January 2018 Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

Hot Dog News P.A.W.S. Annual Auc on Rest in Peace Pivot

Thank you sponsors! Thank you to all of our Downeast Dog News adop on sponsors in 2017! Your sponsorships have helped us raise money for local Maine rescues throughout the year.

P.A.W.S. Animal Adop on’s annual Auc on for the Animals raised $50,000 this year! Thank you to all who par cipated!

Maine State Police say goodbye to K9 Pivot. Pivot was 2 months away from being 8 years old when he had to be put to rest. He had been struggling with a debilita ng illness. Pivot was cer ﬁed to search for and detect human remains. During his ﬁve years on the force he helped recover the remains of over two dozen deceased people and murder vic ms, many of which would never have been found without his help. Thank you for your service Pivot!

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Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News PUBLISHER Jenn Rich COPY EDITOR Belinda Carter CONTRIBUTORS Susan Spisak Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Don Hanson Nancy Holmes Julie Harris GRAPHIC DESIGN Courier Publications, LLC ADVERTISING Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

PRESIDENT Wendi Smith PARENT & PUBLISHING COMPANY Maine Pet News LLC

From the Publisher Happy New Year Everyone!

need some assistance feeding their pets. Donations are also welcomed and needed in order to keep them running. For those of you who read this le er frequently, you know that I have been struggling with many vet visits for Pepper. What started out with a concern for her breathing turned into other poten al issues with her liver and kidneys. To make a very long story short, I received an early Christmas present, and Pepper seems to be ﬁne! We may double check her kidney levels in the spring, but ﬁngers crossed that we can stop going to the vet so o en. My poor girl has had just about everything examined and many blood tests. We s ll have no answer about her breathing, but it seems she might just get really hot when she runs. So, for now, we remain op mis c and carry on with our lives.

We finally have some snow! Pepper and I went to the dog park a er our first good snowfall, and it was fun to watch the dogs. A golden retriever showed up and could not stop rolling and lying in the snow. He was having such a good me! Then another li le guy, a French Bulldog, arrived and hopped through the snow like a li le bunny. Meanwhile of course, Pepper was a emp ng to find her ball because fetching a tennis ball, be it on grass, in water, or in fresh powdery snow, is one of her most favorite things on Earth. Last month, we donated part of the proceeds of our Howl-idays feature to a local pet pantry which we drew at random. This year Standish Animal Control was the winner! Congratulations to them and thank you to everyone who helped us raise money for the donation. Once again these types of pantries are available throughout the state for those who may

So cheers to a new year with new hopes and new goals! All the best, Jenn and Pepper

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News ...................... 2 Furry Words ......................... 4 Ask the Vet ............................ 4 Basic Training Tips ................ 6 Ask Bammy ............................ 7 Get Fit Fido ............................ 7 New Year, New Tricks ......... 8,9 Performance Dog Training ....10 Words, Woofs & Meows ..... 11 Rescue of the Month ............12 Dogs for Adoption ............... 13 Calendar of Events .............. 14 Business Directory .............. 15

I love winter, the new year, and fresh white snow blanketing the ground. Have you ever taken your dog out after a huge snow storm and stood there in silence? It is hard to do with some of the dogs I’ve met over the years, but it’s worth trying if you ever have the opportunity! Snow makes the quiet even quieter. Having a dog “inspire” you to go out on the coldest, darkest days of winter gives you an opportunity to reflect on where you’ve been and get a better bearing on where you want to go. I know that I talk to my pets all the me. I tell them where I’m going, when I’ll be back, and when I’m going to get oﬀ the couch to give them another scoop of food. I also tell them about my day and how awesome it was or how I really, really need the next one to be be er. I remind them that they be er watch out or I’ll write an ar cle about them, and someday the book I write about our crazy journey will be a na onal best seller! You know what I’m doing as I tell them this? I’m manifes ng my future. When we put a thought out

Does my dog have demen a? Q. My old dog, Buster, is ac ng strangely. He will go outside but then comes back in and pees! My friends think he has demen a. He seems okay otherwise. How do I tell if he is losing his mind?

