2022 July Downeast Dog News by Jennifer Rich / Wendi Smith

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Volume 17 • Issue 7 • JULY 2022

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Promote Comfortable Joint Movement Recent studies have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin can act synergistically to lubricate joints and nourish cartilage and connective tissue. Sea Jerky® is the original, patented “joint flexibility product for dogs”. Imitators may make similar claims -but there is only one Sea Jerky!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MAINE POM PROJECT

Maine’s Pet Oxygen Mask Project Auburn resident, Bobby Silcott. His mission is to equip all state fire/ rescue departments with POMs pet oxygen masks - to accomplish aine’s Pet Oxygen Mask Project, aka the Maine POM Project, his goal: “Job #1 - Save Lives.” As of June 1, 2022, he’s donated over 600 is the brainchild of the industrious sets of POMs to state fire/rescue Departments. Back in ’09 his plan was hatched.

By Susan Spisak

INSIDE 6 2 Hot Dog News

Basic Training Tips

8 &9

Maine Made Pet Products

He was an EMT and the Animal Control Officer in Naples at the time. An empathetic person, Bobby explained they didn’t have anything appropriate in the field to give animals necessary oxygen for smoke inhalation, “We would use human

See MASK PROJECT on page 5

12-13 Dogs for Adoption

DOWNEASTDOGNEWS.COM

Calendar of Events

Hot Dog News A Story of Partnership and Renewal S

everal months ago, our animal rescue partners in Florida were made aware of a dog who had been left on a balcony for days and days, with no food or water. Neighbors were concerned about the dog’s well-being as he was significantly underweight, and they could not locate the owner. After several visits, Animal Control Officers were finally allowed on the property. They discovered that the unit was in deplorable condition, dirty and unsafe for people and pets, and the sweet dog, named Burrito, was found unable to get himself off the ground, emaciated, and in need of urgent care. Burrito was brought to Miami-Dade Animal Services, where he began to receive treatment. At that time, the team noted “This pet is in urgent need of rescue to ensure ongoing treatment”. Our friends and partners at the Friends of Miami Animals Foundation asked if we’d be willing to help Burrito and find him a new home in Maine once he was able to travel. As part of Midcoast Humane’s animal transport program, Welcome ME Home, Burrito was put on their next transport and arrived at the Portland Jetport on a Wings of Rescue Flight. Our compassionate care team immediately saw Burrito and ensured he would continue on his road to recovery and health. Now, Burrito is happy and healthy and lives with his new family. His adopter reports that Burrito is doing very well, and “His favorite things to do are play with his ball or nap in the sun!” The collaboration of multiple animal welfare groups each doing their part brought a deeply neglected dog to a safe, happy home here in Maine. Please consider a gift to Midcoast Humane so we can continue to help homeless pets like Burrito as fast as possible. Your support will enable us to provide for thousands of homeless animals in 2022. The more generous you can be, the more comfort, care, and love we can provide to our animal guests. Jess Townsend Executive Director PS. If you’d like to learn more about Midcoast Humane’s plans for the future, including ways to support our capital campaign for the construction of a modern new shelter to benefit the animals of midcoast Maine and beyond don’t hesitate to contact me at 207449-1366 ext. 101. I would be happy to speak to you. Thank you again for VOTED BEST your support!

Voted Best Best Trainer Voted Trainer 2015-2019 TRAINER 2015! 2015-2020

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Fireworks and Pets

ireworks can be terrifying for both domestic and wild animals. On the 4th of July, many animals go missing because they are frightened or disoriented by the booming sounds and flashing lights. Unfortunately, you may not be able to completely avoid them so here are some tips on how to help keep your furry loved ones calm and comfortable. • Resist the temptation to bring your dog to a fireworks display. • If possible, take them on a walk before fireworks are expected to begin. • Keep your pets inside and turn on the tv or music to help soften the noises outdoors. • Make them a comfortable space with a favorite toy, blanket or treat. • Puzzle games or frozen treats might work as a distraction. • If you pet is crate trained, consider putting them in their crate and maybe covering it with a sheet. • Vests made to ease anxiety may work for some pets. • If you can’t be inside, then keep them with you and on a leash. • Speak to your veterinarian about medications that might help with anxiety. • Make sure they are wearing a collar with id and/or are microchipped should they happen to get out and go missing. • On and around the 4th of July, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sees an increase in calls concerning pets who have ingested fireworks. Fireworks contain several types of chemicals and heavy metals. If you are setting off fireworks at home, make sure you thoroughly clean up the area before letting your pets have access again.

