February 2017 Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

Hot Dog News New Cer fica ons & Recogniza ons at Green Acres Michelle Harmon, Green Acres Assistant Manager, has completed the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) 4-Day Pet Care Technician Cer fica on Program Workshop and has achieved the Cer fied Pet Care Technician (CPCT) designa on offered by the PPG. The four-day workshop in Wesley Chapel, Florida, covered; 1) How Pets Learn, 2) Canine Behavior & Social Communica on, 3) Canine & Feline Anatomy and Physiology, 4) Canine & Feline Health and Handling, 5) Pet First Aid and Emergency Protocols, 6) Pet Care Tools, Equipment, Toys & Supplies, 7) Consent and Preference Tes ng, and 8) Pet Care Policies and Protocols. Lois Dimitre, a Lead Dog Training Instructor at Green Acres Kennel Shop, has recently graduated with dis nc on from the Karen Pryor Academy and has been named a Cer fied Training Partner. Lois is commi ed to force-free training techniques that make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior is an innova ve ins tu on commi ed to educa ng, cer fying, and

Michelle Harmon

Lois Dimitre

promo ng the next genera on of animal trainers. Lois has completed an intensive educa on process and demonstrated a high level of skill in training dogs as well as teaching dog owners. “Our graduates are not only skilled trainers, they are excellent teachers,” said Pryor. “I’m proud to be able to welcome Lois Dimitre to the growing family of KPA-Cer ﬁed dog trainers na onwide.”

For the past several years, Green Acres Kennel Shop has been recognized by Market Surveys of America as the Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer and Best Pet Groomer in the greater Bangor region. Last month, Best Businesses of America, an aﬃliate of Market Surveys of America, ranked Green Acres Kennel Shop as one of the Top 15 Kennels and Top 40 Dog Trainers in New England.

CALLING ALL MAINE RESCUES & VENDORS OF PET PRODUCTS! We are pleased to announce that the Downeast Dog News, along with our sister publica on petMAINE, will once again be sponsoring an event that will be held at the Boothbay Railway Village on June 4th! The Family Free Fur All will be a day full of ac vi es designed speciﬁcally for families including the opportunity to bring home a new four legged family member. We are looking for local rescues that would like to bring some of their adoptable dogs as well as vendors of locally made pet products. Rescues participate for FREE; the vendor fee is $25. For more information or to sign up please contact Margaret Hoffman at the Boothbay Railway Village. Margaret@railwayvillage. org or 207-633-4727. We hope to see you there!

Voted BestBEST Trainer VOTED 2015 & 2016 TRAINER 2015!

Mr. Dog Training Maine’s Destination for the BEST in: Healthy Food & Treats Fun Toys Cool Collars

Obedience Classes Activity Classes Free Puppy Preschool

270 State Rd. West Bath 04530 207.798.1232 www.mrdogtraining.com info@mrdogtraining.com

Check us out on

Self-Serve Dog Wash

NEW Camden Location! • 408 Main St, Rockland–– NEW! • US Route 1, Camden/Rockport Town Line— —NEW! •1 Belmont Ave, Belfast •109 Main St, Waterville

207.594.5269 loyalbiscuit.com facebook.com/loyalbiscuit

Downeast Dog News

From the Publisher

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 Sumac Grant-Johnson GRAPHIC DESIGN Courier Publications, LLC ADVERTISING Jenn Rich 207-230-0260 ext. 6 jenn@downeastdognews.com

PRESIDENT Wendi Smith PARENT & PUBLISHING COMPANY Maine Pet News LLC OUR GOALS • Provide the latest in dog-related news and information. • Encourage and support dog-friendly businesses and Maine-made pet products and services. • Cultivate a community of responsible dog guardianship/ownership. • Support animal welfare causes.

Happy February! In lieu of a Le er from the Publisher this month I thought I would share some perhaps interes ng and somewhat useless trivia (unless of course you are scheduled for Jeopardy or Millionaire then this could be worth thousands and you’re welcome). I came across this list of top 2016 dog names provided by Na onwide. There are many lists but they are apparently the largest provider of pet health insurance so they have collected many names.

Na onwide 2016 Top Dog Names

THEN I found a list of Presiden al dogs and thought that might be fun to share where this month is Presidents’ Day and we just inaugurated a new President. Some of them had several dogs and some had some other interes ng pets such as raccoons and Theodore Roosevelt had a badger named Josiah. I do not believe President Trump currently has a dog but I saw some internet “gossip” that perhaps he will get one once he moves into the White House.

Presiden al Dogs George Washington – Barney, Sco sh Terrier

Bella Max

John Adams – Juno, Mark & Satan

Lucy

Thomas Jeﬀerson – Buzzy, Briard

Bailey

Abraham Lincoln – Fido & Jip

Charlie Daisy

Theodore Roosevelt – Gem & Susan

Molly

Herbert Hoover – King Tut

Cooper

Dwight Eisenhower – Heidi, Weimaraner

Buddy John F. Kennedy – Gaullie, Poodle

Lola

Jimmy Carter – Grits, Border Collie

Maine Pet News, LLC 266 Meadow St. Rockport, ME 04856 Phone: 207-230-0260 ext. 6 jenn@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

Ronald Reagan – Rex, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel George H. W. Bush – Millie, Springer Spaniel

CIRCULATION Downeast Dog News is distributed free of charge at pet-friendly locations in Maine.

Bill Clinton – Buddy, Choc. Lab George W. Bush – Miss Beazley, Sco sh Terrier

SUBSCRIPTIONS Individual and gift subscriptions are available for $30 (+ tax) per year.

Barack Obama – Bo, Portuguese Water Dog

SPEAK! Downeast Dog News welcomes submissions of local news, events and photos. Email: jenn@downeastdognews.com COPYRIGHT 2006-2017 All contents of Downeast Dog News are protected under United States copyright law. The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within Downeast Dog News are those of its contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher. Content of ads is the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content and Downeast Dog News assumes no liability for any errors, omissions or claims made by its contributors or advertisers.

