Modern Dog Summer 2012 by Modern Dog Magazine

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions SUMMER 2012

Brilliant Ideas For

Summer Bliss Are you making these 10 TRAINING MISTAKES? Your Dog Wants These Toys p.

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RAID YOUR CUPBOARD & CRISPER! HEALTHY SNACKS FOR YOUR DOG

SUMMER 2012

VOL 11

117

FEATURES 30

Are You Making These 10 Training Mistakes? Ten common mistakes and how to avoid them. BY STEVE DUNO

Splash! High Jumpin’ Dock Dogs Water-loving dogs of all sizes and stripe jump for joy at crowd-thrilling Dock Dog events. BY ROSE FROSEK

How a Dog Suit Improved My Love Life An interview with Wilfred creator Jason Gann.

Doggone Good Business 48 A trio of entrepreneurs share how they made their dogbusiness dreams a reality. BY COREY VAN’T HAAFF 78

Sense and Sense-Ability Part 2: I Scent, Therefore I Am. BY JENNIFER MESSER

10 Ways to Make Your Dog Smile Make the most of the summer season with these fun tips to delight your dog. BY ROSE FROSEK

Wet Dogs

Behind the Scenes: “Wet Dogs” Photo Shoot Meet the dogs and take a look at what goes on behind the camera. Healthy Additions to Your Dog’s Diet In search of healthy rewards for your treat hound? Raid your cupboard and crisper! BY ELIZABETH PASK AND LAURA SCOTT

Sweet Summer Style Super seasonal scores. Bargain Buys Fab, fun, and affordable finds. Your Dog Wants These Toys Fun times are ahead with this round up of terrific dog toys.

BODY AND SOUL 64

The Buck Stops Here; It’s the Pits

Can Dogs Eat Apples? The Campout Checklist; The Find

68 5 Steps to Speedy Recall; Vinegar For Health 70 The Doctor’s In Nutrition and cancer, plus what to do if your dog is choking.

BREED PROFILE

What Would Martha Do? 24 Martha Stewart dishes the goods on staying organized, getting focused, and loving her dogs. BY MARY-JO DIONNE

2 moderndog SUMMER 2012

What a Dog’s Wagging Tail Really Means Surprising new scientific data shows the tail—its movement, position, even the direction of its wag—is a barometer of your dog’s mood. BY STANLEY COREN

THE GOODS

BY BRIELLE MORGAN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY HANS SIPMA

NO 2

The Shar-Pei Chinese puzzle. BY MARIAN BUECHERT

LIVING 20

Canine Blood Bank Donor dogs save lives by donating blood. BY OLIVIA ZAULI FELLOWS

We’re Giving it Away We’ve got three months of groovy giveaways, from puzzle toy packs to dog food, and winners every week!

Mr. Pazu Strange creatures, dogs are. COMICS BY DIANA THUNG

Gardening 101 How to have your dog and keep your garden, too!

100

The Calgary Model How one man revolutionized a major Canadian city’s animal services department and eradicated their pet overpopulation problem. BY SARA LIMA

105

DIY Train Dog Trick: Carry your leash. BY NICOLE PERRY

106

Hump Around Curbing obsessive humping behaviour.

BY OLIVIA ZAULI FELLOWS

DIY Craft Make it! Vintage suitcase dog bed.

BY COLLEEN SAFFORD

BY KATHRYN EKLOFF

DIY Eat Inspiringly easy, delish summer recipes your dog will simply adore.

REGULAR FEATURES

6 8 10 12 14 22 127

Editor’s Letter Contributors Our Readers Write Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace

COVER LOOK Martha Stewart with her Chow Chow, Genghis, one of her three absolutely adored dogs. For our exclusive interview with the endless inspiring business magnate and media force—entrepreneur, publisher, TV personality, homemaker extraordinaire, expert crafter...is there anything this woman can’t do?—turn to page 88. © 2011 M A R T H A S T E W A R T O M N I M E D I A , I N C . A L L RIGHTS RESERVED.

108

Door Scratching Shih-Tzu Putting the kibosh on door scratching. BY INGER MARTINS

110

Winning Over a Fearful Dog The key to overcoming fear-based aggression? Hint: it’s not punishment. BY TEOTI ANDERSON

110

Keep Your Paws to Yourself Deterring the dog that paws for attention. BY NICOLE WILDE

112

Embarrassing Moments Your dog did what? Cringe-worthy canine escapades.

117

Art Attack We’ve fallen hard for Nancy Schutt’s folksy, Hockneyesque paintings with their saturated hues and wonderfully weird scenarios. BY SARA LIMA

119

Connie’s Book Club Hit the beach with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s picks to pack in your beach bag.

122

Ask Dog Lady Bothered and bewildered? Crazed and confused? Dog Lady delves into your most dogged dilemmas. BY MONICA COLLINS

136

Last Lick: How I Met My Dog How my dog helped me meet the rest of my life. BY TINA BHARGAVA FLORES

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P H OTO H A N S S I P M A

PHOTO TANYA KING

E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

ith two significant dates ahead of me, one a milestone birthday and the other Modern Dog’s 10-year anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on my life, the choices I’ve made, where they’ve led me, and what I’d like yet to accomplish. Throughout it all, pets have been a constant, from birds to hamsters, rabbits, fish, cats, and, of course, dogs. I’ve become a better person and my life has been made richer for sharing it with animals. In particular, my Weimaraner/Pointer cross, Kaya, who has now passed on and of whom I’ve written here many times before, had a profound impact on my life. I recently read W. Bruce Cameron’s new book, A Dog’s Journey (see p119), which asks the question, “Do we take care of our pets or do they take care of us?” and it made me stop and think. When Kaya came into my life I would never have dreamt that she was in any way taking care of me; rather, quite the opposite. I came to love her dearly, spending 15 years of our lives together, but she wasn’t an easy-going dog by any means, especially not during those first three or four years co-habitation. A hyperactive, flatulent barker with a mind of her own, she possessed boundless energy and a bad case of separation anxiety. Frequently, she tried my patience beyond what I thought any human should have to endure. Somehow, though, we worked out our differences and the bond that ensued was the strongest I’ve ever had with a dog. I still feel an ache in my heart whenever I think about her. She taught me lots about myself too; lessons on being kinder, less selfish, more tolerant, and how to enjoy a deeper connection with nature. So when I consider Cameron’s question, I have to conclude that, at some point in our lives, if we are fortunate enough to share a bond with an animal, we come to understand how our pets take care of us. This realization

6 moderndog SUMMER 2012

makes it all the more difficult to look back and recognize times I could have been a better guardian to my pets, and, for that matter, all in my care. I often wish I had the power to travel back in time to gain a chance to do it again, but better. Although I can’t change the past, I can make a difference now and I’ve chosen to do so by helping others live their best doginclusive lives. Kaya gave me examples of just about every problem a dog can throw at you (thanks, Kaya!), problems our carefully selected dog training experts solve with methods based on positive reinforcement, as opposed to the negative, fear-based methods that have unfortunately regained popularity over the past few years. The more I come to understand dogs, the more painful it becomes to watch people use archaic “alpha” tactics to “train” (read: intimidate) their pets. Our dogs deserve better. Turn to page 106 for the training problems tackled in this issue, from door scratching to fear-based aggression. And for a whole ton of additional training advice, go to moderndogmagazine.com/training. Whatever your problem, I bet we’ve addressed it! As always, it’s our mandate to highlight rescue as an excellent option for anyone in search of a new canine pal. In this issue, we have a super cute assortment of adoptable and rescued dogs (including my girl, Penny!) featured in the amazing “Wet Dogs!” photo shoot. Flip to page 56 to see the photos as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how the shoot unfolded. And we’re thrilled to have Martha Stewart on the cover of our DIY themed summer issue. For our exclusive interview with the endlessly inspiring Stewart, turn to page 88. Throughout the issue you’ll find recipes and crafts galore, from vintage suitcase dog beds to puppy pumpkin “ice cream.” We’ve also got cool finds, from bargain buys to toys your dog will love, fun activities to get you out and about in the sunshine, book picks to pack in your beach bag, healthy snacks found in your crisper, inspiring entrepreneurs whose businesses have quite literally gone to the dogs, and much, much more. Let’s celebrate summer!

To make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from… And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time. – T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

C ON TRIBU TOR S SUMMER 2012

•

VOL 11

NO 2

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc.

We’re thrilled to welcome Nicole Perry as a new regular Modern Dog contributor. Niki’s a certified professional dog trainer, Karen Pryor Academy graduate, certified equestrian massage therapist, writer, speaker, and business owner. Niki’s goal is to help humans create harmony in their relationships with animals through an understanding of canine communication and behaviour and to demonstrate how much fun training your dog can be. So it’s absolutely perfect that she’s signed on to share a dog trick howto in each issue. Let the fun and games begin! Turn to page 105 for the first trick installment.

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor

Jennifer Nosek Contributing Editor

Marian Buechert Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Circulation Manager

Jessica Nosek Publication Clerks Supervisor

Omar Duran Rojas Design & Production

Maxine Matishak Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing

Sara Lima, Mary Liu Editorial Assistant

Olivia Fellows Accounting and Subscription Services Assistant

Celine Benipayo

The Holland-born photographer Hans Sipma makes his Modern Dog debut with the amazing (if we do say so ourselves) “Wet Dogs” photo-editorial. Now based in Vancouver, BC, Hans worked as an in-house photographer and cinematographer for both The Bay and Eaton’s before opening his own studio in 1982. Known for his visual humour, Hans’ photography is found in the portfolios of some of Canada’s top art directors and advertising agencies. His work has been featured in magazines such as Archive, Communications Arts, and Applied Arts, and he has been honoured at advertising awards shows across North America. Check out the awesome photos from the “Wet Dogs” shoot on page 56, then flip to page 62 for a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot happenings.

Funny men with dogs easily top Brielle Morgan’s list of likes. Bearded funny men to be precise. So it’s no surprise she was down to interview a scruffy-faced guy in a dog suit for this issue. Not only did she enjoy Jason Gann’s general hilarity, but she got something of a dog fix—kind of a big deal for this dog-deprived Master of Journalism student. Brielle’s biggest complaint about university life? Not enough dogs on campus. Check out her interview with Jason Gann on page 38.

8 moderndog SUMMER 2012

Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan Donations Program Liaison

Jessica Nosek Honourary Editor-at-Large

Jytte Wilson Subscription inquiries call (800) 417-6289 Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 11, Issue 2. 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 11, Issue 2. 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.

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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 2012 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. One-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $15USD, 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

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www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Bark Back! OUR R EA D ER S W R I T E I am new to the magazine... and I LOVE it! Well done! Finally a magazine about dogs that’s not just for the dog-obsessed, but for regular dog owners who just happen to absolutely adore their dogs. —Ashleigh Elson YOU ’VE G OT M A IL I wanted to share a story about the effect your magazine had on a little boy. I boarded a plane in Tampa about a month ago and heard the little boy in front of me sobbing. I asked the lady next to me if she knew why he was crying, and she explained that his mother had sobbingly said goodbye to him and his siblings at departure. She thought maybe the children had to leave their mom for a while; I later found out from the little boy’s sister that the children were to live with their aunt in another state for a year. Both the lady next to me and I had tears running down our faces. The little boy cried for the longest time. I thought maybe he liked animals and would be comforted by the Modern Dog magazine I was looking at. It had some really funny dog pictures in it and certainly had me smiling so I thought maybe it would comfort him. I tapped on the sister’s shoulder and asked if her brother liked animals. He did, so I asked her to give him my magazine. A few minutes passed before I noticed that the boy had stopped crying and was now laughing out loud. If only for a while, he had forgotten his grief and pain. I was amazed and it made me realize the power animals have to comfort and offer some hope in a world that sometimes can seem so difficult. Thank you for giving this little boy a glimpse of hope and comfort during a difficult time.—Miriam

REAL L Y SW EET TW EET @flutebake (Susanna Caliendo) Just got my new issue of @ModernDogMag magazine... great to see #bullybreeds featured! Inspired these cookies :)

FAC E B OO K F R I E NDS Best parts of the Spring issue? The bully spread!! I love that your magazine showcases them as the loveable, beautiful breeds they are. And seeing your cover model with a baby bully made me want to buy three subscriptions.—April Fahr Katherine Heigl’s interview!—Andrea Leader The bully breeds. I have been waiting for a Modern Dog issue dedicated to them. Way to go!—Kristen Neratini “Wedding Bells!” Our wedding last year would not have been right without our Dachshund in it.—Tina Flores The Pittie on the front! They get so much bad press.—Anna Williams-Hughes “Into The Wild” and “Secrets To Good Canine Health.”—Sharon Gilbert The Bully portion was the best, especially the adorable cover! —Ann Quirk BULLY BREEDS! My Pittie girls were proud!—Courtney Ryan Bully breeds! And also the showing of support for shelter dogs! —Alyssa Tabert Bully’s being represented positively!!!—Ashley Butler

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, and exclusive giveaways, become a fan of Modern Dog on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Go to facebook.com/moderndogmagazine & twitter.com/moderndogmag.

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STUFF WE LOVE Modern Dog staffers’ picks of the litter

1 Silence is golden (or brass in this case). I gladly accept my new position as office “no barking”

enforcer with my hand-engraved vintage brass dog whistle from McKenna Kemp.—Maxine “Whistlin’ Dixie” Matishak ($30, etsy.com/shop/mckennakemp)

2 This terrific Best in Park “Old School” collar is my new jam. The natty stripes evoke a State’s

Fair afternoon kind of outing with the limited edition colour combo, antique-finish hardware, and leather trim striking just the right trad note.—Dapper Dachshund Esther ($50, bestinpark.com)

3 I can’t think of anything more fun than taking funny pictures of my dog, Molly. Now with this

170-degree wide-angle fisheye camera, I’ll never want to stop! The camera features a true fisheye viewfinder and settings for long exposures and multiple exposures on the same frame. The best part is that it uses normal 35mm film that can be developed anywhere!—Vanessa ($75, canada. shop.lomography.com)

4 The great thing about a collar from Hot Dogs All Dressed is you can customize it to express

your pup’s personality. Cash is my little lambchop and Roxy is a dainty little ladybug. ‘Nuff said. —Sara (From $26, hotdogsalldressed.com)

5 Sighs of blissful contentment are all I hear from my dogs now that they’re snoozing on a plush Lounge Bed from Luca. One medium-size bed with Zen pattern cover = two happy retrievers yin and yanging together.—Marian (from $145, lucafordogs.com)

6 Featuring an adorably unique design, these handmade Sad Pug rocks glasses from Bread and Badger are going to be my favourite cocktail’s new best friend. Hello summer patio drinks! —Olivia ($18, breadandbadger.com)

7 On your way back from the beach, wet, dirty dogs in tow? Throw down one of Doggone Smart’s

water- and stain-repellant blankets in the backseat to protect your car and please your dogs who will love cuddling up on the cotton canvas backed by soft microfiber velvet.—Jennifer ($99, doggonesmartbed.com)

8 Cleaner air? Why, yes please! The OCD in me is relieved that my air purifier captures the dogs’ little hairs and dander, amongst other things. Thanks to Honeywell’s True HEPA Allergen Remover, the air in my office feels cleaner and smells better.—Celine ($180, honeywellpurifiers.com)

9 As self-appointed front door guard, I had to lie on the cold slate floor—that is, until I got an

eco-friendly Bamboo Lounge bed from P.L.A.Y. It’s got the perfect amount of stuffing, and my mom loves the tropical motif that matches our home décor and that it’s easily laundered. —Dachshund Penny ($108, petplay.com)

10 What’s the perfect way to spend summer with your pal? How about skateboarding while taking the dogs out for a walk? My new Coco short board from Hendrick Boards is not only super fun, but partial proceeds from every purchase go directly to local California animal shelters and rescues.—Mary ($80, hendrickboards.com)

11 Vacuuming has never been this fun! The easy to maneuver Dyson DC39 Animal combines the

power of cyclone technology with a mini turbine head to pick up the most deeply embedded dog hair, even in tight spaces. I’m impressed!—Omar ($499, dyson.com)

12 I’ve amassed a considerable library of dog-themed books and what better to show off my

collection while keeping them upright on the shelves than these exquisite Argento SC bookends. Available in an assortment of breeds (the Pugs are irresistible, as are the Bassets) in either white or black lacquer.—Connie ($40, argentosc.com)

13 This handy compartmentalized belt is large enough for my iPhone, keys, cash, and poo

bags, but small enough that it won’t get in my way while running with the pooch.—Jessica ($20, doogshop.com)

14 These super tiny Motz wooden pet speakers are super cool. Handcrafted from apricot wood

and less than six inches in length, they’re perfectly portable and have surprisingly great sound. They support all mobile devices so just plug in your phone, iPod or MP3 player and jam out. —Miniature Dachshund Rose ($40, pyramidistribution.com)

(

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DIY

Recycled Dog Shirt-Collar

The Dog House Frank Lloyd Wright Built In 1956, 12-year-old Jim Berger penned a letter to the architect of his family home requesting plans for a dog house for his Black Lab, Eddie, that would compliment their house and offering to pay for the plans with money earned from his paper route. Berger wrote in his letter: “I would appreciate it if you would design me a doghouse, which would be easy to build, but would go with our house ... (My dog) is two and a half feet high and three feet long. The reasons I would like this doghouse is for the winters mainly.” Later that year, the plans arrived, free of charge. The architect was none other than Frank Lloyd Wright, arguably the greatest American architect of the 20th century. While the original house no longer exists, a reproduction is making the rounds as part of “Romanza” a documentary on Wright-designed homes in California.

Update your dog’s look: make your dapper dog a snazzy shirt-collar in less than 30 minutes for next to nothing! Get the instructions at moderndogmagazine.com/ DIYDogShirtCollar.

POLL RESULT 57% of readers think female dogs make better pets than male dogs.

Bark and Bowl: Strike out Canine Cancer Lace up your bowling shoes, grab your bowling ball, and help find a cure

Love to bowl and love dogs? Don’t like to bowl but love dogs? Either way you’ll have a blast at Bark and Bowl. Event organizers promise “bowling under the best light and sound shows around, glow balls whizzing down the alley, great music to dance to, great prizes, plus drinks and team photos.” All proceeds benefit the National Canine Cancer Foundation. Bark and Bowl events are taking place in Portland, OR, South Florida, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, Denver, and San Diego. barkandbowl.com >> For more canine-related events, check out moderndogmagazine.com/events

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PHOTOS CRAFTBITS.COM

CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

What is a Woola? Our favourite character in Disney’s John Carter? Woola, the adorably ugly creature that seems, to us at least, like a pretty interesting composite of some well-known breeds. What do you think inspired Woola’s creation? We’re guessing the blue tongue of the Shar-Pei, the head of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bulldog’s short stocky legs...

YOUR CAT HERE? Calling all cool cats...

It’s the Modern Cat Cover Competition! To celebrate the impending launch of the first issue of Modern Cat magazine (woohoo!) we’re running a cover cat competition. Does your cat have what it takes? Submit a photo and find out. The winning cat will get a photo shoot and will be featured on the cover of the premier issue of Modern Cat magazine, out September 2012! Enter at moderncat.com/covercat.

We’re on Follow us on Pinterest! We’re sharing inspiring images, recipes, DIYs... 16 moderndog SU MMER 2012

THE SCOOP

Dogs and Babies Really, what could be cuter? (Okay, aside from Baby Dogs and Babies. If you have any of those, you really must send us photos.) We’re in search of the cutest dog-and-baby snaps for publishing in Modern Dog magazine. Send your photos to babypics@moderndogmagazine.com for a chance to appear in an upcoming issue!

THE MUMMY RETURNS

(this time without Brendan Fraser) Thought mummification was buried in the past? Not anymore. A company called Summum is resurrecting the practice, billing itself as the only place in the world still offering mummification services. Not only do they cater to people who want to preserve

VIDEO HITS: Underwater Wiener Dogs and More We shared this video on our Facebook page back in April, but we like it so much we had to share it here, too. Underwater video of Dachshunds swimming, set to the song “Splish Splash, I Was Taking a Bath?” Pretty much sums up all of what’s right and good about summer (and that’s plenty), if you ask us. Check it out here: moderndogmagazine.com/ underwater-wiener-dogs While you’re at it, Sparky’s Celtic Kibble dance is pretty darn awesome too: moderndogmagazine.com/sparkys-celtickibble-dance

their bodies forever, they also offer pet mummification. The cost for mummifying a pet varies between $6,000 and $128,000 depending on its weight and size, and the type of encasing chosen.

