TRAINING FOR SAFETY

Training your dog is a great way to bond and build on your relationship. It is also a great way to exercise your dog's brain, build confidence, motivation, and most importantly, to keep your dog safe in all kinds of situations. There are many commands you can teach your dog to help ensure their safety. Making sure your dog has a solid recall and a solid "sit, stay", are commands that most dog owners know can potentially save their dogs' life. Teaching your dog "leave it" and "drop it", can be just as crucial to their safety.

Marley "leaving it"

When I walk my own dogs and especially when I am walking a client's dog/s, I am very vigilant about not allowing them to eat anything off the ground. There have been several reports in the past few months of people leaving tainted meat or meat containing glass or nails, in various parks where people walk their dogs. These sick individuals are leaving these tainted treats with the intent to do harm and it's unlikely they will ever be caught. Aside from these incidents, anyone who lives with a dog knows there is always a chance their dog may find some delicious (to the dog of course) morsel and give it a taste. Dogs with Coprophagy, who like to eat poop, are also at risk of becoming seriously ill or being infected with a parasite.  

Recently I was walking a client's dog, we stop for a few minutes every day at a large fenced in soccer field where I put him on a 30' lead and we run around and have some play time. The other day he picked something up off the ground and started eating it. I said "drop it" but he just looked at me and continued eating what I quickly found was a piece of hamburger. I was able to remove most of the meat from his mouth but he consumed a small portion, approximately the size of a dime. I left a note for my clients and thankfully their dog is fine, but with all the news articles in recent months about tainted meat I couldn't help but worry.

Teaching "drop it" and "leave it", for me, are essential commands every dog owner should teach their dog/s. You can have fun teaching your dog something new, if you haven't taught these commands already, and it very well may save your dog's life some day!


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MARLEY'S JOURNEY TO HEALTH

I adopted Marley when he was 16 weeks old, in August 2005. Shortly after receiving his final vaccine boosters Marley began developing small bumps on the top of his head. I took Marley to the vet and was immediately told the issues were allergies. A regimen of antibiotics and steroids were prescribed. During the time Marley was on these medications his skin would clear up, but once he was off the meds for a week or so, the issue came back ten fold. 

We struggled with Marley's skin issues for several years, with various veterinarians, all of whom prescribed the same regimen of steroids and antibiotics. We tried the hypoallergenic, prescription foods in the beginning, but ultimately changed to a home cooked and raw diet. Although this change in his diet made a difference, Marley was still struggling with itchy, red, scabby skin. He was never comfortable for very long, and he was never able to sleep through the night.  

 

Over the years I tried a variety of natural remedies for allergies, some of which made a small difference for a short period of time, but Marley’s skin issues always seemed to push back through. A friend of mine had mentioned a product called Nzymes, but after all the trials and errors in the past, all the wasted money, I was hesitant to try the program. I decided to search the Nzymes website and after reading through the site and watching the videos, I realized what we were dealing with and it wasn’t just allergies, it was yeast.

In March 2012, just before Marley's 7th birthday, I purchased the Healthy Skin Kit from Nzymes and started Marley on the program. Within the first two weeks I saw a significant difference in his skin, his coat, and in his general well being. Marley was happy, he began to play with his adopted brother for the first time in over a year, he was sleeping through the night; he was a completely different dog.

In September I ran out of the Nzymes products, but started Marley on them again about six weeks later. During this time he seemed to get worse, his skin became red and inflamed from head to tail, he was hot all over, he lost most of his fur, and he was lethargic; I was scared. I sent a message to the company via their Facebook page and within an hour I received a call from an employee at Nzymes. After a long conversation about Marley's past, his symptoms, diet etc., we determined Marley was most likely detoxing. The Nzymes products were pushing all of the yeast and toxins out of Marley's body. The following pictures are of Marley during his detox:  

 

 

 

 

As hard as it was to watch him go through this massive detox, I persisted. We gave him baths to soothe his skin as much as possible and the end result is a dog, who after eight years of struggling with misdiagnosis, thousands of dollars in vet bills and diet changes, using medications that were worsening the issue, and all of his discomfort, is now happy and healthy.

 

Marley still struggles with seasonal allergies and we deal with those times as they come, but for the most part he is finally healthy and feeling great!  He continues on the Nzymes Back-pac Plus and antioxidant treats, regularly with intermittent doses of the oxy drops and blackleaf products.

 

 



Marley 2013

 

The Nzymes product worked wonders on Marley and their customer service was second to none. This product may not be the right product for everyone, but I would strongly suggest to anyone who has a dog with skin problems, do your research and ask questions if you take your dog to the vet. Anyone who is prone to yeast infections knows, if you take antibiotics you are just opening yourself up for an infection; the same is true for your dog. So, if your dog has yeast, like Marley did, but your vet insists its allergies and offers you antibiotics and/or steroids, you will end up going in circles, possibly for months or years.

