their love of dogs into careers they adore

P.L.A.Y.'s Will Chen with his wife Deb & company muse Momo.

By J. Leslie Johnson

THE PET BED & TOY MAKER How a globe-trotting Fortune 500 consultant transformed himself into an eco-friendly pet entrepreneur and gained a life he loves

I

n 2007, Will Chen, who holds a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, was a flourishing management consultant for several Fortune 500 companies. He was paid well and worked with highly successful business leaders. But something was lacking. “I would fly out Monday morning at 6 a.m. and come back on Friday night,” he recounts. “I really didn’t have much of a life.”

Will felt much like Ryan Bingham, the character played

by George Clooney in Up in the Air, who flew so much he earned the dubious distinction of becoming the youngest person to earn ten million frequent flyer miles. He knew he had to make a change.

Today, the former management consultant is the managing director of P.L.A.Y., short for Pet Lifestyle And You, a San Francisco-based company that makes eco-friendly pet bedding

64 moderndog

SPRING 2017

and toys for the discerning pet lover. The company’s highquality products are now available in over 500 pet boutiques throughout North America as well as in many countries in Europe and Asia.

How did Will—an engineer who had never owned a dog— transform himself into an animal lover making eco-friendly pet products?

Weary of the incessant globe trotting required by his consulting job, Will quit his position without a solid plan of what he would do next. His girlfriend, Deb (who is now his wife) was going to school in Berkeley and so he decided to further his education as well, taking a diploma in Finance and Accounting at the University of California. While he was deciding what he wanted to do, a small bundle of fur entered his life—Deb, who is an avid dog lover, wanted a puppy.

They chose a Pug, a breed Will was drawn to because of their shared Chinese heritage. (One of the oldest dog breeds, the Pug is thought to have originated in Asia before 400 BC. China is the breed’s earliest known source.) They named their new pup Momo. A small, thickset dog with a short muzzle and large, dark eyes, Momo was highly intelligent and always eager to play. “We brought her home, and she changed our life,” explains Will.

XXXX SUBMITTED BY XXX

Looking For A Job You'll Love?

P.L.A.Y. beds

The endearing little dog soon became a central part of the family and Will says he began to realize how much pet parents care about getting the best for their pets.

He began to investigate the pet industry and discovered it robust. According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. consumers spent an estimated 62.75 billion dollars on their pets in 2016.

Vague ideas about a pet business were floating around in his mind when he and Deb purchased a bed for Momo. Will thought the bed would be quite durable but as he recalls, “Momo basically destroyed it within two days.” Will also expected it would be washable but it “got destroyed in the washer and dryer,” recalls Will, adding, “It was a big mess.”

The disappointing experience led Will to start thinking, “I can do much better than this.” He began researching textiles, wanting to use an upholstery grade fabric that would be tougher than materials used in commercial pet beds. The budding entrepreneur also contacted some of the many talented artists in the Bay area to see if they could create one-of-a-kind designs that would enhance the décor of fashionable homes. “I envisioned a lifestyle brand,” says Will. “It’s about aesthetics and standing out in a crowd.”

In addition to durability and design, Will knew he wanted his beds to be healthy for pets and the environment. He discovered many pet beds use a petrochemicalbased filler, which is popular largely because it is cost-effective. Will created his own trademark filler called Planet Fill, a polyfiber made from 100 percent post consumer recycled plastic bottles. At last count, the innovative company has prevented over three million bottles from entering landfills. Both the filling and moderndogmagazine.com

65

P.L.A.Y. Toys

The disappointing experience led Will to start thinking, “I can do much better than this.” He began researching textiles, wanting to use an upholstery grade fabric that would be tougher than materials used in commercial pet beds. the bed coverings are completely washable. Because of this and other eco-friendly initiatives, Green America, a non-profit organization that certifies businesses that are committed to social change, awarded P.L.A.Y. Gold Certification in 2015.

The company’s success has enabled Will to give back on a social level as well.

“We believe that every pet deserves a warm place to sleep,” explains Will, leading him to start the Warm Bellies Initiative, a venture that provides animals in shelters with warm, comfortable beds. Working with The Petfinder Foundation, a non-profit organization assisting over 12,000 urban and rural shelters and rescue groups across North America, Will’s company began donating comfortable mats to shelter animals.

As of 2016, P.L.A.Y. has donated over 17,000 mats to animals in need.

P.L.A.Y. has also partnered with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), an organization that rescues and protects animals around the world.

Started in 1969, IFAW has life-saving projects in 40 countries and assists wildlife such as whales, wolves and dolphins as well as domestic species such as cats and dogs. P.L.A.Y. will soon be launching a Safari collection of toys with a part of the profits assisting large African animals such as elephants.

With the many innovative initiatives Will has spearheaded, P.L.A.Y. is setting a progressive, eco-friendly model for the pet industry and showing that we all—the new guys, the independents, the small businesses—can make a big difference.

Oh, and in the process, find work-life balance and business success. See what can happen when your life goes to the dogs?

66 moderndog

SPRING 2017

She came up with a funky design that looked somewhat like a ladies’ brassiere—except there were holes where the cups should have been.

Roxanne Pettipas & Buddy.

THE HARNESS MAKER This artist, turning down a lucrative job offer to instead follow a path of entrepreneurship, created an innovative harness that has formed the cornerstone of her successful pet products company

F

ull-time, well-paying jobs for art teachers can be hard to find. So when the Toronto school board offered Roxanne Pettipas a full-time, salaried position with benefits it was a golden opportunity, a rare and coveted break that might never happen again. But instead of ecstatically exclaiming she would take the position, Roxanne turned it down.

“I just felt I had to take a risk,” explains Roxanne. “If I didn’t, I would regret it.”

The risk involved a manufacturing venture, namely, launching a pet products company. Today, the former art teacher turned inventor is the creator of the Buddy Belt, an innovative, easy-to-use harness that takes pressure off a dog’s neck and trachea when walked on-leash.

It all started in the 1990s when she took her one-year-old dog, Buddy, a Miniature Dachshund, for walks on-leash and was alarmed to find he was choking. Roxanne wondered if the collar was putting pressure on his windpipe. She

68 moderndog

SPRING 2017

looked around for harnesses to solve the problem but was disappointed with what she found, discovering them to be awkward and bulky.

An art teacher by profession, Roxanne is an imaginative, creative person with a flair for visual design. She was also used to improvising with everyday materials for her art projects. At the time, Roxanne was using rubber in her art classes. Could she use it to fashion something for Buddy?

She came up with a funky design that looked somewhat like a ladies’ brassiere—except there were holes where the cups should have been. Roxanne put Buddy’s front legs through the two loops of the ‘bra’ and then fastened the strap at his shoulders. “It was a bit crude but it worked,” explains Roxanne. “He was much more comfortable on walks and there was no stress on his neck.” It also put her more at ease on walks because she didn’t have the stress of listening to her beloved pet gasping for air.

After fashioning the rudimentary rubber model, Roxanne started to experiment with leather, roaming vintage stores for old-fashioned leather coats and gathering remnants from leather shops. Roxanne continued to test her evolving design on the always amiable Buddy and soon, the miniature Dachshund was sporting ever more fashionable iterations.

Buddy gained the attention of onlookers whenever they went for walks. “Kids would ask, ‘Where did you get that harness?’” Roxanne recalls, “and then they would say, ‘I want one.’”

Buddy, the inspiration behind Buddy Belt.

And so this art teacher started making harnesses by hand to fill the growing demand. “At the time,” Roxanne explains, “I had no templates, and I was using the enlarging and reducing buttons on the photocopier to create patterns of different sizes.” She also faced another challenge when she had to learn how to use a heavyduty industrial sewing machine.

“The demand just kept coming,” explains Roxanne, “and so I didn’t stop.”

In 2003, she acquired a clicker press, a widely used die cutting machine, which enabled her to cut the leather by machine instead of by hand and thus expand production. She also asked veterinarians and other health care specialists to review her design. Dr. Leo Rosenberg, a certified animal chiropractor who works with Pets in Motion, a Toronto-based company providing adjustments to pets’ spines and extremities to improve range of motion and joint mobility, tested her creation and validated her own findings, concluding the “Buddy Belt enhances proper function and health.”

As a teacher, Roxanne had no training in the nuts and bolts of running a business. The aspiring entrepreneur decided to study with Biz Launch, one of the largest small business training companies in North America. Developed by entrepreneur Andrew Patricio, an internationally recognized business expert, the company offers a wide range of seminars, webinars, and resource guides designed to teach budding business owners. “The courses were given by actual entrepreneurs and tailored to meet the needs of creative, industrial, entrepreneurial types,” explains Roxanne. “It was much better than taking ‘Business 101’ at university, where I would have just fallen asleep.”

By 2003, Roxanne was ready for the next step and moved her steadily expanding business into a Toronto factory space. The company now employs more than 30 people and showcases its products in pet stores throughout North America as well as internationally. They offer two product lines, a high-end leather harness as well as a less expensive synthetic leather product, called Buddy Belt 2 (BB2).