MODERN DOG POLL Should people be allowed to tie their dogs outside establishments while they quickly run in? >> Go to moderndogmagazine.com to vote.

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THE SCOOP

Modern Dog’s Cartoon Caption Contest 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.

noun, plural -roes; for 4 also -ros. 1. One of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. May or may not belong to the species Canis. 2. One who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal: He was a local hero when he saved the drowning child. Frequently in possession of four legs and a tail.

AND THE WINNER FROM THE SPRING ISSUE IS: Ahh this artist has captured the essence of the bone, so pure, so delectable, it just speaks to me on such a personal level.... SUBMITTED BY DONNA REGAN

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS: Here is to you my tasty old friend! SUBMITTED BY SHARON DEASEL

I don’t know how I feel about it. On one hand it’s art; on the other, knowing that the artist is a cat, I think I’m being mocked. SUBMITTED BY WILLIAM MITTLER I much preferred last month’s installment, “mailmen, squirrels, and leaves in the wind.” SUBMITTED BY LIANNE SAUTER Not only do I consider the Bona Lisa his greatest work, but it makes me immensely hungry. SUBMITTED BY BARRY PREHODKA It’s a fairly good show but I notice a serious lack in tennis ball representation. SUBMITTED BY VIRGINIA STREITBERGER

3. The principal canine character in a story, play, film, etc. See Lassie. 4. Hero sandwich. Do you know a hero dog? Maybe it’s the Golden that visits your child’s school to assist with reading, the Maltese next door that makes weekly appearances at the local retirement community, or your aunt’s dog that helped her recover from cancer. Or perhaps it’s your dog, a friend who makes you LOL even after a long, hard, stressful day at the office. There are many different interpretations of what makes a hero (See above. In some cases it’s luncheon meats and a crusty roll.), but for many, the title undeniably belongs to a dog. Fittingly, then, the American Humane Association is again recognizing the important role dogs play in our everyday lives with the second annual Hero Dog Awards. Voting is now open for nominated dogs in eight categories: Law Enforcement/Arson; Service; Therapy; Hearing; Emerging; Military; Guide; and Search and Rescue. The winning pup will be honoured on national television and featured in Modern Dog, win a trip to Hollywood and receive up to $15,000 for her charity of choice. Show your support and place your vote at herodogawards.org. moderndogmagazine.com

INSPIRE

Canine Blood Banks Donor dogs save lives by donating blood By Olivia Zauli Fellows ALEXA DEANS AND BRANDO

hether you’re a regular blood donor, have donated once or twice, or have never before participated in this philanthropic endeavour, you’ve cer-

tainly heard of blood drives and donations. What many people are unaware of is that they also exist for dogs. “Back in the day, if we needed to give blood to a dog, we’d come up with emergency donors,” says Dr. Kath Klassen, a veterinarian at the Vancouver Animal Emergency Clinic in British Columbia. Mercifully, this is no longer the case. Canine blood banks are beginning to spread across North America and luckily so; each donation can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. The Vancouver Animal Blood Society (VABS; animaler.com/ blood-services) started blood banking in 2004, relying primarily on word of mouth to collect donations. Depending on availability of their staff and donors, blood banking usually happens three times a month, with two donors per day.

How It Works

The requirements for new donors are that the dogs are vaccinated, between one and six years old, are not taking medication, weigh 50 pounds or more, and are happy, calm dogs—you don’t want the experience to be scary for your dog. Additionally, donors cannot have had a blood transfusion, and female dogs need to be spayed and not have had a litter of puppies.

20 moderndog SU MMER 2012

The whole procedure takes around two hours and does not pose any serious risks. Owners may choose to stay at the clinic with their dogs or drop them off and pick them up when finished. There are some perks too. The VABS vets offer a complementary health check-up to donors. “Every time they come in, we go over the record of their family vet visits and, once a year, we do blood, stool, and urine work for the donors, and send all the results to the family vet,” says Dr. Klassen. Alexa Deans first heard of the VABS program in 2006 during a routine vet visit. After seeing a poster detailing the program, she told her vet she would be interested in registering her Pit Bull, Brando, as a donor. The vet assured her he would be a great candidate as he was young, healthy, very friendly, and enjoyed being handled. Brando became a donor and has had a very positive experience. “From the moment we walked into the Vancouver Animal Emergency Clinic, Brando was showered with attention, hugs, compliments, and treats,” says Deans. Brando is now a member of the Top 10 Club, having donated blood 10 times. “I am so thankful that my beautiful dog trusted me enough to consent—okay, submit—to 10 blood donation experiences. I am grateful that the VABS program exists, as it gave us opportunities to give back to other dogs and their guardians,” Dean tells us.

>>Interested in learning more about donation? Ask your vet for information about your local animal blood bank.

! e l i Sm

Modern Dog’s Photo Contest Winners!

Chloe

Bella

Bentley

Summer

Georgia Ginger

Pickles 22 moderndog SU MMER 2012

Sophie

Dallas Bailey

Lillie Bean Beasley

Luna

Captain Tyson

Numa

Jeter

Traveller

Ely

Winston

Hugo

Taylor Clyde Daisy Lennox

Calvin

Think your dog ought to grace the pages of Modern Dog? Send us photos of your picture-perfect pooch! The winning entries will be published in Modern Dog magazine. Send photos to: Modern Dog Photo Contest, Suite 202, 343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4. Submitted photographs are property of Modern Dog and will not be returned. Please include your name, dog’s name and breed, address and contact info, including telephone number. Please send 4 x 6 print photographs or enter online at moderndogmagazine.com. Assignment of rights applies; see full details at moderndogmagazine.com/photosubmission.

Laredo

moderndogmagazine.com

BREED PROFILE

The Shar-Pei Chinese Puzzle

MARY BLOOM © AKC

By Marian Buechert

n old Chinese parable tells the story of how five blindfolded people were asked to figure out what a Shar-Pei was by touch alone. The first felt the dog’s face and declared it to be a hippopotamus. The second stroked the coat from head to tail and said it was a horse. The third touched the tail and vowed she was holding a snail in her hand. The fourth pinched up a couple of rolls of wrinkled skin and asked whose baggy old sweater he had been given. The final person ran his fingers along the dog backwards from rear to front and pulled back, clutching his hand and crying “Ayee! This is a stinging nettle!” Okay—not an old Chinese parable (I wrote it yesterday). But like the pachyderm in the original Asian fable of the six blind men and the elephant, the Shar-Pei is a creature of seemingly mismatched parts and many unusual qualities, illustrating perfectly the dictionary definition of a Chinese puzzle as “something intricate and obscure.” Obscure as in “rare and unknown”: the Chinese Shar-Pei was once listed as the world’s rarest breed in the Guinness Book of World Records and teetered on the brink of extinction in the 1960s and 70s, mainly due to the anti-dog policy of the government in its native China during that period. A desperate effort by a Hong Kong breeder brought the wrinkled dog to the attention of the world and today the breed is ranked 50th in popularity in the United States and it is not unusual to see one at the dog park or even on TV; Peis are popular with advertisers and one was featured in the hit TV series Lost. Perhaps the Shar-Pei’s singular appearance can be linked to its unique roots: recent genetic research has shown that the Pei is one of the most ancient breeds still in existence, being the very first breed to split away from the dog’s wolf ancestors. The same genetic study reveals that the Pei’s closest relatives are the Shiba Inu, Akita, and Chow Chow. While the fluffy, sharp-nosed, prick-eared Shiba and Akita seem to bear no physical resemblance to their Chinese cousin, the Shar-Pei does share one characteristic with the Chow that no other breeds can boast: a blue or black tongue. Undoubtedly, the first thing that one notices about the Pei is the superabundant folds of skin, particularly in the puppy, which gives the breed a highly appealing appearance that is wise, sad, and comical at the same time. Although the adult dog “grows into” its skin to some extent, many mature Peis retain heavy wrinkling, especially around the face, neck, and shoulders. Facial folds contribute to a look described in the American Kennel Club breed standard as “dignified, lordly, scowling, sober and snobbish.” The loose skin was useful to a dog that was hunting or fighting, as an attacking animal would grab a mouthful of Pei, thinking to gain a firm hold, only to find the dog literally twisting around in its skin to bring its teeth to bear on the assailant. The texture of this baggy garment is extraordinary: the name “shar-pei” means sandy dog, a reference to the harshness of the coat. The hair is very short and prickly, sometimes drawing comparisons to a horse’s coat or a shark’s skin. “No other canine possesses this extraordinary type of hair,” writes Ellen Weathers Debo in The Chinese Shar-Pei (T.F.H.; 1986). “The coat does have a velvety texture when one strokes the dog from head to tail, but if…stroked against the grain, it may become abrasive, producing a burning, itching sensation for some people.” The muzzle of the Pei is, indeed, described as resembling a hippo’s mouth: large, broad, and padded, and the tail is short, thick, tapered, and carried high in a ring or curve over the back. Unfortunately, many of the characteristics that make up the distinctive look of the

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Shar-Pei are closely linked with health challenges. Prospective owners should be aware that the breed faces a number of issues such as chronic ear infections (due to the small size of the ear), while those adorable wrinkles can nurture a wide variety of skin problems, from mange, allergies, and bacterial infections, to abscesses. Entropion (eyelid turning inward so that the lashes scratch the eyeball) is very common and many puppies must have their eyelids “tacked” in place (sutured away from the eye) until they grow into their skins, or undergo surgery to permanently remove some of the folds around the eye. For a detailed discussion of Shar-Pei health concerns, refer to the owner guide provided online by the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America at spca.com/PubEd/ Most Popular OwnerGuide.pdf. Dogs in the U.S. The Pei is special—and he knows it! According to AKC 2010 He is clever, but not easily swayed. He registration statistics [1] Labrador Retriever does not make friends easily but is a devoted protector of his family. A war- [2] German Shepherd Dog [3] Yorkshire Terrier rior lurks in the heart of every Pei. [4] Beagle “Shar-Pei are very intelligent, can [5] Golden Retriever be stubborn, and are extremely loyal to the family,” says Terry Cole of TnT [6] Bulldog Shar-Pei Rescue (tntsharpeirescue. [7] Boxer com). “As with any dog, it is important [8] Dachshund to establish yourself and other humans [9] Poodle in the family as leaders, and socialize, [10] Shih Tzu socialize, socialize!” [50] Shar-Pei In The Complete Chinese Shar-Pei (Howell; 1988), Dee Gannon writes: “The Chinese Shar-Pei is not an aggressive dog. Rather, he is a thinking animal who must be allowed to assess the situation and make up his own mind as to the appropriate reaction. The job of the owner is to teach the dog good judgment.” Like any worthwhile puzzle, the Shar-Pei is intriguing, absorbing, ever-challenging, and fun. The key to solving this puzzle is to make sure you’re not wearing any blindfolds and can see the whole animal, understanding and appreciating everything about him that makes the Pei unique. n

Profile:

The Shar-Pei AKC Ranking: #50 in popularity Size: Large—18 to 20 inches Grooming: Moderate (due to health issues)

If you like the Shar Pei, check out:

Activity level: Moderate PHOTOS © AKC

Heritage: Hunting, guarding, fighting US Rescue: sharpeirescue.com Canadian Rescue: csprescue.ca Pug

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Chow Chow

Neapolitan Mastiff

s y a w a e v i G r e m m u S

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No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning June 1, 2012 at 12:01 AM (PST) through August 31, 2012 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.

30 moderndog SU MMER 2012

Are You Making These

10 TRAINING MISTAKES? Ten common mistakes and how to avoid them By Steve Duno Illustration by Kim Smith

fter thousands of years of practice, you might think that training a dog would be a natural, almost intuitive, process for us humans. But, too often, we make honest errors in training that result in nagging misbehaviours and strained relations. Owing to the dog’s resilient nature, minor mistakes rarely result in catastrophe. But major errors can cost owners (and dogs) years of frustration. I’ve therefore listed the ten biggest training mistakes I see owners make, and offer alternatives to improve your chances of keeping you and Fido on the straight and narrow. Note that these are related to training technique only, and not to other important areas such as socialization, enrichment, or exercise.

1. You don’t train your dog often enough Most of us do teach basic behaviours and routines to our new dogs. But once the relationship stabilizes, we often allow our dogs to go on “auto-pilot.” Consequently, response times for important behaviours can worsen; often a dog won’t even respond. This degradation is simply a function of a lack of practice; if you play golf only once a year, you’re going to stink at it, right? Instead of “training then forgetting,” keep your dog’s established behaviours sharp by working them randomly and regularly, several times each day. “Sit” for dinner, “wait” at doors, “down” at the dog park; be spontaneous and unpredictable. Then, each month, teach a new behaviour—a trick will do—to keep your dog’s mind and motivation up. The larger your pet’s repertoire of behaviours, the smarter he or she gets, and the more important you become.

2.You repeat commands I see this often, especially among newbie owners with challenging dogs. The owner has taught a behaviour such as “sit,” but, due to distractions, bad technique, or confusion on the dog’s part, the pet fails to respond. The owner asks repeatedly until, after the sixth or seventh attempt, the dog halfheartedly sits. This stalling becomes a learned behaviour, one that’s hard to break. This often occurs with behaviours that haven’t been fully proofed, or with one the dog doesn’t particularly like to perform. Headstrong dogs, for instance, hate to lie down, as it is an admission of deference. Timid dogs also resist lying down, a position they might deem too unsafe. When I teach “sit,” I do so as if it’s a fun trick; I treat reward at first, praise, then work it in other locations, reducing treat rewards along the way while increasing praise. I make sitting, lying down, or coming when called the greatest things to do.

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Avoid the mistake of asking multiple times, or of making the behaviour seem dreary or unbeneficial.

3. Your training sessions run too long or too short Teaching new behaviours to a dog is a process of evolution, not revolution. The key is in knowing that it’s usually going to take numerous sessions to perfect a new behaviour. Time spent on a training session should reflect some positive result; as soon as you attain some obvious level of success, reward, then quit. Don’t carry on and on, as you’ll likely bore the dog, and actually condition it to become disinterested in the new behaviour. Likewise, don’t end a session until some evidence of success is shown, even if it’s a moment of focus or an attempt by the dog to try to perform. Remember that ten one-minute sessions in a day trump one ten-minute session every time.

4. Your dog’s obedience behaviours are not generalized to varying conditions If you teach Fluffy to “sit” in the quiet of your family room, that’s the only place she will reliably sit. It’s a mistake that many owners make; failing to generalize the new behaviour in different areas with varying conditions and levels of distraction will ensure spotty obedience at best. To generalize a behaviour, first teach it at home with no distractions. Then, gradually increase distractions: turn the television on or have another person sit nearby. Once that’s perfected, move out into the yard. Then add another person or

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dog. Gradually move on to busier environments until Fluffy will perform consistently, even on the corner of a busy city street. Only then will the behaviour be “proofed.” This generalizing is especially vital when teaching the recall command, a behaviour that might one day save your dog’s life. [For more information on reliable recall, go to moderndogmagazine.com/distract-me.]

5. You rely too much on treats and not enough on praise, esteem, and celebrity Treats are a great way to initiate a behaviour or to reinforce that behaviour intermittently later on. But liberal use of treats can often work against you. There can develop in the dog’s mind such a fixation on food that the desired behaviour itself becomes compromised and focus on the owner diffused. Think of it: you’ll rarely see hunting, agility, Frisbee, or law enforcement dogs being offered food rewards during training or job performance. Why? Because it would break focus and interfere with actual performance. Instead, other muses are found, including praise and, perhaps, brief play with a favourite toy. Most of all, reward for these dogs comes from the joy of the job itself. By all means, initiate new behaviours with treats. But once Fido learns the behaviour, replace treats with praise, play, toy interludes, or whatever else he likes. Remember that unpredictable treat rewards work to sharpen a behaviour, while frequent, expected rewards slow performance and focus. Also, understand that you are a reward as well; you responding happily to something your dog has done will work better than a treat, and have the added effect of upping your “celebrity quotient.”

6. You use too much emotion Excessive emotion can put the brakes on Fluffy’s ability to learn. Train with force, anger, or irritation and you’ll intimidate her and turn training sessions into inquisitions. Likewise, train with hyperbolic energy, piercing squeals of delight, and overthe-top displays of forced elation, and you will stoke her energy levels far beyond what is needed to focus and learn. I tell students to adopt a sense of “calm indifference”—a demeanor suggesting competence, and a sense of easy author-

ILLUSTRATION KIM SMITH

Once you are sure a dog knows a behaviour, ask only once! If you are ignored, it’s either because you haven’t taught it properly, or the dog is distracted or simply rebellious (yes, they can be!). Take Fido to a quiet spot and ask again; if he still doesn’t respond, go back to basics and re-teach, avoiding the mistake of asking multiple times, or of making the behaviour seem dreary or unbeneficial. If you suspect your dog is simply blowing you off, don’t be afraid to show your disappointment by saying in a convincing tone: “No; sit.” One other tip; after asking once without response, wait a moment, while looking your dog square in the eye and moving in a bit closer. Often this will be enough to get the dog to comply. Then praise!

ity. A laid-back, loving, mentoring kind of energy that calms a dog, and fills it with confidence. If your dog goofs up, instead of flying off the handle, back off, and try again. Likewise, if she gets something right, instead of erupting with shrill pomp, just calmly praise her, smile, then move on. She will gradually imprint on this relaxed attitude and reflect it.

7. You are reactive, not proactive Dog training is a lot like the beautiful martial art of Tai Chi, with equal parts physical and philosophical. It takes timing, technique, and stamina, as well as a devotion to understanding the canine mind. It is not a skill that can be learned by watching one half-hour television show or from reading a few books. It takes time. As a result, many dog owners have not yet mastered the timing and insight needed to train as capably as they might like. Like someone playing chess for the first time, they react to their opponent’s moves instead of planning their own. When you simply react to Fido’s misbehaviours, you lose the opportunity to teach. Instead, practice your technique; anticipate his reactions ahead of time, becoming more proactive in the process. For example, if trying to quell a barking issue, instead of waiting for the barks to start, catch Fido right before his brain says “bark,” and distract it into some other, more acceptable, behaviour. Know that whatever stimulus is causing the barking needs to be either eliminated or redefined as a “good thing” in the dog’s head. This takes experience and a proactive role on your part.

9. You lack confidence Loss of confidence is a weakness, and I think that, as natural predators, dogs can sense it instinctively. It’s why frightened people get bitten more often than calmer individuals. Show a lack of confidence and Fido will exploit it. That’s not a condemnation of your pet; it’s just a dog’s nature. To avoid this, simply work him more and attain some training successes. Attending a class with him can work wonders to increase your confidence, as can you spending time with other dogs. Try trading dogs with a friend every so often for the different experience. Take your dog into different venues, and push yourself and your dog to learn more. Practice!

Dogs need to feel that their mentors and providers are consistent in behaviour and in rule setting.

8. You are inconsistent Dogs need to feel that their mentors and providers are consistent in behaviour and in rule setting. If you vary training technique too much, especially in the beginning, you’ll diminish your dog’s ability to learn. For instance, if one day you stay patient with a stubborn dog, but the next day lose your cool, she won’t be able to predict how you’ll react at any given moment. This breaks confidence and trust. Instead, stick to a consistent methodology and be unswerving regarding what is suitable behaviour. For instance, if Fluffy isn’t allowed on the bed, but you let it happen two times out of ten, that’s inconsistent. Set rules and stick to them.

