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Edition of June 24-25, 2021 • mysuburbanlife.com • Suburban Life
THIS GUIDE IS
ALL THINGS
Guide
PET
PETS!
PET GUIDE |
Suburban Life
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Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Edition of June 24-25, 2021
| PET GUIDE
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Does your dog lunge and bark when you are trying to go for a relaxing walk, making the walk nearly impossible? Leash Reactivity, in the simplest sense, is when a dog overreacts to a trigger while on a leash. A trigger could be another dog, a bike rider, skate boarder, or even a person walking toward you and your dog. It is a change from a typically friendly dog to a dog that reacts to a trigger by barking and lunging. This can become a behavior that is unintentionally rewarded, which will then increase in frequency as well as intensity. We are often asked how leash reactivity is different than dog aggression. Leash reactivity is when a dog is typically friendly. The same dogs with leash activity may play in the backyard together or in a daycare setting with no issues. An aggressive dog is one that does not play well with others and will become aggressive when with another dog in a play setting like a backyard or daycare. Although leash reactivity can lead to aggression if not managed properly. Leash reactivity can occur for a multitude of reasons. Leashes can interfere with the way a dog typically communicates. Dogs communicate by body language. We often unintentionally interfere by pulling the leash which can add frustration to the dog, making the situation tense and unnatural. Prior negative association to a trigger or event can create stress for your dog. This can lead to
reactivity when the dog sees or smells the trigger or event. An over exuberant dog can become leash reactive as well. He is eager to meet another person or dog. The leash prevents him from doing so and the dog becomes frustrated, leading to reactivity. There are a few ways to teach a dog to be more comfortable, creating less reactivity or no reactivity at all. It is best to work with a certified professional dog trainer to assess the situation and to work on techniques that will work best for you and your dog. To over simplify we work on changing the emotional response that the dog has to the trigger. It is not uncommon for dogs to play well with others while at daycare or at the neighbors but then have leash reactivity when out for a walk. Leash reactivity does not mean you have a bad dog. One should not be embarrassed by it. It is more common that you may realize. The good news is that you can do something about it. Training has a HUGE impact in addressing leash reactivity. The Reactive Dog Program we offer is very effective in addressing these concerns. Dogs that participate in the program have the same characteristics we have discussed; barking and lunging when seeing another dog. Typically, by the 5th night of class the dogs are seeing other dogs and
having a positive reaction. By the 8th week the dogs are walking past other dogs without barking or lunging. The owners have learned skills on how to go on a leisurely walk again. It is a win-win for everyone. Once the dog has worked through the program they are able to join in our other classes successfully like nose work and agility. Remember, It is not necessary to meet another dog on a leash. In fact, I personally do not allow my dogs to meet other dogs on a leash…even when the other person says “my dog is friendly”. It only takes a few seconds for that greeting to go bad. Once your dog has had an altercation with another dog it can take months to get back to a point where your dog is comfortable in seeing other dogs due to the trauma it has caused your dog. It is a lot of work to get your dog to the point of being comfortable again. The altercation can cause unwanted fear and/or reactivity in your dog. It’s too high of a risk for me to consider having my dog meet another dog while on a leash. If you are walking your dog and you see someone struggling with their dog. Give them space. Crossing to the other side of the street is always a good option. They will appreciate your understanding. Enjoy Your Dog, Inc., 630-203-7016, https://enjoyyourdogtraining.com/
ABOUT OUR TRAINERS:
Yolonda Bradshaw has been “a voice for the voiceless” since she was a young child. She pursued her degree in Animal Sciences with a companion animal concentration and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Animal Sciences with a human-animal interaction focus. She assists pet owners with education, tools and resources that encourage healthy, human-animal relationships and a better understanding of our furry friends. Jamie Merlo has always loved and respected animals. After studying at the University of Hawaii, she began working with monk seals which ignited her passion and career in animal care and training. She has worked with dolphins, seals and sea lions for the past 15 years. Jamie believes that training should be a fun and positive experience for the animals and she is able to accomplish this with operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training techniques. For more information about Training & Enrichment at Hinsdale Humane Society, visit: https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/programs/trainingenrichment The Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center operated by Hinsdale Humane Society is a full-service, state-of-the-art facility that completely reimagines animal rescue and related resources. Visit hinsdalehumanesociety. org for more details.”
We have moved to our newly completed, state of the art hospital located at: 1225 Warren Avenue Downers Grove BEST VETERINARY CLINIC IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS!