Voted BestBEST Trainer VOTED Voted Best Trainer 2015-2019 TRAINER 2015! 2015-2021 2015-2020

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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

From the Publisher Dear Dog News Readers, Happy July! I am looking forward to some warmer temps. Don’t get me wrong, we had some beautiful days in June but I need it to get warmer so I can be comfortable in the lake. We put in our dock and floats at camp or as Dad refers to them as Pepper’s Pier. I climbed in up to my chest that day (prior to Father’s Day) and the water was still pretty cold. This of course does not phase Pepper one bit! It brings me great joy to see her so happy and doing the thing that she loves most. Dad recently purchased a small boat, so our next adventure will be testing Pepper on a short ride. My previous dog, Reilly, enjoyed my grandfather’s boat and I think he equally enjoyed taking her out in it. She would prop herself up in the bow like George Washington crossing the Delaware. I’m not so sure if Pepper is going to stay in the boat but we’ll give it a try close to the camp. I will report back next month. We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July and upcoming summer celebrations. All the best, Jenn and Pepper

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Table of Contents

Hot Dog News . ..................... 2 Furry Words .......................... 4 Ask the Vet............................. 4 Basic Training Tips . ............... 6 Conflict Related Aggression ... 7 Help for a Reactive Dog ..........7 Maine Made Pet Products. . 8, 9 Performance Dog Training.... 10 Words, Woofs & Meows....... 11 Dogs for Adoption............12-13 Calendar............................... 14 Business Directory ............... 15

Hello my friends! I’ve had a fun

and busy spring talking to you about your dogs and helping them have a say in their care, training, and sharing ways to help you better connect with them. My dog is still a work in progress, however. I guess being psychic is pretty cool, but I have to have my own human existence when I’m off the clock. That being said, if you see me at the beach and my chocolate Lab decides to lay down, I will be standing there until she decides she’s ready to move forward. It’s her new game, and at first, it was super frustrating and now I’ve just learned to chuckle at the ridiculousness of it all. Here’s what people wanted to know about their own dogs this month. Enjoy! Lisa V. asked about Molly, a Shih Tzu mix who won’t let her clip her nails and has been acting very strange during bathroom time lately. She wants to know what’s up and what she’s trying to tell them. Her nails are super sensitive, and when you cut them, she feels it go all the way to her bone. You know how it feels to bite a piece of tinfoil? She gets that same feeling in her bones when you clip the nails. A dremel tool would be even worse, but you could try cutting them after a bath when they’re softer. She wants them trimmed ,but the anticipation is now as bad as the actual process. As for the bathroom, you have someone energetically around you. It’s a man, looks like he’s in his late 50’s, I just heard the name

Moldy Foods Q. I know dogs are scavengers.

How dangerous is it for Buster to eat stuff he finds?

I recently became aware of the lack of knowledge about how dangerous moldy food is for dogs. We know dogs are scavengers and can eat most anything, but when it comes to moldy food, our best friends can get very sick or even die. Fungus (mold) growing on spoiled food can produce poisonous substances called mycotoxins. The disease is called mycotoxicosis. There are several different mycotoxins that can poison your dog if ingested. Depending on the type of mycotoxins, the symptoms may vary. The volume of the moldy food ingested by Buster may play a part in the severity of the symptoms. Some dogs, just like some people, are more sensitive to mycotoxins than others. The foods most likely to have mycotoxins are any spoiled food found in trash cans, compost heaps, old kibble, and trash found in

Furry Words by Sara Moore

www.enlightenedhorizons.com

Carl but names can be tricky for me to get as a psychic. He’s worried that he didn’t do enough before he passed, and he left people in a bit of a pickle. He’s giving them permission to do whatever needs to be done, and he’s sorry. Molly senses his energy and even I think he’s a bit intense! After you have a chat with him, help send him to the light. Call in your higher power, ask to be surrounded in light and love, and imagine opening a yellow circle of light above a door or window (for some reason I always use one to the right of me). This light is a one-way valve so no spirits can come back through; it only opens TO

Ask the Vet…

by Dr. Judith Herman

picnic areas and camp sites. Symptoms will vary depending on the fungus and the amount ingested. Generally, the symptoms are muscle tremors, seizures, panting, hyperactivity, vomiting, uncoordinated movements, weakness, increased heart rate (tachycardia), increased body temperature (hyperesthesia),

heaven. Then imagine him going up and through, and then close the light by imagining it closing like a camera lens. If you have questions, feel free to reach out privately! Sarena C. wants to know why Brutus, her fawn Mastiff, pants and shakes in the car when he never did before. Well this is an interesting answer! We are all made of energy, and each one of us has a certain vibration. This is why some people feel super comfortable to us while others make us feel like our head is in a wasp nest. You have done so much work on yourself and are on track to outshine some of the people who raised you or used to surround you. It’s sort of like you are on a group hike but got to the top first, so you get to lay in the sun and take in the views until they arrive. Your vibration is higher than it used to be. Brutus is still a lower vibration, so when you’re in the car, you’re no longer aligned, which makes him feel less safe, which is why he’s shaking. Phew. That’s a bit deep for a dog newspaper column but also a huge compliment to you and the work you’re doing! Tell him that you and he are still connected and imagine extending your hand to him and bringing him up to your level. I bet that will work! Kathy Z. wants to know if Rosco will be ok at home with her roommates when she’s gone for a few days, and if he likes the chickens. He’s going to be great, but it will also be reassuring for you to know he prefers your company to theirs! Dogs and

