Thank Dog!

NEW: Thank Dog! Blog. FREE DOG TRAINING!!!

2010-10-04T12:37:00.001-07:00

Get free dog training and tips!! If you can't afford a dog trainer, train your dog with me!

www.thankdogblog.com

NEW Thank Dog! Service- Animal Reiki

2008-08-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Prasad

I can't wait to offer this new and exciting service! I was certified in human and animal Reiki this past weekend, by Kathleen Prasad of Animal Reiki Source. Don't know what Reiki is? I quoted this explanation from her site:

"The name Reiki, pronounced ''Ray-key'', comes from the Japanese words ''rei'' meaning spirit, and ''ki'' meaning energy. It is usually translated as ''universal life energy.''

Reiki is a gentle, noninvasive holistic energy healing system that yields powerful results for the body, mind and spirit. When using Reiki to heal, the practitioner channels healing energy through her hands to the client either directly or from a distance. It is ideal for use with animals because with Reiki, the animal controls the treatment, accepting Reiki in the ways that are most comfortable. Easy for people to learn and use, Reiki can do no harm, even when used by the most novice practitioner. It always goes to the source of the problem and always works for the highest good."

Animal Reiki has opened my eyes to many new possibilities in dog training. Working with energy and the animals this weekend was by far the most amazing experience I've had yet in this field. Dogs LOVE it and I've already seen the benefits in only a few days of working with my own. Too bad I didn't get into this sooner. So now, I'm going to practice as much as I can and eventually Thank Dog! will offer Reiki as a service. I will also be integrating it into my training packages so that your dog will be getting Reiki treatments while YOU are on vacation! Awesome. Thank you Reiki:)

Good Morning Amercia!

2008-07-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry we've been lacking on our blog updates! We've been super busy, while getting lots of press for Thank Dog! Bootcamp. In fact, we're very excited to announce we will be on Good Morning America on Sunday, August 3rd at 6 am- Los Angeles time. It may be early so set your Tivos and watch us on our first national television appearance! If you want to check us out, click here to view times in your area. Although they taped us for over 4 hours during our class, it'll only be about 3 minutes long, which is long enough! Thanks for your support and happy watching!

www.thankdogbootcamp.com

UPDATE: They pushed us back again and will let us know when it's going to air. Sorry:(

Thank Dog! Bootcamp

2008-05-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

Check it out! We did a mock bootcamp class and this is what it looked like:

Your DOG is your workout partner!

Finally! Here's what you've ALL been waiting for...

2008-05-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Jill and I have been working hard on our secret project and now we're just weeks away from launching it.

Have you ever heard the phrase "If your dog is overweight, then you're not getting enough exercise!"? Well, now there's a solution and on June 2nd, we're gonna show you what it is! Check it out:

Thank Dog! Bootcamp

We're still here and better than ever!

2008-04-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I know we haven't posted in awhile but it's all for good reason. Thank Dog! is about to offer a new service that no other dog training company has because it's never been done before. We've been working hard on this new project and we're very excited to unleash it...which will be very soon. Our target date is May 1st and I realize I'm being super vague buuuut as time comes closer...like mid-April...I'll be telling everyone the details! But until then...keep checking back because you won't want to miss this. xo

Have you seen this dog?

2008-01-15T09:41:00.000-08:00

My friends dog, Mustang, somehow got away yesterday and they've been tirelessly looking for him since. They are devastated, as any dog owner would be, so if you've seen or know of someone who may have him, please contact me at Jamie@thankdogtraining.com. He was last seen in the East LA area. Thank you!!!

UPDATE: Mustang was found in Glendale, where is owner works, and taken to the Glendale Human Society! Since, they've been reunited and the family is back together again. YAY!

More training for us!

2007-11-28T06:52:00.000-08:00

Jill and I are flying John Van Olden here from San Francisco tomorrow for an entire day of more hands-on training at the dog shelter. John is one of the best dog trainers I've ever seen and we're the fortunate ones who get to work with him. I'll write a blog later to let you know what we did and learned:) Yay!

Think before you dog it.

2007-11-10T17:05:00.000-08:00

As a trainer and dog owner myself, I strongly recommend thinking it ALL THE WAY through before getting a dog. People often underestimate the challenge and responsibility that comes with owning one, which then turns into a burden rather than a loving companionship.

It's a lifestyle change, almost like having a child that can backfire if not taken seriously. Daily dog training and exercise is a lifetime commitment that new owners will sometimes overlook when bringing their furry friend home. Then, as time goes on, the dog doesn't look so cute anymore after the house is destroyed and favorite shoes are chewed up. Suddenly, dog training and exercise becomes priority and the responsibility of owning a dog is now reality.

The positive news is any dog behavior can be transformed. However, training doesn't stop after one time, end of story. Similarly to personal growth for humans and it being a life long journey, dogs need training throughout their lives too. Or, they will fall back into old habits and the leadership role is now taken over by the dog once again. And, ironically, neither you nor your dog is happy in this situation and the lack of communication makes it constant.

Training and exercising is everything and if it can’t be given, it’s probably not the best time to welcome a dog into the family.

Thank dog! for someone like Ellen.

2007-10-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

It’s a blessing when people rescue dogs from a shelter and because Ellen DeGeneres is a celebrity, Iggy is getting the cage treatment and Mutts and Moms is having a power trip. They’ve been in the news a bunch this week and to be honest, not every dog will fit into every home, especially those that don’t know much about training. Ellen did what she could to make the dog happy, including finding him placement into a new family who were willing with open arms, a bunch of toys, and a fenced in backyard for Iggy to run around in. How dare Ellen be so cruel!

Being a dog trainer is seeing how many homeless dogs there are, this hurts my feelings. It’s all about the dog, they don’t get a choice or a say in what’s happening. This pet adoption agency has gone too far and in my eyes and from my experience, they wouldn’t have contacted Ellen and Portia if they were just a regular family.

You rock Ellen and I hope you keep rescuing and doing what you do for animals. They deserve it and so do you because I know this makes you happy!

Please Vote for us!!!!

2007-09-25T21:46:00.000-07:00

We were nominated as one of the LA's best businesses for Fox 11 News and we need your votes! The voting began yesterday and goes until November 24th.

Please take a few minutes and go to: www.myfoxla.com/hotlist.

1. Give your address and you'll get a confirmation.
2. Click on the link in the confirmation email and it'll confirm your vote.
3. Then you have a choice to say a few words about why we should win that category...but you don't have to;)

This could be GREAT business exposure and we'll be forever grateful!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Please send this to everyone you know to get us some votes!

Mission: Wolf

2007-07-08T07:57:00.001-07:00

Jamie training a wolf dog.

Jill and I making the same face as we meet the wolves.

Raven howling.

Raven looks and licks to find out who Jamie is.

Raven says hi to Jill.

The famous Sabertooth- the last wolf of the pack.

Sabertooth warms up to Jamie.

Sabertooth demands Jill's attention.

This by far was the most amazing experience we've ever had! We were nervous at first to meet the wolves, but after awhile it was like visiting friends for a minute or two. These animals are so fascinating, they can see right through you like you wouldn't believe. They lick your teeth and look into your eyes to see who this alpha dog is. If you are nervous, they will know. If you are scared, they won't approach you.They feed off your energy and will sometimes attach it as their own. We learned so much from this trip about wolves and dogs....we're going back in three weeks to learn more!

Mission Wolf

2007-07-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Today we leave for Mission Wolf, where we will be going up into the Rocky Mountains for a whole week to live with the wolves. We're very excited! We will not have internet or anything, so we'll report back in a week! See ya!

Pet Food Recall

2007-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

I should have blogged about this earlier, sorry about that. Anyway, here is a link to the most recent information about the pet food recall. I highly recommend that you check it out as the list keeps on building itself. http://www.itchmo.com/recalls.html

I use Natural Balance - Duck and Potato and it seems like they are ok, but Natural Balance - Venison was just added to the list, so keep watching out for your food!

Challenge

2007-04-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I got a big sitting/training job that will be for 16 days in May. It's going to be a bit of a challenge, but sooooo good for me at the same time. It's two dogs that I will be putting through boot camp. I've trained 4 dogs at once before, so the number is not the difficult part. One of the dogs is REALLY stubborn, the most both Jill and I have seen yet. I'm confident I'll get him though, I'll keep you posted when the time comes:)

Update

2007-04-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm working hard on this training manual and I actually see it coming to an end. YAY! Also, we got all our cards, brochures, and hats....they look great! Now, we're waiting for our new shirts to arrive and we'll be in business. Woof, woof people! It's doggy time and we're ALL over it;)

My Client, the show dog...an email I want to share.

2007-04-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody

Well - Sierra after only 3 months has covered 5 dog shows with a total of 16 times in the ring finished her championship this last Sunday. Not only did she finish but she did it in style. She won 1st place bitch for her class, Winners Bitch and Best of winners [which means she not only beat out the other bitches but also beat out the winning dog]

Needless to say we are very proud of her.

She now moves on to Best of Breed competition starting April 6th in Merced.

Bobbie and I have enjoyed these last months traveling, seeing new sites, meeting some great new people and spending time together.

Thank you for the support from Mark and Annette, Dana [the breeder], Jill for the obedience training and Robert who handled her for us in the ring and took her to her championship in only 5 shows.

Will be talking to you as we have more to share.

Ken & Bobbie.

I am so very proud!

Missing Yorkie in Silverlake

2007-04-08T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...a client I just started with (we've only had one lesson) has lost their dog from their home. It's a small, male yorkie that comes to the name, Fresh. He is wearing his training collor and regular collar but does not have his tags. Please, if you find him, email or call me right away, his owners are very sad.

Writing

2007-04-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

We all know how much I love to write, so guess what I'm working on right now!?! For the past two days, well night and all day today, I started writing a training manual for Thank Dog! It's going to be thick and full of information for future dog trainers/sitters that we hire. Yep, that's what I said...hire. After we begin our marketing push, we're going to look to hire new trainers when business starts picking up. It already has for just the two of us with no marketing at all...I can't wait to see what happens when we go paws out! Hehe. (Yes, I can be a little cheesy at times;)

A New Beginning

2007-04-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

From now on, I will be writing on this blog opposed to my own personal one. Jill and I are in action now to make Thank Dog! a booming business. I will be sharing all my experiences here and keep you updated on what's happening and the progress we're making. We're really excited and invite you all to follow our new journey full of unknowns, challenges, and twin team power. Let's go!

The next step

2007-04-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to update my blog since the last thing was so sad. Now I am writing to lift it's spirits up.

Jamie and I just finished our new marketing materials, plus purchased new Thank Dog! shirts, hats and sweatshirts. We are so excited and will have a new look that will be soooo cute.

I have gotten a lot of new clients in the past weeks and will hopefully have the time to share their stories with you real soon. Busy times take me away from the blog, but again, that is a good thing.

Until mine or Jamie's next post...enjoy this pic:

(Riley in my shirt)

Fred died this morning....

2007-03-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

Ugh.

*read below if you don't know what I am referring to.

Thank you to Riley for saving Fred

2007-03-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

This past week, I have been away vacationing with my parents. Riley, my minpin, stayed with our friends, David and Cle. They own a black minpin, named, Bea and a red minpin, named Fred.

When I was volunteering for the minpin rescue, Fred was one of the rescues that I fostered. He fell from a two story building and was left with no food out on the cement by his owners. He broke his leg and had two luxating patellas, one of which needed surgery. He was so tiny and malnourished, basically needed a lot of attention. The minpin rescue paid for it and I brought him home and did therapy on him for months. He was sooo cute and had a great temperament that I decided to adopt him. He had a hard life and I knew we would give him a great home.

Cle came over to see him and they instantly fell in love with each other...being that I already had two dogs, I let Cle take him. They gave him a wonderful home, fattened him up and finally got him to use his leg by pool therapy and lots of love. This was 2 years ago.

Now you know Fred's history...here is a little coyote background...a couple of months ago, David and Cle went to Palm Springs for the weekend and upon their return, they found that a coyote somehow got into their property, into their house and killed their cat in the kitchen. This isn't a very easy property to get into, in fact, they had it coyote proofed with big walls surrounding the entire house. It kind of looks like a compound. Anyway, they were heartbroken and figured they accidentally left the garbage can by the wall in which the coyote probably used it as a step. The dogs and cat have easy access to get outside and the coyote obviously found it. This was the Only time in the years they have lived there that this has ever happened.

Anyway, on Monday night, Fred and Riley went outside like they always do. David and Cle had left for a few hours and came home to an awful sight. They found Fred lying in the kitchen, blood everywhere, he had 2 huge puncture wounds in his neck, his ribs were broken and the leg he had surgery on was hanging only by skin.

Their immediate thought was that Fred was the only dog left and that Bea and Riley were taken. They came to find out that Riley barked so much and patrolled the area that Fred was let go in which he went to safety while the coyote ran out of the property. Riley was still patrolling the outside just scared to death and wouldn't come to anyone. She is my little tough cookie...she doesn't take shit from any dog and I am so proud of her for that.

We took Bea and Riley while Fred went to the ER and then off to a surgical vet clinic in West LA...he was put on oxygen, had a cathedar and IV's. He had to make it in the next 24 hours for them to determine if he would make it. They had to put plasma in his blood but still couldn't take blood samples due to his condition. It wasn't until this morning that we had no idea if he was going to live. Although he is going to lose his entire leg, he is walking a little, has peed on his own and has even eaten a little bit of baby food. The doctor said his coloring is back and is just oblivious as to what happened. David and Cle have been visiting him constantly to keep his spirits up and although they haven't been able to touch him (he was in an oxygen tent) it looks like it worked.

David and Cle are wonderful parents and Fred...you are my hero, I love you and can't wait to see you up and around. Riley, your are my little soldier...thanks for being so brave.

*They are selling their house (it's near Runyan Canyon) and will be moving into a condo.

