Dozens of animals set for euthanasia rescued

Dozens of animals set for euthanasia rescued
(by BETH SHAYNE, BShayne@WCNC.com) DALLAS, N.C. -- They were led out of the Gaston County Animal Shelter one by one, as animal lovers from all over North Carolina clapped and fussed over them. A parade of dogs and cats, all of them just escaped either the gas chamber or a lethal injection.

"I think it's just really amazing that these dogs that usually get looked over, don't get chosen, don't get picked, actually got picked today. They are all going free, and they are all going to have a home," volunteer Allyson Siegel said.
Source: www.charlotteobserver.com

Los Angeles Firefighter Hospitalized After Rescuing Dog

Los Angeles Firefighter Hospitalized After Rescuing Dog
A helicopter has hoisted a dog to safety after being stranded more than an hour in the Los Angeles River.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Los Angeles Firefighter Hospitalized After Rescuing Dog

Los Angeles Firefighter Hospitalized After Rescuing Dog
A helicopter has hoisted a dog to safety after being stranded more than an hour in the Los Angeles River.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Study: Dogs Also Suffer From OCD
Scientists have identified a gene in Dobermans that makes the dog suseptible to obsessive compulsive disorder.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

MANAGING THE MUD So you are ready to

MANAGING THE MUD So you are ready to go back inside, but you aren't ready to mop the floors? What do you do if your dog has managed to get covered in mud? Even if it is just the paws, tracking mud into the house can make for a major cleaning project. Here is how to manage the mud tracking: Get doormats for each doorway to the outside. Make sure they look similar to one another. These mats will serve as a visual barrier to entry for your dog that, with your help and training, can show the dog just where to wait before coming inside. Pair each doormat with a towel for wiping down paws. Practice makes perfect. Make sure to gear up your daily practice of obedience training so that you can train your dog to apply their knowledge to the new season's activities. Sit or Stand Stay is the perfect command to replace the wiggle worm behaviors commonly associated with paw cleaning. Remember, consistency and repetitions create habits in both humans and canines alike. Make your trips outside an adventure within limits that are clear to the dog. Show them what you do and do not want them to do over and over again before expecting them to understand and do it on their own. A few weeks of chaperoning may be a lot of work, but it will pay off in years of trustworthiness and positive behavior in your dog. While we cannot help you teach your dog to mop the floors themselves, we are here if you have any questions on how to curb spring fever.
Chattanooga Dog Training

Dee Bass
Dog Training In Your Home

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in

DOWN/STAY COMMAND c Begin with your dog in a SIT/STAY position, on your left side. c Place your left hand palm down, pinkie toward your dog, around the leash. As you kneel on your right knee, slide leash through your hand until your hand is touching the dogs neck. c As you say "__________, DOWN" (command tone), begin to apply pressure on the dogs right shoulder with your left hand. Gently press down while pulling back simultaneously, as you give the DOWN hand signal with your other hand. You may also pat the ground as you give the command. c Once your dog is in the DOWN position say “STAY" (command tone) and begin to move away. When he breaks the STAY use a quick SNAP toward the ground as you say "NO!" (correction tone) Give the STAY command. Repeat until your dog remains in the DOWN position until you release him. c Your goal is to be able to step over your dog while he remains in the DOWN position. Note: The DOWN command is an act of submission for your dog. This is by far the most important command your dog can learn. It is mandatory that your dog master this. Remember: Make it fun! TRAINING GOAL:___________________________________ ___________________________________________________ c Remember: If you have any questions, please call our office Monday-Friday, 8:30 am -5:00 pm c (704) 573-3647
Dog Boarding Matthews,NC

