Christmastime for some special dogs

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APDT mind explosion

I was recently lucky enough to go to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers conference in San Diego, and i think my head was spinning.  


One of the highlights for me was hearing Suzanne Clothier speak, what a pleasure!  Her work is known as Relationship Centered Training, a humane and holistic relationship-based approach to the dog/human partnership.

From her booklet "Body Posture & Emotions" she writes: 


"There is an old saying 'where knowlege ends, violence begins.'  For many trainers, there is a growing sense of frustration with barbaric methods.  They feel the need for a trusting relationship with a dog much more than they feel like they need to cover a wall with ribbons, title certificates and trophies.  For these thinking and feeling trainers, this booklet was written."  


This chick is right up my alley.

Below is just one of many free articles on her website http://www.suzanneclothier.com/

10 TIPS

FOR PROBLEM BEHAVIOR

10 basic rules that will help you teach your dog more desirable behavior.

By Suzanne Clothier

At one time or another, every owner has to deal with problem behavior. Understanding why your dog does what he does, and how to handle the situation correctly can help resolve problems quickly. Here are some basic guidelines that apply to nearly all problem situations:

Control the dog and you control the situation. By putting on a collar and lead, you can control the dog. For many dogs, their training equipment means business, not playtime, and this can help in a problem situation. A dog who is on lead cannot run away or chase people or other animals, and his owner has a

chance to help him understand what he should do by guiding him with the leash and collar. Be positive. Instead of saying "NO", try giving your dog something

positive that he can do for you, such as "Sit", or "Heel". This positive approach means you can praise generously for his good actions, instead of simply yelling at him. For example, a dog who jumps up can be told to sit, and helped if necessary,

then praised for sitting.

Allow a dog to be a dog. Often, what owners consider problem behavior is simply normal dog behavior that they find unpleasant or annoying. For example, digging is a natural canine activity but distressing to a garden proud owner. Instead of scolding for what comes naturally, it might be kinder to set up an area in which you have buried small treats to make it more attractive than the rest of the yard, and praising your dog for digging in "his" garden. Whenever natural behaviors conflict with what you might like, be creative and see if you can find an outlet for those interests and activities that is suitable for you both.

Be consistent. It is unfair to the dog to change your rules depending on what you're wearing, who's visiting or the kind of day you've had. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, he will be confused when you yell at him because Aunt Bess is visiting and she doesn't think dogs should sit in chairs! If he's allowed to jump

up when you're wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, don't be surprised if he can't tell the difference between that and your best evening gown. Whatever your rules are, keep them consistent.

Have your dog earn what he wants.While everyone needs a few freebies now and then, your dog will not think you are a wonderful owner if you play with him, walk him, feed him and pet him whenever he demands it. In fact, this often creates problems since from the dog's point of view an owner who can be "trained" this well is not one who deserves much respect.  Teach your dog to say "please" by sitting, laying down or following some other command before he gets what he wants.

Be clear. Owners often confuse dogs by changing the words or commands, repeating them over and over again without showing the dog what is meant, and worst of all, assuming that the dog understands.  When in doubt, gently show your dog physically exactly what you mean, giving the command at the same time so that he can associate the two. Use clear, matter of fact commands when addressing your dog, and be sure that your praising tone is excited, enthusiastic and upbeat.

Remember that while we use words to communicate, dogs are masters of reading body language. If your body language tells the dog one thing, but your voice tells the dog something else, chances are he will believe your body language. This is why people who bend towards their dog and shake a finger at them while scolding "No, no, no" often receive a playful bark - their body posture is much more like a dog inviting play than a dog who is annoyed or angry.

Exercise, exercise, exercise! The most common cause of problem behavior is boredom and a lack of sufficient exercise.  While you work or go out, your dog has little or nothing to do, and his need to exercise will not go away. A familiar yard or house is boring, and few dogs exercise on their own without interaction with their owners. Take the time to play with your dog, jog with him, walk in the woods, swim or take long brisk walks each day. A tired dog is always a well behaved dog!