Ghosts?

2007-03-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

My dog Emmit is the best. He's such a cuddly bear, in fact, Gina calls him Teddy Boy because he's so adorable and sweet. We think he has a friend ghost. No seriously, our house has been visited by an unknown, there has been too many unexplained things happening. Emmit's sudden out of control barking being one of them. He's not a barker and never barks when people come over. He's genuinely pretty quiet, except when he's playing with Quinn. When we're in my room, sometimes he'll freeze at the end of my bed and pant with anxiety. It freaks me out because I don't know how to calm him down and I can't see what he's seeing. It's been studied that dogs can see the supernatural. Their eyesight is unique in that way due to their sensitivity to light and movement. In addition, human beings almost have a choice in what is seen; therefore we choose not to see what we don't want to especially where spirits are concerned. Dogs and cats don't have that ability. They live in each moment and see things for what they are. It's weird to think that Emmit may be seeing something that I can't and if he is, why does it freak him out? Why would it scare him when he doesn't know what a ghost is? Quinn was like that too for awhile. She'd stop and directly stare at what was to us...nothing. Her hair would stand up and her eyes would move across the room as if she was following something. It's creepy, yet fascinating at the same time. Is my baby seeing ghosts? Is it that a possibility?

Wow...I am slacking!

2007-02-22T10:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in awhile. I know. Being busy is always the excuse, but it's true! This just means I am the best dog trainer ever because I can't even get a second.

I have done a lot in the last week and have stuff that I can actually write about, so check back...

See? Even dogs make a difference...

2007-02-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hero Dog Sadie Wins Medal For Saving Soldiers

A brave dog of war with a nose for trouble was awarded the animal Victoria Cross today after saving the lives of hundreds of soldiers in Afghanistan.

Sadie, a nine-year-old black Labrador, took the prestigious accolade, the PDSA Dickin Medal - the equivalent of the VC - after uncovering a deadly booby trap in a Kabul UN compound in 2005.

The ice cool canine sniffed out the lethal device which had been hidden in a pressure cooker behind a two foot thick concrete blast wall within the compound.

The highly charged device was packed full of high explosives. The remarkable discovery came only minutes after suicide bombers had driven a bus into a German army convoy, killing one soldier.

The bombers had planted a secondary device with the intention of massacring scores of soldiers and civilians - but Sadie thwarted the plot by discovering the bomb.

Sadie - a war veteran who has also served in Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo - is only the 61st dog to be presented with the Dickin Medal since 1943.

She was accompanied at the ceremony by her handler Lance Corporal Karen Yardley, who she has been paired with for over two years and two tours of duty in the war-torn state.

Lance Corporal Yardley, 27, spoke in tribute of the dog with whom she now has a strong bond. Sadie is due to retire later this year.

She said: "We were in Kabul clearing up following a suicide bombing. We were under orders to search the surrounding area as it is often a trick of the insurgents to plant secondary devices in the vicinity that would be detonated by troops following up from the first incident.

"Had Sadie not found the secondary bomb, scores of lives would have been lost. She discovered it in a pressure cooker packed with TNT, which would have exploded, killing and injuring both through the blast and through fragments.

"When we arrived on the scene, Sadie quickly searched the area and I noticed a sudden change of attitude. Her tail suddenly became rigid and I knew there was something there. I immediately evacuated the area and that was when the bomb disposal experts went in.

"This is the sort of job that would take a patrol of soldiers several hours to do, but Sadie was able to do it in a matter of minutes.

"There is a lot of pressure on her and me as everybody's life depends on you and the dog is very much working on the frontline. She is a friendly, intelligent and enthusiastic dog and does not seem to be fazed by anything. She truly deserves this honour."

Major Chris Ham of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps said that the dog had shown courage in all situations and had acclimatised quickly to the demands of the war in Afghanistan.

He said: "The dogs are extremely fit and are able to fit into the heat and conditions in somewhere like Afghanistan very quickly.

"Despite having a thick black coat, Sadie was very quick to acclimatise over there. I also feel she will adapt very quickly on her return to civvy street.

"It costs over £30,000 to train each one of these dogs, which is more than worth it when you consider the amount of lives that are saved each time this dog successfully finds another explosive device.

"Technology is getting better at detecting these devices, but there is nothing better than a dog's nose - that's a fact.

"The Royal Army Veterinary Corps is the only area of the army which is expanding, which in itself shows you how important these dogs are."

A 62nd hound received the medal posthumously for his sterling effort and tireless work in a Malayan jungle between 1949 and 1952.

Handler Corporal Bevel Austin Stapleton spoke today for the bravery shown by the German Shepherd Lucky, an RAF tracker dog.

During the jungle campaign, Lucky and Corporal Stapleton were ambushed by a Malay gunner who deafened the dog with shooting, but could not stop him tracking the insurgent down through thick undergrowth.

Today, the 79-year-old Corporal fondly remembered his adventures with the dog.

He said: "This award's been 60 year's coming, but that doesn't matter because in those days, it was just a matter of doing your job. Lucky would have understood that. He just got things done."

Corporal Stapleton and Lucky went on several more brave missions to thwart more terrorist activity in the South Asian conflict.

Corporal Stapleton proudly accepted the medal on behalf of his faithful companion, despite not knowing what finally became of him. He added: "When I finished my tour of duty, Lucky was posted with another handler but never went jungle beating again. That is as much as I know.

"I've never been told what happened to him, but it doesn't matter, we were there to do a job and we just got on with it."

Sentenced to death

2007-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

So, I never thought it would happen...I recommended a dog to be put down for the first time today. I am very saddened but very confident in my evaluation.

One of the vets that I have a very close relationship with called me to come and evaluate a 5 month old Beagle for aggression. That's right, I said 5 months. I immediately thought they were just mistaking puppy nipping for biting and was hopeful I would just come in and correct their way of thinking. I mean, dogs have until 3 years old to exhibit aggression...he hasn't even lost his baby teeth, nor has he fully developed his personality. 5 months is really young to start showing the aggression they claimed.

When I first got there, I wanted the background before starting my evaluation. They had informed me that he tried to bite one of their technicians yesterday. It usually happens around food and/or toys. I then changed my way of thinking, however, I was still hopeful that, like any other of my food aggressive clients, it could be worked with and solved. Nope...not the case at all.

Before I tell you what happened, everyone needs to know that this dog was bought from a pet store. Don't EVER buy from a pet store...not only do they usually come sick, but they don't evaluate the parents for temperament. The mom is literally in a small cage, in dirty facilities, all of her life while breeding constantly...this is called puppy mills people. It's unhealthy, unethical and just plain selfish and CRUEL. When you buy from a pet store, you are supporting these people to keep doing what they are doing. These dogs are treated poorly and do NOT deserve this way of life. They are usually sickly and can be aggressive and/or fearful...the worst part is that they cost 3 times as much as a healthy, well mannered dog coming from a breeder. This topic just makes me so mad. SO MAD.

Alright, so I took the Beagle out of the cage and put on his leash. The normal behavior for puppies is that they are curious of everything and everyone. The first sign was that he had absolutely NO INTEREST in me. He didn't even look at me once. He was so calm, yet, not really there. I got some chicken from the technician and decided to take him for a walk, being that walking is one of the most bonding activities you can do with a dog. He showed no excitement to get out and he wasn't interested in anything around him...he was literally...just there.

After we got back, I sat him down and did my usual evaluation with touching. He was tense but not reactive until I got to his nose...he started to bare teeth. Now, this wasn't a puppy playful behavior, this was full on aggression...and not out of fear. I then decided to feed him some chicken and that was the first time he looked at me. I held the leash in a way that if he were to try to bite, he would not have been anywhere near me. I could tell he was about to snap a couple of times and the worst part about it is that he didn't give a warning growl like most do. He is the silent but deadly type. His eyes were empty and he showed no signs of personality, just aggression. I have never seen a dog, let alone a puppy, display this kind of behavior. I think he is the Hannibal Lector of dogs.

He proceeded to puke, which was strange. I decided to see if he would be territorial around it...he was. I felt very uncomfortable to be around him. He is a loose cannon and there is no way he could EVER be around children or even guests in your own home. I mean, he was dropped off at the vet by his owner who had him since he was 3 months old due to him trying to bite her several times. So, he doesn't have loyalty or trust with those who take care of him either. You can't place dogs like this...they don't just "grow out of it".

As I was giving my diagnosis, Both of the veterinarians agreed with me 100% and was glad I came up with this conclusion. They weren't over reacting, this dog could hurt someone really bad. This isn't his fault...it's a clear case of human error (puppy mill). Scumbags.

Bike for the life of a dog!

2007-01-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

Everyone should do this!!!

http://roverrescue.com/events/4-0-20061027210126.pdf

Bike the Los Angeles Marathon
in support of Rover Rescue
Sunday, March 4th, 2007
• Cyclists are raising $500 or more in pledges to support Rover Rescue.
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for the cyclists who raise the most money.
• Cyclists each receive a Rover Rescue T-Shirt.

Call Today for your complete Fundraising Package.
a non-profit organization dedicated to
the rescue & placement of homeless
dogs from los angeles animal shelters

www.roverrescue.com

Dog Breeds DNA Test. Could It Settle The Pit Bull Type Argument?

2007-01-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Despite what recent reports in the media would suggest, it is not possible to determine the breed of a dog, or composition of a dog's breeding without seeing a pedigree, which relies on the pedigree being genuine. This is about to change however, with the launch of a DNA test that can tell you what breed of dog you are dealing with if you are unsure.

MMI Genomics, a subsidiary of the life science group MetaMorphix, Inc., announced today the launch of the first commercial, DNA-based, diagnostic test that can genetically determine the breed composition of dogs. Canine Heritage(TM) is a diagnostic test that uses MetaMorphix's state-of-the-art, SNP-based, DNA technology to certify up to 38 major breeds. The Canine Heritage(TM) test is easy to administer and requires only a cheek swab sample to be mailed to the company for analysis. Results are returned to owners in 4-6 weeks.

"This is very exciting news for dog lovers," said Dr. Ed Quattlebaum, Co-Chairman and CEO of MetaMorphix, Inc. "The first question always asked of mixed-breed dog owners is, 'What kind of dog is that?' Now, owners need not guess and can say with certainty, 'The Canine Heritage(TM) test showed that my dog is a mix of Labrador Retriever, English Setter and Border Collie'. In addition to better understanding your pet's behaviour, your dog's breed analysis can enable you to work more closely with your veterinarian to develop a lifetime health and wellness program."

In America, where the test is being launched, rescue organizations and animal shelters account for roughly half of the 6 million dogs taken home per year and only 25% of these pets are purebred. Beyond an adopter's innate curiosity about their new pet, owners are interested in their dog's breed composition so they can make informed decisions that ensure happy and healthy lives for their animals.

The test could have far reaching ramifications in the UK too, should it translate to the British market. With many owners of dogs of a certain size or appearance being accused of owning illegal breeds, they may be able to prove the heritage of their dog.

A cold one for man's best friend

2007-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Humanizing dogs at it's best...I love it.

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- After a long day hunting, there's nothing like wrapping your paw around a cold bottle of beer.

So Terrie Berenden, a pet shop owner in the southern Dutch town of Zelhem, created a beer for her Weimaraners made from beef extract and malt.

"Once a year we go to Austria to hunt with our dogs, and at the end of the day we sit on the veranda and drink a beer. So we thought, my dog also has earned it," she said.

Berenden consigned a local brewery to make and bottle the nonalcoholic beer, branded as Kwispelbier. It was introduced to the market last week and advertised as "a beer for your best friend."

"Kwispel" is the Dutch word for wagging a tail.

The beer is fit for human consumption, Berenden said. But at $2.14 (or 1.65 euro) a bottle, it's about four times more expensive than a Heineken.

Owning A Dog Is Good For Mental And Physical Health

2007-01-23T11:32:00.000-08:00

London, England (AHN) - A scientist said Monday that owning a dog is beneficial for the mental and physical health of the owner. Dr. Deborah Wells, a senior lecturer at the Canine Behavior Center of Queens University in Belfast, said a study of dog owners showed they have lower cholesterol and blood pressure and fewer minor physical ailments than people who do not own dogs. People who have dogs are also less likely to develop serious medical problems, she said.

Wells' research was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology. She reviewed several studies on pet owners and found that a pet dog helps their owners recover more quickly from serious illnesses, including heart attacks.

She cited a 1995 study that claimed dog owners were 8.6 percent more likely to survive a year after suffering a heart attack than those who do not own a dog.

According to chinaview.cn, Wells said, "It is possible that dogs can directly promote our well-being by buffering us from stress. The ownership of a dog can also lead to increases in physical activity and facilitate the development of social contacts, which may enhance physiological and psychological human health in a more indirect manner."

Wells also says, dogs could also serve as "early-warning systems" for more serious diseases, such as cancer and epilepsy.

The website healthyexpressions.com states that pets help alleviate depression or loneliness through the simple daily routine of care giving.

The website says that simple acts like buying food for and exercising pets can provide a real sense of purpose and encourage people to get out more. Pets also can help people deal with the loss of a loved one with their calming presence.

Pets can also provide comfort and lessen loneliness for people missing a spouse, close friend or relative. Touching or stroking pets can uplift the owner's spirits and help ease everyday problems, the website says.

http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006225648

Oddball appetites: Readers share their dog tales

2007-01-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

Things your pets have eaten: A fake tree, a real Rolex ... even a hamster Source

My, but your dogs have eaten some weird things. When we asked for your tales of the strangest things your pooch has consumed, we received hundreds of responses.

Among the most notable? A Rolex watch, a dress, lots of underwear, cash, fake trees and — especially disturbing — a hamster.

One reader wrote to tell us about a pug that devoured cheerleading pompoms. "We didn't know it until she was passing them,” she wrote. "Our school colors are maroon and white and there was the pompoms coming out. My husband said, look, she's in the school spirit."

