2021 January Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

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Emergency Preparedness or even an evacuation. Emergency awareness and planning is essential for individuals, families, and evere ice and snowstorms, companion animal owners. Arming strong Nor'easters, hurricanes, yourself with knowledge and being tropical storms, floods, forest fires, prepared can alleviate stress, anxiety, and natural or man-made disasters and lend calmness to the situation. can necessitate a home confinement I talked to Ron Jones, Project Coordinator for the Cumberland

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County Emergency Management Agency. This highly skilled agency, like other similar agencies in Maine, has a key role during disasters. “In a nutshell, all counties have an Emergency Agency in the state of Maine. Think of it as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) at the county level.” Their job

See Emergency on page 5

8 &9

Paws to Train

12 & 13 Dogs for Adoption

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Calendar of events

Hot Dog News

Time to Renew Dog Licenses

on’t forget to renew your dog licenses by January 31st. Some towns can do so online https://apps1.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/dog_license/index.pl. All others must renew through your town office. Your dog licensing fees support: • Local Animal Control Officers and State Humane Agents • Investigation of animal cruelty complaints and enforcement of animal welfare laws • Compliance with rabies vaccination of dogs • Care for sick and injured stray animals • Return of lost dogs to their owners

Congratulations PAWS Animal Adoption Center!

Pet Pantry Winner

ongratulations to Androscoggin Humane Society’s Fetchin’ Food Pet Pantry. In December we took a portion of the proceeds from our Downeast Dog News Happy Pawlidays center spread and ran a drawing to determine which pantry would receive a donation and they were our winner! As always thank you to our advertisers. Greater Androscoggin Humane Sociey’s Fetchin’ Food Pet Pantry serves the residents of Auburn, Canton, Greene, Hebron, Leeds, Lewiston, Livermore, Minot, New Gloucester, Turner, and Wales. https://gahumane.org/what-we-do/pet-food-pantry/ If you are need of some assistance you can view our list of pantries on our website downeastdognews.com or contact Jenn at (207) 706-6765.

L to R: Sandy Patrick, Belfast Area Chamber Member Rep; Shelly Butler, PAWS Executive Director; Tabitha Lowe, PAWS Development Director; Nichole Quinn and Necole Dabrio Janzcura, First National Bank Business Development Officers. Photo: Scott Smith, Belfast Area Chamber

The Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce announced their 60th Annual Chamber Awards. 1,100 people voted for their favorite businesses,

organizations, and individuals in the community. PAWS Animal Adoption Center received the Waldo County Business Award (sponsored by First National Bank). This award recognizes a Chamber Member from Waldo County, or somewhere outside of greater Belfast, that has demonstrated sound business development, civic involvement, and support for the overall business community.

See MORE HOT DOG NEWS on page 15

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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 Christine Calder Sara Sokol GRAPHIC DESIGN NVDesigns • Nicole Vanorse Advertising Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

President Wendi Smith Parent & Publishing Company Maine Pet News LLC Our Goals

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From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, It’s a new year! I don’t want to put too many expectations into 2021, but I do hope and think it could be better than 2020. Regardless, it is important to be positive! We have been living this strange alternative life now for about 10 months. We have been forced to learn how to do things differently and be creative. I think some of us have also slowed down and have been reminded of that which is most important to us. I spent Thanksgiving at home this year and still had a turkey dinner. Pepper was in absolute awe of the turkey! Her eyes grew huge as I pulled the bagged turkey from the refrigerator and moved it into the pan in the morning. She was even more crazed once it had been cooked and the leftover turkey had been picked and put into containers. For the entire week following Thanksgiving, she kept a close eye on the kitchen any time the refrigerator was opened. We refer to this as turkey madness. Our previous Thanksgiving was spent at my mother’s house, and that was the first time she experienced a whole turkey, but this was the first time she has had a turkey in her home. I remember a Thanksgiving I had when living in Miami, and my dog Reilly practically put her head in the oven and would lick the air because it smelled so good. She also licked the tile floor and almost killed me one day, sending me sliding into the cabinets. As I have mentioned many times, Pepper likes her fruits and vegetables, and I am pretty sure she led me to the kitchen for a banana recently. We often share a banana in the morning but had sort of taken a break from that regular routine. There were, however, bananas in a bowl in the kitchen. Once I finished my breakfast, I felt a little tap of her nose on my elbow and looked at her and asked her what she wanted. I got up and she ran to the kitchen and I swear she looked right at the bananas. So, we had one. Then she seemed satisfied having crossed that off her morning list and then went to lay on the couch to take a nap. Whatever 2021 has in store for us, let’s try and meet it with grace and respect for one another. There are some who have been working tirelessly to try keep us safe and healthy. They deserve the utmost respect and gratitude from us all! These have not been easy times, and it can really wear on you, but when you find yourself turning towards the negative, try and pause and take a few deep breaths and remember that others are also dealing with their own struggles. Every year we make resolutions to lose weight, exercise more, save money, and so on. I think this year on the top of everyone’s list should be to be kind to everyone even when it is difficult. Pepper and I wish you all a happy and healthy year to come! Take care and be safe, Jenn and Pepper

Dog of the Month! BO

In 2008, we rescued sweet 6-month-old Bo. This addition created our loveable and mischievous 4 pack, and life was never the same.