The harnesses are available in a multitude of colours and designs, and fit tiny dogs weighing less than a two pounds to those weighing 100 pounds or more. The company also sells accessories such as matching ID collars, leashes, and liners.

Sadly, Roxanne’s beloved Miniature Dachshund, Buddy, passed away a few years ago at the age of 18. The little dog was a vital part of her family and she knew that losing him would be hard. Even so, she says, she never anticipated the deep and long-lasting pain that his loss caused her, though she takes comfort from her business named in his honour. “Because of him,” she notes, “I made something that matters and brings joy to so many families.” n moderndogmagazine.com

69

THE BIGGEST HEALTH THREAT TO YOUR DOG

The most common conditions have one thing in common…

W

hen pet-insurance provider Petplan took a look at their data, they found their most frequently claimed conditions have one thing in common: obesity. And it’s a big issue. “When you consider that over half of the nation’s dogs are now overweight or obese, it literally is a growing problem,” says Dr. Ernie Ward, a Petplan Veterinary Advisory Board member and founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

The following 7 most common causes of veterinary claims are all exacerbated or caused by obesity. And if you needed further incentive to keep your dog trim, we’ve included the average cost of the vet visits theses conditions necessitate. We want to help you keep your dog healthy and slim and your wallet fat!

4. Not-so bee’s knees: Dogs who pack on the pudge are also at

1. Tummy troubles: Let’s face it—pudgy pets eat more than they

Hounds—are particularly prone to intervertebral disc disease.

Added weight can increase their chances of developing the disease—and of you being handed a $2,014 vet bill.

should. And overeating can easily lead to vomiting and diarrhea, Petplan’s most claimed conditions year after year. They see an average of 900 claims every month just for tummy troubles! The cost for relief averages $850.

2. The Big C: There have been some indications that certain types of cancer are more common in overweight or obese pets. The average vet bill for cancer? $2,033.

3. A gimpy gait: Lameness, or general limping, is often caused by arthritis, and extra pounds mean extra stress on dogs’ joints—and your wallet. The average cost to treat lameness is $966.

70 moderndog

SPRING 2017

a greater risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries caused by added joint stress and weak muscles. CCL injuries are pricey, costing an average of $3,480 to repair.

5. On the go: Several things can cause a urinary tract infection in dogs, but obese animals may be more at risk because they can’t clean those hard-to-reach places. The average cost to treat UTIs? $590!

6. Matters of the heart: Obesity usually comes with high blood pressure, poor organ function and low levels of activity, all things that contribute to cardiac disease and an accompanying average vet bill of $1,232.

7. Back attack: The long and lows—think Dachshunds and Basset

The good news is, unlike many of these conditions, pet obesity is 100% preventable and curable. “In addition to daily exercise, swap fatty treats for lower-calorie options, or better yet opt for praise and playtime instead of snacks,” says Dr. Ward. “And know your dog’s calorie count—ask your vet how many calories your dog needs each day, and stick to that number.” Last but not least, schedule daily playtime! A good rule of thumb is 30 minutes of play will keep the pounds away so get out and get active with your dog to avoid the extra “fluff!”

moderndogmagazine.com

71

BODY & SOUL ESTHER WEARS A AUBURN LEATHERCRAFTERS COLLAR (COLLARSANDMORE.COM)

DON’T FEED THIS TYPE OF PEANUT BUTTER TO YOUR DOG Peanut butter and dogs—a natural fit, right? Most dogs love it and it’s ideal for stuffing in hollow toys or for disguising pills. But increasingly, xylitol, a sugar substitute used in gum, yogurt, candy, and more, is being used in some peanut butters and nut butters. Safe for humans, xylitol is extremely toxic for dogs and can be life-threatening.

“If you feed your dog pills coated in peanut butter, or put peanut butter in their hollow chew toys, make sure to check the list of ingredients first to make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol,” said Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian at the FDA. Dogs who have ingested xylitol require immediate treatment. Xylitol poisoning can cause seizures, liver failure and possibly death. Anyone who suspects their dog may have ingested xylitol should contact their veterinarian or the Pet Poison Hotline immediately. Symptoms manifest quickly and include vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulty walking.

Peanut butter brands that contain xylitol include Go Nuts, Co., Krush Nutrition, Nuts 'N More and P28 Foods. Peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol is absolutely safe for dogs and a healthy treat—just be sure to read the label! We love Dog For Dog's DogButter (dogfordog.com). It's made for dogs so you know it's good for them, plus for every jar you buy, another is donated to a dog in need!

A MUST-HAVE FOR SAFE TRAVELS & ADVENTURES! On The Road Pet Kits ensure you have all the essentials you need to look after your dog, whatever life throws at you. Designed for emergency preparedness and daily safe travels with your best dog buddy, these kits contain everything you need, from first aid supplies to concentrated food and five-year shelf life water, all in a stylish and practical rip-stop bag. Just grab and go, or keep it in your trunk for piece of mind. They’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to! $40, ontheroadpet.com

Can Dogs Be Right or Left-Pawed?

Just like people, dogs have a dominant paw. To determine which is your dog’s preferred paw, simply observe him for a while. Wait for your dog to paw at you, scratch the door, shake a hand, or retrieve at a toy from under the couch, and a preference should emerge.

72 moderndog

SPRING 2017

BODY & SOUL Are CBD's

DAKOTA SUBMITTED BY KRISTIN AND MIKE STRATTON

a Natural Miracle Drug?

With none of the high but a host of other benefits including pain relief and anxiety reduction, CBD products for dogs are increasingly being turned to as an alternative to pharmaceuticals

T

hanks to better diet and care, dogs are living longer than ever, but, just as with people, advancing years often bring accompanying health issues. Arthritis, chronic pain, lack of appetite, and reduced mental capacity frequently mark our dog’s senior years. For dogs of all ages, anxiety or problematic hyperactivity seem to be on the rise, a product of modern lifestyle—sedentary-ness, alone time, city living. What’s a pet parent to do?

Increasingly, dog owners are singing the praises of hempbased products designed to ease their dog’s suffering or to simply maintain health. Responding to Modern Dog’s Facebook post about CBD/hemp products for dogs, reader Kristen Kuhns commented, “THANK YOU for covering this.

I inherited a large, older dog with hip issues. He has other medical problems that prevented him from being on some of the stronger meds. CBD treats and peanut butter have made him a different dog. I am so glad my knowledgeable friend tuned me into this because it's turned his life around.”

Cannabidiols, or CBD’s as they are more commonly called, are a molecule found in industrial hemp, a type of marijuana that can be legally grown—it produces less than 0.3% THC so it won’t get your pet high, and can be legally obtained.

According to Dr. Robert Silver, a licensed and nationally renowned holistic veterinarian, CBD’s act like a key turning on or off certain functions within cells, reducing pain, inflammation, and anxiety. Further, he’s seen CBD’s improve appetite, turn on an immune cell so it works better, reduce seizures, and even reduce tumor spread by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels feeding it. Dr. Caroline Coile, PHD and author of the book Cannabis and CBD Science says that, beyond their anti-aging benefits, cannabidiols may simply make pets feel better, improving their comfort, mood, activity, and appetite, so they feel and act like a younger version of themselves. And we’re all for that!

74 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Products That Harness The Power of Hemp Phyto-Bites are CBD-infused soft chews for dogs that are formulated to promote health and support the reduction of separation anxiety, pain, and inflammation. Manufactured in a FDA-approved facility, the chews are made with Colorado grown, certified Hemp extracts. CEO Todd Davis said they’re getting tremendous feedback from repeat customers as well as shelters that are using their product to help rescued dogs (and cats) transition to their new homes. A one-month supply of chews costs approximately $35 at phytobites.com.

True Leaf’s True Hemp Chews utilize the beneficial properties of the whole hemp seed and cold-pressed hemp seed oil. They do not contain detectable levels of CBD but have many other beneficial properties. The hemp seed oil is combined with other therapeutic ingredients such as L-Theanine, calming herbs, DHA, antioxidants, green lipped mussel, and turmeric root to help improve your pet’s overall quality of life. There are three formulas to choose from: Calming, to provide anxiety support, Health to provide antioxidant support, and Hip + Joint to provide joint support. $15 at trueleafpet.com.

Cannabis Dispensary’s CBD Rich Oil utilizes a whole-plant, Isopropyl alcohol extraction specially formulated to have a high cannabidiol level (CBD percentage is approximately 30%). This product has been reported to relieve spasms, seizures, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and may be effective for treating signs and symptoms associated with some cancer growths. They recommend a starting dose of 0.5mg per pound per day. There is approximately 300mg CBD in a 1mL tube and the cost is $42/1mL or $120/3mL at cannabisdispensary.ca. n

moderndogmagazine.com

75

BODY & SOUL

WANT TO WIN AWESOME DOG STUFF EVERY WEEK?