Another vengeful dog who’d been banned from a dinner party ate the reading glasses of a guest. “He showed no ill effects,” wrote the reader. “In spite of my husband's threats he is still living and still chewing.”

Read on for other oddities compulsive canines have consumed:

A whole box of shredded wheat (vet visit), a bee (vet visit), a razor, and the latest mouse bait(2 days ago), which the cure for is 1 Tbs. of peroxide every 10 min. until the dog vomits. ... Ties a lab mix and is doing well — until the next meal of choice.
—Diana, Indianapolis

My ex's puppy ate razor blades. She managed to swallow five of them with no damage. She had surgery and they were removed with no problems.
—Anonymous

An entire bag of Hershey's kisses, foil and all. A box of Crayola crayons. My mother's panties and numerous socks. The dog was fine and didn't have any discomfort, he passed tin foil for a few days, and spring green-colored crayon bits, and socks, but the panties he threw up!
—Betsy, Chicago

A bright green sock which later decorated the lawn in several spots.
—Karen, New York

I had a pug eat pompoms once and we didn't know it until she was passing them. Our school colors are maroon and white and there was the pompoms coming out. My husband said, look, she's in the school spirit. Thank goodness she was OK.
— Nancy Chapman

My dog Pepe (English Springer Spaniel), who is free to roam around our yard unleashed, likes to eat Maxi Pads. She has a friend Willy (white poodle) who lives up the street. Willy's owner walks him down to play with Pepe every day. One day I saw Willy coming down the street toward the house so I called Pepe, "your friend's here" and she came running out the house. I didn't notice she came flying out with a Maxi pad in her mouth. Next thing I know, Willy's got the pad and running toward his owner with it...I screamed NOOOOOOOOOOO, WILLY COME BACK..... .It was no use, next thing I know, his owner is staring at me with the dirty maxi pad laying across his feet. He says " Um..are you missing something"...I haven't been able to look him in the eye since.
—Amanda, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Growing up we had many different pets with many different tastes: Sheba (husky) loved boxer shorts and socks. She would always leave the elastic bands. Jake (golden retriever): lipstick. If he could get to it, he would eat it. Sophie (Peek-a-poo): Once gnawed on the Christmas lights, broke a light off and ate it. She also gnawed through a branch on the artificial tree that year. She is not the smartest of dogs. Otis (Min. Schnauzer): anything paper and he eats it.
—Carissa, Akron, Ohio

My Shepherd/Rottweiler mix has eaten loads of strange items, luckily without ever needing surgery: a dress, 3-foot piece of sheet, carpeting padding AND tack-strip. And the worst — an entire box of mac & cheese: box, dry noodles, foil cheese pack and the blue plastic shopping bag that it was brought home in! Luckily now that he's in his senior years, all he eats that is "strange" is coffee grounds from the trash. I guess he needs his caffeine rush.
—Paul Miele, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The fringe holding a throw rug together. I pulled it out of his butt like a magician pulls scarves from his sleeve.
—South Portland, Maine

Last Christmas, when our dog was a year and a half old, she developed a taste for Christmas ornaments. Never mind the fact that, as a six-month-old puppy only a year prior, she'd shown no interest whatsoever in the ornaments. About a week after we'd put up our tree last year, my husband called to tell me that the dog had eaten one of our plastic ornaments. "We don't have plastic ornaments," I said, mentally reviewing our ornament collection. "Those are blown glass. Call the vet. Now." So my husband scooped up the shattered remnants of the ornament, put them in a plastic baggie, and took them and our dog to the vet. The vet coaxed our dog to swallow a few cotton balls soaked in milk — to absorb any sharp-edged ornament pieces — and sent us home with some antibiotics. The dog survived the whole ordeal without any complications whatsoever. Although we did have some very sparkly dog "business" for a few days. This year, we hung all the ornaments just out of reach of the dog on the top two-thirds of the tree. It looks a bit odd, but we certainly worry a lot less.
—Bronlea, Bellingham, Wash.

Mine has eaten push-pins for a bulletin board, carpet binding and underwear. He's had to have 2 surgeries, one for the carpet binding and one for a steak bone I didn't get away from him soon enough. He's almost 11 and doesn't seem to be getting over his fetishes!
—J., Minnesota

My English Pointer somehow slipped out of his leather collar and swallowed it. He managed to pass it naturally. He did have a little trouble with the buckle, but a little olive oil helped it along.
—Anonymous

My female American Eskimo chewed & swallowed a $10.00 bill I was about to tip someone. I "recovered" 3/4 of it, in many pieces, washed & sanitized it, yet B/A still would not redeem it for a whole $10.00 bill. [I left out the "recovery" details at the bank.]
—Pat, San Diego, Calif.

My first Weimaraner ate everything plastic. She also had a "thing" for socks and pantyhose. During the first 8 months we owned her, we spent $7K on surgeries to remove little dinosaurs and baby socks from her stomach and intestines. The thing that really started her on a downward spiral was the 17-year cicadas that came to the DC area in 2004. She thought they were tasty little snacks and harvested them right off our deck. Apparently she couldn't digest their wings and bodies, and they caused some major "back-up" in her system and this lead to pancreatitis. Keep in mind this is a dog that swallowed a Siberian hamster whole with no ill effects. (This is also the same dog who would have died from thirst if the only water available was in a toilet.) Go figure. Later she became a diabetic (just after another bout of pancreatitis when she consumed lord knows what). We administered two shots of insulin a day, and carried all 65 pounds of her up and down stairs after she went blind. Eventually her pancreas just gave out — $20k later — and she died in my arms. And yes, I said my "first" Weimaraner. Now I have another one who appears to have a thing for pencils and sea shells. Our vets were understandably ecstatic to see us back.
—JBWilton, McLean, Va.

My pit bull Tyson once swallowed my Rolex watch. I was having a barbecue in my backyard, and some barbecue sauce got on my watch. My hands was greasy so I took my watch off and laid it on the table. Next thing you know my dog swallowed the watch. The shine from the watch and the barbecue sauce must of been very tempting for him to resist. I took him to the vet right away and had his stomach pumped out. After the surgery Tyson was 100% back to normal. My dog of course is way more important to me then my Rolex watch.
—Nick Wells, Bayside, N.Y.

My brother's Scottie, Seamus, is a spoiled brat. He chews furniture, relieves his bowels on his recliner, intimidates the full-sized Collie and is generally a pain in the behind. They have just two rooms where no pets are allowed. At a family birthday dinner, we left the dogs in the family room and Seamus was miffed. So he climbed up onto the couch, over to the table, behind the lamp and stole my husband's reading glasses and chewed up every piece of them, including the lenses! He showed no ill effects, in spite of my husband's threats he is still living and still chewing.
—Anonymous

Thanks Alex, for submitting this!!

Labradors still No. 1 dog, Yorkies second

2007-01-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Anthony Ramirez
New York Times News Service
Jan. 16, 2007 10:36 AM

NEW YORK - In a dog-loving nation, the lists seem to say something.

The American Kennel Club on Monday announced a shift in its 10 most popular dog breeds in the nation and in the city, or at least in that elite group of purebred dogs whose pedigrees and papers are in order.

At a Rockefeller Center news conference filled with handlers, dogs and photographers, the club noted that the dog claiming the No.1 ranking had not changed.

Across the country, the most popular dog last year, as it has been for 16 years in a row, was the Labrador retriever, with about 124,000 registrations, or 14 percent of the club's total.

In New York, the most popular breed in 2006 was the poodle, with 77 registrations, or about 8 percent of the club's total in the city. It has been the most popular breed for two years in a row, according to the club, which describes itself as the largest purebred-dog registry in the world.

But the big news, the club said, was the No. 2 ranking in both the city and the country: the Yorkshire terrier, overtaking larger breeds like the golden retriever and the German shepherd.

The tiny Yorkie, favored by the wife played by Eva Gabor in television's "Green Acres," had about 48,000 registrations in the United States, or 5 percent; and 49 in the city, also 5 percent.

Daisy Okas, a spokeswoman for the club, said the toy-dog group of breeds, which include Yorkshire terriers, had risen from 12 percent of the registry in the 1970s to about 23 percent today. Among the criteria to register with the club is providing proof of a dog's family tree.

Representing No. 1 was Sabrina Fairchild, 5, a tan Labrador retriever owned by Linda Berkeley, 44, a landscape architect from Greenburgh, N.Y.

On her head, Sabrina wore a gold-colored fabric crown, and around her shoulders was draped a red velour cape with faux ermine piping. The photographers cooed.

There was a small platoon of Yorkies, including Maggie, 8, and Sammie, 3, her granddaughter.

Sharon Jones, 55, Maggie's owner and an amateur breeder from Mohrsville, Pa., squeezed a yellow toy to make sure the dogs paid attention to the photographers.

Jones used to acquire aircraft for films like "Nighthawks," the 1981 Roosevelt Island thriller starring Sylvester Stallone. Squeeze toys "don't work on movie stars," Jones noted. "Ego too big."

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0116top-dog16-ON.html

You Know You've Gone to the Dogs When...

2007-01-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Nobody's feet are allowed on the furniture, but your dogs are welcome to sleep on any piece they so choose
It takes an entirely separate garbage can to handle the poop
All kinds of things around the house are in need of repair, but the injured dog you rescued by the side of the road requires immediate surgery and out comes the checkbook
You and your family haven't had your annual check up in two years, but the dogs are all medically up to date
You start barking at your children to "Sit! Stay!"
You're more concerned with the dogs' needs than your own when the budget gets tight
At least three of your five weeks vacation are scheduled around grooming, vaccinations and dental cleaning...all for the dogs!
Dog crates double as chairs and/or tables in your family room
You can only remember people by associating them with their dog
Overnight guests (who share your bed) are offended by having to sleep with you and the dog(s)
You snuggle closer to the dog than the person with whom you are sleeping
You decide to downsize from a huge house in the city to an average country cottage with lots of land in order to build the kennel of your dreams
You spend more time looking through mail order catalogs for dog supplies than for Victoria's Secret nighties or Miles Kimball gadgets
All your social activities revolve around other dog people

Brothers found guilty over 'grossly' obese dog

2007-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Two brothers who allowed their pet labrador to become "hugely and grossly" overweight were today found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Derek Benton, 62, and his 53-year-old brother, David, received a three-year conditional discharge after magistrates in Ely, Cambridgeshire, ruled that they had given the dog, called Rusty, an inappropriate diet.

Speaking after the verdict, the RSPCA inspector Jason Finch said the chocolate labrador could only walk five or six steps before "collapsing" when the pet was taken away from the brothers.

The owners had been told to take their dog to a vet for treatment but did nothing, Mr Finch said. "The dog was not being treated, so we felt the only option was to take it away and get it treated by our own vets," he told Sky News.

The RSPCA said the Bentons fed Rusty improperly, causing his weight rising from eight to more than 11 and a half stone in two years.

The court heard the RSPCA had taken the dog from the brothers in March last year, and he had since lost three and a half stone.

Today's ruling said that Rusty would be returned to the brothers, but would have to be properly cared for and kept on medication.

The brothers' lawyer, Ann-Marie Gregory, told the court that Rusty was so fat because he had arthritis and could not exercise easily, and said convicting them would set a worrying precedent.

"This is a test case. It has never been done before. It is a fat dog. It is accepted he is still a fat dog," she said.

Ms Gregory told the court she had received phone calls from "people up and down the country worried to death because their cat is a couple of pounds overweight or their rabbit is a couple of pounds overweight".

"I have to say, one wonders where this case will stop," she said. "Are we going down the route to fat children? Are we going to have parents prosecuted in court because their child is overweight?"

It would have been unrealistic to expect the Bentons to put Rusty through the same regime the RSPCA had, Ms Gregory argued.

"It has cost in the region of over £3,000 to get Rusty to the point he is today," she said. "How many people have £3,000 in their pocket to spend on their pet dog?"

She said Rusty, aged 10 or 11, was a "happy dog" who would be better off at home with his owners, adding: "Weight alone is never an indication of happiness."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/animalrights/story/0,,1989216,00.html

Dogs too fat? US allows weight-loss drug

2007-01-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

dpa German Press Agency
Published: Friday January 5, 2007

Washington- Dogs can't tell you they want to lose weight. But if you think yours is too fat, relief is on the way. Responding to rising obesity among the popular pets, the US government approved the first prescription weight-loss drug for dogs - complete with a warning for humans not to use it.

Slentrol, by New York-based Pfizer Inc, cuts appetite and fat absorption to produce weight loss, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Friday in announcing the product's approval for sale.

About 5 per cent of US dogs are obese and another 20-30 per cent are overweight, the FDA cited surveys as saying. Like heavy humans, overweight pets are at higher risk of developing health problems such as heart conditions, diabetes and joint wear.

"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies, because dog obesity appears to be increasing," Stephen Sundlof, the head of the agency's animal medicine centre said in a statement.

However, dogs treated with the drug may suffer from vomiting, loose stools, diarrhea and lethargy, the FDA said.

Veterinarians generally define a dog that weighs 20 per cent more than its ideal weight as obese, the agency said.

It's been a long time...

2007-01-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I decided to stop posting in 2006 and start up again in 2007. Jamie and I have a lot of things planned for Thank Dog! that we are very excited about.

During the past 3 weeks, things have been slow due to the holidays. Most of my clients went on Hiatus, so I didn't really have anything to report. Now I am trying to get back into the swing of things and hopefully 2007 will be just as good or better as 2006 - 2006 was by far the best year for Thank Dog!

Yay for my clients and for the vets that refer me!!

Please help this pup...

2006-12-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

I'M JUST A HAPPY SENIOR GIRL! WHO IS READY TO SPEND A HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH YOU!

Impound 842181, 15 year old female, Lab mix

(Please Forward and Cross Post)

Poor smiling Queen has no idea that her life will soon to end if she is not adopted or rescues. She needs a foster home to save her life.

