Modern Dog Winter 2014 by Modern Dog Magazine

Your Dog Questions Answered (p94) PLUS Terrific Giveaways, Drool-Worthy Finds, Great Toys + More!

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions W IN T ER 2014/15

Great Indoor Activities For Bored Dogs

Does Your Dog Care If You’re Happy?p91

p66

Y M N CA EAT DOG T? THA58 P

9 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN

TRAIN!

p112

YOUR BOND p60

Dominant or Submissive:

! INSPIRE p26

Which is Your Dog? p34

WIN 14

moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL MAR‘15

$5.95

25274 56842

DISNEY SUPERSTAR LAURA MARANO! STARS AND THEIR DOGS! IS AGILITY RIGHT FOR YOUR DOG?

E! PICK M p98

read your breed Terrific Terriers plus the Cocker Spaniel, Coton de Tulear & Wirehaired Vizsla

The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions

A PASSION FOR GIVING BACK

f fan o iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m afor dog! dog

WINTER 2014/15

Rocky Kanaka is leading the charge to feed dogs in need! Find out how you can help p47

f you haven’t heard of Rocky Kanaka, get ready because you are about to fall in love. Fall in love with his mission to help dogs in need, that is. As the Founder and President of the awardwinning company DOG for DOG, Rocky is making it easy to give back. For every DOG for DOG item purchased, the company donates a meal to a dog in need. DOG for DOG also aims to bring about awareness of overcrowded shelters, education around pet adoptions, spay and neuter programs, and much more. Rocky’s attitude about making a positive impact is as contagious as his endless energy. He believes helping dogs in need should be an uplifting process. Because of this, Rocky highlights the wonderful stories he sees happen every day. “Sharing the winning stories helps cultivate more winning stories.” Rocky states. “On our first donation drop, I adopted a malnourished boxer named Flip and within days he was diagnosed with distemper. Things were not looking good for Flip, but I stopped at nothing to save him and thankfully he pulled through. I now say that Flip saved me because he is a constant reminder why I can’t stop working to positively impact the lives of animals.” Rocky has crafted a starring role as the big dreamer entrepreneur turned industry mover and shaker— taking his small idea and turning it into a nationally recognized brand. With his high-octane energy and movie star good looks, its not surprising he’s been able to bring about impressive milestones for the company.

Brought to you by Heart United

One main catalyst for the rapid growth of DOG for DOG was meeting Ryan Kavanaugh, Founder and CEO of Relativity Media. Rocky states, “Ryan believed in me and showed me that anything is possible. Meeting Ryan is a true underdog story—it’s not everyday a media tycoon who builds one of the most successful entertainment companies decides that what you are doing is worth supporting.” A huge advocate for ending pet homelessness, Ryan partnered with Rocky so the two of them could accelerate DOG for DOG’s mission. continued on page 47 ▸

VOL 13

NO 4

P H OTO S H E L LY D U B É

WINTER 2014/15

28 FEATURES 28

Is Agility Right for Your Dog? Thinking about trying out agility? Here's what you need to know to get started.

Is Your Dog Dominant or Submissive? 50 shades of grey.

5 Totally Awesome Ways to Help Dogs Or Volunteer With Your Own Dog Five people making a difference, one dog at a time.

How to Improve Your Bond With Your Dog Understanding the human/canine connection and how to make your bond stronger.

Terrific Terriers Meet six members of the lively, energetic Terrier group!

How to Use Your Passion for Photography to Help Dogs in Need Professional photographer Mark Stevens shares tips for how to use your camera to help shelter dogs find homes.

Exclusive! Dog-Loving Disney Star Laura Marano is Crazy About Dogs Believe the hype: the Disney superstar is indeed all that… and she loves dogs!

Canine Empathy Your dog really does care if you're happy.

Help! What To Do In Common Canine Emergencies How to handle all manner of dog-related emergency.

100

BY NOA NICHOL

BY COREY VAN'T HAAFF

BY STEVE DUNO

PHOTOGRAPHED BY SARAH DALOISE

BY MARY-JO DIONNE

BY STANLEY COREN

THE GOODS 40

Gift Guide Irresistible finds for all the dogs and dog lovers on your list.

BREED PROFILE 20

Meet the Newbies Get to know the Coton de Tulear and the Wirehaired Vizsla, two breeds newly recognized by the American Kennel Club.

108

The Cocker Spaniel America's Sweetheart. BY KELLY CALDWELL

BODY AND SOUL 76

Does Your Dog Have Fleas? Here's How to Check; MD Poll; Quotable

BY DARCY WINTONYK

Does Your Dog Have What It Takes to Be a Therapy Dog?

Second Chance Dogs (And The People They're Saving Along the Way) Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue offers second chances, not just to abused and abandoned dogs, but to people too.

How Increased Oxygen Intake Could Help Your Dog; Slim Down Your Dog, At-home UTI Test

BY JEN REEDER

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P H OTO S O P H I E G A M A N D

BY NICOLE WILDE

LIVING 10

We Asked… What's the weirdest thing your dog has ever eaten? Get ready for some hilarious—and shocking—responses!

We're Giving It Away! We've got three months of fantastic giveaways, from gift baskets of super-delicious all-natural dog treats to grooming products you'll wonder how you lived without, and winners every week!

Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution Photographer Sophie Gamand casts Pit Bulls in a new light—a very soft and beautiful one.

Tail Spotting How well do you know your dog breeds? Put your breed identification skills to the test with our "What Breed Belongs to Each Wag?" test.

Stars, They're Just LIke Us! Candid snaps of celebs out and about with their pups.

P H OTO TA N YA K I N G

P H OTO SA R A H D A LO I S E

98 54

DIY Craft: Stamp It! Make your own dog-pattered wrapping paper with this DIY rubber stamp project, plus more cool pet projects.

Loving and Losing a Senior Dog The joys of taking in an older dog.

Can My Dog Eat That? The fruit edition.

5 Indoor Activities to Cheer Up a Bored Dog Keep your dog busy, happy, and engaged with these five fun games.

At a Glance: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

BY MARTHA LEARY

98 Why You Should Adopt A Friend Over the Holidays BY KATIE LEONARD

REGULAR FEATURES 6 Editor’s Letter 8 Contributors 12 Stuff We Love 14 The Scoop 24 Smile! Photo Contest 123 Marketplace

ON THE COVER

Disney superstar Laura Marano and her adorable Keeshoon, Velvet. Photographed by Kharen Hill. Make up, Kristina Goldberg; Hair, Judd Minter; Styling, Tara Williams. Velvet wears a classic studded leather "Bengal" collar from Sebastian & Co. $42, sebastiancollarandsaddlery.com.

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104

DIY Eat Rex's Terrific Trailmix. (You can make this from leftovers!)

112

Ask a Trainer: Aggressive Cavalier-cross Attacks Other Little Dogs Addressing causes of aggression and learning your dog's triggers.

115

Connie’s Book Club Curl up with a good dog and a good book. Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s round-up of winter season must-reads.

118

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

128

Last Lick: How I Met My Dog And then there was Artie. BY VICKI M. TITTLE

BY TEOTI ANDERSON

BY MONICA COLLINS

In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 13, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402.

you might want to give agility a try, you’re definitely going to want to flip to page 28. (Your dog is going to be so stoked!) If your New Year’s resolution is to get more involved in your community, to give back, or put a passion for photography to good use, we’ve got you covered! Check out: “Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution” (we can’t get enough of these photos!) on p26; “5 Totally Awesome Ways to Help Dogs” on p44; and “Use Your Passion For Photography to Help Dogs in Need” on p82. We also share adorable photos of smiling dogs and fun photos of celebs out and about with their pups, explore canine behaviour (p26) and empathy in dogs (p86), and so much more! From awesome DIYS to heartwarming personal essays to canine health and wellness, we hope to be a cherished companion through the season and a reminder that there’s a whole lot of good in this world if one sets their mind to seeing it. Let’s spread joy, people. We’ve got some pretty amazing four-legged mentors to help us in the process!

t times I find myself worrying about where our society is headed. And then I look to my dog. It seems the daily pressures we face are ever greater—more work, more information to process—and we’re invariably glued to one screen or another. I’m as guilty of this as anyone, and yet it’s so important not to lose the ability to see and participate in what's real and happening right at this very moment. I certainly don’t want to be paying so much attention to my iPhone that I miss out on what’s truly precious and important in life. So how can we keep it real, keep our engagement focused on the present moment? Our dogs provide the answer, of course! When it comes to the many, many ways we can maximize our appreciation and enjoyment of the present moment and revel in real-time life, they constantly lead by example. Here’s what my dogs have shown me: that the simple things in life are often the best—like a walk in the woods after a rain shower when everything smells fresh and new; that playtime is a great way of releasing pent up energy (plus it’s revitalizing and has fitness benefits!); that the world could use a little more goofiness (who among us doesn’t fail to smile at her dog’s crazy antics?); and, last but not least, always greet those you love with joyful enthusiasm— we all know how good it feels when our dogs welcome us in such a fashion. I'm planning to incorporate those philosophies into my New Year’s resolution, with a particular focus on having more fun and spending a little less time sitting in front of my computer! My dog definitely inspires me to be my best self. To get 2015 off on the right foot, we’ve packed this issue with inspiring stories and how-to’s! If you’ve ever considered whether

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Wishing you love, peace, and happiness!

Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease… with carefreeness, harmony, and love. And when we harness the forces of harmony, joy, and love, we create success and good fortune with effortless ease. —Deepak Chopra, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success

PHOTO KHAREN HILL

E D ITO R ’S LE T T E R

C ON TRIBUT OR S WINTER 2014/15

•

VOL 13

NO 4

Publisher

Modern Dog Inc.

A passionate animal advocate and longtime volunteer, television producer Darcy Wintonyk just received the 2014 SPCA award for media excellence. In addition to producing a national consumer television series, she also pens a popular pet column highlighting animal issues and events. In this issue of Modern Dog, she tackles a series of "What to do if…" questions concerning dogs (p 94). The sarcastic journalist lives in Vancouver, BC, with her husband and Norfolk terrier, Murphy Brown, named after the snappy TV maven played by Candice Bergen in the 1990s. Follow her @darcynews.

Editor-in-Chief

Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director

Jennifer Nosek Audience Development & Digital Marketing Director

Lauren Cheal Social Media & Events Coordinator

Taryn Cheal Design & Production

Natalie Gagnon Design & Production Assistant

Vanessa Dong Sales & Marketing

Julia Klymenko, Kara Gerlach, Kai Jasobson Sales & Marketing Intern

Angela Wang Accounting and Subscription Services

Celine Benipayo Subscription Services Assistant

Lily Nguyen

Noa Nichol is a freelance writer and editor living in Vancouver, B.C. She enjoys practicing yoga daily, travelling and, most of all, hanging out with her “Spoodle” (Spaniel/Poodle mix), Wally. In this issue, Noa gets the lowdown on Agility for would-be first timers. Is agility right for your dog? Find out on page 28!

Controller

Cecilia de Roca Chan 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 13, Issue 4. 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 13, Issue 4. Published quarterly by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 310402, Newington, CT 06131-0402. PHONE

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

FAX

Melanie Luther is an illustrator and lover of dogs. Her delightful illustrations have been featured in a variety of publications both national and international, but this winter issue marks her Modern Dog debut! She lives in Calgary, AB, with her beautiful wife and their many pets and spends her days enjoying their company and painting and drawing pictures. Her illustrations often feature her awesome dogs, Douglas and Veronica, but sometimes she draws other things too (like her cat Izzy). Check out Melanie’s lovely illustration for “How to Improve Your Bond With Your Dog” on p 60.

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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 2014/15 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published four times a year. One-year subscription prices: Canada $16CAD, U.S.A. $16USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 202–343 Railway St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6A 1A4

PRINTED IN CANADA

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

We Asked...

ruh roh

What is the weirdest thing your dog has ever eaten? My WALL!!? —Jenny C Lee

Rhinestones. She literally pooped sparkles.—Susan Stoneman Wasabi peas. And regretting it right after doesn't stop her from eating more. —Adina Sinasohn

Empty toilet paper tubes. He checks the bathroom sometimes a couple times a day waiting patiently for the roll to get empty.—Cheryl Loyd My husband's CD collection.—Dee Evans $500 child support check.

My Tiffany bracelet. Didn't even realize it was missing until I found a sparkling turd in the backyard.—Bonni Jean $20 bills. Got into my purse. Ate three $20's, left the ones and fives!—Dottie Prater Three of my favourite bikinis… THREE!!—Julia Rizzo Tenderheart A plastic hanger, leather belt, his brother’s dog bed, a flip flop, and half of a $5 bill. —Gail Lindsey McDade

My TV remote… like three of them.—Geri Levy Rowland

—Cynthia Corgan Weber

Miniature WWE wrestlers. It's quite disturbing to find John Cena's head in a pile of poop.—Kelly Ferreira

Petroleum jelly...the whole jar.—Rebecca Zbuchalski

My wedding rings. Ewww it was awful! —Pamila Daniels

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 and Pinterest. Go to facebook.com/moderndogmagazine, twitter.com/moderndogmag & pinterest.com/moderndogmag.

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WINTER 2014/ 15

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

1 I love this dog bowl from 40 Winks Designs. The adorable design looks great in my kitchen

and the removable dining bowl is eco-friendly, recyclable, and dishwasher safe. It’s the perfect addition to any stylish dog-lover's home!—Kara ($65, 40winksdesigns.com)

2 Dog and Crow has some of the chicest dog stuff. My favourite by far is Honey’s Classic Bed.

I can’t stop gushing about how soft it is and how elegant it looks! Handcrafted in Vancouver, BC, and made of natural hemp canvas, Marshall the Lab finally has a comfy bed fit for his stylish self!—Celine ($130, dogandcrow.ca)

3 Tired of constantly buying quickly destroyed squeaky toys? Try out the adorable Freddy the

Fox squeaker toy from For the Love of Fido! It’s made from heavier fabrics and has a durable liner to keep it in one piece longer, despite its irresistible squeaker and crinkly tail.—Angela ($14, 4theloveoffido.com)

4 Is your brother’s dog driving him crazy with rambunctious behaviour? Give the gift of

lifetime training support with the AKC "Good-Dog!" Helpline, a live hotline that provides assistance from dog trainers. A one-time fee provides an available trainer 7 days a week with no restrictions for the life of their dog.—Cecilia ($80, shop.woofipedia.com)

5 You have to get your paws on Whistle! Whistle is the latest activity monitor tracker that you

can attach to any collar. Not only can it track your dog's activity level and send updates to your phone but you can also set custom activity goals, track medication, and monitor health trends! It's a cool window into your dog's day!—Vanessa ($99, whistle.com)

6 Pound Puppies, the hit toy of the 80s, are back! The kids in your life are going to love these—

they can register their pups online and get their very own adoption certificates. Comes with a heart-shaped dog tag they can write the pup's name on!—Connie ($18, poundpuppies.com)

7 Just because you have pets doesn’t mean you can’t have lovely potted plants in your home.

Keep your dogs and cats out of your planters with Plant Patterns Covers. The elastic-edged fabric cover keeps Rover from digging around in the dirt, making a mess or worse! Lots of awesome patterns available.—Lauren (From $10, plantpatterncovers.com)

8 With my long Dachshund back prone to injury, Back on Track's therapeutic dog blanket is

my new best friend! It keeps muscles loose and supple, prevents injury, and speeds injury recovery by reducing inflammation and easing aches and pains in both canine athletes and couch mates alike.—Miniature Dachshund Esther (From $79, backontrackproducts.com)

9 Rose, my little Longhaired Dachshund, suffers from Cushing’s Disease and the attendant skin problems, so I was thrilled to find Splash Plus pet shampoo, developed by veterinarian dermatologists especially for dogs with itchy, painful, red, infected, sensitive skin. It’s a godsend!—Jennifer ($33, vetsplash.com)

10 What to get the dog lover that has everything? One of these super-cool car grille

ornaments! Simply choose your desired breed and bolt to the front grille—no drilling required.—Wirehaired Dachshund Penny ($50, anythingdogs.com)

11 Think pink! I'll be ushering in the spring season with this lovely leather and brass collar

finished with handmade beads. Because a good dog deserves a great collar. Sizes available for dogs of all sizes!—Miniature Dachshund Rose ($60, justfurfunonline.com)

12 This dress strikes the perfect balance between fashion and dogs! I love getting dressed up in too-cute things like this Scottie-dog-print dress from ModCloth. Let me tell you, it’s a hit every time I wear it to the office!—Taryn ($85, modcloth.com)

13 Collars just don’t get nicer than this. A handcrafted leather Paco Collar is a thing of

beauty. My pick is the Tovin for the timeless appeal of this exclusive design but lovely options abound.—Natalie (From $60, pacocollars.com)

(

PHOTOS © BRUCE WEBER

CANINE NEWS AND REVIEWS

Take A Shine to Shinola Stunning Detroit-made pet line wows with both values & craftmanship

Tapping in to the zeitgeist, all-American company Shinola set about to define American luxury through quality Americanmade products, with the laudable goal of revitalizing the manufacturing industry in Detroit. With their latest project, undertaken in collaboration with photographer and animal lover Bruce Weber, they’ve branched out from their covetable bicycles and watches to create beautifully made dog accessories—just be prepared to want them all. Their collars, toys, leashes, and beds are high in style and function and are all crafted in Detroit, revitalizing local industry and creating something beautiful in the process. See the whole collection at shinola.com.