Maine Pet News, LLC P.O. Box 1076 Camden, ME 04843-1076 Phone: 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com www.downeastdognews.com

Bo had heart, spirit, and smarts. His radar was better than any meteorologist – he knew hours before a storm hit. And like his brothers, he was a true beach boy, it was his happiest place. Over the years, the pack dwindled leaving only Bo - but he welcomed our new rescue, Teddy. Sadly, just after Bo turned 13, our vet confirmed that his days were numbered, and he said to help him live his best life. So, we packed up and headed to the beach for one last hurrah.

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COPYRIGHT 2006-2021 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.

JANUARY 2021

If you’d like to submit a photo of your pet to be posted on our website send it with a small description of your dog (cool trick, silly thing he does, favorite toy) to jenn@downeastdognews.com or mail it to: P.O. Box 1076, Camden, ME 04843-1076. Each month one will be selected to be printed in the paper.

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News . ................ 2,15 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips . ............... 6 Ask Bammy............................ 7 Introducing Your New Pet . .....7 Paws To Train ..................... 8, 9 Performance Dog Training.... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows....... 11 Rescue of the Month.............12 Dogs for Adoption................ 13 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

I am so excited to share my

journey of adopting a five-year-old chocolate Labrador a month ago! For seven years I’ve been writing about your dogs, which has been so much fun, but holy smokes I forgot how much I needed a dog in my life. Cats just aren’t the same, are they? In case you missed the December edition, I’ll catch you up. Her name is Syd, and I got her from a friend who is also a reputable breeder. I did a reading for her pack, and at the end, we were just catching up since we don’t see each other at dog shows right now. I mentioned we were looking for a dog, and by the end of the dialog, she had sent me pictures, and I had said yes to meeting Syd. When things are meant to be, they happen fast! I grew up with a black Lab named Lucy, and up to the day my dad died, he couldn’t talk about her without choking up. That dog was his loyal companion and his world. Apparently, he heard my son and me talking about how we really wanted a dog, and just as we were about to begin to search for the perfect dog, Syd literally landed in my lap. I swear he pulled some strings in heaven to make this happen, and I am so grateful for that! What was my life like before having a dog? Well, I was becoming quite a couch potato. I went on walks in March and April to counteract the effects of being in lockdown. Then the black flies came out in May, and I retreated to the house. Not being one for the heat, come June I put walking on hold and

Yeast Infections Q. My dog was diagnosed with a yeast infection in his skin. I don’t feed him any yeast, so why does he have it?

A. Yeast infections are really

common problems with our companions and ourselves. They can show up as ear, skin, feet, and gastrointestinal infections. Yeast naturally occurs in our environment, on skin, and inside the gut. The problem happens when there is too much yeast. So how and why does this happen? The yeast on the skin is Malassezia pachydermatiatis. You probably have heard your veterinarian say Fido has a yeast infection in his ears. This is the yeast being talked about. This yeast is on the skin, which is normal. Candida albicans is found in the mouth and gut. When your companion is healthy and has a strong immune system, yeast is not a problem. It is the challenged dog who runs into problems. Most of the time there is an underlying problem that gives the yeast the opportunity to flourish. Allergies are the number one cause, but other issues like

Furry Words

by Sara Moore

www.enlightenedhorizons.com

spent my summer doing readings and playing in the waves at the beach. The pandemic was still an issue, and the crowds at the coast and in my hometown of Conway, NH were insane, so instead of walking the beach, I played in the yard when I wasn’t hiding in my house. I think this was the first summer ever when I didn’t even go for one hike because of all the crowds. I clearly needed a reason to get back into walking, and she showed up in November! With Syd, I’ve walked in rain, sleet, snow, a Nor’Easter, freezing temps, and beautiful sunny days and have loved them all. I used to be an avid hiker and the saying is, “There’s no bad

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

infections and inflammation can create an environment ripe for a yeast infection. Dogs with conformational challenges, such as skin folds around their faces and tails often have yeast infections. Overweight dogs, unkept coats, poor diet, over vaccinating, medications, pesticides, and environmental chemicals can be underlying causes too. Symptoms of a yeast infection are itchy skin, ears, and feet, greasy and flakey coat, a rusty color to the fur, shaking the head, discoloration of the skin, and fur loss. Often there

weather, only bad gear.” This theory definitely applies to walking dogs, too! Do you know what I have loved the most about getting back outside? Simply being in nature. Standing at the end of my driveway, I have seen mountains bathed in the light of dawn, coloring them shades of pinks and purples. I’ve stood patiently in the dark, waiting for Syd to “do her business” and stared at the night sky filled with millions of stars. In those moments, I look up hoping to see a shooting star or meteor while saying hello to my parents in heaven. I’ve also been outside in my pajamas as many times as I’ve been bundled up in my winter gear. I can safely say I’ve been more active in the past month than in the entire summer! So active, in fact, I’ve had to buy new pair of running shoes and yak tracks because I’ve already worn out my old pair of each! One of the biggest blessings Syd has brought to me is healing. My dad died almost a year and a half ago, and we sold my childhood home in February of 2020. Talk about great timing- three weeks later and life as we knew it was on hold. I pushed through that overwhelming process and continued to work. I ended a four-year relationship this fall, and my heart was heavy. She has listened to me process it all and has never told me to shut up. She simply listens without judging. Well, I think that is true! Either way she’s a great listener. My son entered high school, and the reality of him having a driver’s license in a year means I

won’t have my little boy with me as much. I already share him with his baseball, hockey, and football team, and he is now happier to be with his girlfriend more than me. Sigh. I know that’s all part of growing up, but I was starting to feel lonely, and then this eighty pound love bug showed up. Perfectly timed, as most things in life are, and I was open to the opportunity. It has been amazing and rewarding, and we’re still just getting to know each other! Before I go, I also want to mention that adopting an older dog was never really on my radar, but it has been phenomenal having a dog that is potty trained, has manners, and knows that after a morning walk, sleeping for a few hours is the way life should be lived. This allows me to work from home without worrying about crazy puppy energy or what they would be getting in to. Syd is the perfect companion. You know what she’s also inspired me to do? Most mornings now, when I get up, I change out of my pajamas instead of doing so after my last readingusually in the afternoon. I feel like a normal human with a routine again all because of my dog!