“If a dog will not come to you a er having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience” ― Woodrow Wilson

Advertising Rates and Guidelines AD RATES PER MONTH 3-month minimum recommended

Business directory: $45/month 1/16 page $75 B&W, $90 color 1/8 page $135 B&W, $165 color 1/4 page $230 B&W, $275 color 1/2 page $405 B&W, $485 color Full page $705 B&W, $845 color

Ask about 3, 6, and 12 month discounts

CIRCULATION 10,000 issues per month are distributed in pet supply stores, veterinary offices, dog daycares, groomers and other pet-friendly establishments across Maine.

DEADLINE Advertising deadline is the 20th of the preceding month.

Contact Jenn Rich (207) 230-0260 ext. 6 or jenn@downeastdognews.com

February 2017

Table of Contents Hot Dog News ...................... 2 Furry Words ......................... 4 Ask the Vet ............................ 4 Basic Training Tips ................ 6 Ask Bammy ............................ 7 Sit, Stay, Heel ..................... 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 have recently discovered a platform that gives me the ability to do super quick mini-readings as people watch live from wherever they are. It’s called Facebook Live, and although I was a little hesitant to give it a shot, I’m so glad I did because I love it! I don’t need to tell you how much people love their dogs and pets, but it’s amazing to me every time I get to help them better connect through a psychic reading. The questions range from basic to profound, and I am just as excited to hear what your pet has to say! The most recent live session started with questions coming in slowly and steadily, but by the end, I couldn’t keep up with them! A few of the readings stand out in my mind, and I thought maybe you’d like to step into my bubble for a few minutes and hear about them. One owner asked what her dog wanted and if it were happy. The answer was yes; it was very happy but that it really preferred loose fitting collars, and it didn’t want anything tight around his neck. It said it didn’t like anything tight, and it was adamant that it didn’t want to experience that again. Minutes later, the owner validated that it had hated the harness they got him!! Another person asked why his dog kept moaning and groaning and if it were hurt or upset. Now this dog absolutely cracked me up, and I didn’t get that either of those concerns were true. I did get that the dog was a manipulative, controlling diva but was also so silly it was fine to indulge this behavior. Then I

Is Marijuana Dangerous for Dogs? Q. I use medical marijuana,

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

started laughing so hard I could barely talk, but managed to get out that if the dog were a person, it’d be the kind who would refuse any food you gave it, then sit there sighing and saying, “No, I’m fiiiiiinnnneeee,” all the time hoping you would try to convince it to eat with you. Turns out the dog is exactly like that, and everyone got a good chuckle! Another question was about how a dog was feeling. I instantly felt like the dog was almost ready for the rainbow bridge, but I also knew that the owner might not be prepared to hear that. Compound that with the fact that there were a lot of people watching and waiting to see what I was going to say. When I do a reading, I have to say what the spirit tells me or else the dog stops talking.

Ask the Vet… by Dr. Judith Herman

and my friend told me that it could make my dog sick if he got any. Is that true?

Now that marijuana is being legalized in Maine and many other states, just like any other intoxicants and medicines, you need to keep it out of reach of children and pets. Since medical marijuana use became legal, the veterinary community is seeing a rise in marijuana poisoning in our companions. Marijuana is a plant with many chemicals called cannabinoids which have medicinal proper es to help both people and animals get relief from several chronic medical maladies.

Marijuana plants have over 100 chemicals called cannabinoids. These chemicals are also are produced in the body. In people, they play a role in regula ng pleasure, memory, thinking, concentra on, body movement,

If I don’t want to tell someone something, I ask in my head if I actually HAVE to tell that person,, and if I get a yes, then out it comes. This was one of those times, and I always trust that I’ll be guided to help the person process the information once it’s been presented. So I relayed that the dog was tired and running low on energy. It said that it would be absolutely fine with the decision to euthanize when the owner was ready. I also reminded the owner that it was ultimately the owner’s decision and that whatever the decision was, it would be the right choice. Sigh. This is one of the harder parts of my job, but I

not warmed up or given a heads up before a change of activities, its spirit takes off, but its body takes a few seconds to catch up sort of like Wiley Coyote in the “Roadrunner” cartoons. This was a new concept to me, but it made sense. Hopefully the owner will start giving the dog a two or five minute warning when they want to go for a walk and things will shift. It sounds a bit nuts, but I have a feeling it will make a difference! Finally, I’ll end with a person who asked about a dog named Papa who recently passed. The dog came through super fast, but it stepped aside so that her recently deceased grandmother could come and say hello. I guess sometimes you get more than you bargain for when you get an animal reading from me since I can also read people and spirits on the other side. Luckily, her grandmother was just as silly and feisty in heaven as she was in life, and it was really fun to chat with her. Thank you to all of you who participated in the first few live events and stay tuned for future posts! Sara Moore of Enlightened Horizons has an oﬃce in North Conway, NH and is available for phone and Skype readings as well. FMI go to www.enlightenedhorizons. com , text or call (603)662-2046 and her email is enlightenedhorizons@ gmail.com . She is also available for private parties and fundraisers.

