Metro Pet Mag May 2011 by ROI Marketing

May 2011

Feature Articles 6

The Graduate Celebrate each accomplishment in your pet’s training and you will reach graduation.

Tributes to Your Pet Take time to remember the good times you spent with your pet.

Kitty Cat Corner The Maine Coon cat were established more than a century ago!

Is My Cat A Senior Citizen? Is your cat over 12 years old? If the answer is yes, it is over 65 years of age!

Happy Dog Parking! Heading to the dog park? Here are some tips on etiquette

Why Do Dogs Pull on A Leash? The answer is simple — they have never been taught not to!

A DogGone Good Idea from DogGone Safe Dog bites are on the rise. Here are some simple tips to keep you safe.

Is This Really Necessary? This is a question vet offices get often. Here is some information to keep your safe.

Talking with Dogs! A dog trainer is really a dog/human communication educator.

26 4

Happy Spring! We are all ready for a great Spring!

Cat Horoscopes — How well do you know your cat?

Chip’s Corner — Complete this pawzzle about cats and have some fun!

Dog Horoscopes — How well do you know your dog?

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

In Every Issue

Publisher’s Message

Happy May Days!

Staff and Contacts

The spring events are in full swing! After what seems like a lifetime of winter, everyone is ready to get out and enjoy the Spring weather and socialize with each other!

Barbara Riedel info@metropetmag.com

Each year spring time brings some terrific events. If you are looking for a way to get outside with your pet and support a local rescue or shelter group, go to metropetmag.com and check out our event page. We update these events as often as we learn about them. If you know about an event and it isn’t on our website, please forward the details to info@metropetmag.com.

Great Pet of the Week Winners! In February, MetroPet started its Pet of the Week contest. We have received some terrific photos and are publishing them in both the magazine and on our website. If you have the cutest pet, send us your photo and story. You might just be a winner — and win a terrific prize! Check out April winners in this issue and online at metropetmag.com. Also check out the upcoming prizes on page 34. In May, prizes will include a free bag of Nature’s Variety prairie pet food, frozen dog treats from Dogsters, a training session from KISS Dog Training, and more. Details are in our weekly e-blast, News ‘n Deals — sign up today!

Cats, Dogs and More This issue of MetroPet is filled with articles that will make you think, smile, and remember. Don’t miss the article on proper etiquette at a Dog Park — did you remember to pick up after your pet? For anyone who has experienced the death of a pet, the last article in the series by Nancy Piper about Grieving is a don’t miss. We also have several articles about cats. And, two very good articles written by knowledgeable veterinary staff about the importance of keeping your pet healthy.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

Have You Mentioned Your Support to our Advertisers?

When you need a product or service, please contact the companies who advertise in MetroPet magazine. It is with their support that we are able to publish this magazine. Without them, you wouldn’t be reading this magazine. So make sure you tell them “Thanks” and say “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.” Then, they will know their advertising is working, and they will continue to help us to publish this magazine.

Publisher

Editor Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com

Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com

Web Master www.2Amarketing.com

Advertising Sales adsales@metropetmag.com

Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com

Contributing Authors Cindy Pugh Mike Deathe Pat Hennessy Patty Homer Heddie Leger Nancy Piper Cheryl Waterman Alyssa Willett

Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313

Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review.

Barbara Riedel, Publisher

P.S. REMEMBER — send us your favorite pet photo to be eligible to win Pet of the Week prizes!

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

The

Graduate

by Pat Hennessy

t’s that time of year when you can smell the rain; spring is in the air. It’s the “school is almost out, are you ready for summer” kind of feeling. For some, when school adjourns this year, they will have reached a milestone – GRADUATION! Certainly it’s an accomplishment to be proud of, and celebrations are in order. Photo credit: Veni Vakala: Kaushik at his graduation with his dog Ronald

THE STEPS TO GET THERE!

THE SAME STEPS WITH YOUR CANINE These same steps would apply to life with your canine companion. Every milestone is a building block to the next step and every milestone should be celebrated, just like placing your child’s artwork or report card on the refrigerator. • First you have socialization, where you get your puppy out and about to experience the sights and sounds of nature, people, and other animals, as well as potty training, learning his name, and learning to give you “attention” • Second you have a family manners or obedience type of class, where your toddler-canine learns some basic cues (sit, down, stay, come, etc.) • Third you may have to work on some specific issues, such

as appropriate chewing, excessive barking, or jumping on guests (some of the basic cues will come in handy for redirecting behavior and you may need some new ones, such as “leave it” or “give”) • Fourth, as you work your way through the canine teenage phase, you will put some finishing touches on your pup’s education — teaching him how to behave in certain contexts (like the difference between wait and stay), or by using his basic cues under certain circumstances (like sitting and waiting for a “release” before going through a door) • Fifth, if you aspire for higher education, you may pursue team activities such as Rally, Obedience, Tracking, Agility, or something a little more low-key but extremely valuable and rewarding such as therapy team work Even if you adopt your dog from a shelter or rescue organization, you will still need to take him through some of these steps, at least socialization and some basic cues. You will need to do that, at minimum, to help him understand how to live harmoniously in the family home as well as keeping him safe from harm.

EVERY SUCCESS = A REWARD Every successful step is worth a reward. If your child does all her homework, she might earn an extra hour of play time? When your dog can repeat a cue successfully ten out of ten times, she should get a bonus reward — extra play time or a chew treat. And when a milestone is reached it is worth a celebration. If your daughter gets the lead role in the school play or your son’s baseball team wins the championship, it is a big deal. And when you

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

When you think about what it takes to reach a graduation, you have to reflect on all the steps it took to get there. • First you have kindergarten, an introduction to the learning and socialization process • Second you have grade school, a foundation for the rest of your education • Third you have middle school, preparation for higher learning and more socialization as you reach your teens • Fourth you have high school, the final step before sending you out into the world • Fifth is higher education, if you choose that path; on to college to specialize in a particular field

Pet of the Week see your son or daughter walk across that stage and throw their cap up in the air, you know that they have achieved success. So when your dog graduates from family manners class, performs a series of tricks, or earns her first title, you will recognize her achievements, but don’t forget to celebrate the little success stories too and show your appreciation. Our canine companions are wiser than we give them credit for, even if they never graduate from a class or earn a title. Sabrina will help old blind Barney find his way. Annie, when she is sick, will wake you up in the middle of the night instead of soiling in the house. And Titan will make Grandma smile when he puts his head in Grandma’s lap, so she can pet him, and he gives her a kiss.

Winner

HATS OFF GRADUATES! Hat’s off to those graduates, both 2-legged and 4-legged. Every step should be a celebration because life is our journey and each step takes us down that road. Enjoy the ride. Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.

