2022 January Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

FRE E

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www.seacucumber.com Willow has been at Midcoast Humane for over a year and is patiently waiting for her new owner to find her! She is a beautiful and SMART five-year-old girl who loves stuffed toys, snuggling on the couch, and splashing in puddles on long walks. She will do best in a home with adults or older kids and she must be the only pet. Her ideal home will have a big, fenced-in back yard, where she can run and play for hours without meeting any animals to cause her stress. She is eager to please the people in her life, which makes her a great training partner, and she is sure to be a loyal and loving companion for years to come! Do you have the quiet, loving home that Willow needs? Visit MidcoastHumane. org for more information about Willow and to fill out an adoption application.

Volume 17 • Issue 1 • JANUARY 2022

Top Dogs By Susan Spisak

ithout a doubt, we love our dogs. Whether you prefer a purebred or a special mix of any sort, they’re part of our family. We shower them with gifts, treats, toys, blankets, sweaters, and coats – they’re like our children (and sometimes they behave like them, too.) They give us so much in the form of companionship and fun you can’t deny their worth in our lives. But which breeds are ranked as the top dogs? According to the Canine Journal and the American Kennel Club or AKC, the Labrador Retriever, a Maine favorite, tops the list for the 30th year. (The AKC utilizes registrations for rankings.) Labs can have a dense yellow, chocolate, or black coat, are terriﬁc companions and wonderful pets. They’re intelligent, amiable, and have an eagerness to please. They stand 21 to 24 inches in height and weigh 55

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Basic Training Tips

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Training with Your Best Friend

12-13 Dogs for Adoption

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Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated Among the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 10 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America's 22nd annual Best of New England ratings for 2021 B

angor - Best Businesses of America has announced that Green Acres Kennel Shop has received a 2021 rating making them one of the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 10 Best Dog Trainers in their 22nd annual Best of New England ratings. Best Businesses of America's rating is based on information provided by Market Surveys of America for all areas surveyed in New England. Rankings are based on the percentage of votes received in each local market, the margin between the top two businesses in each local survey, and the area's population. When Green Acres' co-owner Don Hanson was asked for his reaction to this award, he responded:

"We are honored that for the second year in a row, Green Acres Kennel Shop was recognized as one of the ten best kennels and dog training facilities in New England. I believe it demonstrates that pet people care about the humane and ethical treatment of their pets and want us to prioritize the welfare and need of their pets. Green Acres is more than a facility; we are a team of individuals committed to you and your pets. Each of us fills one or more roles, each with our own unique and valuable knowledge base and skill set. We are united by our passion and commitment to helping people and their pets so that they can have the best life together. Together we are Green Acres

Time to Renew Dog Licenses D

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

Kennel Shop (Ashley, Bayli, Brenda, Carmen, Cristina, Don, Jessica, Kaleigh, Kate, Kim, Lamont, Laura, Lauren, Lindsay, Niamh, Nicole, Olivia, and Sam). We remain committed to quality pet care and training free of fear, force, and pain and to helping people and their pets have the best possible life together."

Congratulations to Action for Animals! W

e took a portion of the proceeds from our Downeast Dog News Happy Pawlidays center spread and ran a drawing to determine which group would receive a donation and they were our winner for 2021. As always thank you to our advertisers. Action for Animals assists the regions of Lincoln County with financial assistance for their pet’s healthcare and they also provide pet food in emergency situations. Their goal is to expand their support to a broader area of Maine in the future. If you’d like to learn more about their foundation or to make a donation, please visit: actionforanimals.com. P.O. Box 238, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538; (207)350-1312

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Downeast Dog News

Downeast Dog News PUBLISHER Jenn Rich COPY EDITOR Belinda Carter CONTRIBUTORS Susan Spisak Diana Logan Sara Moore Judith Herman Carolyn Fuhrer Don Hanson Christine Calder Sara Sokol GRAPHIC DESIGN NVDesigns • Nicole Vanorse ADVERTISING Jenn Rich 207-706-6765 jenn@downeastdognews.com

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• 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.