MODERN DOG POLL

Do you also have a cat? CAST YOUR VOTE AT MODERNDOGMAGAZINE.COM

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WINTER 2014/ 15

How's this for Innovation? Turn Your Dog’s Poo into a Flower!

There are many multitasking dog cookies out there, ones that freshen dog breath or ease joint pain, but this is a first! With the tagline “plants grow from your dog’s poo!,” Slovenia’s Hov Hov bakery (which means “woof woof” in Slovenian) has created dog cookies which, once they pass through your dog’s digestive system, turn into flowers to “embellish the landscape and ironically draw attention to what becomes of dog poop if dog owners ‘forget’ to pick up.” Aptly called “pookies,” these dog cookies turn “forgotten” poop into a lovely little garden!

THE SCOOP

Amanda Seyfried & Kristin Bauer van Straten use their celebrity wattage to spotlight rescue efforts

ctress Kristin Bauer van Straten—True Blood fans will know her as Pam—was so moved by her recent visit to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary that she called it “a trip for the soul.” A longtime Best Friends Animal Society supporter, Bauer van Straten was thrilled when she finally had the chance to visit their Angel Canyon, Utah property, a paradise for rescued animals which just so happens to be the largest no-kill companion animal sanctuary in the U.S. “Words can't describe this stunning operation,” commented Bauer van Straten. “Things impacted me that I hadn't expected. The beauty of the place, the backdrop of Utah is ever present. The people who work here and volunteer are quite astounding. I was also surprised by individual animals I met: a wobbly big black cat who pushed his head in to my hand and purred so loud; a guinea pig with a Mohawk who made such strong eye contact with me; and a seven-month-old pot belly pig who already knew all the tricks my seven-year-old dog can do. “This is a trip one simply must do. Best Friends is the only place like it in the world. The founders have done something never before accomplished. Before their vision, no one believed [no-kill] was even possible. Lives are transformed at Best Friends through a very special combination of love and know how. Treat yourself to immersion and some of that transformation will also rub off on you, it has me." The Sanctuary offers free guided tours a minimum of four times a day. If you plan on going, reserve a space for the full two-hour tour. You don’t want to miss Dog Town!

“My dog, Finn, is my best friend. I honestly can't remember what life was like before he came into mine. I can't bear to imagine the thousands of incredible dogs and cats that are killed in shelters every single day simply because they don't have homes. When you adopt, you not only save a life, but you end up with an amazing friend." —Amanda Seyfried

Celebrity Dog Finn and His Star Mom Amanda Seyfried Join Forces to Remind People that Amazing Dogs are Waiting in Shelters #weheartsecondchances Amanda Seyfried and her adopted dog, Finn, are the latest celebrities to join Best Friends Animal Society’s Save Them All campaign. Featuring celebrities posing with their very own rescued dogs and cats, the campaign aims to get companion animals adopted, an effort we are very down with.

Founded in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters across the US from 17 million per year to about 4 million. And they’re not stopping there! Let’s go team No Kill!

PHOTO COURTESY BEST FRIENDS

STAR POWER

THE SCOOP

Amanda Seyfried & Kristin Bauer van Straten use their celebrity wattage to spotlight rescue efforts

PHOTO COURTESY BEST FRIENDS

STAR POWER

THE SCOOP “Live from the couch, it’s Saturday night!!!”

CAPTION THIS! 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.

Actress Amanda Seyfried's dog, Finn, is a celebrity in his own right; he has over 13,000 Twitter followers of his very own!

Finn Seyfried @finn_seyfried Spot the difference

AND THE WINNING CAPTION FROM THE FALL ISSUE IS...

Finn Seyfried @finn_seyfried Walk softly & carry a big stick.

"OUT??!! Hey ref I know some seeing eye dogs you should call!!" SUBMITTED BY AUGUST LARUFFA

RUNNER-UP CAPTIONS The extra ball? In my mouth. What of it? SUBMITTED BY LINK WACHLER

Finn Seyfried @finn_seyfried Slowly building my lawsuit…

Finn Seyfried @finn_seyfried My gift is my song

More Dog-Loving Celebs on Twitter: @iansomerhalder; @dgandyofficial; @theellenshow 18 moderndog

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"Enough of you asking for the rules to be read over… and over… and over again." SUBMITTED BY DANA MATTHEWS "This man has bacon in his pockets! I can't play like this ref!!" SUBMITTED BY STEPHEN BRUBAKER When a job opened up for a new retriever on the tennis team. Robbie knew it was a job made for him. SUBMITTED BY CINDY

@finn_seyfried

MEET THE NEWBIES The Coton de Tulear and the Wirehaired Vizsla were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014 and will be competing for the first time at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, North America’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious, in 2015. Get ready to cheer them on with this AKC lowdown on these newly recognized breeds.

The Coton de Tulear The Coton de Tulear is a very hardy small-sized (8 to 13 pounds), long-coated companion. Happy and clownish, the breed is eager to please and very loyal. Meaning “cotton” in French, the Coton de Tulear has a soft, white coat. The Coton de Tulear dates back around the 15th century in Madagascar, off the coast of eastern Africa. The breed takes its name from the port city of Tulear, where it was especially prevalent in the 1700s. While the exact origins of the Coton are unknown, the breed is said to have survived in packs in the wild, later used for ridding trade ships of unwanted rodents. These happy little dogs were also prized by the Merina nobles for their companionship and pleasant demeanor. Popular with the French who colonized Madagascar, the Coton later became prevalent throughout Europe.

Is this the breed for you? The Coton de Tulear is a happy dog that thrives on human companionship. They are extremely sturdy and versatile, excelling in all types of dog activities, from agility to therapy. The breed gets along well with other dogs, cats, and children provided that proper socialization is given. The breed’s long coat requires daily grooming and care. The Coton de Tulear is considered “hypoallergenic” and may be a good breed for allergy sufferers. Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/coton-de-tulear.

The Wirehaired Vizsla The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile, medium-sized hunting dog that possesses an excellent nose for hunting and tracking, as well as a natural point and retrieve. Although similar to the more common smooth-coated Vizsla in many ways, the Wirehaired Vizsla is a distinctly separate breed. The most obvious difference is its one to two-inch long dense wiry coat, which is golden rust in colour to help the dogs blend into dried grasses and brush in the field. In the 1930s, the hunters and falconers of Hungary wanted to create a breed with the same traits and colour of the Vizsla, but one that could more easily withstand extreme weather and rough field conditions. The plan was to develop a dog with a heavier, sturdier build and wiry coat. To do so, Vizslas were bred to a solid liver German Wirehaired Pointer. The first Wirehaired Vizslas were imported to North America in the early 1970s.

Is this the breed for you? Gentle, outgoing, and friendly, Wirehaired Vizslas make loyal family companions. They are intelligent and trainable for hunting as well as other sports such as agility and obedience. Due to the athletic nature of the Wirehaired Vizsla, regular exercise is a necessity. The breed's wiry coat should be kept in its natural state, with occasional brushing, bathing, and stripping to tidy up. Read more at moderndogmagazine.com/wirehaired-vizsla. n

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

ENTER TO WIN

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

december

1st-7th

Win 1 of 10 prize packs containing Splash Pet Shampoo and Splash Plus Pet Shampoo, developed by veterinary dermatologists to help calm the most challenging skin conditions!

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

8th-14th

15th-21st

22nd-31st

Win 1 of 5 fun and beautiful handbeaded leather dog collars from Just Fur Fun. Available in sizes for small to extra large dogs!

Win 1 of 10 Vetisse Metatrig, a natural herbal supplement for dogs that helps maintain glucose tolerance, stimulates insulin release, and supports the pancreas.

Win 1 of 8 food and treat packs from Redbarn Naturals. Their grain-free food and treats come in irresistible recipes dogs love.

january

1st-7th

Win 1 wooden Richell Expandable Pet Crate in size medium for pets up to 44 pounds! Expands to 11 different lengths and complements home interiors!

february

1st-7th

Win 1 of 4 prize packs of Earthbath totally natural pet products. Earthbath products are paraben free, dye free and made in the USA for better baths!

Win 1 of 3 Uncle Ulrick’s 100% American-made Jerky Variety packs: Chicken, Beef and Sweet Potato Snacks. No grain, soy, wheat fillers, or anything artificial!

8th-14th

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

Win 1 of 5 Puppy Bumper stuffed collars that keep dogs from getting out of fences from Puppy Bumpers, Inc. Made in USA.

15th-21st

Win 1 of 3 gift baskets full of VitaLife All-Natural Chicken Fingers and Nuggets dog treats—made in Canada with locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients!

Win 1 Barkie Bedroom from Arni Says & Arni Foundation. Stylish, comfy, and indestructible, a Barkie Bedroom means your dog will sleep tight!

22nd-28th

Win 1 of 8 prize packs from Charlee Bear, each containing an assortment of 5 packages of their naturally delicious, only three-calorie dog treats, made in the USA.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning December 1, 2014 at 12:01 AM (PST) through February 28, 2015 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.

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! E L I M S

Modern Dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photo Contest Winners!

Daisy

Keiko & Taz

Husky & Toy Poodle

Long haired Dachshund

Molly

German Shepherd

Toffee

English/American Bulldog

Moby

Weimaraner

Dodo Pomeranian Fitzpatrick

English Shepherd

Aqua

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Peg Mix

Checkers

Australian Shepherd

Charlyboy Maltese

Lexi

Magnificent Mutt

Marley Bruiser Labrador

Black Lab Mix

Thor

Samoyed

Nala & Cooper

Golden Retriever & Chihuahua

Lilly & Koda

Golden Retriever & Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Harley

Tess

Irish Terrier Mix

Maltese

Cleopatra Greyhound

Titan Mr. Fig Newton Lab Retriever Mix Pit bull

Buster

French Bulldog

Think your dog ought to be in Modern Dog?

Tojo Chase

Japanese Chin

Upload your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!

Golden Retriever moderndogmagazine.com

Photographer Sophie Gamand casts Pit Bulls in a new lightâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a very soft and beautiful one

Pit Bulls of the Revolution

P H OT OS S O P H I E G A M A N D ( SE E N O N T H I S PAG E : J E L LY B E A N )

FLOWER POWER

these n o n ee s s g The do le! b a t p o d a e r pages a

Fancy

Erica

e simply could not be more taken with this project. Photographer and rescue volunteer Sophie Gamand’s new photographic series is not just lovely, it has a lofty goal at its core: to recast public perception of bully breeds. That it makes one smile in the process is, to us, a sure harbinger of its success. A longtime volunteer with a variety of rescue groups, Gamand found herself warming up to the maligned bully breeds, won over by the sweet natures of the Pit Bulls she encountered in rescue. Soon, the idea for Flower Power, Pit Bulls of the Revolution was born and Gamand found herself making floral headdresses for adoptable Pit Bulls, then bathing the dogs in a soft warm light to create the magical, hippie-ish vibe seen in the these dreamily arresting photos. Working with three New York-based rescue groups, Sean Casey Animal Rescue, Second Chance Rescue and Animal Haven, Gamand had no shortage of adoptable Pit Bulls to work with. Flower Power, Pit Bulls of the Revolution is about challenging oneself to look at Pit Bulls differently,” Gamand says of her series. “They have a bad reputation and are victims of prejudic-

es. In America, a million Pit Bulls are euthanized each year. The truth is that the great majority of Pit Bulls are harmless and very affectionate. I realized that the imagery associated with them was always harsh and gritty. They were always portrayed as bad asses. I myself was prejudiced until I realized you can’t judge an entire group based on a few bad elements. So I took a different route, to invite people to look at them from a different perspective. I started thinking: what if these dogs were portrayed as sweet flower children? Would it make people reconsider their prejudices against them?” All the dogs featured in Gamand’s work, including those seen on these pages, are currently waiting for forever homes. To find out more about adopting one of these dogs, go to sophiegamand.com. Prints (with a 2015 calendar soon to follow) are also available, with all proceeds going to the three rescue groups that took part in the project. “This project is not about saying all Pit Bulls are angels,” Gamand notes. “It is about learning to look at things with an open heart.” n

“We don’t like to be judged by our looks. Yet that is exactly what we are doing to Pit Bulls.”

>> Get Social! Gamand has organized a really cool social media campaign around the series. She’s inviting everyone to post a picture of their dogs with flowers (or wearing flowers!) and use the hashtag #PitBullFlowerPower to fight prejudice, support shelter Pit Bulls, and remember the multitude of Pit Bulls euthanized each year. moderndogmagazine.com

Is Agility Right F r Your Dog? Thinking about trying out agility? Here’s what you need to know to get started By Noa Nichol

“Y

es, Jasper likes to jump off things—that’s actually an understatement,” laughs Vancouver, BC’s Leanna Fillo, as she recounts how she and her Sheltie-Shepherd cross first got involved in dog agility, a sport in which a human handler directs a dog through an obstacle course in a race for both time and accuracy. “We just finished our basic obedience class at DogSmart Training, and I could really see how focused he was on me and how bonded we had become,” she says. “I wanted to keep the momentum going, so I started looking for our next challenge— something that would stimulate both Jasper and myself mentally and physically and give us more time to be together, to work together and to bond.”

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Fillo had heard about agility training before, and decided to look into beginner classes. Once she discovered more about what would be involved, she says she “knew that Jasper would be a shoo-in for the sport.” A natural he is, thanks in part to his unique mixture of breeds. According to the United States Dog Agility Association, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, and Border Collies all rank among the top dogs to run agility and win trials. But if you’re thinking of trying agility with your mutt, don’t be dissuaded by his or her bloodline. “Certain types of dogs—working and herding dogs come to mind—are often considered as ‘naturals’ for agility but, the truth is, any breed can do it,” says Becky Woodruff, a North American

Dog Agility Council (NADAC) seminar clinician based in Bend, Oregon. “I’ve seen Jack Russell Terriers, Standard Poodles, Pomeranians—pretty much every type of dog, purebred and mixed breed, excel at this sport. Of course, a big St. Bernard may not be as agile as a Sheltie, and a Basset Hound, low to the ground, likely can’t catch a Border Collie, but they can still be very successful at agility. It’s an all-inclusive activity for people and their pets.” In fact, the sport of agility—which was started in England in the late 1970s and was then introduced to North America in the early ’80s—is structured so that nearly all handlers and dogs can participate at some level. This includes dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages—and their humans, as well. “NADAC, for instance, has a junior division for kids, which is really fun and exciting to watch,” says Woodruff. “Also, in competition, the animals are measured for height at the shoulder and placed in a category that includes equipment to match. Our aim is to structure it so everyone with a healthy dog can at least give agility a try and reap the benefits.” And the benefits of agility, agrees Mark Shambour, owner of K9 Korral Obedience Training Centre in Sarasota, Florida, are many. “The dogs just love it; most of them have what can only be described as huge grins on their faces the whole time they’re moving through a course,” he says. “Agility presents them with a challenge—how quickly and how well they can do the equipment—and the whole time they’re looking to you for instruction. From a pup’s perspective, what could be better?” While agility classes at Shambour’s moderndogmagazine.com

P H OTO S L E N S I LV E S T E R , TT L

Ready, Set, GO! facility are “strictly for fun,” he says competition is something individual handlers can decide to do once they’ve got a feel for the sport and a sense of how successful their dog has been. “For beginners, I’d recommend keeping it light when you’re first starting out, seeing how your dog takes to it and how well you enjoy it,” he says. “Most importantly, leave any attitude at the door and be aware of how your dog is feeling.” While most pups either “take to agility like ducks to water” or, with some time, become accustomed to the sport, Shambour says it’s important to watch for signs that your dog is not enjoying the activity. “It’s very rare, but there are some dogs too frightened or anxious to get on the equipment or who simply don’t like the stimulation of being with many other dogs in a social, group setting,” he explains. “In those cases, it might just take some extra time or treats or some private agility classes to get them tuned in. What I tell my clients is, don’t force the dog to do it, let it happen on its own terms.” If your dog is elderly or suffers from health problems that could limit her range of motion, that may be a reason not to pursue agility—but even in those cases, gentler courses can be set up for senior or disabled dogs to run. As for handlers who are getting up in years, Shambour says that his indoor agility course in Florida is a godsend. “We’ve got a fully air conditioned facility and, in the heat of summer, we’re cool as cucumbers in here,” he says. “It’s a wonderful way to get out of the heat—and away from the mosquitos—without sacrificing Fido’s exercise.” In Harrowsmith, Ontario, just northeast of Toronto, Jennifer Laird has been running dogs for about seven years now. In contrast to beating the Florida heat, she calls dog agility a “great way to exercise your pet throughout the cold winter months.” Laird, who is secretary of the Agility Association of Canada—a national body that governs the sport as it grows and ensures the well-being and safety of all involved—started out in agility with an unlikely dog: a nine-year-old rescue Dalmatian named Frederica. “She had no skills whatsoever when she came to me; she was this totally hyper dog