 

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WORKING WITH PATIENCE

When I started selling natural pet foods and supplements back in 2005, I had no idea how rewarding my job would be. It didn't take long however before I was rewarded over and over again. The simple act of changing your pet's food can make a world of difference; we are all what we eat after all. Each time a customer came back to the store to thank me for the changes they saw in their pets, it solidified my desire to continue on this path, to learn as much as I could and to help as many people as I could help their pets.

I left the retail world a year and a half ago but have continued on my own personal endeavours. Over the past few months I have been helping friends of mine with their dog, a white female Boxer named Patience.

Patience is four years old and extremely overweight. We estimate that Patience should weigh between 60 and 70lbs, but at her last weigh-in she topped out at 102lbs! When her person found this out, she was absolutely horrified. Something I learned early on in my journey of helping people with their pets is, people make mistakes, they get the wrong information or are overwhelmed by all the things life throws at them. But that doesn't mean they don't love their pets. So, before any judgement is passed, let me give a little background. 

Patience: August 6, 2013. 102lbs

In January 2013, Patience lost her best friend, Preston, who was a male Boxer, to kidney disease; Preston was only four years old when he passed away. The owners of these dogs are friends of mine, good friends, and they are really good people. However, anyone with multiple pets who has had one of those animals become ill, especially terminally ill, knows how hard it is to take the focus off the sick animal. Add a baby into the mix, full time jobs and financial difficulties, and we have a situation. All obstacles aside, Preston's people did everything they needed to, to keep him as healthy and comfortable as possible. They didn't have the money for all the tests the vet needed to do to keep track of his levels, but they found it every single time. Unfortunately, after a nine month struggle, Preston's life was cut far too short and his people had to make the heart breaking decision to let him go.

When my friends found out about Preston's illness, she called me and asked for my advice. She immediately changed Preston onto a homemade diet., some herbs, and supplements. Patience however, remained on a kibble diet for a few months and she was being over fed. Because of their busy life and the stress of Preston's illness, Patience was not getting the exercise she required and she continued to gain weight.



Patience has been on a raw diet for about a year now, but for quite a while one of her people continued to over feed her. In July I started walking Patience twice a week for a half hour each day. We started off slowly so as not to overwork her heart, to prepare her body for more exercise (Patience also has trouble with her hind legs ), we got her feeding situation under control and started her on a weight loss supplement about three weeks ago. Within the first month of her walks Patience started going upstairs at night to sleep in the bedroom with her people; something she hadn't done for a very long time!!

Patience. August 13, 2013

I have now been walking Patience for about two months and although I won't know until Wednesday this week how much weight she has lost, we can see it! The best part is, I now have to keep up with HER on her walks!! Starting this week, since the weather is cooler, we are increasing her walks to three days a week and next week I will be starting massage sessions with Patience, which will also help with her weight loss, and her well being. 

Being able to visibly observe Patience's weight coming off, her energy levels changing and too see how happy she is every time I come over, and to see her well being shinning through, is the best reward I could ever ask for.

Today was an excellent day in the business of making a dog feel better and helping a family. I hope I see many, many more of these days in the weeks, months and years to come!

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ACHIEVING AMAZING BONDS WITH ANIMALS

"If I can listen to what he tells me, if I can understand how it seems to him, if I can sense the emotional flavour which it has for him, then I will be releasing the portent forces of change within him"

~Carl Rogers~

 

There is an endless supply of controversy when it comes to the emotional capacity of animals, but for most people who share their lives with them the arguments are moot. It seems there is no dispute among pet owners that they believe their dog, cat, bird or any number of other animals, love them, miss them, get angry at them for one reason or another and the list goes on. It's puzzling then how many pet owners choose methods of training and behaviour modification, which include physical force, intimidation and fear based on outdated dominance theories.

More and more trainers and behaviourists have come to realize animals are more receptive to positive methods and their relationships with animals are much more rewarding when they are built on trust, patience and understanding. These relationships are strengthened and behaviour modification can be solidified with the use of positive reinforcement. It has been proven for years that animals are more likely to repeat a wanted behaviour when they are rewarded in a positive manner.

By taking the time to show an animals what is expected of them, by taking the time to try and understand their apprehensions, confusion, fears and anxieties in an empathetic manner rather than forcing upon them situations and triggers that will ultimately cause additional negative behaviours, you are building a foundation of trust and taking your relationship to an entirely different level.

A Tribute to Fatty Arbuckle's dog, Luke

The other day I was reading a conversation on a well known trainer's Facebook page regarding the use of positive reinforcement as opposed to method's based on another trainer's use of force and intimidation. Although most people agreed that positive methods were more effective, many were adamant that these methods are not always possible, especially when dealing with cases of aggression and other difficult behaviour issues. The truth of the matter is many trainers are helping animals overcome aggression and other behaviour problems with positive reinforcement. Those trainers who are unable to achieve the same results with animals, using positive methods, are maybe not reaching deep enough into their relationships with them. It is possible these particular trainers are too set in their ways to step outside their own learned behaviours, to let go of the outdated theories and methods that are holding them back from fully understanding the animals they are working with.