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

there, we are screwing a new light bulb into the socket and turning on the switch. It suddenly illuminates, and the universe sees this thought (light) and sends tons of energy to it, helping us to get what we want. Why am I telling you this in a dog magazine? The answer is because our pets rarely judge

Ask the Vet… by Dr. Judith Herman

Old dogs can develop demen a, also known as Canine Cogni ve Dysfunc on (CCD), but there are a set of criteria that the old boy must meet for that diagnosis. The other important point is because he is old other things could be happening to cause the symptoms you see. Common signs of CCD are confusion or disorienta on, pacing and / or wandering, restlessness at night, ge ng stuck in corners or small spaces, ac ng dazed or staring oﬀ into space, ge ng lost in familiar places, going to the wrong side of doors, becoming withdrawn, less playful, less enthusias c about food, toys and/or playing, having accidents in the house in places he never did before, not responding to commands he once knew, changes in temperament that are uncharacteris c such as aggression, and any other behaviors that are unusual. These symptoms occur

slowly over me. As you can see, many of these symptoms can have causes other than CCD. If you are seeing changes in your old buddy, you need to take him to your veterinarian to rule out other causes that can be treated. Demen a’s deﬁni ve cause is unknown. It is suspected to involve physical and chemical changes related to aging. CCD has been associated with the deple on of a neurotransmi er called dopamine. Because the exact causes are unknown, preven on may be diﬃcult. What we do know is

us. I laugh saying that because the ones that I’ve read that have judged their owners totally crack me up, but luckily it rarely happens. This makes our four legged companions the perfect sounding board for our hopes and dreams. Tell them how awesome you are! Share your hopes and dreams with them, and as you go on your walk, imagine that every step is bringing you closer to abundance, love, joy, peace, contentment, silliness, etc. If you hate your circumstances, talk it out with your pet. What would you change? Don’t just complain to them, because that’s really not productive. You’re allowed to get it off your chest, BUT you have to then tell them what you’d replace the icky with and how it would look and feel to be living with the “better” version of your life. Bring the pup along on the journey in your mind, too! You can promise them a new collar, special treats, a soak in the hot tub that you can already see being installed on your beautiful new deck. I have no idea where that hot tub suggestion came

from, but apparently one of your dogs thinks its a fabulous idea! As you enter the new year, remember that it is full of possibility. Think back to where you were emotionally or physically when your got your pet(s). What have they come here to teach you? Are you listening to them and grateful for the blessing they’ve given you? Do they enhance your life? What are they trying to tell you, and have you been listening? The next time you’re on a walk, let your dog know how much you love him and tell him why. Then tell him what he has made you more aware of, and how you love it or you need to change a few things for life to feel perfect. You have way more control over your des ny than you may realize, so start manifes ng and living a life of joy!

keeping Buster s mulated mentally and physically can help keep his mind sharp. This can be done by teaching new tricks, playing games, and ac ve interac on between you and your dog. Diagnosis of CCD is done by ruling out other possible causes. If you are seeing changes in your companion, go to your veterinarian. She will take a thorough history, physical exam, and will recommend tests to see if there are other causes for the symptoms you see in your dog. These tests may include: blood work, urine and fecal exams, radiographs, ultra sound, some mes CT scans, MRI’s, and other tests. CCD has no cure and the disease is a degenera ve process. There are things that can be done to make you and your buddy more comfortable. Once other causes have been ruled out, your veterinarian will guide you with a plan. There are few treatments for CCD. One drug, Anipryl ( selegiline, L-deprenyl) has helped alleviate some symptoms in many dogs. It is a pill taken once a day. This drug does not work in all dogs, and it has mild and uncommon side eﬀects. This drug replaces the dopamine that has been depleted over me in dogs with CCD. It is available by prescrip on only. Other treatments that may be helpful are omega-3 fa y

acids, SAMe, and melatonin. More possible treatments to help alleviate symptoms are homeopathic, nutri onal, herbal, and Chinese medicines. Before using any of these, you need to see a veterinarian who specializes in these modali es. Here are some other things you can do to help improve your dog’s environment, keep him comfortable, and help sharpen his mind. Develop a daily rou ne and s ck to it. Avoid rearranging your furniture, keep clu er away from walkways and places where your dog spends a lot of me. Make sure Buster gets lots of exercise, but don’t over do it. Know his limita ons. Play fun games, tug-ofwar or fetch if he is up to it. Spend quality me together. Whatever you do with your dog, be sure to go slowly, be pa ent, use a high rate of reward, and if he gets frustrated, stop and give him a break. Overall, give him TLC. Demen a will progress, but with the above recommenda ons and help from your veterinarian, you can help your best friend have wonderful golden years.

Sara Moore is a psychic for people and pets, has an office in North Conway, NH but is also available for phone readings and private events. FMI go to enlightenedhorizons.com, email enlightenedhorizons@gmail.com or call (603)662-2046.

Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com

Downeast Dog News

DOG SLED from page 1 “Maine has a unique vastness to it that lends itself well for winter dog sledding sports.” With recreational winter dog sledding, you’ll get outdoors in Maine’s magical frontier and be pulled by a team of wellsocialized and strong dogs, often Alaskan, Yukon or Iditarod-style Huskies that thrive on this sport. You’ll sit in a toboggan-style or basket sled, toasty in layers of clothing and wrapped in a blanket, while the guide (aka musher) drives the dog team standing behind on the back of the sled runners. Many guide services also offer packages where you can learn to drive the pack to fully realize what dog sledding is all about: getting close to nature and becoming one with the animal team. I had the opportunity to talk to Crone and a few other guides who offer an array of packages, including short, to half-day to dayslong vacations. And while their personalities differ, they do have commonalities: their love of their kennel dogs, the great outdoors, and dog sledding. For a walk back in time, visit the aforementioned New England Dogsledding at the historic Telemark Inn Wilderness Lodge. Prudential Insurance creator, Leon Blanchard, began building the Adirondack-type structure in 1898 as his wilderness retreat (it took him five years to complete). Current owner Crone is a character (in a good, nature-loving way) and he likes being at the edge of the wilds with his Alaskan Huskies--and hopes his guests will enjoy that as well. “It’s a powerful experience.” He shares that his “sweet” dogs (that he’s super proud of) love new

trails and new scents. “That’s what gets them running.” He offers several dog sled packages, so “discerning” individuals and families can learn to run a team of athletic dogs, manage them on the trails, appreciate how to care for them, and settle in for a stay in his iconic lodge if they desire. He says he’s “smaller-volume, higher quality” and his trips are set in the White Mountain National Forest area or in the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. His business collaborator and long-time partner, Leonarda “Leo” Joost, has a farmhouse and barn in New Hampshire’s remote north area, and they’re planning on utilizing trail systems there as well (it’s higher, thus colder, so it will lengthen their season). They also offer year round animal and nature programs. Registered Maine Guides Caroline Blair-Smith and husband Andy Bartleet own Mornington Crescent Sled Dogs in western Maine. They lovingly refer to their small kennel of 29 Alaskan Huskies as their “sled pets.” Like Crone, they have young dogs through retirees--in other words their on-site kennel dogs stay with them for life. She says this is a passion for them--it began in 2002 as an outgrowth of their “day jobs” at the experience-based outdoor program, Outward Bound/Maine (where they still work). Blair-Smith says when a group signs up, they’ll be the only clients for that day. She’s happy to let them sit back and enjoy the show or help set up the lines, harness and hook up the dogs in place, and take a turn driving. And the dogs do have to go in their proper “position.” There’s a lead dog or

two (they may run in tandem), and they set the pace and direct the pack. Swing dogs are behind, aiding with turns and curves. Team dogs are next and add power, and wheel dogs, the strongest and largest, are last. Lone Wolf Guiding Services in Shirley Mills is owned and run by Maine Master Guide Mark Patterson and his wife, Ashley (at 18, she was the youngest person to finish fourth place or better in Ft. Kent, Maine’s Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Race). They not only offer cold-weather dog sledding but moose watching, fishing, and canoeing. One nice dog sled package he likes to offer families and those individuals who aren’t up to a lengthy wilderness run is the “Kennel Tour.” Each person has a 20 minute basket ride, while other guests in the party meet their racing dogs. Then the group convenes to their dog yard to meet their young kennel dogs and pups. Lone Wolf also offers 4 hour hands-on trips. Patterson says they give individuals in good physical shape the opportunity to run their own team. There’s a tutorial, including braking info (a key component), and he allows them to set up the team and equipment. He follows along on a snowmobile (in an unobtrusive fashion) and also speeds ahead occasionally to alert other snowmobilers that a dog sled tour is coming. He does check up on mushers to make sure they don’t looked “panicked.” If so, Patterson will stop and help out. They also offer custom and overnight trips. Kevin Slater and Polly Mahoney, Master Maine Guides and lifepartners of almost three decades, own and run Mahoosuc Guide