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Top Benefits of Agility Training FOR DOGS: 1

Provides an outlet for a dog’s natural instincts

Excellent form of physical and mental exercise

Strengthens the bond with their person

FOR HANDLERS: 1

Provides camaraderie with other dog owners

Excellent form of physical and mental exercise

Strengthens the bond with their dog

P H OTO L E FT SH E L LY D U B É ; P H OTOS CE N T E R A N D R I G H T, AGI LI TY A SS O CI ATI O N O F CA NA DA , L E N S I LV E S T E R , TT L

Leanna Fillo with Jasper at an agility fun match

that simply refused to listen,” she recalls. “Part of the problem was the breed itself— Dalmatians were bred to be carriage dogs, whose job was to run in front of firefighting carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. So, by instinct, these dogs don’t look to their people for direction.” To solve the problem, Laird enrolled in basic obedience classes—every dog, she says, should know the basic commands sit, stay, and come, before attempting agility. Once Frederica had mastered that, it was time to move on to agility. “My idea was to build the bond between she and I,” Laird says. “That is absolutely one of the biggest and best benefits of agility—the connection between you and your dog becomes stronger than you can imagine.” It worked, and Frederica thrived in agility; according to Laird, the Dalmatian “loved to go to class,” and would even start to perk up when she recognized the turn in the road that led to the training facility. “She loved being with me, loved socializing with the other dogs there,” says Laird. “To be honest, the camaraderie with the other handlers was a big draw for me, too. No matter where you go, from coast to coast and on either side of the border, the [agility] community is just so wonderful—friendly, warm, welcoming, and wholly supportive. Everyone just wants to see everyone else succeed and, most importantly, enjoy themselves.” Nearby, in Kemptville, Ontario, Linda DeVerno, president of

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one of Canada’s oldest agility clubs, Dogs 4 Fun, echoes Laird’s sentiments. “No matter where you are, it’s always such a great group of people—and dogs!” DeVerno says. “In fact, agility is growing so much, I recommend that people who are thinking of trying it look for events in their area—there are so many different venues that host agility these days—and go and check it out. Talk to the people you meet there, ask questions … I promise, we won’t bite!” n >> For how to make your own backyard agility course, go to: moderndogmagazine.com/diyagility

Is Your Dog Dominant or Submissive? 50 shades of grey By Nicole Wilde

The Great Dane W

hen it comes to dominance and submission in the dog world, there really are 50 shades of grey—at the very least. Owners often say things like, “She’s an alpha!” or “He’s really submissive with other dogs.” But, just like people, dogs are not always in charge or always ready to yield to others. For example, in a three-dog home, Golden Retriever Dusty is clearly dominant over English Bulldog Butch, but he shows deferential behavior in most interactions with German Shepherd Mandy. That rank order— understanding who’s got the rights to resources, the right of way, and more—is how peace is kept. Rank, however, is fluid, and depends on various factors. A new dog coming into a home could upset the existing order. Furthermore, a high-ranking dog does not necessarily always eat first or grab a valued resource such as a toy first; it depends on what is important to that dog. Although who’s in charge isn’t always clear-cut, there is specific body language that can indicate dominance or submission. Individual facets should be assessed as part of an entire display and read in the context of the situation. DOMINANCE A dominance display broadcasts, “I am in charge here!” The dog tries to make himself look as big as possible by standing tall, perhaps even being up on his toes. The body is stiff. Hackles may be raised. He may stare. Ears are up and forward. The

Gentlest of the giants

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Although we use the terms “dominant” and “submissive” to describe dogs, most canine temperaments fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. A dog may display submission or dominance depending on the situation. Dominant Dogs May: tail is held high and may be curved over the back. If there is wagging, it is most likely in a stiff, moderate arc, like a flag waving. To make his point, the head or chin may be placed over the shoulder or back of another dog. If the other dog is on his back, the dominant dog might stand over him. SUBMISSION In direct contrast, submissive body language broadcasts, “Don’t hurt me!” or “I am not a threat!” The dog wants to make himself appear as small as possible. The body may be lowered, even to the ground. Ears are back. Eyes are averted. The tail is held low and possibly even tucked. In an extreme display of submission, the dog might lie on his back, exposing his vulnerable underbelly. There is a lot more to the dominance-submission paradigm, however, and it can be confusing. A dog who is normally dominant over another, for example, will sometimes allow that other dog primary access to a valued resource; it all depends on how important that resource is to the top dog. During play, dogs use dominant or submissive body language in the context of fun and may trade off roles. So how can we tell? It’s not as though dogs walk around with a scarlet letter “D” or “S” glowing on their furry heads! It takes time and experience to truly understand the fine balance of power between dogs. One thing we do know: dogs don’t consider us to be of their species, which is one reason being heavy-handed in the name of showing dogs “who’s dominant” is folly at best. n

• Guard or appropriate toys, food or other valuable resources • Block doorways or otherwise control access to space • Consider the couch or bed “theirs” • Be “Space Invaders,” crowding others and acting as though they have the right of way • Mount other dogs at the park (male-to-male mounts are most common) • Push their way to the front if walking in a group with other dogs • Stare other dogs down

Submissive Dogs May: • Stand back while others eat first • Lick other dogs on the muzzle • Go belly up to show submission (and may urinate upon being greeted by another dog) • Look away when another dog stares • Let other dogs take food or toys away from them • Turn into pancakes in an attempt to make themselves small

moderndogmagazine.com

KNOW YOUR DOGS

Tail Spotting What breed belongs to each wag?

WINTER 2014/ 15

Can you correctly guess the following dog breeds based only on their back half?â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Answers upsidedown at bottom of page.

FROM TOP TO BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): BOSTON TERRIER, SCOTTISH TERRIER, CHINESE CRESTED, CHIHUAHUA, FOX TERRIER, SALUKI, BULLDOG, WEIMARANER, SHIBA INU

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How well do you know your dog breeds? Put your breed identification skills to the test!

Gift Guide Irresistible finds for all the dogs & dog lovers on your list

HOME

As far as we're concerned, home is where the dog is. Want it! The sculpturally beautiful Tulip Bowl with ceramic inset dish from PetEgo will elevate your dog's dining experience. (Plus it's dishwasher and microwave safe for easy serving and cleaning.) $10–$30, petego.com { Editor’s Pick } These plates are definitely on our wish list! Contemporary artist Sasha Tugolukova has created a stunning collection of plates featuring masks inspired by dogs. A contemporary take on the traditional Russian style khokhloma, these unique pieces are sure to find an appreciative home with your art- and dog-loving friends. $65, sashatugolukova.com

Winter means messy pups, but with Messy Mutts’ soft and snuggly chenille grooming mitts the mud and muck of winter will stay out of your home and car! $7, messymutts.ca

For those who love interior design and their dog, the Kooldog house is a musthave. A luxurious, modern dog den that blends into one’s home décor? Why yes please. $499, kooldog.ca

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The super-comfy handmade Baylee "shag" bed is 100% machine washable and hypoallergenic. Plus it's custom made to order you can choose a specific combo of quality fabrics to suit your fancy! $108, bayleenasco.com

Pamper your pooch with the gorgeous Urban Lounger from Bowsers. The inner cushion orthopedic support but zippers into the bottom of the bed—a great solution for digging dogs who like disassemble beds! From $100, bowsers.com

Gift Guide Coastal Pet Products' K9 Explorer Reflective Braided rope snap leash in Sapphire won us with its rugged good looks and functionality. $30, coastalpetproducts.com

gear

Nifty gear and essentials for dogs and their people

Brush it off! Give the gift of doghair-free attire. The Lilly Brush removes dog hair from clothing and upholstery in a snap, no refills necessary! $20, lillybrush.com

Soothe hot spots naturally with Opie and Dixie’s organic Spotstik. Just a few applications of this balm infused with rosemary, eucalyptus, and other healing oils offers sweet relief. $10, opieanddixie.com

Protect your dog’s feet from ice, snow, and salt with Pawz Dog Boots! These reusable, disposable rubber boots are the closest your dog can get to not wearing anything. And with no straps or buckles, they are easy to put on! From $15, pawzdogboots.com

Let peace prevail with Bach's Rescue Remedy for pets. Just add a couple drops to their drinking water to ease fear and anxiety! Bach Flower Remedies have been used on humans and animals for more than 80 years. $21, rescueremedy.com/pets

If your dog is old, infirm, or a wee thing that just left her littermates, this is just the thing! This adorable water bottle cozy offers warm, soothing comfort to relax and help with aches and pains. Stuff a worn shirt inside to lend it your scent and make it extra calming. $45, oscarnewman.com

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One-of-a-kind dogs deserve unique collars that fits their personalities! Izzie Bean's nylon web collars are durable, super-cute, and come in tons of patterns and colours so you can choose the one that's perfect for your dog! From $17, izziebean.ca

WINTER 2014/ 15

Richell’s stylish wooden crate doubles as an end table (save space!) and is irrefutable proof that your dog’s crate must not be a blight on your living room. From $300, richellusa.com

Gift Guide Keep calm and play on! Smounds is a fun solution for nervous dogs. It's an irresistible squeaker toy that releases a calming blend of humangrade, vet-approved essential oils designed to relax your dog with each chomp. Increase comfort, happiness, and wellbeing, all during playtime! $18, smounds.com

All natural cotton + vegetabletanned leather + cotton thread equals one durable, natural, interactive, USA‑made toy your tug‑loving dog is going to adore! $25, store.collarsandmore.com

play

These fun finds will delight the dogs in your life

Attention sports fans: your pup can cheer on his favourite team in a super-cute jersey from Pet Athletic Wear! Sizes range from Teacup to Mastiff, so no matter the size of your dog, he can get in on the team spirit! $16, petathleticwear.com

Invented by ACME in 1935, this classic silent dog whistle has a highly tuned and adjustable frequency range that has made this a favourite whistle for trainers to communicate with their dogs. $40, acmewhistles.ca

We have yet to meet a dog that doesn't love Rocco and Roxie’s Gourmet Jerky. Delicious, healthy, made in the USA, and free of harmful additives, these are treats you can feel great about giving your dog. $30, roccoandroxie.com

What dog doesn’t love treats? Fill Dog Tuff’s Nylabone Durachew Hollow Stick with your dog’s favourite treats and let her play! (It also helps cleans away plaque and tartar!) $10, dogtuff.com

Durable and adorable, Mac the Shark is the perfect toy for the dog who plays hard! The inner mesh lining makes it resistant against whatever damages your dog doles out. $20, fluffandtuff.com

Pass the pupcorn! This bag of microwavable, cheesy popcorn was created especially for dogs! Made in the USA without any additives or preservatives, it’s grain, gluten, and lactose-free and low in fat, making this a fun treat you can feel good about! $2.50, himalayandogchew.com

moderndogmagazine.com

Gift Guide

dog lovers

Score "most thoughtful present" props with these sure-hit gifts for the dog lovers in your life

In our books, every dog lover needs a little bling. Mark Poulin’s sterling silver “swimming dog” necklace makes an absolutely lovely gift. (We won’t fault you if you get one for yourself while you’re at it!) $36, markpoulin.com

How cool is this? These beaded dogs are helping revive the ancient African tradition of beading and beadwork while providing a source of income for a community of mainly women. The new collection includes Dachshunds and Poodles and all of the profits are reinvested back into the community! From $60, monkeybiz.co.za

These adorable poplin PJs from FabDog will have your sleepy pup looking cute and cozy! (They come in sizes to fit teacup breeds up to Pug/Beagle/ Cocker Spanielsized dogs.) $25, fabdog.com

Pretty Fluffy's stylish prints top our wish list. The only hard part is choosing which one of the dog-centric designs you'd most like to see in your living room. $35, prettyfluffy.com

Good looks and hardworking? Score! Carry everything you need for your next walk with Doog’s Outdoor Walkie Bag. This stylish shoulder bag has built-in space for poop bags, treats, and anything else you could need! $35, doogusa.com

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Want to get a smile from every single person you pass on your morning dog walk? Adorn your dog with this adorable snowflake scarf from Rocky and Julio. Mission accomplished! $30, rockyandjulio.com

We love the subtlety of the embroidered canine profiles on these classic cotton button-down shirts. Choose from an enormous breed list—they're all here, from Norwegian Buhund to Norfolk Terrier. $58, yourbreed.com

Get crafty with this gorgeous “Border Collie” colour Merino and silk yarn from Ancient Arts Fibre Crafts. Their Woof Collection features skeins in a whole array of colours inspired by man’s best friend. $25, ancientartsfibre.com

P H OTOS LEFT AND FACING PAGE , F I R ST F L A SH P H OTO G R A P H Y

rom helping unwanted dogs find their forever homes to taking your own much-loved pup to brighten someone’s day, the number of volunteer activities you can do with— or for—a dog are numerous and undeniably rewarding. Here are five people making a difference, one dog at a time.

F eel Great! Y L L A T O 5T

AWESOME Ways You Can Help Dogs or Volunteer With Your Own Five people making a difference, one dog at a time By Corey Van't Haaff

1 #1 Take photos to showcase adoptable dogs Amanda Griener of Petawawa, Ontario, works as a professional engineer for an Ontario utility. On the weekends, though, she grabs her camera and heads to an OSPCA branch to take fabulous photos of the dogs awaiting adoption, making sure their personalities shine through. Amanda had been taking photos at weddings and was invited to photograph a special event with the OSPCA. Afterward, she offered her services and now visits the shelter weekly for a photo shoot. To volunteer, Amanda completed a training session on OSPCA values and operating principles. Her weekly visits are two hours long, taking dogs one at a time from their kennels into a large fenced area for offleash play. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, and Amanda considers it selfish time, as she loves being around the dogs. “It’s a nice escape for me to go out there for an hour or two.” Although she usually sees a dog only once, there are exceptions, like Bulldozer,

moderndogmagazine.com

a Bulldog pup who jumped out of a pickup truck and required significant surgery. To raise money, Amanda did a larger photo shoot, including before and after shots, and Bulldozer ultimately found his loving forever home. “You have to be patient and work with them on their terms,” she says. “I collect the dog, get its name, and learn about them, looking for that unique thing I am trying to capture.” It’s important that she get it right, as the photo is the dog’s opportunity to make a good first impression on adoption web sites or Facebook. “A good quality photo showcases the dog. It’s a great start to find their forever home,” she says.

#2 Lift spirits. Take your dog to visit care homes.

Kerri Andstein hadn’t done much volunteer work since she was a kid in school. Now, the self employed cake artist finds her weekly visit to a care facility in South Surrey, BC, have become an integral part of her life. Kerri had read Facebook posts about a friend who visited a seniors’ facility with her dog and those stories melted her heart. Kerri researched different organizations and found BC Pets and Friends, “an amazing group.” She applied, and took her own Golden Retriever, four-year-old Roxy, in for an assessment as a therapy dog. “I was nervous—Golden Retrievers are high energy dogs, but [BC Pets and Friends] explained the testing. They’re not looking to fail people. It put me at ease that I’m not going in thinking my dog isn’t appropriate.” After completing paperwork, Roxy got a hands-on screening test involving loud or surprising noises, distractions, and touching her paws, ears, and tails for any sensitivities. Roxy passed, so Kerri then attended a four-hour orientation, got a police record check, and was matched to a facility. Kerri visits weekly and loves it; not just the amazing feeling of giving back to the community but also the opportunity to spend more time with Roxy who adores being petted.