is a musty odor, sometimes smelling like corn chips. In some cases, the dog can have inflamed gums and intestinal upset. There is a condition called leaky gut. The cells lining the intestines are usually tightly aligned. When yeast overgrows, it irritates the cells, and they become inflamed causing gaps between the cells. These gaps allow big proteins, bacteria, and yeast to get into the blood stream. From there, these particles can cause havoc in the rest of the body. This is how allergies develop along with other medical problems in the body. Normally, when yeast infections are caught early, they can be easily treated. If left unchecked, it will take longer to treat. When a yeast infection is suspected, your veterinarian will have shampoos and topical treatments to help your buddy. You can be proactive by improving your dog’s defenses. First is diet. Most commercial dog foods are high in carbohydrates that change into sugars. Sugar is the food for yeast. When you look at a bag of kibble, you will see the percentage of protein, fat, and moisture. They do not add up to 100%. The missing percentage is the carbohydrate amount. If your dog is suffering from allergies and other

medical issues, seek professional advice on how to improve your dog’s diet and decrease the percentage of carbohydrates. Other things you can do is decrease as much as possible exposure to chemicals topically, environmentally, and internally. Watch out for heavy metals in foods, such as oily fish, and treats. If your pup is on medication, ask your veterinarian if you can add prebiotics and probiotics. The yeast, Saccharomyces Boulardii, is good to protect the gut from Candida. It will reduce the inflammation and problems caused by the Candida and keep it from entering the blood stream. I use it whenever I prescribe antibiotics. To help relieve symptoms and kill off yeast topically, use apple cider vinegar as a rinse on the skin. Use in small areas a mixture of coconut oil and lavender oil to hot spots and feet. A mild rinse of green tea for the ears will help reduce the discomfort. Remember if you suspect a yeast infection, consult your veterinarian because there may be a deeper problem that needs to be addressed.

Sara Moore currently offers long distance readings over the phone or FaceTime. You can learn more at www.enlightenedhorizons. com and follow her on Facebook at Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons. All information given in a reading is not a replacement for licensed veterinary care.

Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

Emergency

from page 1

is to guide people in planning for emergencies, and their mantra is personal preparedness. Jones said they have trained volunteer teams who support first responders, fire, police, and emergency medical services during disasters. These “Community Emergency Response Teams” have expertise in areas such as Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Incident Management, Search and Rescue, Medical Reserve Corps, and Animal Response. (Jones is an active member of the Cumberland County Animal Response Team or CCART and is their liaison). Be Smart & Plan Ahead “You as a person are responsible to family and pets, to be responsible,” he said. To that end, have a strategy for a variety of situations and discuss with household members. Keep emergency numbers in a handy spot. Make sure your home’s stocked so you’re selfsufficient for three-plus days with pantry-like food, necessities, and bottled water for your family and pets. (For more tips, ready.gov/plan.) Important paperwork should be in a deposit box, with copies of these documents uploaded to a ready-to-go thumb drive. Include personal ID’s, marriage certificate, social security card, living will, home deed, medical, flood, and home insurance info. Have an alternate heat source or a backup generator to ensure you’re warm during outages – this is Maine after all. (For tips, maine.gov/mema/ maine-prepares/home-preparedness/ heat-source-safety). If you do not have backup sources, do you have a relative who does, and can that person take your family and companion animals in? Or locate dog-friendly motels that can accommodate you. Know where the nearest emergency human and companion animal shelter is located. Pets will be housed in a clean and sanitary “co-located” animal shelter in conjunction with a Red Cross or other community human shelter, and they’ll be within walking distance. For example, people may shelter in a high school gymnasium while dogs are crated in the school’s autobody shop area. “We will keep pets safe, but it’s up to you to feed, exercise, and water your pet,” indicated Jones. Put together a “Go Bag” for yourself and family members. “It doesn’t need to be a giant steamer

trunk on wheels,” he said. With COVID-19, pack several face masks, plastic gloves, and hand sanitizer. Add meds, extra eyeglasses, cash (ATM’s aren’t operational in outages), travelsized toiletries, bottled water, nonperishable food and snacks, flashlight and batteries, an extra set of house and car keys, a first aid kit, and change of clothing. “We’ll get pet food, but it won’t be right away,” said Jones. So, create a canine (or feline) “Go Bag,” adding a few days of pet food, bottled water, vet immunization records, a spare leash, and bowl. For kitty, add litter and disposable pan. Take treasured items such as toys and blankets that bring comfort and remind them of home. Since your pets will be crated for extended periods of time, make sure they’re used to them and bring them along. Jones reiterated if you’re told to evacuate, do so. In past years, especially after Hurricane Katrina, people who stayed behind with their pets created dangerous rescues for public safety workers. “People are so dedicated to their pets, bless their hearts, that they wouldn’t