I don't need to tell you how much people love their dogs and pets, but it's amazing to me every me I get to help them be er through a psychic reading. do love helping people find some peace and validation in one of the hardest decisions they have to make. One owner was asking about her dog who seemed to be super anxious. The feeling I got was that of a giant ship, similar to the Titanic, with a bent propeller. It made the boat shimmy and shake instead of sail smoothly. The dog’s insides felt exactly like that, and the dog said that when it was

awareness of me , appe te, pain, and the senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, and sight). The leaves of the marijuana plant have a heavy concentra on of a cannabinoid called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while the stem has a high concentra on of cannabidiol (CBD). There is another plant called hemp that has many uses as a medicinal herb, cloth, in industry, and more. The hemp plant has high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) and very low THC. Both plants are varie es of cannabis sa va plant species. Hemp oil or extract (CBD) has been used in veterinary medicine for many chronic symptoms such as inﬂamma on, seizures, muscle spasms, skin condi ons, appe te s mula on, anxiety, and neuromuscular disorders. Marijuana medicals (TCH) are very helpful to people with chronic disease, but dogs show a higher toxicity to THC than people. Because much of the marijuana is available in edibles, many pets are drawn to these sweet treats. This leads to toxicity with symptoms

such as lethargy, dilated pupils, drooling, being oﬀ balance, muscle twitching, vomi ng, involuntary urina on, and unconsciousness to name a few. Animal emergency clinics can test for THC levels in your dog to rule out poisoning. Treatment is suppor ve care; depending on the amount ingested, your dog may need to be hospitalized. Even though dogs tolerate hemp be er, they can overdose in hemp oil with symptoms of disorienta on, hyperac vity, vomi ng, and excessive seda on. If you are going to use these products, do it under the supervision of your veterinarian. No ma er if you use marijuana for medical reasons or recrea onally, be smart and be careful where you leave it. If your dog is ac ng oddly and marijuana is available, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian right away. Judith K. Herman DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, ME www.mainehomeopathicvet.com

Downeast Dog News

KOBUK from page 1 flanker back to the missing person. Because SAR dogs search and run quickly, they cover a large area fast, a crucial factor. Elizabeth adds just finding the person doesn’t solve the problem; they must get medical help and get them to safety. The other specialty that many MESARD members employ is trailing, also referred to as tracking. The dog is given a “scent” ar cle, an item that has retained the missing person’s odor. The dog works in a loop to see if he can detect that exact scent; if so, they follow it. Elizabeth says this is a great resource for direc on if there wasn’t a “last seen” spot of the individual. Other search disciplines include human remains detec on, water and shoreline, snow, ar cle, wilderness land and crime scene human remains detec on; some MESARD members are cer fied in these areas as well.

by the Maine Warden Service and law enforcement agencies across the state. Elizabeth has over 10 years of SAR experience, and she has several specialized cer fica ons. She joined MESARD in 2012 because she was very impressed by the unit, their trainers, and wanted to take Kobuk to the next level adding, “It’s an outstanding team.” All MESARD teams—each consis ng of a handler and his dog—is cer fied and his partner/dog excels in at least one search specialty. Addi onally, each team is usually bolstered by a flanker who provides naviga on, communica on, and first aid.

MESARD & MASAR MESARD is a unit within MASAR, or Maine Associa on for Search and Rescue. MASAR’s website best explains their func on: “MASAR promotes and develops search and rescue (SAR) capabili es and resources in the State of Maine, and acts as a liaison between Maine's volunteer SAR organiza ons and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and similar agencies both in and out of state.” Bo om line: its primary purpose is to save lives. There are over a dozen cer fied ac ve units within MASAR, including MESARD. SAR units train religiously; in the case of MESARD, it’s o en up to 30 hours a month. The units within MASAR excel in various search skills, such as water, shoreline, ground, mounted, and wilderness air scent capabili es. Elizabeth adds that it takes about two years for a handler and his dog to be trained and tested for cer fica on; it’s a huge commitment. MESARD is a statewide SAR group, and they can deploy quickly. “We’re dedicated to saving lives,” emphasizes Elizabeth. “That’s what we do.” Elizabeth, a self-employed computer dra ing designer, says the 30 plus MESARD members have a variety of backgrounds and careers, and many have agreements with their employers; if they are called upon, they can break away. “As a team, we can deploy anywhere from 30 to 35 searches a year.” They may assist on missions that last one or two days; in a rare case, it may be much longer. They even aided on a two-anda-half-year search that involved 22 missions on the Appalachian Trail. Elizabeth explains they’re o en deployed to search for those who have wandered off, or those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Au sm, or even hunters who may be injured or are lost as they relied on a cellular for coordinates, which may not func on in the woods. She adds me is of the essence in finding those missing, especially in the winter months—there’s always the danger of hypothermia.

HOLLYWOOD & BEYOND

Kobuk award 2016 Hero Dog SAR

BREEDS BEST FOR SAR & SPECIALTIES The best breeds for SAR work are those in the spor ng, herding, and working groups. According to Elizabeth, MESARD represents those groups; their dogs include German, Australian, Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retrievers, Border Collies, a Golden Retriever, Nova Sco a Duck Tolling Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Ro weiler. Well-socialized, non-ski sh dogs that are up to the physically demanding tasks can be trained as well. Case in point, Elizabeth adds with a laugh that their group has “the token Bloodhound,” a member of the hound group. Kobuk is Elizabeth’s second German Shepherd; she relied on a breeder for her dog. She began ins lling the SAR mentality immediately; they played his favorite “hide-n-seek” game, something that makes him great in SAR. Whether a dog is trained in a SAR group from a puppy or at an older age (recommended not over 3 years), it needs to be dog-friendly, have endurance to work for at least 8 hours at a me, and be able to withstand various situa ons. Kobuk and other MESARD K9s are trained in wilderness air scent detec on. The dog li s his head and allows the wind to carry the scent to his nose, and he moves towards it. Once he locates the person, he runs back to his handler and gives his trained alert, such as jumping on his chest. Since Kobuk is a “talker,” his alert is a bark. The dog then leads his handler and