Rufus Rule I Like to Break: I like to break a lot of rules! I’m really stubborn. Craziest Thing I’ve Ever Done: Jumped off the dock and almost drowned. Not a very good swimmer. Perfect Dog Day: Sunny, little breezy, chasing rabbits in the open field. Submitted by Lindsay

Won a Family Four Pack to the Submit your photo at metropetmag.com.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

April Pawzzle Answers

Pet of the Week

Winner

Gurdy

www.visitrollingacres.com Won a Crown Woodcrafting heart shaped keepsake box, walnut with cherry inlay, handcrafted by a local craftsman in Parkville, MO. Submit your photo at metropetmag.com.

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

When we first went and saw the litter of puppies, it was so hard to choose, I wanted all of them! But she really stood out. That one blue eye and one black eye, I told my boyfriend that’s the one! We’re getting her! She is awesome with our 1 year old daughter Ava. When she’s in her room crying in her crib and her door is close Gurdy whines and barks at the door. She is the most lovely dog ever, her snoring is the best part! She loves sleeping in her kennel and loves to play with other dogs. She is probably the best dog we’ve ever had. Submitted by Nina

Tributes to Your Pet

by Nancy Piper

The Memorial Service does not have to be immediately after the death of your pet. You can have it at any time, even years later if you still have the need.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

nce you have loved and lost a pet, it is only natural and normal that you pay tribute to him in some manner. You may be a quiet person who will quietly pay homage to your pet. Or you may be a more outgoing person who wants to have a party to celebrate your time with your pet. Or you may be anywhere in between. Whatever you decide to do is okay; it is what is right for you at the time. There are numerous ways you can honor the life of your beloved companion animal.

FUNERAL OR MEMORIAL SERVICE You may decide to have a Funeral Service or a Memorial Service; just you, or you and your family, or you and close friends who knew your pet. Celebrate his life with stories. Play songs which remind you of him. Read scripture. Put photographs or personal notes in with your pet or your pet’s cremated remains. The Memorial Service does not have to be immediately after the death of your pet. You can have it at any time, even years later if you still have the need.

REMEMBERING YOUR PET There are several craft projects you can do in memory of your pet. Make a scrapbook. Go to a scrapbook class if you need to learn how to make one. If you quilt, make a quilt with favorite pictures of you and your pet on it. You can make things in memory of your pet, using embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch or knitting, to donate to an animal rescue to auction off at a fund raiser. You could also make pottery, birdhouses, and paint pictures for the same purpose. Sort through your pictures and make a photo album of only your pet’s pictures. Get the type of photo album with room to

IN MEMORY OF YOUR PET • Keep a grief journal of your feelings for a period of time, say six weeks. At the end of the period, go back and re-read your entries. You will be able to see progress in your healing. Continue to write in your grief journal as long as you feel a need. • Write your pet’s story. You can do this over a period of time. Record your life together. Write how your pet came into your life; write both of the good and not-sogood times; write about the favorite things you did together, your favorite memories as well as your not-sofavorite memories. This will become a treasured personal document in time. • Write a letter to your pet. Writing down how you feel about what happened, telling your pet all the things you wish you would have told him or things you wish you would have done.

• Write an obituary to be published in the local paper. • Using photographs of your pet, make a screensaver or slide show for your computer. • Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue group or a breed-specific rescue group. You can walk dogs, clean dog runs, clean cat boxes, volunteer at fund raisers or publicity events. You can also foster a pet or pets. • Donate to an animal rescue group or animal humane society in memory of your pet. • Have a photo put on a pillow or blanket, so you can cuddle with your pet. Have a photo of your pet put on a mug, Christmas ornament, or a calendar. Have a t-shirt or sweatshirt made with your pet’s photo on it. • Specially made lockets are available that will hold a small amount of your pet’s cremated remains. Put a picture of your pet in a locket. You also might be able to engrave the lockets. • Make a Memorial Shrine, with photos, keepsakes, collar, tags, treats, toys, perhaps a fur clipping. • Create a shadow box with similar mementos. • Organize a garage sale to raise money for the rescue group of your choice in memory of your pet. • Plant a tree, shrub or perennial flower in your pet’s favorite place in your yard.

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

write by the pictures and record the occasion or how you felt at that time. Or make a photo collage, also with words and phrases to express your feelings. You can write on it, or cut words out of magazines to put on the collage. Send out announcements of your pet’s death to friends and family. You can also carry this announcement with you. When friends ask you about your pet, you can hand them the announcement instead of having to tell them. Sometimes tears make telling a hard thing to do.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

• Place a memorial stone in your yard or garden for your pet. • Write an on-line blog of your pet and upload photos. Update it periodically with your memories of your pet. • Volunteer at a wild-life rescue. • Write a poem or a song about your pet. • Write a tribute to your pet and submit it to the local newspaper for publication. • Buy personalized stepping stones for your garden. • Buy a personalized paving brick at your local animal shelter, to be placed in their walkway. • Draw a picture of your pet or have a portrait painted by a professional artist from a photograph. • Take a pottery class and make an urn for your pet’s cremated remains. • Get sponsors and participate in the local humane society’s annual walk/run to raise money for them.

Your pet will always have a place in your heart. The pictures and memories of him and the love you shared... Any or all of these things can be done in memory of your pet. Allow these ideas to fuel your imagination — you may come up with other ways to pay tribute to your pet.

A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART Your pet will always have a place in your heart. The pictures and memories of him and the love you shared will always be a part of you. Your pets will always be alive in your heart, which is a joyous thing. Nancy Bush Piper has owned Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets, a pet cemetery, crematorium, and funeral home in Kansas City for over 32 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology. Piper continued her education in the cemetery industry, attending the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association University for two years, where she also taught a course one year. She was certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist in 1999 by the Grief Recovery Institute. Piper worked in the human cemetery and funeral industry before, and after she became involved with the afterlife care of pets. Nancy and her husband, Gary, are blessed with many animals. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules.

Feline Signs

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

The Earth Mother. This cat rarely allows paws or torso to lose contact with a solid surface because it will be too heavy to move very far.

The Cat’s Pajamas. The Scorpio Cat is a powerful cat with more than a mere sting in his or her tail. This feline is resourceful and intelligent.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Being exceptionally bright creatures, the Gemini Cat will soon learn how to open any cat-flap.

The Stable Cat. The true love of this feline’s life will always be horses, even if there are other animals in the household!

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)

The Crazy Cat. There may be a feeling of togetherness as this cat sleeps through the day in the middle of the kitchen.