10. You don’t train to the individual dog

Every dog has a distinct personality and behavioural profile. Though breed helps determine this, the individual dog’s character must be understood before training can succeed. As a trainer, you must determine what methods will work best with your dog. For example, most retrievers are very sociable and can handle lots of people or dogs around them. But try this with a Chow Chow or Shiba Inu, and you may be in for a surprise. Likewise, a dog with a high food drive will respond to treats, while a dog with a low food drive may require a different muse. A shy dog will fare poorly with a robust training technique, whereas a swashbuckling dog might not even hear the gentle appeals coming from a trainer with a less hardy style. Think timid Toy Poodle versus rowdy Rottweiler. If you have a shy dog, plan on showing a saint’s patience. Train peacefully, with little distractions at first. Train to the dog’s limitations, but plan to gradually sneak in social situations to desensitize and build confidence. If your dog is a big, bulldozing lummox, be just as big, just as hearty. Know that this dog can be challenged more than that timid dog. And know that, because of its size and strength, you simply must achieve control over it, especially in social situations. For dogs in between, reason out a training strategy based upon personality, size, age, energy, breed, and history. If you stick to these basic guidelines, you’ll slowly redefine yourself as the resident trainer, and not just your dog’s concierge. Practice, succeed, be confident, and have fun with your protégé! n

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Dock Dogs

By Rose Frosek

PHOTO STEVE LANKFORD

SPLASH! High Jumpin’

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PHOTO JIM ZELASKO

f you’ve witnessed a Dock Dogs event, you know that it has harnessed a magical combination of ingredients to spellbind audiences. Joyous dogs performing athletic feats? Check. Multigenerational competitors, aka the ever-popular kids-with-dogs element? Check. A water element? Check! (Don’t ask us why this always ups the ante, but it does). Best of all, not only is it an all-ages crowd pleaser, it also welcomes all participants and all dogs—any breed, any size, any mix, as long as they’re more than six months old—and doesn’t require much more than enthusiasm. Sounds like our kind of sport! Last year Dock Dogs thrilled more than 2.3 million people in its three disciplines, Big Air (long jump), Extreme Vertical (high jump), and Speed Retrieve (sprint) at competitions held at festivals, fairs, home shows, and the like. So how can your dog become one of these high-jumping heroes? As long as your dog has a toy drive and is comfortable around or in the water he can be a Dock Dog. And there really is no training. “You can train an hour before your first event and have your dog do it. It’s what makes it very unique,” explains Grant Reeves, CEO of Dock Dogs. In fact, that’s the key to the sports’ appeal and success. The best thing about the sport, Reeves tells us, is that anybody can do it with any dog. “We have three big things: zero discrimination, we promote rescue—in fact, four out of five champions are rescue dogs—and, most importantly, we really do want people to interact.” To this end, Dock Dogs is developing an app that they plan to release in July that will allow the audience to text in their favourite dog, making for even more fun and audience involvement. Want to participate? There are 41 affiliated clubs throughout the US and Canada that run fun jumps, practices, and events. Visit dockdogs.com to find one near you. Then, says Reeves, “just take your dog out and absolutely have a blast.” n

{Editor’s Pick}

The much-coveted Nestrest pod that we have been drooling over and dreaming about (those Bruce Weber for Dedon photos!) is now available in mini-size for our smaller four-legged pals. Available in two sizes, the larger of which has a 22” diameter. Please spread the word: we want one of these. from (gulp) $755, dedon.de

Topping our wish list is one of Two World Arts’ custom painted trays, perfect for serving cool drinks on the patio in high style. MD office Dachshunds Esther and Rose are desperately wishing for their portraits to grace one (hopefully bearing dog biscuits). $350, twoworldsarts.com

Exciting news: See Scout Sleep now makes collars and leashes in addition to their lovely beds. The geometric minimalism and red/black/natural palette of “Nice Grill” and “Out of My Box” patterns coupled with brass hardware are exactly what we’re feeling right now. Plus, they’re handmade in Louisiana and 10% of the proceeds go to the Gulf Coast Fund. In a word: love. From $24, seescoutsleep.com

SWEET SUMMER STYLE Soak up the rays. Kiss My Mutt’s indoor/outdoor beds are made with eco-friendly fillers and water-resistant fabrics, making them at home both on the deck and in your living room. $138, kissmymutt.com

Our love of dogs and the sea have finally united in this boat-shaped dog bed. A solid hardwood frame encloses a comfy bed in the stern and nifty toy storage box in the bow. $125, poochstyle.com

Island style. Shell seekers, bring the beach to your backyard with Otomik’s beautiful dog-safe squeaky toys. $11, otomik.com

Orienteer yourself to cooltown with a hip brass collar compass. $5, foundmyanimal.com

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HOW A DOG SUIT IMPROVED MYAnLOVE LIFE interview with Wilfred creator Jason Gann By Brielle Morgan

ast year Americans imported something awesomely weird from Australia: a bong-smoking, bubble-crazed, anthropomorphic dog named Wilfred. Zip open Wilfred’s grey fur and you’ll find Jason Gann. The comedian stars as Wilfred in the eponymous show he thought up while hanging out with friends and sharing funny stories. Wilfred first took shape as an award-winning short film, matured as an Australian series, and was mostly recently adapted for a North American audience by Gann and David Zuckerman. The “traumedy” explores the relationship between Ryan, a depressed twenty-something played by Elijah Wood, and Wilfred, his neighbour’s dog. While everyone else sees Wilfred as a regular dog, Ryan sees him as a guy in a dog suit. Wilfred meanwhile, sees Ryan as a kind of fixer upper—and someone to manipulate at good-natured will. Modern Dog spoke with Gann about the instant cult classic, as he suited up in West Hollywood for a second season. MD: Where are you from in Australia? JG: I’m from Queensland, a place called Toowoomba. Sorry, I’ve got a bit of a sniffle. So like, if I sniffle, it’s because I’ve got a sniffle—or a wet nose. Get it? MD: How do you like living in Hollywood? JG: All I do is work, so I don’t really see too much of the Hollywood glamour side. I went to an Oscars party, but apart from that, I really don’t get out much. MD: How different is the North American version of Wilfred from the Australian one? JG: It’s really different. Wilfred was just a darker character, whereas in this, he has a lot more light and shade. He does things like take on little characters within his character, like when he becomes possessed by Ryan’s childhood dog that’s dead, or he becomes this kind of maniacal scientist.

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MD: So you think the character went a little deeper this time around? JG: Oh yeah. Because there’s a general theme of recovery from mental illness, and Wilfred is a big part of that journey of recovery. It was ten years ago now that we shot the short film…. This is the show that everything else was leading up to. MD: How does American humor differ from Australian humour? Or does it? JG: There are elements to the Wilfred character, the Australianisms, that I think Americans really enjoy…. This show’s a lot faster, a lot slicker. I think American audiences are maybe a little bit more impatient in that they need to, you know, get to it real quick. MD: Do you enjoy the writing or the acting part of the job more? JG: I guess I get more of a buzz out of writing. It’s just really exciting to write stuff that’s original and hasn’t been done before. I’ve been acting for 20-odd years, and so I kind of feel like I’m a mechanic who knows his way under the hood of a car. I know my way around and I enjoy it… but I don’t have that lust for it that I had when I was 18 years old. MD: What’s the off-camera atmosphere like with the rest of the cast? JG: Elijah said he feels like he’s going on holidays when he comes to work on the show—and that’s infectious. I hadn’t really worked in an environment before where I had complete trust in the people that they not only understood the comedy, but also actually could create the comedy equally. I’ve been able to relax a lot more because I’ve got confidence that comes with Wilfred being the fifth-most-Googled costume on Halloween. Beaten by a Smurf, but…. MD: Tell me, did you do any hardcore dog behavioral research or do you just kind of go by instinct? JG: I always wanted Wilfred to be one of those dogs that thought they were human, dogs who think they’re people when they see a dog-dog running around, they kind of try to ignore it because they’re confronted by their dogginess. And I wanted Wilfred to be like that—almost in denial that he’s a dog. We spend a lot of time in the writers’ room coming up with what we call, dogisms. You know, like in the pilot when Wilfred meets Ryan and he goes to sit on the couch and then he sort of turns around twice before sitting down. Just different little things that dogs do that I do the human equivalent of. I get away with a lot

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what’s wrong? And I realized I didn’t have my Superman suit on and I didn’t have my black nose on, and I was like “S**t! I underestimate the power of a cute black nose!” MD: Are there any parallels between Wilfred’s life and your own? JG: When my friends saw the short, they were like, that’s just you in a dog suit. When’s the acting start? In many ways a big part of Wilfred is an extension of me. But once I’m watching the show, I totally forget that it’s me. And I enjoy it because I love watching Wilfred get up to… mischief. MD: I want to take this a bit further.

PHOTO MICHAEL BECKER /FOX

PHOTO FRANK OCKENFELS /FX

of things as Wilfred that I could never get away with as a human character. MD: I think that guys with a cute dog are really at an advantage. You are actually in a dog suit; what has that done for your love life? JG: Girls tell me all the time that they feel weird but they want to make out with Wilfred. And I’m like, “Don’t feel weird —that’s natural!” It’s crazy, but you know, I’ll milk it for all it’s worth. One day I finished up early, washed my make-up off and then went back on set to watch the scene being shot. I went to chat up this hot extra and she just had the defenses right up, and I’m thinking,

Can I do a little rapid-fire question answer thing with you? JG: Sure. MD: Okay. Have you ever killed a pelican? JG: No. MD: Have you ever pooped in a boot? JG: No. MD: Have you ever humped a leg? JG: Yes. MD: Have you mentally broken down in a vet’s office? JG: No. MD: Fantasized about Matt Damon? JG: No. MD: Ha-ha. Okay. JG: Is that it? MD: That’s it, that’s all I got. JG: Only the humping the leg! Only the humping the leg! I got nervous there for a minute…. MD: So, have you met Matt Damon yet? JG: Not yet. You know we got Robin Williams for our premier, season two? MD: I didn’t know that. That’s awesome. JG: Yeah. So I’m working my way up— we’re getting closer. MD: Okay, one last question. Is dog man’s best friend? JG: I mean, I’m a cat guy. I’ve got two cats…. But having said that, if I was drowning and my cats were watching me, I don’t think that they’d be diving in the water to save me. But dogs do that kind of stuff every day of the week. So yeah, when it comes to man’s best friend, I’d say yeah, without a doubt. n

LAUGH

Mister Pazu Strange Creatures, Dogs Are Comics by Diana Thung

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Doggone Good Business By Corey Van’t Haaff

nyone who has worked for themselves knows that being self-employed means you work like a dog, day and night. But when your business involves working with or on behalf of dogs, suddenly your days are more enjoyable and the rewards are a little sweeter. This trio of entrepreneurs did what needed to be done to get their businesses off the ground with their dogs just a few feet away.

Anna Poe (center) with the Paco crew.

PACO COLLARS A part-time job in a doggie daycare gave this Berkley, California, artist an opportunity to hone her products before striking out on her own. When Paco the Pit Bull went shopping for a new collar, the traditional offering of steel-studded collars didn’t fit his sweet personality. Owner Ana Poe decided she could do better, creating a leather collar to suit his disposition. Poe was working at a doggie daycare and when a dog graduated from training, she made it a leash. After making Paco’s collar, she then fashioned one for the daycare owner’s dog, and her business grew from that. There was a steep learning curve—

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“A lot of the first designs fell apart,” she says ruefully—but she was able to watch how the dogs in daycare wore their collars and then fine-tuned her craft. “I had hundreds of dogs at my disposal, so could try various designs and develop a chart by breed. I got feedback from customers and built word-of mouth-sales. I continued at the daycare for two years, then the collar business became full-time, so with two jobs, I had to pick just one. Today, Paco Collars crafts dog collars and leashes by hand, using the finest quality leather and craftsmanship. The online business continued to grow, and Poe needed larger studio space. “A storefront opened up but the owner said we must be open to the public, so my business jumped and I dedicated part to storefront,” says Poe of the combined studio/retail space in Berkley, California. It’s hard being open set hours to serve the public, she feels, but there are tradeoffs. “I wanted to combine art and animals, and work with animals.” She also added six people to the mix, who work with her creating product. “I choose the people who I surround myself with on a daily basis. In theory, I wanted to create a company where every person matters. We haven’t all

BAD DOG FRIDA There is actually no dog named Frida, bad or otherwise at this Madison, Wisconsin, retail store. The name just made the owner feel happy and joyful, much the way dogs do. “We sell really cool things for good dogs and their people,” says Carmen Alcalde, who co-owns the specialty store smack-dab in the middle of a residential neighbourhood. “It’s in the fun part of town.” Dogs and Alcalde have always worked together. She was an adoption counselor at the humane society in Seattle, Washington, and worked as a practice manager for a veterinary clinic before starting her own business.

succeeded elsewhere but what we do here—the job—is a big part of life so we have to have fun. We all enjoy going to work every single day.” “[The challenges] make you stronger, so you freak out less overall. The insecurity of it all, selling X number of things every day, plus having to pay rent and Internet and all the hidden expenses; you don’t think about that at the start,” she says, adding she made some tough decisions at the beginning. “Do you eat, or ship a collar? There were a lot of sacrifices; I learned how to live life cheaply.” That being said, she loves her work as it gives her an outlet for all the things she loves. “I create from scratch everyday and at the end have a pile of tangible goods I can measure,” she says. “The dogs are super key. They don’t stress about the future or past, they just live in the moment and it forces you to do the same.”

“I feel very much part of that shelter world and life,” she says, which is why she includes animal meet-and-greets in the store, and raises money for shelters. Bad Dog Frida is about consultation as much as retailing. People come in with a blank slate, she says, and need counseling on a range of topics from dog food allergies to holistic treatments. “We’re not vets. We just share the information that we’ve learned, along with community resources.” The rest of her day is spent ringing in sales, doing the books, ordering, receiving, and merchandising. “It’s always a struggle to keep a small space looking inviting and full but not cluttered,” she says. “We also sell from the website, so we’re updating that, packing orders from the website, cleaning and dusting and coming up with new ideas—workshops and instore events.” It still amazes her how much of her day is spent on the business aspects of running a business. She figured once she put systems in place, they would remain constant, but the pace of change keeps her on her toes. A bit of businessrunning knowledge would have helped, she admits, as she wouldn’t have been so totally overwhelmed when there was a glitch in accounting. Intuition plays a big role for her. The location for the store “felt right,” as did the timing.

Carmen Alcade (right) with Bad Dog Frida co-owner Sue Hunter in their retail store.

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Self-employment best suits people who don’t demand structured days, who are open to ideas, and are patient. Shop owners, she says, often participate in the same conversation a hundred times, but for the customer before you, it’s the first time. And be prepared for surprises, Alcalde cautions. “The piece I love the most was something I didn’t expect, and that’s the relationships I develop with the customers and their dogs…older dogs who get excited and eat a treat from me, which guides the owners how the dog is feeling that day. When they pass, it’s a huge loss and grief. I didn’t think I would have that level of attachment.”

Megan Nold with some of her four-legged charges.

PASADENA PAWS Trading the office for the outdoors means more work, but a variety of doggie clients keeps this Pasadena, California, entrepreneur thinking on her feet. Working behind a desk in a law firm straight out of high school proved one thing to Megan Nold: that office work bored her out of her mind. “I had done dog rescue since my teens,” she explains. “A friend had a dog-walking business, I knew her through dog rescue, and she asked me if, on my lunch break, I could do a dog visit in my area.” She began walking a few dogs and, when her friend moved away, Nold kept the clients. “So I quit my job and got a job waitressing at nights—I had never done that before— and I took three dog-walking clients during the day,” she says. Two and a half years later, she also quit waitressing and now walks 20 regulars during the week, with dog pick-ups and a lot of pet-sitting every month. “I do three walks on a slow day and eight to ten on a busy day. I might have foster dogs with me or do feedings—those are pretty popular,” she says. Her passion for dogs didn’t start young. It wasn’t until her teens that she met a

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woman doing dog rescue and became “gung-ho.” Today, her passion for dogs has been channeled into Pasadena Paws, but not without her first being thoroughly frightened by the challenges. “It was a very hard struggle for three years. I had very little funds in the bank. I lived off credit,” she says. “I thought being an entrepreneur would be easier. I thought it would be easier to obtain clients. It’s hard to think about whether people would like my service and trust me to take care of their beloved animals.” Her business now supports Nold, one permanent canine pal, and three foster dogs. The best part of the day is still spending time with dogs outdoors, but the business side gives her some trouble. “It’s difficult to do billing. I feel close to the client and it’s hard to charge the perfect amount.” It’s also a challenge dealing with a variety of dogs, each of which has a different level of training. “Every day, I am just calm and patient,” she says. “It’s taken a lot of time to get to this point. My advice to others is to be patient, as it may take time, and it’s very hard at the beginning. It’s hard to believe in yourself and put yourself out there. I am glad I did it but it’s difficult to do.” n

$15

Short-haired dogs can now get in on the feather trend too with Puppy Locks handmade feather arrangements designed to be clipped onto collars. Longhaired dogs can opt for the feather extension you clip right into their fur. Either way you’ll have the coolest dogs on the beach. puppylocks.com

for two

Your Pug love is eternal, but expressing it doesn’t have to be. tattly.com

$10

Skip the plastic wrap. These reusable lids for standard sized cans of dog food seal airtight and will make you smile with their bright and cheery turtle design and enviro-friendliness. petego.com

$10

Kiss My Mutt’s reversible four-in-one bandanas are perfect for garden parties, weddings or just jazzing up a Saturday afternoon walk. kissmymutt.com

Bargain $13 Buys

For yoga dogs with a sense of humour. id4pet.com

78¢

$28

Wings and a beer? You bet. Share this popular combo with Fido without having to worry about him choking on a bone or suffering from a bellyache with Dog Chewz’s tongue-in-cheek dog bowls. dogchewz.com

All of the fun, none of the stink. These thin bully sticks made from free-ranging Brazilian cattle are, blessed be, odour-free. bestbullysticks.com

$24

Chevron patterns are all the rage this summer, so get in on the trend with the Ziggy collar from Addison Logan. Attending a formal affair? Add the matching bow tie for a little extra pizzazz. Collar $24; with bow tie, $35, addisonlogan.com

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$116

Bring your interior design flair outside with these outdoor pet beds made of durable, pestand water-resistant Sunbrella fabric in three summery colours. From dynamicaccents.com

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Sense & Sense-ability Part 2: I Scent, Therefore I Am By Jennifer Messer

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ou’ve seen sniffer dogs working the luggage carousels at the airport, tracking down the bad guys on CSI, and searching for people trapped amid the rubble of catastrophe. What gives dogs such an edge over us on scent? Despite ever-advancing technology, it seems Fido’s job opportunities continue to expand: from helping solve murder cases to detecting cancerous tumours. A nose that knows sometimes leaves our high-tech toys in the dust. Let’s take a look at what goes on behind that cute wet schnoz—what are the differences between your dog’s sense of smell and your own that enable him to perform these olfactory feats?

RR Beyond Canine Wet Willies: how a moist nose helps dogs to smell I can’t be the only one who has a love/hate relationship with being woken by a wet nose in my ear. Charlotte, my 80-pound Pit Bull, knows that the threat of a wet willy is a sure-fire way to get me up in the morning: if I’m feigning sleep I’ll pull away to avoid it, and if I’m still sleeping, well, she can fix that! Your dog’s nose is moist thanks to a whack of mucous glands, making it especially good for more than just early morning prodding. Odour molecules stick to the mucus like Velcro, where they dissolve into smaller particles that tiny little nose hairs carry deep into the nasal cavity for further processing. The average dog makes a whopping half litre (one pint) of mucus a day, which appears as drool in some of the less dainty breeds (think Newfie) who don’t drain it down their throats quite so well.

moderndogmagazine.com

The average dog makes a whopping half litre (one pint) of mucus a day, which appears as drool in some of the less dainty breeds (think Newfie).

RR A Special Nasal Bone: Nothing to Sniff At

Sniffing may appear to us as just quick, noisy, sometimes even rude breathing, but the dog is actually using a very different route of airflow than for a regular breath. When a dog sniffs, instead of drawing air down into the lungs, she directs it over a special bony shelf into the upper compartment of her nose. This shelf, absent in humans, helps trap the air in the “attic” of the nose, so that odour molecules aren’t swept away by the dog’s normal breaths. Here, the scent molecules can accumulate and register with cells that send smell information directly to the brain. The exhale component of the doggie sniff is also quite different from ours, with some air being directed out through slits in the sides of the nose. Doing this creates tiny wind currents—visible to you as a puff of dust on the ground— that help pull more of the new scent in. This special “sniff and store” engineering is one of the many tools dogs have for detecting incredibly faint odours, like a single gram of sweatodour molecules evaporated over an area the size of Montreal!

RR Huge Honkers: How a Big Nose Enhances Scenting Ability There’s a reason that Pugs and Shih Tzus aren’t working for the local police squad; their noses just aren’t big enough. The longer and wider the nose, the greater the surface area of nasal turbinates: bony scrolls in the upper nose chamber where most scent cells lie. In humans, the total odour detection surface area on these turbinates amounts to about the size of a thumbnail. This pales in comparison to a dog’s, which is about 60 times bigger—the size of this magazine page. In terms of actual cell numbers, your turbinates hold about 5 million smell receptors. That may sound impressive until you compare it with my Beagle’s whopping 300 million! It’s no wonder he can advise me when my “empty” pocket has a few cookie crumbs in the crease.