There are countless stories of people who have developed amazing bonds with animals, who let go of the idea of a human/animal divide and took hold of the human/animal bond instead. To say it is not possible to train an animal without using abusive or outdated methods that will do nothing but encourage additional or deeper levels of negative behaviours, is something that can only come from someone who has no interest in opening their mind.

In all of our relationships, positive reinforcement plays a role. We would not want to be in a relationship with someone who bullied us, pinned us down or kicked us, so why would our pets? I am not saying negative reinforcement does not work, that alpha rolls and other acts of "dominance" will not help you achieve the behaviour you are seeking. You likely will stop or start the behaviour you are looking for, but through fear, intimidation and physical force rather than trust, patience and understanding. The relationships we have and keep with other humans are usually people who make us feel good, who care for us and show compassion toward us, and understanding. These individuals make us laugh, hold us up when we are sad or scared and stand next to us through times of difficulty. Why should our animal companions be treated any differently?

Developing an amazing bond with your own pet or with the animals you are working with is a choice, a state of mind that forces those who seek it to step outside the box, to let go of the focus on human vs. animal and to put all they have into the patience and understanding needed to teach a being who simply speaks another language. These bonds are some of the most rewarding experiences in many peoples' lives and clearly, they are also the most rewarding for many companion animals. 

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RESPONSIBILITY IN DOG OWNERSHIP - WHY ARE WE NOT GETTING IT?

I was just talking to my cousin this morning about an issue she is having with a neighbour, whose dog is barking constantly. Her family cannot even enjoy a day outside because the dog next door never stops. I understand how she feels because we have similar issues with neighbours around our home. All in all, in my neighbourhood there are 21 dogs, including my own and those are only the houses I know of and can see either from my front or rear yards. Out of those homes there are only two, ours included, where the dogs are watched while they are outside and are not permitted to bark constantly, fence fight or run loose.

As a dog owner I believe my responsibility and the responsibility of all dogs owners, goes beyond the unwritten contract we have with our dogs to keep a roof over their head, keep them fed and hydrated and make sure they get the health care they require and deserve. In my mind, responsibility extends to neighbours and the general public, because not everyone has or loves dogs and no one should have to deal with a dog that does not belong to them.

It has long been a pet peeve of mine when I see people get a dog or dogs, only to throw them into the back yard and leave them to their own devices, for hours at a time. I do not understand why people get dogs if they do not want to care for them and share their lives with them. Dogs are social animals, they want to be with their "pack". Dogs also require leadership, boundaries and structure and to deprive them of these essential parts of life, is nothing less than irresponsible.

Training your dog is essential to their quality of life, it provides them with the tools they require to thrive in society, with humans and other animals. If you are not training your dog and providing the structure and boundaries they deserve, you are doing them a great injustice, an injustice far too many dogs are forced to live with. Dogs want to know their role within their "pack", they want to be included and most dogs probably do not want much more than that. When our dogs know their role and what is expected of them, when they are included in the "pack", provided with the training, structure and balance they need, there will be fewer behaviours that require our attention and they will be happier for it. 

Dogs also require exercise, both physical and mental. When they do not get the proper exercise, bad behaviours can rear their ugly head, at no fault of the dog. Putting your dog in the yard for long periods of time with no supervision or guidance is likely to create behaviours which will result in poor relationships with your neighbours, and mostly likely your dog. Excessive barking, fence fighting, digging and all sorts of other behaviours can be eliminated and save your relationship with your neighbours if you just spend time with your dog. It will also result in a happier dog and a more productive, healthy relationship between you and them.

Being a responsible dog owner means being responsible for your dog at all times and in my opinion, it also includes respecting the people around you.

The relationships I have with my dogs are the most rewarding relationships I have had in my life. You are doing yourself and your dog a great disservice if you are not embracing the relationship you could have by including them in all aspects of your family, of their "pack" and by providing them with the training, structure and boundaries they deserve.

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WHISPERING STEREOTYPES - PERPETUATING THE "PIT BULL" MYTH

"Falsehood flies and the truth comes limping after, so that when men come to be undeceived, it is too late: the jest is over, and the tale has had its effect."   ~Jonathan Swift~

Someone made a comment  to me the other day about how much good Cesar Millan has done for "pit bulls" and I had to write a post about it, as it has long been a pet peeve of mine when I hear these comments. I do not disagree entirely, how could I? However, the way I see it, Cesar Millan is also perpetuating the stereotypes of "pit bulls" and I will explain why I feel that way.