RULES OF THE ROAD If you are planning

RULES OF THE ROAD If you are planning on taking your dog on a road trip with you this summer, here are some things to remember: GET UP TO DATE: Check your dog's vaccinations and tags. Bring copies of your shot records with you. Make sure all relevant information is available on their tags. PREPARE TO PREVENT: Put on a fresh coat of flea and tick preventative, and make sure they've had their heartworm preventative for the month. Bring a veterinary first aid kit with you. These are available at most pet stores. STOCK UP: Make sure you have enough food, medications, and bottled water with you for your dog. Bringing bottled water can sometimes prevent dogs from getting stomach aches due to changes in water content. BUCKLE UP: Get a canine car harness. They help your dog stay in one seat and remain secure during any quick stopping. These are available at pet stores. CHECK OUT BEFORE YOU CHECK IN: There are many pet-friendly hotels for you to stop at along the way. Dogfriendly.com, petswelcome.com, bringfido.com, and doginmysuitcase.com are just a few of the many sites that the many list pet friendly accommodations available. Never leave your dog alone in the hotel room. This will prevent them coming in contact with unknowns and keep them secure. Always put out the do not disturb sign to prevent anyone from accidentally opening the door to a surprise when your dog greets them, or worse letting the dog out into the hotel unleashed. PLAN FOR PIT STOPS: Remember to plan a stop every two to three hours for your dog to go to the bathroom. Always clean up after your dog. Never leave a dog alone in a parked car because heat conditions may rapidly change. Regardless of location, always keep your dog on leash for both your security and theirs.
Charleston Dog Training

Allison Allen
Dog Training In Your Home

FDA Warns Dog Treats May be Contaminated With Salmonella

FDA Warns Dog Treats May be Contaminated With Salmonella
Consumers should not use certain beef dog treats distributed by Merrick Pet Care because the pet food might be contaminated with salmonella, health authorities warned on Thursday.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Coprophagia - Eating B/Ms Coprophagia eating B/Ms, consumption

Coprophagia - Eating B/Ms Coprophagia eating B/Ms, consumption of feces, is common but disturbing habit in some dogs. The cause is unknown, but there are ways to deal with this behavior. Coprophagia is normal behavior under some circumstances. The bitch will normally eat the puppies feces and urine during their first few weeks of life. This keeps the den or whelping box clean. Some of the most common "treatments" for comprophagia are: sprinkling MSG on the dog's food 's putting pineapple or tomato juice or spinich in the dog's food crushing a Cert's breath mint and putting it in the food changing the dog's diet to a higher quality, more digestible food There are also some commercial products on the market Forbid Deter Both of these products have fermented vegetable extract as their main ingredient. This is for all intents and purposes the same as MSG. All the information that I have about effectiveness of any of these is anecdotal and through my own experience. I have found that MSG or a commercial product works best. Some dog owners are more comfortable using a commercial product even though the cost is much greater than plain MSG. Trial and error is the way that I have figured out how much MSG to put in the food. I have them start out with a teaspoonful and increase the amount until it has the desired effect of making the smell and taste of the feces undesirable. Ken Landa From juliejohnson - 12/4/07 9:17 AM We have also used canned pumpkin as an additive to the food - again, starting out with a teaspoon like Ken said (or even smaller if it is a small dog!). Something to be careful of with pumpkin is it can lead to diarrhea. Also, we've used Accent Spice, which I think is a commercial name for MSG if they are looking for it in the grocery store. Sometimes we have also told the clients who have cats to add these to the cat's food so the dog will stay out of the litterbox. Of course, we tell them to make sure to clear it with their vets first, especially if we know the animals have had prior digestive problems. Julie Johnson
Dog Training Royal Oak

We Need Help!

We Need Help!

A handmade banner on ropes is stretched across the Route du Canape Vert with a poignant plea painted in yellow: " We Need Help - Aidez Nous".  It is bilingual, it is a cry of desperation. Hundreds of Haitians are gathered in the street shouting that there are survivors under the rubble.  The crowd has been feeding them water and food through openings in the concrete prison created by Tuesday's powerful quake, but now the water and food is running out.  The crowd is frantic they know the survivors they have so painstakingly kept alive for four days now will be victims if help does not come soon.

 

Helicopters buzz overhead, but they cannot see the sign. UN troops drive by but they are afraid of the raucous crowd.   I will speak for you I reassure them,  but the truth is I have just criss crossed the heap of concrete graves that was once the capitol of Haiti, miles of devastation and saw only one team of foreign rescue workers with two dogs.

 

Until last Tuesday, January 12, at 5:00 PM Port au Prince was a city of two million people with no drinkable water, no sanitation, insufficient schools, inadequate hospitals.  Now it is a city ruined by a 7.0 earthquake and virtually no organized relief effort.

 

Fifty percent of all structures collapsed and those that remain standing are treacherous as strong tremors continue to move the ground.  Under the broken buildings untold thousands are rotting corpses or trapped survivors with little hope of rescue.