8 Years in a Row!
All Creatures Great and Small
SM-CL1891811
A full service animal hospital Dr. Ken Eisenberg, DVM Dr. Andrew Eisenberg, DVM Dr. Penny Bowes, DVM Dr. Jessica Hulesch, DVM
Phone: (630) 852-0910
Edition of June 24-25, 2021 • mysuburbanlife.com • Suburban Life
Dog Training Classes offered at the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center (PRRC) operated by Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) are ongoing and open to all dog owners with a variety of classes and learning options. “There’s really something for everyone,” said Yolonda Bradshaw, Training & Enrichment Program Manager, HHS. “We offer group classes as well as one on one and even virtual options covering everything from behavior consultations to puppy training and canine enrichment.” With so many puppies and adult dogs adopted during the past year, training classes at HHS provide an affordable way to correct any unwanted habits and behaviors that may have formed during COVID lockdowns with pets. “Just like with humans, social isolation has been hard on dogs,” said Jamie Merlo, Animal Trainer, HHS. “We provide our students with creative ideas and tricks, mental games and other ways to engage your dog while strengthening the human-animal bond.” From working to modify problem behaviors like anxiety, fear and leash pulling, to providing guidance on jumping, nipping and chewing, Jamie & Yolonda provide students with positive reinforcement tactics to help puppies and dogs become their best selves and set them up for success with their families.
PET GUIDE |
Positive Reinforcement Training Classes At Hinsdale Humane Society
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Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Edition of June 24-25, 2021
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In-person events are back at
West Suburban Humane Society!
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fter a year of virtual meetings and fundraisers, West Suburban Humane Society is so excited to announce yoga social events with adoptable animals and a beer tasting at Ike and Oak this summer! WSHS is partnering with Yoga by Degrees for six yoga classes with our adoptable dogs or cats followed by light refreshments and additional social time with our animals. Classes will be held on July 25th and 29th and August 12th and 15th. Then, on July 18th at 4pm, Ike and Oak Brewing Co. is hosting a craft beer tasting to benefit WSHS’ dogs and cats! Tickets include 36 oz of craft beer samplings and pizza along with fun raffles. WSHS Events Coordinator Jill Clavet says “WSHS supporters have been so good to our dogs and cats during the Pandemic so we are very excited to host opportunities for them to get together this summer and to spend time with our adoptable animals.” More information and tickets for these fun events can be found at: https://wshs-dg.org/news-events/upcoming-events or by calling Jill Clavet at (630) 960-9628.
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Learning what makes cats tick and their particular needs can help prospective pet parents decide if cats are right for them. It also helps to identify feline behaviors that can be problematic or may require correction when cats come into a home. The following are some facts about cats, courtesy of MSN, Fact Retriever and Purina food company. Food-motivated cats likely will not be tempted by sweet treats. Stick to savory options. Unlike dogs, cats do not have taste receptors for sweet flavors. Lions may be kings of the jungle, but domesticated cats are kings among pets. They often beat out dogs as the most popular pet in North America. Cats are very good at hearing sounds and their eyesight is exceptional as well. Cats have 32 ear muscles that allow for “directional hearing.” Comparatively, humans only have six ear muscles. Cats also can rotate their ears 180 degrees. Developmentally speaking, the first year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 years of a human’s. After its second year, a cat is the equivalent of 25 in human years. Domesticated cats can spend about 70 percent of the day sleeping. Another 15 percent is spent grooming. Cats do not have nine lives. However, they have something called a “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell cats where they are in space so they can land on their feet. This is what helps them survive falls — some from more than 32 stories high. The meow sound is not something cats innately produce to interact with other cats. Rather, cats began to meow to communicate with humans. Spayed and neutered cats live longer than non-fixed cats, likely because they do not get lost or injured trying to mate. Declawing cats is illegal in at least 22 countries, but not the United States. Cats scratch at items, so they’ll need scratching posts and other outlets for this behavior. Cats will rub against people not only to be affectionate but also to mark out territory with scent glands around their faces. Cat litters can be between one and nine kittens, so it is important to neuter them to prevent overpopulation. Cats can often jump up to five times as high as their own heights. Even though cats have been depicted as drinking milk, dairy can give them an upset stomach and gas. Provide water instead. Research shows that cats know and recognize their names, but often they do not come when called. This is a dismissive move and not because cats do not recognize when they’re being called.
Edition of June 24-25, 2021 • mysuburbanlife.com • Suburban Life
Shelters often are the first stop for people who want to become pet parents. The ASPCA says around 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters each year, and 3.2 million of them are cats. Although shelters do their best to get these animals into new, loving homes, the Humane Society of the United States says roughly three million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters each year. Sadly, 80 percent of those animals are healthy, treatable and adoptable.