Elizabeth chuckles about the American Humane Associa on’s Na onal Hero Dog awards show last fall, “How did I go from running around the woods, chasing my dog’s tail, to the Red Carpet in Hollywood?” The award was for Kobuk’s life-saving search and rescue mission that he, Elizabeth, and their flanker performed in 2015, finding the missing Maine woman in the woods. In addi on to Kobuk’s win in SAR, there were seven other dogs honored in their categories of emerging hero, therapy, service, arson, guide/hearing, law enforcement, and military. Elizabeth and Kobuk were flown by American Airlines to California for the gala that was held at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. She says her people-loving Shepherd had never flown before, but he was a great traveler; he’d nap a bit, then roam the aisles to visit with other fliers and airline a endants. She was rubbing elbows with celebri es and philanthropists, but adds that Kobuk was the star, calm and cool. While her experience was exci ng, she’s very humble, “It was a thrill to represent SAR teams all across the na on and to put the spotlight on Search and Rescue and the incredible work search dogs can do…I felt honored that we went out and represented all of Maine SAR.” They also went to New York City and appeared on the “Today Show.” The stardust may be a memory, but they both s ll shine as part of Maine’s group of heroes that dedicate many hours in SAR to save the lives of others. SAR teams pay for all their expenses; consider making a dona on to the unit that serves your area. For a list of Maine’s SAR units, visit h p:// emainehos ng.com/masar/ac ve_units.htm.

Please Support Our Advertisers BANGOR & DOWNEAST

SOUTHERN

Bear Brook Kennels .........................16 Bell’s Photography ..........................10 Green Acres Kennel Shop................16

Animal Emergency Clinic ...................6 Maine Veterinary Medical Center.....6 Pet Connec on..................................6 Pleasant Hill Kennels .........................5 Portland Veterinary Specialists .......10 Puppy Love ........................................2 Tender Touch Vet ............................10

MIDCOAST Ames Supply ....................................16 Atlan c Vet ......................................16 Harbor Hounds ................................11 Loyal Biscuit ......................................2 Mr. Dog Training ................................2 Two Salty Dogs ..................................6 Wag It Training ..................................2 Water Bark Wellness .......................10 Yankee Clipper...................................2

STATEWIDE & BEYOND

VOTED BEST VETERINARIAN 2012 & 2014 Quality medicine, surgery and dentistry from a professional team you can trust.

Aussie Pet Mobile

Taylor Brook Animal Hospital

Southern/Coastal ........................... 10 Pet Life ..............................Back Cover petMAINE ..........................................3 Silver Paw Pet Tags............................6 Trainer Special ............................8 & 9

“Honoring the Human-Animal Bond”

Catherine Sanders D.V.M. Michael Binette D.V.M.

WESTERN Bee’s Pet Si ng.................................6 Taylor Brook Animal Hospital.....5 & 7

Catherine Sanders D.V.M. Office Hours By Appointment

207-784-1726

www.taylorbrookanimalhospital.com 33 Millett Drive • Auburn, ME

February 2017

Epilogue Last Chapter

S he is gone. Our soul dog, our dream girl, our trusting, loving, easy-going dog who touched so many lives in her long life, is gone. Our hearts ache. It seemed we should have been able to keep her going fueled by our love alone. She lived and lived and lived, and lived well. She thrived long past the age which one would normally expect of a Standard Poodle. Sweet Sixteen was just around the bend, but it proved too long a journey for her. “Dogs go through stages just like we do, developmental stages. From birth, to puppy, to scampy adolescent, growing into a young adult, a full adult, and then senior before you know it, slipping into geriatric, then the hospice stage, and then actively dying and onto death. The complete circle. A soul.” [nancytanner.com] Dory had (mostly) rebounded from just about everything that came her way, but we knew her bank account for recovery was severely depleted and eventually there would be nothing left from which to draw. In early December, her old health issues and a few new ones all

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

converged. We had a roller coaster ride of good days and bad, but after a few weeks of this, one month shy of her 16th birthday, we knew it was time to

say good-bye when she took a dramatic turn for the worse. The final weight tipping her towards her ultimate death was a high fever which took everything out of her. Euthanasia was peaceful, full of dignity and relief, and absolutely heartbreaking all at the same time. As my husband Drew would say after she was gone, "It's like a Dory movie is playing non-stop in my mind and I cannot turn it off."

HOSPICE CARE When we have an elderly or terminally ill dog, everything revolves around that dog. When our pets are in need of special care, we do everything in our power to help them. When mobility is an issue, we become hyper-vigilant, ready to come to their aid to help them move from Point A to Point B even if it’s just to go from sitting to lying down. We offer them anything that brings them joy, continually trying to balance the scales towards the side of happy and fulfilled. Comfortable. Pain-free. We look for signs of good health, even the most minute signs that might indicate things are okay. Fetching, engaging in training games, tail wagging, rolling.. anything. How does one know when the scales have tipped towards the other side, never to right themselves again? How does one

know when it’s time to humanely send our beloved pet across the “rainbow bridge?” There are no clear answers to these questions, unfortunately. Dr. Katie Hilst has put together a helpful “quality of life” scale which can be found on her website journeyspet.com. I highly recommend that you check it out if you have an elderly or sick pet. We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to think that we will definitively, intuitively know when the right time has come to make the ultimate decision, but it’s not always that way. I have spoken to many people who regretted waiting too long, doing too much, and prolonging the inevitable. Having this guide to refer to can be helpful. Nearly a month has passed since we lost Dory. Once she was gone, we were hit by the enormity not only of her loss and of her absence but also of how much effort had gone into taking care of her. This isn’t something we are truly cognizant of until the need is no longer there. The extent of our efforts reflected the extent of her decline. We want to extend a huge thank you to those who reached out to offer condolences; knowing so many people understand brings us much comfort. Sending love and peace to you and your dogs. Live well.

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

Dr. Marta Agrodnia, DVM, DACVS

739 Warren Ave., Portland, ME

207-878-3121

24 hours, 7 days a week animalemergencyclinicportland.com

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR DOG! FOOD | TREATS | TOYS

OPEN YEAR ROUND!