Many of you remember and have been asking about Queen. She was dumped at the South Los Angeles shelter with her friend, a BIG 2 year Rottie/Shep mix. Their owners could not have cared less if their dogs were put down. They completed the intake forms saying that BOTH dogs growled at people, growled at other dogs, growled at cats and were basically not nice dogs. From reading their intake form, you would have thought these were the two worst dogs.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Both dogs are sweet, gentle, great with people and great with other dogs. The Rott/Shep and is rescued and in a foster home where he gets along with kids and small dogs. But poor Queen is still stuck at the shelter with her life very much in danger. When she was first put in the kennel, she sat smiling at the front of the cage, looking at everyone who passed. You could tell she was waiting for her people to come and get her. This gentle, trusting girl could not even fathom that her human family would betray her and not come back. So there she sits with her life very much in danger. She shares her kennel with 3 other wonderful old gals who are in the same predicament. It is so sad, it seems that holidays inspires people to dump their old dog. Out with the old, in with the new?

I took Queen out and she was so happy to be out in the fresh air and be able to walk around. She smiled as she explored her surroundings. She is very gentle, naturally happy and just a really lovable old gal. I pet her and she just there smiling, happy to be getting some attention. She is a really good dog who doesn't seem to need or expect much. She does like her treats though!

Does anyone have room in their home for a sweet old dog to live out her life? It is just too sad, the idea of her being taken to the back room for her life to be ended with nobody to even know or care that she is gone.

Please email yep6cats@aol.com if you can help.

Create Karma...It's a Dogs Life

Karma Rescue: http://www.karmarescue.org

South LA City Shelter 3612 11th Ave

LA, CA 90018

213 485-0117 or 213 485-0119

She needs a foster home and medical sponsor or donations to get her into a rescue group.

Impound 842181, 15 year female, Black Lab mix

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a great Christmas!

A Heart felt story about a stray dog in my neighborhood, Glassell Park.

2006-12-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Gramps

Sometimes, just reading the newspaper can make you feel discouraged about our world.

But there are times you see in the mix of stories something that can rekindle your faith and put everything in balance.

Gramps' story is a perfect example of this.

Remember him? The senior German shepherd mix had been wandering the streets of Los Angeles near Weemes Elementary School when school teacher and animal rescue volunteer Ryoko Matsui of Glassell Park found him and decided to take him home.

He was in bad shape: skinny, as if he's been homeless for awhile, and deaf.

He could hardly stand up and looked anywhere between 12 and 15 years old.

Matsui figured he wasn't long for this world.

That was back in September.

Gramps fooled everyone. A little love, some medical attention and medication helped this old guy start acting and looking like a pup half his age.

Rebound doesn't begin to describe it. Miraculous does.

A profile of Matsui and her rescue efforts appeared in these pages on Oct. 19, and Gramps got his picture taken for the story, too.

Matsui said she had tried to find a home for him, but most were put off by the dog's age.

Rae Syms of Altadena read the story and mentioned it to her husband, Chris
Advertisement
Garcia. They already had three dogs, but somehow it seemed right to add Gramps to the family. After all, Gramps was deserving of a happy life, they figured.

The fact that Gramps might be as old as 15 didn't bother them. Syms is a nurse and Garcia owns a small business.

They said they were touched by Gramps' drive to survive.

"He was in such bad shape, but he had such a will to live," Syms said. "I didn't think of (adopting him) as taking a chance. It didn't even occur to me the age was a problem.

The dog needed a home. We have a home. We felt very privileged to get him."

When they contacted Matsui about adoption, they figured they'd have to get in a long line of potential owners. Instead, they were the first to call.

After an initial meeting at the Rose Bowl and then a home visit, Gramps meshed with the family as if he'd never been anywhere else.

Since he moved in with them, there have been no chewed-up shoes nor housebreaking problems.

Gramps proved to be an ideal family member.

Syms initially wanted Gramps to be "her" dog, but Gramps worships Garcia. When Garcia walks around the house, Gramps follows him.

If a door is shut with Garcia behind it, Gramps barks until he can once again be with his new best friend.

"He absolutely adores Chris," said Syms. "I just love watching Chris interact with Gramps because you can tell Chris really loves him.

It's the sweetest thing."

Matsui isn't surprised by Gramps' behavior.

"Do you know that I respect you as a leader' look, the look ("The Dog Whisperer") Cesar Millan's dogs give him?" Matsui asked.

"I saw Gramps look at Chris that way."

There were a few ranking issues among all the dogs in the beginning, but Gramps settled in well. He is a new pal for Lily, a shepherd mix who used to jump the fence and then couldn't find her way back.

She stays at home now that Gramps is there.

Despite Gramps' age, he continues to thrive with love and attention he gets from Syms and Garcia. They actually forget that Gramps is deaf; he behaves and responds almost like any hearing-capable dog, they said.

"He has more energy than anyone in the family even me and Chris," Syms laughed. "Now he's so alive. It's inspiring to see someone with so much spirit."

Gramps eats like a champ, Syms said, and has gained weight. He runs up and down the stairs and enjoys a good walk.

While Gramps' past remains a mystery, Syms doesn't want to believe he was beaten or abused. She says he has a loving soul.

"There isn't a mean bone in his body," she said.

"There's such a sweetness to him. There's just such a kindness to him."

After a pause, she added: "I think I like him the best of all the dogs.

I really do."

Matsui has seen her share of homeless dogs find happy endings, yet in true Gramps magic, this one in particular etched its way into her heart.

"It was so rewarding not only to see his health improve remarkably, but to see him blossom into a playful, affectionate guy each day," Matsui said.

"He showed me how to slow down and smell the roses. He taught me to stop worrying and enjoy the small things in life. I miss him terribly, but I am so happy for him."

Senior dogs often are overlooked by families who are afraid an older dog might not be with them for very long.

It's more difficult to place a senior dog than one who is less than 5 years old.

But in passing these dogs up, a wealth of love is missed, and that's tragic.

"Tomorrow is promised to no one," Syms said. "You don't know how much time anyone has."

Her advice is to look at a dog not his teeth or coat or birthdate. Enjoy your dog as completely as you can, for as long as you're given.

Senior dogs, with all of their wisdom and life experience, know this already and are just waiting for us to figure it out and give them that happy ending they've waited long enough to find.

Just ask Gramps how good it can be.

Source

Another little tip

2006-12-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Sweet Lowdown

'Tis the season for sweets, but avoid giving these treats to your dog -- especially chocolate, which can be deadly.

Chocolate smells tasty and edible to most dogs, but poses a major poisoning risk because it contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. It can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. If you think your dog has eaten chocolate, call your vet or an animal poison control center immediately.

www.dogage.com

A follow up - She just can't seem to catch a break

2006-12-19T12:12:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears Booed By Dog Owners Too

Pop princess is dropping in tops all over the media, including in people’s choice for favorite pet-owners where Britney placed last while Oprah is the favorite.

The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines decided it was time they raised awareness on Britney’s dog-parenting skills and gave her the prize for the World's Worst Celebrity Dog Owner following a three-month online poll organized by the two for the magazines’ readers.

"Britney was the overwhelming choice," said editor Hilary O'Hagan.

"She once had three Chihuahuas (Lacy, Lucky and Bit-Bit) and never left home without at least one of them on her arm. As soon as she met K-Fed and had kids they disappeared."

The 25-year-old mother of two overran her friend Paris Hilton, last year’s pick for treating her dog as it were just one of her accessories, and Serena Williams who lied about owning her pit-bull, Bambi, after it bit a security guard earlier this month.

According to Ms. O’Hagan, one of the dogs was instantly irritated by Kevin Federline’s presence, Britney’s former hubby.

“It was either Mr. Federline or Lucky," added Ms. O'Hagan. "Unfortunately Britney chose the wrong dog and the rest is history."

Kevin Federline admitted in an interview with Teen People magazine in September this year that they gave away their dogs because they could no longer take care of them.

"We gave all the dogs to friends of ours. It's just too much with the kids and all these dogs running around all over the place. It just wasn't really working," he added.

Single mom Spears filed for divorce from K-Fed earlier last month. They have two children together, 1-year-old Sean Preston and a 3-month-old Jayden James.

If Britney hadn’t gave her dogs away and hire a nanny for each instead, she would have had a chance on the first spot since talk show host Oprah Winfrey, a champion of shelters, took the first place in part because she supposedly provides each of her five dogs with its own nanny. She also popularized the revolutionary canine training methods of Cesar Milan, known as “The Dog Whisperer,” on her show.

Oprah beat off competition from Tori Spelling, Nicollette Sheridan and Beth Ostrosky, Howard Stern's girlfriend and a national spokesperson for the North Shore Animal League.

This weekend, Spears received a frosty reception when she showed up at a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game. She was accompanied by her sister Jamie Lynn and her agent. When her face popped up on the Jumbotron, the entire crowd booed lustily, making the pop tart so mad that she left before halftime.

Source

Thought this was funny...

2006-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

Britney Spears Named Worst Celeb Dog Owner

Ever since her Laundromat lost that entire load of panties, pundits have been insisting that Britney Spears' career is going to the dogs. Well, now it's starting to look like the pop diva isn't even welcome in the canine community.

Readers of sister publications New York Dog and Hollywood Dog voted Brit the World's Worst Celebrity Dog Owner in a poll that found her easily outdistancing silver medallist Paris Hilton. Readers were apparently incensed over the singer's decision to rid her home of her supposedly beloved Chihuahuas -- Lacy, Lucky and Bit-Bit, for those keeping score at home -- after then-hubby Kevin Federline allegedly objected to their presence.

While we can understand not wanting to have four dogs around the house -- particularly when the biggest one is prone to rutting with strangers who're in heat -- we think Spears would've been better off keeping the pocketbook-sized mutts rather than the other one.

Source

Brandy, the Chihuahua, the Smallest Dog in the World

2006-12-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Brandy the Chihuahua is 6 inches long and weighs less that two pounds. She's not allowed on the furniture because if she jumped off, she'd break. She's also, according the Guinness, officially the Smallest Dog in the World.

Brandy's owner, Paulette Keller, carries her around in a sheepskin-lined purse. For fun, she dresses her in a pink Hawaiian dress. You don't pet Brandy so much as rub her with a thumb and forefinger.

Brandy made the transformation from Keller's lap ornament to the Smallest Dog in the World over a year ago. The breeder told Keller she thought Brandy was smaller than the smallest dog in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Keller took Brandy to the vet, who signed papers listing her vital statistics.

So in the 2006 Guinness book, there is bug-eyed Brandy, on the same page with the dog who can fit five tennis balls in its mouth.

The perks so far have been few. Last year, the Pedigree dog food company paid to fly Ron and Paulette Keller to Reno, where Brandy was paired with one of the largest dogs in the world for a three-day exhibit at a casino.

Keller says she doesn't care about the attention.

"I just love her," she told the St. Petersburg Times. "It wouldn't matter if she's the smallest. She's just a really sweet dog."

http://www.forbes.com/business/energy/feeds/ap/2006/12/13/ap3252970.html

Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed

Why do dogs bark and what do they mean?

2006-12-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

One problem I deal with on occasion is excess barking. People generally think their dog is annoying for doing so, however, a lot of the time, the dog is trying to send a message. Because they can't talk, it's good to understand what a bark is and why they do it. I mean, barking is a dogs natural way of communicating and if we expect them to understand our communication, unfortunately, they need us to understand theirs.

Barking is basically a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog's bark can signify territorial protection (Quinn, my Doberman, is a prime example of this), exertion of dominance, or expression of some need (i.e. alerting when having to go potty, wanting to play, expressing anxiety, etc...you get the idea) Typically, barking is "a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement." Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural problem, unless, as I stated above, it's done excessively.

Here is a list of different barks and what their meaning could be...

Continuous and fast barking, at a medium pitch: Alert. Problems. Some is entering our territory.
Continuous and slow barking, at a low pitch: The intruder or danger is close. Prepared to defend itself.
Fast barking with pauses every 3 or 4: Warning of a problem approaching. Asking you to investigate.
Long and drawn-out barks at a high pitch, with pauses between each one: I'm alone and need company.
One or two short high pitched barks: The most normal greeting.
One bark normal pitch: Curious, alert.
Short back in a high pitch: Shows surprise. If it's repeated twice it means "Look at this!" If it's longer then it calling. Many dogs use this when they want to go out.
Brief bark, at medium pitch: Happiness.
Faltering bark at medium pitch: Asking to play.
Howl or short bark at a high pitch: "Ouch!" Response to sudden pain.
Repeated howls and regular intervals: Suffering from extreme pain or something that scares them.
High pitch or urgent barks that sound desperate, without apparent reason: It is a way some dogs use to let out steam.

I found the above descriptions of dog barks here

Tags: barking, excessive barking

The Holiday Season is coming up...

2006-12-11T07:08:00.000-08:00

and there are a lot of untrained dogs and people going home for the holidays. Wouldn't you like to have an impressive pooch for the family this year? Give me a call and let's get started...once you leave for vacation, you can hire my sister to take over bootcamp over the holidays!

If anyone would like to purchase a gift certificate for dog training or petsitting, or both...email me!

My job this week.

2006-12-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

I've been dog training since Monday in Culver City. This woman hired me for two weeks to train during the day and go home at night...it's nice. Maggie and Macy are two rescue dogs, both adorable and sweet. I wasn't sure if I was going to have success with them, not until Wednesday night anyway. Erica called to give me an update about what happened. Her dogs are territorial when it comes to her, their home, and won't stay in their place. I've been working with them, they've been good for me; however, I didn't know how they would be for Erica. She said someone knocked on the door and both dogs barked. She told them to go to their place, they went, and then stopped barking. She couldn't believe it and neither could I. I was thrilled, especially because it was only three days later when she called. I'm going to be with them for another week, I'll let you know how it goes...

