Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Schwarzenegger wants to tax vet services for pets
From the page: "Potentially just days from now, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be moving to tax veterinary services for your pets."
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
How to feed your dog on Thanksgiving
Instructions
Step1
The dos and don'ts of turkey. Most dogs love the taste of turkey and will devour it bones and all if you allow it. Giving your dog turkey from the table with bones still attached can be a recipe for disaster. Turkey bones are hollow and can easily splinter and become lodged in the intestines. In some cases, this can require surgical removal. If you want to give your dog a taste of the Thanksgiving turkey, carefully remove some of the skin from white meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat, and place it in your dog's bowl along with his regular food. Removing the skin removes fat which can increase the risk of pancreatitits. Remember to throw away left over turkey bones in a container your dog can't access.
Step2
Avoid chocolate. Chocolate is a food that should never be given to a dog even as a Thanksgiving treat. If you want your dog to have a special Thanksgiving dessert, bake some fresh homemade doggy baskets. You can find a variety of recipes on the internet.
Step3
Nix the fat. Feeding your dog high fat foods can increase the risk of pancreatitis which is a serious and even life threatening condition. Avoid giving your dog any Thanksgiving foods that are high in fat or have added sauces. Vegetables served with the Thanksgiving meal can be mixed in with your dog's food as long as they have no added butter or high fat sauce on them. Two foods that should never be given to dogs at Thanksgiving or any other time are garlic and onions, both of which can be toxic. This is of concern at Thanksgiving since many dressings have garlic and onion added.
Step4
Although you may understand the importance of not feeding your dog from the table at Thanksgiving, your visiting family and friends may not. There's the temptation to sneak a bite to the dog if the dog is allowed free reign during dinner. For this reason, give your dog a treat of his own in another room during Thanksgiving dinner.
Step1
The dos and don'ts of turkey. Most dogs love the taste of turkey and will devour it bones and all if you allow it. Giving your dog turkey from the table with bones still attached can be a recipe for disaster. Turkey bones are hollow and can easily splinter and become lodged in the intestines. In some cases, this can require surgical removal. If you want to give your dog a taste of the Thanksgiving turkey, carefully remove some of the skin from white meat, which is lower in fat than dark meat, and place it in your dog's bowl along with his regular food. Removing the skin removes fat which can increase the risk of pancreatitits. Remember to throw away left over turkey bones in a container your dog can't access.
Step2
Avoid chocolate. Chocolate is a food that should never be given to a dog even as a Thanksgiving treat. If you want your dog to have a special Thanksgiving dessert, bake some fresh homemade doggy baskets. You can find a variety of recipes on the internet.
Step3
Nix the fat. Feeding your dog high fat foods can increase the risk of pancreatitis which is a serious and even life threatening condition. Avoid giving your dog any Thanksgiving foods that are high in fat or have added sauces. Vegetables served with the Thanksgiving meal can be mixed in with your dog's food as long as they have no added butter or high fat sauce on them. Two foods that should never be given to dogs at Thanksgiving or any other time are garlic and onions, both of which can be toxic. This is of concern at Thanksgiving since many dressings have garlic and onion added.
Step4
Although you may understand the importance of not feeding your dog from the table at Thanksgiving, your visiting family and friends may not. There's the temptation to sneak a bite to the dog if the dog is allowed free reign during dinner. For this reason, give your dog a treat of his own in another room during Thanksgiving dinner.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Dog vs. Cat
The differences between dogs and cats are nicely summed up in these diary excerpts:
DOG DIARY
7:00 AM - Outside! My favorite thing!
8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
2:00 PM - Looked out the window and barked! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
4:00 PM - Chased a bird out of the tree! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 PM - Watched my people eat! My favorite thing!
6:20 PM - Table scraps! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat,while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog continues to receive special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return.
He is obviously retarded.
DOG DIARY
7:00 AM - Outside! My favorite thing!