2013, 2014, 2015B& 2013, 2014 & 2015 EST2016 MAINE BEST MPAINE P ET S TORE W ET STORE WINNERINNER

22 MCKOWN ST. BOOTHBAY HARBOR - WWW.TWOSALTYDOGS.COM - 207-633-PETS

Downeast Dog News

I am a Carolina Dog, a breed that long ago owned Na ve American people. We were designed by natural selec on to be so intelligent and physically superior that we survived without human help. My great-grandfather was caught from the wild. I can oﬀer advice based on the natural ins ncts and a ributes of wild dogs. In addi on, my adop ve person and I have had lots of training classes and other experiences. Some humans call themselves Mom or Dad of their dog, but I refer to my human, tongue in cheek, as Boss. Much as I love my human, I admit she has many of the same odd no ons as most humans, so I can relate to other pet dogs with problem humans. Send your ques ons to Downeast Dog News! If I can’t help, at least I can oﬀer sympathy, and we can have some fun talking about our amazing humans. Bammy, PO Box 135, Newcastle, ME 04553, or email: askbammy@ dewater.net

ABOUT SOME CANINE AGILITY ADVENTURES I love the game of canine agility. Going over, under, and through obstacles is almost as good as zoomies. But Boss is so slow! I’m trying to teach her to give me

Ask Bammy An Advice Column for Dogs by a Dog

clear long-distance signals, so I can ﬂy around the course without wai ng for her. If I don’t take too much me to sniﬀ, we can usually run fast enough to please her with some of those ribbon things she hangs on the back of her chair. At trials I get applause for my brilliance. Considering Boss’s confusing signals to me, I can tell you I earn every bit of it! One me

she told me the number of the obstacle instead of the name of it! I was supposed to read the number on the li le sign and take that jump? But her feet were pointed that way, so I guessed, and for once, her feet were actually headed where we were going. The audience likes it when I stop on top of the A-frame to get a good view and let the crowd admire me. Boss is pre y funny, too, running back and forth, desperately calling to me and poin ng to the ground. One me I made everybody laugh by making a bee-line directly from the start-line to the low table that serves as the ﬁnish-line. I thought that was a brilliant idea, but for some reason, Boss didn’t accept it. She insisted on us going all the way around the course before I could jump on the table again. Everybody was laughing and clapping. I can tell when she is not as happy with me as she pretends to be, but she pa ed me and gave me chicken bits. So I may try that again. Another bright idea I had was a way to go over the see-saw faster. It would be really dangerous for most dogs, but I knew I could jump far enough to do it safely. I ran up the board un l it was pping down, and then I made a ﬂying leap, so it

wouldn’t hit me as it came back up. It probably saved close to a second, and fractions of a second count in agility. But Boss yelled “No!” The judge’s whistle screamed, and the whole place sent up fear pheromones. I haven’t done that again even though it seems to be just the sort of thing that should be rewarded in agility competitions. There is one obstacle that baffles me. Some crazy human lined up a row of ver cal poles that the dog (but not the human!) is supposed to weave through. You always have to start by passing your le ear by the first pole even if you are approaching from the opposite side. Absurd! And if your stride doesn’t match the distance between poles as you zip through, you are not allowed to skip a pole to keep the rhythm going. Boss has been prac cing this with me for all of nine years, but it is so pointless that I s ll don’t bother to do it right. It just seems to make a mockery of my natural ability to fly through the woods like a deer! The Ask Bammy column is intended for humor and entertainment. If your dog has behavioral issues please contact a veternarian or professional trainer.

Help a dog find a forever home! See page 13.

Free Vaccines for Life! It is very important for all pets to have regular annual physical exams including parasite screenings. This is a simple and cost effective plan to give your pet the regular and personalized care they deserve. How will the program work? Adult pets onetime enrollment fee of $99. Puppies and Kittens (20 weeks of age or younger) onetime fee of $125.00–because during the ﬁrst 4 to 6 months they receive more vaccines than an adult dog or cat. After enrollment, your pet will receive the vaccines offered by this program for free for the rest of their life, as long as they come to Taylor Brook Animal Hospital.

Vaccines included in the program — Dogs: Cats: ✓ Rabies ✓ Rabies ✓ Distemper ✓ Distemper (RCP) ✓ Lyme Disease ✓ Leukemia *Leptospirosis Bordetella (kennel cough) is offered at a 10% discount. To stay enrolled in the program, your pet will need the following done annually: For Dogs: ✓ Preventative Care exam ✓ Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Heartworm Disease Blood Parasite Screening ✓ Comprehensive Intestinal Parasite Screening

For Cats: ✓ Preventative Care Exam ✓ Comprehensive Intestinal Parasite Screening ✓ FIV/FeLV blood screening (one time if indicated)

Please go to our website for more details: taylorbrookanimalhospital.com

Taylor Brook Animal Hospital • 33 Millett Drive, Auburn • 784-1726 February 2017

Sit, Stay, Heel PUPSTART!