“I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy it,” she says. Residents can pat the dog, ask for tricks, or get a cuddle. “Certain residents have an immediate connection. It brightens their day. I can tell it’s the best part of the day for them.” It’s also a bit of routine—in a good way. It gives residents a reason to keep track of which day it is. One resident was looking for Kerri and was anxious that she may have missed Roxy’s visit, which is announced on the residents’ bulletin board. Kerri explained that she and Roxy come off the elevator precisely at 10 a.m. on Mondays, and their first visit is the TV room. “That was six weeks ago. Every time now, the elevator opens and that lady is right there waiting,” says Kerri. “She wants to be first to see Roxy.” Kerri says it would be easy for people to put up barriers about committing the time it takes to volunteer visiting residential or healthcare facilities, but it’s not a chore. “It’s part of the week I look forward to most. I shut off my phone and am very present with my dog. I put her bandana on and she knows she’s going to work. She’s ready. I find the time—it is that rewarding.”

#3 Start your own rescue group For Dr. Laurie Hirt, starting her own small scale rescue organization was pretty much all in a day’s work. The practicing veterinarian owns a clinic in Clyde, Ohio and began by taking in dogs that needed a home, and then trying to place them. “I started rescuing the day I started practice because people got rid of dogs for such silly reasons,” she says. Since 1982, she has been taking dogs, often special needs, as she has the

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space and the ability to care for their medical needs. In 2009, she officially opened Another Chance Sanctuary, a 501 C nonprofit, out of her home. Between 28 and 45 dogs live with her at any given time. She places the ones she can, and attends adoption events to give the dogs a better chance of being seen. The other dogs, like the ones with diabetes or epilepsy, or the senior dogs,

"I like to help the ones who need me."

continued from inside cover… After Ryan joined, Snoop Dogg, Chelsea Handler, Michael Bublé, and Amar’e Stoudemire also signed on as investors. Looking ahead, Rocky will be hosting the upcoming television show Save Our Shelters in 2015. Save Our Shelters is a show that will enable shelters that are struggling to learn and grow into sustainable life saving organizations. The coolest thing about it all is Rocky stands behind the fact he can’t do it without you:

live with her because she is comfortable living with them and loves their company. “I like to help the ones who need me.” Nonprofit status allows her to fundraise to help with expenses, while volunteers come twice a day to assist with feeding and cleaning. Her large property provides plenty of opportunity for exercise for all the dogs, including Snoogles, a Shih Tzu with a back injury who gets around, when in his cart, just like any other dog. “My heart goes out to those animals. They need a place to go, a place to stay. I can’t save everyone and I don’t always… I have to say no sometimes.” She didn’t say no to Hannah, though, the Golden Doodle born with neurological deficits. Hannah has little control over her rear legs or her ability to go to the bathroom. “She’s eight. She’s been with me a long time. I get to know the dogs are happy dogs. It makes me happy that I give them a life. I look at Hannah and it would have been a shame if she was put down early on. She’s a fun dog. It’s fun to see her in her cart. She grins at you,” says Laurie, adding that the dogs she rescues “all get a life.”

Imagine the impact you can make by simply changing your dog food over to DOG for DOG and knowing that every time you feed your dog, you are also feeding a dog in need. Join the mission of helping dogs in need at DOGforDOG.com or by visiting your local pet store

#4 Take in a dog temporarily Lindsay Zomers began fostering dogs about five years ago, when she adopted her own pup and became friends with the woman running the rescue, Edmonton, AB’s Animal Rescue and Outreach Society. She was hooked right from the first dog. “I get to see their progress,” she says. “Fostering gives the dog more one-on-one care.” Since she began fostering, Lindsay has taken in 50 to 60 dogs and currently has five foster dogs in her care, as well as her own pack. To help dogs that perhaps have a past to overcome, she has even gone to school to become a dog trainer, moderndogmagazine.com

"It's nice to see you've completed someone's family." something she does in addition to working in an office. “I think, once I did dog training school, I wanted to make sure [the dogs] got the best possible care. I generally take fearful dogs because I have the experience and ability. More fearful dogs speak to me.” Foster dogs live with the family like a family pet. Foster parents can also be expected to take the dog to adoption events or other appointments and to address any issues that arise. Dogs stay anywhere from a few weeks to a year but for Lindsay, they average three months. The dogs get the love and affection of a real home as well as, in Lindsay’s case, exposure to other dogs; the fosterer gets the opportunity to assess the dog’s temperament and personality while in a home environment (shelters are often stressful for a dog who might react by barking and growling) and the undeniably enormous rewards of having contributed to saving that dog’s life. Plus, foster parents often get to see the dog go

into a forever home, and “it’s nice to see you’ve completed someone’s family.” But fighting the desire to keep a foster dog requires some preparation. “The biggest way to prepare yourself is that if you keep an extra dog, there’s one less dog you can save.”

#5 Road trip! Transport dogs from high kill shelters to rescue groups As president of a furniture company, Mark Gilbert often volunteered or donated to different causes, but three years ago he became heavily involved with dog rescue, but behind the scenes. Mark transports dogs from high kill shelters to other rescue groups throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, all from his home base in Eugene, OR. The work involved starts before a dog ever gets inside his Mercedes Sprinter van, which is large enough for him to walk through when loaded with kennels. It is necessary, he says, to have access for safety and clean-up. “It takes about five hours to set up the van,” he says. He knows how many and what size dogs he will be retrieving, so he sterilizes kennels and starts securing them in the vehicle. He repeats this routine three times a month. “I can get 60 dogs in there, three in a kennel if they’re small dogs. We match dogs up who have previously been kenneled. If they’re scared, they ride in the passenger’s side with me.” He volunteers with START (Shelter Transport Animal Rescue Team) which has moved more than 5,000 dogs so far. START provides his pickup and delivery destinations (there

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could be as many as six). He prepares for doggy spills and sickness by rolling up towels and sani-wipes between cages. He also has fans to help circulate the air conditioning from the front to the back of the van. “I leave around four or five in the morning. I work with the dogs [when arriving at his pickup point] to get them ready,” he says, helping with paper work or veterinarian visits. He sleeps overnight and is up again early “to beat the flies and high temperature in California. It takes an hour to load the van and all are delivered by that evening.” He was asked, when delivering furniture, if he could move a few dogs, and the first year he moved 60. The second year was 200 and he now does a thousand or more each year. “You stand in front of them looking at them and do whatever you can to help.” He says it isn’t the travel that motivates him to help (it’s the same road over and over again). And being a volunteer driver means you need to be willing to do things without a pat on the back. But he knows exactly what the dogs get out of his efforts.

“They get life. You save the ones you can.” n

! d e r i p s n I t e G

INSPIRATION CARDS Pocket-sized cards to stick on your fridge or use as a bookmark

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives. •

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. •

—Tracy Chapman

—Edward Everett Hale

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

•

—Dr. Seuss

•

—Anne Frank

moderndogmagazine.com

Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman walk their dogs while getting coffee in Brooklyn

They offer a tired pal a lift

! s r a St ’re just

They us! like

They multitask

They navigate the crowds Miley Cyrus is seen carrying her dog Emu in Soho in New York City

50 moderndog WI N TER

Olivia Wilde heads out for a walk with her baby son Otis in a sling and her dog Paco in NYC 2014/ 15

PACIFICCOASTNEWS; © CATHY GIBSON, PACIFICCOASTNEWS

They walk and "java" at the same time

C LO C K W I S E F ROM TO P: © PAC I F I CCOA S T N E W S; © P A C I F I C C O A S T N E W S ; © R G K ,

Disney starlet Olivia Holt and best puppy pal Scout hit the park in Los Angeles

Naomi Watts walks home with her dog after a late lunch at Chang's in Brentwood, CA

Shetya’rresj!ust

! like us

They leave no sleepy soul behind

They bring their dog to work Paris Hilton vists the set of "Extra" with her dog Peter Pan at Universal Studios in Universal City

They indulge in a selfie or two cutie!

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PACIFICCOASTNEWS; © PACIFICCOASTNEWS; © TS, PACIFICCOASTNEWS

Jessica Chastain out with her dog in Soho

C LO C K W I S E F ROM TO P: © PAC I F I CCOA S T N E W S; © G A Z S H I R L E Y ,

Peta Murgatroyd dog sits a playful puppy before heading to rehearsal for "Dancing with the Stars"

They admire their pup

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PET PROJECT

craft D.I.Y.

Stamp It!

Make your own dog-patterned wrapping paper with this DIY rubber stamp! What You'll Need:

ÆÆOne SpeedyCut rubber pad ÆÆOne Speedball linoleum cutter handle and blade Acrylic paint in your desired colour (or ÆÆuse an ink pad if you’d rather) Things to stamp on: art paper, craft ÆÆpaper, tags—whatever you fancy!

(All of the above should be readily available at your local art supply store. You can also elect to carve your stamp into a russet potato and make a potato print if you'd rather.)

How-to:

Using a ballpoint pen, draw or trace your ÆÆdesign on your rubber pad. >> Find an assortment of adorable dog‑head silhouettes like the one seen here at moderndogmagazine.com/stamp

Using the linoleum cutter, create your stamp by stripping away ÆÆthe rubber surrounding your design. When you’re done, the dog design will be raised and everything else will be in relief.

ÆÆApply paint to the your stamp and start stamping!

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COOL PET PROJECTS

Get instructions for these * Personalized Pet Bowls at

moderndogmagazine.com/ personalized-bowls

Find how-tos for these fun DIYs & more on moderndogmagazine.com

TO:F

ROM:

TO:

O M B R E L E A SH P H OTO C A P R E E K I M B A L L ; D O G -SI L H O U E TT E R O M P E R BY CH R I STY H O D G S O N O F B E L L A B LU D ESI G N S : B E L L A B LU D ESI G N S . CO M

P E T B OW L P H OTO J O H N N Y M I L L E R , CO P Y R I G H T ÂŠ 2011, M A RT H A ST E WA RT L I V I N G O M N I M E D I A , I N C .;

FROM:

Download our free Holiday Gift * Tags: moderndogmagazine.com/ holiday-gift-tags

Dip-dyed Ombre Leash: * moderndogmagazine.com/ombre-leash

Mason Jars Labels: * moderndogmagazine.com/mason-jar

Baby Romper AppliquĂŠ: * moderndogmagazine.com/ baby-romper

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Loving & Losing a Senior Dog By Martha Leary

n December of 2009 a large black dog ran past my house and into my pine forest. I pulled on boots and a coat and walked into the woods whistling for the black streak that had run past my window. The wind was howling and the tall pines were creaking. There was no dog. I turned to walk back to the house when out of the shadowy pines stepped a large black dog with a striking gray face. I spoke to him but he turned away. I started back to the house and he followed me. This was the beginning of my love affair with a big, old, black dog named Buck. The dog that came into my home was extremely well mannered, got along with all my other dogs, and made himself very comfortable on my sofa but he was emaciated, his coat was dull, his muzzle and feet were gray. He looked really old. This was the very first and only dog that has ever shown up at my farm. How did he know I was a rescuer? I put a “found” ad in the paper. It ran for a week. The very last day, I received a phone call: “I believe that you have my brother’s

dog,” said the voice at the other end of the line. I found out that my dog’s name was Buck, that he was turning eleven January of 2010, and that his mother was an AKC Golden Retriever. I also found out that he was really no longer “wanted.” “No problem,” I said. “I have a rescue. I will take him and find him a wonderful home!” Buck tested heartworm positive but after treatment he began to rally. He gained weight, his coat was shiny, and he was enjoying life again. I put forth a wholehearted effort to find him his very own home by taking beautiful pictures and posting him on Petfinder.com. I only wanted applications from perfect adopters—why should he settle for less? But one potential adopter didn’t have a fenced yard, this one didn’t like to go for walks, this one didn’t like to take their dog for rides in the car, another wouldn’t consider Buck’s raw diet, wouldn’t consider no longer vaccinating, wouldn’t consider a natural approach to fleas and on and on and on. Six months later Buck was removed from Petfinder; he wasn’t

For almost 11 years of Buck’s life no one took the time to look beneath the plain black exterior to see the perfect gem that is Buck.

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going anywhere. He was going to live out every day of his life with me at his side, going to the barn every morning and evening, riding shotgun every chance he got, loving my grandchildren, sleeping at the side of my bed. For almost 11 years of Buck’s life no one took the time to look beneath the plain black exterior to see the perfect gem that is Buck. Summer, 2012, Buck began to lose weight and his blood work was not good. By the first week of August Buck could not make it to the barn with me, could no longer get on his favourite sofa, could not get in the truck; he seemed to be wasting away before my eyes. I knew from his piercing stare that I had learned to love, that had told me so many things about him, that he was asking me to release him. On Friday, August 8th, 2012, on his favourite sofa at the farm he so loved, surrounded by his family, both two and fourlegged, Buck crossed the rainbow bridge. Old, dignified, perfectly mannered, and forever with me—my dog Buck! n

A Note From the Author: Every year millions of senior dogs die, left behind in pounds and shelters. Most are seasoned companions, mannered and gentle. They just need someone to love them and a place to live out their life. As the Director of a nonprofit rescue organization and a lover of senior dogs, I hear these words over and over: “they’re too old; I won’t have them long enough; I just lost my dog, I can’t adopt a senior.” It’s time to change the rhetoric and embrace these deserving souls.

When adopting please consider the joys of taking in a senior dog. If you take the time to look into their eyes you will see their desire to live, to be “your” dog, to be loved and cared for. Put aside your fears and open your heart and your home to a senior dog in need. You will NEVER be sorry!

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SNACK TIME

NO.

yes!

Grapes

Watermelon

Grapes (and, even worse, their dried counterpart, raisins) are a BIG no-no for dogs. Even a few can send your dog to the vet. The consequences are dire—too many grapes or raisins can cause death.

This sweet, water-laden fruit is a great choice for sharing with your dog. It’s high in vitamins A and C as well potassium and magnesium. Plus, it’s low in calories and can help ward off dehydration. A win-win! Just don’t feed your dog the seeds or rind.

NO.

Blueberries

Avocados

Avocados can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs (think vomiting and diarrhea). The culprit is persin, a toxic-to-dogs element found in avocado fruit, seed, leaves, and bark, making avocado a no-no for dogs.

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This antioxidant-rich fruit is loved by many dogs. Mix some into a dog cookie recipe or feed a few berries as a treat.

yes!

Figs

Figs have caused allergic reactions in some dogs.

Oranges

The citrusy taste may not make them a favourite with all dogs but oranges are safe for dogs to eat and a great source of vitamin C.

yes!

Ă&#x2014;

Cranberries

Cranberries, which contain vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, can help fight urinary tract infections. Most dogs donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like them fresh (too tart) but stewed is another story! Cook them down in a bit of water (no sugar added), then add a teaspoon or two to your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dinner.

yes!

Bananas

yes!

Potassium laden bananas are a sweet treat many dogs love. Add them to a biscuit recipe or make a pup-approved smoothie. (Find a banana smoothie recipe you can share with your dog at moderndogmagazine.com/ banana-smoothie.)

Apples

Apple slices make a super, crunchy treat for your dog. They are a source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Bonus: apples with the skin on are full of phytonutrients thought to protect against some types of cancer in humans. Apple seeds, however, contain cyanide so your dog should not be allowed to eat the core. Though the effects of a few apple seeds will likely not harm your dog, the deleterious effects can accumulate over time if allowed to eat apple seeds regularly.

yes!

*As with all treats and new foods, remember to just give a little bit or potentially face stomach upset. A couple berries or an inch or two of a slice/segment is a good starting point for most dogs. moderndogmagazine.com

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR BOND WITH YOUR DOG

Understanding the human/canine connection and how to make your bond stronger By Steve Duno Illustration Melanie Luther

n 1924, a Japanese professor named Hidesaburo Ueno would each morning say goodbye to his dog Hachiko then walk to the train station to head for work. At three o’clock, Ueno would return home to find Hachiko sitting by the tracks, waiting for him. Every day for over a year, the big Akita would be there, waiting. On a day in May of 1925, Hachiko walked as usual down to the station to wait for Ueno’s return. But, sadly, the professor had suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage at his school that day. He would never again return to his faithful Hachiko. Though given to another family, Hachiko escaped each day and returned to the professor’s home in hopes of finding him. When this failed, the dog began the old ritual again, arriving each day at the station at precisely three o’clock, to wait. Hachiko did this every day for the next ten years until his death.

The Ancient Bond Hachiko’s incredible connection to Ueno is an example of the compelling power of the human/canine bond. But other stories of canine loyalty abound: dogs who travel thousands of miles to rejoin their lost families; dogs who save drowning people; military dogs who sacrifice themselves to save their human partners; dogs who pull people from burning homes. The stories are legion and not uncommon. What is this bond between us? Is it mere allegiance or simply a desire to guarantee a decent meal and a place to sleep? Is it obedience? Would a dog really walk across the country to rejoin its family simply out of compliance or for a meal? Do dogs routinely risk their lives for a bone or run through fire for a comfortable place to rest? Clearly, the magnetism goes much deeper than that. The human/canine bond is an ancient, mutually beneficial rapport formed between us, one based upon millennia of domestication and partnership. For over 20,000 years, we have bred dogs not only for hunting, herding, protection, and companionship, but also for loyalty, devotion, tameness, and emotional support. This resulted in a fellowship not seen between any two other species. Though we are genetically closest to apes, I would posit we stand emotionally closest to canines.