The Cat Burglar. The Capricorn Kitten will be fittingin quickly and may only once make the mistake of jumping onto the kitchen table.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Hip Cat. This cat will attract people with an incredibly strange allure until he/she has a battery of acquaintances of all shapes and sizes.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)

The Kitten Cat. Birdwatching or other type of nature study will quickly relax the Virgo Cat, while giving the owner some breathing space at the same time.

The Ship’s Cat. Natives of Cancer and Scorpio tend to get on best with the economic “two for the price of one” bundle, which is the Pisces Cat.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)

The Copy-Cat. The Libra Cat will be a truly loving and devoted feline. It is of dire importance to this feline, that it be among people who are sympathetically inclined.

The Stray Cat. The Aries Cat has no desire to spend evenings in a mutual haze of “stroke and purr” with his or her owner and a well-balanced, two-sided partnership will never occur.

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

The Top Cat. The Leo Cat does not care to be in a houseful of other animals who will doubtless compete for attention.

Kitty Cat Corner The Maine Coon Cat by Heddie Leger

The Maine Coon Cat is the oldest natural breed in North America. The ideal Maine Coon is a strong, healthy cat. It is generally considered a native of the state of Maine. The Maine Coon is the official Maine State Cat. Most breeders believe the breed originated in mating between pre-existing shorthaired domestic cats and overseas longhairs, such as Angora types cats that were introduced by seamen in New England, or longhair cats brought to America by the Vikings.

FIRST RECORDED CAT In 1861, Captain Jenks of the Horse Marines, remains the first recorded cat in cat historical literature. A brown tabby female named ‘Cosie’ won Best Cat at the 1895 Madison Square Garden Show. Unfortunately, the popularity of Main Coons as show cats declined with the arrival of the more flamboyant Persians in the 1900s. Although the Maine Coon remained a favorite cat in New England, the breed did not begin to regain its former widespread popularity until the 1950’s when more and more cat fanciers began to take notice of them, show them, and record their pedigrees. In 1968, six breeders formed the Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers Association (MCBFA) to preserve and protect the breed.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

MORE THAN A CENTURY AGO

Maine Coons were well established more than a century ago as a hardy, handsome breed of domestic cat, well equipped to survive the hostile New England winters. Nature is not soft-hearted. It selects the biggest, the brightest, the best fighters, and the best hunters to breed successive generations. Since planned breeding began, Maine Coon breeders have sought to preserve the Maine Coon’s “natural,” rugged qualities. Interestingly, the breed closest to the Maine Coon is the Norwegian Forest Cat which, although geographically distant, evolved in much the same climate, and lends credence to the theory that some of the cats responsible for developing the Maine Coon were brought over by the Vikings.

Everything about the Maine Coon points to its adaptation to a harsh climate. Its glossy coat, heavy and water-resistant, is like that of no other breed, and must be felt to be appreciated. It is longer on the ruff, stomach and britches to protect against wet and snow, and shorter on the back and neck to guard against tangling in the underbrush. The coat falls smoothly, and is almost maintenance-free: a weekly combing is all that is usually required to keep it in top condition. The long, bushy tail which the cat wraps around himself when he curls up to sleep can protect him from cold winters. His

ears are more heavily furred (both inside and on the tips) than many breeds for protection from the cold, and have a large range of movement. Big, round, tufted feet serve as ‘snow shoes.’ Their large eyes and ears are also survival traits, serving as they do increase sight and hearing. The relatively long, square muzzle facilitates grasping prey and lapping water from streams and puddles.

While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overly-dependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to “hang out” with their owners...

HIGHLY PEOPLE ORIENTED CATS While Maine Coons are highly people-oriented cats, they are not overlydependent. They do not constantly pester you for attention, but prefer to “hang out” with their owners, investigating whatever activity you’re involved in and “helping” when they can. They are not, as a general rule, known as “lap cats” but as with any personality trait there are a few Maine Coons that prefer laps. Most Maine Coons will stay close by, probably occupying the chair next to yours instead. Maines will follow you from room to room and wait outside a closed door for you to emerge. A Maine Coon will be your companion, your buddy, your pal, but hardly ever your baby. Maine Coons are relaxed and easy-going in just about everything they do. The males tend to be the clowns while the females retain more dignity, but both remain playful throughout their lives. They generally get along well with kids and dogs, as well as other cats. They are not as verticallyoriented as some other breeds, preferring to chase objects on the ground and grasping them in their large paws — no doubt instincts developed as professional mousers. Many Maine Coons will play “fetch” with their owners..

9797. This is the best way to find breeders in your area. With so many cats and kittens available in shelters, why choose a pure breed cat? Some reasons include: wanting to know what the adult cat will end up looking like, size, temperament, and health issues. Some people want to support responsible breeders and some people want to offer homes to homeless cats. It is up to the individual and their needs and wants. There are Maine Coon Cat rescues looking for homes. Join us next month and learn more about Chip’s Kitty-Cat Corner friends.

Maine Coon owners enjoy the breed’s characteristic clown-like personality, affectionate nature, amusing habits and tricks, willingness to ‘help’ with any activity, and easily groomed coat. They make excellent companions for large, active families that also enjoy having dogs and other animals around. When it comes to purchasing a cat or kitten it is buyer beware. Do your homework and research breeders in order to find the best Main Coon possible. One option is to attend a cat show in your area. There may not be kittens, but the most important thing is to find a breeder you can trust and work with. To find out about cat shows in your area review the show schedule in a Cat Fancy magazine, or call the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). The phone number is (732) 528-

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

WONDERFUL PERSONALITY

Chip’s Corner

Pawzzle

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

by Heddie Leger

Go to www.metropetmag.com for upcoming events

Across:

6. 8.

10. 14. 17. 18.

19.

22. 25. 27. 28. 29.

30.

It is best to find a ________________ breeder. Maine Coons were have some _________ type cat in their breeding. Brown Tabby named ___________ won Best Cat at 1895 Madison Square Garden Show. The coat is considered to be water ____________ due to being thick and heavy. Often called ______________ in looks. The tail is long and __________. Maine Coons really like _______________. The Maine Coon is the oldest _________________ breed on record in North America. Number of people who formed the Main Coon Breeder and Fancier Association. They are known to be very __________________________. It is a strong _____________ cat. They make a good __________ staying with you and sitting by you. They are not overly ________________. The Maine Coon has shown great ability for _____________ to a harsh climate. The males tend to be _____________.

Down: 1. 2. 3. 5. 7. 11. 12. 13. 15. 16. 20. 21. 23. 24. 26.