Selec ng a Dog Trainer By Sumac Grant-Johnson

ogs can be such wonderful companions, enriching our lives with very special rela onships. They are great pals to hang out with, share walks with, pursue adventures with, and/or to be teammates in dog sports. All this starts with training. Training basic manners and skills will make a dog a pleasure to live with. Building a rela onship of love and trust combined with basic training will make your dog not only a joy to live with but a companion that eagerly responds to your cues. This sets the founda on for years of fun with your pal or as a step towards par cipa ng in dog sports. Finding the right trainer can be a challenge. At present, dog training is not standardized or managed by the government. What this means is basically anyone can call themselves a dog trainer and offer services. The quality of services varies tremendously. So now what? Where do you find a trainer that matches your needs? Research and science have proven that training based on posi ve methods is extremely affec ve and supports the forma on of a strong rela onship. It has also been proven that training based on the “dominance theory”, the “Alpha Dog” approach, and correc on can easily lead to fear, anxiety, and aggression. Here are some ps for finding a qualified trainer that will help you reach your training goals through a process that is enjoyable for you and your dog. • Internet Search– Check the websites of the organiza ons that cer fy trainers (List to follow). These sites typically have a “find a trainer” search area. Being cer fied demonstrates a commitment to the organiza on’s principles and a dedica on to educa on and the science behind training. Then research further. • Check with local professionals - Dedicated trainers develop rela onships with local veterinarians, groomers, etc. and have built a reputa on in their community. Ask about the trainers and the dogs they see that have been trained with the trainer. • Trainer’s website and Facebook page - Look for things like years of experience, educa on, philosophy, affilia ons, and creden als. Also check out the descrip ons of the classes and ac vi es they offer. • Videos - Look for the trainer’s videos. Do they show the students and dogs engaged in posi ve training? • Tools - Harnesses, treats, clickers and or marker training are typical tools of posi ve trainers. Choke, pinch and prong collars are correc on devices and are not typical tools of a posi ve trainer. • Call or visit – Talking with or visi ng with a trainer offers an opportunity to ask ques ons and get a be er feeling for if the trainer is the right one for you and your dog. • Popular Cer fica on Organiza ons- These organiza ons require applicants to pass various tes ng and/or evalua on and con nuing educa on requirements.

Kompletely K-9

a dayschool for puppies up to 6 mos/25#

Kris Potter

207-322-5111

www.dianalogan.com North Yarmouth 4

Serving Locations In Midcoast Maine And Beyond

Dog Training and Rehabilitation

Kompletelyk9.com • 248 Choate Rd, Montville, ME 04941

Member #P2848

Carolyn Fuhrer’s North Star Dog Training School Obedience Agility and Tracking Classes and lessons based on individual needs of our students - learn from the best instructor in Maine and start to have success with your dog! North Star students are from all over Maine and beyond:

Time for your dog to "hit the books?" • The Cer fica on Council of Professional Dog Trainers - The CCPDT offers cer fica on op ons to trainers who demonstrate a mastery of training skills and a commitment to humane, science based training prac ces. • The Interna onal Associa on of Animal Behavior Consultants - The IAABC offers cer fica on op ons for trainers working with various species assis ng with the management and modifica on of behavior issues and a commitment to Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) prac ces. • Wag It Games - Founded by Sumac Grant-Johnson. Wag It Games offers cer fica on to trainers demonstra ng a commitment to posi ve dog training, a broad understanding of learning, teaching techniques, crea vity, respect for the student. • The Pet Professional Accredita on Board - The PPAB offers cer fica on op ons to trainers who demonstrate a high level of competency and a commitment to Force Free training methods. Sumac Grant-Johnson CPDT-KA, has been involved with training for more than 40 years and a professional trainer for more than 20. Sumac is a speaker at na onal dog trainer conferences, presents seminars, and offers instructor training interna onally. She runs Wag It Camps, is the founder of Wag It Games, and is the owner of Wag It Training Center in Lincolnville, Maine.

Bar Harbor • Dresden • Hope • Camden • Brewer • Sebec • Vinalhaven • Union Scarborough • Lisbon Falls • Washington • Waldoboro • Monroe • Rockport Chamberlain • Bowdoinham • Guilford • Leeds • Industry • Weston, Vermont New York, NY • Litchﬁeld, NH • Loudon, NH • Dover-Foxcroft • Thomaston Bremen • Islesboro • Somerville • Brunswick • Bolton, MA

A creative blend of dog training & graphic design

Canine Fitness & Conditioning Programs From athletes to couch potatoes, every dog can be fit! Offering group classes & private lessons in Saco, Gorham and Fryeburg, Maine

www.pawsink.com

We welcome you to join us and make 2017 the year it all comes together.

Blue Collar K-9 Training Center Bluecollark9.com

Diane Cunningham Handler/Dog Trainer

Providing training for over 15 years! 41 Pa ees Pond Road, Winslow, Maine

TRAINING SERVICE Located at For Dogs, LLC 251 Main Rd. (Rt. 1A) in Holden, ME 04429

Arrange for an appointment (207) 989-PAWS • (207) 735-3434

Any breed, any age Fully licensed

207-877-7203

Group Classes Private Sessions

(7297)

WWW.PAWSDOWNTRAININGSERVICE.COM

Advertiser Location Map

Kidz and Kritters

Bangor

Offering positive solutions for the Body, Mind, and Spirit of Animals through the use of Ttouch, Reiki, and Essential Oils

Holden

Deb Burk 207-592-8589 Dresden, Maine 04342 ~ www.kidzandkritters.com

Winslow

Obedience, Agility, NoseWork, Herding & More! Group and Private Instruction. Fun for all ages and abilities.

207-595-1592 • wagittraining.com

Offering compassionate training for your canine companion.

2 Rockland

Edgecomb

Marcia@positivelybestfriends.com

Brunswick Yarmouth

Bath

4 11

Lincolnville

207.882.7297 www.positivelybestfriends.com

Lincolnville, ME

Somerville

Dresden

280 Boothbay Road, Edgecomb

TRAINING CENTER

Belfast

Augusta

THE TRUSTED NAME in Dog Training in the Midcoast area for over 20 years.