From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, Happy New Year! Whatever holidays or celebrations you may enjoy at the end of the year, I hope they were ﬁlled with happiness and love. It has been a tough couple of years on many levels. Through it all, it has certainly helped me to have Pepper by my side. No matter what is going on, she is a never-ending source of entertainment, love, and companionship. If you are reading this, I assume you likely know what I mean. This past year was less isolated for most than 2020, and I hope there will be improvements in this upcoming year. This weekend I found a small lump on Pepper. She is getting to an age when these things might appear, and it doesn’t have to mean it is cancer, but nonetheless, it freaked me out. It is small and seems to be soft and moveable, so I am hopeful. I made an appointment with the vet to have her looked at, so I will provide an update next month. I am the worst worrier when it comes to her. I lost my previous lab at Pepper’s age, and it took me by surprise, so I am always on edge whenever there is the slightest concern. It reminds me of a line from one of my favorite movies, Steel Magnolias when Clairee tells Ouiser, “You’d give your dog a kidney if he needed one.” Ha! I totally would! Then I can’t help but make comparisons between myself and Miss Ouiser’s character who is played by Shirlee MacLaine. I don’t think I am quite there yet. Check out our center spread this month for our special training feature. Training is not just for people with new pups. We can all learn something new, and winter is a great time to do it while we are spending more time inside. Mental stimulation can be more tiring than physical exercise alone. I am deﬁnitely going to try the ball/can enrichment exercise with Pepper! Cheers to a happy, healthy new year! Jenn and Pepper

Dog of the Month! MOOSE

Moose was adopted from Passion for Pets Rescue (Maine based rescue). He LOVES to chase squirrels and swim in the ocean. We did the embark DNA test and it turns out he is mostly Mountain Cur with a bit of a Lab and Golden Retriever too! Moose has an obsession with packages being delivered to the house!! He thinks that they are all for him! He will try to open whatever box is brought inside in hopes that something special is waiting for him.

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JANUARY 2022

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Table of Contents Hot Dog News ...................... 2 Furry Words ......................... 4 Ask the Vet ............................ 4 Basic Training Tips ................ 6 Why is My Dog Fearful of the Vet ................................... 7 Training with Your Best Friend ................................. 8, 9 Performance Dog Training ... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows ...... 11 Dogs for Adoption ...........12-13 Calendar .............................. 14 Business Directory .............. 15

Holy Smokes! I can’t believe I’m

writing a column for 2022! This past year has been an interesting one to say the least, but it’s been amazing connecting with so many of you and your pets. I’ve been with you for the new additions, the behavioral challenges, and the hardest part of dog ownership, which is helping them transition when their time here is done. I’m going to kick oﬀ the new year by sharing a recent session I had with a lovely family. Here’s to a new year with puppy snuggles for all! In December, I posted that I had a few last-minute openings on a Friday morning, and within minutes, they were all scooped up. One of the calls was about a dog that I had read in prior years. She was a black lab mix with a super unique look and attitude. She was quirky, playful and loving, and when I tapped into her energy, I felt what she was feeling physically. Her throat was tight, her chest felt weird, there were lumps on the left side of her chest that had integrated into the muscles, and my whole body felt weak. When I said that to the couple on the phone, they started crying. The wife said that they had originally had a vet appointment to help her cross over two days prior, but the vet had called to reschedule it to Friday afternoon. They said that right after they hung up, they saw my post about openings, so they scheduled a last-minute ﬁnal check in for their girl. They wanted to know if she needed anything, if she was ready,

Baby It's Cold Outside Q.

There are always articles and warnings about dogs in the heat, what are the concerns about a cold environment?

Furry Words by Sara Moore www.enlightenedhorizons.com

and if their cat, who would be the only pet in the house would need or want a companion. The dog- I can’t remember her name, so I’m going to call her Sandy- was so ready to go “home.” She was grateful for all of the love they showered her with, and she celebrated her own weirdness. They laughed when I said that because she apparently was the most unique dog they’d ever had! She knew she was ready a few weeks before, but they weren’t ready, and she was glad they took the time to come to terms with the heartbreaking decision. She was old, tired, sore, and ready. They knew that, but the validation from her helped. I asked Sandy if she had any

Ask the Vet… by Dr. Judith Herman

Tis the season for cold and damp weather, and not all dogs are built for it. Even if you have a Nordic breed, there are some precautions to take when your best friend is outside in the cold. Let’s start with the ambient temperature. The best rule of thumb is not leave your best friend outside if the temperature is below 32 degrees F. I can hear you now, “But we are out in temperatures below that all the time!” When the temperature goes around 20 degrees F, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia goes up. You will see a change in your dog’s behavior. They will start shivering and seek warmer areas and act sluggish and dull. Frostbite can aﬀect ears, tails, testicles and toes. If your pup has arthritis the cold can make the pain worse. Nordic breeds, like huskies and

malamutes, are bred for colder temperatures, but they need to be watched for signs of being too cold. Wet and windy weather will cause problems for any dog. Characteristics of dogs such as coat type, body type, and size, as well as what climate they are from, all play a part in how well Fiﬁ will tolerate the cold. To make your best friend comfortable in the winter, remember these tips:

specific requests for her memorial, and she said she didn’t need pawprints, a plaque, or anything extravagant. Because it was leading up to Christmas, she did say she would love an off-white ceramic or glass ball ornament with her face on it. Then she totally cracked me up because on the sides of it, there were odd looking angel wings. They looked more like elf ears or devil horns, and she thought it was hysterical! I laughed so hard trying to say it, also very aware of the emotions the owners were going through. Because it fit her personality so well, they were laughing along as well, but then the wife said she had to give me some validation. Apparently, her husband’s coworkers had secretly reached out to her for a picture of the dog's face, so they could gift him with a personalized ornament honoring her life. The husband broke down in tears again, partly because it was such a kind gesture and he was just given a clear sign that I wasn’t making this stuff up. Then they asked about the cat (yes, this is a dog column, but it’s relevant!) and I got a huge Heck No when I questioned its desire for a new companion. They laughed and admitted the cat is a bit of a turd, but I saw it being so much more peaceful and loving after the dog’s passing. They did say that when the dog was away for a night,the cat would come out, but this kitt y was super excited to be the center of attention! It showed me how it was going to strut into a room, making sure all eyes were on it

before dramatically curling up on the couch. This was not to spite the dog! When animals go to the other side, they have no worries about it. They really do consider it home base and time is irrelevant. If you ever get a reading for a dog in heaven and you ask if it misses you, it has no idea what you’re talking about. For the animal, it is STILL with you energetically, and it knows it will see you soon, even if that’s 70 years from now. It comes across as a trick question, and I often ﬁnd myself explaining that to clients. At the end of the reading, I wished them peace, love, and healing. They were so lucky to have the dog for as long as they did, and Sandy also said that she’d be ﬂickering some of their Christmas lights to let them know she made it “safely” to the other side. They always do, but sometimes the validation is exactly what we need to help our hearts heal. My dad could never understand how I could do a reading for people who are sobbing and facing such a heartbreaking decision, but to hear the peace and acceptance in their voices after always makes it worth it. I am honored to be a part of your pet’s journey.

1. If it is below 32 degrees F, keep an eye on your dog outside. If he is curling up in a little ball, he’s cold and needs to come in. Shivering? Bring him in. Lifting a paw? Time to come in. Bring him in at dusk no matter the temperature. If he gets hot in the house, put him in a cooler room. 2. Acclimate him slowly to the colder temperatures. 3. Have a dry safe area out of the wind and the elements. Use straw for bedding and keep it oﬀ the ground if possible. This will help keep him warm until you can bring him indoors. Blankets can get wet and make him colder. 4. If any dog gets wet from running in the snow or getting caught in a storm, bring him in and dry him oﬀ. A wet coat is a sure way to make your best friend sick. 5. If you have a cold-intolerant pup, you can dress him up in a warm snuggly coat, boots, and even a hat. Watch these guys carefully. Stay outside with them, and don’t leave them out. They can easily get too cold. 6. Remember water freezes, so

dogs left out for longer periods of time can get dehydrated. 7. Keep your dog close when walking and check its gait for signs of pain. Stay away from ponds and ice-covered areas. Falling in can be deadly for both of you. 8. If your pup is elderly, has health problems, bundle him up to go out for a short pott y break then back in the house. Health problems like hypothyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, and many more chronic issues can be challenging for your best friend when he is outside. 9. Leaving your pup in the car while doing errands can get prett y cold when the heater is turned oﬀ. If you can’t leave him home, then have clean dry blankets for him to nest and a coat. Have fun this winter and stay warm.

Sara Moore is a psychic for people and pets out of Conway, NH. She oﬀers long distance readings, small group parties, and workshops. FMI: go to www. enlightenedhorizons.com and follow her on Facebook at Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons.

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

Downeast Dog News

TOP DOGS

from page 1

to 80 pounds. Labs thrive on exercise. They enjoy swimming in ponds and lakes, hiking trails, romping on beaches, dock diving, and playing fetch. As far as a job, their temperament lends itself to therapy work, bringing cheer to nursing home residents and children in hospitals. All this stimulation keeps them busy and happy. Thinking of adopting a Lab? Suitable names are Cocoa, Pepper, Bear, Moose, Maggie, and Daisy. Following the Lab is the French Bulldog, a new addition to the top tier. (I was surprised – no judgment though.) The “Frenchies” are lowriders, meaning short legged, compact, and pack a punch. Called smart and funny, they’re muscular with a smooth coat. Frenchies have “bat” ears – they stand upright. You’ll ﬁnd them in assorted colors including brindle, fawn, white, and brindle and white. Frenchies have European roots. They were bred in England by lace makers, and when these tradesmen made their way to France, they took them along. Wealthy Americans spotted them and brought them to the States. By 1897, the ﬁrst French Bulldog Club of America was formed. They’re perfect for smaller residences – they’re quiet, so