Taste tester Kali

Follow us on Facebook! Every Friday we give away all sorts of nifty stuff for dogs and the people who love them. You can win simply by commenting and telling us why you want it!

facebook.com/moderndogmagazine

Eat Well, Do Good How cool is this? These irresistibly delicious, all-natural dog treats are great for your dog AND the environment. Protein-packed and omega3-rich, these dog snacks are made from Asian Carp, a super-healthy but too-plentiful invasive fish species that threatens North American waterways, particularly in the Mid-West. It all came about when the folks at BareItAll pet food company heard of the Asian Carp epidemic.

All about honest, recognizable ingredients and doing good for dogs and their community, they set about creating award-winning (and totally tasty!) pet treats from the fish, which has a nutritional profile very similar to salmon, thereby helping both dogs and our rivers alike. We can all do good by simply considering the impact of what we buy. These treats that show love to your pup and the environment are a great place to start!

Find them at bareitallpetfoods.com.

HAPPINESS delivered FREE, straight to your inbox!

Sign up for the free Modern Dog weekly e-newsletter and improve your week! Filled with training tips, wellness, giveaways, and adorable dog photos, it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face. moderndogmagazine.com/newsletter-signup 76 moderndog

SPRING 2017

ZOLA SUBMITTED BY SAVANNAH JANE WALTON;

Your weekly dose of

INSET PHOTO: TUCKER TOOT SUBMITTED BY DANIELLE KORBAR

SWEET CHILI PEPPER SUBMITTED BY ANNICK

Good for dogs, good for the environment!

BODY & SOUL NEW APPS ASSIST PEOPLE AND PETS WHO SUFFER FROM POLLEN AND MOLD ALLERGIES

We asked:

MD Poll Resu lts

How many dogs would you ideally have?

XXXXXXXXXX ALLERGIES SEASONAL

STOP THE ITCHING & SNEEZING WITH THESE NEW APPS

Does your dog suffer from seasonal or environmental allergies? Help is here! Two new apps—one for people and one for pets—are set to help the millions of people, dogs, cats, and horses who suffer from allergic rhinitis, hay fever, and asthma.

Xxxxxxx

1 2 3 4+

61% 31% 3% 6%

There is no cure for seasonal allergies, so “one of the best ways to avoid the triggers is to know what is in the air,” says Frances Coates of Aerobiology Laboratories, the professional pollen and mold/spore analysis company that created the apps.

The free apps provide the total pollen levels in the air along with forecasts that are over 85 percent accurate, allowing people and pet owners to see exactly what is in the air and avoid the specific allergens that affect them.

Download the free Pet Pollen Alert app through the iTunes store, Google Play or on pollenexperts.ca.

THE FIND:

SUPER, NATURAL TREATS

The Modern Dog office dogs are crazy for Grizzly Crunchy Training Treats for dogs. Made outside of Seattle, these mini bites are gluten-free, protein-rich, and super-tasty thanks to the wild Alaskan salmon they’re made with. Plus, they’re packed with long-chain omega-3s to boost your dog’s health, immunity, and endurance! grizzlypetproducts.com

78 moderndog

SPRING 2017

MODERN DOG POLL QUESTION How many times a day do you walk your dog?

CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM

SPECIAL PROMOTION

NATURAL DOG

Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle

Vet bills? Covered. Protect your pet—and your pocketbook—with nose-to-tail coverage for unexpected accidents and illnesses from Embrace Pet Insurance. Never let expensive vet bills come between you and the best care for your best friend. Get a free quote from Embrace today. EmbraceYourPet.com

I’M-YUNITY for Dogs.

Improve your dog’s immunity and quality of life with I’m-Yunity. It’s the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extracts of Coriolus versicolor.

I’m-Yunity contains proprietary and standardized extracts to help to reduce pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, and appetite. Learn about clinical results at ImYunityForDogs.com and use code “moderndog” for a 5% discount!

Help your senior or disabled dog walk. Is your dog suffering from arthritis or other debilitating conditions?

GingerLead helps dogs with mobility or balance issues and assists dogs recovering from knee, hip or back injuries. Great for rehabilitation after orthopedic surgeries. Padded for comfort. Height adjustable.

Male and female slings. Made in USA. gingerlead.com

Curry n Pepper treats make us hungry, too! 100% natural, healthy, gluten-free treats inspired by Pringles!

Crafted based on the science of Ayurveda. Contains superfoods like quinoa, whole vegetables, and fruits to balance your pet's dosha (energy type). Available flavours: Blueberry, Pumpkin, and Greens. 3oz can is just $10. Visit currynpepper.com to discover your pet's dosha!

From $39.99.

Introducing Wellness CORE RawRev! This high-protein, nutrientdense, antioxidant-rich kibble features 100% freeze-dried raw bites full of flavour. This new, safe, and convenient recipe from Wellness Natural Pet Food is the way to feed your active dog raw. The grain and gluten-free recipe is also enriched with superfoods! wellnesspetfood.com/core

All Natural Goodwinol Shampoo is gentle enough for even six-week-old puppies and kittens! This safe and natural shampoo is made in the USA, contains a natural insecticide, and has a clean, bright scent! goodwinol.com

moderndogmagazine.com

79

WELLNESS

How To Keep Your Dog's Anal Glands Healthy Naturally

By Dr. Peter Dobias

M

ost vets learn about anal glands in vet school, but I had the “pleasure” of learning about them much earlier in life. It was our family dog, a Dachshund named Gerda who taught me about the less pleasant part of living with a dog.

Dachshunds are very passionate when it comes to tracking and they love being in the forest and Gerda was no exception. She especially loved going to our cottage up in the mountains.

The first time we took Gerda up, my two sisters, brother, and I all wanted to have her on our lap. To make things fair, we drew matches and I was the lucky winner.

As we were driving up to the mountains, on a windy, bumpy road, a deer suddenly crossed the road right in front of the car and Gerda lost it! The whole car filled with the smell of rotten fish, eggs, and anchovies. Gerda emptied her anal glands right on my lap. That is how I learned dogs have anal glands.

If your dog is happy, not licking, and has no other symptoms, an occasional smell is part of normal anal gland function. In other words, there is no need to rush to the vet or a groomer to have the anal glands squeezed and cleaned. But if there is obvious inflammation and redness around the anus, then your dog may have a problem.

The four most common anal gland problems in dogs are anal gland inflammation (anal sacculitis), dysfunction when they are not emptying on their own, an abscess or rupture of the anal gland due to obstruction of the opening (duct), and tumours.

There are five main factors that cause anal gland issues. They are diet, especially processed, artificially-flavoured and preserved food, toxin build-up, obesity due to a carb-based diet, overfeeding or lack of exercise, liver imbalance or disease, which is frequently related to general toxicity, and lumbosacral spine and muscle injury that leads to decreased energy flow to the anal glands and lack of tone.

ANAL GLAND ANATOMY AND FUNCTION

ANAL GLANDS ARE THE SIGNAL THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG

Anal glands are little sacs located on either side of the anus. Their openings are at nine and three o’clock. They are scent glands that have two functions. The first is to produce a very strong and pungent scent for marking territory. The second is to help the body eliminate toxins and unnecessary substances. They can be compared to very large sweat glands.

The anal glands can be viewed as the body’s garbage bin that empties automatically whenever the toxin levels reach a certain point.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE NORMAL AND PROBLEM ANAL GLANDS Some people worry when they smell the fishy smell of anal glands, but it is absolutely normal for healthy dogs to express the anal glands once in a while.

80 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Similar to eye disease and ear problems, anal gland problems are also a red flag that something else in the body is going on.

Conventional treatment often focuses on the issue locally by expressing the content, possibly a flush, antibiotics or surgery.

However, this approach doesn’t address most of the causes mentioned above and the problem usually reoccurs.

TOXINS FROM KIBBLE, TREATS, AND CHEAP SUPPLEMENTS MAY BE THE CAUSE I am glad that many people now know that processed pet food should be avoided. Such food taxes the liver and increases toxin levels.

The anal glands play an important role in the detox process of the body and when the toxic burden is high, they often become inflamed.

paranal sac openings of the paranal sacs

ILLUSTARTION JESSICA PALMER

anus

SOFT “KIBBLE STOOL” MAY ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS Anal glands benefit from harder stool. In nature, dogs eat raw bones, which make the stool harder. Naturally, the anal glands of dogs given raw bones get massaged and emptied, which is what you want.

I have seen some people concerned about stool that is too hard, but this is quite normal for dogs fed raw bones.

You must remember to never feed cooked bones as they are NOT digestible nor large beef bones (raw or cooked) as they often cause tooth fractures.

THE ROLE OF OBESITY IN ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS Obesity related to processed food makes anal glands “sink” in the fat tissue, which makes the natural anal gland evacuation incomplete. This naturally leads to toxin build up, anal gland congestion, inflammation, and sometimes very painful infections.

SHOULD ANAL GLANDS BE EXPRESSED MANUALLY OR NOT? Dog lovers are often misinformed because they are told they should get their dog’s anal glands emptied. Some veterinarians and groomers believe that expressing them will prevent them from filling up, which is not correct. In reality, the more frequently they are squeezed, the less toned they are. It seems that the canine glands get “lazy” by having them squeezed too often.