8:00 AM - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 AM - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 AM - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 AM - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
2:00 PM - Looked out the window and barked! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
4:00 PM - Chased a bird out of the tree! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
6:00 PM - Watched my people eat! My favorite thing!
6:20 PM - Table scraps! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
CAT DIARY
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat,while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.
Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.
Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog continues to receive special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return.
He is obviously retarded.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
What it Means to be a Responsible Dog Owner/Guardian
What it Means to be a Responsible Dog Owner/Guardian
Responsible dog owners/guardians always pick up after their dogs. They have control of their dogs at all times, using either a leash or voice control. They are considerate of other park users, and don't let their dogs approach strangers, especially children and seniors, without permission. They are aware of where their dog is and what it is doing at all times. They control excessive barking, and don't let their dogs dig or harass wildlife.
# Dog walkers, please.... Always carry a bag, a spare, and one to share!
# Carry a leash.
# Pick up and dispose of dog waste.
# Never leave dogs unattended.
# Leash aggressive dogs.
# Control excessive noise.
# Prevent digging and destructive behavior.
# Spay/neuter pet dogs.
# Never bring female dogs in heat or pre-heat to off-leash or popular dog play areas.
Responsible dog owners/guardians always pick up after their dogs. They have control of their dogs at all times, using either a leash or voice control. They are considerate of other park users, and don't let their dogs approach strangers, especially children and seniors, without permission. They are aware of where their dog is and what it is doing at all times. They control excessive barking, and don't let their dogs dig or harass wildlife.
# Dog walkers, please.... Always carry a bag, a spare, and one to share!
# Carry a leash.
# Pick up and dispose of dog waste.
# Never leave dogs unattended.
# Leash aggressive dogs.
# Control excessive noise.
# Prevent digging and destructive behavior.
# Spay/neuter pet dogs.
# Never bring female dogs in heat or pre-heat to off-leash or popular dog play areas.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Crissy Field Clean Up
Every third Saturday of the month 9 AM
Audience: Families
Location: Crissy Field, Presidio
Event Type: Volunteer
Cost: Free
Bring dogs, friends, and family to this monthly event and help keep Crissy Field clean of litter and dog waste. Bring gloves; trash bags are provided.
Cleanup areas include the east and central beaches and the promenade area. Volunteers meet the third Saturday of the month at 9 AM at the East Beach parking lot picnic tables.
E-mail Crissy Field Dogs at crissyfielddog@sbcglobal.net for more information and to confirm event, as it is occasionally rescheduled.
Crissy Field Dog Group
Audience: Families
Location: Crissy Field, Presidio
Event Type: Volunteer
Cost: Free
Bring dogs, friends, and family to this monthly event and help keep Crissy Field clean of litter and dog waste. Bring gloves; trash bags are provided.
Cleanup areas include the east and central beaches and the promenade area. Volunteers meet the third Saturday of the month at 9 AM at the East Beach parking lot picnic tables.
E-mail Crissy Field Dogs at crissyfielddog@sbcglobal.net for more information and to confirm event, as it is occasionally rescheduled.
Crissy Field Dog Group
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Parvo warning: Golden Gate Park/Haight
Increased incidence of Parvo virus in SF. See SPCA dispatch:
http://www.sfspca. org/news/ PRParvoinGGPark0 8.pdf
Make sure Parvo vaccination is current, and do not allow young pups to walk on ground in high-risk areas.
http://www.sfspca. org/news/ PRParvoinGGPark0 8.pdf
Make sure Parvo vaccination is current, and do not allow young pups to walk on ground in high-risk areas.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Precious Pet Memories with Santa Paws
Precious Pet Memories with Santa Paws
The 2008 SF/SPCA Santa Paws pre-holiday season, photo-op for people and their pets is on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Maddie's Adoption Center Lobby; no appointment necessary. The first hour is reserved exclusively for cats (of course, cats are welcome to come at any other time during the day, too, but then they'll have to share the spotlight with dogs!). The cost for a sitting is $25, which includes a 4" x 6" color print selected by Santa, and all photos emailed to you (if an email address is available) so that you can create you own adorable holiday cards and photo merchandise. And, if you bring a new dog or cat toy (please, no catnip) for the shelter animals, you'll get a 10% discount. So, on November 15 c ome with your furry companions and capture the spirit of the holidays at this special SF/SPCA benefit. For more information, contact Tracy Pore, tpore@sfspca.org.