The first recorded cat in history is Captain _________. Big round tufted feet serve as _____________________. When it comes to getting a cat, it is buyer ____________. The coat is ____________________. Many will play ___________ with their owners. Must be brushed at least once a _________. The Maine Coon is a very _________ cat. They remain _________________ through out their entire life. The Maine Coon is well suited for the _________ winters of New England. Generally considered a native of the State of ______________. Maine Coon popularity declined due to the _________ cat. They tend to be easy going and _____________ in nature. Females seem to have more ___________________. Maine Coon is a _____________ cat. They are not known as _______ cats.

M AY 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ MetroPetMag.com

Is My Cat A Senior Citizen? by Cheryl Waterman

ne of the questions we get asked most often, is how old is my cat in “human” years? Research shows that one year in human years is equal to anywhere from 4-7 in “cat years.” Variations occur based on breed and weight. Purebreds and cats that are overweight do not, as a rule, live as long as mixed breeds or cats that are at a good body weight. The following scale is used at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County, however, it can vary in some cases, just as it does with humans, i.e., you can be 65 years old, but if you exercise, eat right and watch your weight, your doctor may tell you that “physically” you are only 55!

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

The average life span of cats relates to whether they are kept inside, again, what breed they are, and the quality of their health care. Many cats can easily live an average of 15-16 years of age. Due to the fact that cats are experts at hiding symptoms of illness (which keeps them safe from predators in the wild) ideally twice-a-year visits (esp. after the age of 8) are recommended. Unfortunately, the fact that cats can appear asymptomatic makes it very difficult for owners to know when something is wrong at home. Some signs of illness or disease can only be detected by your veterinarian. If an owner waits until their cat is showing signs of distress, it is often be too late for life saving treatment.

MONITOR YOUR CAT’S HEALTH Things that you, as a cat owner, can do at home to monitor your cat’s health are the following: • Weigh your cat(s) at least once a month. You can use a regular scale as long as it tells weight in pounds and ounces. Even 3-5 ounces of weight loss can be cause for concern.

Research shows that 1 year in human years equals between 4-7 in “cat years” 8 years = 50 in human years 9 years = 54 in human years (senior) 10 years = 56 in human years (senior) 11 years = 60 in human years (senior) 12 and over = 65 and over in human years

• Be aware of how much Due to the fact that your cat water your cat consumes. ages so much more quickly An increase in water consumption can be a primary than we do, it is time to sign of diseases which are begin monitoring them more common in older cats, such as chronic renal disease or closely after age 8... The objective is to help you maindiabetes. tain a high quality of life for your • Also be aware of urine cat(s) during their senior years. output. Any increase in To achieve this, your veterinarian may have established certain urine output can indicate hidden disease. diagnostic guidelines that are contained within their “senior” • Changes in grooming or personal care can be a wellness plans, or examinations. Such things as blood pressign of arthritis or other serious illness. Regular sures, intraocular pressures, certain blood work, etc. should brushing and cleansing (with unscented baby be a given for all cats over the age of 8, and of course, for some wipes) can help your older cat feel better. Often other kitties that seem to be aging a little more quickly also older cats may require more frequent nail trim(certain breeds, etc.). ming since their nail sheaths don’t shed as often as they get older. If left untrimmed, nails can grow Cheryl Waterman is the Hospital Administrator into the toe pad causing much discomfort. at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County and a longtime cat lover. She has been with the Clinic for • Good nutrition is extremely important in all phases the past 13 years, and in 2007 received of your cat’s life. Feeding a good quality of “senCertification in Veterinary Practice Management ior” food designated to be gentle on kidneys and GI (CVPM) designation. She is a member of the tracts is always helpful. Cats depend heavily on Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the their sense of smell to stimulate their appetite, so if American Animal Hospital Association. You can your senior citizen isn’t eating well, don’t be afraid contact her directed at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County, (913) 541-0478. to offer him/her a “smelly” canned food to increase their appetite. Just as we do, as cats age they lose their acute sense of smell. • If your older cat stops using its litter box as consistently as normal, don’t assume they have forgotten where it is. Inappropriate urination and/or defecation are common signs of a medical issue. REMEMBER, no urination at all is an EMERGENCY…..call your veterinarian immediately. • Some older cats may demonstrate behaviors which may seem as if they don’t know where they are, i.e., howling, pacing, etc. Whereas this may be a form of kitty “Alzheimer’s”, it can mean that there’s a different medical issue going on. If this continues, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Although you may think that your cat is extremely healthy and always has been, like humans, the risk of disease and health related problems increases substantially as they age. Due to the fact that your cat ages so much more quickly than we do, it is time to begin monitoring them more closely after age 8, and if at all possible, increase their physical examinations by your veterinarian to twice per year. An older cat seeing the veterinarian only once per year, compares to you or I only seeing our doctor once every 3-5 years. Not a good idea.

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

RISK OF DISEASE

Happy Dog

PARKING I

know I’m not the only one who was excited about the warmer weather that’s starting to creep up. Dogs all over the city couldn’t be happier! Literally flopped over on to their backs “cockroach style” as soon as they hit the warm, green grass (and I think I saw a few people join in with them)! With the weather heating up, dog parks are becoming more popular and enticing. If you are new to the dog park scene, or are a seasoned veteran, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you head out to the doggie playground.

by Alyssa Willett

she got her feelings hurt and learned a lesson. If you’re not sure about your dog, seek help from a professional trainer. And if you aren’t sure about how to read your

IS YOUR DOG SOCIALIZED? First, is your dog socialized? Has he/she ever been around any other dogs (other than ones they may be living with)? There is a misconception that dogs automatically get along and become friends. While it’s true that dogs can be very flexible, if they are uncomfortable (or are not socialized enough to know the difference between a friendly approach and an aggressive approach) you may have some difficulties. Dogs learn the proper play skills when they are puppies. If you’ve had your dog since he/she was a puppy and you were active in finding playmates and playgroups for your pooch your dog will probably know a thing or two about appropriate interaction. But that doesn’t mean he/she will get along with every dog. I had a puppy one time that met every type of dog imaginable, and loved other dogs, but she had no clue when dogs were giving her clues that they wanted to be left alone. It wasn’t until they snapped that

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

dog’s behavior a professional trainer can help you with this too! A lot of behaviors dogs show that look scary are actually very appropriate!

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DOG! If you are thinking you can do some work and let your dog romp and run in the dog park at the same time, think, think again. You have to be conscious in what is happening with your dog at the dog park. Think about it as if your dog is your child (which most people do feel this way); would you just let your child run around a play ground without watching

SIZE DOES MATTER Do you have a small dog that gets along with everyone? That has never had any issues with any dog, big or small? That is great news! But- that doesn’t mean you should take them to the big dog park. Some dogs have a very strong prey drive. One minute everything will be fine and everyone is having a good time. The next, your little dog is running for its life in what started out as a ‘follow the leader’ game and has now turned in to a ‘catch the little guy!’ game. Dogs can’t help themselves; its instinct. Some dog parks have a small park especially put together for your smaller breed dogs. It’s going to be safer for your little one to go to a small park with dogs its own size than risk getting into a dangerous situation with a group of bigger dogs at the big dog park.