Service. They offer mountain lodging, winter guide-training courses, overnight camping trips, numerous year-round packages, as well as native cultural trips in Maine and Quebec. As far as dog sledding, Mahoney says it affords one the opportunity to get close to nature and slows people down. “It’s very peaceful.” They ask their customers to take it all in quietly. “It’s a richer experience,” she says. Slater and Mahoney have an interesting package, “Women’s Trips and Weekends.” They follow the same format as weekend dog sledding trips with their Yukon Huskies that they breed, but it gets many out of their usual box. “I find women do more when there isn’t a man around to do it.” They’re forced to do “manly” things, like sawing wood for a fire. She adds that it gives women a sense of empowerment and builds confidence. It’s a great trip for gal pals, sisters, and moms and daughters. Patterson says the most exciting thing about this sport is that the dogs adore it. “You can tell these dogs love what they’re doing. It’s neat to see that.” Mahoney agrees. “These dogs are so enthusiastic… to see their joy. When you undo the knot and release the dogs, it is total silence. All you hear is their panting and feet on the snow, and the runners on the snow. Traveling with the dogs is like a primeval and spiritual experience. It takes you to a different place.” If you’re interested in these trips, including recommended dress for these wintry expeditions, visit https://visitmaine.com/things-todo/winter-activities/dog-sledding for more details on these and other Guide Services.

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January 2018

Cues, Miscues, Missed Cues

What's up with cues?

The school bus way ahead of me had his right blinker on, slowed down, and pulled over to the side of the road. Just as I was about to pass by him at 45mph, he pulled out in front of me, his right blinker s ll ac vated. I had to make a quick move to avoid being run into. The driver had miscued his inten ons. - Jessie, my friend’s elderly dog, made an enthusias c and risky but unsuccessful a empt to jump straight up onto the table at which we were standing. We had just ﬁnished clipping her nails atop the table (she loves it), and Jessie thought her owner was invi ng her back up when she brieﬂy tapped the table for emphasis as we were cha ng. Miscue. - I asked Astro to circle around me once then come into front posi on. He circled again without coming into front. He hadn’t heard “front.” Missed cue. - Many years ago, a man wanted to show me how beau fully his German Shepherd had learned to come into heel posi on. He yelled “heel!” very sternly, then stood by his dog at heel posi on (yes,

Basic Training Tips

Life is full of cues, miscues, and missed cues! Even on the human side of things, non-verbal communica on occurs all the me. Driving is a realm replete with them; we rely on traﬃc lights, car indicator lights, lines in the road, road signs, and all those other pieces of informa on to let us know where to be, how fast to go, and what to expect. Imagine if all that were taken away: chaos would ensue!

CUES

by Diana Logan

• A cue is informa on about what is coming next. • A miscue is when the wrong cue is provided. • A missed cue is a cue that is not perceived.

seriously). Hmm… I’m not sure where that falls in the “cue matrix.”

A cue is a predictor, a p-off, that a specific behavior will follow. In dog training, if the behavior doesn’t happen, we have to look to ourselves to figure out why. Does the dog truly understand the cue? Are you sure you know what the cue is? Are there other things that provide informa on to the dog? At PupStart, my day school for puppies, a 14 week old puppy had learned to “auto-sit” at home. In

theory, “auto-sit” seems great: dog sits at the door, sits for a treat, sits for a en on, sits for prac cally everything. Her owner had put a lot of me and eﬀort into teaching Tassie this behavior. There was a problem, though: in Tassie’s mind, the cue to sit was everywhere, like a red light every few feet. When we started working with her, any hesita on in engagement would elicit a sit from her. Her auto-sit was preven ng her from thinking, from problem-solving, and from learning. It was an easy answer, and one that got paid for a lot at home, so, of course, she oﬀered it as much as possible. As you interact with your dog, how are you asking him to do what you want him to do? Verbally? Nonverbally? Are you uninten onally asking him to do things you don’t want him to do? Pay a en on to your behavior when you are interac ng with your pup - it's amazing what we can learn! “Beginner trainers focus primarily on the behavior of the dog. 'Super trainers' focus on their own behavior as much as they focus on the behavior of the dog. Super trainers recognize that changes in their own behavior create changes in the dog’s behavior.” Diane Balkavich

Diana Logan, CPDT-KA Cer ﬁed Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge-Assessed Pet Connec on Dog Training, North Yarmouth, Maine | www.dianalogan.com | 207-252-9352

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Downeast Dog News

I am a Carolina Dog, a breed

that long ago owned Native American people. We were designed by natural selection to be so intelligent and physically superior that we survived without humans. My greatgrandfather was caught from the wild. I can offer advice based on the natural instincts and abilities of wild dogs. My human and I have had lots of training classes and other experiences. Some humans call themselves Mom or Dad of their dog, but I call my human, tongue in cheek, Boss. Much as I love her, I admit she has many of the same odd notions as most humans, so I can relate to other dogs with problem humans. If I can’t help, at least I can offer sympathy, and we can have fun talking about our amazing humans. Please send your questions! Bammy, 280 Pond Rd. Newcastle, ME 04553, or email: askbammy@tidewater.net Dear Bammy, I am a Corgi with a ﬁne, thick coat. But my mom insists on pu ng a raincoat on me when it’s wet out. I HATE it! She pulls it on over my head, and it binds my front legs and tries to choke me when I lower my head to sniﬀ, which, of course, I have to do most of the me.