The 2008 SF/SPCA Santa Paws pre-holiday season, photo-op for people and their pets is on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Maddie's Adoption Center Lobby; no appointment necessary. The first hour is reserved exclusively for cats (of course, cats are welcome to come at any other time during the day, too, but then they'll have to share the spotlight with dogs!). The cost for a sitting is $25, which includes a 4" x 6" color print selected by Santa, and all photos emailed to you (if an email address is available) so that you can create you own adorable holiday cards and photo merchandise. And, if you bring a new dog or cat toy (please, no catnip) for the shelter animals, you'll get a 10% discount. So, on November 15 c ome with your furry companions and capture the spirit of the holidays at this special SF/SPCA benefit. For more information, contact Tracy Pore, tpore@sfspca.org.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog
American Kennel Club News Article
Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog
Date of Article: August 28, 2008
Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his vice president, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.
The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.
The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to their distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for the Obama family - hypoallergenic coat, child friendly, moderate energy level, and stable and social temperament.
"Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as personal companions and give much relaxation and laughter to our leaders during difficult times."
If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy buyer resource page at www.puppybuyerinfo.com offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue groups that have dogs for adoption. For instance, the Poodle National Breed Club web site can be located at .
The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey,"pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."
"It's no surprise the American public choose a Poodle for Obama," said Peterson. "Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registrations statistics, and it spent more than two decades in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet. And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and predictable coat is crucial for their daughter and all who suffer from allergies."
Poodles, often considered high-maintenance show dogs, can also be kept in a simple one-length clip. They are exceptionally smart and athletic, excel in obedience training and are great hunting companions. They are one of the breeds that come in three sizes, so it can easily accommodate living in the White House or at Camp David. The Standard variety is the largest size, measuring over 15 inches. It is the oldest of the three varieties and developed for water retrieving. The Miniature variety measures over 10 inches but less than 15 inches. It is speculated that the Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle measures 10 inches and under and was often used in performances and traveling entertainment groups. Learn more about the Poodle and if it's a good fit for your family at http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm
Americans Elect Poodle as Obama's Top Dog
Date of Article: August 28, 2008
Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his vice president, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family.
The AKC launched its poll to find a breed for Obama (www.presidentialpup.com) after reports that - win or lose - the Obamas promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. More than 42,000 people cast their vote over the seven week campaign. The Poodle clinched the nomination after the breed battled it out with the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier in a race almost as tight as Clinton and Obama's run for the Democratic nomination for president. The Poodle won by a (dog) hair, with just a few hundred votes separating the top two contenders.
The Miniature Schnauzer, Bichon Frise, and Chinese Crested were also nominated, due to their distinct characteristics that made them uniquely suited for the Obama family - hypoallergenic coat, child friendly, moderate energy level, and stable and social temperament.
"Most of our Presidents kept purebreds in the White House," said AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. "When times get tough - during a bad economy or when presidential pressures are at their peak - these dogs serve as personal companions and give much relaxation and laughter to our leaders during difficult times."
If the Obamas follow America's advice and choose a Poodle, the AKC will assist them in responsibly acquiring a puppy or adult rescue dog. The AKC's puppy buyer resource page at www.puppybuyerinfo.com offers links to responsible breeders who are members of AKC clubs as well as to affiliated breed rescue groups that have dogs for adoption. For instance, the Poodle National Breed Club web site can be located at .