leave without their pets.” Thus, the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006 (PETS Act) came about so state and local emergency shelter plans would include people/ families with household pets and service animals in an emergency or disaster. (If you have livestock, please see disaster preparedness at usda.gov/ sites/default/files/documents/usdalivestock-preparedness-fact-sheet.pdf.) CCART’s COVID-19 DRILL “With COVID rearing its ugly head, that was one of the things we practiced,” he said of a recent drill where new guidelines were in place. They utilized a high school gym, and to meet Red Cross pandemic requirements, they had gowns, masks, and gloves and will continue as required. There was a public check-in spot for simulated temperature screening and answering COVID exposure questionnaires. The human shelter area was set up with cots for individuals and families, distanced according to protocols. The pet shelter scenario given for this drill was challenging, but they

met the task. Jones said they had to prepare for 30 “very large” dogs. “We had to set up fence paneling, runs, and outside kennels for outdoor dogs. We also had inside kenneling, and cages. We had to convert the facility into an ARL [Animal Refuge League, a Greater Portland brick and mortar nonprofit shelter]. Not to mention laundry facilities and establishing food necessity logistics…It was a two-day event. One day to set up, one whole day to take it all back down.” Jones laughed good-naturedly. If there is a mandated evacuation and you don’t know where to head, call Maine’s emergency information hotline at 2-1-1. You’ll be advised where to find the closest human and pet-friendly co-located shelter. Note: Jones indicated if you’re fearful of COVID-19, whether you need to head to a shelter or not, arm yourself with knowledge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) and Maine CDC (maine.gov/ dhhs/mecdc/) are the most reliable sources. He urged to skip social media sites for info.

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JANUARY 2021

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"Stay" is a Concept

The Release Cue is Key! If you don’t use a verbal release cue, you don’t have sit… or a lot of other things, either! Most dogs will respond to the

verbal cue “sit,” but many of them will lift their furry little bums off the ground at some arbitrary point. The result is that we get a sit that isn’t terribly useful. Dogs don’t do this because they are being stubborn; they just haven’t been trained to understand that “stay” is an integral part of the behavior. What if your dog waited patiently until he was given permission to pass through the door, whether it’s the car door or the exterior door? This is a real safety issue; too many dogs lose their lives when they rush through doorways and into trouble. Then there’s that game of tug your pup adores… we can add the concept “by invitation only” so she doesn’t jump all over you. Introducing the Release Cue! A “release cue” is a verbal cue that releases your dog from a cued or stationary behavior or invites her to access something she desires. There are many ways we can weave a release cue into our daily lives. The cue should be a sound that’s short and clear and not easily confused with any other verbal cue. Examples

Basic Training Tips

by Diana Logan

of common verbal release cues are: “break,” “free,” “okay,” or, my personal favorite, “dak.” “Dak” isn’t a word, so unintentional use of it is unlikely. If you use a common word like “okay,” you will have to say it in a unique way. The release cue is like the password to your e-mail account. It’s consistent and you have to enter it precisely, without any

added characters, or access will be denied. A Release Cue is surprisingly easy to teach. Once your dog understands the concept of sticking a behavior until he hears the release, you will be on your way to having a solid stay and a dog with impeccable manners! Here’s one example of how you can teach and use a release cue: Door Etiquette. “An open door is not an open invitation.” • Invite your dog to the door he wants to go through. • Move into your dog’s space, so he is positioned far enough away from the door for you to comfortably open it. A perch or rug will help him know where to place his body. • Face your dog with your back to the door. Your hand should be on the doorknob. • As soon as your dog offers you eye contact (sit is not necessary), say the release cue then open the door and let him pass through. • If he breaks before you verbally release him, simply restart the exercise. • Once he is offering eye contact habitually, open the door a little bit first, before saying the release. • If he breaks before you verbally release him, close the door and start over. • If he stays put while the door

is slightly open, release him, then open the door enough for him to pass through • You are working towards being able to have the door wide open with your dog offering you eye contact and not moving through until you release him. Does your dog use a crate? It’s the best and easiest place to teach the release cue because you can so easily control the consequence (door opening/door closing). • With your dog in the crate, reach for the crate door. If your dog advances towards the door, withdraw your hand. • Give your release cue then open the door only when he’s still, even if it’s just a moment. • If he moves towards the door before you give the cue, just close the door. • Gradually work towards having the door open then releasing. • Your dog will soon realize that he has to wait for the cue, even when the door is open. Once this concept is understood, it’ll be very easy to apply it to other scenarios. It’s critical that your dog not succeed in going through important doorways without a release cue. Reward! You can reward your dog in place. (Please visit my YouTube channel for examples of how and where to teach the release cue). Happy Training!

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

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At Tender Touch Veterinary Hospital we take a “Whole Health” approach to every animal. Call or email us to learn more

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Dentistry • In-House Lab Equipment • X-rays & Laser Therapy Dentistry Clinics Adoptions

Katherine Seymour, DVM

Christopher Norman, DVM

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 human help. My greatgrandfather was caught from the wild. I can offer advice based on the natural instincts and attributes of wild dogs. In addition, my adoptive 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 her, I admit she has many of the same odd notions as most humans, so I can relate to other pet dogs with problem humans. If I can’t help, at least I can offer sympathy, and we can have some fun talking about our amazing humans. Please send your questions! N. Holmes, 280 Pond Rd., Newcastle, ME 04553, or email: askbammy@tidewater.net.