Ideally, you should let your dog’s anal glands do their job and allow them to empty naturally.

Most dogs’ anal glands tend to be semi-full when examined, but that is not a reason to have them expressed.

However, it is a good practice to examine your dog’s anal glands once every six months or when there are signs of problems such as dragging their bum on the ground, licking under the tail or swelling around the anus.

INJURIES TO THE LUMBAR SPINE It may be a surprise to you, but many high-performance dogs and dogs with lumbar-sacral injuries suffer from anal gland problems.

The lumbar-sacral area supplies the nerve and energy flow to the anus and anal glands. When the muscles become tight, the nerve flow decreases and the anal gland tone is diminished. That is why some seemingly healthy, but very active dogs on a raw diet continue having anal gland issues.

Doing less sprinting, Frisbee, and ball retrieving and instead engaging in more varied exercise often does the trick. I also recommend routine physio or chiro visits to address potential injuries before they become chronic.

moderndogmagazine.com

81

IS ANAL GLAND REMOVAL A REASONABLE OPTION? Unless there is a growth in the anal gland, inflammation, and a tendency for chronic inflammation there is no requirement for a drastic and traumatic measure like surgery.

Anal gland removal is a very painful and difficult surgery and can also lead to fecal incontinence and other problems. The procedure severely disturbs the body’s detox processes and negatively effects the whole body.

Never let anyone convince you that your dog's health problems will get better by removing anal glands because they will likely get worse. Removing anal glands is like removing all trash bins from your home. It would not be long before you generate an irreparable mess and damage.

WHAT ABOUT ANAL GLAND ABSCESS? Large swelling, redness, frequent licking or lethargy may be a sign of an anal gland abscess. In such cases, you should seek the help of a veterinarian.

If the anal gland is already ruptured, use of a local anesthesia and flushing with an herbal healing formula may be all you need to do. I have seen some dog guardians putting their dog through an unnecessary surgery because “the vet said so.”

If the abscess has not ruptured, a flush with a catheter inserted in the anal gland duct may be sufficient. Your veterinarian may need to repeat this a few times. Surgery and a drain placement are needed only in a small number of cases and antibiotics are not always required, but sometimes may be a necessary “crutch” to prevent prolonged discomfort and swelling. Often a doggy diaper or pants is all you need.

Use a buster collar or “pants” to prevent your dog from licking. Some soft cloth collars will do the job and are more comfortable than the firm plastic collars. More trouble, pain, and expense will follow if he or she continues to lick.

If you do not take all the steps described in this article, your dog’s healing may be slower and sometimes complicated. Make sure that your veterinarian examines your dog's anal area properly to rule out the slight possibility of tumours.

BEWARE OF A COMMON DIAGNOSTIC ERROR! If a tumour is found, ensure that a proper histology examination is done. I have seen mistakes made between anala and perianal gland tumors. Perianal glands are very small and surround the anus at the boundary between the skin and the anus lining. Perianal glands are not anatomically related to the actual anal glands.

If a tumor is found, never agree to surgery without a proper diagnosis that has been determined by taking a sample with a needle or doing a biopsy.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS WITH ANAL GLAND PROBLEMS A large majority of dogs do very well and their problems resolved by giving them a liver cleanse. Introduce all-natural probiotics, whole-food multivitamin, and mineral supplements and an omega-supplement.

You can start these supplements gradually over a period of one to two weeks. If your dog is picky, mix these products in yogurt or something that he or she likes. I wish you and your dog many pain and discomfortfree years ahead. n

82 moderndog

SPRING 2017

STOP pet urine burn marks ... naturally ./ 100% natural ./ No change to the pH balance ./ Keeps your lawn in tip-top condition for 2 months

Use LAWN10 for 10% OFF

www.dogrocks.com I Toll Free: 800 503 3914

.--. "' •• .--.

- .., •• ·-· -..·

�

./"' Starts to work immediately ./"' Naturally calms without sedating ./"' Clinically proven through trials ./"' Lasts up to 8 weeks ./"' pH neutral; safe on skin or coat ./"' Suitable for all mammals and birds

>.

E e!

rol

de·& calmi� spray

BEHAVIOUR

HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR DOG’S BARK, “READ” YOUR DOG’S TAIL & MAKE YOUR DOG LAUGH (REALLY)

By Stanley Coren

Do Dogs Smile?

In the minds of most people, the equivalent of a dog smiling is when he is wagging his tail. But there is actually one canine facial expression that comes close to what we mean by smiling in humans. In this expression, slightly opened jaws reveal the dog’s tongue lapping out over his front teeth. Frequently the eyes take on a teardrop shape at the same time, as if being pulled upward slightly at the outer corners. It is a casual expression that is usually seen when the dog is relaxed, playing, or interacting socially, especially with people. The moment any anxiety or stress is introduced, the dog’s mouth closes and you can no longer see the tongue.

Dogs are also capable of laughing, and they typically do so when they are playing. Canine laughter begins with the doggy equivalent of smiling but also includes a sound that is much like panting. Several years ago, animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet at Sierra Nevada College by Lake Tahoe recorded those sounds while dogs played. On analyzing the recordings, she found that they involved a broader range of frequencies than

84 moderndog

SPRING 2017

regular dog panting. In one experiment, Simonet noticed that puppies romped for joy when they heard recordings of these sounds; in another, she was able to show that these same sounds helped to calm dogs in an animal shelter.

How To Make Your Dog Laugh Humans can imitate sounds of dog laughter, but it takes conscious monitoring of mouth shape to get the sound pattern right. Producing dog laughter correctly can make your dog sit up, wag his tail, approach you from across the room, and even laugh along.

1. Round your lips slightly to make a “hhuh” sound. Note: The sound has to be breathy with no actual voicing, meaning that if you touch your throat while making this sound, you should not feel any vibration.

2. Use an open-mouthed smiling expression to make a “hhah” sound. Again, breathe the sound; do not voice it.

3. Combine steps one and two to create canine laughter. It should sound like “hhuh-hhah-hhuh-hhah.”

DOG DECODER HOW TO READ YOUR DOG

By Stanley Coren

Perhaps the most common misinterpretation of dog behaviour is based on the myth that a dog wagging his tail is happy and friendly. Although some tail wags are associated with happiness, others can signal fear or even the warning that you are about to be bitten.

The tail’s position, specifically the height at which it is held, serves as an emotional meter. If the tail is held at a middle height, the dog is relaxed. As the tail position moves up, it is a sign that the dog is becoming more threatening, with a vertical tail being a clearly dominant signal meaning, “I’m boss around here.”

Similarly, barks say a lot about what your dog is thinking.

Low-pitched sounds (growls) make the animal seem large and dangerous; they usually indicate anger and the possibility of aggression. High-pitched sounds mean the opposite, a request to be allowed to come closer or a signal from a large dog saying, “It’s safe to approach.”

Types of Barks: 1. Sound the alarm A rapid string of two to four barks with pauses between is the most common form of barking. It means, roughly, “There’s something going on that should be checked out.” Continuous barking at a lower pitch and slower suggests the dog senses an imminent problem. It means “Danger is very close. Get ready to defend yourself!”

2. Hey there One or two sharp, short barks of high or midrange pitch is the most typical greeting sound, and it usually replaces alarm barks when a visitor is recognized as friendly. Many people are greeted in this way when they walk through the door. The message is “Hello!”

3. Let’s hang out A long string of solitary barks with a deliberate pause after each one is a sign of a lonely dog asking for companionship.

86 moderndog

SPRING 2017

4. Time for a tussle A stutter bark, which sounds something like “harr-ruff” is usually given with front legs flat on the ground and the rear held high. It means, simply, “Let’s play!”

Types of Wags: 1. Salutation A slight tail wag, each swing small, is usually seen during greetings and can be interpreted as a tentative “Hello there” or a hopeful “I’m here.”

2. Satisfaction A broad tail wag is a friendly “I’m not challenging or threatening you.” In many contexts it may also mean “I’m pleased,” and it is the closest thing to the popular conception of the “happiness” wag, especially if the tail seems to drag the dog’s hips.

3. Confusion A slow wag with tail at “half mast” is less social than most of the other tail signals. Slow wags with the tail in neither a particularly dominant (high) nor submissive (low) position signal insecurity or uncertainty about what to do next.

4. Fight or flight Small, high-speed tail movements that give the impression of vibrating are a sign that the dog is about to take action (run or fight, usually). If the tail is held high and vibrating, it signals what is most likely an active threat.