RR Jacobson’s Organ

This neat little organ specializes in registering pheromones: biology-speak for hormone-like substances that are released and perceived by animals of the same species, and which tend to trigger specific behavioural reactions. It is a little pouch of cells at the base of the nasal cavity, just above the roof of the mouth. Until recently, scientists thought we humans were

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lacking it entirely. Then they discovered that we do, indeed, have one but the gene needed for it to function doesn’t work, and it isn’t even connected to our brain. By contrast, dogs rely on Jacobson’s organ to gather critical information about each other such as age, sex, health, and mood. Knowing the emotional state of packmates—from who is “in the mood” to who is fearful—probably helped dogs survive. Dog urine is rich in pheromones, and unsavoury as it seems, many canines will take a little lick of another dog’s urine to bring it in contact with Jacobson’s organ for processing. They do this by “tonguing”—pushing their pee-coated tongue rapidly against the roof of their mouth, sometimes also chattering their teeth and foaming a bit at the upper lip. It is a bit amusing to watch, if you don’t find it too disgusting. To Fido, urine isn’t just a waste product, it’s his social media. Checking out the corner fire hydrant is tantamount to scrolling through Facebook, and leaving a little squirt is how he updates his page.

RR A Brain Designed Around Smell

By far the most remarkable difference between the human and dog sense of smell is the sheer brainspace devoted to it. Each species has a primary sensory system that they rely on most heavily to guide their behaviour. For us it is vision, and for dogs, it is clearly scent. The dog’s brain is only a tenth the size of ours, yet their olfactory lobes, the area devoted to processing smell, is four times bigger. So, if you take the difference in brain size into account, their smell center is actually forty times bigger than ours, accounting for about an eighth of their entire brain mass. It’s no wonder that dogs blow us away in this department. This enormous amount of processing capacity allows the dog to gather not only more smell information than we can, but also different information. Dogs can process a combination of scents much the way we can analyze a complex visual scene: in individual components. So what we smell as “pizza”, dogs can smell as dough, cheese, olives, tomatoes, oregano, etc. Sure, we are able to pick out some smell elements, but we tend to catch only the most dominant smells, whereas the dog doesn’t miss any of them. We humans are great at doing this with visual stimuli—seeing a multitude of individual objects in a scene (which dogs do poorly)—but we stink at doing this with odours.

This ability to separate scents is one of the reasons dogs make such great detectives. Terrorists have been foiled time and time again by dogs who can separate the smell of explosives from the perfume, coffee, and even soiled diapers (yuck!) that criminals use to mask it. And an escaped convict stands little chance of evading a trained tracking dog unless zipped head-to-toe in a scent-proof body bag: dogs can pick out the human scent from among the thousands of other more dominant scents on the ground, and can even tell the direction of footprints made within two seconds of each other based on the very tiniest differences in odour concentrations. Hounds have been used for decades by law enforcement in myriad ways beyond the drug and explosive detection we have grown so familiar with since 9-11. Arson dogs can identify accelerants (fire-starting chemicals) up to 18 days after a fire—long after electronic means are useless. Tracking dogs help find lost kids, and cadaver dogs can locate drowned victims by scenting gas molecules that rise to the water surface. In some countries, dog “testimony” from a “scent line-up” (pairing the smell of a crime scene item with one of the people in the lineup) is even accepted as court evidence, and is considered to be more reliable than human witness identification by sight. Canine career options don’t end there. Dogs have ventured

into animal husbandry, where they can detect cows in estrus (saving the need for physical exam for breeding), and health care, where they have proven good at sniffing out cancer. The first case of canine-cancer detection was back in 1989, when a Doberman cross became obsessed with one particular mole on her owner, who consulted a doctor when the dog tried to bite it off. The mole turned out to be melanoma, and the dog probably saved her life. Studies now show that trained dogs can detect cancers of skin, breast, bladder (by smelling urine), and lungs (by smelling breath) at high rates. Sure gives new meaning to “Lab tests!” It is arguable that smell is so central to a dog’s very being that it practically defines them. A close friend with whom I often share dog walks lamented to me the other day about how sad she finds it to see people tug their dogs along impatiently when they stop to sniff on walks. She asked, rhetorically: “Who is the walk actually for?” And she got me thinking. If we claim to be walking our dog for her health and enjoyment, then perhaps we need to put our human agenda of distance and route on the backburner, and allow her the basic pleasures of her most primary sense. Our dogs give up a lot for us in living a domestic existence; let’s gift them those extra few minutes on our walks to stop and smell the roses. n

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PACK A PICNIC DINNER and head to the dog park after work. Where this plan often fails to get off the ground is in over-thinking the proceedings. The picnic need not be fancy; throw together a cold dinner of cheeses and charcuteries, perhaps some leftover tabouleh, potato salad, or cold roast chicken from the night before, and you’re ready to go. The idea is to get to the park fast and enjoy the remaining light, not to mention to free oneself from the kitchen. Once at the park, set yourself up in a quiet corner, unfurl a blanket, and let loose the hounds. Bringing a Chuck-It for the dogs and a disguised bottle of chilly rosé for yourselves (how civilized) just might be an excellent idea.

Spend the perfect summer day with your dog...

10 WAYS

MAKE PUPSICLES! We have all sorts of delicious, fast, healthy frozen summer treats you can whip up for your dog in a jiff. All you need is five minutes, a few ingredients, and a freezer. Find the recipes here: >> moderndogmagazine.com/diyeat-pupsicles >> moderndogmagazine.com/ canine-coolers

FREEZE TREATS AND TOYS INTO YOUR DOG’S WATER DISH or an empty five-quart ice cream pail. Add a rubber squeaky toy or two, drop in a food-stuffed Kong, sprinkle in a few non-sogging treats like buffalo jerky bites, cover with water, and freeze. Once solid, briefly run under warm water to remove from dish, and give to your dog— outdoors, of course.

To Make Your 2 Dog Smile By Rose Frosek

54 moderndog SU MMER 2012

FILL A WADING POOL with water for your dog to play in/lounge in/drink from. A quick online search yielded a three-foot-deep wading pool for $7.99 at Toys R Us. Instant summer fun for under $10.

HIRE A DOG WALKER for a once-a-month excursion. Rates vary; in New York, $18 will get your dog a

half-hour group walk with Manhattan’s Pet Club NYC. In Vancouver, British Columbia, $30 will get your dog a twohour mountain hike group excursion with Release the Hounds. Group outings like these provide your dog with exercise and a new socialization opportunity, and you with a day’s reprieve from feeling that perhaps your dog didn’t get as much stimulation and exercise as he wanted. Money well spent, if you ask us.

GO FOR A CRUISE with your dog. If you have a high-energy canine pal, biking is the perfect way to let him run off some steam. Springer USA (springerusa.com) builds a bike attachment that makes cycling with your dog safe and enjoyable for you both. If your dog is smaller, older, or just not up for expending that much energy, she can still come along for the ride. Solvit Tagalong pet bicycle basket (solvitproducts.com) carries dogs up to 13 pounds, while their HoundAbout dog bicycle trailers accommodate dogs up to 110 pounds. To the beach—under your own steam!

com) or Uncle Milton Pet’s Eye View camera ($40, amazon.com) and hit the streets. For a little inspiration, check out the videos at moderndogmagazine.com/ collarcameravids, then get out there, make your own, and share it with us!

Keep your dog engaged and mentally sharp—PLAY A BRAIN BOOSTING GAME TOGETHER. Interactive brain games are a fun way to socialize and bond with your dog, while encouraging healthy intellectual exercise at the same time. For fun games like the shell game and teaching your dog his ABC’s (bonus: activities like these fight Canine Cognitive Dysfunction), as well as boredom-busting toys that require problem solving, check out these links: >> moderndogmagazine.com/brainboostinggames >> moderndogmagazine.com/boredombusters

GET SOME EXERCISE and support local small businesses. Clip on your dog’s leash, take a stroll to your neighbourhood dog store, and let your dog pick out a new toy or little treat.

10 7

Fulfill your/your dog’s latent desire to be an artist. FIT HIM WITH A CLIP-ON COLLAR CAMERA like the Eyenimal videocam ($129, eyenimal.

TREASURE HUNT! Put your dog’s talented nose to work. Make your dog wait while you hide little treats throughout your living room or back yard, then let her loose to find them. We do this a couple of times a week for the MD office dogs, making them wait in the lunchroom while we secret treats throughout the office, then give them the cue to start the search. It never gets old for them and it’s pretty darn fun for us to watch, too. n

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Wet Dogs! Photographed by Hans Sipma

Ulani, a Jack Russell Terrier

Gwen Gear “Townsend Orange”collar, gwengear.com 56 moderndog SU MMER 2012

Dexter, an adoptable Chesapeake Bay Retriever/Pit Bull cross (see page 64) Baxter & Birdie “Pepper” polka dot collar, baxterandbirdie.com

moderndogmagazine.com

Kobe, an adoptable German Shepherd cross (see page 64).

Gwen Gear “Dolores Green” collar, gwengear.com 58 moderndog SU MMER 2012

Esther, a Dachshund

Auburn Leathercrafters purple “Tuscany” collar, collarsandmore.com moderndogmagazine.com

Miley, a Lab/Shepherd/ Retriever mix 2 Hounds Design pink bone-print collar, 2houndsdesign.com 60 moderndog SU MMER 2012

Lola, an English Bulldog

Chief Furry Officer “101” polka dot collar, chieffurryofficer.com moderndogmagazine.com

Wet Dogs!

Behind the Scenes

Photographer Hans Sipma (in foreground) sets up his shot, while our Jennifer Nosek, the shoot’s creative director, coaches one of the models.

MEET THE MODELS Miley (page 60), the first dog

of the day is a sweet-as-pie rescue dog that found her forever home with her person, Chelsea Forrester. Miley is a waterloving Lab/Shepherd/Retriever cross, a glorious mix that landed this dog her first modeling gig, which she handled with aplomb, nailing her shot in the first take.

Ulani

Next up was , (page 56) an all-white Jack Russell Terrier with the lightest little Dalmatian-like spots showing

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through on her ears. Ulani means “cheerful” in Hawaiian, and this little one couldn’t have been better named. A natural in front of the camera, she rocked her shot. Doesn’t she look joyous? At 12:30 pm, the lovely Becky Hemphill pulled up in the Langley Animal Protections Society (LAPS) van with Kobe and Dexter, both up-for-adoption cuties.

Kobe

First up was (page 58) a handsome 10-year-old German Shepherd mix who was picked up by a LAPS animal control officer in January. Kobe is an absolute gentleman; he’s well-behaved, easygoing, and very affec-

PHOTOS HANS SIPMA

We put a call out on Facebook and Twitter asking for canine participants in our summer issue photo shoot. The sole requirements? That the dogs like getting wet and could avail themselves for an hour in a Vancouver, BC, photo studio. The responses poured in. It was terribly difficult to choose our lineup, but after much deliberation we settled on seven dogs and set a date.

tionate. He enjoys his daily walks and has a fun, playful side that will win you over. Kobe has dog-friends at the shelter, so would be just fine with canine housemates, but would do best in a home with no small children or cats. Could Kobe be the dog for you? Just look at that face!

Dexter

The striking (page 57) is likely a Pit Bull/Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Then again, maybe that’s Lab in the mix. At any rate, one thing’s certain—this is one handsome mutt. At just over a year old, Dexter, an owner-surrender, is exuberant, very bright, and would love an active owner who will continue his training. He would be a great running partner and would likely excel in agility or rally obedience. Dexter likes other dogs but his irrepressible joie de vivre often bothers them. Dexter’s enthusiasm for life may bowl children over (literally), so he should live in an adults-only home. Dexter is fully crate-trained, has lots of obedience training plus a few fun tricks, like jumping through a hula-hoop. Could the spirited Dexter be the dog for you?

Esther

Dachshund (page 59) is Modern Dog magazine’s hall monitor/boss dog in charge of lunchroom patrol and barking at couriers. She is a keen attendee of all meetings involving snacks (that would be most) and a reluctant walker when it’s raining (that would be frequently here in Vancouver). She loves water though, possessing a special enthusiasm for retrieving rocks, making her an ideal—and adorable, if we do say so ourselves— participant in the shoot.

one. Lola was a rescue from the Vancouver City Pound, proving that whatever breed you’re looking for, you can find it in a rescue. She has since found her perfect home with Greg and Lindsay Pothier. There are so many things we love about the photos from Lola’s turn in front of the camera that we can’t begin to enumerate them, though we will say that the shot we chose delighted us, reminding us of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are.

Penny

Wirehaired Dachshund (page 4) is a relatively recent addition to the Modern Dog crew. Following the passing of our girl Kaya, Modern Dog magazine’s elder stateswoman and one very bossy and dearly missed Weimeraner/Pointer cross, Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson was without a dog. Then fate intervened, in the form of a phone call informing us of a posse of Wirehaired Dachshunds at the Victoria SPCA in need of homes. A morning spent at the shelter found us leaving with one extra member—Penny. This funny mop of a dog is beyond devoted to Connie, glued to her side and continually looking up at her with doe-eyed affection. She is a walking, smiling, rolling-around advertisement as to why to consider a shelter dog. Penny was not actually scheduled to take part in the shoot but a last minute cancellation—one of our dog-model’s guardians woke up feeling under the weather—meant we needed a stand in. Cue Penny! n

>> If you’re interested in adopting Kobe or Dexter,

contact LAPS at lapsbc.ca; 604-857-5055 >> Interested in taking part in an upcoming shoot?

For a photo shoot of this nature, we’d be remiss not to include a member of the adorably jowly English Bulldog breed. Fitting the bill was

Lola (page 61), a charmer if ever there was

Email your dog’s photo, details, and your contact info to photoshoot@moderndogmagazine.com.

moderndogmagazine.com

body &soul IT’S THE PITS

Peaches and Plums are both natural, sweet treats for dogs (in moderation, of course). The problem with these fruits is the pits. The pits from peaches or plums can cause intestinal obstruction, plus, their pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat the pit, whereas dogs don’t, so never leave whole peaches or plums within reach of your pup.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE 3 solutions to leash-pulling you’ll want for your next dog walk Nothing ruins a peaceful walk faster than incessant pulling from an overzealous canine companion. Give your arm a break and take back control with one of these safe no-pull options to improve your dog walking experience.

WACKY WALK’R

These colourful leashes are made from durable rubber tubing that allows your dog complete freedom of movement while allowing you to retain control over the pace of the walk. The forceinhibiting stretch lessens the strain on your arm and your pet’s neck while providing continuous gentle correction whenever your dog pulls. wackywalkrstore.com

GENTLE LEADER HEAD HARNESS

This head harness works by painlessly counteracting your dog’s natural tendency to pull by placing gentle pressure on his muzzle while eliminating uncomfortable strain on his throat. The Gentle Leader employs the same principle that an alpha dog uses in a pack—the application of light pressure to the muzzle to communicate rank. When your dog pulls, the harness’ nose-loop tightens around your dog’s muzzle, stopping your dog from pulling and reestablishing your position as leader. gentleleader.com

HORGAN HARNESS

The Horgan back leg harness, currently available for dogs over 30 pounds, is based on the principle that 70 percent of a dog’s power is generated from his hind legs. The rear harness applies gentle pressure to the back legs of your dog when he pulls on his leash, diverting your dog’s attention from generating the power to pull and reestablishing your control. horganharness.com

64 moderndog SU MMER 2012

body &soul Can Dogs Eat Apples?

HIKING/CAMPING CHECKLIST ››Make sure your dog

is up to date on any/all vaccinations.

››Make, buy or have your

vet prepare a first aid kit for your dog including antibiotics, wraps, staples, and more. Be sure you know how to use/administer them. For our must-haves for a standard basic canine first aid kit, go to moderndogmagazine. com/DIYfirstaidkit.

Many dogs love apples and apples can be a healthy treat. Apples contain calcium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and pectin (soluble fibre). One small apple contains 52 kcal.

Things to do with Apples There are many different ways to feed apple to dogs; you can serve it as a frozen slice, you can wedge it into a Kong, you can make apple pops with apple sauce, or serve grated as a dinner topping. Avoid large amounts of apple seeds and stems in fresh apples, as they contain cyanogenic glycosides which can cause tummy upset and more serious problems if consumed in large quantities. Also be cautious feeding dehydrated apples. Dehydrated apples contain all of the nutrients of the hydrated ones but they have no water, so only feed little bits of dried apple to prevent tummy upset.–EP & LS

The Find Hydrate on the go. Hit the trails, the dog park, or the road with Tröff hydration system for dogs. The twist-off top, non-spill valve, and fold-and-store design makes it easy to maintain proper hydration. Each BPA-free pouch holds 17 ounces of water and rolls up when empty for reuse. troffpouch.com

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››If your dog is wearing a pack, the pack should weigh a maximum of one quarter of his body weight. Practice using a pack with your dog before you go. Make it fun—reward him for carrying it.

››Beware of dehydration and heat

stroke. Dogs can be affected faster than humans and in much cooler temperatures. Be sure to carry water with you. Tip: add water to your dog’s food to help him hydrate.

››Indoor dogs need warmth. Take a sleeping pad or insulated dog bed.

››If you lose your dog, leave a piece of clothing or something that smells like you at the place you last saw your dog, or at the trailhead so he knows to wait there for you.

››Know your dog’s limits. Some dogs can run for 10 hours and not be tired; some get worn out after just a few.

››Make sure your dog has shade even

if temperatures are in the 50’s. Sunny days can be hot for a Husky, Malamute or heavy-coated dog.—Dagny McKinley

body &soul THE MOTHER OF ALL VINEGAR

5 Steps to Speedy Recall Even at a Distance!

Unrefined or “live” apple cider vinegar, such as Bragg’s raw, organic apple cider vinegar, is frequently claimed to be a good source of vitamins and minerals, and a small amount each day (1 tablespoon for a 50 lb dog) added to your dog’s food may have health benefits, such as improved skin, coat, and digestion. Because this is an acid, it can change the pH balance in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract and urine and it can interfere with some medications, so consult with your vet before adding it to your dog’s diet.—EP & LS

Giving new meaning to the term “whistle blower” STEP 1 Buy an ordinary plastic whistle at the dollar store (I recommend one that is audible, not one of those “silent” dog whistles.) STEP 2 Each time you feed your dog her meal, blow three short blasts on the whistle. Very quickly, she will start to associate the whistle with food. STEP 3 After a few days, try blowing the whistle before you put the food down. Your dog will likely already be watching you attentively as you put the whistle to your lips (Come on, she’s no dummy—she knows it’s dinner time and she knows that the whistle means food!) STEP 4 A few days later, move on to this exercise: arm yourself with a treat and choose a time

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when meals/treats aren’t usually on order. Try blowing those same three blasts on the whistle. With any luck, she’ll drop whatever she’s doing and race over to you. It may not be dinner time, but she still knows that the whistle means food. Praise and treat. You can start moving this game outside in your yard. Chances are, she’ll start watching for the whistle and respond even before you make a noise. STEP 5 Finally, take it to the dogpark, where there are lots of distractions but a safe environment in case she doesn’t come running. Of course, this (and any other food-based training) works best if you aren’t already supplying treats on demand to your overindulged pup!–MB

DIY Ear Clean Combine 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (choose a “live” brand like Braggs with the “mother,” the cloudy sediment at the bottom) with 1/4 cup water. Use it to dampen a towel, then gently wipe your dog’s ears to clean them. Do not pour in your dog’s ears!

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The Doctor is

Dr. Betsy Brevitz tackles common veterinary vexations

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG IS CHOKING

If your dog has a small ball or other object lodged in his windpipe and is having trouble breathing, do the Heimlich maneuver immediately. If the Heimlich maneuver doesn’t work, rush him to a vet. If your dog is gasping for breath, cool him if he’s hot, calm him, and transport him to a veterinary hospital immediately. If your dog is able to breathe but is pawing at his mouth and shaking his head, he may have something stuck in his mouth. Open his mouth—if you can do so without getting bitten—to look for an object stuck there, and remove it, if possible. If your dog has something stuck crosswise against the roof of his mouth, you may have to push the object back toward his throat (where the jaw is wider) in order to dislodge it. Be careful not to push it down his throat. If you can’t get the object out, call a vet. If your dog is coughing, hacking or gagging but seems to be getting enough air in and out, he may have a cold, a collapsing trachea, or another respiratory or heart ailment. This is not an emergency unless the dog is weak and lethargic, won’t eat, or otherwise seems very ill. Call your vet during office hours for an appointment.

The Heimlich Maneuver If you know your dog has a small ball, toy, piece of food, or other object stuck in his trachea (windpipe) and he can’t breathe, do the Heimlich maneuver immediately.