About Getting Old

I've been here a long time. Boss

says I am 12 years old, and she must be the same age. We’re both really good at things, and we both forget things a lot. When she tells me to get her slippers, I’m excited to do something for her (and get a treat, of course). But quite often I can’t remember what “slippers” means. I rush off looking for anything that helps me remember. I grab a ball, drop it, pounce on a bone, nudge Kibbleball. She calls me back, tells me to sit and listen. “Listen! Slippers! SLIPPERS!”

Ask Bammy An Advice Column for Dogs by a Dog

That helps me see a picture of slippers behind my eyes, and I run to get them. Sometimes Boss goes upstairs and just stands there, looking around…looking around. Then she may make that “Oh yes!” look and get something to take downstairs. Boss’s legs must be lots older than mine. When we go far a “walk,” as she calls it, I run and run. There’s a long hill in the field. Boss just walks down it, but I pin back my ears and run as fast as I ever could. When we take a long walk in the woods at the end of the afternoon, I run in big circles around her, sniffing for any wild, exciting thing. But when Boss says,

“Let’s go home!” I remember supper, and I start running for home. Wouldn’t you think she would run, too? But no. She just plods along, so I keep stopping to let her catch up. I’ve always stayed near her in the woods, to protect her. You never know when there might be danger out there. Sometimes I smell bad things. There is a string of bells Pookah gets to lie on the sofa! by the door that I poke with my nose when I want to go together for 12 years, so I know she out. Boss eventually comes and opens won’t hurt me. I just try to look meek the door for me. If it takes her a long and humble, so she’ll stop screeching. time, sometimes I can’t remember Just as soon as she’s quiet, I know it’s why I wanted to go out. She gently time to start begging again. She just bumps the door or my shoulder, shakes her head and tells me a lot of saying “Go out…or…come in…OR…go things I don’t get. out…OR…come in.” I know that “OR” Sometimes she leaves food on the means I have to do one thing or the table that isn’t worth the screeching. other. But do I really want to go out? I sit by the table, pointing to the Especially if it’s cold and rainy? food, and whine. Boss gets all lovey We both used to hear when a car and gives me especially good treats. came in the yard, but now we don’t “What a good dog! Good leave it!” know there’s someone there until I get something much better than they ring the bell. That’s pretty scary the tomato soup or whatever I was for me, and the way she hurries to begging for. the door, I think it scares her, too. Getting older is pretty good. You Sometimes, especially outdoors, I can’t know so many ways to get what you hear Boss well, so she waves her hands want. for me to come. She talks a lot with So go for it, you gray-muzzled her hands and her face. But I don’t smarties! always come right away. Really, I’m Bammy old enough to make up my own mind. The Ask Bammy column is intended One of the best things she forgets for humor and entertainment. is to put food out of reach when she If your dog has behavioral issues turns her back. Yippee! I scored a please contact a veterinarian BIG chunk of salmon one day. What or professional trainer. a treat! She screeched at me and tried to scare me, but we have lived

Introducing Your New Pet Did you bring home a puppy this holiday season? Or maybe a new kitten? How exciting! Do you already have a dog at home? With a little preparation, the transition of your new pet into the household can go smoothly. Step 1: Make sure everyone has realistic expectations Dogs are social animals. However, some dogs just do not get along with other dogs. Some dogs can have a strong prey drive which results in a strong desire to chase and catch small animals. It is these dogs that often do best as the only animal in the household. Step 2: Separate and supervise When introducing a new pet into the household, it is crucial to keep everyone safe by providing the pet’s own “safe haven” or area in which to retreat. This may be in a separate room, behind a gate, or in a crate. Initially, an adult should directly supervise any interaction between the pets for a while. Allowing your new pet time to acclimate to the new home will increase your success while supervision increases safety. Step 3: A visit to the veterinarian Have your pet examined by your veterinarian to ensure he is in good health and up-todate on all necessary vaccinations and preventatives. This will help to reduce the spread of diseases between the new and existing pet(s) in the home. Step 4: Introducing a new dog Give your new dog time to acclimate, take in all the new smells, and learn the layout of the home. Initially, separating the dogs via a gate can give them time to meet yet give you time to monitor their reactions to each other before letting

JANUARY 2021

them spend time with each other. Walking off property together can also help build a bond between the dogs. An adult should walk each dog on separate leashes. Appropriate walking equipment such as a front clip harness and nonretractable leash should be used for control and safety. Make sure to feed each dog apart at first to reduce any conflict. Overtime, once the dogs get used to each other, you can start experimenting by giving them more time together. Continue to make sure both dogs have adequate resources (food and water dishes, toys, and bedding). Keep your routine as predictable as possible and give both dogs equal time together as well as apart. If the new dog is a puppy, it is especially important that your older dog have a place to retreat or get away from the puppy. Monitor these interactions as well and give time for the relationship to build. Make sure you are meeting your puppy’s basic exercise, mental enrichment, and even rest time while also providing individualized human interaction and play time. Step 5: Introducing your dog to a cat For many dogs, cats can be fun to chase which may inadvertently cause harm. The cat must have a place to retreat where the dog cannot not reach. This may be behind a gate or somewhere up high. Be sure to supervise all interactions and place the dog away in a secure location whenever supervision is not possible. Step 6: No punishment It is important to never yell, hit, or punish your dog if the introduction does