Excerpted from Do Dogs Dream?: Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know by Stanley Coren. Copyright by Stanley Coren. With the permission of the publisher, W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.

moderndogmagazine.com

87

This Floral Lounger Bed from Pup IQ is Modern Dog office pup Penny’s new favourite spot for a mid-day snooze and her preferred place to curl up in at night. Made with durable, beautiful fabric and hand sewn with Smart Kevlar thread, this is style and comfort designed to last. From $150, pup-iq.com

Doggy Décor

This beautifully minimal white ceramic dog treat jar with bamboo lid keeps cookies fresh and at hand for rewarding your adorable dog! $18, beonebreed.com

This truly orthopedic dog bed employs a three-core system providing ultimate comfort for snoozing dogs! Made from eco-friendly soy-based natural foam, it allows for the expulsion of heat and resists crushing! Made to last, it comes with a three-year limited warranty. $225, jettajacks.com

Our current obsessions & must-haves!

Keep your dog smelling nice and fresh with this naturally deodorizing spray from Petveda. They use pure essential oils to provide a unique blend of aromatherapy that is mild and pleasing to both you and your dog, and it’s free of alcohol and any other baddies so it’s safe even for sensitive skin! From $10, petveda.com

{editor’s pick} Handcrafted in the USA, these durable, lead-free speckled stoneware dog bowls are chip resistant, dishwasher and microwave safe, and come personalized with your dog’s name. A steal at just $32! carolinapetpottery.com

A luxurious nest for your dog! Dogs that like to burrow will love curling up in the cozy, overstuffed Bowser Ball bed. Super-soft yet durable, it's zippered for easy washing. From $55, bowsers.com

88 moderndog

SPRING 2017

moderndogmagazine.com

89

Kaluha

Mayte

Beyond Borders

By Elisabeth Fillmore • Photographed by Tanya King

NOBARS animal rescue saves dogs in need, regardless of which side of the border they reside

B

Inset photos: Jessica Palmer with her NOBARS rescue, Penny.

90 moderndog

SPRING 2017

orders frequently feel like archaic distinctions, but never more so than when the welfare of animals is at stake. Animals don't care about nationalities or geography—they just want homes.

NOBARS, or No Borders Animal Rescue Society, feels the same way.

Their mission is to rescue stray, abandoned, abused, or surrendered animals—regardless of where they come from. NOBARS' specialty is to help save dogs facing life-threatening circumstances and uncertain futures in Mexico and then bring them to Canada. International adoption is not unique, but it is so important when it comes to saving dogs in communities that don’t have the resources to help them. NOBARS' central belief—that every dog deserves a home, whether they are Mexican or Canadian—is making a world of difference for dogs on both sides of the border.

Modern Dog's own office dog Penny Palmer is a NOBARS success story. Penny was found wandering the streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with “matted fur, super skinny, and full of parasites,” recounts Jessica Palmer, Modern Dog’s Advertising Manager and Penny's adopter. Now, Penny is a beloved member of the Modern Dog team, ever eager to volunteer for treat-testing duties. This is partially because NOBARS makes a point to select friendly, adoptable dogs and then provide quarantine in local Mexican foster homes so the dogs can acclimatize

PHOTOGRAPHED BY TANYA KING

We adopta'rbel e!

BEFO

RE

AFTER

Polo

and recover before enduring any travel stress, thereby ensuring successful adoption. This focus on emotional rehabilitation is one of the things that make NOBARS unique. NOBARS' local volunteers washed, groomed, and fed Penny prior to her journey to Canada, and the change in her was amazing. Like other NOBARS alums, Penny was provided with medial care, love, and basic training—her temporary home even potty-trained her!

For Jessica, it didn't matter whether her adoptive dog “came from my hometown or from across the world.”

“What was important," she stresses, “was that I gave a dog in need a home.” Robin Tennis, an executive member of NOBARS, couldn’t agree more, noting that “the majority of our adopters... believe that an animal should be safe, warm, fed, and treated kindly, regardless of which side of the border they reside.”

“The work they do in Mexico alone is reason enough to like them,” Jessica continues, “but what is also incredibly

The adoptable NOBARS pups pictured are all wearing adorable collars and bow ties from Danes & Divas (from $16, danesanddivas.com).

Penny Palmer

important is how they handle the adoption process. It’s a big and stressful step for a lot of families, so having an amazing team behind the cause makes a world of difference. There were a few dogs I was interested in, but funny enough, Penny (formally Gala) wasn’t one of them. The dog I was initially interested in found a home, but NOBARS was dedicated to ensuring I found the perfect dog. They recommended I check out a video of Penny on their Facebook page and I fell in love.”

Penny has adapted to Canadian life “seamlessly,” and that “only a week after I brought her home, we were going on off-leash walks on the beach,” Jessica enthuses.

For NOBARS, it’s all “quality over quantity,” says Robin. “We owe the dog the very best and we owe it to our rescuers to ensure their dog is safely adopted.” n Interested in volunteering, adopting, or transporting a dog back from Mexico? Find out more at nobordersanimalrescuesociety.ca.

moderndogmagazine.com

91

This one’s for dogs who like to shake, toss, tug, and squeak their toys!

Jolly Pet’s adorable, durable, floppy Flathead toys are stuffing-free and feature built-in squeakers that make dogs want to bite the toy and flap it around! From $9, jollypets.com

Natural, minimal, and perfect for dogs that love to tug! All-natural cotton rope plus three layers of vegetable tanned leather plus cotton thread equals the ideal made-in-the-USA interactive toy for tugging, fetching, and retrieving fun! $18, collarsandmore.com

Let's Play!

Toys, toys, toys!

Add some awesome to your life!

PupJoy’s customized monthly boxes are packed with artisanal treats, toys, and more, delivered to your door to thrill you and your dog. Plus, they support a great cause by giving back to shelter animals! From $23 per box, pupjoy.com

Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Squeak is a squeaky chew toy built to last— guaranteed! Patent pending “squeak technology” sees the squeaker molded into the ball using no glues or adhesives!

Extremely durable, it’s non-toxic and made in the USA. $17, planetdog.com

92 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Launch the fun!

Fetch-crazed dogs will love the iFetch Too, an interactive, automatic ball launcher that shoots standardsized tennis balls 10-40 feet.

Includes a builtin, rechargeable battery so you can take it anywhere! $199, goifetch.com

For the serious chewer in your life! New Flavorit BarkBones are hefty, durable chews that come in three sizes. Infused with peanut butter, mesquite chicken or minty flavouring, they feature “flavor cell” indents that can be filled with your dog’s favourite spreadable treat! From $7, petqwerks.com

moderndogmagazine.com

93

INSPIRE

Lisa Vanderpump Totally Rules Prepare to become a big fan of this star deeply dedicated to saving dogs. Lisa Vanderpump is on the frontlines of the battle to end the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and she won’t stop until she’s succeeded.

By Rose Frosek The unstoppable Lisa Vanderpump is perhaps the ultimate modern multi-hyphenate: reality star, restaurateur, designer, philanthropist, and serious dog lover with eight of her own rescue dogs. And despite all this—imagine starring in not one but two reality shows and helming multiple restaurants and product lines—this powerhouse has still carved out time to start her own dog foundation and tackle, head on and personally, the atrocities of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, even speaking in front of Congress and organizing marches against it. Seriously inspirational, right? Lisa, in her own words, “walks the walk.”

Here she answers our questions about her goals and passions.

Prepare to come away inspired.

Q: How did you make the jump from restaurateur to reality star?

ridiculous when I used to read in the papers that a celebrity said that. But I think when you live the experience you have a better understanding of the lack of privacy. However, 95 percent of being a celebrity has been positive and has given me a voice for many things that I’m passionate about, such as going to United Nations, speaking in front of Congress, starting the Vanderpump Dog Foundation, so its been an incredible experience.

Q: What’s the worst part of being famous?

Sometimes it can be a little difficult to go about daily life, especially in the restaurant business. Sometimes people don’t understand that I have a job to do. However, I love when people come up to me saying how much they love the show.

Q: Top three career highlights?

It evolved really over the course of seven years. I use the term reality star loosely. It was an opportunity, and at first I was hesitant…I had no idea I’d be here seven years later.

Seeing my daughter Pandora marrying her husband Jason Sabo on show. Dancing with the Stars. Vanderpump Rules continues to be popular in its fifth year.

Q: Best part of being famous?

Q: Tell us about your own dogs?

Well I think there are many pitfalls. I used to think it was

I have eight dogs. Four Pomeranians: Pikachu, Poppy, Gigalo (aka

94 moderndog

SPRING 2017

Giggy), and Pink dog. Poppy I got from a rescue center in Sacramento. He unfortunately has alopecia, but he’s doing a lot better now. Plus, I have one Maltese named Lollypop, one American Cocker Spaniel—a wedding anniversary gift to us—named Schnoooky, and a Golden Retriever named Rumpy who ended up falling in love with an older woman, Avery, another Golden Retriever.

Q: Will you be adding to your pack?

Eight is enough really. I think I can safely say that. It’s quite an overwhelming situation entering the house with eight dogs running towards you.

Q: What inspired you to start Vanderpump Pets? Do you design the products yourself?

Giggy has always worn clothes and hats. Remember, Giggy has to wear clothes because of his alopecia. Like a child, he has to be dressed up to protect his skin in warm weather and against the cold in winter. I just really had a lot of fun doing it. I thought Vanderpump Pets would be a fun project. I’ve been very involved in designing the products. My favourite item is the Vanderpump Pets crystal bowl. We’re trying to keep items very affordable.