Hi!

2006-12-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Well, hello there! I am the new addition to not only this blog, but to Thank Dog! Training. I'm Jill's twin sister, Jamie, and the dog sitter/trainer that the everyone wants to hire because I'm that good...hehe. No but seriously, my position is different from Jill's. She's the alpha dog of the company, she trains the owners how to train their dogs; while I come in and train the dogs if the owner needs more help or goes on vacation. Yep, you heard it right! I will literally live at your house and put your dog through boot camp. That way, you come home to a trained dog and I get to leave knowing I made a huge difference in your life. Having the ability to put a smile on one's face, by causing such a relief in the home, is something that keeps me motivated in every situation. I love my job and the results will prove it every time!

The Time Has Come...

2006-12-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

I have added Jamie, my twin sister who is a fellow dog sitter/trainer to write in my blog. She basically pet sits, walks dogs and is also hired by many of my clients when they go on vacation to stay at their home and TRAIN their dogs. She is great and has many happy clients.

She is going to write about her experiences and anything else that comes to mind. Her threads/diaries will be in Dark Orange.

A fun little story...

2006-12-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

I went to Runyan a few weeks ago and I usually don't steer away from my usual hike. However, that day I decided to cut it short and went down to the pavement from the harder hike (that's right, I rock), as opposed to keep walking up the last hill down to the parking lot. Low and behold I saw Justin Timberlake coming up the pavement with both of his dogs, Brendon and Buckley. How do I know his dogs names? Yes, we actually had a conversation.

It wasn't because of me that we had one (although, I would like to think it was) I think it was because he didn't want to draw attention to himself so he talked to the nearest person to him... which happened to be me...YAY! We only talked about dogs (he told me his boxers think they are my dogs size...he was talking about my little Riley) and I actually told him I was a dog trainer, but I never gave him my name or card because I was too busy thinking, "oh my god, I am talking to Justin Timberlake". Of course I regret not doing so, but whatever, I was super excited.

We walked all the way back to our cars talking...he was very nice and very polite. It was a great experience. Well...I guess I won't stop going to Runyan!

Tags: Justin Timberlake, Runyan Canyon, dogs, Boxer

Update

2006-12-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

My sister got out of the hospital and everything is peachy. My parents are still in town but are leaving Sunday. Life has been a little hard and hectic but I am back on track now. I will start blogging again...k?

My sister is in the hospital

2006-11-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

So, I will be away for a bit. She has wireless in her room, so she is updating her blog if you would lke to follow. www.conclusionblogger.com

How a Dog Should Hug a Baby:

2006-11-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

ATTENTION ALL DOGS!!! THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR EVERY DOG TO KNOW

Instructions for properly hugging a baby.

1. First, spy a baby.

2. Second, be sure that the object you spied was Indeed a baby by employing classic sniffing techniques. If you Smell baby powder and the wonderful aroma of wet diapers this is indeed A baby.

3. Next you will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the Hugging process.

**Note: The added slobber should help in future steps by making the "paw slide" easier.

4. The "paw slide" Simply slide paws around baby and prepare for possible close-up.

5. Finally, if a camera is present, you will need to execute the difficult and patented "hug, smile, and lean" so as to achieve the best photo quality.

Dogs, if this is properly done, it will secure you a warm, dry, Climate-controlled environment for the rest of Your life. Good luck to all of you!

Thanks Calen, for submitting this!

This is how kick ass your trainer is...

2006-11-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

For the last 3 weeks, I have been getting up at 4am and driving to Barry's Bootcamp for the 5am ass kicking workout, 5 days a week. I am doing this for 5 weeks, and then I am going to sign up again for another 4 weeks. Seriously, it's the hardest thing I have ever done (besides jumping out of a plane, or river boarding in New Zealand of course). I am seeing quick results, it's awesome.

They have heat lamps in there, so you are literally dripping sweat the entire time while doing these excruciating exercises and sprints on inclines on the treadmill. It's almost impossible. As the weeks have gone by, I am getting better. Barry doesn't take anyone's crap. People get punished for other people's exhaustion. It's terrible, but when I am done...it rocks for my mood the rest of the day because I feel like I have accomplished something huge EVERY SINGLE MORNING.

So, now, I have done landmark, which is a life changing bootcamp (mentally), and have now moved on to bootcamp for my body. Seriously, what dog trainer will ever even amount to me? Haha...not only do I always have a good attitude and am just brilliant at training (haha...I will show you an email I just received from one of my clients), I am going to be physically fit. Basically, I am going to be a kick ass trainer all around. Who wants to hire me??

Tags: Barrys Bootcamp, Landmark education, bootcamp

Dog Tip:

2006-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Want your dog to enjoy her senior years? A little extra TLC will help keep her tail wagging.

Keeping a close eye on her waistline and her habits is key. Talk with your vet if you notice any changes in your dog's appearance or in her eating, sleeping, potty, or playtime habits. Carrying extra weight puts an unhealthy strain on older dogs, so it's important to make sure the calories your pet eats and those she burns are balanced. Your vet may recommend switching to a specially formulated food for senior dogs as metabolism decreases with age.

This was submitted by Ken Coombs (love it when you send me these!!!)from dogage.com

Tags: dog weight, fat dog, overweight dog

My Family

2006-11-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with dogs, I just thought it would be fun to put a picture of my family up from our trip.

My dad is missing from the picture but there it is!

This is a pic of my sisters and I. I am on the right.

So yeah, we had a blast, it was hard leaving them (they live in Ohio).

My mom just got her protection dog, call name is Xandra, yesterday. Xandra is really beautiful and obedient. I can't wait to meet her!

Last trip of the year...

2006-11-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

I am off to Florida...will be back on Sunday.

The whole world is a dogs toilet...Yes, this includes your home

2006-11-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

What people don't realize is that dogs don't come to your home potty trained. I always have to tell my clients that dogs are wild animals, when they have to go, they will just squat wherever they are. They don't "know", they don't pee out of spite, they are just NOT potty trained. It's either accidents or no accidents at all...there is no in between. If he has just one a week, it still means he is not potty trained...you did not do your job. He is not to blame.

People put too many high expectations on their dogs and don't understand why it is the dog will go outside and then come right back in and pee on the floor.

Here is why:

They don't know the concept of holding it...plain and simple. Anything you want your dog to learn, you have to teach, it takes baby steps and it is often tedious.

Puppies can hold it for however many months they are plus one. This is according to hours. Although they prefer going outside because of the smells, they don't mind going inside as well.

Often times I won't allow people to use doggy doors and pee pads because if you give dogs immediate access to potty anytime they want...they never learn to hold it. You always see puppies constantly squatting and going even though they had just gone 5 minutes ago. It's because dogs don't like to feel uncomfortable and once they have an inkling they have to go...they go.

How to solve this?

You have to control every movement...get on a routine. If you can't watch your dog, put him in the crate. When he isn't in the crate, put him on a leash. Don't leave him alone to wonder in big areas because you will be setting him up to fail. Do a schedule feed and always take them out after eating, playing and sleeping. Don't take your dog out every 15 minutes just because he cries...he will never learn to hold it.

Seriously...calm down, it's unfair to think your dog should "know" not to go on the floor. Don't assume your dog will just get it with age either. You have to do all of the work...it's part of owning a dog.

Tags: potty training, house training, housebroken, house breaking

Selling Sick Pets?

2006-11-06T16:11:00.000-08:00

This was reported from CBS2.com. Thanks Alex for submitting this!

Selling Sick Pets?

David Goldstein
Reporting

We found some of them sick, overmedicated and underweight. While you see the cute and cuddly dogs in the pet stores, we went behind closed doors… undercover with a hidden camera, sending in a producer -- who volunteered at pet stores for weeks -- exposing what really goes on!

"Do you sell sick animals?"

"No the sick dog not sell them," a pet store owner replied."

"Are you a licensed vet?"

"No."

"Why do you tell people you are?"

We uncovered things that one pet store owner didn't want to talk about.

"Please talk to me."

"Don't do it, don't do it, stop it."

It's a multi billion-dollar business. Cute canines can sell for hundreds, even thousands of dollars. But it is an industry-wide struggle to keep the animals healthy and get them out the door -- anyway you can.

At Pet Love in the Beverly Center our undercover camera captured this worker pumping the puppies with antibiotics. Not just once, but day after day… after day, on any given day without ever washing the syringe or his hands.

The medications require a prescription from a veterinarian for each puppy; prescriptions we never saw.

We showed the videotape to Dr. Lisa Newell who is a commissioner on the state veterinary medical board.

"They're practicing medicine and that is not OK without a license," Newell said.

But workers told our undercover producer that the puppies are medicated every day.

We saw them give this Lapso Alpso Zithromax on October 10, October 17 and October 24.

On the 25th, another producer posing as a customer asked to see dog's medical charts. There was no record of the Zithromax.

"Are you selling sick animals?”

"No, no, no way."

We tried to ask one of the owners of Pet Love about what we uncovered, but he didn't want to talk.

"There was no indication of any medication. Stop it, stop it."

The next day we spoke with the store's vet, Dr. James Werber.

"Did you prescribe this Zithromax?"

"No," Werber said. "Like many drugs in industry -- they have sources where they can get this stuff."

Dr. Werber said he was aware the staff was using it, but didn't know how frequently.

"When I see a tape where they're doing it for weeks at a time, no they should not be doing that," Werber said.

He also claims the dogs aren't sick. The drug was being used as a precaution, in this case to prevent pneumonia.

But in 2002 Pet Love was ordered by the Los Angeles Department of Animal Regulation to stop doing the same thing.

They were advised, "antibiotics are used for the treatment of illnesses and not for the prevention of them."

But that's not the only store we caught medicating animals.

In Inglewood at Pet World, the owner, Richard Yoo, is injecting puppies with antibiotics without prescriptions.

One dog had bloody stools -- Yoo medicated him and put him back up for sale. He told our producer posing as a buyer that the dog was just fine.

"This dog not been sick at all," Yoo said.

Yoo is already facing charges of animal cruelty by the SPCA for care and treatment of dogs. He denied selling sick animals.

"You can't sell them if you're giving them medication as a sick dog and selling them as healthy."

“No, no sick dog I not sell them."

And finally we went to Anna's Pet grooming in Norwalk. The owner, Anna Berardini, has been sued by several unhappy customers, including this group.

"We purchased a dog from her and it lasted 30 days."

"We originally bought three dogs, then we returned them because our vet determined all three had parvo."

Inside, we found this puppy in the bathroom, visibly sick. A groomer told our producer that it needed a shot of insulin.

Berardini is on probation for practicing veterinary medicine without a license. But listen to what she told our producer.

"There might be a vet like, like me, who'd like the extra help and they don't mind helping, you know?"

We caught up with Berardini outside the store.

"The woman who had been volunteering at the store. She works for us. You told her you were a vet."

"No, I didn't," Berardini replied.

"Yes you did, we have it on tape."

"Show me."

"…a vet like me. (clip of the piece)."

We showed what we uncovered to Madeline Berstein, the president of the spcaLA. She puts the blame on a lack of oversight.

"Should they be doing more inspections?"

"Of course they should be doing more inspections," Berstein said. "These places should literally be inspected very other day."

But of course they can't be. But in many cases stores aren't even checked once a year, which is required by law. It leaves pet store owners to go almost unregulated and leaves pets left at the mercy of others.

"These animals can't call you and say, 'Mr G, we're having a problem,' they can't call me, all they can do is sit there and take it."

Why brushing your dogs teeth is important...

2006-11-06T13:11:00.000-08:00

Dental disease can damage pet's heart; Simple preventive care can lengthen dog's life (and stop bad breath)

6 November 2006
Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright 2006 The Charlotte Observer. All rights reserved.

We often joke about doggy breath, but in real life canine dental disease is no joking matter, and in fact can cause serious health consequences. Dental disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem seen in veterinary medicine.

Infected, inflamed gums and oral tissues are painful, and the pet can lose teeth that are necessary for chewing and many other tasks (teeth are like hands). Internal organs like the heart can be slowly poisoned by bacteria that are pumped into the bloodstream with every bite. Not only that, if you're sleeping nose-to-nose with pets at night, or if they sit next to you on the couch, hound halitosis can have serious consequences for the bond you share with your pet.

A recent analysis by DataSavant, the information and knowledge branch of Banfield, The Pet Hospital, looked at 45,000 dogs with advanced periodontal disease and compared them with the same number of pets having no recorded dental disease. The two groups were matched one-on-one for gender, breed, age and location. The analysis showed that dogs with periodontal disease had more than eight times the incidence of endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart) and five times more heart murmurs.

The good news is that by practicing preventive dental care with your dog as directed by your veterinarian -- such things as brushing, dental wipes, sealants, dental diets, enzyme-impregnated chews and professional teeth cleaning -- your dog will have kissable breath, good oral health and a healthier heart.

On average, dogs with good oral health live 15 percent longer, or an average of two years.

Who wants a toy poodle?

2006-11-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

I received the following in my email box:

This very sweet poodle is now looking for a new home. The lovely lady in the picture is in a coma from a stroke and her recovery could be very long. The family has asked me to seek a new, loving home for Blanca. She is 2-3 years old, is spayed, walks nicely on leash and would love to spend her day with someone who would give her lots of love.Please contact me by e-mail at tennisking@adelphia.net or phone 818-997-7087 or cell 818-205-8686.

I really hope someone can help!

Tags: toy poodle

I have been super sick

2006-10-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

with the flu. It hasn't been a very fun week to say the least. My poor clients have had to wait an extra week to see me again...I am sure they all miss me. Haha...no but really, this flu was terrible and I wouldn't want to get anyone sick.

On a different note...today I AM feeling better...I have the sniffles but that is the extent of it. My goal is to get back on track tomorrow. I called all of my clients who I needed to reschedule with and am looking forward to seeing every single one of them! Yay clients!