Stand (if he’s a tall dog) or kneel (if he’s a small or medium dog) behind the dog, with the dog facing away from you.

Put your arms around the dog’s waist. Make a fist with one hand and place your fist, thumb side up, on the dog’s abdomen just below his ribs. Wrap your other hand around that fist.

Give a hard, fast jerk or squeeze upward, towards the dog’s backbone. Apply enough force to move the dog’s whole body. (If he’s a very small dog, place two knuckles of one hand on the abdomen just below the ribs and the other hand flat on the dog’s back to help steady him, then give a quick, hard poke upwards with your knuckles.)

Use the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge an object that’s blocking your dog’s airway.

If the object does not come out of the dog’s mouth on the first try, give another hard jerk. If after three or four jerks the object has still not come out or the dog still can’t breathe, rush him to the nearest veterinary clinic, where a vet can do a tracheotomy (cut a whole in the dog’s windpipe below the obstruction) to get air into the lungs and then remove the object surgically.

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NUTRITION AND CANCER

“I am intrigued by the idea of cancer-fighting foods. Is there mainstream support for adding antioxidants and so forth to the diet of a dog with cancer?”

A: Yes. Vets often recommend that dogs who have cancer eat a diet that’s higher in

fat, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in high-quality, readily available proteins, and that they take antioxidant supplements (such as vitamins A, C, and E and selenium) and omega-3 fatty acids as well. Many cancer cells need glucose—derived from carbohydrates—for energy and are unable to use fat, so a diet that is lower in carbohydrates and higher in fat will “starve the cancer and feed the dog.” Highquality proteins help the body rebuild cells destroyed by cancer and prevent the breakdown of body muscle for its amino acids. Antioxidants support the body’s repair mechanisms. Overdoses of vitamin A can cause painful bone changes, and overdoses of other antioxidants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, so don’t exceed the following does: vitamin A, 625 IU per pound of the dog’s body weight per day; vitamin C, 25 milligrams per pound of the dog’s body weight per day, vitamin E, 10 IU per pound of the dog’s body weight per day, selenium, 2 micrograms per pound of the dog’s body weight per day.

Starve the cancer and feed the dog.

PROTEIN

CARBOHYDRATES

GREEN TEA

FAT

For more information on cancer fighting diets, visit moderndogmagazine.com/ cancer-diet-dogs

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’ By Elizabeth Pask and Laura Scott

he treat aisle in your local pet store has a dizzying array of canine snack food—giant, medium, and small cookies, different flavours and types, crunchy and soft treats, plus rewards specifically for training, health concerns, even weight loss (counter-intuitive, we know). But what if you want to prepare healthy snacks for your dog yourself? Preparing food for your dog is a wonderful expression of your love and devotion and isn’t difficult. Whether you are making your dog’s food yourself or using a commercial food, here are an array of healthy and delicious ways to add variety to your dog’s diet.

OFFAL Your dog can take part in the whole-animal movement too. If meat-centric restaurants like LA’s Animal can serve up chicken liver toast, veal tongue, and sweetbreads to acclaim, organ meats deserve rethinking where your dog’s dinner is concerned. Referred to as “offal,” organ meat such as liver, heart, kidney, stomach, intestines, lungs, tongue, and spleen are very rich in protein, minerals, vitamins, and fat. Offal is a great source of valuable nutrients. On average, 1 gram of cooked organ meat contains 1.5 calories, so it doesn’t take much to feed a lot of calories. Liver is the most commonly fed organ meat. Kidneys, heart, and tripe are all much less nutrient dense. 100 g (about the size of a deck of cards) of beef liver contains 135 C, while the same amount of cheddar cheese has a whopping 403 C. Liver should be fed sparingly due to its high nutrient concentration, but it makes a tasty treat that most dogs are crazy for. Feeding too much organ meat can be dangerous, especially for smaller dogs, so liver should be a once-in-a-while special treat. For the harder-to-find organ meats, ask your local butcher. CAUTION: Brain and spinal tissue should not be fed to dogs because of the unknown risk of BSE (Mad Cow) transmission.

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FISH All fish is an excellent source of protein, calcium, selenium, niacin (B vitamin), and omega-3 fats. Canned fish such as tuna or salmon makes a healthy treat for your dog. When choosing tinned fish, look for fish packed in water without added salt. One of the best ways to feed fish is to add a quarter tin of fish to your dog’s meal. Or try this recipe for Tuna Fudge—a rather unappealing name but dogs love it.

Tip Saving a bit of the leftover roast beef or turkey and freezing it allows you to always have a meaty snack ready. Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, venison, and elk are all good choices and are usually well-liked by dogs.

BROTH You can also add low-sodium beef or chicken broth to your dog’s food or freeze it to make savoury “pops.” Adding 1/4 cup of broth to your dog’s meal doesn’t add many calories but is a wonderful treat.

DIY EAT 2 six oz. cans tuna. Do not drain. (Alternatively, use canned salmon) 1 ½ cup whole wheat flour 1 Tbsp garlic powder 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 handful grated parmesan cheese, about ¼ cup Mix all ingredients together using a mixer or food processor. Spread on to a greased 9×9” pan and bake in 350° oven for 20 minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or cut into little squares and freeze for tasty little training treats. You can also feed your dog smelts, sardines, anchovies, herring, and mackerel. These are considered to be fatty fish because they tend to have a higher proportion of omega3 fats than other fish. Fish should not be fed raw to your dog because of a naturally occurring enzyme in the fish called thiaminase. This enzyme breaks down thiamine (B vitamin) in your dog’s food and makes it unusable by your dog’s body.

Tip Try adding the water from tinned fish to some kibble, treats, or fresh veggies and freeze it into fish pops. On average, a 6-ounce tin of tuna contains 119 C, so this would be a special treat for your dog rather than an everyday snack. One average-sized sardine contains approximately 25 C, so you could feed one sardine to a Labrador every day. For a smaller toy breed dog (under 20 lb), you should not feed more than half a sardine per day. Anchovies are very similar to other fish in terms of nutrient profile and their small size makes them ideal small snacks for your dog. One anchovy (4 grams) has 5 C, so you could feed a few more and not worry about extra pounds on your pooch. A Labrador Retriever could have five anchovies per day and a smaller dog (under 20lb) could have two or three. If you don’t like the smell and mess of canned fish, buy frozen

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anchovies, which are available in many Asian supermarkets. When purchasing anchovies, avoid those packed in salt; when fed to excess (i.e., a whole bag of chips) high-sodium treats can be hard on your dog’s kidneys. Although there is no direct evidence suggesting that dogs are at risk, if your dog is pregnant or lactating it is best to limit the amount of fish that she consumes because of the concern over mercury and PCB contamination.

FRUITS These can provide a sweet treat for your dog. Fruits can be fed fresh, dried, or even frozen. Dried fruits can be deceptively high in calories and fibre as they are basically a concentrated source. Look for fruits dried without any added sugars or sulphur, or try dehydrating them at home. For fresh fruit, make sure you remove all pits, seeds, or stones. Once you know that your dog is able to eat a variety of fruits without any tummy upset.

Tip Try cutting up a couple of different fruits and blending them, then freezing the resulting mix in an ice cube tray (you can also mix in a bit of yogurt).

EGGS AND EGG SHELLS Eggs are a source of protein, calcium, vitamin A, folate, vitamin D, and fat. Eggs can be boiled, scrambled, poached, or even fried with a little bit of butter (as a special treat). They are versatile and a great treat for your dog. One large egg contains 70 C, so for small dogs, it may be best to divide the cooked egg into smaller portions and feed it over several days. Egg shells are almost completely made of calcium. You can try feeding your dog the egg and shell together, or you can dry the shells and grind them up as a source of calcium. Additional sources of calcium that are better absorbed than egg shells include yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and lactose-free milk. As most commercial dog foods are well balanced, there is no need to add extra calcium to your dog’s diet. This is especially true for puppies where it is not just calcium, but the balance between calcium and phosphorus that is important. Adding extra calcium without balancing the diet can result in bone and growth problems for your pup. Never feed raw egg whites, as they naturally contain an enzyme that will affect biotin (B vitamin) and can make your dog very sick.

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Once frozen, these “fruit pops” make a great healthy summer treat. The old stand-bys such as apples, bananas, and peaches are always a good choice, but try expanding your dog’s palate with the following choices.

Cantaloupe provides vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Cantaloupe is also a good source of fibre.

Apricots (fresh or dried) are a good source of beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, iron, and fiber. Fresh apricots can be a bit sour, so some dogs may prefer the dried ones over the fresh ones.

VEGGIES For a dog, part of the pleasure of eating a biscuit or some kibble is the satisfying crunch. You can give Max that same crunch with a number of raw veggies. If your dog will eat leafy greens raw, try various types of

For a dog, part of the pleasure of eating a biscuit or some kibble is the satisfying crunch.

lettuce, spinach, kale, and even cabbage (for kale and cabbage, see caution below about gas-inducing veggies). Swiss chard is high in vitamins A, K, and C, as well as fibre and protein. This powerhouse veggie can be bitter when raw, so lightly steam before serving. Limit your servings of this as it is also high in oxalic acid which can interfere with calcium absorption. On the up side, one leaf of Swiss chard contains only 38 C, so it’s a great low-calorie treat.

Tip Try grating zucchini and sprinking a little on top of your dog’s dinner. Zucchini is a good source of calcium, potassium, beta-carotene, and folate. Zucchini is best fed raw or frozen but can also be served cooked.

Cucumber provides a light, refreshing treat and even though it isn’t one of the firmest vegetables, it still has a lovely crunch. Cucumber is very low in calories (17 C/100 g) and it is a good source of calcium, potassium, and betacarotene. Cucumber is best served raw to your dog.

Kale, the darling of the urban farmer’s market scene, can make a welcome addition to your dog’s dinner, too. A member of the brassica family, along with rutabagas, turnips, broccoli, and cauliflower, kale is very high in beta carotene, vitamin K, and vitamin C, as well as carotenoid pigments. Try chopping, lightly steaming, and adding to Max’s dinner. Kale is low in calories (100 g of kale has 50 C), and is a source of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and beta carotene. You can feed leafy greens such as kale raw, lightly cooked, or dried.

DIY EAT

Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner, then tear into bite size pieces. Drizzle with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and toss or massage to coat. Separate your dog’s portion from yours. Sprinkle yours with a pinch of salt. Leave your dog’s portion unsalted. Arrange leaves in a single layer on a cookie sheet or two. Bake at 350°F until dark green and crispy (not brown or burnt), 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool and bit and enjoy with your dog!

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DIY EAT Make your own healthy, dogapproved frozen treats

Rutabagas and turnips are a source of calcium and folate and, best of all, they are low in calories (17 C/small turnip). Turnips can be a great treat for your dog. Serve them dehydrated, baked, mashed, or raw.

Fill small paper Dixie cups threequarters full with desired filling, such as the Fish Pops and Fruit Pops described in this article, and place a dog cookie in the cup for extra fun. Freeze until solid, then peel off the paper cup and feed the frozen “pop” to your canine friend.

Broccoli is a good source of fibre, cal-

Found in many grocery stores, nori is the dried seaweed used to wrap sushi. Nori is high in B vitamins, iodine, calcium, and trace minerals. Many dogs enjoy the crisp texture and sea taste. Since seaweeds can be very high in iodine, limit your dog’s intake to only a few inches square per day.

Baby carrots are the perfect size as a treat for a larger dog, or as a chew for a small dog. All carrots are a great source of beta-carotene and are enjoyed raw by many dogs. You can try cooking them or drying them into carrot chips to add variety.

Tip Try drizzling any steamed veggies with a teaspoon of flax seed oil. This will boost your dog’s intake of omega fatty acids, which are great for skin and coat health, and will help increase the palatability of veggies, especially the leafy greens.

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cium, beta-carotene, folate, and vitamins A and C. It is also low in calories with just 34 C/100 g. You can feed broccoli raw, cooked, or frozen.

Cauliflower is a source of fibre, calcium, potassium, folate, and vitamin K. Like broccoli, it is low in calories (25 C/100 g) and can be fed raw, cooked, or frozen. Some raw vegetables can cause gas, so it may pay to be cautious when introducing new vegetables into Max’s diet. Cooking and finely chopping the veggies will reduce the risk of gas. To keep their room-clearing ability to a minimum, you may want to limit rutabagas, turnips, kale, and cauliflower.

Treats are a fun way to interact with your dog. Most of the foods mentioned above can be dehydrated to make them more portable, frozen to make them more of a summer treat, or lightly cooked to make them more digestible. Remember, however, as much as Max enjoys his treats, it is important to have him eating a balanced diet, so treats should be kept under control. It’s very important to keep our dogs lean and fit to lower their risk of arthritis and cancer and ultimately help them live long, healthy lives. Treats should only comprise 10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake. As an example, the average cup of kibble contains approximately 400 C, so for every cup of kibble Max eats, he can have 40 Cs worth of treats. Happy snacking! n

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Spindrift’s Daisy Runner is the ultimate hands-free dog running/walking system because it’s incredibly light (3 oz) and extremely comfortable. Added neoprene in the padding of the slim belt prevents friction chafing and odour absorption, while reflective piping adds safety. Whether you’re walking one or multiple dogs, the quality in Spindrift American-made dog gear is apparent. spindriftdog.com

natural vitamin beverage dogs love! The vitamins and minerals in Doggiwater allow dogs to enjoy the benefits of superior nutrition while reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals found in tap water. Doggiwater promotes immune system health, fresh breath, and healthy teeth and gums. doggiwater.com

Treat them right. Whole Life Pet’s USDA certified organic freeze-dried chicken treats are made with Coleman Organic white breast meat chicken, simply sliced and freeze dried. They are sourced in the USA and have nothing artificial—just intense, fresh, chicken flavour to drive your dog wild. facebook.com/WholeLifePet

For the ultimate game of hideand-seek, stash a treat inside a Brainy Bone and watch your little Sherlock try and solve The Mystery of the Hidden Cookie. Comes in three brain-eyestomach stimulating models. $9, jollypets.com

Water dogs rejoice! The Float Rope Twister Tug from Mammoth is the perfect toy for fetching-floating-tugging-tossing-chasing summer fun at the beach. $6, mammothpet.com

What’s up, Doc? Part of Olive Green Dog’s collection of retro dog toys, this darn cute carrot is handmade, extra-durable and holds a Kong squeaker for extra fun times. $12, olivegreendog.com

YOUR DOG WANTS THESE TOYS

Let’s Play! Your brainy bud will get lost in a labyrinth of fun with the Orbee-Tuff Mazee toy. This interactive, treat dispensing marvel can be filled with your pup’s favourite crunchy delicacy to keep him busy while boosting his brain power. $17, planetdog.com

Get back to basics with Simply Fido’s natural, organic cotton canvas rope toy, made for squeaking, tugging, hard playing, eco-friendly fun. $10, simplyfido.com

Bottoms up! This cheeky, self-righting retrieving toy floats and is Chuckit compatible for those pooches that like to go the extra mile. $10, chuckit.com

Nothing says summer like running through (or drinking from) the sprinkler.* Beat the heat with a water sprinkler toy especially for dogs.Made from non-toxic, durable plastic, this sprinkler toy hooks directly to the hose for tons of doggie fun in the sun. $12, sukiapettoys.com *Need proof? Check out “Dogs + Sprinklers: A Match Made in Comedy Heaven” moderndogmagazine.com/dogs-and-sprinklers

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How to have your dog and keep your garden, too! By Olivia Zauli Fellows

hink having a beautiful backyard and a dog are diametrically opposed? Think again. We spoke with Stephen WestcottGratton, senior horticultural editor at Canadian Gardening, who had much to say on the subject, especially since recently celebrating his English Springer Spaniel puppy Worcester’s first birthday. Both dog and garden are thriving. Training a puppy to behave well in a garden was actually easier than Westcott-Gratton expected, which was a relief to all concerned. “It’s kind of like having young kids,” he says. “You have to train your dog the same way you train your children never to put anything in their mouths.” Save for a few exceptions when this doesn’t work (Worcester just can’t stay away from Westcott-

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Gratton’s maple keys), educating your pup is the best way to protect both your dog from your garden, and your garden from the dog.

PATCHY PROBLEM For many gardeners, a rippling, emerald-green swath of lawn is the showpiece of their horticultural expertise. Much tearing of hair and wails of lamentation are spent over the discovery of a blemish in this perfection. But Fido has to “go” somewhere. Heavily fertilized lawns are already receiving near-maximum levels of nitrogen (nitrogen is good for grasses in the correct dosage, hence it’s presence in fertilizer and the lush ring that often

Say goodbye to poisonous slug bait. Save all your eggshells, crush them up, and sprinkle around the perimeter of slugsusceptible plants.

surrounds urine-burnt patches). Avoid over-fertilizing to protect your lawn from the additional nitrogen in your dog’s urine pushing it past the tipping point. To avoid brown patches throughout the lawn, train (or retrain) your dog to go in a specified area. This isn’t difficult to do, but will require supervised bathroom breaks until your dog is reliably choosing to relieve himself in the desired area. Consider planting a hardy, urine-resistant ground covering, such as English ivy or clover, in the designated potty area, and concealing it with shrubs or taller ornamental grasses to make a screen, or reseed with a more pee-proof variety of grass, such as perennial ryegrasses and fescues. Other solutions include immediately watering the spot to dilute the urine or employing a kid- and pet-safe product such as Dogonit (marshallpet.com) that rejuvenates existing burnt-out spots. Sprinkling lime or gypsum in the affected area speeds up the recovery of existing grass, or new growth if you’ve reseeded, by neutralizing the acidity of the affected area. Encouraging your dog to drink more will help dilute the urine and decrease the risk of lawn burn. The notion that it is just female dogs’ urine that causes the burnt-out patches in the lawn is a myth. Both male and female dogs’ urine will create brown or yellow patches due to the high nitrogen content in their urine. Our guess is this myth got off the ground, so to speak, because female dogs squat to pee, concentrating their urine in one place, while male dogs tend to lift a leg in a number of locations, spreading around the damage.

rite annuals. One of the most famous varieties is called “Lemon Gem” for its lemon colour and delicious lemon flavour. A vegetable garden is rewarding and yields bounty that can be enjoyed by both you and your dog (see page 76). A fence is often useful to protect this area, especially at the delicate seedling stage. The foliage of fruits and vegetables in the nightshade family, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants, is toxic, but most dogs will avoid these. Culinary herbs like parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, mint, and rosemary are all safe for dogs. Apart from not being toxic, they also pack a strong taste, so Fido will unlikely bother them. Aromatics such as lavender are also a great choice. A strawberry patch, apple trees, and raspberry canes are all marvelous dog-friendly additions to your garden. Dogs can learn to pick berries or other fruit if they acquire a taste for it, so don’t be surprised if your harvest below “dog height” is negligible.

PICK YOUR PLANTS Westcott-Gratton’s first thought when he brought Worcester home was, “God help the garden.” Then he realized he had to worry about his pup’s well-being as well. Many garden plants can be toxic to dogs, so if your pup is prone to eating everything he encounters (Labrador owners: take heed!), there are certain plants you’d do well to avoid. When it comes to flowers, this list includes foxgloves, lily of the valley, and pretty much anything in the buttercup family, such as hellebores, columbines, and delphiniums. The safest flowers are the ones that are completely edible and which you can use in your own salads and dishes (bonus!). These include violets, pansies, and roses, as well as flowers from vegetables like squash. The signet marigold is one of Westcott-Gratton’s favou-

An intense citrus aroma will fill the air when your dog brushes by Signet Marigolds planted along a path or in hanging baskets. Use the blossoms in salads, desserts, and fancy drinks. Gold Gem is slow to bloom so start them early.

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For a list of frequently encountered toxic plants, go to aspca. org/toxic. If your dog continues to get into your flower beds, consider raised beds, decorative stands, or hanging baskets. Motto: work smarter, not harder.

Digger a place of his own for his hobby may ensure that you harvest spuds from your potato patch and not a basketful of buried chew toys.