When Vanderpump Pets was created, it led to my fight against the Yulin Dog Meat Festival—as I became more immersed in the pet world, I saw the atrocities that were happening. The fight against Yulin Dog Meat Festival is about stopping dog torture. It’s ridiculous—if you go on my Twitter, there’s a picture of a sad, terrified dog, face down with paws tied behind his back. What kind of society do we live in that would do that?

People ask me what about the treatment of cows or pigs. I agree we should fight those causes as well but don’t minimize mine. It’s the cause I’ve chosen. I just think they are incredible creatures. Maybe it’s ambitious to try to stop the Yulin Dog Meat Festival—but I am going to be relentless in my fight to stop the torture.

Q: How did you make the transition from dog lover to starting your own foundation?

I created the Foundation so that I could get others on board in terms of fighting for dogs around the world. We’re working on a documentary about the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, we did World Dog Day, we also did a PSA with Sharon Osbourne, and she helped us in delivering a speech.

We’ve sent images and banners all over the world to encourage other countries to get on board in the fight as well. It has taken a life of its own. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is also opening a dog rescue center. Vanderpump Pets products sold there will benefit the Vanderpump Dog Foundation. We hope to give the rescue dogs at the center a chance. It’s a bigger deal than we realized.

Q: Why is this cause so close to your heart?

I knew when I saw those pictures of dogs being tortured, that to turn away was to condone it. I look at every dog in those pictures; I look into their eyes and all they moderndogmagazine.com

95

There are lots of problems in world, and I do what I can. The cause for dogs is something dear to my heart. Being altruistic and philanthropic is extremely important to me, and fortunately, I’m married to someone who feels the same.

Q: Do you have celebrity support?

A lot. There are a lot of people who love their dogs and treat them like children. To name a few, Lance Bass, Leona Lewis (who lent her voice to sing a song for our cause against Yulin Dog Meat Festival), Eric Benet, Kristin Chenowith, and many others.

Q: What is your primary goal?

Well, what would really make me happy is to have on my epitaph that I was instrumental in drawing attention to the atrocities of the Yulin Dog Meat festival. I want to use my celebrity as voice to give people a better understanding of what is actually happening.

To torture any living being is a crime against humanity.

Another goal is to save as many little furry people as I can. To know when I look at pictures of and into the eyes of a tortured and beaten dog, one we were unable to save, that they did not die in vain. They will be on the rainbow bridge where everyone will be reunited.

Q: Have you set a timeline for achieving it? ask is: what did we do to deserve this? The answer is nothing; they are wonderful creatures that should be loved. To see them tortured and literally piled up on top of each other going to the slaughter breaks my heart and encourages me to act.

The Vanderpump Dog Foundation has rescued 90 dogs from China, and they were absolutely terrorized, given no food or water, and they had limbs broken. Some didn’t make it.

If you go to my website, VanderpumpDogs.org, you can see.

I’ve been ignorant of this, and have chastised myself for not knowing earlier.

No, I don’t think that’s possible with all the work that needs to be done. June 21st is the next Yulin Dog Meat Festival. We’ve done PSAs, and taken to social media to draw attention. We’ve done news shows around the country. The work doesn’t stop there. I want to carry on and bring more people on board. I cannot do this on my own. My partner Dr. John Sessa has been to the slaughter, and he has seen the barbarity first hand. These dogs just lay there just knowing that they are going to die. I can’t sleep at night unless I do something about it. Luckily my husband and Dr. John Sessa feel the same.

Q: What was the impetus behind the foundation’s creation?

Q: What initiatives do you have in the works?

My work supporting fighting against Yulin became unsustainable—though I work really hard, I realized I needed more people to get involved.

Having a gala, we raised a lot of money for the Vanderpump Dog Foundation. We had people buying rescue puppies for $25,000 dollars [at our silent auction] and then giving them back knowing that money would go to fight Yulin and save a dog’s life.

When I had the march to the Chinese embassy in Los Angeles, we produced placards, t-shirts and had to get the appropriate permits. It was worth it because 2,000 people joined me. For World Dog Day we celebrated the beauty of these incredible beings, and 4,000 people joined in. We really have found our footing, and people really do want to join us.

96 moderndog

SPRING 2017

We’re going to keep going. I plan on going to England to speak at parliament about Yulin. The Daily Mail has shed a lot of light on the issue. I spoke in front of Congress about Resolution 752, denouncing Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and we’re waiting for that to be passed. I advise and urge all dog lovers to reach out to all politicians to have them support Resolution 752.

I am a doer—I walk the walk and talk the talk. I’m going to be proactive and use my celebrity and my social media audience to make sure to draw attention to as many things as I can. I can’t speak on every cause because there’s only 24 hours in a day. I need the support of other people now. We’re only three people (My husband Ken Todd, my partner Dr. John Sessa and myself) and we’ve done so much. Imagine what could be done with more people on board? n

moderndogmagazine.com

97

BREED PROFILE

The Bernese Mountain Dog The hearty Swiss working dog with a heart of gold

By Kelly Caldwell 98 moderndog

SPRING 2017

, STRONGGENT, INTELOLIOD G D NATURE

H

e’s got it all: brains, beauty, and a great big personality. Known in his native Switzerland as the Berner Sennenhund, the dog we refer to as the Bernese Mountain Dog is one of four mountain dogs native to the Swiss region. It’s hard to imagine a greater international export.

How was this striking dog developed? As with so many of today’s biggest breeds, we look back to the days of the Roman Empire for answers on early origins. Then, soldiers brought giant Mastiff-type dogs along with them on their journey to conquer regions. One of those regions was today’s Switzerland.

Areas such as the Canton (settlement) of Bern were under Roman rule for several hundred years, from roughly 58BC forward, a reign that allowed the herding and working dogs of the regions to interbreed with the Romans’ giant dogs. Over time, four distinct hard-working mountain dogs of Switzerland developed, one of which is what we know today as the Bernese Mountain Dog. A strong and agile working breed used for drafting (pulling carts), driving cattle, and serving as a watchdog on farms, the useful Bernese thrived. But heading into the 1900s, the breed’s popularity declined so severely with the advent of technology— many working dogs were replaced by various vehicles and machinery—that the Bernese might have vanished entirely, were it not for a number of Swiss dog fanciers who intervened. Led by Franz Schertenleib, efforts began in the late 1800s to revive the breed and create an ideal standard for type and temperament.

By the early 1900s, those efforts had paid off, and in 1907, the Swiss Kennel Club recognized the Bernese Mountain Dog as a breed. Shortly after World War I, the first Bernese Mountain Dogs were exported to the United States and the

AKC officially recognized the Bernese in 1937. The breed first made its appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1943—though the Bernese has yet to win the coveted Best in Show title. No matter, the Bernese is widely beloved as a family companion, currently ranking as the 29th most popular purebred in the United States. One can see why: the Bernese is an eye-catching dog—sturdy, large in stature, and possessing a stunning combination of a long, silky black coat with rust and white markings, along with perhaps the dog world’s most soul-piercingly sweet eyes. It’s hard to imagine anything cuter than a Berner puppy. As adults, Bernese can stop traffic with their good looks. When you consider the breed’s personality, it’s easy to understand why the Bernese has flourished and become so popular—he’s beautiful inside and out. His temperament is a dream.

He’s alert and intelligent, According to the most recent AKC but calm by nature. He’s registration statistics not aggressive, he’s not [1] Labrador Retriever overly shy… he’s just good[2] German Shepherd Dog natured and relaxed. With his [3] Golden Retriever easygoing disposition, it’s no [4] Bulldog wonder that the Bernese is [5] Beagle known for being notoriously [6] French Bulldog good with children as well as [7] Yorkshire Terrier other animals.

[8] Poodle He’s a sensitive soul, [9] Rottweiler though. Yes, he works hard [10] Boxer but at his core he is (and [29] Bernese Mountain Dog always has been) a devoted

Most Popular Dogs in the U.S.

moderndogmagazine.com

99

Size: Large According to the AKC standard, males should stand 25 to 27.5 inches at the withers; females 23 to 26 inches. Typical weight ranges for males are 90 to 120 pounds, with females closer to the 75 to 105 pound range.

Activity level: A working dog by nature, the Bernese needs daily exercise in the form of walks, playtime, or best yet—a job of some sort. Room to roam is ideal for this athletic dog.

Grooming: That beautiful, silky coat is going to require regular brushing to look its best. A double-coated breed, the Bernese does shed a fair bit.

Heritage: Hunting Dog Developed in Switzerland as a family companion and watchful farm guardian who assisted farmers by driving small herds of cattle, and carting items on the farm and to and from market.

If you like the Bernese Mountain Dog, you might also give some consideration to the:

For information on Bernese Mountain Dog rescue in the U.S., visit bmdca.org. In Canada, visit bmdcc.ca.