not go well on the first try. These actions can increase fear and anxiety towards the new pet and the humans in the home. Make sure to reward everyone for being calm and always having an escape route available if your dog or new pet chooses to retreat. If your dog has a history of aggression towards other dogs or cats, a basket muzzle can improve safety during the introduction. Have plenty of treats to reinforce your dog for making good choices in the presence of its new roommate. Step 7: Learn to read body language Recognizing and understanding both dog and cat body languages can be helpful when introducing a new animal into the home. You will understand your dog better and be able to communicate clearer when you can recognize that your dog is uncomfortable with the new arrival. Practice fun behaviors such as

nose targeting “touch.” These behaviors can be used for redirection when needed or as an engaging game to help keep excitement levels down. This will help increase your dog’s focus and maintain a positive emotional state. Step 8: Always reward good choices Always recognize and reward the good choices that your dog makes during introductions. Food can be a powerful reinforcement and may be as simple as your pet’s own food or high value such as cheese or chicken. Stash dry kibble in various places around the house for easy accessibility during introductions. Step 9: Plenty of Resources Always have plenty of resources for all the animals in your home, including separate feeding stations and resting areas. Multiple beds in multiple locations provide choice and freedom to move away which will help lower overall stress. Food dispensing and puzzle toys help encourage independent play and encourage interaction with the environment. Separate toys for each animal may help reduce resource guarding and fighting. Step 10: Medications In some situations, medications may be needed to help your dog feel safe around the new arrival. Nutritional supplements and pheromones can also help promote a relaxed emotional state and facilitate introductions between pets. Your veterinarian can help determine if medications would be beneficial for your pet. Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Director of Behavior Services at Midcoast Humane

Paws to Train It’s a new year, a time we resolve to do many things to better ourselves, so why not add our pooches to that list. Working on training with your dog would be a great winter activity. As we all know the pandemic has affected how we accomplish most things in our lives these days, it is not only the human children who are learning online, some trainers have taken to the web as well. We asked Sara Sokol to share with us how Covid has changed her business and what it is like to train online. There are many different trainers available to assist you whether it is online or in person. It’s a good idea to talk with several and ask questions to find one that is the best fit for you and your dog. By Sara Sokol

This year has been one full of change, compromise, and getting creative to find ways of keeping our lives as close to normal as possible. The dog training industry has been no exception to this! With group gatherings being unsafe due to COVID concerns, many dog trainers, myself included, took their classes online, resulting in clients realizing what dog trainers have known for a long time; dog training classes are for humans, not dogs. Class is where owners receive instruction on how to communicate with and teach their dogs; the work of training takes place between classes, not in class. When I shifted my group classes to all online classes, I was confident they would still work and that I could continue to give the exact same instruction that I

would in my in-person classes to my Zoom students. What I didn’t anticipate was that people would love the online classes so much more than the in-person classes and that they would work even better than in-person classes! Both the humans and their dogs are more comfortable and relaxed in my online classes. They retain more, are more engaged, and ask more questions than clients in my in-person classes. They are able to learn, focus, and practice in a less distracting environment, so they are retaining more and having more fun instead of worrying about their distracted, overstimulated, or overwhelmed dog in the classroom. Classes that teach new skills like “sit”, “leash walking”, “recalls” etc. should be as low distraction as possible for both the human and dog to learn these

new skills in; no one learns well when distracted. Once these new skills have been taught and engagement has been built in low distraction environments, the team can then start to practice those skills in slightly more distracting environments, building up over time. They then get to go out in the world and practice their awesome new skills in the environments where they frequent and practice with the distractions present there. What’s even better is that dogs who learn and solidify skills, communication, and engagement with their humans in low distraction environments first will be much less distracted when in more distracting environments because they have such a strong foundation and solid relationship with their human to build on. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a need for in person classes

as a controlled environment to strengthen engagement, but when it comes to learning new skills, online classes are a much better option! After a summer and fall of both in person and online classes, I was thrilled to find that my online students were signing up for more follow-up classes after their initial class series with me than my in-person students were; they were simply more motivated to train! On average, during my past seven years of teaching in Maine, 25% of clients who have taken an in person “Basic class” with me will continue with additional class sessions. However, 50-75% of my online clients are now signing up for additional class sessions after their initial Basic class! I do still have new clients contact me about classes who struggle to see how a dog

Erin Bessey - CPDT-KA

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training class could possible work through Zoom, but after I explain how the class is structured, they are thrilled that they got to learn with their dog from the comfort of their own home. This past year has changed the way that I run my business, but one thing is certain, no matter what happens in 2021, I know there will be loads more Zoom dog training classes to come!

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Downeast Dog News

JANUARY 2021

~ Midcoast Maine’s Premier Balanced Trainer

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Training Your Performance Dog Agility, Obedience, Tracking by Carolyn Fuhrer What Do You Really Want to Learn? Today there are so many

wonderful choices of dog sports to explore with our dogs. Most people start out with great enthusiasm, but are soon disappointed because they are not making progress or others in the group are better than they are, or they feel their dog does not like the activity. Most of the time the disappointment is a result of the handler not having a realistic understanding of the chosen activity, not understanding what is

required, and not willing to work on foundation skills on which to build success. The result? Unhappy owner. Unhappy dog. One of the frequent comments we receive is “my dog is fearless and can’t sit still, so I think agility would be good for her!” Unless the owner is willing to put in the time to teach her dog to focus and develop