BATHROOM ETIQUETTE Nothing is more infuriating than watching a dog relieve themselves, seeing the owner looking at their dog as it’s reliving itself, and then not picking up after their dog. At one point or another someone (and with your luck that someone is you) is going to step in the mess that an irresponsible dog owner left. Would you walk in to a public restroom, relieve yourself, and then not flush? I certainly hope not; so why would you let your dog do that? Have the common courtesy to pick up after your dog. If you are among the few people that get ‘embarrassed’, don’t. It’s going to be a lot more embarrassing for you when a dog park patron yells at you from across the park to clean up after your dog.

NOT A PLACE FOR MATING Lastly, it’s time to touch base on a very touchy topic; unaltered animals. If you have an unaltered male it does not mean they are mean, or aggressive, or bad dogs. What it does mean though, is that they have a lot more testosterone running through their system and they are more likely to get over stimulated and pushy than a neutered male. This causes problems at dog parks, especially if there are more than a couple of dogs running around. Most parks have rules that you cannot have an unaltered animal at their park. It’s a safety precaution. Please do not put your dog and others at risk and if you have to go to a dog park go during an ‘off time’ when not many people are there. There is absolutely no reason a female dog in

heat should EVER be in a dog park. Even if all of the male dogs at the park are neutered they can still get extremely riled up, and your female can get ganged up on and fights can break out. There are plenty of other do’s and don’ts when it comes to dog parks and feel free to research about it. You’ll find some sites that fully support dog parks and can give you great tips and you will find other sites that don’t agree with dog parks and can give you information on why. Regardless of which route you take, to go to the park or not to go to the park, be smart about it. A dog park isn’t an option for all dogs. You know your dog better than anyone else, be honest with yourself; is your dog a dog park candidate? If the answer is ‘yes’ then ask around; go to different parks and find which one suits you best. Happy Dog Park-ing! Alyssa Willett is the Adoptions Supervisor at Wayside Waifs. Wayside Waifs is the largest pet adoption center in Kansas City, and is committed to finding homes for all adoptable pets. It places over 5,000 animals each year in loving forever homes. She can be reached at 816.761.8151 or by visiting www.waysidewaifs.org.

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M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

them? Of course not! Too many things can happen! They can get hurt, run off, or get in a fight with another kid; same thing with dogs! Your dog can be the most well socialized happy pup around but that doesn’t mean the dogs around him are the same way. There are so many different canine personality types at a dog park and you have to be aware of what’s going on in order to keep the atmosphere safe and fun.

Why do Dogs Pull on a Leash?

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

by Mike Deathe

So why do dogs pull on the leash? Well the simple answer is…they have never been taught not to!

o why do dogs pull on the leash? Well the simple answer is…they have never been taught not to! I know that seems very obvious and probably a little on the frustrating side but it really is the truth. You have to remember that puppies and even dogs, for that matter, were not born

wearing collars and leashes, and they really have no idea what these contraptions are for, unless we teach them. Dogs, like many people, are instant gratification animals. If they see something they want or are interested in, they go investigate. Unfortunately, if you are connected to the dog via a leash, you simply get dragged along for the ride. A dog that pulls has nothing to do with dominance or malice; they simply don’t yet understand what these tools are for and why on earth you have chosen to make them wear these weird feeling things.

DOMINANCE THEORY? There are some people in the dog training world who look at the pulling on a leash as a direct challenge to their authority and a way for a dog to dominate them. Really? Come on now, do you really think dogs are in the “domination” business? Dogs do not have the cognitive ability to make or even attempt these grandiose power grabs…at least in the way some humans interpret them. Dogs, if left to their own devices (without prior training,) simply figure out what works and what does not. I am a firm believer in the fact that dogs will not do anything that is not rewarding to them. Up till now, in Fido’s life he has learned that the fastest way to get to that “crazy squirrel” is to save time and drag Mom or Dad over there as well. It has always worked in the past and Mom & Dad must not mind because all they do is hold on and yell (bark) like crazy on the way.

Dogs do not have the cognitive ability to make or even attempt these grandiose power grabs…at least in the way some humans interpret them.

Is it possible that to the dog, it might just appear you are having as much fun as he/she is on the way to see said squirrel? So how do we go about teaching Fido not to pull? Well, in my opinion, it starts with wrapping the leash around your waist, putting one foot in front of the other and using a basic obedience command. This does NOT mean using choke chains, or leash jerk, which may only increase frustration and blood pressure mentioned earlier, puppies/dogs have no idea of the purpose of a leash or collar. It is our job to teach the correct use from the beginning. So, let’s start simple and use the idea of tethering to teach Fido that being close to mom or dad is a good thing. Start by cinching a 6 foot leash around your waist and attaching it to the dog. Now, you have in a matter of speaking, an umbilical cord between you and your dog have eliminated your hands from the picture. In many cases we create our own problems with leashes by constantly tugging, pulling and jerking on our dogs without even realizing it. Newton’s third law of motion states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. By putting pressure on the dog’s neck, even without realizing it, you are the one creating the opposite pull by the dog. By simply taking your hands out of the equation you are starting the learning process.

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

TRY A NEW TACTIC

THE NEXT STEP The next step in the process is asking the dog for a sit. If you have not taught your dog this command, then stop immediately. You cannot continue leash training without this basic command.

ONE STEP, ONE STEP... Now, with the dog attached to you via the leash, but without the use of your hands, take one giant step in any direction and ask Fido for a sit! Once the dog is sitting, CLICK, LAVISH WITH PRAISE AND GIVE A FOOD REWARD! Again, take one giant step, ask for a sit and reward. Before you know it, you are walking all over the house one step at a time, while keeping the dog’s attention and guess what…no pull. As you get better, you will now take two giant steps then up it to three between sits; and as time goes by the giant step become normal steps and now we are walking. When you get really good inside the house, take this show on the road. Remember however, that walking in the living room and the front yard are totally different ball games. The distractions of the front yard are really hard and you will probably have to go back to the one giant step stage for a while before moving on.