READ YOUR BREED

For more breed profiles, go to moderndogmagazine.com/breeds

100 moderndog

SP RING 2017

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Newfoundland Dog

Great Pyrenees

INSET IMAGES ©AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

Profile: The Bernese Mountain Dog

companion animal. He’s a family pet and longs to be with his people. Yes, that thick fur coat means he can tolerate inclement weather, but he’s not an outside dog; he wants to be where his people are. An isolated or ignored Bernese Mountain Dog will not thrive, and may become destructive out of frustration.

Basic obedience training to raise a well-mannered dog should be a priority for every dog, but when it comes to large breeds, it’s particularly important. Start with puppy obedience classes and expect to dedicate basic training time every day. Sensitive souls like the Bernese will respond to consistent, positive training methods. Let your training and guidance be firm but kind, and he’ll thrive and impress you with his capabilities.

Speaking of capabilities, what can’t the Bernese do? He’s easily one of the most versatile breeds out there. Drafting and herding work come naturally to him, but that’s just the beginning. He’s hard-wired to work and please, and could excel at conformation, obedience, agility, tracking, therapy work… you name it, the Berner can do it.

Health-wise, like all purebreds, the Bernese is susceptible to some genetic disorders, and as a large breed he also has some challenges owing to his stature. What else might you want to know about this breed? Well, let’s start with the drooling.

In fact, the Bernese is not meant to be a dog that drools a lot; however, some do. So, the drool is a maybe. The hair?

Indisputable. If you want your house absolutely spic and span, and cleaning up on a daily basis isn’t for you, I’d say this breed isn’t a great fit. His double-coat is glorious, but it sheds.

With occasional bathing and regular brushing, he’ll look great, but he’ll shed. Fanciers would tell you that sweeping and vacuuming up a bit of fur every day is a small price to pay when the trade-off is the luxury of sharing their homes and hearts with these gentle souls.

The Bernese Mountain Dog may or may not be the right dog for you or your lifestyle, but either way, you’ve got to admit, the Berner is nothing short of a head-turner.

PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Flower Power!

Put some spring in your

PERFE CT FOR S PECIAL OCCAS IONS!

dog’s step with a flowerembellished collar!

It’s the little things that make a big difference, bringing a smile and elevating moods. Think bubble machines or taking the time to make the dinner table beautiful. This DIY collar accessory certainly falls into this category and couldn’t be simpler. All you need is some fake flowers from a craft or dollar store and a wee bit of hand stitching, and voilà, you have a day-brightening bloom affixed to your dog’s collar!

By Rose Frosek Illustrations by Jessica Palmer

What You'll Need • A dog collar • Silk flower • 6 inches of ribbon • Needle + thread

Duke explores his feminine side with a DIY bloom-embellished collar. (Collar from Beverly Hills Collar)

How-to Flowers with a flat fabric bottom are easiest to work with. If your flower has a plastic base and stem, snip off the stem as close as possible to the plastic base. Center your flower in the middle of the length of fabric. Using your needle and thread, stitch the ribbon to the base and some of the bottom leaves of the flower so that the flower is now affixed to the ribbon. And that’s it—use the ribbon to tie the flower on to your dog’s collar!

PENNY PALMER MD OFFICE DOG .

SPORTS A BLOOM

102 moderndog

SP RING 2017

moderndogmagazine.com

103

From

140

$

Get your fetch on with the Go Dog Go Automatic Ball Launcher! Designed for various forms of independent play or owner-controlled play via a handy remote, this ball-throwing machine is a must for fetch-obsessed dogs! godoggoinc.com

From

49

$

Cozy, warm, and ultra lightweight, Louie de Coton’s Honey Comb thermal fleece jacket traps body heat when temperatures plunge and dries quickly.

Handcrafted in Seattle, the stretchy fit hugs your dog for a calming effect. louiedc.com or on Amazon.

Look

WHAT WE FOUND! Nifty finds for dogs & the people who love them

ding do ng!

From

109

$

We’ve found the perfect solution for dogs that overheat! Suitical's Dry Cooling vest protects your dog from overheating. Just fill the vest with water and it will immediately start cooling and stay cool for up to three days without getting damp or wet. suitical.com

29

$

{Editor’s Choice} How cool is this wireless doorbell designed for dogs? It’s a snap to install and fun to train your dog to use (goodbye door scratching!). Plus, think of how impressed your guests will be! Check out the video of it in use on their site. pebblesmart.com

85

$

From

15

$

Handcrafted in Atlanta by a master tailor, and made from recycled and repurposed materials, Mister Migs Dog Gear for Good is high fashion for your small dog! Plus, every purchase helps young adults with barriers to employment prepare for the world of work. Pictured is “Chia,” part of their new Ragmuffin collection. mistermigs.com

Keep your dog busy and mentally engaged with the Buster DogMaze! Place treats or kibble in the deep curved tracks and watch your dog use his nose, tongue, and paws to unearth the snacks! Available in two sizes for dogs big and little. kruuse247.com

104 moderndog

SP RING 2017

moderndogmagazine.com

105

TRAINING

DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING

By Nicole Wilde

My six-month-old Weimaraner puppy is a holy terror, destroying EVERYTHING. She's even chewed the couch and the edge of the stairs. She destroys anything she can get her paws on whether we're home or not. What can I do about this? Please help!

Your girl sounds like a happy, healthy Weimaraner pup to me! On the positive side, she’s got lots of that fabulous puppy energy. Now we just need to find ways to focus it on things other than your furniture and prized possessions. Since you mentioned that she’s destructive whether you’re home or away, let’s break the solution down into two parts: there and gone.

First, let’s discuss when you’re gone. There’s not much you can do about destructive behaviour if you’re not there, so it’s time for some tried and true management techniques. Is your girl crate trained? If so, great! If not, check out moderndogmagazine.com/crate-training for how to acclimate her to a crate. Be sure she’s gone potty and is well tired out from exercise before crating her. You can leave her crated up to three to four hours while you’re away. If you are going to be gone longer, have someone come in every few hours to exercise and potty her. The same applies if you choose to have her gated in the kitchen or another room instead of the crate. Just make sure there’s nothing in the area she can destroy.

Dogs chew and destroy things for many reasons, but two of the most common factors are boredom and excess energy.

Regardless of where you leave your pup when you’re gone, she should have a chew item that’s going to keep her busy and be more appealing than her surroundings. Chew items can also be part of the solution when you’re at home, as

106 moderndog

SP RING 2017

they provide an acceptable focus for excess energy and can give you a short break from watching your dog like a hawk!

Different chew items appeal to individual dogs, but a stuffed Kong is one of my all time tried and true favourites. (Some Kong stuffing recipes include a high-quality wet dog food, canned pumpkin, leftover chicken (boneless, of course!) and mashed potatoes, or peanut butter. Tip: freezing a stuffed Kong will keep your dog busy even longer!) There are also many types of balls and other dispensers that can be filled with kibble or treats, which then have to be knocked around to get at the goodies. Sometimes these more “active” type dispensers are more enticing to active dogs who have a hard time lying still to chew.

Two other parts of the puzzle are mental stimulation and physical exercise. Chew toys and dispensers offer some mental stimulation, but you can provide your pup with even more opportunity to use her brain. Training, particularly clicker training, which teaches dogs to figure out what you want and to offer behaviours, is one of the best ways to provide mental stimulation. And those wonderful learned behaviours will also make your life easier! In addition to training, there are puzzle toys that require dogs to paw and nose at various sliders and levers in order to get to hidden treats. And, if you want to earn Mental Stimulation extra credit, take your pup to a K9 Nosework class. Nosework provides excellent mental stimulation for dogs of all ages. No time for class? Pick up a book like Fun Nosework for Dogs by Roy Hunter that teaches you how to set up nosework games at home.

Exercise is all-important when you have an active, high-energy pup. Most owners drastically underestimate the amount of exercise their dogs need. They believe, for example, that a 15-minute potty walk is sufficient. Not even

Dogs chew and destroy things for many reasons, but two of the most common factors are boredom and excess energy.

close! Your pup needs long walks that allow him to stretch his limbs and—how great is this?—also provide mental stimulation in the form of sniffing and exploring! Hiking is a great way to accomplish this. If you are not in an area where hiking is possible, go for long walks around your neighbourhood exploring together. Vary your path periodically to keep things interesting.

Lastly, don’t undo all of your good work by feeding a low quality food. Foods that have lots of corn and other fillers rather than quality ingredients can make a huge difference in dogs’ behaviour. As a trainer, many times I have seen owners do nothing but switch a dog to a better quality food, and the hyperactive and destructive behaviours were greatly lessened.

If you do catch your pup in the midst of puppy redecorating, interrupt the behaviour with a sharp verbal “Eh-eh!” Once you have her attention, lead her away from the area, ask for a simple behaviour such as a sit or down, and then reward her with a proper chew item. The reason to incorporate asking for a behaviour between the interruptor and the reward is so that your pup does not come to equate chewing with being rewarded.