apartment dwellers can rest assured they won’t upset neighbors. They have less heat, exercise, and stress tolerance – these adversely affect their breathing as they’re a short faced, dwarf breed. Fitting names include Louie, Winston, Brutus, Chloe, Phoebe, and Ruby. According to the list, the German Shepherd, part of the Herding Group, is next. (They were in the Working Group until 1983, then the AKC added them to their new Herding Group.) These hard workers have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years. Considered to be brave and courageous, many are employed as K9 Police, Search and Rescue, and Drug Detection Dogs. Their intelligence, trainability, and loyalty to officers/handlers/owners make them a natural for these fields. As a family pet, they’re good with kids and may be fine with other pets under supervision. Eager to please, regal Shepherds need regular exercise. A bi-weekly brushout helps maintain their doublecoat. Depending on the sex, they’ll weigh in at 65 to 90 lbs. Their colors include sable, black, white, and black and tan. Appropriate names for Shepherds include Sarge, Duke, Rocky, Zeus, Sasha, and Willow. Golden Retrievers or mixes thereof

are consistently beloved. They’re happy-go-lucky, goofy, and wag their tail a lot. These even tempered puppers like having a job – therapy work or participating in canine reading assistance programs are excellent outlets for the gentler ones. (Yes, some can be over-exuberant.) These dogs are often Velcro-like – they shadow their owners. Goldies are pleasant and good with children, making them great family dogs. They’re part of the AKC Sporting Group, and many will excel at agility. Tricks and nose work classes will keep them stimulated. Tidbit: President Ford owned Liberty the Golden Retriever and Liberty's puppy, Misty while in oﬃce. President Reagan also had a Golden named Victory while in the White House. Buddy, Benji, Marley, and Luna are popular names. Bulldogs are cute as can be. (Note: There are many types including American and English. When Bulldogs are mentioned, it’s often referencing English.) Part of the Non-Sporting Group, they have a pushed-in nose and wrinkly face. As far as personality, they’re cheerful, snuggly, good for families, and open to strangers. These calm pups have a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years and weigh about 40 to 50 pounds. The Bulldog has a very important history to the United States Marine Corps. The Marines fought so

ferociously in France in WWI at the battle of Belleau Wood that the Germans called them “Teufel hunden,” or the Devil Dogs from Bavarian folklore. That nickname stuck, and the Marines adopted the English Bulldog as their mascot. Today “Chesty XV” serves them well. Known for their courage, scores of colleges and high school sports teams call them their mascot, too. Names that speak to their determination include Tank, Bandit, Spike, Champ, Leia, and Rebel. The kind and adaptable Poodles are next, and are Toy, Miniature, and Standard in size. Poodles have smarts, athleticism, and are very trainable. The weak image is a myth - they’re good to pal around with in the outdoors. If healthy, they can live to 18 years of age. Poodles have morphed into high demand boutique Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, and Cockapoos. People may adopt Poodles or hybrids due to allergy concerns. Though no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, they’re acknowledged to have less dander and shedding. Nice names include Bijou, Curls, Hazel, and Stella. Rounding out the top 10 are Beagles, Rott weilers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Dachshunds. Surprised your preferred breed isn’t on the list? It doesn’t matter a bit - he or she is still your Top Dog!.

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JANUARY 2022

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New Year’s Quiz Test Your Doggie Knowledge!

appy New Year! Let's start it out with a fun little quiz to test your dog knowledge. Good luck! 1. Dogs respond best to: a) visual cues; b) verbal cues; c) a ﬁrm voice. 2. “People food” is bad for our dogs: a) yes; b) no; c) it depends. 3. Dogs are pack animals a) yes; b) no. 4. In order to maintain our dominance, we should always go through doorways and eat before our dogs do: a) true; b) false. 5. Dogs sweat through their a) ears; b) paws; c) tail. 6. If a dog’s tail is wagging, he’s happy: a) true; b) false; c) maybe. 7. Which of these breeds has been selectively bred to produce dwarﬁsm? a) Pug; b) French Bulldog; c) Scottish Terrier; d) Corgi; e) Dachshund; f) all of the above. 8. What is the biggest reason dogs of certain breeds have their tails docked in the US?