Provide mental stimulation. Dr. Roger Abrante's suggestions regarding using 1/3 of your dog's diet for treats to be earned during training, 1/3 to be given as usual in a food bowl, and 1/3 to be "hunted" – for this, try any of the wonderful interactive toys which require the dog to manipulate and work with them to get the food out of the toy. This "home alone" 1/3-1/3-1/3 program helps your dog expend some energy and provides much needed stimulation.

Understand your dog's genetic heritage.Whether you own a Doberman or a Beagle, a Samoyed or a Westie, it is important to understand what your dog was bred to do. Owners often forget that the behavior that prompts a dog to run or stay

close, hunt or guard, chase and kill or herd, work with people or work independently are all the result of generations of carefully selected traits. Research your breed's history, and talk to people who understand your breed's characteristics. You may find that Rover's tendencies, while annoying or amusing, are precisely what makes him what he is. You can then decide how best to work with your dog's instincts and where you need to concentrate training efforts.

Train your dog. Every dog should have basic manners, but dogs are not born knowing how to behave. Take the time to train your dog on a consistent basis using kind, positive methods.  Find a class near you whose methods and philosophies you like. If faced with a behavior problem you can't solve, ask people you trust for a recommendation of an experienced trainer and get professional help fast. The sooner you begin working on a problem the sooner you will have it solved.

Another Success Story

One day last year, when I was leaving Baldwin Park County Shelter in Los Angeles, I spotted a little dog on the side of a very busy street, nosing around. There were people walking by him, but he didn't seem to belong to anyone.

Then, I saw that he was eating rocks! Whose dog was this?

I pulled my car over and tried to get close to him.....and poof! Off he ran, b-lining for a very busy intersection. I ran after him, blocking traffic so that he could get across safely, and continued following him for another 25 minutes! I got lots of wolf whistles and comments like, "Crazy white girl!" from car passer-bys.

Finally, puppy pooped out and sat himself on a grass patch accross the street of a 5 story tall apartment building. I spent another 15 minutes, slowly creeping up next to him. The residents of the apartment building all came out onto their balcony to watch, and I overheard a few of them making bets on wether or not I was going to get my hands on this dog!

Well, the money went to the ones who bet I was going to catch him, because I did!

Poor skinny guy, must have been on the street for weeks! He was so matted and dirty, I even found a 16 inch long industrial wire embedded in his fur!!?!

Well, this little guy cleaned up well! Look at him after his bath!

That's not the end of it! Karl was adopted by none other than trainer-extraordinare, vegan, and animal lover Bob Harper from NBC's "The Biggest Loser!"

Now Karl flies on private jets, stays at The Four Seasons, he's traveled to Martha's Vineyard, Chicago, New York City....

among many other metropolitan cities, AND he gets to go with Bob on his television shoots!

How's that for a classic 'rags to riches' story??? Yay Karl!!!

When was the last time you saw this???

I am so proud of the 13 Multnomah County Animal Shelter Pit-bulls that took part in the annual Troutdale Summerfest Parade. Our theme is "Pitties in Pink" (tm)! With over 80 participants in the parade, cowboys shooting blanks out of rifles, tuba and drum bands, and pouring rain, our pitties did AMAZING! Our volunteers are pretty special too! Thanks you guys for BRINGING IT!

To join MCAS's amazing volunteer team click HERE.

Maple modeling one of our "Pitties In Pink" looks!

Drop Trap design for hard to trap kitties

Check out this cool link on how to design your own drop trap!

http://www.droptrapdesign.blogspot.com/

Rescuer Unleashed

While living in Los Angeles I created our kitty bottle baby foster program for the Baldwin Park County Shelter's orphaned kittens with the help of Animal Advocates Alliance.

For all of you who are ready to adopt a kitten this season, here are some of my must haves:

If you have an unweened kitten, these Four Paws nursing bottles are the only way to go. The long triangular nipple can handle any sized zealous feeder!