In summary, ensure that your puppy is eating a high quality food and being given proper chew toys, is getting lots of physical exercise and mental stimulation, and is being properly managed whenever you’re away. And, of course, be vigilant when you are at home. If you do these things consistently, you will not only have less destruction, but a healthy, happy, well-adjusted pup who’s gone from “holy terror” to “Holy smokes, what a great dog!”

Nicole Wilde is an award-winning author of ten books on canine behaviour. Her books, seminar DVDs, and Wilde About Dog blog can be found at nicolewilde.com.

moderndogmagazine.com

107

Connie’s Book Club Left to right, from Unleashed

Curl up with a good dog and a good book

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF THIS SPRING'S MUST-READS.

Unleashed

By Amanda Jones The unbridled joyousness of the dogs in Unleashed is simply heart expanding. Dogs of all size and stripe cavort against the glorious backdrop of all four seasons. The dogs, captured by photographer Amanda Jones in a state of ultimate canine-ness, are a delight through and through.

Two Good Dogs

By Susan Wilson This riveting, heartwarming story about the huge role dogs can play in changing peoples’ lives will keep you glued to the page. In Two Good Dogs, the much awaited sequel to Susan Wilson’s New York Times bestseller, One Good Dog, beloved characters Adam and Chance the rescued Pit Bull return, this time saving not one but two lives—one human and one canine. At the center of this story is Cody, a troubled 14-year-old who witnesses a murder and tells no one. When she and her mom move to the Berkshires to open a dilapidated inn, they hope a change of scenery will do them both good. And indeed, things seem to be looking up when Adam and Chance come to stay. Chance and Cody form a tentative bond and Cody’s mom Skye begins to fall for Adam. But the idyll is shortlived—soon a murderer is closing in, threatening everything, even Cody’s life. If you’re looking for a completely captivating and moving novel to curl up with, this it is!

Forever Stay

By Ace Mask This boy-and-his-dog adventure story will keep you turning the pages! Forever Stay chronicles the journey of an autistic boy who inherits a Collie dog that unexpectedly holds the key to a mystery. When a multi-billion dollar corporation lays claim to the dog, a national frenzy is sparked and boy and dog are taken on an adventure that tests the love between them. moderndogmagazine.com

109

Saved by the Dog: Unleashing Potential with Psychiatric Service Dogs

By Anne Martinez Saved by the Dog guides readers through the world of psychiatric service dogs—what they can do and how, who qualifies to have one, and laws that affect service dog handlers.

These amazing dogs are bringing new hope to people with conditions such as PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression, but, exciting as the possibilities are, teaming up with a highly-trained psychiatric service dog isn’t a good solution for everyone—there are drawbacks as well as benefits. Whether you’re looking into getting a psychiatric service dog for yourself or a loved one, or simply interested in these phenomenal dogs, this is the book to read first!

From Pug Meets Pig

The Wrong Dog: An Unlikely Tale of Unconditional Love Pug Meets Pig

By Sue Lowell Gallion; Illustrated by Joyce Wan Prepare to be seriously charmed by this truly adorable book perfect for the beginner reader in your life. Sweet and funny, it tells the story of a content Pug whose world is turned upside down by the arrival of Pig. Will they ever be friends? Matched with delightful illustrations, it celebrates adapting to change, being kind, and making new, unlikely friends.

Out Of The Cold

By Valerie Ingram & Alistair Schroff; Illustrated by Amanda Moeckel “You cannot just think about it, you cannot say, ‘someone should do something about that.’ You are that someone.”—Lakes Animal Friendship Society This beautifully illustrated children’s book carries a wonderful, galvanizing message for children: you can make a difference! The inspiring story details a community’s involvement in making doghouses for dogs with no access to shelter, the project sparked by one young girl’s desire to make a difference. Buy this book for all the little animal lovers in your life. You can even get involved yourself and download the plans to make a community doghouse from a single sheet of plywood!

110 moderndog

SP RING 2017

By David Elliot Cohen This endearing memoir meets winning road trip adventure story combines wit and self-deprecation for a wonderful read any dog lover will relate to. With it's cross-country romance and blended family whose bond is only strengthened by an out of control Labrador Retriever, this relatable, thoroughly modern story will win your heart. The poignant ending reminds us that a "good death" is the final blessing and the last gift we should strive to bestow on our own dogs. Highly recommended!

Beware Of The Dog: Positive Solutions for Aggressive Behavior In Dogs

By Pat Miller Pat Miller’s Beware of the Dog is a must-read for anyone wanting to raise a confident, well-adjusted puppy and especially for those dealing with aggression issues in their own dog. This well written, easy to follow book is a gem, outlining concisely how to evaluate, manage, and modify aggressive behaviour in dogs. With chapters on how to listen with your eyes, causes of aggression, and positive management strategies that really work, this engaging, interesting, and supremely useful book will prove a godsend for many families.

Old Sanctuary GOLDEN

OLDIES

The cutest page on the Internet is all about old dogs!

By Elisabeth Fillmore

Arty takes cat nap standing up.

Xxxxxxxx Byare Xxxxxx Pugs Jeff and Jake superglued together.

A napping Captain Ron blocks the way.

T

he cutest dog-related page on the Internet isn’t a page dedicated to puppies, or Pugs, or even to dogs reacting to snow for the first time—it’s the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary’s Facebook page. BuzzFeed called it “the best Facebook page that exists,” and in our book, that’s not hyperbole.

Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary is a Tennessee dog sanctuary for senior dogs, particularly those with medical problems or disabilities, and we at Modern Dog have been fans for years. Their photos of elegant Ms. Gertrude, a Lab-mix mutt, opinionated Pug Mildred, and troublemaking senior duo Jake and Jeff, brighten up our Facebook feed everyday. We reached

112 moderndog

SP RING 2017

out to Zina Goodin, co-founder of Senior Dog Sanctuary, to chat about her wonderful dogs and the non-profit organization they started in 2012.

“We started off as a breed specific rescue of Golden Retrievers,” recalls Zina. However, it wasn't long before she started to notice that senior dogs were being dumped in shelters, and that these seniors often faced euthanasia. For Zina, this simply just wouldn’t do. They changed their focus to saving old dogs and the rest, as they say, is history.

Investing in senior dogs is neither cheap nor easy, but Zina and her husband are deeply dedicated to their charges at Old

PHOTO XXXXXXXX

photos old friends senior dog sanctuary

Xxxxxxxxxx

As Gracie and Toby can attest, life is golden.

Friends. Theirs is a for-life program, meaning that Zina and Michael ensure all of their rescues are in a loving home for the duration of their days. 20 of the dogs currently live with Zina and Michael, another 30 senior rescues call the Sanctuary's new, nearby five-acre location home, and others are placed with local fosters (within 100 miles of Juliet, Tennessee) that volunteer with the Sanctuary.

Interested in adopting a sweet senior yourself and giving a deserving dog a loving home to spend his final years? The rewards are many, but Zina notes that you do need to be prepared for mobility issues and incontinence, along with possible blindness or deafness and resultant communication issues. For

114 moderndog

SP RING 2017

nap time!

Chewy on high alert. example, Captain Ron, one of Old Friends’ celebrity seniors and a favourite on Facebook, is deaf and often gets confused when other dogs bark at him. Zina also advises people to give these older rescues time to settle in. Many have been passed from shelter to shelter and often need to get used to a new home.

That said, Zina would urge you to take a chance on an old dog.

The sweet photos that Senior Dog Sanctuary shares of their happy seniors doing their thing certainly show that, given the chance, old dogs can shine. Follow their Facebook page for daily heartwarming updates as to what these golden oldies are up to (napping!) and a reminder that although the Internet may be full of cat people, dogs really do get their share of love. n

photos old friends senior dog sanctuary

Leo, the OFSDS rock star.

116 moderndog

SP RING 2017

Must-haves for you & your dog

moderndog marketplace

Want to advertise in moderndog?

Call 1-866-734-3131 or email us at sales@moderndogmagazine.com moderndogmagazine.com

117

Must-haves for you & your dog

118 moderndog

SP RING 2017

moderndog marketplace

moderndogmagazine.com

119

LAST LICK

'American Idol' season nine winner Lee DeWyze kisses his pet dog while out on a coffee run in Studio City, California.

! e v o It 'staLrs and

S ir dogs the

Erica Pelosini Leeman posing with her dog Cashmere the Golden at Missoni Fall Winter 2017 Men's show during Milan Fashionweek.

They can't resist a puppy snuggle.

Hip hop recording artist Big Baby D.R.A.M. and his Goldendoodle, Idnit.

"I got him because I always wanted a dog but never had the means to take care of, let alone purchase one until I made myself a career in music. Partially symbolic, all love."

They kiss their pups.

120 moderndog

SP RING 2017

Their dogs are their best friends.

ENTERTAINMENT, SPLASH; ©MCVITANOVIC, SPLASH NEWS ; SAIS

They can't get enough puppy love!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ©BOGGS, SPLASH NEWS; ©LONDON

Paris Hilton cuddles up to her pet dog as she waits to pick up some food in Beverly HIlls, Ca