children are good judges of character, so is the fact that all the dogs you’ve had, including him, have totally respected and adored you! As for the chickens, he likes them, but it’s also a bit intense for him. He thinks he is in charge of them, and if anything happens, he will feel like he let you down. Remind him that there is life and death in all things, and if one goes, it’s not his fault. He’d never hurt one, either! Kiirsten K. asked what would make Murphy’s life even better. I just saw a spoon of ice cream being extended to him. The colder the better but he does try to take it and walk away with it. Just eat it Murphy! Finally, Ashley asked about Tugg, her Rotweiler mix. “Is he happy?” He really is! The funny thing is he’s really good at being quiet when people have work to do as long as he knows that when you’re done all the attention goes back to him. If you took him to dog classes, he’d want to be really good at whatever skill was being taught, so he’d be super serious. iI you were just hanging out and talking to another dog owner after class, he’d be super silly and playful with the other dog. He just said that all work and no play make Tugg a bad boy. LOL! Thank you again for sending your questions to the Sara Moore Enlightened Horizons Facebook page. If you’d like a reading for you or your pets, Sara can be reached at www.enlightenedhorizons.com. Enjoy the start of summer!

dehydrations, lack of appetite (anorexia) and death. These symptoms can come on as quickly as an hour or two. If you see your best friend eating moldy substances, go to your veterinarian or emergency clinic right away. Bring the substance with you if you can, to show the clinician. The emergency team will start supportive care by inducing vomiting if indicated, giving activated charcoal, IV fluids, or medicine to control symptoms the dog is exhibiting such as tremors and seizures. Some fungi attack the liver. Blood tests will be run to assess the effect the toxins have on his organs. Buster will need to stay in the hospital until the symptoms are under control and he is stable. In most cases with treatment, he will have a full recovery. Symptoms are usually gone in 24 to 48 hours when treated, but some dogs will recover more slowly and will need to be closely monitored. You can prevent this tragedy by making sure compost piles are contained and dog proof. Trash should be kept in tightly closed containers and in a safe place to

keep wild critters from getting into the trash making it accessible to your dog. If you feed kibble, buy smaller bags that can be used up in a timely fashion to avoid mold growing in the bottom. If you have to buy big bags, which is not wise since the nutrients deteriorate with time, break the bag into smaller airtight containers and freeze some of it. When you are walking your dog, keep him on leash in picnic areas, unfamiliar areas, and anywhere there may have been camping or eating. Don’t let your dog visit trash cans or around dumpsters. Even if you have an awesome leave it, know it may not be bomb proof if something tasty is in reach. Enjoy walking and hiking with your best friend. Go swimming at your favorite pond. Just be alert to trash left behind. Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH Animal Wellness Center Augusta, Maine www.mainehomeopahticvet.com

Downeast Dog News

MASK PROJECT

from page 1

masks,” he said, adding that some personnel would fashion masks out of Styrofoam cups or cans. “You do what you can do.” His wheels started turning after a few pets lost their lives in a “tragic” Naples house fire. He wanted to find a way to help animals from perishing. He thought he was on to something when the Cumberland County Animal Response Team or CCART was established. He joined CCART and became certified in the American Red Cross CPR class. Being involved with CCART deepened his awareness of the need for necessary tools to assist animals. (CCART provides community awareness of disaster planning and preparedness related to companion animals and large animals. They also assist in emergency sheltering of companion animals. Many animal response teams blossomed after Hurricane Katrina and the creation of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards or PETS Act, which authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs. “One day it occurred to me to raise money for pet oxygen masks,” he shared. Back then, this animal lover was a board member with Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Fryeburg. His goal was to figure out how to finance nineteen masks for all the shelter’s contracted towns’ fire/rescue squads, “That seemed a natural fit.” Serendipity. He got a call from a café owner in a nearby eastern New Hampshire town who’d heard about the POM mission and asked him to stop by for a chat to expound on his mission. Bobby explained that he planned to raise $1750 for Harvest Hill’s contracted towns. The

café owner left him sitting there for a minute and came back with a check for that amount. Thoughtfully Bobby said, “That was a lifechanging moment for me.” Goal met, he decided he was going to continue. How to raise necessary funding on his own so he could donate the pet oxygen masks? “I put a lot of thought into this when I started this,” he said, adding that he knew it had to be free of charge to the departments. So, Bobby went through the necessary steps to be certified to teach lifesaving cat and dog First Aid/ CPR classes to individuals and groups. He has and continues to offer these classes all over the state at venues such as pet stores, fire departments, libraries, vet offices, and grooming salons who allow him to teach there without a fee. He charges $80 to each student who attends. Attendees receive a book on pet CPR and a lifetime certification, and they can attend refreshers free of charge. This program is a win-win. He’s providing a particularly useful tool to animal owners, and their fee is used to purchase a set of POMs that costs $80, including shipping and handling. Each set includes a small, medium, and large mask. He strives to hand deliver the POMs so that he can educate on the proper use of the masks. While a Pom has been used to revive a dog who took in too much water swimming, the main purpose is for smoke inhalation. And these POMs aren’t just for canines and felines. “They’re very versatile,” he explained. From gerbils, lizards, canaries, to goats and sheep, they can be utilized where oxygen is required. He relayed the story of