First of all, as mentioned in a previous post, there is no such "breed" as a "pit bull". The term "pit bull" has been used in the past as a short form for the pure bred American Pit Bull Terrier, but in more recent years it refers to all three related pure breeds and pretty much any dog with a short coat, muscular build and a square shaped head. The term "pit bull" has also become a scapegoat and cash cow for the media and government, but a "breed" it is not.

If a "pit bull" is not a true breed of dog then, but a mixture of who knows what, how can one attribute traits to that animal, of a pure bred dog? Especially when, more times than not, the mixed breeds which make up the dog in question are not known. Assuming a dog is a "pit bull" based on the animal's appearance and diagnosing and treating behaviour based on that assumption, is nothing less than irresponsible.

Additionally, the traits Cesar Millan and a number of other celebrity and non-celebrity trainers and "behaviorists" claim to be exclusive to "pit bulls", are for the most part misrepresented and therefore misconstrued by the general public. 

When individuals like Cesar Millan make statements about things like "the pit bull gene" and comments like: "as long as I fulfill all of his animal-dog needs first, the pit bull inside of him will not surface in a negative fashion", many people see this as solid proof that all the stories are correct about "pit bulls". Both of these comments were made by Cesar Millan in Chapter 4 of his book, "Be The Pack Leader". Comments such as these, made with the negative connotation in which they are, lead people to believe there is a special "gene" involved in making so called "pit bulls" what they are. Cesar Millan refers quiet frequently to the fact that he raises and trains "pit bulls" in such a way that their true "pit bull" nature or "gene", succumb to his magical approach and they end up as "just animal-dogs in a pit bull" suit.

I am not naive by any means; as the owner of dogs considered to be "pit bulls" and as someone who has had the rare privilege of meeting all three types of the pure breeds as well as countless mixed breed dogs falling under this category, I am aware of what these dogs truly are. I am also very aware of their history.

Although it is true that some of the pure breeds classified as "pit bulls" can sometimes be dog aggressive, this is a trait that can be seen in any breed, but not in a breed as a whole. Also, dog/dog aggression is an entirely different thing from dog/human aggression. It is also true that the American Pit Bull Terrier was used in dog fighting as well as bull and bear baiting, but the fact of the matter is, you cannot "breed" fighting into a dog.

Fighting is a learned behaviour, it is something that is taught and that is why low lives like Michael Vick torture, starve and beat these dogs to get them to do so. Also, if the myths regarding the "pit bull gene" and fighting dog theories were true, none of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick fiasco, or any other similar situation, would have been rehabilitated, but when given the opportunity, most are. Fortunately though, of the 49 dogs rescued from Michael Vick's organization, Bad Newz Kennels, only one was euthanized for aggression, 22 of the dogs were fostered out and have since been adopted and the remaining dogs live on in a sanctuary. Some of the adopted dogs have even become therapy dogs and they all now live in homes happily with people, dogs, cats and children. The story of Michael Vick's dogs alone, goes against any truth there could be behind a special "gene" or fighting and aggressive traits in "pit bull" type dogs.

People like Cesar Millan have the opportunity to dispel these myths and although it's nice to say he uses "pit bull" type dogs on his show and he portrays them in a good light by using them to help other dogs; if he continuously infers that they have special genes and aggressive or fighting traits, that extra special care must be taken when dealing with "pit bulls", it is only causing these dogs and everyone involved with them, to take five steps back. The Dog Whisperer is not guilty on his own in this, as many other celebrity dog trainers and dog trainers and behaviourists in general, continue to spread these myths to their clients and the public.

Any dog can become aggressive and any dog can be a danger. Special care should be taken when dealing with any dog, regardless of breed, regardless of size.

Until everyone with a platform stops making these comments, starts expelling the "fighting dog" myths and just accepts all dogs as dogs, we are never going to move forward and our dogs will forever be stigmatized as the most aggressive or dangerous dogs in the world.

Breed Standards:

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

The Pit Bull Hoax

 

 

AMAZING CAT, SUKI, AND OWNER DOING AGILITY

This past weekend a video was going around Facebook of a young girl from the Czech Republic who has trained her cat, Suki, to do agility. The video is not only amazing because the cat is doing agility, it's amazing because the bond this girl has with the cat is so clearly seen. Suki is happy and at times almost wags his/her tail like a dog. Suki is clearly thrilled to be doing all of the tasks asked of him/her but if you think it's a one off, think again. This young girl has worked with dogs and other cats too and she is pretty amazing. Her timing is awesome and she clearly "gets" the animals she is working with. This young lady is a great example of how the human animal bond can take you places no one thought you could, like a cat doing agility!

Suki 8 months

If you cannot see the video, you can go straight to You Tube here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbvqSCs-FoE and give her props by subscribing to her You Tube Channel too!