THE DIGGING DILEMMA

Little Fluffy spends a lot of her time outdoors with her eyes, nose, mouth, and skin in contact with the greenery and soil, so make sure that your gardening products are not toxic. While many states and provinces have banned pesticide use, this is not the case everywhere. Take a careful look at what you’re spreading on your lawn and garden and avoid any chemical herbicides or pesticides. “If you have an animal that is in your yard, you really have to…be strictly organic,” according to Westcott-Gratton. There are no traditional chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides that

Dogs dig. So what do you do when you dig your dog, but you don’t dig your dog’s digging? To discourage Digger from excavating your flower bed and tunneling through your tomatoes, consider creating a space in your yard designed specifically for “paws-on activity.” A shaded sandbox or sand pit is a great idea, particu-

larly as many dogs love to dig out a cool space to lie in during the warmer months. Situate it at the base of a tree or surround it by low shrubs, and consider adding a layer of wood chips. “A lot of animals like [wood chips] because they keep everything quite fluffy and light up top and it’s easier for them to dig and bury than solid earth,” according to Westcott-Gratton. Giving

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CHEMICAL-FREE FOR YOU & ME

are not potentially harmful to your pet. Need convincing? A study by Purdue University veterinary researchers found exposure to herbicide-treated lawns and gardens increased the risk of bladder cancer by four to seven times in Scottish Terriers. The study adds to earlier research conducted by the National Institutes of Health that found elevated rates of canine lymphoma in dogs exposed to lawn pesticides. The level of risk corresponded directly with exposure to these chemicals: the greater the exposure, the higher the risk. If your garden requires some extra protection against bugs, choose organic products such as copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture, a blend of copper sulfate and slaked lime used to control fungus and downy mildew. These are safe for dogs, even if ingested. Westcott-Gratton suggests choosing plants that naturally require less in the way of chemical pest protection. Roses, for example, are highly susceptible to pests, so either be prepared with organic people- and pet-friendly Safer insecticidal soap or choose something else to plant.

Culinary herbs like parsley, oregano, sage, thyme, mint, and rosemary are all safe for dogs.

SHADY LADY Strategic planting of trees and bushes to create shady space in your yard will not only add beauty and interest but will provide your dog with a place to rest and cool off from the heat. Lady will also enjoy playing “cave dweller” under the low-hanging boughs.

GROUND PATROL Many dogs like to patrol the perimeter of their property to guard against intruders such as cats and marauding squirrels. Unfortunately, this behaviour can wear paths in your grass/ground covering. If your dog sees himself as an extra in Stalag 17, instead of attempting to force a changing of the guard, consider creating a pretty, meandering, perimeter-mapping pathway covered with mulch and contained with lawn edging or a rock-work border.

Potential Danger: Sweet-smelling but potentially harmful cocoa bean mulch Cocoa mulch, made of cocoa bean shells, is a by-product of chocolate production. It is commonly used in landscaping, but pet parents would do best to use an alternative mulch; if eaten in large quantities, cocoa mulch can be toxic to pets. “Dogs are attracted to the fertilizer’s sweet smell,” says Dr. Steven Hansen, ASPCA Senior Vice President of Animal Health Services, “but like chocolate, cocoa bean mulch can be too much for our canine companions.” The ASPCA notes that, “Ingestion of large amounts of cocoa bean mulch, which contains residual amounts of theobromine— a methylxanthine found in chocolate and known to be toxic to dogs—may cause a variety of clinical signs. These typically start with vomiting, diarrhea and elevated heart rate, and if large amounts are consumed, they may progress to hyperactivity, muscle tremors and possibly other more serious neurological signs.” “We advise pet parents not to use cocoa mulch in areas where dogs can be exposed unobserved, particularly dogs who have indiscriminate eating habits,” says Dr. Hansen. Use instead a nontoxic alternative, such as shredded pine, cedar or hemlock bark.

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WATER FEATURES “If everybody had an ocean….” sing those quintessential boys of summer, the Beach Boys. While Buddy might not be into surfing (yet!), he, like many dogs, may love to wade, play, and cool off in an outdoor water source. When adding a pond or fountain, make it dog-friendly by keeping the water clean and fresh (a pump is often essential; stagnant water breeds mosquitoes), and, of course, chemical free. The water must be drinkable, and it needs to be shallow enough for Buddy to safely enter and exit.

sudden stops and turns can wreak havoc on sod. For your Forrest’s racetrack, there are several kinds of grasses that are easy to care for. A good choice is old Kentucky bluegrass, which doesn’t need to be mowed or fertilized and once it’s established you don’t really have to water it. Then when your dog wants to break the sound barrier, you can sit back with a mint julep and a stopwatch and enjoy the show.

DOGWOOD DREAMS Having a space where flowers, plants, and a dog share a common space does require some consideration, planning, and time, but it is definitely worth it. As WestcottGratton puts it, “It’s a lifestyle choice. The two go hand in hand.” You and your dog can share an outdoor Eden replete with colours, tastes, scents, sounds, and textures to nourish and delight both your souls. n

RUN, FORREST, RUN! Like Forrest Gump, most dogs enjoy a good tear-away once in a while. It’s a way of expressing exuberance, working off energy, blowing off steam, and, yes, escaping bullies. However, flying feet coupled with

DIY

Recycled T-shirt Tugga Toy

Backyard Fun TIME: < 30 minutes COST: free! This colourful, homemade, super simple to make dog toy is perfect for tug-of-war games or fetch. Get the how-to here: moderndogmagazine.com/ DIYTuggaToy

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What Would Martha Do?

Martha Stewart dishes the goods on staying organized, getting focused, and loving her dogs. By Mary-Jo Dionne

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here’s a road-trip game I’ve played in the car many times over the years with willing friends and my unfortunate husband, in which we ask one another: “If you could have dinner with anyone at all, living or dead, who would it be?” Over the years, depending on my life stage, answers have ranged from pop stars and movie stars to great philosophers. However, in the decade-plus that my career has been the focal point of my overall goal set, there’s one name that cannot and will not escape the dinner wish list. Writer, entrepreneur, risk taker, brand creator, television personality, magazine publisher, business mogul, and, yes, animal lover, Martha Stewart is one of the few people in the social spotlight we can all refer to by first name only. At once a noun, a verb, and an adjective (“Oh, your table setting is so Martha!”), in the 30 years since the epic success of her 1982 debut book Entertaining, hers is a name that has become synonymous with good taste and accessible abundance. And today, that good taste and accessible abundance come in the 2010 addition to her empire of fabulous offerings: her own line of pet products. While her journey from caterer to magnate has been wrought with both highs and lows, those who love her, love her a lot. We’ve waited with anticipation for our latest issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. We’ve planned our days around The Martha Stewart Show’s air times. We marveled when this CEO rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange to commemorate the going-public of her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. We booed from the sidelines at her 2004 conviction related to allegedly lying to officials about her involvement in the sale of stock, and the subsequent sentencing that could only be called ludicrous. And we cheered when, after five months in a West Virginia federal prison, she dusted herself off and emerged with her head held high, determination intact, and continued to do what it is she does best: be Martha. But the empathy for our fearless lifestyle maven didn’t stop simply because her impressive and not-surprising comeback was confirmed. We felt compassion after the untimely death

of her puppy in a freak propane-tank explosion at a kennel in Pennsylvania and also after the passing of her long-time canine companion, Kublai Khan. We’ve followed the antics of her French Bulldogs, Francesca and Sharkey, in their blog The Daily Wag. And we rooted for her and her now-famed Chow Chow, Genghis Khan, when he ultimately took home Best of Breed at this year’s Westminster Dog Show in New York City. Given all this—and as an admitted long-time admirer—I feel a certain closeness and familiarity when we eventually do chat. As far as road-trip games go, no, it’s not dinner with Martha. But I’ll take a quick catch-up with an icon any day. MD: I just have to ask first thing, the question on everyone’s minds. How do you do it all? How do you achieve balance in the face of an incredibly full life? MS: That’s a big secret for me in that I don’t even know the answer. So much had to be done already, even this morning (before this interview). There are a lot of moving parts. I just do my best to try to be very organized. MD: What simple steps can we take to lead a more beautiful, comfortable, aesthetically pleasing lifestyle, especially in this economy? MS: You can edit what you have. Get rid of what’s extraneous. I do that every day… Every day, I try to go through everything. That doesn’t mean I’m not also thinking about how to make a new garden. Or when I’m going to visit my two new grandchildren. Or when I can walk the dogs and comb the cats. Every day, we can edit down to the essentials. MD: When I’m at a place in my career and am unsure what to do, I have been known to ask myself: “What would Martha do?” What big-picture advice do you have for an entrepreneur who is starting out on her own professional path? MS: Try to figure out what is going to work, and what won’t work. Then, focus on what will. When I started doing pet products, for example, I knew it would work. Because there was a need for quality pet products that were affordable, too. We try to make things that are playful and beautiful and well made and well priced. And so we focus on that.

“All my friends say they want to come back (in their next life) as one of my pets.”

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MD: So, what animals do you have at home right now? MS: I have my two Frenchies, Francesca and Sharkey. And my Chow, Grand Champion Genghis Khan. He’s just a beautiful and wonderful dog. I have four Persian Himalayan cats. We just lost one due to old age, and two more are on their way. I always like to have at least six cats. I also have 25 red canaries; they sing beautifully, they’re breeding canaries. And I have five horses, three donkeys, sheep, geese, and a couple of hundred chickens. MD: That’s a houseful. What is the most special homemade item you have ever made for your pets? MS: I try all kind of things. Each species requires something different. I grow catnip for the cats. I have bushels of dried catnip. And at night they have fresh catnip that I sprinkle on a towel for them. The dogs have really comfortable dog beds. They sleep in Martha Stewart Pets dog beds. They can rest their chins on

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the little edges. The other animals get the things I grow, like apples for the horses and vegetable scraps for the chickens. MD: How is designing your line of pet products uniquely satisfying when compared to your history of creating products for people? MS: I love animals. We love for them to have meaningful interactions with humans... to not be bored. We want them to be well-dressed, in that we want them to be warm if it’s cold out. GK [Genghis Khan] doesn’t need a sweater, but the Frenchies absolutely do. Sweaters, shirts, raincoats... since they really don’t like being cold or wet. We developed our Martha Stewart Pets line [made exclusively for PetSmart] with an eye to what makes our pets comfortable and happy. This is true for every product in the line, from apparel to beds, collars, toys, grooming supplies, travel accessories, and feeding. MD: Where did you draw your strength after the recent death of your

12-year-old Chow Chow, Kublai Khan? MS: It’s always sad to lose a pet. But on that day, he just sort of looked at me, and I knew he couldn’t get up any more. He just knew it was time. And so did the other dogs. They were lying there with their heads on his back. He was a great dog. MD: Having experienced that, what insight can you offer others who are currently bereaving the loss of a close canine friend? MS: For me, it’s always a reincarnation when you get the next pet. You always remember things about the beloved one who’s gone. They are different—but the same. Especially when the new pet is the same breed. I’ve had a lot of pets. All my friends say they want to come back (in their next life) as one of my pets. My pets live on 150 acres, with good food and a yard that is fenced and safe. They are happy animals. MD: What was the experience like for you to see Genghis Khan at the Westminster Dog Show? MS: He’s only a year and half old and in that time he’s done us really proud. By Westminster, he had a few shows under his halter. And he had learned how to strut his stuff. On the day of Westminster, he just had this look on his face like he knew that he was going to win. MD: You’ve indisputably achieved so much. At the end of the day, when you look back at your professional journey, what are you most proud of? MS: I’m proud of the volumes of great content we’ve created. The words in our books, the do-it-yourself information we’ve put out there, the material covered on our television programming—just the overall library of quality content we’ve put out there. That’s what I’m most proud of. n

MODERN DOG ONLINE

Get Crafty With Martha Reason #253 we love Martha Stewart: she loves dogs and crafts just as much as we do. And when the two collide, as in these dog-themed craft projects she created, we’re in heaven.

Personalize an enamel dish with your dog’s name for a vintage look, whip up a tote adorned with your dog’s silhouette for the ultimate arm candy, then create a new Marthastyled ID tag for your dog. In other words, we’ve got your weekend planned!

P H O T O S J O H N N Y M I L L E R . C O P Y R I G H T © 20 11, M A R T H A S T E W A R T L I V I N G O M N I M E D I A , I N C .

Personalized Bowls

Silhouette Tote Keep your dog—or at least his image—with you at all times. Adorn a bag with this silhouette profile tote bag. >moderndogmagazine. com/martha-stewartsilhouette-tote

A dot-print personalization with your dog’s name matches the old-fashioned look of an enamel bowl. >moderndogmagazine.com/marthastewart-personalized-bowls

Pet Tags Use Martha’s downloadable template and easy-to-find materials to create a cute, customized ID tag for your dog. >moderndogmagazine.com/marthastewart-pet-tag

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Make it! Vintage Suitcase Dog Bed By Kathryn Ekloff

I’ve jumped on the vintage suitcase dog bed bandwagon. What, you ask, are vintage suitcase dog beds? Well, these adorable pet beds are basically just upcycled old suitcases. You know, the kind you find at a thrift store that have no wheels, so are clearly not practical for extreme traveling. I have a love for old suitcases, so I was considering purchasing a little bed on Etsy for Zuzu the Poodle; however, once I noticed the hefty price tag (over $50 for most of the listings) I decided it was time for some DIY magic. I made my own version for under $10. Here’s how:

MATERIALS • Vintage Suitcase (hard shell) • Tools (hammer, screwdriver, extreme muscle strength) • Pillow • Pillow Sham

DIRECTIONS STEP 1 Open the suitcase and examine how it is hinged together. STEP 2 If it is screwed together, then you just need to unscrew the top half of the suitcase from the bottom half. If it is attached by some other means, then you will have to break out the hammer. My husband, Joey, and I purchased the strongest suitcase known to mankind. It was machined together to sustain extreme wear, so disassembling the top from the bottom of the suitcase was quite a feat. Luckily, Joey provided the “extreme muscle strength” from the materials list. He used the hammer and his brawn to break the top from the bottom.

> For more awesome DIY projects, all a collaboration between supercute husband-and-wife duo Kathryn and Joseph (Joey) Ekloff, check out moxandfodder.com.

STEP 3 Discard the top half of the suitcase. STEP 4 Cover a pillow with the sham of your choice. I used a sham from our old Ikea duvet cover. STEP 5 Place the pillow in the suitcase and tuck the corners in. We lucked out because our suitcase was the perfect size for the pillow we used. If this is not the case, you can make your own custom pillow.

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NUTRITION

eat D.I.Y.

Pumpkin Ice Cream

Did you know that dogs don’t’ sweat, at least not the way we do? It’s the panting that helps them cool their head and to some extent their body. To help your dog keep cool, try “ice cream.” This is a treat best served outdoors, as it can be kind of messy if your dog noses it across the floor while licking away. It’s also a great treat for stuffing in a Kong. For older dogs with sensitive mouths, allow the frozen cubes to thaw for a few minutes before feeding.

INGREDIENTS 1 c water 2 chicken livers 1 c plain low-fat yogurt 1 c solid-pack pumpkin puree (note: not pie filling)

DIRECTIONS •

Bring the water and the chicken livers to boil in a small sauce pan. Decrease the heat and simmer for 8 minutes.

•

Drain the livers, reserving the stock for pouring over food or making dog cookies. Allow the livers to cool, then chop finely.

•

Combine the livers, yogurt, and pumpkin in a medium bowl and stir until smooth.

•

Spoon the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for 4 to 6 hours.

Yield: 12 ice-cream cubes, ¾ cup stock

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Puppy Pesto

Do you ever buy a bunch of parsley for a recipe that only requires a couple of tablespoons and then put the remaining parsley back in the fridge. A week later it’s a wilted mess. Instead of letting your extra parsley go to waste, put it to use in freshening your dog’s breath by sprinkling this Puppy Pesto over her dry food. The Brazil nut is a good source of selenium, and the cheese makes the combination irresistible.

INGREDIENTS 1 c chopped fresh parsley ¼ c grated Parmesan cheese 1 Brazil nut

DIRECTIONS •

Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture is chopped to a fine texture.

•

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze in portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, the ice cubes can be stored in a plastic bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Yield: About 1 cup Allowance per day: 1 teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight.

Golden Koi Cookies

These golden cookies don’t just have the flavour of fish— they are fish. This recipe was developed for dogs fighting cancer, combining ingredients higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates than regular weight-based cookies. The turmeric and fish will aid dogs in fighting the big C. The garbanzo flour also creates a cookie that is safe for dogs with gluten allergies. The drier the cookie is, the less you’ll smell it when you open the cookie jar.

INGREDIENTS 1 (3.5-oz) can sardines packed in tomato sauce 1 large egg ¼ c water 1 tsp ground turmeric 2 ½ c garbanzo flour, plus more for rolling out ¼ c canola oil

DIRECTIONS •

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Lightly dust a baking sheet with garbanzo flour.

•

Using a fork, blend the sardines, egg, water, and turmeric in a medium bowl until the sardines are reduced to a fine texture.

•

Stir the garbanzo flour and oil into the sardine mixture with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes together.

•

Knead briefly to gather the dough into a ball and transfer directly to the baking sheet. Flatten the ball and shape in to a square.

•

Dust the top of the dough with additional garbanzo flour and roll into a 10-inch square. Then cut with a pizza cutter into 1-inch squares.

•

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned and dry.

•

Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before breaking them apart at the cut lines.

These recipes are from a new cookbook we’re loving, Feed Your Best Friend Better: Easy, Nutritional Meals and Treats for Dogs (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2012) by Rick Woodford, aka “the dog food dude.” We highly recommend checking it out for its inspiring, easy, superhealthy, vet-approved recipes your dog will adore. moderndogmagazine.com

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WHAT A DOG’S WAGGING TAIL REALLY MEANS Surprising new scientific data shows the tail—its movement, position, even the direction of its wag—is a barometer of your dog’s mood. By Stanley Coren Illustration Jess Golden-Weaver

cience is always providing new information that allows us to interpret the behaviours of dogs, or to reinterpret behaviours which we thought we understood very well—such as the meaning of a dog’s tail wagging. Perhaps the most common misinterpretation of canine communication is the myth that a dog that is wagging its tail is happy and friendly. While some wags are indeed associated with happiness, others can mean fear, insecurity, a social challenge, or even a warning that if you approach, you are apt to be bitten. In some ways, tail wagging serves the same communication functions as a human smile, a polite greeting, or a nod of recognition. Smiles are social signals and are thus reserved mostly for situations where somebody is around to see them. For dogs, the tail wag seems to have the same properties. Since tail wagging is meant as a signal, a dog will only wag its tail when other living beings are around—e.g., a person, another dog, a cat, a horse, or perhaps a ball of lint that is moved by a breeze and might seem alive. When the dog is by itself, it will not give its typical tail wags, in the same way people do not talk to walls. Like any other language, tail wags have a vocabulary and grammar that needs to be understood. Up to now scientists focused on two major sources of information, namely the tail’s pattern of movement and its position. However new data adds a third important dimension to understanding the language of the canine tail. Movement is a very important aspect of the signal. Dogs’ eyes

are much more sensitive to movement than they are to details or colours, so a moving tail is very visible to other dogs. Evolution has emphasized specific tail characteristics, such as a dark or light tip, a lighter underside, or a bushy shape, that can make the movements even more visible. The tail’s position—specifically, the height at which it is held—can be considered a sort of emotional thermometer. A middle height suggests Rover is relaxed. If the tail is held horizontally, he is attentive and alert. As the tail position moves further up, it is a sign he is becoming more threatening, with a vertical tail being a clearly dominant signal meaning, “I’m boss around here,” or even a warning, “Back off or suffer the consequences.” As the tail position drops lower, it is a sign the dog is becoming more submissive, is worried or, feels unwell. The extreme expression is the tail tucked under the body, which is a sign of fear meaning, “Please don’t hurt me.” Just as there are different dialects to a human language, such as a southern drawl or a New England twang, there are also dialects in dogs’ tail language. Different breeds carry their tails at different heights, from the natural nearly vertical position common to Beagles and many terriers to the low-slung tails of Greyhounds and Whippets. All positions should be read relative to the individual dog’s normal tail carriage. Movements give additional meaning to the signals. The speed of the wag indicates Rover’s excitement level. Meanwhile, the breadth of each tail sweep reveals whether his emotional state is