 

Streams of pedestrian evacuees are thinning, Port au Prince residents have been walking away from the ruins and smell since Tuesday when the quake shook every home rich and poor.  Those still exiting cover their faces from the morgue their capitol has become.

 

Meanwhile US news crews and relief workers are apparently together near the National Palace and once popular Montana Hotel. Possibly they are at the airport where reportedly relief supplies are being delivered but I do know they were not in the hard hit Turgeau, La Ville, Canape Vert, Pacot, Nazon or Carrefour areas at least not while I was there today, or yesterday or the day before.

Source: www.ireport.com

OUTSIDE OF REALITY As we welcome the spring,

OUTSIDE OF REALITY As we welcome the spring, we look forward to warmer weather and more time outside. For dog owners, many feel that this is a time that the dog can experience more freedom. If done correctly, this can be a great experience. If not done correctly, mischief and mayhem can ensue. Here are some helpful hints to make your spring less stressful: Boredom can lead to big problems. If you leave your dog outside without helping them to release their physical and mental energies beforehand, you may find that they will become creative. Their projects can range from a small hole to a knocking over your prized barbeque to tearing down or redecorating your deck and lawn furniture. Alone time outside does not replace walking and heeling practice. It is not an automatic relief of stored up energy, at least not in a consistently positive manner. A nap underneath a tree outside will only result when the dog is exhausted. Make sure to not put your dog in a position to express their creative energies in a way that would not make you proud. A watched dog is a better dog. Do not leave your dog in your yard unsupervised, especially if you expect them to behave. If regularly attended, the dog will understand that outside is just like inside: you are the leader and they need to listen accordingly. New sights, new sounds, looser dirt, small animals beginning their springtime frolic, and increased daily sunlight are all invitations for a grand canine adventure. If you would rather your dog not partake in these activities, you need to be consistent with your training. Remember, a long line (30 feet) can give your dog an increased area to play while remaining able to be consistent with your corrections. Even if your dog is reliably off leash trained, it may take a couple of days to remind them how to behave in their changed environment. Without a leash, this becomes much more difficult. Do not use a remote collar without proper training. Canine-proof your yard as much as possible. Too much time outdoors unattended can result in housebreaking issues. If a dog never has to ask to go outside, then it never will. Designate one area of the yard for bathroom activities, and make sure that they have enough time indoors to remember to hold it when they are not in their "rest" area. Dogs are creatures of habit. Do not assume that your dog will be happy simply because it is outside. Banishing them to the great outdoors while you are away can create stress. Many dogs would be happier to remain surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds indoors that can remind them of their place in your home especially if you have already proofed your dog for inside unattended time. If they are used to being in a crate, it is most likely relaxing for them to remain in their routine.
Dog Training Charlotte,NC

How are dog people and cat people different?

How are dog people and cat people different?
Do you rejoice at the sound of barking but cower at a meow? Or do you look at a cat and feel an instant sibling-style connection? Your choice of pet may say a lot about your personality.

Source: rss.cnn.com

Haiti Quake Aid Snarled; 50,000 Feared Dead

Haiti Quake Aid Snarled; 50,000 Feared Dead
Doctors and search dogs, troops and rescue teams flew to this devastated land of dazed, dead and dying people Thursday, finding bottlenecks everywhere, beginning at a main airport short on jet fuel and ramp space and without a control tower.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

U.S. watchdogs warn of Haiti relief scams

U.S. watchdogs warn of Haiti relief scams
NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. law-enforcement agencies and charity watchdogs have warned that con artists may use Haiti-relief scams to take advantage of an outpouring of generosity after the Haitian earthquake to steal cash and sensitive financial information from potential donors.

Source: feeds.reuters.com

Serb radical's warcrimes trial resumes in private

Serb radical's warcrimes trial resumes in private
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The warcrimes trial of Serbian nationalist Vojislav Seselj resumed on Tuesday after a year's delay, with witnesses testifying behind closed doors to protect their identity, an issue that has dogged the trial.