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PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION TO BRING BACK BILL 16 FOR THIRD READING! LET'S END BSL IN ONTARIO ONCE AND FOR ALL!

On February 21, 2013 Randy Hillier, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox & Addington, re-introduced a motion calling the government to resurrect Bill 16 for third reading.

We were almost there when Dalton McGuinty prorogued the legislature and resigned from office. Now it is a matter of convincing the new Premier, Kathleen Wynne, to call the bill back for third reading.

I think she's scared, or maybe trying to save face? What else could it be? The Liberals have been handed the facts over and over and over again. It's time this nonsense ends and they allow responsible dog owners to go back to their normal lives, with their dogs. Enough tax payer money has been wasted, far too many dogs have died and we just want to move on.

Please click the link, sign the petition and pass it along to your friends and family as well! It only takes a few seconds!

http://www.randyhilliermpp.com/bsl02222013 

Marley, Tailey (Dog rest her soul), Arthur and all of the other dogs present and lost who are stigmatized by this ridiculous piece of legislation, will be forever grateful!

 

 

You can also check out these links for more information on how to donate to the cause, get involved and fill your head with oodles of facts and truth, if  you, unlike the Liberals, are into that sort of thing!

http://supporthersheysbill.com/

http://brindlestick.blogspot.ca/

http://www.dlcc.ca/

http://nationalcanineresearchcouncil.com/

http://caveat.typepad.com/blog/

http://www.chicobandido.com/

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OLD DOGS AND THEIR ANGELS, THANK YOU

"I can't think of anything that brings me closer to tears than when my old dog - completely exhausted after a hard day in the field - limps away from her nice spot in front of the fire and comes over to where I'm sitting and puts her head in my lap, a paw over my knee, and closes her eyes and goes back to sleep. I don't know what I've done to deserve that kind of friend."
- Gene Hill

  

The other day while I was wasting some time on Facebook, someone posted a picture of an old dog, 12 years old I believe, who had been surrendered by his family to a shelter in Florida. I have seen other postings like this over the years of course, but of all the dog dumping stories I see every day, these are the ones that break my heart the most.

 

I do understand sometimes in life there are circumstances beyond a person's control, but there has to be a better answer for these dogs, these old timers who have come to the last years of their life; a time when they deserve and need their family the most. When I see the look on an old dog's face, one who has been dropped off at a shelter, and maybe it's just my bleeding heart, but it seems to me there is a difference in their sadness, the loss in their eyes seems deeper. I imagine they must be confused, especially dogs who have spent their entire lives with someone, with a family.

 

When my old girl, Tailey, passed away two and a half years ago, it broke my heart in ways I could not have imagined. Tailey came into my life when she was five years old and we spent the next eight years together, inseparable. When she came into my life I was going through a hard time and she changed everything. It is because of Tailey I learned of my passion for natural health and nutrition, it is because of her that I got up out of bed every day and soldiered on, no matter how tough things were. Tailey made me laugh every day and she gave every bit of herself to me, every single moment of those eight years we had. The day she left me, she took a piece of my soul with her.

 



 Tailey July 2010

 

I just cannot imagine any other dog giving their person any less than Tailey gave me. When I see older dogs dropped off at shelters, it breaks my heart all over again. Thankfully the boy who was posted the other day was adopted very quickly and I would just like to say that whoever it was who adopted him and to all the other people who have and who will adopt senior dogs, you are all angels.

 

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THE IMPORTANCE FINDING THE RIGHT TRAINER FOR YOUR DOG

Dogs have resided with humans for thousands of years, but regardless of their usefulness or the affection people have felt for them, they were, until more recent years, thought of as creatures with little ability for thought or feeling. Thankfully, studies now show that dogs are far more capable than many people ever imagined, where thought and emotions are concerned. Unfortunately, there are still people out there, trainers and so called behaviourists included, who believe in the old way of thinking about dogs and cats and they treat them accordingly.

Getting a dog can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first time dog owners. There is an endless list of foods, toys, grooming supplies, supplements and other products on the market to choose from and that list continues with trainers and so called behaviourists. With so many hands in the basket and no regulations for anyone to adhere to, many dogs end up in the wrong hands and in turn with behaviour issues, some of which can be very serious. Many dogs end up in shelters because of behaviour problems and because the owners do not understand what happened or how to deal with the issues.

Although there are all kinds of "dog training schools" and courses out there for people, most of these courses are based on the beliefs of one self taught person and not on the scientific research which has proven successful in behaviour modification and training. There are however courses taught by qualified behaviourists as well although many trainers and so called behaviourists do not take any training at all, they simply read a few books, watch some celebrity dog training shows and decide they are a dog trainer. The problem is, even if these individuals love dogs, they are not educated enough to determine why a behaviour has occurred or how to correct it properly and many times dogs end up more damaged than they started out.

A lot of damage can be done in a very small amount of time when working with your dog. Taking the wrong advice can lead to behavioural issues and fears, which may be long term or even permanent.