Protection Dogs

2006-10-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would see the day where I would actually need or want a protection dog. It isn't for me...it's for my mom and their farm. An unfortunate incident happened where my parents did a really nice thing for a boy who was abandoned by his family. I won't go into detail, this isn't the place for it, but I will say that what he did is unfathomable. My family now feels a protection dog is necessary for my mom.

I have spent several days talking to trainers and researching dogs. As anyone would guess, protection dogs can be very dangerous...a loose cannon if you will. I have heard real horror stories about them. Because of this, I have been wary of everyone I talk to and have asked every question you can think of.

We found a trainer, who is also a professor of international business and entrepreneurship, who we would like to work with. I was very impressed with his background; I liked that he would be around to help my parents should they need it; and we love the dog he recommended named, Baly.

They will be getting her on the 14th from Germany. We would be getting her sooner, but we are leaving for Florida and she needs to spend her first days at the farm exclusively with my parents.

She is 3 years old, she is titled in Schutzhund - level 1...has KKL1. She is off leash and will even heel next to you as you command it. She is beautiful.

When getting a protection dog, you need to make sure they have great family lines, reliable and confident temperament (titled) and that the trainer you are buying from is legit and would follow up with guidance should you need it. You have to make sure they are socialized with kids and other animals if you are around them a lot.

I can't wait to meet her!

Tags: Protection Dogs, German Shepard, Germany imports, Schutzhund

Beautiful Doberman needs a home!

2006-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Linda BLair sent this to me. I would love it if we could find this little baby a GREAT home. Dobermans rock, I wish I could take her. Anyway, this is the text that was by her picture:

Absolutely beautiful dog. She is scared and in shock, like most dogs who first arrive. She needs time to adjust to her scary new surroundings. She seems like a nice girl, gets along with her kennel mate. I worry that she will end up in a crappy home in the shelter neighborhood.

Ifk someone can give this girl a home, I would totally get you started on training for free. My love for the Doberman breed is quite strong...so please, somone...this looks like a great lady.

They have her in:

South LA City Shelter
3612 11th Ave
LA CA 90018

213 485-0117 or 213 485-0119

Impound 836690, 2 year female Doberman, avail 10/24

Tags: Doberman Pinscher, Doberman rescue, Linda Blair

Study supports theory that pets cut allergy risk

2006-10-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Some people prone to allergies keep their homes pet-free, a study shows -- but such "avoidance" of furry companions only partly explains the lower allergy risk found among pet owners.

The findings, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, lend some support to the theory that growing up with a pet trains the immune system to be less reactive to potential allergy triggers.

A number of studies, for instance, have found that children exposed to a cat or dog early in life are less likely to develop allergies and asthma.

On one hand, this could indicate a protective effect of pets on immune system development. But an alternative explanation is that families with a genetic tendency toward allergies often opt for a pet-free home, whereas those with an inherently lower risk are more likely to keep pets.

To investigate this question, researchers used data from 9,812 European adults who took part in a 9-year study of respiratory health. Participants were asked about childhood allergy and asthma symptoms, as well as their exposure to pets throughout life.

The researchers found that when people developed allergies or asthma as babies or pre-schoolers, their families were less likely than others to get a cat or keep a cat they already had. However, this was not true of families where a parent had allergies or asthma.

And while people with both current and childhood asthma were less likely to have a cat in adulthood, childhood symptoms alone did not prevent adults from getting a pet.

In general, adults who had pets before developing respiratory problems usually kept the animal, according to the researchers, led by Dr. Cecilie Svanes of the University of Bergen in Norway.

"People appear to prefer taking asthma medication rather than getting rid of a beloved pet," the researchers write, "which seems reasonable."

Like many previous studies, the current one found that pet owners had a lower risk of allergies - one third lower than that of their pet-free peers. But "pet avoidance" among allergy sufferers explained only part of this relationship.

"Thus," the researchers write, "although selective avoidance is certainly present, it appears to account for only a part of the protective effects of pets presented in the literature."

However, even if pets exert a true protective effect, experts don't recommend running out and buying a furry friend to prevent young children from developing allergies. If a child is already sensitive to pet dander, this will worsen the situation.

SOURCE: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, September 2006.

Jumping from a plane today

2006-10-22T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right, I am jumping from a plane in 2.5 hours!

http://www.skydiveelsinore.com/

Wish me luck!

Hearts!

2006-10-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dog saves owner from fire, dies trying to rescue cat

ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin (AP) -- After a disabled woman's cat started a house fire, her specially trained dog came to the rescue, then died trying unsuccessfully to rescue the cat.

Jamie Hanson said her 13-year-old dog Jesse brought her artificial leg and a phone she used to call 911.

"She got me outside and then she heard the cat upstairs and she went up there to get the cat, and she wouldn't come back to me," Hanson, 49, said at a news conference Monday at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, where she was being treated for her injuries.

She received third-degree arm burns in the fire Sunday night at her home in Rhine, south of Elkhart Lake. Both pets died.

Hanson, who lost a leg in a car accident three years ago, said she was on the couch watching television when the cat ran over the back of the couch.

"And he jumped onto a table that had a candle on it and tipped it over and lighted the artificial plants on fire," she said.

Hanson said she fell off the couch and was unable to get her artificial leg from the table, "so my dog got my leg for me and went and got the phone and brought the phone to me so I could call 911."

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/10/18/hero.dog.ap/index.html

What breed is your dog?

2006-10-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Mixed breed dogs are everywhere, especially in shelters. Most of the time, dog owners have no idea what breed their dog is. Either they are left guessing (and are usually wrong) or they only know the prominent breed - like a Lab mix. Most rescues have multiple dog breeds in them, which is exactly what makes it hard to determine the kind of dog they are.

However, sometimes you will come across a dog that only have two breeds in them. I don't mean "designer dogs" like the Maltipoo (Maltese/Poodle), where the traits are well known. I'm talking about when you come across a random dog where it's so blatantly obvious which breeds it came from and sometimes, how weird the combination can be.

I went to the dog park awhile back and saw the most strange, yet hilarious mixed breed ever. The two breeds that came together to make this dog were unmistakable. He had a Corgi body and an honest to god, FULL German Shepard head, tail and coloring with the long hair. To put it in more simple terms...it was a German Shepard on a Corgi frame.

The reason I am sharing this with you is because I have recently stumbled across another obvious mix that is very dear to me. Why is she dear to me? Because of my love of the Border Terrier (Emmitt is a Border Terrier) and of the small Riley type (my minpin who everyone mistakes as a Chihuahua).

Meet Baci...she is a Border Terrier/Chihuahua mix. Seriously, she is really cute. It is sooooo obvious as to what kind of dog this is. It's hilarious. She has the body, coloring and head of a Chihuahua, however, she has the hair, ears, mustache, eyes and tail of a Border Terrier.

Now...tell me she isn't the most darling thing ever! Wow, I mean...sometimes she even resembles a little man, like Emmitt does. Nothing but cuteness coming from her...you should see her in person.

Oh yeah...she is real smart too. She goes to her place already!

Those of you who don't know what "go to your place" is...it's only the best command ever! Email me to find out! (wink wink) ;)

By the way...want some more cuteness? This is the other mixed breed that is comprised of my other two favorites...meet Riley...

Tags: mixed breed, Chihuahua, Border Terrier, designer breed

Sooooo, yeah...a driving dog?

2006-10-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Guilty of DWC — driving while canine
Who could have expected it? Car crashes when woman lets dog take wheel

BEIJING - You can't teach an old dog new tricks.

A woman in Hohhot, the capital of north China's Inner Mongolia region, crashed her car while giving her dog a driving lesson, the official Xinhua News Agency said Monday.

No injuries were reported, although the vehicles involved were slightly damaged, it said.

The woman, identified only by her surname, Li, said her dog "was fond of crouching on the steering wheel and often watched her drive," according to Xinhua.

"She thought she would let the dog 'have a try' while she operated the accelerator and brake," the report said. "They did not make it far before crashing into an oncoming car."

Thank you Alex for sending me this! HA!

HOME AT LAST- World Heart Foundation

2006-10-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

I work with Linda Blair when she needs help with the dogs she rescues.

She is a great lady and has really devoted her life helping dogs, specifically Pit Bulls. Anyway, she is trying to raise money for a rehabilitation property so she can bring the 51 dogs she rescued from New Orleans (Katrina), other rescue dogs and eventually cats to a "safe haven" as they await to be adopted out. Please, if you can help her out...donate...every dollar counts.

Email: worldheart10@sbcglobal.net
Web: http://www.lindablairworldheart.org

Tags: Linda Blair, Hurricane Katrina dogs, Rescue, World Heart Foundation

Dogs are amazing sometimes...

2006-10-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Dog puts himself into area ER
Staff at Bellflower Kaiser find limping Buddy in waiting room.
By Kristopher Hanson, Staff writer

BELLFLOWER - Was it the ambulance sirens, a canine's internal instinct or just plain luck?

Authorities are scratching their heads today after a mutt named Buddy somehow dragged himself into a local hospital for treatment of a broken leg after being struck by a car.

The 6-year-old German Shepherd mix limped through the emergency room doors of Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Bellflower about 2 p.m. Wednesday and lay on the floor of the waiting room until doctors arrived.

The friendly dog, who ran away from home about two weeks ago, was later picked up and treated by veterinarians at the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority's (SEAACA) facility in Downey.

"It's a big mystery," SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes said of Buddy's surprise visit to the emergency room. "Nobody can figure out how he ended up at the hospital, but the good thing is he wound up getting treatment ... and he doesn't even have insurance."

Vets figure Buddy, due to his sweet nature, was able to lure scraps from friendly locals while on the run.

He slipped out of the American Rental yard, where he lives with another dog that escaped the same day after fencing work was completed in September, Reyes said.

As for Buddy's prognosis, vets believe he'll make a full recovery from the broken leg.

"Dr. Brunskill, SEACCA's veterinarian, stated that Buddy looked alert and in good spirits, but that his rear leg may be dislocated or fractured due to being hit by a car," Reyes said.

The other dog, also a German Shepherd mix, remains missing, Reyes said.

Anyone with information on the dog's whereabouts can call SEACCA at (562) 803-3301.

Kristopher Hanson can be reached at kristopher.hanson@presstelegram.com or (562) 499-1466.

Who let the dogs out? Woof! Woof! Woof!

2006-10-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Dogster

2006-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am sure you have all seen this. But for you, new dog owners, maybe you haven't! If you have ever used friendster or myspace, this an equivilant for your doggies!

http://www.dogster.com/

It's a cute way to pretend your dog is human like most of us like to do. You are technically speaking for your dog and treating it like they are really getting friends from this, you can get play dates, or just fun dog talk to other owners.

There is lots of resources, blogs and forums to look through as well. It's very well done...check it out!

Note: you can find both Quinn and Riley on dogster...

Tags: dogster, dog meeting place, dog friends, dog playdates

These are actual newspaper ads:

2006-09-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

FREE YORKSHIRE TERRIER. 8 years old. Hateful little bitch. Bites

FREE PUPPIES: 1/2 Cocker Spaniel, 1/2 sneaky neighbor's dog.

FREE PUPPIES... Part German Shepherd, part stupid dog.

FREE GERMAN SHEPHERD 85 lbs Neutered. Speaks German.

FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG. Looks like a rat ... been
out a while. Better be a reward for this nasty little thing.

COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.. Also 1 gay bull for sale.

NORDIC TRACK $300 Hardly used, call Chubby.

GEORGIA PEACHES, California grown - 89 cents lb.

JOINING NUDIST COLONY! Must sell washer and dryer $300

WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE . WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE. Call Stephanie.

(AND THE BEST ONE):

FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000 or best offer. No longer needed, got married last month. Wife knows everything

I thought these were funny and wanted to share. Thanks Melinda at Doggie Style for sending this to me!

VPI Pet Insurance

2006-09-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of clients asking about pet insurance, so I am going to go ahead and refer you to a company that one of my past client uses. He has really good judgement on these kinds of things...you should see his dog (haha...actually, his dog is the one on my about me page). Anyway, he mentioned that they are prompt on payment and very professional. Another key factor is that they just added cancer coverage for only $14.99/yr extra - on top of the actual fee.

Here is the info...
http://www.petinsurance.com/
888-899-4VPI

Thanks to Ken Coombs for submitting this!

Tags: Pet Insurance, dog insurance, dog cancer, VPI Pet Insurance

NBC

2006-09-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

I was approached by NBC to submit a video of me dog training to possibly earn a part in a new reality series that will have a dog behaviorist and a dog psychologist. I am sure they have a lot of trainers submitting, so who knows if I will get it. I just thought it would be fun to try.

Jamie and I are going to video tape me and Quinn doing basic obedience. Sooooo, I guess I will share it once I am done with it. I could have used the video of my being interviewed for the Burbank local channel, however, I think I would rather do my own, plus I probably wouldn't be able to get my hands on it in time...submission is the 29th.

It would be a great opportunity...Wish me luck!!

Dog Odor - Foul Smelling Gas

2006-09-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

When dogs were wild, earth’s water had so few pathogens and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), that it was able to clean itself. The air was completely free of the toxic spew that scientists have been arguing is responsible for global warming. Oxygen levels are lower today then they were then, and are declining!

When dogs were wild, they hunted and ate fresh kill: They were leaner and meaner then they are today, but they were also healthier! Along with the domestication of dogs, came the domestication of their diet, followed by an epidemic of health issues related to the breakdown of their GI tract. Certainly diminished water and air quality, plus constant exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, and pesticides haven’t helped.

If you have ever owned a dog(s) you’ve experienced foul smelling gas. Sometimes it’s enough to drive you out of a room. Did you ever stop to think about why, this happens? The answer is as close as the nearest mirror!

In computer lingo, the acronym GIGO stands for - Garbage In, Garbage Out.