WAG IT

Montville

Downeast Dog News

February 2017

Portland

Mul ple Loca ons

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

Obedience: The Founda on of All We Do with Our Dogs

KC defines its obedience program as trials set up to demonstrate the dog’s ability to follow specified rou nes in the obedience ring to emphasize the usefulness of the dog as a companion to humans, and it is essen al that the dog demonstrate willingness and enjoyment while it is working, and that handling be smooth and natural without harsh commands. In other words – the dog and handler enjoy working together. If you have ever seen beau ful heeling, you understand the wonderful flow of energy between the dog and handler. If you have ever seen bright, crisp signals and recalls, then you understand the focus and understanding between the team that

comes from the heart. Obedience is the founda on that enables our dogs to do all the wonderful things they do with us and for us. Obedience enables our dogs to be search and rescue dogs, herding dogs, therapy dogs, assistance dogs, agility dogs, freestyle dogs, and on and on. Without obedience as a founda on, dogs could not par cipate in these ac vi es. They need to be able to ignore distrac ons, make good choices, work under pressure,

follow direc ons, and have focus and a en on. This is what obedience teaches and this is not a bad thing. All pet dogs could use these skills – it could even save their lives at some point. There seems to be some feeling that commands are bad. Actually, in reality we give our dogs commands all the me, such as “wait” when we open the door to let them out; “sit and wait” when we go to put their food bowls down; “come” when we need them to join us. Whether you want to call them cues, requests, or signals, it is a ques on of seman cs. We s ll expect some compliance and good manners when we ask something of our pets. This is not bad. Correc on seems to be another diﬃcult term – correc on is simply a way of showing how something should be done. It does not imply pain or harshness mentally or physically. To anyone who has a poor opinion of obedience my guess is he or she has never a ended a good obedience class. In a good class, there is fun, excitement, laughter, challenges, and lots and lots of rewards in many shapes and forms. Dogs are never – and I repeat – never corrected in any way for something they do not understand. This would be selfdefea ng for all involved. How could we create a willing, joyful, trus ul partner if this was a method we employed? Are there poor obedience teachers out there? I’m sure there are, just as there are bad doctors and

poor a orneys. Posi ve training is not an en ty in and of itself, but simply a way to teach obedience. Posi ve training and obedience training should not be an an thesis. Posi ve methods are employed to teach dogs obedience and life skills, and most successful obedience instructors use posi ve methods. There are also people out there claiming to use only posi ve methods and are not very good at it because they do not understand how to teach. Even improper use of “clicker training” can cause terrible mental stress to a dog that is overwhelmed by the improper criteria. So, let’s hope 2017 will be a year to bring more mutual respect to all those in the dog world and for how we choose to spend quality me with our dogs. We all basically share the same goals: to enjoy living with our dogs and enjoy special ac vi es with them. A dog with an obedience founda on is a joy to live with and actually gets a lot more freedom than an uncontrolled dog. It is irresponsible to allow an uncontrolled dog total freedom. All dogs need an obedience founda on. I am very proud of all of my students and the rela onship they have developed and built upon through obedience. Not sure? Find a good obedience class to watch and talk with the students and learn how much it could do for you and your dog.

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.

• heated salt water pool with a gently sloping ramp just for dogs • a full-body workout; a 20 minute swim = a brisk 4 mile walk

Year-round swimming for your dog.

336 Gorham Rd., Scarborough, ME 04074

Dr. Rita DeMeuse, DVM

We have adoptable kittens, cats and dogs available to qualiﬁed homes!

• year-round private swimming by appointment • improved range of motion, cardio health and muscle strength

Dr. Kelly Hill, DVM

Dr. Carly Holgerson, DVM

Groovy Tuesdays

Boarding

Feline Neuters - $95 Feline Spays - $150 Includes Rabies and FVRCP Vaccines

Individual Kennels Grassy Outdoor Pens, cleaned after every dog

Loving, Experienced, Professional Kennel Staff

Felix, a munchkin cat, is available for adoption!

Compassionate

Respected

Established

• improved blood ﬂow nourishing joints

Specialists

Portland Veterinary Specialists

• personal certiﬁed canine swim coach to assist

See what people say about us on Facebook.

TTender Touch Veterinary Hospital

By Appointment Only

59 Union Street | Camden Schedule & Pre-Pay online at

WaterBarkWellness.com or call 230.8455

When your pet needs specialized care... When your pet is in need of advanced diagnostics and treatments in a caring and professional environment, the team at Portland Veterinary Specialists will go the extra mile to provide the best care possible for you and your pet. Internal Medicine • Cancer Care • Surgery • Ophthalmology • Cardiology Acupuncture Integrative Medicine • Dermatology • Ultrasonagrapy Endoscopy • Radioactive Iodine Therapy • Laser Therapy 2255 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102 739 Warren Avenue, Portland, Maine 04103 www.portlandvetspecialists.com Phone: 207-780-0271 • Email: petvet@prtlvet.com

Does your business need to reach an audience of more than 10,000 dog lovers?

Reach new customers

Grow your business

Advertise with us here! Email: jenn@downeast dognews.com

Downeast Dog News

What is Dog Training?

f you were to ask three people to define dog training, you would probably get as many different answers even if those people were professional dog trainers. The fact is individuals have various views on what training a dog entails. Some believe training is only for compe on or working dogs and is not necessary for a pet or companion dog. Others see training as nothing more than teaching a dog to sit and walk nicely on a leash. In my mind, dog training entails everything we need to do to ensure that our dogs can be included in our lives as much as possible and that they can have a long, enjoyable life free of fear, force, and pain. For years our defini on of dog training at Green Acres has been “Dog training is a process where we mo vate our dog to offer a specific behavior when given a specific cue while having fun.” As I look at that defini on today, I recognize that while accurate, it is incomplete, only addressing a small part of what training entails. In my es ma on a complete descrip on of dog training would be: “Dog training is a process where we teach our dog not only to respond reliably to cues but to live free of fear in a human-centric world. Training also involves managing the dog and its environment to prevent behaviors