I have experienced first hand what can happen when you take the wrong advice about training your dog. I have lived with how it has affected my own dog and eight years later, we are still dealing with his fear issues, low self-confidence and anxiety.

The good thing is, there are a lot of knowledgeable trainers out there you just have to do your research and use your gut, to find the right one. Training is one of the most important and rewarding things you will do with your dog, so finding the right person with the right skills that fit your lifestyle, is crucial.

Patricia McConnell, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, wrote a great article about what to look for in a trainer/behaviourist. You can find the article here http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/who-should-treat-behavior-problems-in-dogs-cats.

With so much focus on dominance theories and training by force out there in the world of dog training, it is so important to make sure you ask questions when you are looking for a dog trainer. Anyone who tells you they cannot work with your dog without the use of force or intimidation and without using tools like pinch collars and choke chains, isn't worth their salt as a dog trainer/behaviourist. Anyone who insists your dog is going to dominate your life if you allow them on your furniture, in your bed or to go out the door ahead of you etc. is not up on the latest information and scientific research and will most likely misdiagnose your dog's behaviour and that can be disastrous.

Damaging your relationship with your dog, or his or her ability to live their life without anxiety and fear is not worth keeping your mouth shut or saving a few bucks. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is. So, move on. It's your right to do so and your dog will thank you for it.

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"A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET"

The title line of this post is of course a line from Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, when Juliet argues that it is not the names of things that matter, but what they are that is important. 

I came across this quote while going through some old papers at home and realized how suiting it was for the situation relating to mutts in Ontario and all over the world.

There was a time when a dog that was not of pure breed was simply called a mutt or a mongrel and folks seemed to be okay with that. Those dogs did their job on farms, around the house and with their family despite their lack of pedigree. Over time however, more and more emphasis has been placed on "guessing" a dog's breed because of his/her appearance. We see this in shelters and rescues all the time and many other advertisements when people are looking to find homes for dogs, even when that dog's lineage is unknown. When was the last time you saw a listing for a well trained "mutt" or a hard working "mongrel"? 

So why does it matter? 

Well, speaking from a personal point of view, I have been living with dogs labelled as "pit bulls" here in Ontario, since 2003. The problem is, there is no such breed as a "pit bull". It is simply a term that defines a group of dogs sharing a similar appearance. In Ontario that is pretty much anything with a short coat, a square shaped head and a muscular build.

The term "pit bull" has been used as a short form for the pure bred American Pit Bull Terrier, just as Staffordshire Bull Terriers are also known as "Staffies" and American Staffordshire Terriers are known as "AmStaffs". But that does not mean any dog with a similar appearance to an American Pit Bull Terrier, is in fact a "pit bull" and I am sure the owners of pure bred American Pit Bull Terriers want nothing to do with the label at this point. The truth of the matter is, there are only a handful of any of the three pure breeds, which are usually related to "pit bulls", in the entire Country of Canada, let alone the Province of Ontario. In fact most people have never even really seen any of the pure breeds associated to so called "pit bulls".

There seems to be an obsession in certain people who want to either own or save the lives of so called "pit bulls". There seems to be little regard for the incredible damage and heartbreak this label has caused so many dogs and their people, all over the world. 

If everyone who owns a muscular, short haired dog with a square shaped head calls their dog a "pit bull" because they want to be a part of the movement to save such a maligned breed, or because they want to be seen as "cool" for owning what the world views as "the most dangerous dog", where does that leave the dogs? In Ontario and many other places in the world, it leaves those dogs in a pretty horrible place and their owners with quite the predicament. It also means news reports and bite statistics will be forever skewed. Not to mention the damage this whole "pit bull" issue has done to the actual pure breeds involved.

What does it mean to own a "pit bull" in Ontario? Well first of all, it's illegal unless your dog is eight years old or more. You are not allowed to import or breed dogs labelled as "pit bulls" and watch out if your dog gets away from you, even if he or she has done nothing wrong, it could mean a death sentence or that your dog will have to be moved out of the province and uprooted from his/her family. If your "pit bull" gets attacked by another dog, even if he/she does not fight back, well that means your dog will probably get locked up in a shelter and you will be taken to court and in the end it's likely, regardless of the situation, your dog will be blamed based solely on it's "breed".

I am just speaking about Ontario in this post, but there are so many other places, some of them even worse, where dogs are labelled and killed based solely on the labels assigned to them. The owners of dogs labelled as "pit bulls" live every day looking over their shoulder because they know the smallest incident, a wrong neighbour, an officer having a bad day, can all lead to the destruction of their dogs.

The whole "pit bull" issue aside, there are all sorts of problems arising from breed labelling and really, what does it matter? Would you love your dog any less if you found out tomorrow he/she was not what you originally thought as far as breed?