Owning a domestic dog is a huge responsibility. It should not be taken lightly! What are you feeding your dog?
Dog Food

Here’s an old joke that makes the point: Two guys are walking down the street. They walk past a restaurant. One says to the other “Man the food in that place is awful!” His friend replies “Yeah, but they give you a lot of it.”

The same can be said for commercial dry dog foods, which are sorely lacking in nutritional value, but compared to canned is relatively cheap. Despite the list of ingredients on the label, they are mostly bland tasteless empty calories; basically they are hardly more than filler. Some manufactures actually spray their dry food with recycled restaurant grease, just to give it some flavor. I’ll bet you didn’t know that!

Now before you throw out the dry food and rush to replace it with canned food, know this: The meat in most canned dog foods is scrap, and/or meat unfit for humans. It is over cooked, over processed and likely loaded with hormones and antibiotics. (Not that most commercial meat is that much better). It is virtually devoid of life giving energy.

Hopefully you’ve come to terms with the fact that you need to become proactive regarding everything you give your dog! Giving your dog food that has little (if any) nutritional value eventually has a consequence. And that consequence has a price- which is typically quite high on many levels. It can’t be emphasize enough- Where is your dog going to get the nutrients they need if it is not in their food?

Many people “love their dogs to death” by feeding them people food, or table scraps, or sweets. Feeding your dog low quality foods, or foods and sweets that they are not meant to eat taxes their already compromised digestive system. Add multi-generations of similar feeding and it’s easy to see why dogs are suffering from a myriad of health issues today.

Not only do commercial food and table scraps lack nutritional value, they are also harder to break down and move through your dog’s GI tract, and out as stool. Is this beginning to smell? If this continues, gas is the least of your worries. So you can’t rely on dry or canned dog foods. Now what?
A Step In The Right Direction

The ground swell of awareness as to the benefits of raw, organic dog food is very encouraging. However, be aware that even though organic raw dog foods are vastly superior to commercial foods, they still do not compare to the nutritional value in a fresh kill!

And even if you are among the growing ranks of dog owners who have switched to raw organic food choices, your dog(s) can still experience bad gas. Why?

There are several reasons, including the obvious, somewhere along the way, between your purchase and use, the raw food was exposed to air, or sufficient heat to cause pathogenic bacteria to begin growing.

However, the primary reason for foul smelling gas is that your dogs’ intestinal tract and immune system have been highly compromised due to generations of domesticated diet, and exposure to toxic chemicals.

Ideally, a meal should move through your dog in about 24 hours. If it stays there much longer than that, the putrefaction process will overwhelm your dog’s GI tract. The longer it stays in your dog, the more likely it is that you will experience foul smelling gas. Over time, your dog constipation is also likely to develop.

The fact is, today, dogs need supplements to assist in the digestive process.

Gas is your first sign that your dog is in immediate need of beneficial intestinal flora supplements- or probiotics!
Probiotics

Probiotics are naturally occurring good bacteria derived from fermentation, or culturing. Yogurt is an example of a probiotic. Alas, it has been marketed as suitable to replenish the good bacteria (beneficial intestinal flora) necessary for proper food digestion.

Caution! There is a big difference between laboratory studies of how probiotic supplements perform in a petri dish, versus how they perform inside your dog’s gut.
Soil Based Organisms

Some 25 years ago, laboratory researchers began exploring an entirely new type of probiotic. Instead of coming from cultured dairy products, these probiotics thrive in organic soil. Appropriately, they were collectively named Soil Based Organisms (SBOs).

The benefit of using SBOs to replenish the good bacteria in your dog’s gut is their resistance to stomach acids. In order to produce SBOs in quantity, they must be cultured in a laboratory environment, using strict scientific protocols. This is both time, and rather expensive space consuming, but necessary to assure efficacy.

Formulating SBOs into a specific product capable of quickly restoring your dog’s proper GI balance took 5 years of intense R & D. The formula consists of 29 individual strains of active SBOs, working synergistically to overcome pathogens, and bad bacteria causing the foul smelling gas. If kept on hand, this combination of SBOs can be administered for each foul gas episode, or may be given regularly as a preventative.

http://www.thepetprofessor.com/press/press.aspx?id=2041

For more information on foul smelling gas, and how to solve the problem, contact Vitality Science, Inc.

Robert Hart
VP Marketing
Vitality Science, Inc.
www.vitalityscience.com

Wagville

2006-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

So, while I was in New York, I needed a place for my dogs to go during the day until my friend, Calen, was off work. We decided to use Wagville which is a daycare, boarding and grooming facility for dogs (obviously).

Side note: Wanna know the best part about it? It's SO close to my house! Wanna know the funniest part about it? Yeah, we went to open up the same type of facility a year and half ago right acrossed the street from it and was going to name it "Watch Dog" (get it? haha). We got all the way to facilities and lawyers before we decided against it. We realized we wouldn't have a life because of all of the time and effort this type of business requires.

Anyway, we went to have them evaluated before we left to make sure they would be ok there. I didn't tell the trainer, Julie, that I was a dog trainer myself because I didn't know if that would be awkward or not while she is trying to do her thing. Anyway, that is beside the point...

Quinn, being the small dog that she THINKS she is, got to be in the small dog area the entire time. She is so funny, it's where she is most comfortable and it showed when they introduced the areas (big dog area and small dog area) to her. She just feels right at home with the tiny ones...I love her to pieces for that.

Wagville gives report cards at the end of each day that the dogs are there and overall, Quinn was intimidated (yes, by the small dogs) but finally warmed up and made some friends, and Emmitt was immediately the man of the place. So cute.

A great feature Wagville has is the webcams, we got to watch them in New York which was quite a treat. I worry about my babies constantly so it was a great way to relax about them.

I am giving shout outs to Wagville because I was able to enjoy my vacation knowing they were in a good place getting tons of exercise. The fact that they allowed Quinn to be with the small dogs all day, everyday, regardless that she is a big Doberman, meant a lot to me. It made me see they really do evaluate the dogs accordingly and will take the necessary steps to make sure they are comfortable. So...Kudos to you Wagville!

2400 North San Fernando Road
Los Angeles, CA 90065

Phone: (323) 222-4442
Fax: (323) 222-4448

Email: info@wagville.com
Website: www.wagville.com

Tags: Wagville, Silver Lake, Griffith Park, Dog Daycare

Beautiful Quinn

2006-09-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would share MORE pictures of Quinn. She had these done awhile back from a friend and I totally forgot to share them.

Still recovering...

2006-09-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

from my New York and 30th birthday week. I will be back to my old routine tomorrow!

Today is my 30th birthday!

2006-09-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would tell you that.

City Dogs

2006-09-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am back from New York, it was amazing. We did a lot of tourist things like: seeing Wicked (Loved it!), went on a speed boat around the Statue of Liberty, ate and shopped in Time Square, Central Park, walked so much our feet hurt...etc...we ended our vacation doing 9/11 activities which was amazing and heartbreaking all at the same time.

One thing we were amazed about the city is all of the dogs! I can't believe how many people have dogs and how well adjusted they are! The only way they get exercise or a potty break is for the owner to bring them down to walk the city. I mean, they all have to go potty on the cement...obviously there is no grass. I was just pleasantly surprised at how much New York loves dogs.

There were pet stores and vets all over the place and restaraunts that allowed them to sit on the patios outside. I can't imagine what it would be like to have an unruly dog that you couldn't take outside though...I mean, they would have to be pent up...hmmm, maybe New York needs me. Um, no...I love Los Angeles and have way more of an appreciation for it now.

Although, I absolutely loved New York and all that it offers...Los Angeles is where my home is and my dogs LOVE it here.

Off to New York!

2006-09-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Don't worry, my traveling will be done for the most part after this. I am so excited to go! We will be back on Tuesday. Until then...bye doggies!

Operant Conditioning and a funny story...

2006-09-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

First, Operant conditioning is the use of consequences to modify the occurrence and form of behavior. There are 4 contexts of operant conditioning, but the one I am going to address is positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior (response) is followed by a favorable stimulus (commonly seen as pleasant) that increases the frequency of that behavior. In the Skinner box experiment, a stimulus such as food or sugar solution can be delivered when the rat engages in a target behavior, such as pressing a lever.

Do you get that? Ok, now here is my story...

Riley loves food. She loves food so much that I think she would literally die eating it. I wish I was kidding, but I am not. As I have stated before in a diary, she had to get an enema once due to her over eating. She will eat so much that she won't be able to move and will lick the air because she is so uncomfortable. She doesn't know when to stop. It doesn't appear she has that gene. We always say that we could get her to do nuclear physics for a treat.

Anyway, we don't free feed, we always have to make sure food is not available. We definitely have to work to keep the figs in our back yard out of her way. It's terrible. Now, the reason I am telling you this is for you to realize how much Riley loves food.

We have this dog shaped container for treats that when you open the head, it will either sing, "Who let the dogs out? woof! woof! woof! woof!" OR it will sing, "You ain't nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time". Now, Riley has caught on that when she hears these two songs, she knows a treat will be following them...so, when she hears it, she comes running...every single time.

We used to just make fun of it, but it has become a valuable tool. Because she is conditioned positively with these two songs, it has basically become the come command. One day, Riley, being the minpin that she is, decided to explore the outside world...meaning...she left our yard and started to run down the street. Gina was so worried that she would be hit by a car that she immediately went into survival mode and didn't think twice about running outside and frantically singing, "who let the dogs out? woof woof woof..."

She came back immediately.

Well...last night, a dog was barking and Riley slipped out of the gate while I was outside, I yelled Riley and one by one Calen came out singing, "Who let the dogs out", then Jamie, "who let the dogs out?", and finally Gina who came out with the real container and opened it to let it sing. There was a party acrossed the street and they saw the entire thing. It was the funniest thing I have witnessed in a long time.

Just imagine a little brown dog escaping the yard and then 3 adults running out one by one singing loudly, "Who let the dogs out? woof! woof! woof!..." and then seeing the dog come running back for her treat! We laughed for awhile after that.

Side note: Before you call me out...yes, that is right...I am a dog trainer and never taught my little Riley the "come" command. Like I said from the beginning...I never trained her except for dog and leash aggression and her other basic commands, plus playing dead (which is really cute when I say "bang!"). I had her before I had my extensive training and put all of my energy into Quinn. Riley is like a cat when she isn't running down the street. She is calm, lazy, and just likes to eat and cuddle.

Tags: Come, Operant Conditioning, Treat Training, Mininature Pinscher

Yeah yeah, I am busy...

2006-08-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I know...things have been a little hectic where it's kind of hard to get to my blog. This last month and a half have been crazy because not only do I have a ton of clients, but I am traveling alot. In fact, I am leaving for New York for my 30th birthday on 9/7-9/12. My birthday is actually on the 15th, but that was the best weekend we could go.

Don't worry people, my traveling will be done until the end of October when I am going to Portland and then to Florida in mid November, both of which are short weekend trips. Soooo, I will be around for your doggies!

Just be patient with me, I will keep posting. In fact, I have to share about the wonderful experience Jamie had dog sitting and the reactions of the owners when they got home...it's good to be a dog trainer.

Buying a dog a big decision

2006-08-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Monday, August 28, 2006
By D.L. STEPHENSON
dstephenson@repub.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Although it goes almost without saying that you must love dogs if you decide to acquire a four-legged friend, sometimes love isn't all you need.

Four dog shows on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition that began on Thursday and ended yesterday featured more than 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, the sanctioning body for the shows
Each show also included obedience trials and gave the public an opportunity to ask questions.
Advertisement

However, the message was clear at all four shows: Buying or adopting a dog, regardless of its pedigree, is serious business and never to be done on a whim.

According to Gloria McClay, show chairwoman for the Great Barrington Kennel Club, reputable breeders always ask prospective owners a series of questions and expect those looking to buy to do the same.

"If the breeder talks like a salesman, then you don't want to buy a dog from that person," McClay said of those breeders more concerned with profits than the future welfare of their animals.

She said that it's also important for prospective owners to do their homework on the breeds they like in order to select the right kind of dog for their lifestyle.

As well, reputable breeders - those who do not run "puppy mills" or sell their dogs to pet stores - will also know of groups and organizations that rescue purebred dogs.

McClay said there are plenty of purebred rescue groups in existence because, unfortunately, there are numerous unfit "dog parents" who abused, neglected, abandoned or relinquished their animals to animal shelters.

Certain breeds such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, American bull terriers, German shepherds, Alsatians and other large dogs, often attract people looking for dogs that look tough and mean. And frequently these large breeds fare the worst, though any dog can end up with a bad owner and in need of rescue.

People who say they want a particular dog primarily because of its looks or tough image raise a red flag for McClay, who breeds small schipperkes and has bred a litter of rottweilers.

For professional handler David C. Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, Penn., who breeds small, apartment-friendly Pomeranians, "I use my intuition when I talk to people."

He insists that people who want to purchase a dog visit his kennel at least three times and ask him questions about not only the breed, but also about his qualifications, background and professional practices as a breeder.

Fitzpatrick said nice people can be bad owners, too.

Dogs are social animals and do not deserve to be home alone every day for hours on end, which is the norm in a society in which most people work outside of the home, he said.

"Socialization with dogs is very important. So they may be great people, but if they don't have the time, I don't sell them one of my dogs," Fitzpatrick said.

I will be in Ohio until Tuesday

2006-08-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

I am flying there to see my family. I am very excited! I will have my cell phone and my laptop so I will be available should you decide you would like to contact me.

Thanks and see you Tuesday!

How to Make Your Dog Younger

2006-08-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Keeping your best friend's DogAge as young as can be helps ensure that the two of you will have more time to spend together. To help make your dog younger, your dog should follow these 7 steps:

1. Maintain a lean physique, with a clearly defined and tucked-up waist. Controlling your dog's caloric intake and increasing exercise helps to prevent obesity and other health issues, which can make his or her DogAge up to 1.8 years younger.