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

we dislike. As we get to know our dog, we need to learn to accept him for the unique individual that he is. To

op mize our dog’s ability to learn, we create teaching scenarios where he is setup to succeed and is mo vated to offer behaviors we like. We reward him for desirable behavior, eventually teaching him to perform a specific behavior when given a par cular cue, all while having fun. All of this is accomplished without the use of pain, force, fear, or in mida on.” First and foremost is the importance of recognizing that training a dog is a process made up of many steps that all take me. The length of me will depend upon several factors, including the dog, the environment, and the handler. Typically the trainer that is the most pa ent will be the most successful and will have the happiest dog. Equally cri cal is the acceptance and apprecia on of dogs as a unique species with very different needs and understandings about what cons tutes normal and acceptable social interac ons. When dogs enter into our families, we have a responsibility to help them learn to live in our homes as well as our hec c world, free of fear and anxiety. That starts with socializa on and habitua on with a young puppy and may involve months of gentle, tolerant rehabilita on with a rescue dog. Managing a dog to prevent undesirable behavior is just as

much a part of the training process as teaching a dog to perform the desired behaviors. From a behavioral perspec ve, the more a behavior is prac ced and rewarded, the stronger the behavior will become. Whether we like it or not, preven on is cri cal. The actual act of training a dog requires certain skills and knowledge. There are as many ways to train dogs as there are to teach children arithme c. Taking the me to acquire this knowledge and these skills and then consistently implemen ng them can make the training process go much more smoothly and quickly. This allows for the eﬀec ve and humane teaching of our dog's certain behaviors he needs to know to be successful in our human world. One of the best ways to acquire these skills and knowledge is to work with a cer ﬁed, professional dog trainer. Look for my ar cle on the Downeast Dog News website en tled “How to choose a dog trainer.” Last but certainly not least, make sure the training process is fun and enjoyable for all. Isn’t companionship one of the major reasons humans choose to have dogs in their lives? Studies and common sense tell us that if we enjoy something, like training the dog, we are more likely to do it and more likely to be successful.

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 fied Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Associate Cer fied Cat Behavior Consultant (ACCBC) and a Cer fied 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.

Boarding Doggie Daycare Grooming

At Harbor Hounds, Your Dog will Enjoy Its Vacation, While You Enjoy Yours We Provide Expert Daycare, Boarding and Grooming Services for Your Dog s Trained Staff s Supervised Playgroups s Individualized Attention

s Large Secure Outdoor Play Yards s Overnight Boarding s Limited Grooming Services

Indoor and Outdoor Access Dogs have access to our 1/4 acre outside covered play yard as well as a daycare play room and eight additional secure outside play yards.

Pools and Shade Our guests enjoy two sun cabanas and two pools during the spring and summer months.

Paw-Safe Cleaning Practices No bleach is used in cleaning. All of our cleaning chemicals are Paw-Safe.

311 Park Street U Rockland, ME 04841 U 207-593-7913 www.harborhoundsmaine.com U mydawgs@harborhoundsmaine.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! And see your pets enjoy their day!

February 2017

Rescue

Month

of the

BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY Every Match Made is a Life Saved

KONA

SEAMUS

COAL

Terrier/ Pit Bull/Mix

A sweet senior boy looking for a place to re re. We’d like to ﬁnd a quiet, loving home. Because he was a stray, we don’t know much about him yet, so we're recommending cau on and slow introduc ons with other animals. Do you have room in your home and heart for Seamus?

18 mos, Australian Shepherd/Terrier, Pit Bull Mix

She's smart, sweet, sensi ve and caring. She's an owner surrender; she was no longer a ﬁt in her home. Shy at ﬁrst, Kona enjoys mee ng people who let her come to them. She would do best with human friends who are in their teens and up, and adults who can work on basic training. This beau ful girl will make the perfect match for the right owner.

He came in at the end of December.

Meet us at the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor. Hours: Monday to Friday, noon to 6 pm, Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. 207.942.8902

By Susan Spisak

tacey R. Coventry, Director of Development and Public Rela ons at the Bangor Humane Society (BHS), says they’re probably the largest shelter in north and eastern Maine—they serve over 200 communi es and have been around since 1869. “We focus on domes c animals,” cats, bunnies, domes c birds and dogs, with canines represen ng about a third of their average annual intake. She adds that dogs seem to “fly” off their adop on floor, and they have innova ve programs that boost that process. Their Adop on Ambassador program is funded by an ASPCA grant; it allows trained Adop on Ambassadors to provide temporary housing for one of their dogs while they assist in finding the perfect permanent match. The Ambassadors schedule the meet and greet with poten al adopters, and the dog is adopted from their home. BHS supplies all food, supplies, and necessary veterinary care. Stacey says this is a great way for poten al adopters to meet a dog outside of the kennel environment. Some dogs

just don’t “show” well in a kennel; their personality comes out when they’re relaxed and in a home environment. The Adop on Ambassador program also opens space at BHS, allowing them to take in dogs from overcrowded Maine shelters or Road Trip Home Animal Rescue in Georgia. Fast Track Dog’s Day Out allows people to sign a dog out for a few hours for a walk or a visit to their home; this gives the animal a break from the kennel. They fill out paperwork and agree to have the pet back before the shelter closes that day. Perhaps Stacey’s favorite Fast Track story is that of a couple who is in the market for a dog. They stop in o en and take a different dog for a spin. They aren’t sure what breed or temperament will fit their lifestyle, but eventually their though ul considera on will pan out and a lucky dog will find a caring home. Pets 4 Farmer Vets is a BHS partnership with the United Farmer Veterans of Maine, a non-profit commi ed to helping veterans achieve success in agriculture. “There are real opportuni es to match

veterans with companion dogs,” says Stacey. They are aware that some dogs thrive in a farm environment; they can also comfort a vet and help with PTSD. To date, they’ve placed about a half-dozen dogs through Pets 4 Farmer Vets. Interested vets should contact Jerry Ireland, the Execu ve Director of United Farmer Veterans of Maine at 207-3227625. He pre-screens poten al adopters and sends the info on to BHS. Adop on fees are waived and dog training vouchers are provided. For all details, visit h ps:// www.bangorhumane.org/page/955-821/ bangorhumaneorg-petstovets. For informa on on all programs, including fostering, low-cost spay/neuter for low-income individuals and families, volunteering, adop ng, and dona ng to this non-proﬁt, visit www.bangorhumane. org. They are located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME. Call them at 207-942-8902. Stacey adds a last thought: their dogs are adopted quickly, so be sure to check the website frequently for new pets.