a family who lost their home in a fire, but the fire department had retrieved a terrarium with a dying corn snake in it. Oxygen was pumped into the terrarium – the snake was revived. He gave a shout out to his “big” sponsor – Invisible Fence of Southern Maine. “They’re a huge partner.” He’s thankful to volunteers and all businesses who support Maine’s POM Project. He’s also proud that he’s donated scores of masks to intensive law enforcement K-9 training programs for working dogs and their handlers. (He will continue this as PHOTO COURTESY OF MAINE POM PROJECT well.) The POMs are for their field first aid kits. “It can be very dangerous work,” he will ring them up. He'd like to get word out to other fire/rescue squads. he added. If readers know of any municipalities Now a full time Animal Control that need a POM set, please visit his Officer for Cumberland, Yarmouth, website below or Facebook page, and North Yarmouth, he continues facebook.com/The-Maine-POMto plug along on POMs mission that Project-109983675697408/ and send will live on indefinitely. He said he’s him a note. provided POMs for “many, many To donate to the POM municipalities.” He’s also started project or K-9 training efforts, providing kits into New Hampshire mainepomproject.org/. and had a few calls from Texas. Of course, he gladly provided them. Some departments contact him, or

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAINE POM PROJECT

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We Are the Minority, Yet We Affect Everybody’s Quality of Life

I was recently traveling the

internet highway, allowing it to take me on a risky, high-speed expedition into unknown territories when I arrived at a place I’d not previously known existed: the antidog, “Dogfree” world (thank you, Reddit). This is a world inhabited by people ranging from those who tolerate dogs to others who outright despise dogs and wish they didn’t exist, and everything in between. “There are a lot of us, a lot more than you might think, and we come from a variety of backgrounds. Someone you see on a regular basis in your life may dislike dogs and you might not even know it.” As I dug deeper, I developed a sincere empathy for this group of people and found that I shared many of their top ten grievances about dogs and their owners. Absent from their position,

Basic Training Tips by Diana Logan

however, is an understanding and recognition of the deep and valuable connections we make with our dogs and how much they teach us about ourselves and others. Nevertheless, it was eye-opening,

Example: Barking Incessant barking in a community is an assault on our personal space over which we have little to no control even with local ordinances. Barking travels through neighborhoods and is a general public nuisance. Owners of compulsively barking dogs need to recognize that it is a problem for which they are responsible. The quality of life of people on the receiving end is being negatively affected. Much of the problem may lie in the false assumption that you cannot prevent a dog from barking, and the sad excuse that “dogs will be dogs.” You can do something about it. [https://www.whole-dogjournal.com/behavior/demandbehavior/why-dogs-bark-and-howto-stop-them/]. Let's be good Ambassadors We owe it to our neighbors, our friends, our communities to handle and manage our dogs in a way that represents responsible dog ownership and respects others. Perhaps we can’t convert the dog haters of Dogfree, but we can at least try to turn our dogs into ambassadors for what is possible. **www.veterinarypracticenews.com

and many points really hit home and made me think. We dog owners are just shy of the majority. 45% of US households owned 83.7 million dogs in 2020. This is a significant increase from 2016 when there were 76.8 million dogs in 38% of households. These figures do not include free-ranging or feral dogs who can pose serious threats to the health and welfare of people, livestock, and native animals… not to mention themselves. Talking globally, there are 700 million to 1 billion (BILLION) dogs and 70% of them are free ranging/feral [www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]. That’s right, there are up to 700 million “homeless” dogs on the planet. It’s no wonder there’s an anticanine camp out there; we are surrounded by dogs. Many people within Dogfree have had very bad, sometimes terrible encounters with dogs, so their anti-dog viewpoints are understandable. Let’s face it: it’s nearly impossible to get away from dogs, whether you like them or not. They are everywhere, and sometimes where they should not be. They can be destructive, loud, smelly, dangerous, annoying... and the list goes on. [these descriptors also apply to humans, right?]

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

Kompletely K-9

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fireflykennel.com Downeast Dog News

Conflict Related Aggression By Christine D. Calder, DVM, DACVB Calder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com What is Conflict Related Aggression? Conflict related aggression is a condition that results in aggressive behaviors such as barking, growling, lunging, snapping, or biting directed towards people that a dog knows well (often family members). These dogs may show confusing body language (approach for attention and then snarl, growl, snap, or bite) before and during an attack. Afterwards, the dog may “slink off”, shake, or appear “remorseful” causing people to assume they feel “guilty” or “sorry.” This is usually not the case, and these behaviors often indicate anxiety or fear instead. Common situations for this behavior include: • Moving or disturbing while resting • Staring directly