an understanding of reward-based training, he or she probably will not succeed in agility. Another common remark is “My dog loves to sniff. He never takes his nose off the ground, so I know he will be a great tracker.” Maybe yes, maybe no. As with any sport, in tracking we must teach the dog what scent we want him to focus on and devise a reward system that will be motivating enough to work through distractions as well as difficult terrain and conditions. We must be willing to become a keen and patient observer of what our dog is telling us through subtle signs and body language. Another common misconception is “my dog can sit, stay, and come, so all I have to do is walk around the room with him and I can do obedience or rally.” Not quite. It’s a little more involved than that. A good team in any venue makes it look easy – smooth handling is pretty to watch and a well trained, happy dog is always pleasing. To achieve this relationship requires a willingness to read, learn, and understand the rules of whatever venue you choose. Understanding what class you can enter and what is required to qualify is the basis of what you need to teach the dog.

There is a great deal to learn about preparing to show your dog. While you can learn many things online, nothing takes the place of actually attending a show and experiencing first hand what it is like. You can get a chance to speak with competitors; just make sure they are not getting ready to show and find out when they have some down time. Going to fun matches or training events that clubs put on can also be very helpful. If you choose to attend a class to learn more, make sure your instructor is well versed in competition and has a solid up-todate knowledge of the rules. Talk to people you admire – not just for their skills, but for how you see them with their dogs. Be openminded. Many people bad mouth a sport in which they have not been successful. You may hear “rally is fun and obedience is serious.” Well, there are some very serious rally exhibitors and also some fun obedience exhibitors. Watch and decide for yourself. Training for competition is an investment in time, energy, and money, so make sure you really understand what you want to learn.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 125 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. She has recently become an AKC Tracking Judge. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

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Downeast Dog News

“People Food” versus “Dog Food” After last month’s column, I

was sent an email stating,“Before consuming something myself, perhaps I need to start thinking, would I feed this to my dog?” That is an excellent question to ask oneself and is the perfect segue into this month’s topic. There is NO Such Thing as “People Food” The idea that some view “People Food” and “Pet Food” as two different things is ridiculous and non-helpful when we assess what to feed our pets. If you look at the ingredient list of any quality pet food, you will find items that people and pets consume: chicken, venison, rice, peas, etc. When you consider what to feed your dog, I suggest you ask yourself two questions. Is what I’m feeding my dog made from fresh, whole food with minimal processing? What is the quality of the ingredients used in my dog’s food? What is Processed Food? Processed food for people is all that stuff located in the center aisles of the supermarket. It is found in boxes and cans and even in the freezer aisle. The ingredients used in these products often have the same names as what you can buy in your grocery store’s produce, meat, seafood, and dairy sections. It isn’t very likely they are of the same quality. Manufacturers of processed food are looking to maximize their profit. They entice us to purchase their offerings because we want convenience. I’m no saint as I eat my share of processed food. However, I know it would be healthier to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, and dairy products and

Words, Woofs & Meows by Don Hanson ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

to use them to prepare a fresh, home-cooked meal. The analog of processed food for dogs is kibble. Dry dog food is typically made from leftovers from human food processing. When you see pictures of choice cuts of beef or a whole roasted chicken on the bag of dog food or even the words “chicken” and “beef” on the list of ingredients, please understand that is probably not what is in your dog’s bag of kibble. Yes, your dog’s food contains beef and chicken, but it is not of the same quality as the chicken and beef you would purchase for your family.

The manufacturing process for kibble involves cooking a slurry of all the ingredients at very high temperatures and pressures. This process causes the ingredients, some previously cooked, to lose some of their nutritional value. The heat destroys many micronutrients like vitamins, enzymes, and healthy bacteria found in whole fresh food. These are necessary components which kibble producers then add back into the food as-synthesized chemical elements after the food is cooled. There is nothing wrong with feeding kibble. Most people feed their dogs dry dog food, and they survive. However, understand that kibble was not developed to provide optimal nutrition. Dry dog food offers the consumer a low-cost, convenient product that meets minimal standards for a dog’s nutrition. How Can I Feed My Dog Nutritious, Fresh, Whole Food? Supplement Your Dog’s Kibble with Fresh Food The easiest way to provide a dog with higher quality nutrition is with fresh meat. Adding little bits of lightly cooked chicken, beef, lamb, venison, whatever you’re making for yourself, can be an excellent supplement to your dog’s kibble. If your dog eats them, adding some brightly colored fruits and vegetables will provide a natural source of essential micronutrients. To get the optimal benefit, run them through a food processor first. Remember that your dog has no need for the carbohydrates found in produce, but the micronutrients and fiber are most beneficial. I have added the

following to my dog’s meal: apples, asparagus, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, carrots, celery, green beans, lettuce, oranges, strawberries, sweet potatoes, and yams. Food that must never be fed to a dog include grapes, onions, raisins, and the seeds of apples, apricots, cherries, and peaches. Adding a bit of yogurt with natural cultures can also provide your dog with a natural source of beneficial probiotics. Remember, everything you add to your dog’s food as a supplement includes calories, so decrease the amount of kibble you are feeding by the same amount. Feed A Commercial Frozen Raw or Lightly-Cooked Food I achieve my goal of feeding Muppy a diet of fresh, whole food by primarily using frozen raw food [ FMI - https://bit.ly/ WhatIFeedAndWhy ] and lightlycooked food. The latter has the advantage of being a human-grade pet food. The chicken used in this food is actual chicken breast and thighs, and the beef is beef round. My Golden, Tikken, was also fed a frozen raw diet most of her life and lived 16 years. Make Your Dog’s Own Food The surest way of ensuring your dog gets the type and quality of food you want is to purchase the ingredients and prepare meals yourself. However, if you choose this route, you must know what you are doing. That means spending the time to read books on the subject, more than one, and following recipes closely. My wife did that for one of our dogs for many months, spending about four hours per week doing so.