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

a) safety; b) AKC breed standard; c) health of dog. 9. Dogs have “dichromatic vision” and can only see two colors. Which are they? a) red and yellow; b) yellow and blue;

c) red and green 10. A puppy is born without the sense of (choose all that apply): a) smell; b) taste; c) hearing; d) sight. 11. In Maine, it’s illegal to sell, adopt, or give away a puppy under the age of: a) 7 weeks; b) 10 weeks; c) 3 months. 12. Boxers, King Charles Spaniels, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus are all examples of dogs who are a) originally from China; b) brachycephalic; c) stubborn; d) aggressive. ANSWERS 1. a) dogs are not verbal animals by nature; they are more adept at reading visual cues than verbal ones. 2. c) no animal has exclusive rights to any particular type of food. In fact, our dogs greatly beneﬁt from eating fresh, species-appropriate foods. 3. b) dogs are not considered to be pack animals (www. caninemind.co.uk/pack.html). 4. b) our leadership role isn’t determined by doorways and food but rather on the strategic granting or withholding of the things our dogs value at a given moment. For safety reasons, we need to teach our dogs to wait for permission to pass through certain doorways, but who

goes first is irrelevant. 5. b) paws 6. c) maybe. A wagging tail alone is not indicative of a friendly dog. The rest of the dog’s body needs to be taken into consideration as well as the position of the tail and its movement. A very high, stiff, quick, side-to-side wag indicates a dog who is confident and aroused. The rest of the dog’s body is often stiff, too. A slow, swaying wag accompanied by a loose body may indicate a friendly, happy dog. The whole dog needs to be observed in order to determine its emotional state. 7. f) all of the above. 8. b) the AKC’s breed standards require or prefer tail docking for certain breeds. 9. b) yellow and blue 10. c) and d). Puppies are born deaf and blind. 11. a) in Maine, a puppy has to have completed his 7th week in order to be purchased, adopted or given away. 12. b) these breeds are all brachycephalic; in other words, they have been selectively bred to have flat faces and short muzzles. The skull shape is wide and short. How did you do? 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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Downeast Dog News

Why is My Dog Fearful at the Vet? Is your dog afraid to go to the

veterinary hospital for a checkup? You are not alone! Did you know that over three quarters of all dogs are afraid to visit the vet? Some dogs will tremble and hide. Others freeze in place waiting for the visit to be over as quickly as possible while others take it the next level, barking, snarling, snapping, lunging, and biting. Regardless of which behavioral strategy your dog displays, all indicate your dog is afraid. In fact, some dogs are outright petrified. When young, many dogs will have a neutral response to veterinary procedures and handling; however, as they mature, problems can arise. A negative experience (from the dog’s perspective) can occur once or many times over resulting in an escalation of fear and anxiety. Each dog will respond differently to these experiences depending on its genetic make-up and early life experiences (or lack thereof). What does this fear look like? Dogs that are uncomfortable or fearful, may initially choose an avoidance strategy attempting to escape, fidget, cower, and freeze. If the procedure continues, behavior can escalate resulting in growling, snarling, lunging, snapping or even biting. It is important to realize that when a dog cowers or freezes in place, the procedure may be easy to accomplish however, this behavior is often misinterpreted as compliance or obedient. A false sense of security

for the humans can occur and an escalation of aggressive behavior from the dog over time is then a possibility. What else can affect my dog’s behavior? In addition to the above, a variety of medical conditions such as pain, sensory decline (loss of hearing and eyesight), cognitive decline, and other health conditions can lower individual tolerance levels for handling, restraint, and other procedures. A complete physical exam by your veterinarian will help to determine if an underlying medical condition is present and if treatment is needed. What can be done to help my dog? If your dog is fearful at the veterinary hospital, your veterinarian may prescribe a short acting medication. For some dogs, additional injectable sedation may be needed; however, with preadministered oral medications on board, the sedation process should be less fear- provoking, allowing for a smoother sedation and recovery process. What can you do? Before arriving at the hospital, a handling plan should be in place. Ideally, your dog would be muzzle trained and arrive wearing a basket muzzle. When approached, veterinary professional should approach your dog from the side rather than straight on. Eye contact should be kept to a minimum. Kneeling and inviting your dog into

the human’s personal space is ideal instead of the other way around. Unfamiliar people should never reach for your dog or force your dog to interact with them in any way. Tossing treats can sometimes be helpful; however, some dogs may become conflicted with this technique. Usually, these dogs want to eat, but are afraid of the hand coming forward to offer the actual food resulting in a snap or bite sometimes with little warning. It is often better to toss the treats on the ground and behind your dog rather than deliver treats directly from a hand. Better yet, the pet owner should deliver the treats to reduce defensive reactions from the dog. In addition to treat tossing, using familiar cues for behaviors such as “sit”, “come”, “down”, “touch”, “place” and “relax” can help coax your dog into position when needed rather than using force. Inviting your dog to jump up onto the exam table instead of being picked up off