The Obama family may be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but Republican nominee John McCain is ahead of the pack with 24 pets, including four dogs. Therefore, animal lovers may be ready to help him "fetch" the election. According to a recent Associated Press survey,"pet owners favor McCain over Obama 42 percent to 37 percent, with dog owners particularly in McCain's corner."
"It's no surprise the American public choose a Poodle for Obama," said Peterson. "Poodles are currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to 2007 AKC registrations statistics, and it spent more than two decades in the top spot - a true testament to its suitability as a family pet. And while Poodles require frequent grooming, their consistent and predictable coat is crucial for their daughter and all who suffer from allergies."
Poodles, often considered high-maintenance show dogs, can also be kept in a simple one-length clip. They are exceptionally smart and athletic, excel in obedience training and are great hunting companions. They are one of the breeds that come in three sizes, so it can easily accommodate living in the White House or at Camp David. The Standard variety is the largest size, measuring over 15 inches. It is the oldest of the three varieties and developed for water retrieving. The Miniature variety measures over 10 inches but less than 15 inches. It is speculated that the Miniature variety may have been used for truffle hunting. The Toy Poodle measures 10 inches and under and was often used in performances and traveling entertainment groups. Learn more about the Poodle and if it's a good fit for your family at http://www.poodleclubofamerica.org/usamap.htm
Friday, November 7, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Go take a hike
Post-hike smiles all around.
One great way to combat this winter's "dark-by-five" depression is to go on a nature adventure with your pooch. Dogs and walks can be great mood elevators: they both force you to get out of your head and participate in the wonders of the world around you.
Here is a brief list of dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area:
San Francisco
Sunset Trail, Fort Funston
Land's End Trail, S.F. Headlands
Coastal Trail, Presidio, S.F. Headlands
Marin
Carson Falls Loop
Kent Lake Pump Trail
Laurel Dell Loop
Lagunitas Lake
Yellow Bluff
Peninsula
Sweeney Ridge Trail
San Pedro Mountain Trail, McNee Ranch
Pillar Point Head
Arastradero Preserve
East Bay
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
Franklin Ridge Loop, Carquinez Regional Shoreline
Grass Valley Loop, Chabot Regional Park
Little Yosemite to Cerro Este, Sunol Regional Wilderness
Bay View Loop, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Briones Crest Loop, Briones Regional Park
Bob Walker Ridge Loop, Morgan Territory
Round Valley Loop, Round Valley Regional Preserve
One great way to combat this winter's "dark-by-five" depression is to go on a nature adventure with your pooch. Dogs and walks can be great mood elevators: they both force you to get out of your head and participate in the wonders of the world around you.
Here is a brief list of dog-friendly hikes in the Bay Area:
San Francisco
Sunset Trail, Fort Funston
Land's End Trail, S.F. Headlands
Coastal Trail, Presidio, S.F. Headlands
Marin
Carson Falls Loop
Kent Lake Pump Trail
Laurel Dell Loop
Lagunitas Lake
Yellow Bluff
Peninsula
Sweeney Ridge Trail
San Pedro Mountain Trail, McNee Ranch
Pillar Point Head
Arastradero Preserve
East Bay
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline
Franklin Ridge Loop, Carquinez Regional Shoreline
Grass Valley Loop, Chabot Regional Park
Little Yosemite to Cerro Este, Sunol Regional Wilderness
Bay View Loop, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline
Briones Crest Loop, Briones Regional Park
Bob Walker Ridge Loop, Morgan Territory
Round Valley Loop, Round Valley Regional Preserve
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Canine Good Citizen Certification
How to Train for Canine Good Citizen Certification—and Why You Should
By Charlie Petrizzo on 11/01/2008
Filed in - Special Situations
More than busy work
As humans, we find fulfillment in our lives through our relationships, hobbies, and employment. Our canine companions need to find fulfillment and purpose in their lives, too. Providing a job for a dog is the responsibility of the dog owner. Owners who fail to provide their dogs with something to keep them mentally and physically stimulated soon learn that our canine friends open their own small businesses when left to their own devices.