THREE CRITICAL ASPECTS

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

This sounds really simple and it is, but it teaches three critical aspects of dog training! First that to walk a dog well, you need to have a loose leash. The dog should follow you and your movements not the directions they feel on their neck. Two, that by keeping a

close eye on their owner and paying attention (the “watch me” command) Fido is rewarded on a walk. Third, that anytime the human stops on a walk the dog should also stop and sit, waiting for what’s next. This, in my opinion, is the perfect way to teach a puppy or young dog to walk nicely on a leash. But what, if anything, can be done with a dog who has already learned that pulling is not only allowed, but also rewarded? Don’t worry, we will cover that topic on our next article — “What to do when walking is already broke?” This challenge follows the same basic principles just discussed, but uses a few different techniques. But beware — changing bad habits takes time and practice. So, put on your walking shoes, call your dog, and be willing to admit that it won’t be a quick fix. Mike Deathe is a stay-at-home dad who found his passion as a dog trainer in 2008. The author of the Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Pet Blog. Mike has had dogs since he was four years old! In 2009, he and his wife Kate founded Muttz “R” Us, a t-shirt and pet product company with a philanthropic motto of “Adopt a Pet, Save a Life.” In 2010 Muttz “R” Us also launched KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID DOG TRAINING. He is a charter member of Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance and just earned his CPDT — KA credential! Visit him at facebook or twitter or follow the blog @http://muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or check out the website muttzrus.com for details about shirts.

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Canine Signs Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)

The Strong Silent Type The Taurus Dog will happily sit for hours listening to the classic composers, such as Beethoven, and may even howl along.

The Paragon. This dog has a tendency to be overweight in middle age; owners would be well-advised to take care of the diet when this canine is a puppy.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)

The Yapper. It takes the strength of personality found in a Leo native to help the Gemini Dog become more decisive, and a natural sympathy between the two usually ensures compatibility.

The Problem Dog. If this canine does not find an owner to suit their particular taste, then the owner will be treated in the same manner as any other casual acquaintance.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)

The Home-Lover. The Cancer Dog makes for a delightful and lovely pet, being loyal and faithful no matter how he or she might be treated by an owner.

The Social Climber. When found in an average sort of household, the Capricorn Dog will begin to work on betterment of the current situation without the owner even realizing it.

The Boss-Dog. The Leo Dog makes for an exceptional guard dog but has one strange eccentricity... he or she is often deathly afraid of cats.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper. Virgo Dogs are loyal and expect the same steadfastness from any owner. It should be noted, however, that this dog does not take kindly to small children.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Shop-Steward Since the Libra Dog models their life on that of the owner, if things go wrong then the owner only has themselves to blame.

Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Friend. The airy mental attitude inherent in this Zodiac Signs toward life makes a perfect foil for the Aquarius Dog.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter. The life of a Pisces Dog will be spent by putting his nose in it, while the other half will be concerned with trying to mend the situation.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack. Most Aries dogs are constantly getting into scraps and trying to dominate each and every other pet (and person) in the household.

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Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

A DogGone Good Idea from A

new study from the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports more dog bites in recent years. Dog bites regardless of the intensity or severity are traumatic and can scar a person emotionally, if not physically. There are some myths that need to be dispelled regarding dog bites.

DogGone Safe by Heddie Leger

MYTHS VS FACTS Myth: A strange dog is more likely to bite.

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

While it is true that one should never approach a strange dog that they do not know and have not been properly introduced, the truth is that the majority of bites occur with dogs known to the person or child. All dogs should be approached carefully. Fact: Why you may ask? Most of us will avoid a strange dog. We take undue liberties with the dogs we know and love. It is important for every dog owner to learn dog body language and the signals their dog provides nonverbally. Just because the dog lives with you does not mean he can read your mind and know everything you expect.

Myth: Dogs will bite without provocation. While a situation might seem innocent enough and appear there was no provocation, the dog most likely was sending out messages that either were ignored or misinterpreted by the adult or child. Sadly, many people do not know the signs of imminent warning. Fact: Never assume that a dog showing extreme tolerance for a child’s behavior and advances “loves children.” We often make the mistake of thinking that the dog can be trusted no matter what, do not supervise properly or do not intervene on the dog’s behalf when the dog begins to reach its limits of tolerance. We all have limits of tolerance. Any parent can attest to that fact.

A new study from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports more dog bites in recent years.

SIMPLE FACTS TO LEARN Children must be taught the few simple facts about respectful and proper behavior with any dog whether it be the family dog, a friendly neighborhood dog or a strange dog. DogGoneSafe has a proven program which provides a few simple tips that even a three-year old can learn. When out in public if a strange dog approaches, a child can be taught to pretend they are a tree. This program called “Be A Tree” is proven to keep children safe. The child is taught to stand very still pretending their feet are like tree roots, fold their arms (tree branches) under their armpits, and to look down toward their feet (watch the roots grow) and count in their heads, or hum a favorite song to themselves until help comes or the dog gets bored and goes away. This simple procedure can help children from being knocked down or mauled. More frequently children encounter friendly dogs or spend time with their own dogs and are taught the basics of being kind to dogs, being gentle and not poking, pulling or sitting on the dog. Children are very capable of understanding this simple concept. They can also learn basic dog body language such as not to stare a dog in the eyes, not to run or wave their arms, kick their feet, or scream in the dogs ears, or pull their tail. They can also learn not to bother a dog with food, a toy, or a mother dog with puppies. Not to approach a dog that is on a chain, and not to tease a dog that is behind a fence, but to walk by slowly while looking down and away so as not to excite the dog further, and to NEVER throw anything at a dog, or stick anything through the dog’s fence. The children readily understand that the yard is the dog’s room (space) much like their own room and does not want strangers approaching their space.

tion) or www.bestfriends.org (Pet Safety and Responsibility). While dogs have lived by mans side peacefully for centuries, in more recent times, dogs are now part of the family in constant contact with humans. Dogs do not know English and people do not know dog body language. Dogs do have a language of their own. In order to live peacefully and safely with our beloved pets it will help diminish the chance of a dog feeling like it needs to bite if owners would learn these few simple tips in their daily interactions with their pets. Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator. She is recipient of the 2011 Excellence Award from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a Community Training Partner for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the local Kansas City Area Representative for the Animals and Society Institute. Her compassion for animals extends to all species. You can reach her at the PawZone In-Home PetSitting (www.thepawzone) and The DogSpot Training Center.

Both adults and children can learn the subtle signals of anxiety their dog is sending. The most common being excessive lip licking, yawning, excessive panting, scratching, shaking off (like they are wet), sniffing the ground and trying to move away or look away showing the whites of their eyes. More information can be obtained by going to www.doggonesafe.com (specializing in dog bite prevention and education), www.apdt.com (pet owner informa-

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

SUBTLE SIGNALS

Is this Really Necessary?