The Solidarity of Work Different factors contribute to the existence of the human/canine bond. The dog’s amazing, ancient work ethic, for instance, is part of what makes our bond so strong. The age-old desire of a retriever to fetch and retrieve a bird, for instance, is done not for food, but for the hunter’s affections. The human/canine bond, though, is found not only in hunting breeds, but in all types of dogs, no matter what they were bred to do. The herding dog and her relationship with her shepherd; the police dog and her K-9 officer; the search-and-rescue dog and her handler—the innate desire to work with humans has been hard-wired into our canine friends. moderndogmagazine.com

QUIZ

Are You & Your Dog Well Bonded?

Affecting the Bond

Answer these 7 questions, on a scale of 1-4, 1 being rarely, and 4 being always. Then add up the score. 1 Does your dog come

to you when called, every time? 1

If you were home and left the front door open, would your dog take off running? 1

Does your dog focus well, and make good eye contact? For example, does she check in with you/look up at you when at a busy dog park or out for a walk? 1

Does your dog enjoy being handled by you? 1

Does your dog quickly respond to obedience requests? 1

Does your dog look for you when you hide or simply wander off? 1

If a stranger grabs and shakes you, does your dog show any concern? 1

Under 6? You need immediate work on increasing the strength of your bond. Between 6 and 12? You need work but there is definitely a connection forming. 12-18? You’ve got a strong bond in place. Over 18? A match made in heaven! If you find you need work, remember, it’s never too late to improve your relationship with your dog.

The human/canine bond is a deeply rooted understanding, measured in emotion, dependability, and mutual support. It is a need to belong and to feel wanted, useful, and safe. Vary these parameters, though, and you affect the bond. Fail to give your dog affection, routine, dependability, training and boundaries, and you will weaken that unspoken connection. Abuse or ignore her, or fail to see to her basic needs and you could sabotage the intimate link that time has so artfully established. Anything that makes your dog feel unwanted, neglected, or afraid will lower the strength of the human/canine bond. Strengthening the bond is just as predictable. Spending time together builds trust, confidence, and love, and creates a feeling of familial belonging—the roots of the bond. Activities—walking, hiking, training, playing—these are things which pull you both closer into each other, nurturing that intimacy. And obedience training, though not the primary promoter of bonding, provides the dog lover with a way to communicate, essential to any relationship. Once you both speak the same “language,” you can develop the trust and confidence necessary for your dog to feel that special loyalty toward you. Also, training helps your dog to focus on you and ignore the many distractions that might be present. That focus is essential to building any relationship, especially the one with your dog.

Signs that Your Bond is Weak Even though you may be a caring, considerate person, your dog might still not feel a close bond with you. Signs of a weak bond include:

»» Emotional indifference to you or others in the family »» A failure to respond to commands, especially the recall command

»» A lack of desire to play

The Rescue Factor Dogs saved from dire circumstances often exhibit an intense connection with the rescuer. It can often be so pronounced that it results in stress for the dog; separation anxiety, destructive behavior, and fear of abandonment can sometimes become profound. This derives from the anxiety developed from being abandoned one or more times by persons who the dog thought were devoted, bonded partners. But once rescue dogs find a reliable, devoted person and are properly trained, cared for, and loved, they often become the most connected, passionate partners a human can ever know.

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»» A distaste for being handled »» Regular attempts to run off »» Poor focus and eye contact »» Belligerence or even outright aggression toward you »» Depression or lethargic behaviour Note that a recently rescued dog could show some or all of these symptoms as she might still be grieving for her past owner or may simply be depressed over the unpredictability of her life to date. Give her time.

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INSPIRE

Signs of a Strong Bond

There’s no mistaking a dog who feels a real emotional connection with you. There’s a real light in her eyes; she smiles, wags, rubs into you, and makes great eye contact. When you come home, she brightens up, becomes animated, and may even vocalize her joy. Other signs of a strong bond include: »» Keeping tabs on your location when she is off leash »» Checking in to see where you’re at frequently »» Performing obedience happily without hesitation »» Making a great effort to find you when you play hide-and-seek »» A desire to be near you »» Matching her pace to yours when walking »» A high level of focus on you, evidenced by frequently looking at you »» Strong ability to communicate needs, wants, and concerns. (Do you understand what your dog wants in almost any given situation?) »» A willingness to protect or help you in a threatening situation »» A love for physical interaction »» Always coming when called, even with distractions present (This one is tricky even for well bonded dogs. If you’ve got this down even in the most distracting of circumstances, good on you!) A dog who is strongly bonded to you will happily accede to your desires, even if she wants to do something else, like stay longer at the dog park.

3 Work the recall command or “Come” often. Do so first on a

How to Strengthen the Bond If you suspect the bond with your dog is not as strong as it could be, there are steps you can take to remedy this. First, if you have recently adopted the dog from a shelter, understand that it takes at least a few months for a rescue to adjust to her new home and to get over the grief of losing touch with her former family. During this time, be sure not to let her off-leash outside, as she might take off to find her old group. Make sure your fencing is up to the task as well.

Next, you can: 1 Start obedience training (come, sit, stay, down…) if you

haven't already and keep it up. This will create good communication between you, help your dog focus, and foster a sense of teamwork and belonging. 2 Ramp up activities with her. Playing, retrieving, agility, swimming—whatever the two of you can have fun doing together. Like kids at the schoolyard, fun interaction builds friendship and loyalty. Dogs are like toddlers, they like to be engaged and played with.

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leash or long lead and only graduate to off-leash when your dog comes back to you every time on the lead, even with distractions. Succeeding at this will be proof of her focus and loyalty and of her desire to do what you ask instead of what she wants. When working off-leash recalls, don’t stay in one spot; instead, run away from her to make the exercise into a game and boost her desire to be with you. Play “hide-and-seek” with her often, in or out of the home. This fun game is a great way to make you into a “reward” for her. Over the months, it will slowly increase her desire to be with you and to pay attention. Feed her at specific times during the day, instead of free-feeding (leaving food down all day). This will make her food drive more focused and predictable and will link it to you. You become more important when the food comes from you instead of the bowl. Teach her a trick every month. This fun activity will make her smarter and become another bonding tool in your repertoire. Create in her a sense of purpose. Dogs want to work, so make your walks, play times, and training sessions all seem as if they are focused, fun, and important. Socialize her with people and dogs, but always look out for her wellbeing. By being a caring, vigilant mentor, you’ll build her trust and confidence and raise her opinion of you. Groom and pet her regularly to desensitize her to touch and to build up her desire for physical affection.

Honouring, reinforcing, and increasing the bond between you and your dog will help her, and you, too. You’ll feel calmer, happier, and more appreciative of the good times the two of you enjoy together. Above all, be affectionate, supportive, interactive, and fun, because that’s what the canine/human bond is all about. n

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Finally, a bowl designed for flatfaced breeds! The Loving Bowl is the first ever ergonomically correct pet dish with a sloped eating surface—no more chasing food around! thelovingbowl.com

Gibi is the stylish, easyto‑use, peace-of-mind musthave for your dog. It attaches securely to most collars or harnesses. With Gibi, your pet is only a button click away. getgibi.com

One in three pets will go missing. PetHub’s revolutionary Signal Tag gets pets home safely. The durable tag has Bluetooth technology, 3D motion sensor, and a battery life of up to two years. pethub.com/SignalTag

These Winchester and Colt collars aren't just for hunting dogs anymore! The playful design, polished appeal, and American craftsmanship make this collar a favourite. Topeka Collection, $36 - $83, ruffpuppiescollars.com

Formulated by veterinarians and groomers with natural yet effective ingredients, AdVet’s pet care line is the solution to all of your dog’s hygienic needs, because a hygienic dog is a healthy dog. advetcare.com

Meet iFetch, the awardwinning automatic ball launcher for fetch-loving dogs. Perfect for indoor and outdoor play, the iFetch launches miniature tennis balls 10, 20, or 30 feet. Ready to play? $100, goifetch.com

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PLAY!

Indoor Activities to

CHEER UP

A Bored Dog Does inclement winter weather have you and your dog spending more time indoors than either of you would like? Is your dog giving you “the eye,” that look that says: I’m borrrrrrrred. A quick fix—one that doesn’t require donning boots—is to get that mental muscle working. Here are five fun indoor activities to keep your dog busy and happy. Required Winter Reading. Dogs are smart. Exhibit A: Chaser, a Border Collie that knows over 1000 words. Amazing, yes, but achievable. Get your dog started on the path to super-genius with a copy of the fascinating Chaser, Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words. We loved this book and definitely came away inspired.

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The Name Game Increase your dog’s vocabulary: work with her to teach her the names of her toys. Dr. John W. Pilley, author of Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words shares how to get started: “Start with your dog’s favourite toy and play with that one object while giving it a name. What you are doing is associating the object with play, therefore giving the object value to your dog. Once the object has value, the name of the object will take on value for your dog. We did this with Chaser when she was just two months old, introducing her to “blue” which was a ball. For three days we would play with “blue,” constantly repeating the name. I would have her fetch “blue,” catch “blue,” find “blue.” When I would ask her “where is blue?” it would be the only toy on the floor, making it impossible for her to make a mistake. As we repeated this with lots of toys, she quickly began to catch on, finally having that “aha moment” and understanding that her toys had names.”

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#4 Teach a New Trick #2 Hide & Seek

Hide and Seek is great fun and teaches your dog to look for you and desire your company. This is a great bonding exercise! (See page 60). Simply hide yourself somewhere in your house, such as behind a door or in another room (or at the dog park once you’ve got the indoors down) then call your dog to you. Once she finds you, reward with great excitement, praise, and a treat or two.

Dogs love to be challenged and teaching them new tricks is a great way to have fun together, exercise your dog’s mind, and improve your bond—particularly when praise, cuddles, and tasty treats are part of the process. A fun and useful one to try: pick up your toys. If your dog knows the “drop it” command, simply give him a toy then put a bin beneath him. Ask him to “drop it” so that it lands in the bin then immediately give him a treat; repeat until he catches on. Once he’s made the correlation, leave the bin out and ask him to “get a toy;” once he’s grabbed a toy, motion to the bin, wait until he’s over there then ask him to drop it. Praise and reward. Work on this a little every day and soon you’ll have a hand in tidying the house! Another cute one to try: sneeze on command. You’ll have to wait to capture this behaviour—wait until your dog sneezes and then reward. Do this every time she sneezes and she’ll soon catch on. (This one makes a very popular party trick!). A few minutes brushing up on basic obedience is always a good idea, too.

#3 The Great Cookie Hunt #5 This takes but a minute of your time and is always a great success, brightening up a dull afternoon when you’re occupied with computer or housework and your dogs are lying bored at your feet. Ask your dogs to wait in another room (if their “stay” isn’t great, have someone hold on to them), then take tiny dog cookies or liver treats (break them into little pieces if they’re large) and hide throughout your living room—on the baseboards, on the edge of the coffee table, on the window sill, randomly placed on the floor—then release the hounds! Your dogs will have a blast hunting for the treats and seeing them scramble to find the treats will doubtless put a smile on your face.

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Puzzle It Out Work that brain while providing a treat. Our dogs like to be challenged and they also (duh) love food. Combine the two and you have a recipe for success! Toys to try that will work that mental muscle and keep your dog busy and engaged:

Nina Ottosson puzzle toy

Any and all of Nina Ottosson’s puzzle toys These awesome toys keep your dog occupied and mentally engaged (see inset photo) and many come in levels so you can start easy and build up to more difficult puzzles. Any stuffable toy, such as a Kong These low tech toys get the job done, keeping your dog busy trying to get out the goodie (peanut butter, frozen dog food, liver treats) nestled inside. n

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Photographed by Sarah Daloise

The Dandie Dinmont This 18 – 24 pound cutie, originally bred as a vermin hunter, is characterized by the poof of hair atop his head, curved tail, and soulful eyes. Like the Dachshund, he was bred to “go to ground” after badger and the like, and, as such, has a long, low body. This non-shedding breed has a big-dog personality. Confident, smart, and independent, the Dandie Dinmont is affectionate toward his family but reserved with strangers and would do well in both urban and rural settings.

Tiffany blue Danes & Divas bow tie, $15, danesanddivas.com

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The Skye Terrier One of the oldest types of terriers, this cutie hails from Scotland's Isle of Skye. The mediumâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;sized Skye terrier weighs 35 to 45 pounds. He is known for his short legs, long body, batâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;wing ears, and long double coat that covers the body and face. This agile, dignified breed was originally bred to hunt vermin.

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The Australian Terrier This versatile breed is small, sturdy, and keen. Confident, alert, and spirited, the Australian Terrier is courageous yet friendly and affectionate. His harshâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;textured coat sheds little. Developed to work the rugged Australian outback with his owner (and kill snakes!), this is a dog that will do well in both urban and rural environments.

Chevron-patterned Danes & Divas bow tie, $14, danesanddivas.com

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The Kerry Blue Terrier An all-purpose breed, the intelligent Kerry Blue Terrier is up for anything. Native to Ireland, the Kerry, originally bred to hunt and retrieve, was used by the peasantry to covertly hunt on noble hunting grounds. Today, the active, fun-loving Kerry makes a wonderful family dog, though one with a high prey drive. Weighing in the neighbourhood of 33-40 pounds, the Kerry is a great size for both farm and city.

Preppy Plaid Danes & Divas bow tie, $15, danesanddivas.com

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The Scottish Terrier or “Scottie Dog” The hallmark of the Scotland Terrier is his wiry coat and distinctive eyebrows and beard. Small (18 to 22 pounds) yet strong, the Scottie is spirited and playful yet a gentle and loving family member. Bred to kill farm vermin, the Scottie, as the AKC notes, is “naturally a digger.”

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The Airedale Terrier Considered the "King of the Terriers,â&#x20AC;? the Airedale is the largest and most robust of the terriers, weighing 40 to 65 pounds. An allâ&#x20AC;&#x2018;purpose dog, this smart, sweet-natured breed is up for most anything and likes to be challenged. He is also not afraid to stand up for himself should the situation demand it.

Handcrafted leather, brass, and Swarovski crystals California Collar Co. collar for medium to large dogs, $88, californiacollarco.com.

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BODY & SOUL

Poll MDsults Re

98%

of Modern Dog readers buy presents for their dogs

Does Your Dog Have Fleas? Here's How to Check

Unless your dog’s flea infestation is really bad, you likely won’t see the fleas themselves—only about 10 percent of the fleas will actually be on your dog. The rest are in your dog’s area—usually concentrated in his bed—or are in the egg or larval stage. The White Paper Towel Flea Test

Andis flea comb (andis.com)

Here’s how to tell if your dog has fleas Take two paper towels and lay them on the counter. Using a fine-toothed flea comb like the Andis comb pictured, comb through your dog’s fur. The base of the tail or behind the ears is a good place to comb. Pluck the collected hair and debris from the comb and lay it on one of the paper towels. Dampen the other and press it on top with the hair sandwiched between. Wait a minute then separate the paper towels—if there are flecks of rust or red on the paper towel, your dog has fleas. The rust colour leaching from black specks is your dog’s blood digested by the fleas and then excreted as those black flecks.

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“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”—Johnny Depp

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PHOTO TANYA KING

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Does Your Dog Have What It Takes to Be A Therapy Dog?