One thing is for certain, there is nothing "cool" or noble about owning a "pit bull", "pit bull mix", "pitty" etc. or fighting for them with those labels. It is detrimental to say the least, to everyone involved.

A "pit bull" (or any other mutt) by any other name will be just as sweet.

There was a great post over at Beyond Breed the other day, well worth the read! Check it out @ http://beyondbreed.com/separate-is-not-equal/

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RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY

Just recently my brother and I took my dogs, Marley and Arthur, for a walk in town. We were heading for the nearby soccer field where we take the dogs to play fetch. Just before reaching the field we spotted a dog running lose around a house and on the sidewalk. We had no where to go as there is no sidewalk on the other side of the street, just a steep hill leading down to the river.

I love dogs, all dogs, but this has been an issue for me for as long as I can remember, as my older dog, Marley, does not deal well with other dogs. Because of mistakes I made with Marley when he was a puppy, due to some bad advice I took and things I neglected to do to boost his confidence, Marley is fearful and reactive around other dogs. It's something we have worked to correct for many years, but it is a constant challenge in our every day lives. So, just like many other people with reactive dogs, I take issue with people who cannot be responsible and contain their dogs outside their homes.

Just because your dog is okay with other dogs, does not mean the other person's dog is. This is unfair no only to the owner of the reactive dog, but also to any of the dogs involved and it could lead to a very traumatic experience for everyone. It is something that happens far too much. I have had countless experiences when I have been out with my dogs and have had someone else's dog come running up to us full throttle, while the owner, who is usually so far away they have to scream "he/she is okay, they are friendly", at me. I then have to scream back "but my dog isn't okay", but it is always too late, the "friendly" dogs have bombarded my dogs and chaos has ensued. Thankfully, we have always escaped these situations without disaster, but how does it affect Marley, or any of the other countless dogs who are reactive toward one thing or another?

It is every dog owner's responsibility to keep their dogs under control, whether they are on leash or off, walking in town, at a dog park or on a hiking trail. If you cannot call your dog back to you, he or she should not be off leash regardless of how "friendly" they are. You are just setting your dog up for failure by allowing him or her to run around and approach other dogs they do not know. Even another "friendly" dog may react poorly to another dog running up to him or her and no one can be 100% certain how their dog is going to react with every other dog, in every situation.

Every dog owner has a responsibility to be respectful of other dog owners and their dogs. It is unfair to everyone involved when dogs are running loose, especially in areas where people expect they can walk down the street, either with or without a dog, without being bombarded by an off leash dog.

Train your dog to come when called, especially if you want to allow your dog to run free. A solid recall may save his or her life in a number of situations. Be respectful and responsible, all of our dogs deserve it!

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LIFE WITH FELINES

With the exception of two dogs who lived with our family when I was young, I have only shared my home with dogs over the past 12 years. I have however rarely ever been without a cat in my life.

Although they were not seen as useful to humans until after hunters became farmers, unlike the dog, cats have a pretty heavy history for an animal who many people claim to this day, is of little use to humans. From being worshipped as gods and goddesses in Ancient Egypt, to enduring horrible abuse and condemnation from Christians due to their association as "familiars" to witches, and also being the brunt of superstitions and the omen of bad luck to many cultures all over the world; cats have made their way through history, into our hearts and homes.

I cannot remember a time in my life when I did not live with a cat and although I enjoy the joyful greetings and wagging tails of my dogs when I come home after a long day, nothing soothes like the purring of a cat curled up in your lap.

I have had a lot of conversations with people over the years who do not see the point in having a cat, the people who claim you just cannot bond with a cat on the same level as you can a dog. This statement is true in fact, the bond you share with a cat is completely different than the one you share with a dog, but that does not make it less valuable or less intense for those of us who understand and love felines, for what they are. 

Desmond Morris talks in his book "Catwatching", about the incredible way a cat can transform from a house pet, purring and rubbing up against his humans' leg, one minute, into the wild and untamed animal he once was in the time it takes his human to open the door and let him outside. Even a kitten who is only a few weeks old has the ability to transform into a hunter at the smallest movement of an object. I have always loved watching cats and have always found the many layers of their personalities fascinating.

Many people believe you cannot teach a cat like you can a dog. This however, as any cat lover knows, is false. I have had a number of cats who learned to play fetch, in fact I currently live with a tabby cat, whose name is Tabitha, who cannot get enough of the game. My stepfather taught his cat, an outdoor stray named Puss Puss, to shake a paw, in a matter of a few minutes. Taking some time to teach your cat a trick, to play fetch or even training your cat to go for a walk with you, are all great ways to bond with a feline companion. Of course if you get a cat and do nothing with him or her, just let them exist in your home and go about their business, it will appear as though they are not much for being trained to do anything. If however you decide to spend some quality time with your cat, you may find things are very different. In my experience of living with felines, they are more than willing and happy when their humans want to spend time with them. 