2. Eat only the amount of dog food necessary to maintain an ideal body condition. Measure servings with a standardized measuring cup, and monitor body condition regularly. Prevent your dog from overeating by putting the dog food bowl out only at mealtimes and removing it as soon as your dog stops eating. Monitoring your dog's diet can make his or her DogAge up to 1.8 years younger.

3. Be trained to respond to commands the majority of the time.Well-behaved dogs are safer dogs. Obedience training can make your pet's DogAge up to 1.3 years younger.

4. Enjoy teeth-cleaning chews or biscuits and brush teeth three times per week. Next time you want to reward your pup with a snack, choose a treat that's teeth-friendly. Your dog will enjoy the biscuit, and you'll appreciate his or her smile. Keeping your dog's teeth clean can make his or her DogAge up to 6 months younger.

5. Exercise or play actively at least three times per day for a minimum of 15 minutes each time. Keep playtime interesting by diversifying your dog's activities. For example, occasionally swap playing catch in the yard with visits to new parks. Keeping your dog active regularly can make his or her DogAge up to 6 months younger.

6. Get vaccinated and visit the veterinarian for regular checkups.Many veterinarians agree that pets should be vaccinated to help prevent illness and diseases; ask your dog's vet which vaccines are necessary. Vaccinating your dog can make his or her DogAge up to 6 months younger.

7. Be safe in the yard, on walks, and on trips by using protective barriers and gear such as fences, leashes, and dog carriers.The less trouble your dog finds, the younger and healthier he or she will be. Protecting your dog from harm can make his or her DogAge up to 6 months younger.As you make changes to your dog's lifestyle habits, don't forget to update your pet's DogAge Test. Updating your dog's test every 3 months will enable you to monitor his or her progress as well as motivate you to continue to make choices that will keep your pet as young and healthy as possible!

Learn 3 more ways to keep your dog young at DogAge.

Join the Healthy Steps Program.

How much younger is your dog? Update your pet's DogAge Test today!

3 dogs in bootcamp

2006-08-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, bootcamp is pretty time consuming and tedious. It's a lot of work.

Jamie took on a job that requires her to train 3 dogs (puppies!) while my client is away for 2 weeks. Mind you, they didn't start the training before they left...we started it. She is living there 24/7, I visit to make sure everything is going smoothly. She is doing great and the dogs are learning!

I had to take over on Saturday because Jamie had a seminar she had to attend, so I took over the bootcamp and it was crazy. I felt like a drill sargeant...when one would misbehave, they all would, so I would have to stand over them to make sure they were getting it. It's a lot of work with just 1 dog, but 3 is just overwhelming at times, especially puppies.

So, kudos to those who train multiple dogs...I have a couple of clients that are doing just that...I need to remember to acknowledge them for it!!

The Kiss

2006-08-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

He had just saved her from a fire in her house, rescuing her by carrying her out of the house into her front yard, while he continued to fight the fire.

She is pregnant.

When he finally got done putting the fire out, he sat down to catch his breath and rest.

A photographer from the Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, "The Observer," noticed her in the distance looking at the fireman.

He saw her walking straight toward the fireman and wondered what she was going to do.

As he raised his camera, she came up to the tired man who had saved her life and the lives of her babies, and kissed him, just as the photographer snapped this photograph.

http://aad.lomag.net/The-Kiss.htm

Thank Dog Sitting adds another...

2006-08-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Because of the overwhelming response to my sister petsitting for my company, I have recently added Charlotte Cramer to Thank Dog pet sitting. She is my best friend and has trained dogs with me in the past. I took her under my wing awhile back and then she got an acting gig and had to put it on hold...now she is back!

Charlotte (I call her Carrie) knows a lot about dog behavior and how to care and train them. She is a great addition to Thank Dog... I am very excited to have her.

She will be offering the same packages and pricing as Jamie.

Leaving soon? Call us!

Doggie Style

2006-08-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give shout outs to a little dog clothing store in Silver Lake (California).

1639 Silverlake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Phone:
(323) 664-DOGS (3647)

They have adorable clothing, my sister and I go there often. Anyway, they also have an online store should you not live in CA. www.ladoggiestyle.com

Bootcamp while you're away

2006-08-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

As you know, Jamie and I have added pet sitting to Thank Dog as a service. We have many packages you can choose from, but the one that is most helpful is the bootcamp package.

It's great, my clients are happy...it couldn't have worked better.

How it works is like this...

If you know you are going away and you haven't started training yet, we start with a behavior consultation where both Jamie and I will come to your house. When you sign up, we will then have a first lesson right before you leave so you know exactly how it works. It's a lot of work, however, when you leave, Jamie takes over bootcamp (the training) while living at your place. This way, you get a petsitter and training!

If you are already a client, then Jamie will just pick up where you left off.

I visit throughout the time you are gone to make sure everything is going smoothly and the dog is learning what he is expected to. When you come back, your doggy is on track and further along than when you left. I will come to teach you the remaining lessons and soon enough, your doggy is where you want him. It's beautiful really.

We have already started these services and have references to back it up. It's definitely different than any training offered out there...here is why:

Your dog gets to stay in his own environment while you are away and not in a kennel which could cause a lot of anxiety
Your dog will be trained the entire time you are gone
Behaviors specific to your dog in the household will be dealt with
Jamie is literally living in your home so your doggy will hardly be left alone along with your home being secured.
I will be spending extra time with your dog which would be a dream come true for my clients (haha, they always ask me to live with them which is very cute)
Best one of all...your dog gets all kind of love and attention while getting basic obedience (dogs who are sent away to be trained live in a cage the entire time except when he goes out to potty and out to be trained.)

It's pretty fantastic. Email me if you are interested in pricing!

Tags: petsitting, In Board Training, Basic Obedience, Dog Training

Dog training rocks!

2006-08-11T16:57:00.000-07:00

If you think about it...I have a pretty rad situation. I get to make money by meeting new people and playing with dogs all day long. It's really cool going into people's homes to see what their situation is like, or hearing their stories and life experiences. One of the things I treasure most is the trust people have in me to solve their problem or confiding in me on whatever it is they would like to share.

Most of all, I love it when clients actually become my friends...Yes, dogs included.

What Dogs Think.......................

2006-08-10T11:37:00.000-07:00

Blaming your farts on me... not funny... not funny at all !!!
Yelling at me for barking...I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG, YOU IDIOT!
Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose... stop it!
Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.
Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!
Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.
Dog sweaters. Hello ???, Haven't you noticed the fur?
How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth, you're just jealous.
Now lay off me on some of these thing's, We both know who's boss here!!! You don't see me picking up your poop do you ???

Awwwwww

2006-08-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do Dogs Have a Sense of Humor?

2006-08-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Does your dog ever make you laugh on purpose? Does he know he's being funny? An even stranger question ... does your dog find things funny?

There are countless stories of dog antics and behavior that are funny, but most of those you'd have to say are unintentional. Humorous behavior may be repeated because of the positive reaction received. In this case, you can't say the dog has a sense of humor, but is acting on positive reinforcement.

But dogs may be a little smarter than that. Just as some people enjoy making others laugh, it would seem, so do some dogs. Author Stanley Coren tells of his Cairn Terrier, Flint, who frequently seemed to try to amuse his owners. On one occasion, Stanley's wife Karen was having friends over for coffee. Flint hung around the guests, perhaps hoping for a morsel of food. Karen shooed the dog away and told him to go find something interesting to do. Flint obediently left, only to return with one of Karen's undergarments in his mouth. Coren writes, Evading capture, he proceeded to flagrantly snap it from side to side with great joy to the amusement of the company and the dismay of my wife.

Did the terrier know he was being funny? Hard to say, but Coren says Flint did get a great deal of enjoyment out of it.

Now, there are many levels of humor. There's basic physical humor like slapstick, up to very high-level humor that requires visualization and imagination to appreciate, such as the type comedian Steven Wright so dryly delivers. A dog's world of humor would have to be mostly on the physical level, through simply behaving in a goofy manner, or playing little tricks on you.

Of course, some really intelligent dogs may even enjoy a little psychological humor. One dog owner blogs, "I guess you could say that I startle easily. And now, I live with The Crow - she's an unusually smart dog with a wicked sense of humor. She's decided it's funny to ambush me from the shower stall. Ha ha. Ha. Now I know she's likely to be there, and it doesn't scare me anymore ... not much, at least. Still, there's always a small start when I don't realize she's in there and I turn to see this."

It's really not so hard to believe that dogs have the mental prowess to grasp humor, since they so readily grasp the concept of play. Dogs completely understand the difference between play and something more serious, and are careful to make the distinction. For example, one tiny Yorkshire Terrier named Missy is exceedingly careful to make sure the line between play and not-play is very clear. Missy loves to growl and yap ferociously when playing a game with a person. But she'll abruptly call a time out by running over and licking her human opponent most humbly, as if to say, "Hey, you know this is only a game, right? You know I wouldn't hurt you." (As if her five pounds of fluff could ever be a threat.) Once Missy is satisfied that all parties understand that itâ's only a game, she'll go right back to it, acting out her savage beast within.

W. H. "Hank" Halliday, of Wolf Awareness Inc. in Ontario, Canada contends that if dogs have a personality, why not a sense of humor? Since personalities are a fact in these canids (dogs and wolves), I would suggest humor cannot be far behind. When my dog plays, it is not mechanical. He changes the rules to have "fun" with me. He certainly teases me and I would suggest that teasing is a form of humor.

As these stories illustrate, if you've ever suspected your dog was making you the punch line to his joke, you were probably right.

Want to know more?

From The Dog Daily:
Does your Dog Have a Sense of Humor?

From PBS:
Dog Gets a Good Joke

Winners of the "I Look Like My Dog" Contest

2006-08-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

Finally caught up

2006-08-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a long couple of days. I finally managed to track down all of my clients! Phew!!

Thanks to everyone who read my blog and contacted me with their information...pretty much saved my ass!

I have a lot of new clients and will have more stories, tips and information to spread in a couple of days. My weekend is pretty much maxed out with lessons, I think the most lessons I have ever had on both Saturday and Sunday combined. It will be pretty exhausting but fun!

As for my seminar this past weekend, I wrote about it in my sister's blog, but I will copy and paste some of it here:

Wow. Yep, that is pretty much all I have to say about my experience. Well...nevermind...I take that back, I actually have a lot to say about my experience. BUT, if I had to sum it all in one word, it would be, "wow".

I found exactly what I needed...my act. The very thing that makes me the way I am today. Having a better understanding of what that is is exactly how one can overcome their fears, insecurities or whatever else is going on.

First, for those of you who don't know...your act is something you use on a daily basis to deal with any tragedies, failures, insecurities or any uncomfortable situations you come across. In the process, it causes the "bad news", or the awful truth about you, to unknowingly come into play. This happens so often that before you know it (and usually you don't), you become a certain way of being. This way, dictates the results you get in life and that isn't for the positive.

Sometimes this way brings what Landmark calls a strong suit. A strong suit is a part of your act. The best way to describe it is, strong suits to an act is like scenes are to a movie. They all come together to form the big picture...you...but it really isn't you, it's your act.

Strong suits play into your insecurities. They are often good qualities, however, they allow people to use them to avoid real life. For example, if someone is being yelled at, they will use humor to get through it...humor being the strong suit.

Your act is something that is created at an early age, usually from an incident. Once it's there, it never leaves - you literally live by it, you ARE your act. Knowing where it started and what it brought to your life is exactly how one moves forward to live powerfully.

Ok, so, what does this mean for me? A TON of things. I definitely came out of this weekend feeling powerful. I mean, I was able to go way back to figure out what my incident was that set the path of how I have been living.

I am not going to tell you my incident only because the person that was involved would feel bad and there is absolutely no reason for them to. I was very young and the person was just teasing me, but I think I was too young and sensitive...I would have laughed at it today. Anyway, the way I dealt with it totally explains how I am today.

I did not voluntarily share on my own at all this weekend until Sunday when I found out my act. I guess you can say I was one of the quiet ones. However, realizing how dumb my insecurities were enlight of my incident, allowed me to raise my hand and share for the first time in Jill Landmark history.

After my defining moment (not really...haha), we were let out for dinner only to come back for what really was my defining moment. One by one, we had to go on stage and declare who we are and the act we are giving up. We had to mean it and if we didn't, we would have to do it all over again. This was an exercise to get you to literally transform infront of the room. The only way for it to happen is for you to actually believe what you were saying.

I wanted to get this over with, so I volunteered after about 15 people went, which is crazy for me. As I went up, I heard the 3 claps (it's how you are introduced to start your transformation) and took a step forward. I was sooooooo scared. I decided to "be with" the audience before beginning, meaning, I tried to get present with them while taking deep breaths. I said:

"Who I am is the possibility of self worth (this is when I start crying) and self expression.
((deep breath)) The act that I am giving up is "I'm ok, now leave me alone",
and THAT is who I am."

The entire room got up so quickly, screaming and clapping and literally gave me a standing ovation. Although I was uncomfortable, I loved it. I had to stand up there and take it. I felt so supported it was unreal. I will NEVER forget it.

Lost all client numbers and addresses

2006-07-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

So, I had to reformat my laptop due to a virus and backed up everything I had regarding my clients on my palm. Well, I went to sync it back in to my computer and it erased my palm so I lost everything - which is pretty much my life.

If you are a client, please email me your number, address, email and the time we are supposed to meet this week. I am so sorry...I only have less than half of my client's emails to be able to get a hold of you for your info, so if I am a no show...I am sorry in advance.

I can't believe this...I hate being late, let alone a no show. PLEASE, let me know your info as soon as possible so I can fix my mistake.

THANK YOU!

jill@thankdogtraining.com

**Just to let you know...I don't want this diary to move, so I am not going to post until I get my situation figured out...stay tuned!