Imagine volunteering with your dog, bringing smiles wherever you go. Just some of the places therapy dogs visit include seniors' homes, children’s hospitals, cancer agencies, and school reading programs. Organizations like St. John Ambulance are always looking for people who wish to volunteer with their dogs. Both the dog and their guardian must go through testing to get started; if your dog is laid back and not easily ruffled, chances are he’ll pass! Volunteers and their dogs are generally expected to provide regular visits in order to develop a bond with their designated patients. Get started! In Canada, check out sja.ca or call your local St. John Ambulance chapter; In the US, check out therapydogsunited.com. Want your very own super-cute 2015 Therapy Dog calendar from which the photo above is taken? It supports the amazing work of St. John Ambulance. Get yours at: shopsafetyproducts.ca

Therapy Dog programs improve lives on a daily basis, providing unconditional love, support, and happiness to individuals who may feel disconnected from loved ones. Therapy Dogs Must Be: • Accepting of a friendly stranger • Sit calmly for petting • Walk on a loose leash • Walk through a crowd (including wheelchairs) • Sit on command/stay in place • React well to another dog or to distractions (noise, joggers…) • Be up to date on all required vaccinations

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BODY & SOUL

Increased Oxygen Intake Could Help Your Dog A new therapy is available that can help just breathes it in), providing up to 20 times dogs with all manner of medical problems. more oxygen to the tissues than breathing Just some of the many issues it can address? normal room air. This provides immediate Cranial or spinal chord trauma, athletic inhelp to compromised tissue, particularly juries, shock, acute that with marginal anemia, pulmonary blood flow. Hyper"Hyperbaric Oxygen edema, wounds like oxygenation of the Therapy (HBOT) has been tissue has tremenburns or snakebites, infectious used in human medicine dous success in diseases like Lyme curing deep-seated, for over 20 years and disease, pancreatiresistant infection. tis…the list goes on In addition, the the benefits have been (and on). increased air presstriking. The results Just what is this sure constricts small miracle worker? vessels, decreasing have been so good Oxygen—plain, edema, which is that Medicare pays for but not so simple. especially important Hyperbaric Oxygen in treating burns and human HBOT and over Therapy has been crushed tissue inju1000 human hospitals used in human ries. It also increases use the modality today. medicine for over collateral blood flow, 20 years, healhelping injured tissue Now we can apply that ing injuries and heal while killing technology to our pets. saving hundreds of anaerobic bacteria thousands of lives. and decreasing It’s phenomenal.” Now, thanks to Hyinflammation. The —Diane Levitan, VMD perbaric Veterinary positive results seen Medicine, hyperbarin challenging cases ic chambers for animals are available! The is remarkable, healing persistent wounds testimonials from veterinarians employing such as that of a cat who suffered from an this healing modality are amazing and even open wound for three years. Pretty amazing a tortoise has benefitted from the therapy. stuff! Over 20,000 pets have benefited thus Here’s how it works: The chamber delivfar. To find a Hyperbaric Veterinary Medicine ers 100 percent oxygen at a greater than chamber equipped facility near you, go to normal atmospheric pressure (the patient hvmed.com.

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Slim Down Your Dog

Many, many dogs are packing some extra pounds. As with people, the culprits are the same: too many calories consumed and not enough exercise. We could all benefit from more walks, and it turns out the same supplement can help both dogs and people, too: L-carnitine, a naturally occurring substance found in red meat, can support healthy weight management. Other benefits include optimizing the effects of exercise and recovery and supporting cardiovascular and brain health. If you’re looking to slim your dog’s waistline, Swiss supplement maker Lonza makes a L-carnitine supplement, Carniking, especially for dogs. Check it out at carniking.com.

Think Your Dog Might Have a UTI? This At-Home Test Will Tell You Suspect your dog might have a urinary tract infection? Now you can check in the comfort of you own home! Thanks to Cranimals home test kit, within two minutes you can screen your dog's urine for parameters indicative of a Urinary Tract Infection using their UTI Test kit, or Diabetes or Kidney Failure using their Healthcheck Home Test. They even have all the gear needed to properly collect a urine sample, simply and quickly. To learn more or buy a kit, check out cranimal.com.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

NATURAL DOG

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John Paul Pet. Botanically based and pH balanced for pets, John Paul Pet’s four waterless cleansing products encourage owners to groom pets daily, not only keeping their pets clean, but allowing detection of any lumps or abnormalities before they become a more serious problem. Visit johnpaulpet.com for a list of retailers, including veterinarian clinics, near you.

Dogs Love Kale. Healthy Kale Treats! Kale is a super antioxidant full of essential vitamins for healthy skin and coat. Your dog will love these gluten and grainfree kale treats in three delicious flavours: Apple Crisp, Peanutty, and Punkin. 100% sourced and certified Made In the USA. dogslovekale.com

Opie & Dixie. Opie & Dixie Paw Balm saves paws. Winter or summer, a dog’s paws are exposed to the elements. Cold, wintry weather and salt-covered paths or hot, scorching ground can do damage. 100% natural, organic, healing Paw Balm soothes dry, cracked, calloused, and sore paw pads with ingredients that hydrate, heal, protect, and restore. Also available in convenient Pawstik applicator. opieanddixie.com

Oscar Newman. CocoTherapy’s therapeuticgrade organic virgin coconut oil contains a minimum of 53% Lauric Acid and lower moisture content than grocery store brands. Grown and manufactured in the familyowned USDA certified organic coconut farm and facility, this human-grade coconut oil is excellent for allergies, immune-support, and overall anti-oxidant protection. Learn more at cocotherapy.com

Pet House Candles are specially formulated to freshen pet-loving homes. Every fragrance is made with an odor neutralizer and is infused with a signature blend of essential oils. These hand-poured candles are made in the USA and crafted with 100% dye-free soy wax. Burn time is approximately 70 hours. onefurallpets.com

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PHOTOS MARK STEVENS

Using your Passion For Photography to Help Dogs in Need Photographer Mark Stevens' tips for how to use your camera to get dogs adopted

our passion for photography can help dogs in your local shelter get adopted faster! Why not put you photo skills to good use? Reach out to your local shelter or rescue group and ask if they need a volunteer to take photos of the adoptable dogs in their care.

We asked professional pet photographer Mark Stevens (markstevensphotography.com) for his tips on how to get the best photos of shelter dogs.

2 Before you start, learn as much as you can about dog

behaviour. You can avoid many problems just by knowing when dogs are uncomfortable and how to help them have a more enjoyable experience. Your shelter likely has classes for handling their animals. 3 Learn how to take a great photo of a jet black dog. (Hint: you’ve got to take manual control of your camera. Auto settings will get it wrong.) 4 Do everything in your power to make the setting look

GO!

Mark is a member of Hearts Speak, a terrific resource for anyone who wants to use their artistic talent to help animals in need. Check it out at heartsspeak.org.

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1 Focus your efforts on the dogs that are least likely to be adopted. Shelters rarely need pictures of the puppies. Put your efforts into the senior and disabled dogs or those facing euthanasia sooner.

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attractive and homey. If you’re not allowed to remove the dog from the shelter, take something to dress up the background so it’s not just cages. In play areas and parks, do your best to avoid background distractions like fences, poles, and trashcans.

All of the dogs seen on these pages were photographed by Mark and have since been adopted. The dogs at right Chico, a blind Cattle Dog and Max, his seeing eye dog, landed in rescue after their human passed away. Mark's photo got the duo international attention and a forever home!

5 Use the knowledge of shelter staff to help you capture the

11 Don’t force. Anxious dogs may have to be distracted again

dogs’ personalities. You will hear things like “this dog looks so tough but she’s so sweet.” Think about ways you can show that.

and again with short walks, play or treats. Never physically force them into a place or position.

6 Limit distractions and work with one dog at a time. Having more than one dog around means social time not photo time. Look for an isolated area and only use the people you need so as not to further distract the dog.

12 Potential adopters want to see a happy or at least comfortable dog. Do your best to make the dog look happy and choose photos that most reflect a happy and relaxed disposition.

7 All dogs, especially anxious or aggressive ones, will ben-

efit from exercise before their session. If there’s any way to get them vigorous play time or a run before their photos, do it. The pent up energy from the shelter makes it harder for them to stay focused during their photos.. 8 NEVER greet unknown dogs nose to nose. Never give them a hug. Be confident and calm. Your mistake could mean their life if you get bitten. 9 If leashing is necessary, ask your helper to put one end of the leash on her wrist and gently hold the slack up and away from the dog with their other hand. You can Photoshop the leash out later. Ask your helper to use minimal pressure so that the dog’s collar sits relaxed and he doesn’t appear to be straining. 10 Don’t feel sorry for them. Treat the dogs with dignity and

respect and it will bolster their confidence and comfort.

13 If the dog responds with anxiety to the camera, consider backing off and zooming in. Being further away can mean less intense pressure for the dog and can help you get a better shot. 14 Be critical: does the dog look scared or unsure? Is the dog looking and unhappy? If it’s not great, try again. Don’t settle on an okay photo. Your photo could literally mean the difference between life and death. 15 Consider that most photos are first viewed as thumbnails. Zoom in on the dog and ask yourself if the photo is compelling at a small size. 16 Follow through and get the shelter your photos in the

format they need—and quickly—so they can get them online and find the dogs homes. 17 And lastly, have fun! A positive, confident attitude is both reassuring and contagious. n

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BELIEVE THE HYPE

Disney Superstar Laura Marano is All That… and She Loves Dogs By Mary-Jo Dionne Photographed By Kharen Hill Make Up, Kristina Goldberg; Hair, Judd Minter; Styling, Tara Williams

ike anyone who loves a child, I want the best for my two Goddaughters. I want Jayda and Avery to live big lives. I want them to give of themselves so that they can make the world an even more miraculous place than it already is. I want them to seize opportunities, to make memories, and to jump into work they’re passionate about. I want them to love people and animals, and in turn to make decisions that protect all people and animals. And I want them to aspire to greatness by admiring those who aspire to greatness. So when I learned I would be interviewing Laura Marano, the Disney Channel superstar they are positively gaga over, I won’t lie, I was more than a little bit hopeful Laura wouldn’t disappoint. While being the star of an internationally acclaimed hit series (Austin & Ally) and role model for millions of young girls is a very big deal, the reality, of course, is that not everyone in high profile positions necessarily lives up to all the adulation from afar. So, when I readied myself for our conversation, I desperately hoped she lived up to the hype.

Velvet wears a classic studded leather "Bengal" collar from Sebastian & Co. $42, sebastiancollarandsaddlery.com

“

When I play piano, when I am practicing, she always, always, always sings with me. Which you’d think is adorable—and sometimes it is. But really, she is very loud.

”

And you know what? She most certainly did. In fact, she delighted. Laura shared insights about her early start in the business, life as a young woman making it in Hollywood, and, of course, her favourite co-star and long-time four-legged friend, her musically inclined Keeshond, Velvet. Simply put, Jayda and Avery, you picked a good one. MD: You started acting at a very young age. What is it that drew you to the stage initially? LM: My mom owned a theater [the Agoura Children’s Theatre] so my sister and I sort of grew up in there. It was really a second home; a place where we’d go all the time. When my sister (actress Vanessa Marano) was six years old, she asked my mom if we could be actresses. And she said “Nope. No way. Not happening.” My sister basically begged her every day for two years and my mom’s friends started joking that here she was, this super supportive mom, and yet she wasn’t supporting her daughter in the one thing she really wanted. So she started looking for an agent and did some research and found one who mostly worked with kids. It was like ding-ding-ding. So we all went in together; I was five and Vanessa was eight. After Vanessa had gone in to meet the agent, the agent asked to see mom and because I just wanted to meet new people, I went in too. The agent said she wanted to take Vanessa and I said: “But I don’t have agent.” So she said: “Honey, I’ll take you too.” My mom was like: “What just happened?!” We’ve been with the same agent ever since. That was 14 years ago. It took a good year before I got my first role. I must’ve been six or seven when I started working on Without a Trace. It’s great when you start young because you don’t have the fears and the doubts. I was just like: “Throw me in there. I’m ready to go.” MD: In 2011, you began your journey as Ally, on Disney’s series Austin & Ally. In what ways are you most like Ally Dawson? LM: The moment I learned I was down for the role of Ally, I was like: She’s ridiculously like me. Other than the stage fright she suffered from, which I never had, we are so alike. At the time, all I had seen was the breakdown of who she was. Then I read the script and saw that she was so like me. As the show has progressed, it’s gotten even more so. MD: What are some of the pressures of being a young actor in Hollywood today? LM: I think there is an overwhelming pressure to please everyone. To be mature but also kid-friendly. You have to be okay with not being perfect. And I’m 100 percent not in any way perfect. I am so awkward and ridiculous and I’m completely okay with it.

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“

Whenever I’m stressed I know I can spend thirty minutes with her and all that will go away. I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true.

”

MD: You have a special four-legged friend in your life. Who is she? LM: I do. Her name is Velvet. She is a Keeshond. Keeshonds are kind of like a Siberian husky, a Chow Chow, and a German Shepherd all in one. She is so adorable and so insane all at the same time. She is actually very loud. She definitely talks. My favourite—and yet not favourite—thing about her is that when I play piano, when I am practicing, she always, always, always sings with me. Which you’d think is adorable—and sometimes it is. But really, she is very loud. MD: How old is she? LM: She is nine years old. But she looks like a puppy. When we got her, she also had a brother, and we were given the option of having the shy one or the spitfire, and we went with the spitfire. And she hasn’t changed. MD: So she’s been with you during the rise of your career, since you were a little girl? LM: Completely. She’s been through everything with me. When I have a busy day at school or on set, she always welcomes me at the door. Whenever I’m stressed I know can spend thirty minutes with her and all that will go away. I know that might sound cheesy, but it’s true. MD: How does having a dog in your life help keep you grounded in a city that can be somewhat superficial? LM: For one thing, it gives you appreciation for animals in general. She has a very big personality. She’s her own being. And I love her for it. I walk her, I clean up after her, she means different responsibilities for me that are outside of my life in the entertainment industry. MD: What is it that makes Velvet unique? LM: She fits in so perfectly with my family. She is the dog I can be with after a long day at school. Or, when I’m getting my hair

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GO!

To learn more about how you can participate in Meatless Mondays, check out “Meatless Mondays” on humanesociety.org! As the New York Times noted, it’s catching on with veg-eaters and carnivores alike! To learn more about the UNICEF Trickor-Treat campaign, check out schools. TrickorTreatforUnicef.org

and make-up done at the house, she goes and sits at the legs of my stylists. She wants to be with the girls. She is the best “bestof-both-worlds” kind of dog. MD: I heard that, along with the Humane Society of the US, you helped launch a campaign in support of an idea called Meatless Mondays. Can you tell us what this is all about and why you chose to get on board? LM: This is a fantastic campaign. It is all about choosing to not eat meat one day a week. It helps the environment given the (connection between) factory farms and carbon dioxide levels and it obviously helps the animals. I think it’s such an important campaign for so many reasons. Helping animals and helping the environment go hand in hand. MD: Your philanthropy doesn’t stop there. In August of last year, you were named the UNICEF Trick-or-Treat ambassador, which encourages kids to raise funds on Halloween to benefit children in need globally. What is it about that cause that excites you? LM: I am so lucky to be working with them. They are absolutely incredible. They are the best humanitarian organization for children’s rights. The campaign reminds kids all over American that no matter who you are or how old you are, you can always make a difference. Literally something as little as one dollar can (help fight) malnutrition for so many kids. It was amazing to see how much even a little amount could do.

“

MD: Right, because as a six-year-old in a hit show like Without a Trace you didn’t already know about responsibility? LM: (Laughing) Right. Well, it’s always good to learn to be responsible at an early age. MD: Given that you’re a young woman with an already impressive resume, both professionally and philanthropically, if you had a crystal ball, what do you see moving forward? LM: I see a few things. I won’t be able to do them all at the same time, but I will do them. Number one: I will continue my acting career. I can’t imagine my life without it. Number two: I will go to school. Both my parents are teachers, so it’s important to me. I just graduated from high school this year. My sister was home schooled—and she is the most intelligent, responsible, amazing person I know—but I knew for me I needed to go to regular school. And I know I want to get a degree. Even if I’m 37 years old when it happens. Number three: I want to continue to do as much charity work as possible. We are all very connected on a global level and by getting involved you feel a lot more fulfilled. And number four: I want to write songs and have a music career. I’ve wanted this forever, since I was a little girl.

Helping animals and helping the environment go hand in hand.

MD: What have you learned most about life from having Velvet? LM: I was the one who wanted a dog. I saved up all my money for my birthday and Christmas. So she was literally my dog and has been ever since we got her. She’s taught me maturity and responsibility.

”

MD: Do I see a duet with Velvet in your future? LM: I hope so! I suspect it would be what she’d want. And how could I say no to that face?! n Catch Laura in "Bad Hair Day,” a Disney Channel original movie premiering early 2015. Laura starts as a high school tech whiz who’s bound and determined to be crowned prom queen—but on the big day, everything that can go wrong does go wrong. Here's hoping Velvet has a cameo!

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AT A GLANCE

THE WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW

PHOTO STEVE SURFMAN / WESTMINSTER

The 139th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show unfolds February 16th and 17th, at Madison Square Garden (MSG). As usual, we will be attending the show, cheering on our favourites and revelling in the organized chaos that is the MSG backstage benching area. Also as usual, we'll be checking in to the storied Hotel Pennsylvania, the perfect home base for taking in the show, especially as residency at the Hotel Penn lets you mingle with many of the competing dogs also staying there. Whether you're attending in person or cheering on the dogs from the comfort of your couch, this is a mustsee event—and has been for well over 100 years. Read on for just what makes this show an institution.

WESTMINSTER BY THE NUMBERS… • First held in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is America's second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby.

• The Empire State Building first lit its tower in the Westminster colours of purple and gold in honour of the event in 2004 and will do so again in 2015.