Don Hanson is the co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor where he has been helping people with their pets since 1995. He also produces and co- hosts The Woof Meow Show heard on AM620 -WZON every Saturday at 9 AM. Podcasts of the show are available at www.woofmeowshow.com. Don also writes about pets at his blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com. He is committed to pet care and pet training that is free of pain, force, and fear. The opinions in this column are those of Don Hanson.

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JANUARY 2021

Rescue

of the

Month

Rescue of the Month: Almost Home Rescue of New England Helping Dogs Find their Forever Homes By Susan Spisak When I called Adele Jones, President of Almost Home Rescue of New England (AHR), she was at her desk, working on “dog stuff.” This busy lady runs AHR’s day-to-day operations, training classes, and deals with import issues. More importantly, she puts out fires and makes sure her valuable volunteers are happy. Since their inception in 2005, the 501(c) (3) nonprofit that serves Maine and New Hampshire, has not only given hope to at-risk southern shelter dogs but area owner surrenders, too. They also aid local shelters as needed, fostering dogs who aren’t thriving in a kennel environment. “We get asked quite often too,” she said. The pandemic has made things bleak for their southern shelter partners, “Of

course they didn’t slow down.” Many ran out of room and dogs didn’t make it. Once protocols loosened up, “We were happy to get going,” said Jones of restarting southern pulls. And the pandemic’s limitations compelled many people to adopt a new canine from them, “We couldn’t get them up here fast enough.” Because of the health crisis, they’re operating with additional procedures put forth by authorities. One guideline requires that they must monitor COVID-19 trends and can’t accept dogs from states with elevated cases. And AHR’s Maine-destined transports must stop at Jones’ property for handoff as her address is their state licensing location. Fosters’ cars line her street awaiting their crated dogs – they’re loaded by masked and gloved workers. AHR does not accept general

applications, nor do they have a wait list. “We want to know what dogs they want…So we’re not wasting everyone’s time.” The plus? Adoption fees may be prepaid and AHR can list the dog as “adoption pending” before the canine even arrives – avoiding duplication of efforts and applications. Fundraising has been hampered – but they’re grateful to the private citizens, corporations, and past adopters who have gifted them with donations. Their 9th Annual Party for the Pups! is going to be virtual and will showcase a silent auction. Please check out their social pages and bid away for terrific items - and you’ll be helping their dogs. (facebook.com/Almost. Home.Rescue.) AHR checks vet references, verifies landlord approval and references if applicable, and performs home visits

(now virtually). Their policy is to rescue for life, and if the dog cannot stay with the adoptive family, they must be returned to AHR. Jones does have a concern regarding recent adoptions, “We’re hoping we do not have an influx of [returned] dogs when people go back to their ‘normal’ work schedule.” The all-volunteer AHR is a Maine and New Hampshire Licensed and Permitted Dog Importer and follows all mandated guidelines. For information on fostering, volunteering, and to see all their adoptables, visit almosthomerescue.net. Donations are welcomed and necessary as they often bring in dogs with special medical needs. Mail to AHR, PO Box 9421 #377, South Portland, ME, 04116-9421 or donate online at almosthomerescue. net/support-the-rescue/

Cash, 1 yr., Great Dane/German Shepherd

Emmie, 4-5 mos., Terrier Mix

Handsome Cash is a vibrant 1-year-old old male Great Dane/German Shepherd mix. While we are unsure of his past, he has shown his foster family that he adores his humans. He is house and kennel trained, loves sticks and chewing his peanut butter filled Kong. He requires an adopter with large dog experience and must be committed to enrolling him in obedience training. Because of his size, no small children, or cats.

Emmie is an adorable terrier mix that was surrendered to a shelter in Louisiana and came to Maine in mid-December. She is a friendly and playful puppy. She enjoys meeting people and playing with other dogs!

For more info. and an application visit: almosthomerescue.net/adoption-application/

Sponsored by Raymond (207)655-6760 • So. Paris (207)743-8960 • Bridgton (207)647-2383 Jay (207)897-3333 • Lewiston (207)783-1366 • Newport (207)368-4329 Portland (207)797-3151 • Turner (207)225-2525 • Winthrop (207)377-2614

parisfarmersunion.com

Help us find a forever home!

Become a sponsor and help raise money for a Maine rescue. jenn@downeastdognews.com

Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. See a dog you like, but don't have a computer? Call Jenn to help you reach the rescue: (207) 706-6765

Most rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Please visit their website or give them a call if interested in one of these dogs. Margo

1 yr., Shepherd Mix Full of energy! She LOVES other dogs, but can be a little too much for some she is still learning how to listen to their cues. If she had a canine buddy that could match her play style, she would LOVE it.

FMI: luckypuprescue@yahoo.com

Merlin

Needs a lot of exercise and gentle but firm leadership. Walks well on leash and is just a wigglybutt guy. When gets over-excited he needs some support to take a break and manage that self-control. No cats or small children. FMI: luckypuprescue@yahoo.com