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positive or negative, independent of the level of excitement. Height, breadth, and speed taken together create a complex variety of tail-related communication, including the following common tail movements: • A slight wag—with each swing of only small breadth—is usually seen during greetings as a tentative “Hello there,” or a hopeful “I’m here.” • A broad wag is friendly; “I am not challenging or threatening you.” This can also mean, “I’m pleased,” which is the closest to the popular concept of the happiness wag, especially if the tail seems to drag the hips with it. • A slow wag with tail at “halfmast” is less social than most other tail signals. Generally speaking, slow wags with the tail in neither a particularly dominant (high) nor a submissive (low) position are signs of insecurity. • Tiny, high-speed movements that give the impression of the tail vibrating are signs the dog is about to do something—usually run or fight. If the tail is held high while vibrating, it is most likely an active threat. We can now add another newly discovered feature of dog tail language that may surprise attentive pet owners as much as it surprised scientists. It now appears that when dogs feel generally positive about something or someone, their tails wag more to the right side of their rear ends, and when they have negative feelings, their tail wagging is biased to the left. (It is important to understand that we are talking about the dog’s left or right viewed from the rear as if you are facing in the direction the dog is viewing. That means that if you are facing the dog and drew an imaginary line down the middle of his back that positive right-sided signal would appear as tail swings mostly curving to your left.) Giorgio Vallortigara, a neuroscientist at the University of Trieste in Italy, and two veterinarians, Angelo Quaranta and Marcello Siniscalchi, at the University of Bari, published a paper describing this phenomenon in the journal Current Biology. The researchers recruited 30 family pets of mixed breed. Each dog was placed in a cage equipped with cameras that precisely tracked the angles of its tail wags. Then the dog was shown four possible scenes in front of the cage: its owner; an unfamiliar

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human; a cat; and an unfamiliar, dominant dog. When the dogs saw their owners, their tails all wagged vigorously with a bias to the right side of their bodies, while an unfamiliar human caused their tails to wag moderately to the right. Looking at the cat, the dogs’ tails again wagged more to the right but more slowly and with restrained movements. However, the sight of an aggressive, unfamiliar dog caused their tails to wag with a bias to the left side of their bodies. This is not as strange a finding as you might think at first. Research has shown that in many animals, including birds, frogs, monkeys, and humans, the left hemisphere of the brain specializes in behaviours involving what the scientists call approach and serenity. In humans, that means the left brain is associated with positive feelings, like love, a sense of attachment, or a feeling of safety and calm. It is also associated with physiological markers, like a slow heart rate. Contrast this to the right half of the brain which specializes in behaviours involving withdrawal and energy expenditure. In humans, these behaviours, like fleeing, are associated with feelings like fear and depression. Physiological signals include a rapid heart rate and the shutdown of the digestive system. Since the left brain controls the right side of the body and the right brain controls the left side of the body, activity in one half of the brain shows up as movements on the opposite side of the body. For instance, chicks prefer to use their left eye to search for food (approach behaviour) and right eye to watch for predators overhead (avoidance). In humans, the muscles on the right side of the face tend to reflect happiness (left brain) whereas muscles on the left side of the face reflect unhappiness (right brain). So now we can add to this that positive feelings pull a dog’s tail to the right and negative feelings pull it to the left. Unfortunately, if your dog’s tail is docked to a short stub, it is going to greatly reduce your ability to spot this signal and deduce what your dog is feeling. Tightly curled tails (e.g., Pug tails and Basenji tails) can also be problematic. No research is in yet on whether dogs are “right-tailed” vs “left-tailed” and if there are correlating personality traits (“That dog’s wagging his tail to the left; he sees his water bowl as half empty!”) but we’ll certainly be looking for anecdotal evidence. n

ILLUSTRATION JESS GOLDEN-WEAVER

The breadth of each tail sweep reveals whether his emotional state is positive or negative, independent of the level of excitement.

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The Calgary Model How one man revolutionized a major Canadian city’s animal services department and eradicated their pet overpopulation problem By Sara Lima

e’re all familiar with the daunting stats and the egregious reality that is the current state of North America’s pet overpopulation problem. It’s estimated that between three and four million animals in the United States are euthanized each year as a result of low adoption rates, high owner relinquish rates, and too many stray cats and dogs being brought into already congested shelters, leaving these facilities with a large number of animals in need of good homes. However, if you ask Bill Bruce, director of Animal and Bylaw Services in Calgary, Alberta (CABS), he’ll tell you we don’t have a pet overpopulation problem in North America, we have a responsible pet ownership problem. But don’t worry, Bruce has come up with a solution that has revolutionized the shelter system in Canada’s third largest metropolis and virtually obliterated their pet overpopulation problem. What did he do that was so miraculous? Simple: he got people to license their animals. Flabbergasted? So was I, but after speaking with Bruce at length about what he did, what worked and why, it all made perfect sense. Rather than simply telling pet owners they must license their pets because it’s the law, CABS explained why: because licensing is a lost animal’s ticket home. A licensed pet

can be returned home immediately rather than taking up valuable and limited space in the shelters. The pet’s owner doesn’t even have to go downtown to pick up their impounded dog or cat, thanks to the city’s fleet of temperature-controlled trucks and identification system. When people voluntarily comply and get their dogs and cats licensed, they are rewarded for doing the right thing with discount incentives, great service, and freedom from an overbearing watchdog (pardon the pun) government. It seems like an over-simplified solution to a complicated and world-wide problem, but it’s effective. By reducing excessive government involvement and educating pet owners about the principles of responsible pet guardianship, CABS enabled them to make the right decisions on their own, all the while supporting the animal services department by licensing their pets. This shift in focus from enforcement to education was just the start of Bruce’s three-tiered plan that brought together pet owners, retailers, rescue groups, and anyone else with a vested interest in the well-being of animals to create a collaborative effort focused on improving the life of Calgary’s pets. The first step in Bruce’s model is education. “It’s about letting people know what the rules are. It’s engaging people in issues

“We have a responsible pet ownership problem.”

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“It takes leadership. It takes somebody who wants to make change.”

and solutions, not just saying ‘you have to do this and that.’” In addition to a widespread ad campaign and a curriculumbased education program in the schools, CABS aims to provide new pet owners with basic information about what the rules are and why, and gives them access to a plethora of resources including training tips, a low-income spay/neuter clinic, and even a City of Calgary Pets app for all mobile devices. Rather than spend their time looking for infractions, officers focus on passing out literature and chatting with dog owners to establish a relationship with the community. If a resident is found breaking a bylaw, they are given a warning (which is noted on their file) as well as literature about responsible and lawful pet ownership. “I believe in education first,” Bruce states. “Even God doesn’t punish you for what you don’t know.” For example, Calgary, like many other cities, has a bylaw that you can’t leave your dog tied up outside while you go inside for a coffee or shopping. Why do they have that rule in place? After conducting a technical analysis of bite stats in 2000, they concluded that people were approaching dogs that were chained up outside establishments, and when cornered, the dogs reacted aggressively, occasionally biting. To Bruce, the solution was obvious: don’t allow people to put themselves in a situation where the dog is unsupervised and forced to react aggressively. Once the bylaw was introduced, the city witnessed a huge drop in bites. Next, CABS focused on removing barriers, making it easier to get a license. Most municipal departments are open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, and closed during lunch hour. “If you have a job, how are you going to get that license?” Bruce sympathized. So Calgarians can now get a license online, through their 24-hour call centre, at the shelter during their extended business hours, at the bank, with a city hall cashier, or from an officer on the street. They won’t ask to see your spay/neuter certificate, or proof of rabies vaccination. “We’re asking you to trust us, we have to extend you some trust too that you’re telling the truth.” The final step was to reward compliance. “We do that by not hav-

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(top) Education is one of the major tenants of Bruce’s model. (left) Bill Bruce and his dog Amy, who was found as a puppy abandoned in a dumpster.

ing an awful lot of regulation,” says Bruce. It would seem that the people of Calgary like that idea: with a licensing compliance rate of over 90 percent, Calgarians have proved that, when left to their own devices, they’ll do the right thing if they understand the benefits to themselves and their pets. Rewards include 148 off-leash dog parks, no breed bans or pet number restrictions, and a self-imposed ban on selling puppies and kittens. Plus, when a pet is licensed, the owner gets a “I [heart] My Pet” reward card, which provides discounts and special offers with vendors such as Ikea and Marble Slab. When he set this plan in motion, Bruce had seemingly lofty goals, such as increasing the return to owner rate, reducing the aggressive dog incident rate, reducing the department’s reliance on tax dollars, and becoming a no-more-homeless-pets municipality. Calgary’s current return to owner rate is 89 percent, dog bites have become statistically insignificant, CABS is completely funded by licensing revenue with no support from tax dollars, and, at the time of our interview, they had only seven dogs available for adoption (the shelter holds space for 85) and are officially considered a “no-kill” shelter. Can this seemingly simple and straightforward program work for other cities? “It takes leadership. It takes somebody who wants to make change,” Bruce says. He also credits Calgary’s success to collaborating with the public rather than writing bylaws in a boardroom. His view is that if all the animals are well cared for and they’re not bothering anybody, the government should stay out of it. After more than 20 years of service to the city of Calgary, Bruce will be turning in his uniform and retiring this summer. This transition doesn’t sadden Bruce, though. He’s looking forward to seeing what his successor will accomplish with the changes he’s set in motion and the foundation he’s laid. Perhaps he’ll see other cities, towns, and municipalities across the continent adapting the Calgary model to work in their jurisdictions. We can all hope. n

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GOOD DOG

train D.I.Y.

Dog Trick: Carry Your Leash By Nicole Perry

Getting Started

You’ll need a snack pack of treats and a piece of rope for this game. Keep the training sessions short and sweet to ensure it remains fun!

1 2

Play a game of keep-a-way with your dog using a short piece of rope. If your dog places his mouth on the rope say “yes” in a cheerful voice and give a treat. Stop after you’ve given out 10 treats. Count out 10 treats before you start this step. Keep the rope in your hand and present it to your dog. If he grabs it with his mouth say “yes” in a cheerful voice and give a treat. If he doesn’t, take a treat from the pile and place it to the side. This will be your “no” pile, which will allow you to keep track of how successful you are at the end of each session. If there are five or more treats left in your “no” pile, go back to playing keep-a-way; three or four treats in the “no” pile, repeat this step; only one or two treats in your “no” pile, move on to the next step.

Count out 10 more treats. Take the rope in your hand and tease your dog with it to make him excited. Now drop the rope on the floor in front of you. If your dog picks it up, say “yes” in that same cheerful voice and give a treat. After 10 repetitions, either return to step 2 or add a verbal cue (step 4). Your dog must be able to pick up the rope before you can move on.

4 5

Hold the rope in your hand, say the cue word, “carry” and then drop the rope. If your dog picks it up GREAT! Keep track of your success again and if you need to repeat step 3, that’s okay—it’s just another chance to have fun with your dog! To increase duration, cue your dog to “carry” and after he has picked up the rope, wait one second then say, “out” and trade the rope for a treat. Add to the length of time that your dog holds the rope in his mouth one second at a time. Increase the time criteria only when your dog has successfully completed your current criterion 3 times in a row and don’t forget to say “out” so he knows when he is all done. When you get to 5 seconds, you’re ready for step 6.

Adding movement is the last step in the behaviour. Cue your dog to “carry” and when he picks up the rope, coax him forward with verbal encouragement. As soon as he takes a step forward, say “out” and deliver a yummy treat. As in step 5, increase the movement one step at a time and only when your dog has been successful at the current criterion 3 times in a row. Practice this step with the rope for one week and then try using a leash, the newspaper or even the groceries!

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ASK AN EXPERT // Trainer Colleen Safford Hump Around How do you curb obsessive humping behaviour in an already-neutered male dog? Literally every dog he meets he wants to hump, and it gets him into trouble a lot. Plus he gets incredibly focused on only that, and it is difficult to regain his attention once in that state.—Shagged Out in Shasta Dogs hump for all sorts of reasons. Dogs hump when excited, frustrated, stressed, anxious, bored, or when playing. Oh, dogs hump to mate as well! In your dog’s case, it’s hard to say exactly why, but it is likely the result of unrefined social skills. Meaning, most dogs play by offering play bows, wrestling, running, and play fighting. It sounds like Sir Humpalot, lacking some social skills and confidence, is defaulting to humping when he gets excited, nervous, or anxious around other dogs. Often people will say a dog that humps is trying to dominate another dog. On the contrary, a lot of dogs who hump compulsively are rather insecure. They offer the behaviour when excited but conflicted, nervous, and anxious. To extinguish Sir Humpalot’s randy behaviour, first you need to figure out what triggers him and temporarily decrease his exposure to those situations. For example, if he always goes into a frenzy around excited dogs, don’t go to the dog park at high time when there are 50 dogs running the zoomies. Next, you must predict when he is about to hump and redirect his focus. Play with a toy, call him to you, or walk around the park. Ask him to do things like sit, down, and look. Reward him for doing so with a yummy treat. Really keep him focused on you to break his fixation on the humping. Hone his recall (coming when called), as this will help you with redirecting his energy and getting him to come to you to do other things, like sit, fetch, walk out of the park, etc. Last, but not least, teach him the command “leave it.” The same “leave it” that you use to prevent garbage scavenging and table thievery can be used to prevent humping. To begin, place a piece of his food on the floor and cover it with your hand. Allow Sir Humpalot to sniff or paw at your hand without saying anything to him. When he gives up or stops pawing, sniffing, immediately say “yes” and give him a treat from the other hand. Repeat this many times. Once he is no longer trying to paw or sniff your hand when you place the food on the ground, introduce your verbal cue. Say “leave it” just before you place the food to the ground. If he doesn’t move toward it say “yes,” and give him a treat. If he moves toward

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it, cover it up quickly and just practice another day or so before adding the verbal cue. Once he has mastered this, begin using “leave it” with him in his daily routine. Use it with his toys. Placing a toy on the ground, say “leave it.” If he pounces for it, simply pick up the toy before he can get to it. If he does not move toward it, say, “yes,” and toss the toy for him. Use “leave it” while you are eating at the table, when you have placed a plate on the coffee table, or when you are loading or unloading the dishwasher. Begin translating this to dog-dog social settings. Be sure to catch him BEFORE he is in a moment of humping frenzy. It’s also important that you never punish Sir Humpalot for his behaviour. Remember, this behaviour can stem from anxiety, stress, or frustration. If he feels he is being punished in the presence of other dogs, it only fuels the fire. So, if he is too engaged to come when called, or listen to “leave it”…simply remove him from the other dog. Over time, if you are good about limiting triggers upfront, teaching him to respond reliably when called, and teaching him a refined “leave it,” your Austin Powers wannabe will have a much easier and safer time when mingling with other dogs. n As host of The Family Pet on Pet Life Radio, dog trainer Colleen Safford raises awareness on pet-child safety, and understanding dog body language. Colleen’s companies, NY Walk & Train and Far Fetched Acres, have been voted “Best of NY” by New York magazine. Colleen receives daily training from her toddler children and is proudly owned by her rescued Boxer(ish).

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ASK AN EXPERT // Trainer Inger Martens Scratching Shih Tzu How do I get my two-year-old Shih Tzu, Punky, to stop scratching the door? He always scratches the door non-stop when I leave him home. I have to bring him everywhere with me because he has damaged the door. He won’t even stay alone for few minutes before beginning to scratch.—Claw-marked in Clarksville Scratching the door is a symptom of separation anxiety. I love the question because it’s a problem for many dog owners. It’s important for all owners to understand how this behaviour develops and why, in order to realize how they can unknowingly be contributing to its development. New puppies and adopted dogs need to learn from Day One how to self-soothe. Sometimes when people allow their dogs to sleep in their beds too soon or don’t establish a routine (by applying a temporary boundary like a gated area or a crate), the dogs become too dependent on their owners. On the other hand, simply shutting a door on a puppy or a new dog can create a lot of anxiety and panic. The recipe for success has many ingredients. Establish a new routine while you’re home. Create a space within your home with a baby gate. The gate allows Punky to see out and provides him with a bone chewing area after a nice long walk. You can even put a crate within that space and leave the crate door open. This will give Punky a feeling of safety. Place him in this area for 20 minutes, a few times a day. Remember, it’s not a punishment. Give Punky a delicious chew bone and make his new “den” a comfy space. Use the word

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“wait” while he’s gated. Music helps create a positive trigger, too. If he begins to scratch the gate, say a firm “no,” then “wait,” in a calm friendly voice. This process helps teach Punky a pattern so that a new daily routine can be established. This is a great weekend project to get you started. After a few days, extend the time to an hour or two. Before long, you can begin leaving the house. After a few months, the gate won’t be necessary: the command “wait” will signal quiet time. n Inger Martens is a celebrity dog trainer and behavioral expert. An author, television and radio personality, she has been dubbed “Best Dog Trainer in LA” by Los Angeles magazine. She is currently excited to announce her new online resource for dog owners, pawsforaminute.com.

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ASK AN EXPERT // Teoti Anderson + Nicole Wilde

Winning Over a Fearful Dog

so he will start looking forward to your presence. Does he like toys? For example, if he loves a game of fetch, toss a ball for him. He doesn’t have to return it to you at this point, but if he brings it back and drops it nearby, praise him! Quickly throw the ball again as his reward. If he prefers chase games, get a lure toy. An example would be a stuffed animal secured to a long stick with a cord. Encourage Growler to chase the toy and praise him when he plays with you. If a dog is feeling secure enough to play, he’s not as afraid. And you will be the source of playtime. Most of all, be patient. This process takes time. Imagine trying to make friends with someone who scares you — it’s hard! You will see progress and then have setbacks, which is normal. If you need extra help, please contact a modern, reward-based trainer to give you additional tips. Teoti Anderson, CPDT, owns Pawsitive Results (getpawsitiveresults.com), and is the past president of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is the author of Your Outta Control Puppy, Super Simple Guide to Housetraining, Quick and Easy Crate Training, and Puppy Care and Training.

My dad’s Yorkie loves him and only him. Whenever I get near him, he growls and snaps at me. Is there anything I can do to discipline him to stop behaving this way? All I want to do is love him.—Rejected in Raleigh

It can be really hard when you want to show affection to a dog and he doesn’t want it. You sound like a real dog lover! But the key to this Yorkie’s heart is not punishment. Disciplining him isn’t going to make him love you. It will likely make the problem worse. Most aggression is due to fear. If Growler only loves your dad, it may be that he hasn’t been around a lot of other people before and associated them with good things. Socialization is a critical part of puppy development up until about 16 weeks, and it can have an impact on a dog well into adulthood. It’s important to let Growler approach you on his own terms. Don’t force him to endure your attention, no matter how well-meaning your intent. Meanwhile, here are some ideas to help you win him over. Ask your dad to quit feeding Growler his meals and treats. Instead, you should hand feed him every bit of food he gets. If he won’t approach you, that’s ok. Just toss the food a little bit away from him to where he’s comfortable and let him approach it to eat. He will start to associate you with his meals and treats,

The key to this Yorkie’s heart is not punishment.

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Keep Your Paws to Yourself My Shepherd-cross, Bailey, is a wonderful and friendly dog. The problem is she uses her paws when she wants attention. I have tried ignoring

this behaviour but it hasn’t worked. I’m worried that she’ll hurt someone by scratching them.—Pawed-over in Pasadena

Bailey is not only a wonderful and friendly dog, but she’s a smart dog as well! By using her paws, she’s getting what she wants—namely, attention—so she continues to do what works. First, let’s make sure we have the same definition of “ignoring the behaviour.” When a dog displays any sort of unwanted attention-seeking behaviour, it’s time to implement the “Trio of No’s:” NO looking at the dog; NO talking to the dog; and NO touching the dog. I have had many clients who say they ignore the dog in this type of situation, and yet I see them turn away, fold their arms…and then look at the dog, or even say, “I told you no!” Assuming you’re completely ignoring the pawing but it’s not working, let’s try another tactic: play the “clueless owner.” Next time Bailey begins to paw at you, mark the moment by saying, “Oh! You must want to go out!” Then quickly walk her to the back yard (if you don’t have a yard quickly place her behind a gate or in another room), and leave her there for approximately 30 seconds. (That’s 30 seconds of silence—it won’t do to let her back in if she’s barking.) You’re essentially giving her a “time out.” Since Bailey’s a smart dog, she’ll soon put two and two together and stop pawing at you. Try the same tactic when she paws at visitors. You can also instill an incompatible behaviour. Allow her to earn attention from visitors by laying down and staying near them. It will be impossible for her to paw at them from that position, and she’ll be getting plenty of attention for being such a well-behaved dog. n

It’s time to implement the “Trio of No’s:” NO looking at the dog; NO talking to the dog; and NO touching the dog.

Nicole Wilde is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer who lectures worldwide on canine behaviour. She is the author of nine books, including Help for Your Fearful Dog and Don’t Leave Me! (phantompub.com). She can be found at facebook.com/NicoleWildeAuthor, twitter.com/NicoleWilde, and on her Wilde About Dogs blog, wildewmn.wordpress.com.