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

s this really necessary? This is a question we hear often from concerned clients. The answer is, it depends. It depends on your specific needs for your specific situation. A one year vaccine or a three year vaccine? Annual heartworm test? Bi-annual or annual fecal check? Dental cleanings? All these are legitimate questions in which there is no “umbrella” answer. Let’s break this all down starting with vaccinations.

VACCINATIONS There seems to be more and more studies regarding need for vaccinations. Vaccination protocol and frequency is being reviewed by several organizations and so far, there is still some controversy regarding what to do with all this information. Every patient is unique and vaccine protocols and frequency should be

by Cindy Pugh

To skip your pet’s annual physical exam even one year is equivalent to you skipping your physical exam for 4-7 years. discussed with your veterinarian. Some vaccinations are mandated by state and local authorities and some vaccinations are recommended, but not mandatory. Still, every pet should be seen by their veterinarian at least yearly for a physical exam. A dog or cat’s body ages more quickly than ours. To skip your pet’s annual physical exam even one year is equivalent to you skipping your physical exam for

4-7 years. Many treatable conditions are left undetected; therefore, many conditions become critical and possibly untreatable by the time the pet has been seen. Rabies is a disease of mammals, including humans! The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Small mammals such as squirrels, rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, chipmunks, and rabbits are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to cause rabies among humans. State laws vary in their vaccination requirements as well as city and local authorities. Most city governments mandate your dog, cat or ferret be vaccinated against Rabies annually or with a multi-year rabies vaccination. Distemper is a highly contagious and often fatal virus that affects the respiratory, immune, nervous, and gastrointestinal systems in dogs. It is spread as an airborne infection or through direct contact with an infected animal. Transmission of the disease can even be spread by contact where that infected animal has been. A series of vaccinations should be started at 6-8 weeks of age.

Most city governments mandate your dog, cat or ferret be vaccinated against Rabies annually or with a multi-year rabies vaccination. Canine Hepatitis is spread by contact with infected animals through urine, saliva and their feces. It damages the liver, kidneys, and the blood vessels. Parvo virus is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that commonly affects puppies and poorly protected adults. Therefore, until your puppy has had his/her parvo series, from 6 weeks of age to 16 weeks, you should limit any exposure to other dogs or puppies that have not been vaccinated for this disease. Parainfluenza is a highly infectious virus that can be part of the kennel cough complex. A harsh, dry cough along with loss of appetite, depression and runny eyes and nose can be symptoms of this disease. Parainfluenza, Hepatitis and Parvo are combined

M AY 2011 â&#x20AC;˘ MetroPetMag.com

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES AND INFECTIONS

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

together with the Distemper combo vaccine. Bordetella is commonly known as kennel cough. It is a highly contagious, airborne disease in which dogs in places like kennels, dog shows, rescue or shelters, daycare facilities are highly susceptible. Severe coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy is common to this disease. Bordetella vaccine should be boostered every 6 months for active lifestyle pets. Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is spread mainly through urine of infected animals. Deer, skunks, opossums and raccoons, livestock and rodents are just some of the common carriers. Urine contaminated soil can remain a source of infection for years. Leptospirosis affects the kidneys and liver of the animal. It is contagious to humans causing serious kidney and liver damage. Vaccinations are highly recommended by the CDC for you and your pet’s protection. Lyme disease is one of many tick borne diseases affecting both humans and animals. Lyme disease mimics arthritis causing shifting lameness, sudden severe pain, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and depression. You should consider having your pet tested and vaccinated yearly as Kansas and Missouri are high tick infested states. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and affect dogs and cats. Once infected, cats can’t be treated while dogs require an expensive, risky treatment protocol. Therefore, preventative is the key. Most monthly medications not only prevent heartworms, but also help control or remove various intestinal parasites. According to the American Heartworm Society, dogs should be tested annually and be kept on the monthly preventative. The test not only checks to verify the medication continues to be affective, but it also assures the manufacturer guarantee for the product. Because heartworm medications also help control intestinal parasites, all the more reason to keep your pet on it year round.

Bordetella is commonly known as kennel cough. It is a highly contagious, airborne disease in which dogs in places like kennels, dog shows, rescue or shelters, daycare facilities are highly susceptible. Intestinal parasites are a constant problem for pets. Our environment is heavily contaminated! The CDC recommends checking a fecal sample on your pet every 3 months. Most vets try to test every 6 months. Since several intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans, this is a very important recommendation, especially if your pet is not currently taking heartworm preventative, goes to dog parks, or goes for walks regularly. Wild life and other domestic animals transmit intestinal parasite eggs through their stools. Rain, snow and time break down the stool and eggs are deposited into the soil. When your pet comes into contact with the stool or eggs, either by ingesting them, (yes, some dogs partake in this nasty behavior) or by contact with the soil, transmission can occur and the process begins to take place in the animal. Some of these species of eggs can remain dormant for many years so exposure can be immediate as well as over an extended period of time. So, is doing a regular fecal exam necessary? Yes indeed.

DON’T FORGET THE TEETH! Gum disease is not new to the pet world. The vast majority of pet owners do not brush their pet’s teeth. Most don’t even think about it until their pet gives them

Cindy Pugh is the Office Manager at Aid Animal Hospital and truly loves her job. During her 17 years at the hospital, she has enjoyed the lives of many pets, from the first visit through the golden years. Aid Animal Hospital has been around for over 50 years and currently offers a wide array of traditional and holistic veterinary care for dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. The hospital also offers boarding and dental care. The hospital is located at 8343 Wornall Road and Cindy can be reached at 816-363-4922

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Winner

Harley Harley is my one year old Labradoodle. He has eyes that will melt your heart! Submitted by Breann

Won a Family Four Pack to the

M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

a big kiss and they are practiDental cleanings are cally knocked over by the not done for cosmetic odor. Dental purposes. The truth is cleanings are that it is a medically not done for cosmetic purnecessary procedure. poses. The truth is that it is a medically necessary procedure. Plaque begins as food and saliva accumulate on the teeth. As bacteria grows in the plaque, it actually mineralizes on the teeth and becomes tartar. If the tartar sits at the gum line, bacteria absorbs constantly into the bloodstream. Did you know that one square millimeter of tartar has 1 trillion bacteria living in it? This bacteria is a perpetual stress to the immune system. Bacteria travels to the heart, liver, and kidneys. Over time, this process can cause disease to these major organs, affecting the pet’s general health and life expectancy. Oral abscesses, pain and discomfort are not unusual. Some pet’s simply need their teeth cleaned and polished while others have significant infection and periodontal disease that result in the pet losing their teeth. Regular dental hygiene is critical in preventing these problems in the future. There are multiple things you can do for your pet to either prevent or at least decrease the frequency of professional cleanings. Dental diets, enzymatic chews, brushing and oral rinses are very beneficial to keep your pet’s mouth clean and hopefully, their teeth in place. So yes, dentals are necessary for the health of your pet. I hope the explanations I have provided help you in making an informed decision for the care of your pet. Remember: Prevention is the key and your pet’s health is important to all of us in the veterinary profession. We are here for you, to counsel you in making the right decisions to keep your companion happy and healthy for a long time.