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Medicine and Surgery for Large and Small Animals

the ground can help keep fear and anxiety to a minimum for many dogs as well. What about long-term treatment to reduce fear at the veterinary hospital? Long-term treatment involves the use of low stress handling and cooperative care techniques. Veterinary staff have an opportunity to learn these techniques through continuing education in the form of online modules and courses. Some veterinarians learn low stress handling techniques in veterinary school. Cooperative care is about giving dogs an opportunity to communicate “no” and “yes” with their human caretakers. If we give control back to the dog during these procedures, then the dog is less likely to be anxious or distressed. With cooperative care techniques, dogs are taught specific behaviors or cues to communicate “yes”. We call these voluntary start behaviors. They include eye contact, targeting to a mat, and a chin rest (chin resting on a hand, lap, or chair). Once a dog learns this start behavior, then behavior modification can be used to change the dog’s perception and response to these procedures. Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB

Calder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com

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Training with Your Best Friend It is never too late for you and your dog to learn new “tricks.” Training is important for a variety of reasons: safety for ourselves, our dogs and others, eliminating unwanted behaviors, building confidence and reducing fear, mental stimulation, physical exercise. Through training, you and your dog can build a stronger bond while learning and also having fun. Here are few enrichment activities you might like to try this winter as well as advertisements for trainers throughout Maine. Do your research and ask questions to find one that is best suited for you and your dog.

Five Easy Enrichment Activities By Sara Sokol Mr. Dog Training

Winter is here with colder, shorter, and darker days, which usually means less time outside for you and your dog. When outdoor time becomes limited, we often decrease our dog’s structured exercise, and more importantly, mental stimulation and enrichment activities. This usually leads to an increase in what humans refer to as “unwanted behaviors” such as, barking, chewing, digging, jumping, nipping, mounting, and often general anxiety. Mental stimulation and enrichment don’t need to be complicated though! Check out the following five fun and easy activities to do with your dog to help it with its cabin fever this winter. Have fun! Please note: these activities should always be supervised, and

dogs should never be left alone while enjoying them. Push the can/ball You can use a ball of any kind or a coffee or oat type can. • Place the ball/can on the ground. • Put a small, soft food treat on the ground where the ball/can meet the floor. • Encourage your dog to get the treat. • When the dog takes the treat, its nose should gently push the ball/can, causing it to roll. • After five successful “pushes”, you can start saying “push” when

you encourage your dog to take the treat. • Over time, you will be able to phase out the food treat

to get the dog to push and only use the word “push”. Be sure to give it the treat after it pushes!

PUPSTART!

Save that Amazon box (or two or 10)! • Collect an assortment of cardboard boxes and place a high value food item or one of your dog’s favorite toys inside each of the smaller boxes (frozen stuffed Kongs, favorite chews, stuffed toys, balls, etc.) • Close up each small box (just fold it, no tape) and place it inside of the big box. • Close up the big box (again, no tape) and then let your dog tear, shred, and open up all of the boxes to get to the hidden treasures! Please note: if your dog is eating any cardboard instead of just shredding or tearing it, then this is not the game for it. Encouraging shredding or tearing in this way will actually reduce your dog’s likelihood of destroying things it shouldn’t because we are giving it a proper outlet for its energy. Ping the kibble This is a great, fun way to feed your dog its meals! • Get your dog’s attention and place one of your dog’s kibbles on the floor. • Use your finger to flick or “ping” the kibble across the

floor for your dog to go get and eat. • When your dog looks at you, “ping” another kibble in a different direction for it to go after and eat. • Repeat until you run out of kibble! Save that Amazon box! (Part two!) • Leave the packaging paper that came with your shipment in the box after you have unpacked it and/or add some crumpled newspaper and toss a handful of kibble in the box for your dog to snuffle for. • Another option is to buy a package of “ball pit” balls or just fill the empty box with

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

Motivation in Training

ccording to the dictionary, motivation is deﬁned as an inducement or incentive to act or perform a behavior. When we ask our dogs to work and perform behaviors consistently and accurately, we need to have motivators that are valuable to the dog. The key to successful training is how do you weave your relationship with your dog into the motivational process? If you only reward with food or toy release and are not

part of the reward, you can expect performance to decline when the motivator is not present. We need to become part of the reward through touch, praise, body language, and expression, in other words, things in our relationship that our dog values. Dogs are social creatures and most enjoy attention. Some will even exhibit “bad” behavior to

get attention. If we really observe which of our behaviors our dog finds rewarding during the time we spend with him, we can then use these behaviors to help motivate our dogs. Certain tone of voice, gestures, touch, and body language will encourage a dog to move into our space and engage with us. If you are working to build a relationship with your dog, try to get rid of all behaviors that cause the dog to move away or become defensive. These behaviors are not motivating to your dog. If we are having problems in training, we need to ask ourselves some questions: 1. Is the motivator something the dog finds valuable and are we part of it? 2. Are we using motivation frequently enough or does each session become harder and harder because “he knows how” to do it? 3. Are we sincere with our rewards, or are we frustrated with lack of progress? 4. Are we reluctant to go back and simplify the task so the dog can succeed and the reward appears for success? 5. Are we careful in planning our session to build on success and not just try to fix failures?