• Just how venerable is the show? Westminster pre-dates the invention of the light bulb and the automobile (!), the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument, and the invention of basketball and the establishment of the World Series.

• The oldest dog to capture Best In Show? Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, a Sussex Spaniel, that took the top title at an age of 10 years, two months, and nine days in 2009.

• The first telecast of Westminster was in 1948, three years before “I Love Lucy” premiered. • In 2005, streaming video with same day coverage of breed judging highlights was made available for the first time on the Westminster web site (westminsterkennelclub.org). It was an immediate and huge hit. • A portion of the proceeds from Westminster's first show in 1877 was donated to the ASPCA to establish a home for stray and disabled animals.

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• David Frei has been the “voice of Westminster” for 25 years. • In 2014, Westminster introduced the Annual Masters Agility Championship, the first Westminster event to be open to mixed breed dogs. (Let’s hear it for the mixed breeds! You’ll catch us there Saturday, February 14th cheering our hearts out!) n

PHOTO JACK GRASSA / WESTMINSTER

• The dog show has outlasted three previous versions of Madison Square Garden and is currently being staged in MSG IV.

• The youngest winner? Rough Collie Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven, who captured the award in 1929 at the age of nine months.

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Canine Empathy Your dog really does care if you are unhappy By Stanley Coren

eople often report that it seems their dogs are reading their emotional states and responding in much the same way a human would, offering sympathy and comfort when it is needed or joining in their joy when there is cause for celebration. Such was the case with Deborah, an acquaintance of mine who told me the following story. Deborah had just gotten off the phone after learning that her sister's husband had died. Stunned by the news, she sat on the sofa and found herself wiping tears from her eyes while she tried to deal with her sadness. Deborah told me, â&#x20AC;&#x153;At that moment, Angus [her Golden Retriever] came over to me and laid his head on my knee and began to whimper. A moment later he quietly walked away and then returned with one of his favourite toys and softly put it in my lap and then gently licked my hand. I knew he was trying to comfort me. I believe that he was feeling my pain and hoping that the toy, one which made him happy, might also help me to feel better.â&#x20AC;? Such stories involving dogs are quite common and at face value seem to indicate that dogs are showing empathy for their owners. Generally speaking, empathy can be defined as the ability to put oneself into the mental shoes of another being and to understand and even share his or her emotions and feelings. Although most dog owners are quite sure that their dogs have empathy for their feelings, if you make that suggestion to a group of psychologists or behavioural biologists, it is more apt to start an argument than to bring nods of agreement. The skepticism you might get from this group of scientists does not have to do with the question of whether dogs have emotions or even whether dogs can read human emotions and attach them to things or situations; rather the issue is which emotions dogs possess and whether a fairly complex emotional response, such as empathy, is one that dogs actually experience. There is a consensus that the mind of a dog is very similar in capacity and behaviours to the mind of a human two to three-year-old. Human toddlers are good at reading emotions and attaching them to things. A research report published in the journal Developmental Psychology a few years back described a study by psychologist Betty Repacholi who was then at the University of California at Berkeley. She was working with toddlers aged 14 to 18 months. In the study she arranged a room with two boxes and had the child's parent look in each box while the child watched. When looking in one box the parent expressed a very positive and happy emotion but when looking in the other box the parent expressed disgust. When the child was later allowed to explore the room, the vast majority of the children went to the box that had been attached to the happy expression and avoided the box that was associated with the emotion of disgust. Recently, virtually the same general research method was used to test whether dogs can read human emotions and act appropriately. A team of researchers from the University of Milan (Isabella Merola, Emanuela Prato-Previde, M. Lazzaroni, and Sarah MarshallPescini) also used two boxes, each containing a toy. In one condition the dog's owner

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looked into one box and simulated a happy expression, sounding very enthusiastic and interested and saying (in Italian) things like “oh nice, really nice” using tones that were high pitched, musical, and positive. While looking at the other box the owners were told to sound as if they had witnessed something shocking and fear provoking. This resulted in something like an exclamation of, “Oh! How ugly!” spoken in as tense a tone of voice as the dog owners could manage. In addition, the owner was told to act out the emotions using body language, such as crouching more toward the box when the positive emotional expression was being made and jumping back from the box when expressing the negative emotion. Afterwards the dogs were released and allowed to explore the room. 81 percent of the dogs went to the box associated with the happy expression, which shows that the dogs clearly recognize their owner's emotional expressions. It also shows that dogs attach those emotions to whatever object or situation that their owner is focused on. Empathy, though, is more complex than basic emotions such as happiness, fear or disgust. Remember that the mind of a dog is very similar to the mind of a human two to three year old. Although there is some data suggesting that human toddlers start to show the beginnings of empathy sometime around their second birthday, it is quite primitive at that age and many scientists think that clear evidence of empathy doesn't really show up until the child is four years old or more. So empathetic behaviour would, of course, require a more advanced mental capacity than what is usually credited to canines. Because of this many scientists tend to believe that something simpler is going on, namely “emotional contagion.” This is where an individual responds to the emotions of another without fully understanding what that individual is feeling. A simple example is when, in a nursery, one infant starts to cry and this causes all of the other infants within earshot to do the same. Those other infants are not showing empathy but rather are responding to and adopting the first child's emotional state without understanding why. Thus these researchers suggest that when your dog sees your emotional distress they are in effect “infected by it” and in response to their own feelings they come to nuzzle their owner. Supposedly the dog’s aim is not to comfort their human companion, but rather to gain comfort for themselves. Some other scientists are even more cynical, not even crediting the dog with reading the person's emotion, but rather suggesting that it is a response to seeing a person acting in an unusual way and the dog is coming over to sniff and paw at them out of curiosity.

Two psychologists, Deborah Custance and Jennifer Mayer from Goldsmiths College in London, decided to see if dogs really had empathy when their owners were in emotional distress. They modified a procedure which has been successfully used to measure empathy in human toddlers. The setup is very simple: the dog's owner and a stranger sat about six feet apart and engaged in several activities while the whole thing was filmed. In turn, each individual would speak, hum in an unusual staccato manner or pretend to cry. The critical condition, of course, was the crying. These researchers reasoned that if the dog was showing empathy he would be primarily focused on the person who was crying rather than on himself and engage in attempts at comforting or helping. The expectation was that the empathetic dog would nuzzle, whine, lick, lay his head on the person's lap, or offer similar comforting behaviours. Now here is the trick that allows us to sort out what is actually happening: if the dog is simply upset by his owner's crying, he should go to his owner hoping to gain some comfort for himself. However, suppose that the stranger is crying. If the dog has no empathy and is merely responding because of emotional contagion, the dog should still feel distressed, but should not seek solace from the stranger with whom he has no emotional bond; rather, he would be expected to go to his owner for comfort in this situation. What the researchers found was that the dog not only approached and tried to comfort his crying owner but also approached the crying stranger, seeming to offer sympathy and support much in the way that humans display empathy for each other. The researchers also reasoned that if the dog’s approach to people was principally motivated by curiosity, any relatively uncommon behaviour, such as the strange humming behaviors, should cause some reaction. This did not happen; when the owner or the stranger hummed in an unusual manner, the dogs might look at them but did not approach and certainly did not seem to be offering any comfort. The conclusion seems obvious and perhaps clear enough to convince some of the more skeptical scientists who have been unwilling to allow that dogs might have much the same emotional responses as a young human child: in the same manner that young humans show empathy and understanding of the emotions of others, so do dogs. Furthermore, we appear to have bred our dogs so that they not only show empathy, but also show sympathy, which is a desire to comfort others who might be in emotional distress. n

The mind of a dog is very similar to the mind of a human two to three year old.

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HELP!

What to Do In Common Canine Emergencies

By Darcy Wintonyk

Whether you have an obedient older dog or a rambunctious puppy, all canines big and small have one thing in common: they're not perfect. At some point even the most well-trained pooch will eat something they shouldn't, jump on someone well‑dressed or—heaven help us—get sprayed by a skunk. Modern Dog solicited the advice of dog professionals across North America for what to do when you find yourself up against the most common dog problems. Here’s how to proceed in the face of calamity. What to do if your dog is stung by a bee Chances are you’ve seen comical Tumblr photos of puffy-snouted dogs after a run-in with a bee. But a sting is no laughing matter for man's best friend: it can be anything from uncomfortable to potentially life-threatening. Stings around the mouth and face are the most serious and, unfortunately, the most common. The effects hit short-nosed breeds, like Bulldogs or Pugs, the hardest because their upper airways are already quite restricted. If your pup is stung, first remove the stinger from the skin and use a cold compress to decrease swelling. Dr. Fraser Davidson, a veterinarian with a practice in Vancouver, Canada, says it's safe for pet parents to give dogs an anti-histamine like Benadryl at a dose of 25 mg for a small dog and 50 mg for larger breeds. Call

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your vet if you're unsure about the dose for your dog and only ever administer a “non-drowsy” formula. Seek vet care immediately if your dog is brachycephalic (shortnosed) or has had a bad reaction to a sting in the past, he adds. Otherwise, monitor your pup closely and call in a professional if he experiences facial swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, diarrhea or if he collapses.

What to do if your dog eats cooked chicken bones Scavengers at heart, it only takes a split second for a dog to snatch and devour chicken bones left on a dinner plate or in an uncovered garbage bin. The concern is that cooked bones can splinter when chewed, which can lead to the sharp splinters get-

ting stuck in the esophagus or intestines, possibly perforating stomach walls and leading to a number of complications including (costly) surgery. But not every ingested bone requires a rush to the vet, says Dr. Fraser Davidson. If the bones were relatively small and swallowed whole it's possible that they’ll break down in the stomach and pass normally. But you need to keep a close eye on your dog for the next 48 hours. Davidson advises feeding the culprit a high-fiber diet including whole wheat bread and canned pumpkin to cushion the stomach and bulk up the dog’s poop. Handle your pooch gently so no extra pressure is put on the abdomen and watch out for vomiting, bloody stool, lethargy, and discomfort. See your vet if any of those signs arise, or if the bones haven't passed. Surgery may be an option if the bones consumed were large or sharp. Don't attempt to make your dog vomit up the bones because the risk is high for them to become lodged in the esophagus, Davidson added. It's worth noting that the ingestion of all cooked animal bones are concerning, but ones from chicken are particularly bad because they splinter easily, making them sharper and pointier. Larger bones, like beef ribs, carry slightly less risk of splintering, but they're more likely to fracture teeth if bitten into. Davidson says lamb chop bones also often get stuck if swallowed because of their shape.

What to do if your dog eats chocolate Similar to the chocoholic of the human variety, one bite of chocolate is almost always never enough for a dog. Unfortunately, even a small portion can poison a dog because of what's inside it: theobromine. The chemical, similar to caffeine, can't be metabolized by dogs so it puts them at risk of poisoning. If your pup has eaten chocolate, don't waste time going to “Dr. Google” for help, says Dr. Ahna Brutlag, veterinary toxicologist and associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline. Brutlag says a veterinary professional or service like Pet Poison Hotline, a 24/7 poison control hotline for pets, can help you quickly determine if your dog ingested a toxic dose based on the animal's breed, age, weight, type of chocolate, and any medical issues your dog may have. The type and colour of chocolate eaten is very important: the darker and bitterer, the more dangerous it is, says Brutlag. Baking chocolate and gourmet dark chocolate contain significantly more theobromine than milk chocolate. White chocolate hardly has any. That means a healthy 50-pound dog could be poisoned by one ounce of baker's chocolate, but it would have to gobble nine ounces of milk chocolate to experience the same serious problems. If your dog recently ate chocolate and isn't having any negative physical reactions, a pet professional may advise you to induce vomiting using hydrogen peroxide—seek professional advice for when and how to do this. A dog should be taken to the vet immediately if he displays signs of poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, racing heart rate, and excessive urination. Young puppies and dogs with heart disease are most at risk.

What to do if your dog is bitten by another dog With unique and sometimes unpredictable personalities, bites between canines do happen. Whether it's the result of personality clashes between pups on neighbourhood walks, pet owners don't need to rush to the vet if the injury doesn't require stitches, says Jillian Myers, owner of Healthy Paws, a Los Angeles-based pet first aid training firm. If the skin is broken, the first thing to do is wash the wound gently, as dog's mouths are full of bacteria. Myers says you can pack the area with some sterile cotton pads moderndogmagazine.com

before you wrap in a sterile gauze roll. But not too tightly: overly tight wrapping can act like a tourniquet and actually cut off blood supply to an animal's limb. The next step is making sure your dog doesn't “mess with it,” says Myers. If the wound is where the dog can reach it by its mouth, consider putting on an “E” or inflatable recovery collar for a few days so your pooch doesn't lick and worry the area. Change the gauze daily and be vigilant about watching for any negative physical changes. Pus, warmth, swelling, and increased pain could signal an infection, which warrants a visit to the vet.

What to do if your dog gets into a fight Most scuffles between the canine offenders are all noise and no injury but there are definitely times when you need to intervene. The trick is to know the difference. The key here is duration: if a fight is going to resolve on its own, it will likely be over by the time you have a chance to respond, says New York City canine behaviour specialist Renee Payne. She recommends reading the behaviour cues of the pooches and intervening as soon as the dogs are in trouble. While some dog trainers advise owners to use the old “grab the hind legs” approach, Payne says that approach is outdated— and risky for both the human and the dog being pulled away. “The dog could pull away and redirect,” she said. Instead of getting yourself physically involved, the smarter tactic is to get loud, says Payne. “I usually yell and clap as loudly as possible,” she said. Failing that, your next step is to throw something between the dogs. Obviously you don't want to hurt the animals, but anything you have handy—your purse, a water bottle—anything to interrupt the fight and get the dogs' attention, is fair game. Payne says the common advice of dousing the dogs with a bucket of water or spray from a garden hose would work, but would only work if there’s water nearby. When dealing with canines that have a history of aggression, she carries a citronella spray that it specifically formulated to deter dogs. It’s easy to carry or clip to the end of a leash, but should only be used if other methods have failed, Payne says.

What to do if your dog is sprayed by a skunk The CEO of Aussie Pet Mobile Canada,

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Richard Avis, describes the effect of skunk spray as “horrendous,” adding that pet owners attempting to de-skunk their animals themselves will “stink out the house, the tub, and everything in the close vicinity.” The smell is so bad that his mobile grooming firm won't clean a skunked dog in the morning because it takes “a solid hour” to sanitize and clean the grooming van afterwards. If there's an upside to a dog being skunked, it's that the problem doesn't normally require a vet visit unless they've been squirted directly in the eyes or mouth, which can cause irritation. But the problem does require quick action. Skunk spray contains several oily chemical compounds called thiols, which means hosing off Fido with water alone won't clean it away, and the oil will saturate your dog's skin—and start smelling worse—if it's not removed immediately. Despite the old wives tale, tomato juice just won't cut through that powerful stink, but you can easily whip together an effective cleaning solution with common household items. The American Humane Society recommends bathing your dog with a mix of one quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, quarter cup baking soda, and one teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. You may have to double the recipe for long-haired or large dogs. Use gloves and protect your dog's eyes. You can also use vinegar diluted with water if you don't have those ingredients. The Salty Paw grooming company in New York City says mixing mouthwash with Dawn dishwashing liquid will also work in a pinch. Follow up with a good soaping of your dog's regular shampoo and your pooch should smell sweet again.

What to do if your dog is choking While choking is one of the most common reasons for canine ER visits, most dogs have a good chance of dislodging a stuck item themselves as long as they’re conscious and can still cough or gag, says pet first aid expert Jillian Myers. Confine them to a small area like a bathroom or utility room and stay with them for observation, she says, but head to the vet if the object doesn’t come up within a few minutes. If your dog is conscious but can’t cough, gag or has a wheezing sound, Myers advises to perform chest thrusts “by placing your hands on each side of your pet's chest and compressing inward.” The amount of pressure depends on the size of the dog, but needs to be forceful enough to “try to pop the object up,” she

Despite the old wives tale, tomato juice just won't cut through that powerful stink

adds. Keep repeating the thrusts until the object comes up, and follow up with a vet exam to see if there has been any further damage. Bring the object with you. If the object doesn’t come out within a few minutes (or if your dog goes unconscious!), get to the vet ASAP. She advises owners never to perform abdominal thrusts—aka the Heimlich maneuver—on animals because the technique can have severe, even fatal, complications in animals. In the worst-case scenario—your dog goes unconscious— visually check your dog’s airway by opening their mouth and pulling out the tongue to get a clear look down the throat. If you can see the object, use your fingers or needle-nosed pliers to remove it, being careful not to push it further down the throat, Myers warns. From here you may have to do CPR on your dog, but that’s something Myers recommends is best learned in a pet first aid class.