• Reaching over the head or reaching out your hand • Placing a leash and collar on or off • Disciplining • Hugging, kissing, and petting • Bathing or grooming • Restraining Many dogs with conflict related aggression also guard toys, food, spaces, and many other items. It is their way of gaining some form of control and predictability over their environment and human interactions. How is Conflict-related Aggression Treated? • Avoid Confrontation. Confrontation increases fear and anxiety which often escalates behavior rather than stop it. • Avoid Inconsistent Interactions: Predictability is key to reduce anxiety and uncertainty. • Monitor body language closely. Dogs express themselves with their eyes, ears, mouth, tail,

and body. An understanding of body language helps to keep a dog feeling safe and avoid unnecessary conflict. • Positive Reinforcement training: Positive reinforcement training builds relationships. Start button behaviors such as eye contact, a chin rest, or

standing on a platform are taught to build trust and give opportunities for the dog to say “yes” or “no” in a non confrontational way. • Relaxation Exercises: Such as learning how to take deeper breaths on cue or shaping relaxation lowers anxiety and teaches new coping skills. • Behavior Modification: When specific triggers are identified, behavior modification changes emotional states and individual responses to these triggers. • Medications: In many cases, medication may be helpful as part of a complete treatment plan. As with any behavior problem, it is important to consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to rule out underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the behavior and develop a treatment plan.

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Help for a Reactive Dog By Sara Sokol, Mr. Dog Training www.mrdogtraining.com

t’s a beautiful spring morning, you are out enjoying a walk with your dog, taking in the sunshine, and listening to the birds and then suddenly, in the distance, you spot, oh no, it’s someone walking their dog towards you! This scenario can flood a dog guardian with anxiety and fear when they have a reactive dog. Dog reactivity can be linked to an underlying fear/insecurity/anxiety of a specific trigger, like a dog, person, noise, skateboard, etc. Dogs will bark, lunge, pull towards those things to make them go away. Reactive dogs are common, quite common. In fact, I usually have between 35-50 new clients contact me each month due to their dog’s reactivity, including, the publisher of Downeast Dog News, Jenn Rich and her dog Pepper. Pepper’s Story: Jenn used to take Pepper to a local dog park where she liked to fetch her ball. One evening a dog got rather aggressive with Pepper. Jenn was able to safely interrupt the interaction and

JULY 2022

Jenn and Pepper promptly left and have not returned. Ever since then, Pepper has been reactive to other dogs when on leash as well as when riding in the car. Where I come in… Jenn decided to reach out to me for help, and I got her set up with my Fearful Fido Information session video to give her the tools to help her change Pepper’s Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) to the triggers causing her to react, in her case dogs. When you change the way a dog feels, its behavior will change. My Fearful Fido video teaches what’s called Counter Conditioning. Most of you will remember Classical Conditioning…Pavlov? Yes? Does that ring a bell? Ok, buckle your seatbelts, I’m about to talk a little nerdy… Classical Conditioning is pairing a positive thing, like food, with a novel trigger, one that the animal has no CER to, like the sound of a bell, to create a happy CER to that trigger. This is what Pavlov did with his dogs. Counter Conditioning is the exact same thing except we are working

with a trigger that already has a “negative” CER associated with it, we are changing the CER from a negative one to a positive one. So, in Pepper’s case, we want to change her fear/ anxiety/insecurity that she is feeling when she sees another dog to a relaxed and happy feeling when she sees another dog. Still with me? Many reactive dog guardians can feel overwhelmed and discouraged when it comes to helping their dogs with reactivity (we are attempting to rewire their nervous systems after all, no big deal…) and it will often take them a while to get started. Jenn was no different. However, once she got started it really changed things for both her and Pepper! As she started to work on her Counter Conditioning with Pepper, she found that both of them were much less stressed over taking walks, and Pepper was noticeably relaxing and much less reactive. The setback… On Mother’s Day, Jenn and Pepper went on their usual loop, but a dog got a little closer than Pepper was ready for and lunged towards them. This pushed Pepper over her threshold and

caused her to lunge as well causing Jenn to lose her footing and fall hard. Jenn reached out to me that evening expressing how she really wished she had spoken up and asked for more space or even turned around and walked back, but it happened so quickly as it often does. These setbacks are common when working to try and help a reactive dog. I always tell my clients that we live in an unpredictable world, and sometimes, no matter what we do, things don’t go as planned. Living with and helping a reactive dog is often a challenge. I’ve found that remembering the phrase, “my dog is having a hard time, not giving me a hard time” is the best mindset to keep you motivated to keep going when you hit those bumps in the road. I am continuing to help and support Jenn and Pepper on their journey, as well as my many other reactive dog guardian clients, and we will check back in on their progress here in a few months. In the meantime, wish them well on their journey together!

Maine Made Pet Products This month we put a spotlight on Maine businesses and craftspeople who have been inspired by our furry friends to create magnificent pet products. Be sure to read up on these great businesses and check out what they have to offer!

1. THE DOOLOOP, CAPE ELIZABETH

A modern leash accessory for those who'd rather not walk around swinging bags of dog poop in hand. Super easy to use, convenient and lightweight. the dooloop makes your life easier while being kind to the planet. Made with non-toxic, BPA free, biodegradable plastic, and zero-waste packaging.

5. UNCOMMON PAWS, PORTLAND

Featuring their own brand of dog collars, leashes, harnesses, and Martingale collars as well as dog beds, bow ties, bandanas and bucket hats. Made in Maine. They also carry a variety of wonderful toys and well-made accessories as well as healthy and locally made treats.