Your dog should want to engage with you because he knows how to win. Structuring your sessions for success is your responsibility. We need to be constantly aware of our dog’s feelings and make sure that we are willing to modify or abandon our training plan if we can see that our dog is becoming overly stressed. We may have continued for too long a time or external pressures have increased (proximity to ring gates, people, or other dogs). Maybe we need to take a play break or modify the situation so that our dog can succeed. We do not need to accept mistakes, but we do need to try and understand why they have occurred. Is it an eﬀort error, lack of attention, or does your dog simply not know what you want? We must communicate that the wrong behavior will not be rewarded, but that you want your dog to stay “in the game” and try again, and that you will help if needed. Successful motivation is a two-way street. You must pay close attention to your dog and provide timely information to reinforce behaviors that you want, and your dog should have full trust in this partnership.

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

Pets & Automobiles – Part 1 Cars, trucks, mini-vans,

basically any automobile are often as much a part of our pets' lives as they are ours. It's how we brought them home the first time and how we transport them to all types of activities. We have all known someone who has a dog that the mere mention of "car ride" has the dog leaping in ecstasy. However, some dogs are or become terrified of riding in a moving vehicle. Some cats enjoy car rides, but many find the crate and car a predictor of getting sick or a trip to the vet. Automobile Safety for Pets We are responsible for the safety of our pets. Pets need to be secured in a vehicle when it is in motion for their safety and our own. A loose pet can become a distraction to the driver. A pet in the car's front seat is unlikely to survive if the airbag discharges in an accident. An unsecured pet riding is more likely to become seriously injured. It also has great potential to hurt passengers if they become a fast-moving projectile due to a sudden stop. Even if a pet is uninjured in an accident, it is possible that it will be so terrified it will frantically try to escape, which itself can result in injury or death. Dogs have even been known to deter emergency personnel from rescuing injured people. An article about car safety harnesses in the Whole Dog Journal, [Car Safety Harness Recommendation, updated 3/21/19], discusses a Boxer named Ruby that was riding in a car unrestrained when the vehicle was in an accident. Ruby survived but "…suffered a spinal-cord injury

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

�� : ��

and mild brain injury." Ruby also required months of intensive rehab, costing over $9,000. One option for securing a pet in a vehicle is a hard-sided crate of the type used for air transport. The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and lie down. A separate crate should be used for each pet. It would be best if you secure the crate to the vehicle chassis in a manner such that it cannot break loose in the event of an accident. An unsecured crate can become a dangerous projectile. For a crate to eﬀectively

keep your pet safe and secure in your vehicle, your pet must be comfortable in its crate. Unfortunately, some pets find a crate stressful, in which case, you will need to patiently help them learn that the crate is a safe place. The following two articles can help with the process; Dogs – Crate Habituation to Reduce Anxiety – http://bit.ly/CrateHabituation and Cats – Make Your Life Easier – Get Your Cat to Love Their Carrier – http://bit.ly/Cats-Carriers. A gate or barrier is another option for securing a pet in a vehicle. However, for these to provide the safety necessary in the event of an accident, they must be attached to the vehicle chassis, so they cannot break free. While this would probably keep passengers safe, it is no guarantee the pet will survive the crash. Many people confine their dogs to the backseat of their car with a special harness or seatbelt made especially for dogs. Unfortunately, many of these products may not protect your dog in a crash, giving you a false sense of security. Only three such harnesses have passed the rigorous crash test standards of the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) [https://www.centerforpetsafety. org/] You can find a list of harnesses, carriers, and crates that are CPS Certified at https:// www.centerforpetsafety.org/cpscertified/ While a CPS Certified harness can be an excellent option, recognize that your dog may not automatically enjoy being harnessed in the car. A rewardbased dog trainer can help you slowly acclimate your dog to wearing a seat belt.