What to do if your dog has bad diarrhea Many dogs are walking stomachs, so it’s no surprise that canines are more than occasionally struck by a bout of diarrhea due to some manner of dietary indiscretion. A case of “the runs” can occur if your pup has eaten, drank or licked something abnormal and disrupted the flora in their intestines or bowels. Veterinarian Dr. Fraser Davidson recommends heading to the vet if your pup is very young or old because those patients have less tolerance for dehydration. Ditto if the diarrhea is excessive (every hour, in the house), there’s blood in the stool, if there’s also vomiting, if the dog is restless or lethargic, and if the diarrhea has lasted more than 48 straight hours. It’s best to monitor the situation at home if your dog is still “bright, happy, and playful,” he adds, and if the dog is young to middle-aged. He advises removing food for 24 hours and offering water only, unless the dog is a young puppy. Once the diarrhea settles down then introduce bland foods like white rice and boiled chicken breast in small amounts to start. The added moisture in those foods will also help to rehydrate your dog. You can also consider hard-boiled egg whites or low-fat cottage cheese for protein. If feces firm up in a day you can wean your dog back onto normal food over the next few days. n moderndogmagazine.com

Conventional wisdom dictates NOT to give pets as gifts but, if it's a considered decision, adopting a dog into your family over the holidays can be a wonderful idea (and one that would thrill the kids) By Katie Leonard

Reasons why you should adopt a friend over the holidays While the holidays are a great time to give our loved ones surprise presents, giving pets as unexpected gifts is not recommended. Often ill considered or sprung upon the recipient, it’s these gifted pets that often end up dropped off at the shelter a month or two later. Shelter staff do, however, encourage potential adopters to come together as a family to decide whether or not the holidays are the right time for them to welcome a new furry addition into their family. Who knows—the holidays might just be the perfect time for you!

Why the holidays are a great time to adopt Have you been thinking about adopting another dog but haven’t had the time to dedicate to integrating your new friend into your family during the busy work/school year? With kids, if you have them, off from school on holidays and you home from work, what

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better opportunity to bond with your new dog? Recently adopted dogs need time with their new families to show them the ropes and help them through this transitional period. Since the holidays are one of those precious times when the whole family is home together with some free time, it makes for great adoption timing. With everyone in the festive spirit and lots of time and love to give, welcoming a new rescue dog into your pack could be a great way to make this year’s holidays extra special. The most important thing to remember is that adopting any animal should always be taken seriously and considered by all members of the family. Even if you think your grandmother might enjoy a canine companion for her early morning walks, it’s best to speak with her first and come to a united decision instead of surprising her with a new companion. Everyone on board? To the shelter! You’re about to change a life. In short: adopting a dog over the holidays would not only make a dog's Christmas, it will likely make yours as well! What better way to celebrate the season than by making sure one less animal has to spend the holidays without a family to call their own? n

PHOTOS TANYA KING

Why You Should Adopt A Friend Over the Holidays

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(and the people they’re saving along the way) Zach Skow and rescue dog Hooch

PHOTO ABBY’S PHOTOGRAPHY

SECOND CHANCE DOGS

Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue offers second chances, not just to abused and abandoned dogs, but to people too By Jen Reeder

ou’d never guess that Zach Skow almost died six years ago. The handsome thirtysomething is typically seen skateboarding, running up California hillsides to train for marathons, and volunteering in his community with dogs he’s rescued for his nonprofit, Marley’s Mutts. But Skow spent his 29th birthday in the hospital, his liver failing from years of alcohol abuse. Doctors told him he would die without a liver transplant, but that he would have to be sober for six months to even qualify. “I was not healthy enough for a transplant. I was just depleted, physically, mentally, spiritually—I kind of had nothing left,” Skow said. “When I got released (after two months in the hospital), the instructions were to go home and try and survive another four months…That was a daunting task, and I was physically as ill as you can imagine somebody. Literally, I’m not exaggerating, I looked like a dead person.” There were many days when Skow couldn’t move out of bed and didn’t want to. But his rescued dogs Marley, a Rottweiler/Pit Bull mix, and Tug, a Lab mix, wouldn’t give up on him. “My dogs didn’t leave my side the whole time,” Skow said. “I just couldn’t deny the love that was there.” His dogs never gave up hope, wagging their tails each morning to ask for a walk. Slowly, Skow started taking them for sunrise strolls and, eventually, hikes in the mountains near his home in Bakersfield, CA. “They got me out walking at sunrise and it is impossible not to find some kind of worth in yourself and in life when you go for a walk in the mountains at sunrise,” Skow said. “They pushed me out the door and kept me doing it every day, several times a day. I just started to get better. After a couple of months, I started to get rapidly better…They basically taught me that every single day is a new day, and every single day is wonderful, and everything is possible.” The following year, Skow was so healthy that he no longer needed a liver transplant. Inspired by his personal experience, he founded the nonprofit Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, named for his beloved dog Marley who coaxed him from death’s doorstep. It started small; Skow and his father rescued dogs scheduled for euthanasia from local shelters, then fostered and trained them before finding them new homes. Today Marley’s Mutts consists of a network of around 30 volunteer foster families who have saved approximately 2,000 dogs from death row. Marley and Tug help keep the foster dogs in line on Skow’s three-acre property, a skill at which Marley, in particular, immediately proved adept. “Marley was just a great pack general—he helped me keep the peace. He didn’t stand for fighting,” he said. “He liked even-keel, pack-symbiotic harmony, and he helped me to maintain that.” Skow said many of Marley’s Mutts were formerly abused—at least 20 have had gunshot wounds; others have been mutilated as “bait dogs” for dogfights. But instead of

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succumbing to anger at these dogs’ treatment, Skow focuses on involved with these journeys that each dog is on…there’s such their rehabilitation. magical group efforts.” “I’m very aware of my job: my job is to rehabilitate. And Shadow, a Pit Bull/Lab mix, is another Marley’s Mutts alum there’s where the joy comes from—watching them get better,” he with a terrible start in life but a happy ending. Late last year, hiksaid. ers found her abandoned in the high desert locked in a small cage Skow’s favourite activities help rehabilitate dogs and people with two other dogs—one was dead, and Shadow and the other simultaneously. Several days a week, Skow and several dogs take dog had injured one another by fighting while confined in such a ride in the “Mutt Mobile” close quarters. and visit community nonSkow got a call from a profits that support survivors friend in Animal Control and of domestic violence, the drove two hours to meet the homeless, people battling dogs at a shelter, where he addictions, and children with said they were “red zone shut disabilities. Skow said it’s down—very aggressive if put been particularly rewarding to with one another, but glued to see improvement in nonverbal the floor otherwise.” autistic children since they’ve Skow spent a few hours been interacting with Hooch, walking with purpose to try to a French Mastiff who, horrifiinfuse them with confidence, cally, had his tongue and ears and eventually got them cut off by his abusive former into the Mutt Mobile and owner when he was just a to a veterinarian, who said puppy. (Skow has permanentthe wounds seemed superfiA Marley Mutt’s success story: Phoenix, a Pit Bull/Corgi ly adopted him.) cial. Skow decided to foster mix, nursed back to health after surviving a fire in “Hooch is unbelievable—he Shadow because she was the which nine of her littermaters perished. lets these kids crawl all over more aggressive dog, and for him,” Skow said. “To see (the several months she ran long kids’) social progress when we come back and visit and see how distance with him while he trained for marathons. they’re more aware of boundaries and better capable of compas“She did everything with me,” he said. “And we got her in sion…it’s wonderful.” good with the pack here at the house so she wasn’t being possesAs a result, Skow said the motto of Marley’s Mutts, which sive and didn’t have any separation anxiety.” started as “All breeds, all creeds,” is evolving into “Rescuing In January 2014, Shadow had improved so much that she was dogs, rescuing people.” What has surprised him most about ready to be adopted, and Robbie Miller called to set up a meeting the group is how important Marley’s Mutts is to people’s daily with her. Just a few weeks earlier, the former gang member had lives—the online “Mutt Militia” of nearly 100,000 supporters is been released from prison after serving over 12 years. He’d asked extremely active on the Marley’s Mutts Facebook page. his mom if he could get a dog because he’d seen so many offend“Mutt Militia is just the people who are down for the cause— ers return to the penitentiary after their releases, and he thought a anybody that checks in and shares our stuff and is involved in dog could help him adjust to his new life. whatever way they can be,” Skow said. “After you’ve been gone for 12 years, the social skills and comMembers of the Mutt Militia often contact Skow to share ways munication and all that is awful, you know?” Miller said. reading the success stories of rehabilitated dogs have brought His mother agreed and they drove to meet Shadow. them hope. One woman even told him that following updates on “Immediately it was like we were meant for each other,” Miller the progress of Little Bear, a mixed breed dog who needed skin said. grafts after being mauled by another dog, kept her from killing The two became inseparable—hiking, fishing and spending herself. The Mutt Militia donated an incredible $17,000 for Little as much time together as possible. But a few months later when Bear’s surgeries, and now he is happy and healthy in his forever Miller was at work, his mom noticed Shadow coughing up blood. home. X-rays showed she had a bullet lodged in her lung, and would “We want people to see these resilient stories of success and need to have her lung removed. Miller was worried because he the unbelievable victories,” Skow said. “So many people are didn’t have money for an operation since he’d just gotten out of

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Zach Skow and Shadow, both with a new lease on life. prison. He called Skow, who told him, “Don’t worry about it—I got you.” Skow flew with Shadow to Los Angeles for the surgery, and

put out a call for help on the Marley’s Mutts Facebook page. The Mutt Militia stepped up to the plate, filling Miller with relief and gratitude. “People from all around the world donated money—it covered it within two or three days,” he said. Shadow pulled through and now she and Miller are closer than ever. “Shadow’s been a real help for me because after twelve years locked up, sometimes I don’t like being around people,” Miller said. “I always feel like people are judging me or stuff like that. She makes it easier for me—she doesn’t care, all she wants is for me to love her.” One person that Miller does feel comfortable around is Skow (who feels the same way. He said simply, “We’re brothers now.”). Miller said Skow has a “great heart.” “He’s more than just a dog rescuer. He helps people out too,” Miller said. “He goes out of his way to do good things for this world.” n >> For more information about Marley’s Mutts, visit marleysmutts.com or join the Mutt Militia at facebook.com/MarleysMuttsDogRescue.

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eat D.I.Y.

Rex’s Terrific Trail Mix

Clean out your fridge to make this Modern Dog Test Kitchen dog treat, perfect for hikes, visits to the dog park or brushing up on obedience skills (training’s an awful lot more fun with treats!). The best part? You can make it with leftovers culled from your refrigerator!

INGREDIENTS •

PU T LEFTOV ERS TO GOO D USE!

Leftover meats of all kinds—cut up chicken breast, lunchmeat, leftover roast, gizzards from Sunday dinner’s roast chicken (Rinse off any seasoning of course)

•

Leftover veg—sweet potato, yam, broccoli, potato, peas, carrots, squash… there are tons of options, just no onion please!

•

Fruit—banana, apple, blueberry, strawberry, raspberry…again, tons of options, just no grapes or raisins!

HOW TO Cut everything up into little ¼" – ½" pieces (thin slices are best), toss on a greased cookie sheet, and place in 200° F oven. Let cook until dry, checking in every 30 minutes to give a stir. Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge until it’s time to hit the dusty trail!

GREAT RECIPES. moderndogmagazine.com/sagecookies

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Feed your messy mutt, not your floor! Messy Mutts’ feeders feature a nonslip silicone base that prevents floor damage and contains mess! Made from BPA-free food-grade silicone. Available in two sizes, four colours! messymutts.ca Made with real snowflakes, Fruitables’ deliciously festive, tasty baked treats have an estimated 300 snowflakes per pouch! This is the coolest gift of the season, whether for your pup’s stocking or your favourite dog lover! fruitablespetfood.com

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

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Let’s Go Designs’ fourseason dog walking utility jacket is convertible—unzip to go from winter jacket to summer vest! Waterproof, reflective, extractable pickup bags, lots of pockets, and fleece liner. $290, letsgodesign.net

Travel with Fido? Then pick up BringFido.com’s new book, Ruff Guide to the United States. Packed with colourful images, the gift-worthy hardcover edition highlights dog-friendly vacation destinations in all 50 states. ruffguides.com

Be forever furless. Lilly Brush efficiently removes dog and cat hair from upholstery, clothing, bedding, autos, rugs, and more! And it’s 100% reusable: no mess, no waste, no refills! lillybrush.com

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Rocco & Roxie’s healthy Jerky Treats are lovingly made in the U.S.A. They are slow-smoked for 15 hours, creating a tender texture and smoky flavour that even the pickiest dogs love. $20, roccoandroxie.com/moderndog

Celebrate or memorialize a special dog with a custom-shaped pet portrait gift! With a vintage/modern twist, a Dawghead portrait will capture the true spirit and essence of your pup—satisfaction guaranteed! dawghead.com

Keep your dog safe at night! Poochlight collars and leads contain high-powered LED’s with dual optical fiber strips. Fully rechargeable via USB, water resistant, and built to last. Free delivery*! squeakerdogs.com

This gift will be loved for years! Fur-Zoff is the perfect gift for pet owners plagued by shedding. It removes the mess from your life fast and easy! furzoff.net

Buddy Belt is easy to use: your dog steps in and it quickly fastens with one buckle. Premium materials and exceptional craftsmanship make this harness the ultimate in style and comfort. buddy-belts.com

Say yes to pets, no to mess! The award-winning Dirty Dog Doormat soaks up to 7 times its weight to absorb any pet mess! Advanced wicking technology traps water and dirt instantly. dgspetproducts.com

Pet lovers and gift givers can put their paws in the air with woofalicious tees from Shaggy Chic. Gift cards also available. Proceeds benefit animal rescues! Sold exclusively through shaggychicapparel.com

Puppy Bumpers stuffed collars keep dogs from squeezing through fences or balcony rails! Available in lots of styles and colours, they’re machine washable and made in the USA by people with disabilities. puppybumpers.net

moderndogmagazine.com

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BREED PROFILE

The Cocker Spaniel Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweetheart By Kelly Caldwell

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WINTER 2014/ 15

The Cocker Spaniel is, in short, one of the dog world’s most versatile members. The athleticism, combined with a pleasant disposition and high intelligence, all add up to a truly “up for anything” kind of dog.

anine passenger on the Mayflower, frequent winner at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and the doe-eyed star of the Disney classic Lady and the Tramp… it’s no small wonder that the Cocker Spaniel has become a household name in North America. But just where did this little dog come from? The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest of the flushing spaniels, a group of dogs bred to flush birds for hunters by finding the game, driving it from its hiding place, then retrieving it oh-so-gently. Mention of the word “Spanyell” can be found in writings as far back as the 14th century. The breed’s earliest origins are speculative, but most accept that these dogs originated in Spain and were brought to England where they were developed over the centuries. The Cocker Spaniel was recognized in the United States by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1878 According to the most recent AKC registration statistics and first registered a year later. Still, fanciers sought [1] Labrador Retriever refinement and clarification as two varieties of the [2] German Shepherd Dog Cocker emerged. What has become the English Cocker [3] Golden Retriever Spaniel is the larger of the two. The American Cocker [4] Beagle is smaller in stature, has a shorter back, and a more delicately-shaped head. The two breeds were recognized [5] Bulldog [6] Yorkshire Terrier as distinct in 1946 by the AKC, and today the American [7] Boxer Cocker Spaniel is simply referred to as the Cocker [8] Poodle Spaniel. Despite his small stature, the Cocker is an extremely [9] Rottweiler sturdy breed. His heritage as a capable gun dog for [10] Dachshund hunters of small shore birds (such as the woodcock, [29] Cocker Spaniel after which he’s named,) shines through in his ability to move with great speed, agility, and endurance. He is, in short, one of the dog world’s most versatile members. The athleticism, combined with a pleasant disposition and high intelligence, all add up to a truly “up for anything” kind of dog. Time to get in the car and go to the park? He’s up for that. Out for a walk on the city streets? Sounds good to your Cocker. Or, if the couch is calling you for an afternoon nap, chances are he’ll be up for that, too. While content to serve as a family companion, there is no question that the Cocker will truly thrive if given the opportunity to flex some of his athletic muscle. Exercise for this breed is important. The Cocker needs regular walks at an absolute minimum, and better yet some focused daily play-time with a ball or other toys. If you’re looking to try something new, almost any dog sport will be of interest to your Cocker. He’s well-suited for activities such as tracking, agility, rally, or any other obedience offshoot. And if you’re lucky enough to live near water, let your Cocker tag along with you the next time you venture out. Your Cocker will take to the water like a pro. Finally, with such a sweet