I have heard of many canines that, instead of being involved in obedience training, were left to find suitable "work" around the house. Much to the chagrin of their owners, some of these entrepreneurial pooches established themselves in occupations from interior design to landscape architecture. Owners who have witnessed the results of these industrious canines at work should not blame the dog!
Provided the correct training, our canine companions can serve us in a multitude of ways. Consider the many wonderful jobs that our dogs have been taught to perform; there are drug detection dogs, seeing-eye dogs, seizure alert dogs, mobility dogs, and many others. The list of ways in which man's best friend can be trained to help us lead more productive and safe lives just keeps growing.
Canine Good Citizen certification and clicker training
Providing a job for a dog is the responsibility of the dog owner. Not all dog owners have the time, inclination, or experience to train a dog to perform specific functions like those listed above. However, for conscientious dog owners who want a dog that will behave at home as well as in public (and who want to become the envy of their dog-owning friends) there is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) designation.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship Program started in 1989 as a certification program designed to encourage dog owners to teach their four-legged friends proper canine etiquette in the home as well as in public. Participants completing the program successfully earn a certificate from the AKC.
For some, working through the CGC process serves as a foundation, and spurs them on to other canine activities like agility or obedience. Many other dog owners possess a strong desire to serve others with their dogs. Earning the CGC designation is the first step in preparing to use a dog in a therapeutic capacity. Therapy dogs visit nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Leading therapy dog organizations such as Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (www.tdi-dog.org) use the AKC's Canine Good Citizenship test as a key component of their assessment for certification.
The CGC program consists of ten tests focusing on responsible pet ownership and good manners. Test challenges include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance, and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sit and down on command, as well as stay in place, coming when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to a distraction, and supervised separation. Details for each of the tests can be found at www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm.
If you make the commitment to earn the Canine Good Citizenship certificate, the first step should be to find a local trainer to assist you in preparing for the test. Be sure to look for a trainer who uses positive techniques. I use clicker training with my obedience clients; clicker training allows you to communicate with your dog without using words.
Be sure to look for a trainer who uses positive techniques.With clicker training, when your dog performs a behavior that you desire, you "click" or mark the desirable behavior. Repeating this process several times teaches the dog that performing a certain behavior leads to a reward. I have found that dogs who are clicker trained get much more excited about the training process than do dogs trained with other methods.
Get some help
An abundance of information about clicker training, including articles, books, message board forums, and sources of training equipment, can be found here at www.clickertraining.com . To find professional trainers in your area who use clicker training, and who can help you earn the Canine Good Citizenship designation, visit the Find-a-Trainer page at the Karen Pryor Academy website. Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners have completed an extensive educational program, and have scored high marks on a detailed assessment of their technical knowledge and hands-on skill.
Working toward earning the CGC designation enhances your relationship with your dog, teaches your dog good manners, and, through therapy dog programs, can involve you and your dog in a project to benefit society. As a responsible dog owner, what could be more worthy of your time and dedication?
About the author
Charlie Petrizzo, President and Founder of Circle of Life Professional Canine Services, is a former financial services executive and popular speaker. He received a diploma in canine training from the Animal Behavior College, and earned an advanced diploma with distinction in canine fitness and nutrition from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. With more than 25 years experience working with dogs and horses, Charlie has been featured in several newspapers and on WBTV-Charlotte. Charlie can be contacted at ak9nose@earthlink.net.
By Charlie Petrizzo on 11/01/2008
Filed in - Special Situations
More than busy work
As humans, we find fulfillment in our lives through our relationships, hobbies, and employment. Our canine companions need to find fulfillment and purpose in their lives, too. Providing a job for a dog is the responsibility of the dog owner. Owners who fail to provide their dogs with something to keep them mentally and physically stimulated soon learn that our canine friends open their own small businesses when left to their own devices.