Does Your Pet Need to Go With You? Most of us rarely take our cats for a ride because of most cats' inherent dislike of travel. On the other hand, many of us love our dogs' company, and the dogs often love the adventure of a ride. However, if you will need to leave your dog alone in the vehicle at any time, I encourage you to ask yourself if having the dog with you is necessary. Unless the trip is speciﬁcally for the dog, a visit to daycare or the dog park, a hiking adventure appropriate for the dog, a trip to the veterinarian, or something else where the dog's presence is required, I encourage you to consider leaving the dog at home. When we leave a dog alone in a vehicle, we need to worry about it; overheating, getting too cold, becoming anxious and frantically trying to escape, being stolen, or being teased by uncaring people. More than one person has told me how they caught a person taunting the dog while the dog was left in the car. After this, the dog behaved aggressively anytime anyone approached the vehicle. Another person told me he left his dog alone in the car for only a brief moment. However, it was enough time for a child to be bitten when the child stuck his little hand in through the open window. I love having Muppy with me, but if there is a possibility I might need to leave her alone in the car, she stays home. Next month I will discuss how to help those pets that ﬁnd rides in an automobile stressful.

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 2022

Rescue

of the

Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: SECOND CHANCE BOXER RESCUE A Safe Harbor for Boxers in Need By Susan Spisak Second Chance Boxer Rescue, SCBR, was incorporated in New York in 2000. Before that date, they were Rochester Boxer Rescue and Maine Boxer Rescue. They are an independent nonproﬁt and are volunteer and foster based. They rehome their dogs in Maine, New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Their Boxers and mixes thereof come to them as strays from shelters or are owner surrenders for reasons such as divorce, death, or ﬁnancial hardships. Nora Cummings, SCBR board member and Maine resident, said the rescue world has its own “little network.” Thus, they hear of needy Boxers by word of mouth including puppy mill dogs and those who were abused or neglected.

“We’ve had several Beabulls,” added Nora. (They’re English Bulldog/ Beagles.) And they’ll take other breeds if fosters are available. They used to be purebred only, but Nora acknowledged people’s stance on adopting a mixed Boxer or another breed is diﬀerent. “I think that’s changed a lot,” she chuckled, adding they likely aren’t adopting for breeding purposes. If you are thinking of a Boxer, understand their personality. They’re very family-oriented, love children, and can be playful. They’ll thrive with plenty of exercise, meaning daily walks or jogs, and participating in canine play groups. Boxers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, and their coloring is often fawn or brindle. They are sensitive, don’t like to be left alone much, and while they tend to be strong-willed, they’re trainable. They always can use more qualiﬁed

foster homes across the states that they serve. If you have an interest and are approved, you’ll become a member of their foster email group. This is their support group where issues, questions, and successes are discussed. Considering it? It’s gratifying to foster and help a rescued pet. Nora said SCBR covers all costs, meaning fosters are reimbursed for food, vetting, preventatives, and are provided with a crate. They’re responsible for taking their charge to a veterinarian for shots, tests, and spay/ neuter. And depending on where the foster lives, there may be a vet partner nearby who’s worked with SCBR and understands their policies. SCBR doesn’t subscribe to the fosterto-adopt method, she said. They’re aware that Boxers may be dealing with the trauma of losing a home, might not have perfect manners, and will require

KING, 9 YEARS OLD

training and guidance by their new owner. Because their dogs often need an adjustment period, they oﬀer much post-adoption support. They have stringent adoption policies. There’s a phone interview, vet check, landlord references (if applicable), and a home visit. Many of their dogs are fostered in New York and Connecticut, and adopters must travel to pick up their new pet. For information on available dogs, adoption, fostering, and volunteering applications, visit secondchanceboxer. com/. They welcome donations on their PayPal link on the website’s home page. SCBR often utilizes volunteer transports, moving their rescues on leg-to-leg freedom rides to their foster homes in the Northeastern states. Follow them on Facebook to see transportation needs at facebook.com/ secondchanceboxerrescue.

MERCI, 1 YEAR OLD, FRENCH BULLDOG

This distinguished older gentleman spent most of his life as an outdoor dog, so he’s only now discovering the delights of an indoor life. Since he was an outdoor dog, King is still getting used to the usual household routines – but with his foster sisters showing him the ropes, he is learning fast. He is in Maine and is slowly adjusting to the changes in his life.

Merci is from a puppy mill that was saved from a life of breeding. Merci is being treated for IBD(irritable bowel disease) and needs to gain weight. With the proper meds and food she’s receiving, she’ll be at a healthy weight in no time! She is a sweetheart and loves the attention that she receives and gives little kisses. Merci is being fostered in the NYC area.

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Downeast Dog News

Dogs for Adoption

View more available dogs on our website, downeastdognews.com. Many rescues are showing dogs by appointment only right now. Some rescues do not oﬀer phone numbers and require you apply online. Please see the contact info. highlighted in yellow below each dog. TUCKER

5 years old, Mixed Breed

DIXIE

MERLIN

4 years, Catahoula Labrador/Retriever Mix

15 years old, Pit Bull Terrier Mix

FMI: Stop by Kennebec Valley Humane Society or call 207-626-3491

FMI: www.olddogsnewdigs.com

2022 January Downeast Dog News

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