6. TEALIGHT STUDIOS, PORTLAND

2. COASTSIDE BIO RESOURCES, DEER ISLE

Coastside Bio Resources is focused on the health benefits of marine-derived supplements. They offer a variety of products for dogs, cats and humans.

3. KITSUNE CREATIONS, LEWISTON

Dog bandanas and pet bow ties that focus on style and comfort with a variety of options. Her Shiba Inu, Bento, is her inspiration for all the bandanas.

4. SNIFF MY SNACK HOLISTIC DOG TREATS, FRYEBURG

Started based on a love for their dog Walter, their mission is to spoil dogs with their all-natural holistic treats, and bring awareness to pet parents, the healthy and natural benefits their homemade treats bring to our fur-ever friends.

1 dooloop

Promote Comfortable Joint Movement

Helping You Take Care of Sh*t!

Recent studies have demonstrated that glucosamine and chondroitin can act synergistically to lubricate joints and nourish cartilage and connective tissue.

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Sea Jerky® is the original, patented “joint flexibility product for dogs”. Imitators may make similar claims -but there is only one Sea Jerky! Maine Made Hands free, easy to use Eco-friendly dog waste carrier Find us at thedooloop.com or check your local pet store!

7. NOOKSACK RACING SUPPLY, OXFORD

Dog powered sports equipment for dogs and their owners including but not limited to mushing, bikejoring, skijoring, hiking, scootering and canicross. Their products: harnesses, collars, leashes, attachments for bikes, skijor hip belts, waist belts for dog walking and more.

Acadia Moose Antler dog chews are the best choice for power chewers of all sizes. Acadia is a small family business famous for their quality, large cut Grade A moose antler dog chew. Naturally shed and fresh out of the forests.

Please contact Coastside Bio Resources 800-732-8072 for a store near you.

KitsuneCreations.com

Ginger and Molasses (grain and gluten free) Whole Wheat & Pumpkin (CBD option available in all flavors)

Spoiled pet? No such thing. Handmade and leashes Homemadecollars, collars,harnesses, harnesses,and andleashes leashes Handmade collars, harnesses, in store brimming inaaastore storebrimming brimmingwith withaaawell-curated well-curated in with well-curated selection selection of foryour yourfavorite favorite pet. selection of products productsfor favoritepet. pet.

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Handmade bows and bandanas featuring many designs including but not limited to Maine and nautical patterns. Something for everyone!

Downeast Dog News

JULY 2022

8 Acadia Antlers Proud to be Made in America Our moose antler dog chews are perfect for power chewers of all sizes!! You can see for yourself why Acadia Antlers are America’s favorite long lasting dog chew. Made from naturally shed Maine moose antlers. 100% cruelty free.

Order online at www.acadiaantlers.com

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

Obedience Training Shaping Choices

I am very proud of my students.

For the time that I have been teaching them, I have seen them change from handlers who sometimes became frustrated with their dogs, felt their dogs were not trying,and blamed their dogs for mistakes. I have been fortunate enough to see them change into thinking handlers who are willing to help their dogs understand “the game” of obedience and make correct choices. Coming out of yourself and your

expectations and being truly willing to understand why your dog is not performing an exercise and then taking the responsibility to teach the dog the correct behavior is the foundation necessary to form an obedience/training partnership you can build upon. The dog must trust that you will help in time of

confusion and that you will be clear and patient and sincere in your efforts. No one, including your dog, needs or likes destructive criticism. It is not necessary to label your dog as “soft”, “shy”, “hyperactive”, etc. It is your job to help your dog become confident, focused willingly, and successful. The first step in getting there is realizing and accepting the responsibility that your dog’s behavior is a reflection of you and what you have taught them either directly or unintentionally. Why would any dog not want to try and succeed if it had a clear concept of the reward system, valued the reward, and understood the task? If the problem in performance comes from lack of attention, then you need to go back and teach attention perhaps even returning to basic pet dog skills until your dog truly understands attention to you is required, not optional. There are hundreds of types of gadgets, harnesses, leads, collars, etc. to control your dog. They may range from mild control to harsh control. They may give you control, but they do not teach your dog. In order to create desired behavior, it must be a win situation for the dog. The dog needs to understand what is required

and compliance must be valuable to the dog. Unwanted behaviors or “wrong” answers to obedience questions cannot result in value to the dog. It is your job as owner/trainer to help your dog be successful, to manage life and/or training situations so the dog can figure out what behaviors are rewarding. Many dogs shut down in obedience because they do not know how to find the behavior that is going to be rewarded. Obedience exercises can have many parts and what the dog is required to do in each part of the exercise must be clearly shown to the dog. A dog may show a different way of “solving” an obedience problem. If it is not the behavior you want, you must be careful not to destroy the dog’s willingness to try for a solution. Simply set up a situation that by channeling the effort correctly, the dog can be right. Remember - when playing the game of obedience, it’s not about you – it is about setting up a win for the dog by shaping choices. My students are starting to see that this is not only challenging, but a lot of fun for them and their dogs and everyone is much happier.