Source: feeds.reuters.com

COME COMMAND Hide and Seek * Using two

COME COMMAND Hide and Seek * Using two people-play hide and seek-having one person hold the dog in the house or yard allow him to watch one of you walk away and hide within voice range. Once in hiding place give the command "________, come" (command tone) followed by, "good boy, come on boy, good boy, come on boy, good boy come on boy(Praise Tone) , _________, come" (command tone). When he reaches you, place your left hand over his hind quarters - And your right hand under his chin then gently rotate him into the sitting position......*remember, NO CORRECTION! Round Robin * Have several people stand in a large circle-with the dog on leash in the middle. One person at a time squats placing one knee on the ground, pats their knee saying "___________, come" (praise tone) While everyone else turns their back ; continue around circle until everyone has had a turn. Formal Come * Put your dog in a sit/stay while facing him from 6-10 feet away. * With the leash in your hand give the command "__________, come" (command tone), as you use your right hand to give him a hand signal; reach straight out in front of you with right hand palm down, then draw your hand toward your chest palm in. * Use the leash to guide him straight to you while coaxing him with praise. * Once he gets to you give the command, "_________, sit", then lift gently on leash as you lightly touch his hips, once he sits-lots of praise. TRAINING GOAL:__________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ *Remember, if you have any questions, please call our office at (704) 573-3647, Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Dog Boarding Matthews,NC

Breakthrough to Bark About

Breakthrough to Bark About
Finally, scientists crack mystery as old as friendship between man and dog -- why Fido circles his bowl
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

3 Bomb-Sniffing Dogs at Philadelphia Airport Fail Test

3 Bomb-Sniffing Dogs at Philadelphia Airport Fail Test
Three bomb-sniffing dogs assigned by the federal Transportation Security Administration to inspect cargo at Philadelphia International Airport failed recent recertification tests, according to a congressman who wants the dogs replaced.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind

Begging 101 Begging is defined in my mind by any eye contact or starring at the food any closer to the owners or their guest form closer then 6 feet. First and foremost you need to have the owners be sure to stop feeding from the table or their hands when are they are eating or snacking. Some owners may not be feeding the dog from the table but the dog still hopes and give the eyes. I like to use a water bottle for begging. This is great if the dog does not like the water bottle. I like the fact that to correction can be done from the other side of the room and the dog sees you administer the correct from the direction that the begging occurs. 1. Start with the water bottle primed in the sink and tune the stream to a thin stream line. Then while eating at the table the owner has the bottle ready and give the dog a squirt in the forehead for coming and closer to the table then 6 feet and or starring at the plates. 2. If the water bottle does not work then you can use a shake can or put the dog into a down stay or place command. Please add your comments.... Mark Thompson
Dog Training Royal Oak

Wrinkly Dog Gets Full Face Lift, Double Eye Lift

Wrinkly Dog Gets Full Face Lift, Double Eye Lift
A wrinkly dog has received a full face lift and a double eye lift costing $897 so he won�t go blind.
Source: feeds.foxnews.com

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training,

Integrating Practice into Everyday Life In our training, we often hear that people simply do not have time to practice with their dogs. While setting aside time to spend one on one with your dog is ideal, and should be pursued whenever possible, we understand that sometimes life can be busy. We are, after all, human. Even though life is busy, your dog still needs repetition and consistency in order to develop the habits that you desire. Often people do not realize that the time spent with your dog, whether set aside or not, is time spent training. Why not integrate your practice into your daily routines so that you can make the most of your time and bond with your dog? There are lots of ways to do it. Here are just a few: SIT and DOWN: Sit and down commands should be practiced whenever you need your dog to stop moving and freeze into position. While challenging your dog to a long stay session during a set-aside practice time is one way to do it, another is having him or her practice her down and/or sit stays while you answer the door, read a magazine, or brush your teeth. Whenever your dog is moving around and you would rather them not be, replace the negative behavior with a positive one. PLACE: Working on Place can be easily accomplished while you watch television or check your email! Start with short place challenges during commercial breaks and then when your dog gets better at it, extend out to actual show segments. Put them on place while you start reading your email, see how many you can get through before your dog tries to get up! While snuggling with your dog during your downtime is often a relaxing time for many owners, this is a way to get in your practice so that when guests come, they can be just as relaxed. Don't forget, if you don't practice, your dog is not going to remember what to do when you need it to. WAITING : Even the simple acts of going through a doorway to take your dog out or feeding them are great opportunities for integrated practice. Have your dog do a sit/stay or a down/stay and wait at doorways. You should always go through first. Have them sit/stay or down/stay while you put down their food. Release them from their stays with a "you're through". This way they understand that you own the food and they are motivated to listen!
dog-training-charlotte.com