By Julie Harris

Ask Bammy An Advice Column for Dogs by a Dog

I admit I don’t like to go out in the rain, but isn’t that just common sense? Couldn’t we wait instead of ge ng all fussy with clothes? And if we must go out, does she think I’ll melt? My ancestors were sturdy Welsh herding dogs. Mom accuses me of being opinionated and stubborn, but when you are right, you are right! Can you help me avoid this shameful raincoat? Wet Dog

Dear Wet Dog, I was all for you until I saw your nick-name. I don’t know how to say this delicately, but is it possible that you have more of an odor when you are wet? My coat naturally sheds dirt, so most of the time I smell good. But when I’m wet, Boss sometimes says, “Phew! You smell like a wet dog!” I claim a better nose than any human, and I know I don’t smell bad, just a little doggy, but humans do object to our natural smell. Amazing, considering how much they smell! Maybe she thinks she’s doing you a favor, putting a raincoat on you. I have noticed that most humans hate getting wet from rain. Isn’t that odd when they get themselves soaked in the bathroom almost every day? I think humans fail to no ce how elegant our fur system is. When Boss and I get up, I want to go right outdoors and run back in for breakfast. Poor Boss has almost no fur at all, so first she takes off the furs she sleeps in and then puts on the most amazing variety of furs - from li le ones on her feet to layers of furs on her body. Only her face and hands stay bare. Wouldn’t you think an animal that can make machines that keep the house warm could figure something better?

January 2018

The Ask Bammy column is intended for humor and entertainment. If your dog has behavioral issues please contact a veterinarian or professional trainer.

Get Fit Fido!

anine fitness is much more than a fad. If you have ever owned a dog athlete, you can appreciate how properly toned muscles, strong bones, good balance, and adequate core strength can increase a dog’s performance. But more importantly, a fit canine athlete is much less likely to be injured while par cipa ng in dog sports, and a couch potato pet may live a longer and healthier life. Fitness is achieved through specific exercises that target muscle groups and flexibility using balance and weight shi ing. The safest way to set up your dog’s fitness program is through a cer fied canine fitness trainer. An instructor who teaches obedience, puppy manners, agility, or other more familiar courses is not necessarily qualified to teach dog fitness. Fitness training requires more anatomical and physiological knowledge, and trainers must go through rigorous coursework to gain that informa on and to learn proper techniques for building individual programs for each dog. The human equivalent would be a personal trainer who creates a program for you that includes aerobic, core fitness and strength training. It’s more specialized and specific than just going to the gym and hopping on some equipment for an hour.

In summer, my fur is thin and cool; in winter I grow a lot of wool with long hairs over it to shed the rain. Summer or winter, I can adjust my fur by sleeking it down to be cooler or fluffing up for warmth, but my face and ears are always short haired, and that’s where the rain bothers me. When I stick my head out the door on a rainy day, I lower my ears like sheep-ears so the rain can’t get it. Then I back up, fast, hoping Boss will let me stay in for a while. After I do that a few times, she so rudely (but gently, thank you) pushes me out the door. You have my full sympathy, Wet Dog. And there is something you can do to avoid the raincoat but it may start a fight with your human. If you lie down when you see the raincoat coming, there’s no way she can put it on. Just pull your front legs up under your chin and keep them there. Maybe she’ll understand how much you hate it. Wishing you happy, raincoatfree walks. Bammy

A canine fitness trainer can iden fy each dog’s strengths and weaknesses, tailor the program to the individual dog, and monitor its progress. Programs are designed to help canine athletes stay strong, to help puppies be confident in their movement, aid senior dogs in long las ng mobility, and con nue to rebuild AFTER rehab from an injury. Dogs of all ages can take part in fitness training because each program is custom made. Besides the physical benefits of fitness, performing the different tasks required builds the dog’s confidence as each skill is conquered and a new challenge presented.