These Durapet kitty bowls are the best. The low-profile models are shallow and easy for tiny kittens to lap up newly introduced kitten wet food. The bottoms are lined with rubber - no slipping on the floor.

The Snuggle Safe Heating Pat is a godsend. Heat it in the microwave for six minutes and it emits 120 degree heat for 12 hours. If your kitten is in a cage, make sure that your kitten has room to sleep away from the heating pad if it becomes too hot. Normal kitten body temperature is between 100-102.5 degrees F, so putting a towel or blanket in between the heating pad and the kitten is important.

The most reliable way to tell if your kitty is sick is to take it's temperature. A cat or kitten may not show obvious signs of illness until the infection or disease has gotten the better of your kitty companion.

With my foster kitties, the first inkling of something not right and my Vick's SpeedRead Digital Thermometer is in their tushies. I have avoided many sleepless nights catching illnesses early! Don't forget the vaseline!

Teaching kittens how to drink water from a bowl can be one of the biggest challenges. I have found that the original Drinkwell Pet Fountain attracts a kitten's natural curiosity. You don't have to do anything! The kitten will learn on its own. And we love to see kitties drinking their water! It's good for them!

Last but not least, the next hardest thing to teach a kitty to do is to use the litter box. Again, innovation has made this a no brainer for new baby kitten owners.

Cat Attract Cat Litter contains a scent that attracts the kitty to the box and to scratch the litter. Place your just fed kitten in the box and watch what happens: A kitty box trained Kitten!

An inspiring story that led me to Oregon

While living in Los Angeles, I met "Peaches" on a Tuesday at North Central Shelter. I found her in her run, a pathetic sight. She had made herself small enough to fit on one tiny hand towel that was placed in her run as a bed. She was clearly blind, and shaking... badly... to the point where I thought she might have some kind of nerve disorder or brain damage.

She had been bred, and was still lactating, no sign of the puppies.

When I inquired about her at the front, staffer Delicia exclaimed, "I love that dog!!! You have to meet her!" I agreed to take some pictures and network her.

Well, Delicia was right. Peaches was amazing. Super sweet and full of life. She was an owner surrender, dumped on Sunday, and red-listed because she was blind. Peaches had until Friday before they would PTS. I sent out an email blast that night.

By Wednesday afternoon, I had Luv-A-Bull Pitbull Rescue in Eugene, OR willing to take Peaches on. I had a foster lined up for her, and transport!

Thursday, I bailed her out! We promptly went to the eye doctor to have her eyes diagnosed: advanced Glaucoma due to blunt trauma. She was in severe pain (hence the nervous shaking) and needed to have an enucleation. Everyone rallied to raise funds to pay for her surgery, and a week later, her surgery was performed by Dr. Silverman at Complete Animal Eye Care, in Sherman Oaks.

Peaches recovered at my house, and three months later we were on our way to Luv-A-Bull!

Her transition to Luv-A-Bull went incredibly smoothly. She bonded instantly with the other dogs.

It was exactly what she needed, and I couldn't have been more pleased.

Peaches became particularly close to a handsome fella named "Rhino." He is pretty irresistable. Rhino would guide Peaches on the trails during their walks, and ALWAYS let her win at tug-o-war.

Peaches spent 2 months with her friends at Luv-A-Bull. Last week she was ADOPTED by an amazing family. Peaches lives in their home with their other special needs dog "Moxie" on a 40 acre farm! Peaches latest pastimes are snoozing in the sun, swimming in the creek, and riding shotgun on the ATV.

David Reeker (Peaches' new daddy) says on Facebook:

"So this is Peaches. Peaches is a rescue from a LA shelter. She has no eyes, but doesn't let that slow her down much. She is the newest member of our happy dog pack, and will live the rest of her life sniffing her way around the ranch. She is one of the sweetest beings I have ever met, and I feel very lucky to have her here."

She is truly a special girl!!!