Talking with Dogs by Patty Homer

hen people ask me what I do for a living, I say “I am a dog trainer.” That is not completely accurate. I should actually say “I am a dog/human communication educator,” but dog trainer is the publicly accepted term and easier to say. In 100% of cases I take on, the most important thing I do is teach people to communicate effectively with their dogs and to interpret what their dogs are communicating to them.

DOGS COMMUNICATE WITH US

MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

Dogs communicate with us constantly, but many times the communication is so quick or subtle that it is missed. Every dog trainer I know, even the most experienced ones can still miss important communications from dogs, which in our profession can be a physically painful mistake. So…if a dog trainer with 20 years of experience working with dogs can miss important signals, just think how difficult it is for novice or even experienced dog owners to pick up on those tiny, quick, subtle signals. We humans tend to assume that everybody thinks like us, whether it is another human or another animal. Attributing human characteristics to your dog is called anthropomorphism. This can be harmful to the relationship you have with your dog creating unwanted,

inappropriate and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Dogs have emotions; they think in pictures but don’t have complex thoughts or the ability to plot revenge. In order to communicate with your dog you have to simplify the way you interact with him.

A DOG’S WAY OF THINKING I hear clients say, “he knows he did something wrong because as soon as I came home, he was hiding or hanging his head” or “he chewed up the remote because he was mad that I left him alone.” In order for your dog to punish, deceive

DOG TRAINING IS ABOUT CREATING ASSOCIATIONS Training a dog is all about creating associations. Dogs associate your words or actions with something he finds either enjoyable or unpleasant, and the association is immediate. For instance, your dog enjoys being petted, touched or talked to. When he jumps on you or a guest and you grab him, push him or yell at him you are actually rewarding him for jumping. You may know that you are not happy with him, but he doesn’t care, he is associating jumping with attention and excitement, therefore he will continue to jump because it works. However, if when he jumps you completely ignore him until he has 4 on the floor or sits, he will start to associate 4 on the floor or sitting with attention and he will start to ask for attention that way. In order for you to teach your dog “English as a second language,” you need to understand canine language first. Dogs communicate to us through body language and vocalization. Their body language is so complex that to fully define it would take many hundreds of pages, illustrations and video. I’m going to touch on just the extreme basics, but if you want a more in-depth guide, an excellent reference guide is Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog by Brenda Aloff.

READING YOUR DOG’S BODY LANGUAGE Reading your dog’s body language can tell you whether he is happy, fearful, anxious or angry. A dog that is relaxed, wagging his tail and glancing at you is probably a happy dog. If he is stiff, still and avoiding eye contact he is probably a little fearful or anxious. If he is stiff, still and looking directly at you, he is probably angry. Dogs give warning signs when they are uncomfortable such as a hard stare, lip lifting, teeth baring, growling, hackles raised, tail straight out and stiff, leaning forward, lunging, air snapping and biting. When you see these signals, you need to take the hint and leave him alone or if he is on a leash and you have put him in this situation, you need to remove him. Correcting your dog when he shows any of these signals is a dangerous practice. When you correct the warning signals, you can create a dog that no longer warns, but goes directly to the attack. When a dog feels stress, anxiety or fear (threatened) he will display signals that are meant to either calm him or avoid conflict by showing the source of the threat that “I mean you no harm.” Dog trainers call this “calming signals.” These signals include repeated lip licking, sniffing the ground when there is nothing interesting there, averting the eyes and/or head and yawning. There are many more and these signals vary depending on the rest of the dog’s body language and the environment. A great resource to learn more about this is a book and/or video by Turid Rugaas On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals.

SIGNALS YOUR DOG IS SENDING If you are working with your dog and you see he is avoiding eye contact or turning away from you — that is a strong signal that something is making him uncomfortable and it is time to take a break. During the break, think about what could have been making him feel this way — were you getting angry or frustrated? Were you asking him to do something he didn’t understand or leaning over him? Did you work too long or is there something in the environment that he is uncomfortable with (umbrella, strange dog, loud noise)? Since associations work so well with dogs, you will find that the most “untrained” or “misbehaved” dogs live in a house with more than one person. That is because one person is usually pretty consistent with the message they give but when there are multiple family members in a household, the dog gets many mixed signals and becomes confused, therefore starts to live by his own rules which include barking, digging, chewing, jumping and biting. The more you stop interpreting your dog’s behavior as human, the easier it will be to train him. This also starts to alleviate a lot of frustration on you and your dog’s part. By consistently associating single syllable words with your dog’s actions and then rewarding that action, you can teach your dog the meaning of dozens of words.

DOGS LIKE PLEASURE Dogs like pleasure. Using this to your benefit works wonders. Most species including canines and humans learn and respond better, quicker and retain the information longer when the learning process is positive. Be a teacher — not a disciplinarian, there is no need to hit, shock, jerk or hurt your dog in any way to train him. Dogs bring so much to our lives; they deserve to be trained with and surrounded by kindness, love and respect. Patty Homer is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and a Pet First Aid instructor. She has been training dogs for 20 years. She owns Good Pup dog training and boarding in South Kansas City. Her certifications include CPDTKA (certified through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers); CDT certified through the International Association of Canine Professionals. She is the Founder and President of HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance. For more information, visit her website at www.goodpupkc.com.

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M AY 2011 • MetroPetMag.com

or act out of revenge, he would have to understand that you have a particular point of view and then consciously work to manipulate or stop that point of view. This requires a thought process that dogs just don’t possess. Since dogs don’t have complex thought processes the explanation is different. The reason he is hiding or hanging his head when you get home is because he has learned that when you come home, you sometimes get angry and he is conflicted because he likes for you to be home, but he knows that many times when you come in you are angry. He chewed on the remote because he was bored, dogs love to chew and it was within his reach.

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MetroPet Magazine • M AY 2011

Winner

I rescued Maki, silver-dappled dachshund, 8 years ago and we’ve been inseparable since. He’s an amazing dog, will never tire of fetch and makes me laugh every day. Here he is as the ringbearer at my wedding. Submitted by Madonna

Won a free bag of ProPac dog food from

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Maki