PET GUIDE |
to purr over
Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Edition of June 24-25, 2021
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Natural tick repellents to protect pooches
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yme disease is a significant concern for people across the country. According to an analysis of insurance records by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year approximately 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease. But Lyme disease is not the only tick-borne problem. Data from the CDC says instances of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and anaplasmosis grew by 244 and 396 percent, respectively, between 2009 and 2017. Blacklegged ticks are typically the culprits in disease transmission. When this tick latches on to a host, bacteria that causes Lyme and other diseases can be transmitted if the tick remains attached for 36 to 48 hours or more. Ticks will attach themselves to any moving living target, including people. But individuals who own dogs may be at increased risk because dogs often bring ticks indoors. Dogs as well as humans can be susceptible to the same tick-borne illnesses. Pet parents are urged to use some sort of flea and tick preventative medication for their companion animals. But it’s important that pet owners recognize that many such products will defend against ticks only after they’ve latched onto a host. According to the Hills company, a pet food manufacturer, oral and topical tick medications work by killing ticks through doses of certain compounds that are not potent enough to harm most pets, but are effective at terminating ticks. Pet owners may want to take added measures to keep ticks off of their pets. While it is best to discuss all-natural tick repellents for dogs with a vet, these methods are generally considered safe.
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Puppy Classes Obedience Classes Agility for Fun Nose Work for Fun Rally Free Trick Classes
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■ TURMERIC OIL A 2018 study published in Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases indicated turmeric oil was effective in keeping ticks from hanging onto a dog’s coat. The percentage of dogs with ticks attached to the legs or belly who were sprayed with turmeric oil suspension was significantly lower than that of unsprayed dogs and dogs sprayed with an orange oil suspension. ■ GERANIUM OIL Gardeners have long relied on geraniums as natural repellents against many pests. The plant has a woodsy, musky fragrance. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found the oil has repellent activity against nymphs of the Lone Star tick. ■ PYRETHRINS/PYRETHROIDS These are a group of botanical insecticides that work by altering the nerve function in insects, resulting in death of the parasite. Compounds are extracted from chrysanthemum flowers. Low toxicity means they can be applied directly to a pet’s coat, according to the pet health resource PetMD. The pet guide Top Dog Tips suggests other natural oils like lavender, peppermint, citrus, rose, basil, cinnamon, and lemongrass can be effective tick repellents for dogs. Dilute these oils in water or a carrier-oil like olive oil before spraying on a pet. While many of these repellents are effective, nothing is 100 percent foolproof, so individuals should always check pets (and themselves) after being in tick territory.
Urban Agility Therapy Dog Prep Canine Good Citizen Reactive Dog Program Lights Camera Action! Private Training Sessions
Doggonit We Are Excited! West Suburban Humane Society will be opening to the public on July 6th. We can’t wait to show you our new Adoption Center!
We now offer Doggie Birthday parties in our facility. Three themes to choose from.
We will still be doing adoption by appointment. Visit our website for information on our safe, social distancing adoption procedures.
Enroll Today
Pam Yano, CPDT-KA, CTDI • (630) 203-7016 info@enjoyyourdogtraining.com
SM-CL1890811
1901 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, IL 630-960-9600 • www.wshs-dg.org SM-CL1891652
Here is a list of local organizations where you can find the perfect pet for your family. Check them out online, and call for hours and details:
Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary Aurora FurAngelsAS.com DuPage County Animal Service 120 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton dupageco.org/animalservices/ HELP-Homes for Endangered and Lost Pets PO Box 972, St. Charles HelpingAnimals.org West Suburban Humane Society, Inc. 1901 W. Ogden Ave., Downers Grove wshs-dg.org Humane Society of Aurora 600 S. River Road, Aurora HumaneSocietyofAurora.org
Kane County Animal Control 4060 Keslinger Rd., Geneva KaneCountyPets.com Naperville Area Human Society 1620 W Diehl Rd, Naperville naperhumane.org Paws and Purrs Humane Society PO Box 541, Montgomery PawsAndPurrs.org Rover Rescue PO BOX 4074, Aurora RoverRescue.org Anderson Animal Shelter 1000 S. La Fox St., South Elgin AndersonAnimalShelter.org Hinsdale Humane Society 22 N. Elm St., Hinsdale hinsdalehumanesociety.org
Aurora Animal Control and Care Facility 600 S. River Road, Aurora Aurora-il.org/animalcontrol/ The Barn on Baseline 16173 Baseline Road, Geneva TheBarnOnBaseline.org HELP save Pets 218 Ogden Ave., Hinsdale helpsavepets.org/ Fox Valley Animal Welfare League 11 John St., North Aurora FVAWL.org Fox Valley Wildlife Center 45W061 Route 38, Elburn fvwc.org
Edition of June 24-25, 2021 • mysuburbanlife.com • Suburban Life
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helters and animal rescues are full of wonderful animals just waiting on a forever home. Adopting a pet can mean lower costs, and often the animals already are trained and housebroken.
PET GUIDE |
Pet
Adoption
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Suburban Life • mysuburbanlife.com • Edition of June 24-25, 2021
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Best Pet Boarding - 3 Years in a Row! And also Voted One of the Best in Grooming
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