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 130 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 4 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 25 years. She is also an AKC Tracking judge. You can contact her with questions, suggestions, and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@northstardogschool.com.

Separation Anxiety and Alone Time Training Does your dog bark, whine, chew, scratch, or eliminate when they are home alone? Schedule a free phone call or an initial assessment online today we can help!

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Liz Fisher CPDT-KA, CSAT

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Downeast Dog News

There Are No “Stubborn” Dogs

Twelve Steps to Becoming Best Friends for Life - Steps 8 thru 12 Last month, I told you that I

believe dogs are never "stubborn" but simply misunderstood. In this month's column, I discuss steps 8 thru 12 in my program for having a wonderful dog. Step #8 – Gently teach your dog how to live harmoniously in your world. When we bring a dog into our world, we are responsible for teaching the dog how to live in a foreign culture. You need to start by learning its welfare needs and language. Then you need to patiently teach it by rewarding the behavior you like. Behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated, and the more they are repeated, the stronger they become. Please do not hesitate to reward your dog for being calmly by your side, even if you did not ask for that behavior. Remember, Behaviors that are rewarded will be repeated, and

WORDS, WOOFS & MEOWS by Don Hanson

ACCBC, BFRAP, CDBC, CPDT-KA

photo credit: debra bell

the more they are repeated, the stronger they become. For every second you spend correcting your dog, spend 100 hours rewarding it. That is the key to success. Manage your dog and its environment to prevent undesirable

behavior. Understand that teaching a dog is a process and will take time. Remember, your parents spent 18+ years teaching you. It is unrealistic to expect your dog to learn everything it needs to know in a couple of months. Training a dog also requires knowledge and skills. A credentialed professional dog trainer or canine behavior consultant can provide that knowledge and teach and coach you on those skills. Step #9 – Accept your dog for who it is. Dogs are living, sentient beings, and their personalities are just as variable as those found in people. Not all dogs are extroverts and like every other person or dog on the planet. Neither do people, and that's okay. Not every retrieving breed likes the water and retrieving, nor does every herding breed like to round up livestock. No matter what breed or mix of breeds you have in your dog, you will not always get what you want, and you need to accept your dog for the wonderful canine it is. If you need help, seek a credentialed professional dog trainer or canine behavior consultant. Step #10 – Ensure that everyone interacting with your dog follows rules #1 thru #9. Unless you're a hermit with no family, many other people will interact with your dog throughout its life. That can include friends, family members with ages from 1 month to 90+ years,

PHOTO CREDIT: DEBRA BELL

co-workers, neighbors, and a wide variety of pet care professionals such as veterinarians, daycare and boarding facilities, groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers, dog trainers, and behavior consultants. You must help all these people understand and accept rules 1 through 9. If other people are not kind to your dog, it can negatively affect your dog's behavior around other people. Remember, your dog cannot always stand up for itself, and that is up to you. Step #11 – Do something fun with your dog every day. Often, the strongest relationships involve two parties doing something together that they both enjoy. Find that special something that you and your dog both love doing together, and then make the time to do it daily. Don't overthink this. There can be more than one thing you both love, and sometimes it can be as simple as your dog sitting in your lap snuggling while you read or watch your favorite show on TV. Activities like going for walks, [as long as you allow your dog to sniff and explore] playing fetch, going for car rides, or just dancing in the backyard all count. The important thing is finding those activities and making time for them. If you do, you and your dog will both benefit, and your bond will become stronger. Step #12 – Enjoy your journey together. The saddest part of sharing your life with a dog is that that journey ends too soon. So instead of striving for perfection, focus on the joy you feel when together. Commit to making every moment count so that when the journey ends, you can both say, "Thank you for this wonderful time together! I'll miss you until we are reunited on the other side!" I hope that I have convinced you that your dog is not stubborn and to give my program a try. From personal experience and feedback from my clients, I know that it will help you and your dog become best friends for life.

Don Hanson lives in Bangor, Maine, where he isthe co-owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) and the founder of ForceFreePets.com, an online educational resource for people with dogs and cats. He is a Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (PCBC-A) accredited by the Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB)and a Bach Foundation Registered Animal Practitioner (BFRAP). Don is a member of thePet Professional Guild (PPG), where he serves on the Board of Directors and Steering Committee and chairs the Advocacy Committee. He is also a founding director of Pet Advocacy International (PIAI). In addition, Don produces and co-hosts The Woof Meow Showpodcast,available at http://bit.ly/WfMwPodcasts/,the Apple Podcast app, and Don's blog: www.words-woofs-meows.com.The opinions in this post are those of Don Hanson.

Classes Classes & & Private Private Lessons Lessons Obedience, Agility Obedience, Agility and and Tracking

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Now workshops schedulingwith Carolyn Fuhrer, Watch for 2020 Tracking Small customAKC training groups and workshops. Tracking Judge Call for more information!