Cer fied Professional Canine Fitness Trainer Rebeccah Aube of FITdogMaine in Portland has par cipated in dog sports for several years and has taught classes in obedience, flyball, and other sports. “My interest in canine fitness started with my West Highland White Terrier who played flyball. Wes es are not exactly built for this sport, so I wanted to be sure he stayed strong and healthy while he played. His fitness program not only helped in flyball but helped him to live a long life full of ac vity to the age of 16! Now I have the opportunity to help dogs in all stages of their lives,

from helping an athlete perform on the agility course to helping a family dog be able to jump in the car on his own!” Some of the equipment used in canine fitness is affordable enough to purchase for use at home, but a good trainer can help you come up with ideas for using everyday things that might serve the same purpose. For instance, pillows, pa o blocks, cones, boards, and ladders all can be used to teach controlled movement, improve core strength and balance, and achieve performance-level fitness. Using the proper equipment and form, however, will op mize your dog’s training success. Canine fitness is as important to the overall health of your canine athlete as quality food, clean water, and regular exercise. Canine fitness is another fun ac vity you can do with your dog. Dogs love to work on the exercise equipment and perform the various tasks necessary, which challenge their minds as well as their bodies. Please note that canine fitness is not physical rehabilita on for injuries. See a rehab professional for that, and then find a fitness coach to con nue strength building. Julie Harris is a member of Flyball MAINEiacs and has two dogs in canine fitness programs at FITdogMaine.

New Year, New "Tricks" It's a new year and me for resolu ons and new goals. While we humans head off to the trainers to get our bodies in shape, it's a great me to take our dogs to a trainer to learn new behaviors. There are many different types of training available. It's a good idea to check out several and ask ques ons to findone that is the best fit for you and your dog.

8 A community of dog training instructors offering classes in: manners, flyball, obedience, rally, weight pull & more!

Old Dogs and New Tricks IMPROVING COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING

Learning new things is an important factor in

self-preserva on. A er all, we need to know where dangers lurk in order to be able to avoid them. When we cease learning, we risk being physically and/or psychologically deﬁcient. Learning keeps us safe, engaged in the world

around us, connected, and depending on the environment, can also deepen social es. If we are learning something physical in the process, such as dancing, there are addi onal beneﬁts. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is an expression we have all heard. Though the meaning is par ally valid, as described in another expression, “old habits die hard,” the popularity of the phrase has done a disservice to our older dogs. We tend to overlook our older dogs' capacity for learning that can help

them thrive. Sure, it’s really diﬃcult to change old habits, but it doesn’t mean that new habits and new behaviors can’t be started, too! The same physical and cogni ve beneﬁts of learning that apply to us also apply to our dogs. We should do the very best we can to sprinkle a bit of posi ve training throughout our dogs’ lives so that learning “tricks” is a normal part of aging. If a dog is already familiar

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Training Your Performance Dog Agility, Obedience, Tracking by Carolyn Fuhrer

New Obedience Rules in 2018 There are quite a few new rule

changes to the Novice and Open classes in Obedience. The overall general theme that has come to the forefront in the rules is that all dogs be under control. The handler is required to enter and exit the ring with the dog under control and without jumping, pulling or tugging on the leash. Handlers will be penalized according to the seriousness of the misbehavior whether it occurs during or

between an exercise or before or after judging. The judge may release the dog from further competition in the class. This, hopefully, will help assure that any dog attending a trial can expect to be in the company of well behaved dogs.

The big changes to the Novice classes are the inclusion of a new exercise – “sit, stay, get your leash” – and the modiﬁca on of the group exercise. The “sit, stay, get your leash” will occur a er the recall. The dog will be in a sit. The orders are “sit your dog” “leave your dog to get your leash”, and “back to your dog”. The handler and dog will be posi oned at least 30 feet away from where the leash is placed and facing the gate entrance. The group exercise of Sit, Down, Stay will be performed with dogs spaced 6 feet apart and on a 6-foot lead. There will be a one-minute sit and a return to the dog and then a 1 minute down and a return to the dog. Dogs maybe posi oned in 1 row or in back to back rows with 6 feet in between the rows. Some of the most challenging changes have been put into the Open A, B, and Preferred classes. The out of sight long sit and down exercises have been eliminated. In place of this is the Stay, Get Your Leash (sit, down). For the ﬁrst part of this exercise, the judge will have the handler leave the dog in a sit or down. The handler will go at least 30