I have heard of many canines that, instead of being involved in obedience training, were left to find suitable "work" around the house. Much to the chagrin of their owners, some of these entrepreneurial pooches established themselves in occupations from interior design to landscape architecture. Owners who have witnessed the results of these industrious canines at work should not blame the dog!
Provided the correct training, our canine companions can serve us in a multitude of ways. Consider the many wonderful jobs that our dogs have been taught to perform; there are drug detection dogs, seeing-eye dogs, seizure alert dogs, mobility dogs, and many others. The list of ways in which man's best friend can be trained to help us lead more productive and safe lives just keeps growing.
Canine Good Citizen certification and clicker training
Providing a job for a dog is the responsibility of the dog owner. Not all dog owners have the time, inclination, or experience to train a dog to perform specific functions like those listed above. However, for conscientious dog owners who want a dog that will behave at home as well as in public (and who want to become the envy of their dog-owning friends) there is the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) designation.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship Program started in 1989 as a certification program designed to encourage dog owners to teach their four-legged friends proper canine etiquette in the home as well as in public. Participants completing the program successfully earn a certificate from the AKC.
For some, working through the CGC process serves as a foundation, and spurs them on to other canine activities like agility or obedience. Many other dog owners possess a strong desire to serve others with their dogs. Earning the CGC designation is the first step in preparing to use a dog in a therapeutic capacity. Therapy dogs visit nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities. Leading therapy dog organizations such as Therapy Dogs International, Inc. (www.tdi-dog.org) use the AKC's Canine Good Citizenship test as a key component of their assessment for certification.
The CGC program consists of ten tests focusing on responsible pet ownership and good manners. Test challenges include accepting a friendly stranger, sitting politely for petting, appearance, and grooming, walking on a loose lead, walking through a crowd, sit and down on command, as well as stay in place, coming when called, reaction to another dog, reaction to a distraction, and supervised separation. Details for each of the tests can be found at www.akc.org/events/cgc/training_testing.cfm.
If you make the commitment to earn the Canine Good Citizenship certificate, the first step should be to find a local trainer to assist you in preparing for the test. Be sure to look for a trainer who uses positive techniques. I use clicker training with my obedience clients; clicker training allows you to communicate with your dog without using words.
Be sure to look for a trainer who uses positive techniques.With clicker training, when your dog performs a behavior that you desire, you "click" or mark the desirable behavior. Repeating this process several times teaches the dog that performing a certain behavior leads to a reward. I have found that dogs who are clicker trained get much more excited about the training process than do dogs trained with other methods.
Get some help
An abundance of information about clicker training, including articles, books, message board forums, and sources of training equipment, can be found here at www.clickertraining.com . To find professional trainers in your area who use clicker training, and who can help you earn the Canine Good Citizenship designation, visit the Find-a-Trainer page at the Karen Pryor Academy website. Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partners have completed an extensive educational program, and have scored high marks on a detailed assessment of their technical knowledge and hands-on skill.
Working toward earning the CGC designation enhances your relationship with your dog, teaches your dog good manners, and, through therapy dog programs, can involve you and your dog in a project to benefit society. As a responsible dog owner, what could be more worthy of your time and dedication?
About the author
Charlie Petrizzo, President and Founder of Circle of Life Professional Canine Services, is a former financial services executive and popular speaker. He received a diploma in canine training from the Animal Behavior College, and earned an advanced diploma with distinction in canine fitness and nutrition from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. With more than 25 years experience working with dogs and horses, Charlie has been featured in several newspapers and on WBTV-Charlotte. Charlie can be contacted at ak9nose@earthlink.net.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
I Love My Job!
All I can say is I love my job as a dog walker. Taking dogs to the beach everyday to do what they love is amazing. I love watching their day become better. Instead of being at home, some alone while their people are at work, they get to play off leash with other dogs. I think this makes the quality of their lives much better. While I have volunteered in shelters to help benefit dogs I feel my job is just as important as volunteering in a shelter simply because the health, training, and socialization of the dogs I walk are all improved each time we go out.
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