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Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Christine Fraser, DVM Located in Happy Tails Daycare at 119 Bishop St. Portland, ME Visit our website all4pawswellness.com or call (207) 809-9505 for more information

JULY 2022

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Rescue

of the

Month

RESCUE OF THE MONTH: CATAHOULA RESCUE OF NEW ENGLAND Caring for Houlas & Heelers By Susan Spisak In 2006, Shannon Nachajko adopted a black and white Catahoula Leopard, a southern hunting and herding dog, from a local shelter. Poncho was 9 months and had been transported here after Hurricane Katrina. The poor guy had been misunderstood - adopters weren’t familiar with this breed also referred to as Catahoula Hound, Catahoula cur and Houla. Not understanding him or his needs, he’d been adopted and returned nine times. She fell for him and adopted him. She didn’t realize it then, but Poncho would lead her to the world of rescue. Once Shannon was well-versed with the breed and to help others like Poncho, she began volunteering for a Catahoula rescue. Then in 2014,

knowing she was well prepared, she founded her own national 501(c) 3 nonprofit based in Warren, Catahoula Rescue of New England, adding Australian Cattle Dogs, “Heelers,” to her efforts. Prior to Katrina, their breed was rarely seen in New England and people knew very little. She knew education was key and said one of her goals with their rescues is that the adopters understand the breed. First, they need a leader and role model who will not let the dog become boss. They can be difficult if an adopter doesn’t know how to channel their energy. This breed needs a job to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Love and guidance build trust and the human-animal bond. She cited a recent success story that hits home with this philosophy. Sparky

was adopted from a Connecticut pet store – he had been transported in from Missouri as a pup, likely from a mill. He had congenital defects with his eyes and couldn’t see well. He would accidentally bite his owners because their hands weren’t clear to him. The owners reached out to a humane society, stating if they didn’t take him, they were going to have him euthanized. Shannon was one of a few rescues the Humane Society contacted for assistance – she was the only responder. Fortunately, she has a cattle dog savvy foster in that state who took in Sparky and worked with him. Shannon knew exactly what he needed in a new home and found it for him. He was adopted by a single woman, a horse gal, who takes Sparky to the barn daily, he visits with the horses, and he gets

LENNY & SQUIGGY – PAIR

Lenny is a Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix, a chill guy with an occasional case of the zoomies. Lenny looks to his person for guidance often. He is shy of new people, leaning to his person to help him meet and greet. Lenny is a talker and will let you know when it is time to potty, play, and eat with whimpers, groans, and soft barks. Lenny prefers tug-of-war to fetch and is happiest laying on the couch or in a sunny spot outside. He is kennel trained and often naps there when the door is left open. Lenny gets along with other dogs and older children. Lenny is still working on leash training and enjoys learning new tricks (sit, lay down, stay). He is treat-driven. Squiggy is a Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix, a Velcro puppy. He enjoys running in the yard, playing fetch, & is good with other dogs. He never digs in the yard and minds well when it’s time to go in and out. Squiggy is kennel and potty trained, with the occasional accident if left in the kennel too soon after a meal or drink. He is working on sit and stay and enjoys his treat rewards. Squiggy walks well on a halter, not so much on a leash. He still gets anxious in new places and around cars; shows it by stopping in place and looking to his person for guidance. He would love a family with other dogs to play with but would be just as happy with an energetic and playful person. He will steal children’s stuffed toys, balls, and the occasional sock or two!

plenty of exercise. She strives for all success stories such as this. As a result, she likes to dot her T’s and cross her I’s with potential adopters. They’re very particular because they’re looking for those who will fit the bill of a good pet owner. Of late, they have had to turn away potential adopters because they did not pass their extensive adoption guidelines, including vet, reference, and/ or home checks. Some haven’t been happy about it, taking their complaints to social media. Shannon said they’re professional when they let people know they are rejected, but there has been drama that is hurting the dogs in the end and is tying up potential adoptions. For more info on adoptions and to see all their dogs, nehoularescue.com/.

RYDER, AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG, 4 YEARS Ryder is an AMAZING dog in the right hands. He needs a home that understands Cattle Dogs. This a high drive dog, who needs work and time to bond up with his owner - but the rewards will be amazing. Agility, fly ball, you name it, this guy has the skills! He is not a family dog. He is great for a single person or a couple that wants a canine kid. See him in action at facebook.com/profile/100064815455928/ search/?q=ryder. Reach out with questions, visit nehoularescue.com

If you are interested in adopting, visit our website and download the application: nehoularescue.com/adoption-application.html.

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 • Turner (207)225-2525 • Winthrop (207)377-2614 North Conway, NH (603)356-5669

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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. 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. VADER

MERCEDES

GODZILLA

3 years old, American Bulldog

6 years old, German Shepherd

FMI: midcoasthumane.org

FMI: miraclegsdmaine.org

Vader is a big, goofy boy looking for a calm, comfy home where I can have some daily activity! I'll need adopters that will be patient with me as we slowly try new things. Living with other dogs, older children and cats may be possible with careful introductions..

Mercedes has a lot of energy still but likes to chill out, she is sweet and loving. She does well with kids but needs to be the only pet.

Rising Tide Co-op

2022 July Downeast Dog News

Articles inside

Words, Woofs & Meows

Basic Training Tips

Dogs for Adoption

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