feet away to a mark and stand and face the dog. A er 1 minute, the judge will order “back to your dog”, and the handler will return for the second part of the exercise; the judge will have the handler sit or down the dog, leave the ring to get their leash, and remain at the ring gate facing the dog un l told to return. The most challenging addi on to the Open classes are the command discrimina on exercises. For Open A, the handler will leave the dog in a stand, go 15 feet away, face the dog, and on the judge’s signal command and/or signal for the dog to down. The handler will then go 30 feet away, turn and face the dog, and upon the judge’s signal command and/or signal the dog to sit. Then, upon the judge’s command, return to the dog. In Open B and Preferred, the order of the posi ons sit, down, and stand will vary depending upon the order the judge chooses. The complete descrip on of the new exercises is available at the AKC website. These rules take eﬀect May 1, 2018. Winter will go quickly with so much to prac ce!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 90 AKC tles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker tles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. You can contact her with ques ons, sugges ons and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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Helping Your Dog Thrive BRAMBELLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIVE FREEDOMS PART 1

We have a responsibility to make our dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life the best life possible. Your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life is directly under your control. Over the next few months, I will be discussing Brambellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five Freedoms and how you can use them to help your dog have a long, fun-ďŹ lled life. I will examine the role of nutri on, basic husbandry, veterinary care, training, behavior, and the management of your dog, as they all play a role in the quality of its life. Brambellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five Freedoms originated in the United Kingdom in December of 1965. The Brambell Commission published its report over 50 years ago, yet it is s ll a very applicable standard for evalua ng the holis c health of any animal kept by people, including dogs. The Five Freedoms are: Freedom from Hunger and Thirst, Freedom from Discomfort, Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease, Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and Freedom from Fear and Distress. Fundamental to being able to assess an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare is having a thorough knowledge of a speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; husbandry requirements, behavior, and how they communicate and express emo ons. I invite you to consider some of the ques ons that I will pose in these columns and to contemplate how you would address them within Brambellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five Freedoms as you care for your dog.

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

ENSURE YOUR DOG IS FREE FROM HUNGER, THIRST, AND MALNUTRITION. At ďŹ rst read, this sounds rela vely simple; provide your dog with food and water, and you have met their needs. Unfortunately, that is not the case. â&#x20AC;˘ Does the type of food we feed our dog ma er? The dog has the diges ve system of a carnivore, an animal meant to thrive on

meat- animal protein and fat. When you feed your dog kibble or dry dog food, they are consuming food that is predominantly made up of carbohydrates. This highly processed â&#x20AC;&#x153;far from fresh foodâ&#x20AC;? is composed of 40% or more carbohydrates. The dog does not need carbohydrates in their diet. That is why you will not ďŹ nd the percent of carbohydrates listed in the Guaranteed Analysis panel on a bag of dog food. Kibble or dry dog food was not created to provide op mum nutri on for our dogs but to provide convenience for us and a long shelf life and higher proďŹ ts for pet food manufacturers. Dogs can survive on kibble, but my ques on is: can they thrive on such an unnatural diet? Can we say, in conscience, that our dog is free from hunger, thirst, and malnutri on if we are feeding them a sub-op mal diet? Feeding a dog food that will provide them with the best nutri on possible is not inexpensive, at least when compared to grocery store kibble. However, when we start to factor in reduced veterinary bills with an improved diet, we may be further ahead when we feed the best food we can aďŹ&#x20AC;ord. â&#x20AC;˘ Is it be er to have one pet and to feed her the best diet you can aďŹ&#x20AC;ord, or is it be er to have mul ple pets for social interac on? It is a ques on my wife and I asked ourselves and is a reason we have downsized from a maximum of ďŹ ve dogs to one dog. We want to do the best we can for Muppy and having a single dog allows for more resources, both me and ďŹ nancial, to be focused on her.

â&#x20AC;˘ What about pets on prescrip on diets? In some cases, a veterinarian may recommend a prescrip on diet for your dog that you can only get from a veterinarian. These specialized foods are available in a kibble or wet (canned) formula. These foods are presented as being necessary to treat a speciďŹ c disease or health issue. These foods are o en much more expensive than a basic kibble, but because they are kibble, they will s ll be high in carbohydrates. Veterinarians who take a holis c approach to nutri on will seldom recommend prescrip on diets preferring to suggest a diet consis ng of fresh, whole food. Again, it comes down to choosing between op mal nutri on or our convenience? Which takes precedence? â&#x20AC;˘ What about pet obesity? Studies indicate that 50% of the pets in the U.S. are clinically obese. Obesity is typically due to overfeeding, an improper diet, and lack of exercise. Just as with humans, obesity will aďŹ&#x20AC;ect a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and welfare. It can tax your dog's skeletal system and can even change behavior. How much of the obesity problem with our dogs is related to our feeding them diets high in carbohydrates, something they do not need? â&#x20AC;˘ Does the source of water you use ma er? If you do not choose to drink water from your tap, should your dog? Should they at least be given a choice? Next month we will examine more of Brambellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five Freedoms; Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease, Freedom to Express Normal Behavior, and Freedom from Fear and Distress.