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Embarrassing Moments Your dog did what? Cringe-worthy canine escapades

when my Corgi took my undies and went up to a stranger, asking him to throw them for him. Ugh! I could have died.—Brooke Patterson n A friend and I were walking my dog Chauncey down Yorkville

Avenue during the Toronto International Film Festival when two well-to-do older ladies stopped me to inquire about Chauncey’s breeding. Well, apparently we gabbed too long, because the next thing I knew, Chauncey was taking the biggest poo ever in the middle of a red carpet that was rolled out for VIPs! The ladies didn’t think it was as funny as we did, because they scurried down the sidewalk while my friend and I were bent over laughing our arses off! I did pick up after Chauncey after catching my breath and giving her an “atta girl.”—Amanda Furtado n Collin is a Poop Roller. I don’t know the technical term for it,

hoever said dogs can do no wrong obviously never had her pooch decide to do his business in the ATM room of the bank (on security camera!) or bring home a pile of “racy” magazines (actually happened!) from the neighbour’s trash. Well, sharing is therapeutic, so we asked readers to send in their most embarrassing moments, and boy, did we receive some doozies. Herewith, some of the funniest, most mortifying stories of the bunch. Enjoy! n I had taken my German Shepherd and cat to the vet; it was

very crowded and my cat was very distraught. I was focused on comforting my cat in her carrier. When I turned around, I saw my dog had the skirt of the lady in line in front of us draped over her head and the lady’s bottom was in full view!!! Horrified, I tried to carefully remove my dog’s head and put the lady’s skirt down gently. The woman never knew what had happened and I was relieved; however, the waiting room was full of muffled and notso-muffled laughter!—Barbara Sanders n We were on vacation at the beach and for some reason I didn’t

have a toy to take down to play fetch with, but I knew my Corgi would want to play when we got down there. So I took an old pair of underwear and tied it into a knot and thought to myself: Who cares if he ruins these? We got to the beach and I threw the undies several times, proud to have found a good alternative to our regular toys that I’d left behind. Of course, this was the point

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but when Collin sees fresh poop it’s like he’s on fire...stop, drop and roll. The same thing happens with dead stuff. One day after a lovely off-leash walk complete with big brother and Frisbee, I thought I had Collin safe, clean, and ready to jump in the van. I didn’t see the fresh, unscooped poop or the white-clad teenage girl on her way to school. Collin did. Faster then you can yell “Nooooooooooooooo,” Collin perfumed his shoulders and headed straight for the unsuspecting teen. She was tuned out to her environment and tuned in to iTunes. He ran at lightening speed. I yelled louder. A hair’s breadth from her pristine, white pants...he stopped and came back to me. She didn’t even notice. Ignorance is bliss.—Caroline Wideman n The summer before last, my daughter, Hannah, and I took our

two dogs to our favourite local, rocky, river spot where families play in the cool, clear river right alongside their furry canine pals. On one visit, Hannah and I decided to jump in and have a swim in a deep spot. Another family with three young kids shared our pool. Imagine how we reacted when we looked upstream as we swam in the delightful cool water, and watched in horror as our rescued Pudelpointer, Rufus, squatted and took a dump about 40 feet upstream in the very center of the river. It was coming our way! And in a hurry. We all scrambled to get out fast and had to warn the kids and their mother, too, as we ran for it. We then walked up stream to see if we could recover any floaties to clean up. How embarrassing.—Charlie M

Submit your embarrassing moment (maximum 150 words) to embarrassingmoments@moderndogmagazine.com. Entries chosen to appear in Modern Dog will receive a one-year subscription.

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art attack

by Sara Lima

Nancy Schutt

ow do you transition from courtroom artist to general contractor to dog portrait painter in the relatively short span of 20 years? By recognizing your gifts and doing what you love, if you ask painter Nancy Schutt. Schutt received a BFA from Colorado State University and an MFA from the University of Oregon, before—in what some might see as a surprise move—deciding to work full time in construction. With her construction paycheques, she’d take trips to paint with and learn from her mentor, Pat Ray. An unconventional choice, perhaps, but since then Schutt has established a successful career as a full-time pet portrait artist, creating what she calls “feel good” art. When asked the all-important question “Why dogs?” Schutt has a profoundly simple answer: “I am a natural optimist…and I think dogs are like that, so there’s a natural attraction to dogs for me.” That dogs’ extremely expressive faces convey similar emotions to those of humans is further inspiration. “Dogs are like emissaries from the animal world,” explains Schutt. “They’re a gift to us that [allows us to] create a connection with life that’s not like us.”

Schutt enjoys creating images that represent something ironic or metaphorical about the human condition. As example, she relates the story behind one of her commissions in which the dog had “this little grin on her face, but the whole time I was sketching her, she was growling at me!” Her painting Out of Reach, winner of last year’s Mutt Lynch winery Dog Art Today wine-label contest, was inspired by her Chihuahua, Pablo, who, despite his size, will go to incredible lengths to get the tiniest crumb, demonstrating that what is almost beyond notice to one can be of paramount importance to another. Schutt describes her work as folksy and Hockney-esque, and labours to achieve an understanding of colour as deep as artists David Hockney, Milton Avery, and Faye Jones. She strives to get a colour composition that sets off a “tinkling of bells” from within. “There’s something that happens that I can feel physically when it’s right,” says Schutt. When she gets that feeling like little bells going off, she knows she’s hit her mark. Commissions from $2500, visit nancyschutt.com n

“Dogs are like emissaries from the animal world.”

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

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CONNIE WILSON’S SELECTION OF SUMMER MUST READS.

A Dog’s Journey By W. Bruce Cameron (Forge, 2012) In A Dog’s Journey, W. Bruce Cameron has created a transfixing and heartwarming follow-up to his New York Times bestseller, A Dog’s Purpose. Written from a dog’s point of view, the canine narrator, Buddy, recounts his previous eventful lives, ultimately concluding that his purpose, to provide unwavering protection, loyalty, and love, has been fulfilled. But before passing on for what he believes to be the final time, he finds himself drawn to baby Clarity, a mischievous toddler who he knows would do well to have a dog of her own. To his surprise, Buddy finds himself reborn once again, his purpose to help Clarity, now a vibrant teen, maneuver through the ups and downs of her oftentroubled life. The unfolding story will have you hooked until the last page is turned— just be sure to have plenty of Kleenex on hand. Two thumbs up for Cameron’s take on a dog’s psyche, thought processes, and motivations, which will give dog owners pause for thought, begging the question: do we really take care of our pets, or do they take care of us?—CW Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs By Melissa McDaniel (Present Dog Press, 2011) The ultimate coffee table book for pittie lovers, Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs is homage to a group of dogs that has long been misunderstood. The third in Melissa McDaniel’s series of award-winning dog photo-books, this title is not short on beautiful and wonderfully endearing photos. Complete with an outline of the troubled history of bully breeds as well as an explanation as to how and why they are still facing abuse and neglect, Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs puts a personal face on the troubles these dogs have faced and continue to suffer. Reading the names and stories accompanying each photo, it is moderndogmagazine.com

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Two thumbs up for Cameron’s take on a dog’s psyche, thought processes, and motivations. easy to forget stereotypes associated with the breeds and simply sympathize with their individual tales, equally inspiring and heart wrenching. In the end, it’s not just a book full of pretty pictures, but a call to help these dogs that continue to serve as best friends and loyal companions despite the hurdles in their path.—OF

Dog InSight By Pamela Reid (Dogwise Publishing, 2012) Pamela Reid’s new volume, Dog InSight is a must-read for anyone fascinated by canine behaviour. A collection of forty essays spanning different training techniques, learning theory, and common behavioural problems, it will surely be a wellreceived follow-up to her previous hit, Excel-erated Learning. Instead of only highlighting the do’s and don’ts often associated with the dog-training genre, Reid addresses a lot of why’s, such as why dogs are so good at reading us, and why a new puppy might pick up some habits from your old dog. Moreover, it challenges some widely held misconceptions about our four-legged companions such as that playing rough with a puppy might cause it to be aggressive, or that you can correctly determine a dog’s future behaviour through an early aptitude test. Scientifically sound and delightfully written, this is a must-read for those searching for answers as to why dogs do the things they do, as well as how to teach them not to do what they shouldn’t.—OF Natural Dog Dr. Deva Khalsa, VMD (BowTie Press, 2009) Ensuring your dog’s good health and well-being might have just turned a new chapter (pun intended). Close the door on that overflowing medicine cabinet; Natural Dog, written by veterinarian Dr. Deva Khalsa, shows just how natural and uncomplicated it is to care for Fido in a holistic manner. Years and years of practice provided Dr. Khalsa with the experience and knowledge to develop a comprehensive guide to protecting and maintaining your dog’s optimum health. Khalsa shows how simple dietary changes can make a big difference to your dog’s quality of life and how to address health issues without turning to chemicals or pharmaceuticals. You’ll learn how to diminish allergies with things you might find at home or in your garden, like herbs and fruits, or even treat

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or prevent more severe complications such as cancer through naturopathic treatments like homeopathy. With easy to read pages brimming with helpful facts, DIY home treatments, and an incredible selection of dog-friendly recipes (carrot cake with cream cheese icing and almond butter cookies? Yes please!), Natural Dog might just change the way you see canine healthy living.—OF

The Amazing Treat Diet for Dogs By Katie Newman (Pomp Productions, 2011) The Amazing Treat Diet for Dogs is a timely and inspirational tale of how one woman turned to her crisper to help her Labrador Retriever, Hustler, lose 27 pounds in just four months. With an increasingly portly pet population—54% of US pets are overweight, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention—, this title is bound to strike the interest of many a dog owner whose dog has somehow (the mystery!) snuck on some extra pounds. The book details how Hustler’s owner, Katie Newman, switched out store bought treats and reduced her dog’s meal portions by adding healthy, economical, and easy to prepare snacks to satisfy her dog’s appetite. With included appendices highlighting caloric content for fruits and veggies, plus daily feeding plans, this easy to follow guide will help you in your journey to save your dog from obesity.—SL

Dogs of Brooklyn Susie DeFord (self-published, 2012) The simple activity of walking your dog, which so many of us carry out on on a daily basis, is transformed into a poetic narrative, literally, in poet and dog-walker Susie DeFord’s new book, Dogs of Brooklyn. Both a celebration of one of New York City’s most famous neighborhoods and the practice of dog-walking, the book traces the chance encounters, quirky characters, and memorable moments that make these daily strolls something special. Funny, honest, and endearing, Dogs of Brooklyn illuminates the beauty, secrets, and excitement rooted in simple day-to-day activities, something that sometimes takes only a short walk to remember.—OF

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BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED? CRAZED AND CONFUSED? IF YOUR DOGGIE DILEMMA HAS YOU DOWN IN THE DUMPS…

ask dog lady by Monica Collins

Dear Dog Lady,

Do you have any pithy words of annoyance about people who jabber on their cell phones or stare at their iPhones while walking their dogs? This drives me crazy because I see them ignoring their dogs even if the dog is squatting to relieve itself or licking something off the ground that may be toxic. I don’t care if I’m being rude as I loudly tell them to pay attention to their pet when I walk by. Please say something to make your readers aware.—Carla, New York, NY

Right on, sister! Many times, Dog Lady turns into an angry bird at the dog park when someone chatting on a cell or playing a game on a smartphone misses their pet’s performance and remains oblivious to an off-leash dog’s behaviour—good and bad. Dog keepers can be so annoying when they don’t pay attention and don’t pick up. Your rude comments on the street are perfectly understandable.

Dear Dog Lady, My Golden Retriever has had a trying couple of years. While spoiled in some

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respects (I am very good about taking her on long off-leash runs every morning regardless of the weather, and she comes to work with me almost every day) her life has been less than stable in other respects. My husband died two years ago and I have been dating a gentleman who treats her fairly but not like the princess she expects. She is not allowed in certain rooms, she has to dry off in the garage, etc. I don’t think rules

Your rude comments on the street are perfectly understandable. for animals are bad but all she wants is to be with me, wherever that might be. More distressing, her good friend, a German Shepherd, had to be put down recently for behaviour problems caused by a medical issue. They have been friends for three years, going on morning walks and occasional sleepovers. My Lady has been extremely needy and mopes a lot since this occurred. Am I imagining things or do dogs know when

this happens?—Emma, Manchester, NH When it comes to dogs, all evidence suggests they are tuned in to everything that rocks their world. Your Lady may not be aware of the concept of death, but she understands missing links: your late husband and her German Shepherd buddy. Dog Lady understands you are in a new relationship. That’s good. But please do not allow your gentleman friend to set the rules and boundaries for your dog. You alone have that duty and responsibility because your dear pet was a loyal, loved member of your household before the new gent.

Dear Dog Lady, We have a 12-year-old German Shepherd female, Heidi. She has always been somewhat high-strung, but in the last few years she has mellowed. However, for the last few weeks, she has become very anxious a lot of the time. She is either quite lethargic, just lying down, or she has what we call “anxiety attacks” during which she might jump on us on the couch, shaking and panting, before going to lie down in a closet. She has always behaved like that when there are thunderstorms, but there are no thunder-

ask dog lady storms now. She also is not interested in eating, or going for a walk (which she always loved). She has lost at least 10 pounds. The vet took blood tests and they all came back negative, indicating no problem. He really doesn’t know what more he could do, and recommends we take her to a veterinary behaviourist, which we will probably do. But I was wondering if you know about anxiety in older dogs. And what might be the cause?—Laura, Ridgefield, CT Dog Lady’s heart belongs to an elderly dog with his own senior moments. He can be startled suddenly, or he works himself into a lather by licking the furniture and clicking his chops, or he becomes restless and confused. Old dogs with touches of dementia need our patience and understanding. As long as Heidi has been thoroughly checked out and is in a veterinarian’s care, you can probably assume her weak signs are indicators of the endgame. She has enjoyed a long life. Treat her tenderly.

Dear Dog Lady, I think my Chow Chow has gotten a New York attitude. He cuts me off all the time. I can’t go anywhere without him slipping in front of me. What can I do?—Shelly, Orchard Park, NY Whether you have an uppity Chow Chow or a pipsqueak Chihuahua, you must be in charge. When your fur bear cuts you off, cut him off bigger. Don’t let him get away with any dominating behaviour. Always come back at him with a reminder you’re the Mama Bear. For example, walk first through a doorway and tell him to sit and stay while holding his gaze.

Dear Dog Lady, We adopted a wonderfully frisky and quirky Cairn terrier, Charlie Boy, from a no-kill shelter, where he lived for at least five months before we rescued him. He displays a constellation of behaviours that we cannot seem to understand or break. He sits on the chaise lounge in our yard and stares into the neighbour’s kitchen window. When the neighbour allows her dog, a Golden Retriever, to go out into her yard, Charlie Boy runs frantically back and forth along our fence and becomes a whirling dervish, although he and the Retriever get along nicely. When playtime is over and the Retriever wants to rest on her porch, Charlie Boy begins his frantic fence running all over again. He will run himself to exhaustion, or until the neighbour lets her dog in. We have Charlie on homeopathic flower remedies that have helped a bit, at least he no longer barks, growls, and snarls while he’s running. This truly seems to be some weird compulsion. Do you think so?—Maddy, Sioux Falls, SD Weird? Not for a dog. Compulsive? Yes, a million times, yes. After all her years of trying to decipher the behaviour of dogs— and of people—Dog Lady knows one thing: distraction is the moderndogmagazine.com

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ask dog lady mother of reinvention. In order to coax your dog to behave differently, you must behave differently. For example, instead of merely allowing quirky Cairn Charlie to sit on the chaise lounge staring into the neighbour’s kitchen (sounds so Desperate Housewives!), you should divert him with another activity. Take him away from galloping around the fence for a gambol at the local park. Or bring him into your house so everybody gets a break from the running of the bull. Keep up with the homeopathic remedy since it seems to be diffusing his obsessions. Charlie sounds adorably terrier: manic for no good reason.

Dear Dog Lady, Often when I go out, I give my Cairn Terrier a biscuit to compensate for not taking him with me. Sometimes he leaves this biscuit lying on the floor until I come home, when he pounces on it with delight. I find this very touching. Do you think he does it because he is too sad to eat while I’m gone?—Jeanne, Menlo Park, CA

Eating a biscuit alone for a Cairn Terrier is like drinking alone for a human. The pastime is more fun when shared.

Eating a biscuit alone for a Cairn Terrier (what’s with these adorably loopy Cairns?) is like drinking alone for a human. The pastime is more fun when shared. This is only a guess. Still, it makes sense your social animal only wants to be social. Never imagine your dog is too sad to eat a treat while you’re gone. The biscuit you leave behind is engraved with your promise to return. Your Cairn pounces with delight when the promise is kept.

Dear Dog Lady, I have a one-year-old Sealyham Terrier. He loves to put his mouth around one of his stuffed toys and just pulse gently up and down. He can do this for 20 to 30 minutes. What do you think this means?—Brenda, Toronto, ON He’s a youngster and still teething. Mouthing gives him gummy comfort as his choppers emerge. Also, this behaviour is very puppy-ish. If he was surrounded by a bunch of siblings in the den, he would probably gum them too. To our dogs, stuffed animals fulfill a variety of roles: prey, sibling, plaything, squirrel-substitute. Our dogs take stuffed toys very seriously. An inanimate animal with a squishy belly allows your Sealyham to rock gently imagining he’s back in the old country tussling with or choking a rodent softly. Ask Dog Lady is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/askdoglady. Write a question or make a comment.

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Last Lick

HOW I MET MY DOG

How My Dog Helped Me Meet the Rest of My Life By Tina Bhargava Flores

t 12 pounds in weight, 16 inches long, and hardly a foot high, Chile the Dachshund has been the biggest presence in my adult life. She adopted me when she was just eight weeks old. I was 19, in college, and just learning how to live on my own. Chile adjusted to university life quite well and, as long as we were together, we could take on anything (including a little separation anxiety). She should have been given an honorary Bachelor’s degree the day I graduated because she attended classes and pulled all-nighters right alongside me. My friends joked that I could never be in a serious relationship with a man because my soul mate had four legs and a tail. For many years, I thought they were right. No man could live up to the love, companionship, and fierce loyalty that Chile gave me. One night, I invited a guy I had met at my new job over for dinner. We had been out a couple of times but I wasn’t really sure where the relationship was headed, especially since he had previously told me he “didn’t really like dogs,” one of my screening questions for men I could potentially date. I invited him over to see how he and Chile would react to each other; after all, she and I were a package deal. The introductions went fine with Chile giving him the typical “intruder in my house” bark and then trying to coerce him into giving her table scraps in return for her favour. He had been previously instructed NOT to feed her any human food and he followed the rules. At the end of the evening as he was getting ready to leave, he couldn’t find his sweatshirt, though he was pretty sure he had left it on the couch. I realized we hadn’t seen Chile for a while either. I went to look for her in her favourite hiding spot under the bed and, sure enough, there was his sweatshirt with a little wiener-dog-sized lump curled up underneath. Long after my dinner guest left that night, I couldn’t get the

incident out of my head. He didn’t really think it was a big deal because he had never had a dog and didn’t understand that Chile didn’t care about other people or their stuff, she only cared about me! She regularly snuck one of my socks or a t-shirt into her den under the bed, but Chile had never shown any interest in being close to another human or their things. Needless to say, I was intrigued and went out with the guy again. The three of us started to spend more time together. As time went on— five years to be exact—I realized maybe this guy wasn’t a dog person but he had certainly become a “Chile person.” One morning, I came downstairs and found him on his hands and knees next to her food bowl. When I asked him what he was doing, he told me Chile wouldn’t eat, so he had to pretend he was eating her food to entice her to finish her breakfast. Unbeknownst to me, this happened every morning while I got ready for work. My heart melted. Last fall, Chile walked down the aisle with me as I married the man that she had helped me choose to complete our little family. As we continue on in our lives together, although she is a very happy, healthy nine-year-old, I sometimes fret over the thought that hangs in the back of every dog parent’s mind: Chile will have to leave us long before we are ready to let her go. While neither I nor my husband are ready to cope with that heartbreak right now, I find comfort in all the wonderful things that Chile has brought into my life that I will always cherish. I wouldn’t know many of the people I call my closest friends today, I probably would have dismissed my husband as “just another guy,” and I certainly wouldn’t know what unconditional love truly means. At the moment, we are extremely thankful for every lick, tail wag, and “welcome home” dance she gives us and for every missing piece of clothing we will be sure to find underneath the bed. n

Email submissions for Last Lick to lastlick@moderndogmagazine.com. Because of the volume of email, the magazine cannot respond to every submission. Share comments on this essay at moderndogmagazine.com/lastlick.

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