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor. He is a Bach Founda on Registered Animal Prac oner (BFRAP), Cer ďŹ ed Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Cer ďŹ ed Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Cer ďŹ ed Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). He produces and co- hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show heard on The Pulse AM620 WZON and streamed at h p://www.wzonradio.com/ every Saturday at 9 AM. A list of upcoming shows and podcasts of past shows can be found at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is commi ed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

Brightest Dog Breeds Top 10 brightest dog breeds as reported in Dr. Stanley Corenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book The Intelligence of Dogs. Criteria - Understanding of New Commands: Fewer than 5 repe ons & Obey First Command: 95% of the me or be er. 1. Border collie 2. Poodle 3. German shepherd 4. Golden retriever 5. Doberman pinscher 6. Shetland sheepdog 7. Labrador retriever 8. Papillon 9. Ro weiler 10. Australian ca le dog

January 2018

Rescue

of the

Month

THE PIXEL FUND They Know Shelter Pets Rock By Susan Spisak

ixel’s Posse Inc., dba The Pixel Fund, was founded in 2011 by then-Maine resident Janet Williams because she was shocked by the many southern high kill shelters that she ran across while searching for a new dog. She did travel south and rescued a brown Chihuahua girl named Pixel, who only had hours to spare before an untimely death. Williams made it her goal to rescue as many animals like Pixel as possible. Once she moved to Florida, she simply opened a satellite office, relying on her Maine volunteers to keep things running smoothly. Lisa Pelton, a Maine board member for this 501(c) (3), indicated that The Pixel Fund has rescued over 4,500 dogs and cats in the last six years. They pull most of their animals from overcrowded high kill shelters in Georgia and Florida. According to Pelton, thousands of animals are euthanized due to overpopulation and lack of education. “Maine has a much better handle on their pet population,” she explained. “And there are strong shelters in Maine that we think are absolutely fantastic,” she said, adding that they don’t get many rescue calls in-state, so they focus on the states where there is a need for rescue work. In addition to volunteers in Florida and Georgia, they have relationships with rescues and rely on all to pull the at-risk animals. The animals are fully-vetted and fostered in that state, and hopefully local families or individuals will adopt them. If not, they’re transported to Maine for adoption--the Pixel Fund is fully licensed and follows all state guidelines. Pelton added, “While our primary day-today action is pulling animals from shelters and insuring that they get a second chance, we believe there’s something more to rescue, and that’s educating and advocating so we can change things to make the future better.”

GRETA ELISE

ROSCOE

3 yrs., Black Mouth Cur

3 yrs., Hound Mix

Always smiling! She loves everyone and other dogs. She is housetrained and knows basic commands. Loves to play! She needs training on leash and walking in public.

Good with children, dogs and cats. Small kids may be in mida ng ini ally, Roscoe is just a big lover. He is housetrained, too. He’s laid back, will walk with you, or just watch TV with you.

h p://www.thepixelfund.org/available-dogs.html

To that end, in Florida they partner with the Department of Juvenile Justice, placing foster animals in 11 different juvenile and treatment centers. This gives at-risk youths a chance to foster and train puppies, and it also gives both the kids and the animals’ confidence and skills. In addition to rescuing shelter pets, the Pixel Fund educates on the importance of spay and neuter to prevent unwanted litters that lead to overpopulation, responsible pet ownership including proper training, and enlightening the public not only on humane animal treatment but the need for shelter system reform.

If you are interested in adopting one of their shelter pets, please fill out an online application. Prior to approval of your application, they require a vet check on existing pets, a landlord check if applicable, and a home visit. Additional fosters are always necessary and are an important component of their organization. They ask that you provide all food, a safe environment, and lots of love and affection. The Pixel Fund will pay necessary veterinary expenses. For further info on the interstate Pixel Fund, including volunteering, dona ng, and to see all their adoptables, visit thepixelfund.org.