Tabitha "The Tabby"

Just like with dogs, cats love when you talk to them and this is another great way to maintain a strong bond with your cat. It doesn't seem to matter what cat comes into my life, they all love a good conversation and most even have something to add to the topic of discussion. When I talk to my cats they look me straight in the eye and begin to rub all over anything they can, they purr loudly and meow in various tones like they are putting in their two cents worth.

I have always loved the time I have with my cats. I find them amusing, fascinating and they bring me comfort. I could not imagine my life without a cat hanging about.

If you spend time talking to and playing with your cat, you will find a great friend in him or her. The loyalty of a dog comes easily for most, they are eager to be in our lives and happy to be our companions. Gaining the loyalty of a cat however is something that is earned, they could take us or leave us for the most part; but when you develop a bond with a cat things change and their loyalty is just as strong as any dogs'. 

PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

Playing is something dogs do from the time they are able to stand up and see the world and it's a great way for you to not only bond with your dog, it's an excellent opportunity to teach them some of the behaviours you expect from them.

Arthur taking a breather from a game of fetch

Puppies spend most of their time sleeping, eating and playing. As they get older and they are sent off to live in new homes, sometimes with no other animals to play with, a lot of dogs lose out on play and in turn they lose out on learning important behaviours. At the same time, people are losing out on a great opportunity to bond with their dogs.

I worked for several years in a pet food and supply store and it became very apparent how many people do not play with their dogs. Customers came in daily looking for "durable" or "indestructible" toys, their dogs couldn't chew through. I would ask them what they were looking for exactly and why and it was always the same "every time I leave a toy for him he chews it". Well, that's because most toys are meant to be interactive, they are meant to be played with by more than one and what is left for a dog to do with a toy no one is throwing for him or tugging with him, than chew it? Of course there are some dogs who are very good at entertaining themselves, but how much fun is that?

Playing tug with your dog is a great way to teach self control, the "drop it" command and to build and maintain confidence in your dog. This game also helps build and maintain muscle and strength in your dog and because of the physical nature of the game, it will help to tire your dog out too. By adding some training to the game you are also stimulating your dogs brain, making him think and learn manners.

Games like fetch and Frisbee are also healthy games to play with your dog. You can incorporate training into these games as well and the dogs have so much fun at the same time!

Scenting games are a great way to get your dog thinking and using his natural senses. Many people do not encourage their dogs to use their natural sense of smell and that is such a waste of a good nose! Hiding treats inside your house on a rainy day and sending your dog to find them is a great way to keep your dog busy and get him thinking. Mental games can be more exhausting for a dog than many physical activities, so this is a great way to spend some time with your dog. 

Of course there are many other games you can play with your dog and spending 15 or 20 minutes a day teaching a new behaviour or a trick even, can also be a great way to bond with your dog, as long as you make it fun!

Two years ago this July I brought a foster dog named Arthur home. My older dog, Marley, was never much of a playful dog, although he would play sometimes if I pestered him enough; he prefers to spend time hanging out with the family and going for walks, he's pretty chill. Arthur however is interested in nothing but playing. We play tug, fetch, chase, we wrestle and he loves to play the "find it" game, which he's actually very good at. Oh and by the way, Arthur is now my "foster fail" dog, he is forever home with us.

Over the past two years Arthur has tried to get Marley to play with him every day and finally, about six weeks ago it happened! Marley is now playing every day and even initiates the play some of the time. The change in Marley, who is eight years old this May, is incredible; he is a much happier dog and even his confidence is growing.

It's so important to play with your dog, for them and for you, and everyone will be happier and feel more alive because of it!

 

Marley playing Frisbee

 

A RELATIONSHIP LIKE NO OTHER

Everyone has relationships; with our mothers and fathers, siblings, strangers, strangers who become best friends. We have relationships with the people we work with, the people we fall in love with, in the stores we visit, we even have relationships with stories in the books we read and the authors we never meet, television characters and movie stars we admire. There is no relationship however like the ones we share with our dogs, cats, rabbits and even sometimes snakes and goldfish. Whatever the species, each of us share a unique bond with the animals we bring into our lives and they affect us deeply, on an entirely different level than any other relationship.   

Ever since I can remember animals have been a constant in my life. I am forever intrigued by the relationships people share with their pets and how they deal with them. I worked for several years in a pet supply store, which focused on natural health and food products. Over the years I found more and more people were not only seeking better alternatives for their pets in the way of diets and such, but they were also looking to better understand their companion animals. More and more people were asking why their dogs and cats were acting certain ways, was it because they were angry? Were they unhappy or simply being bad? Regardless of the questions, it can only be positive when people start looking for answers about the animals in their lives, in the hopes of finding a solution, learning more about them and what makes them tick. 

For far too long, much of the world has looked at animals as though they do not have the capacity to "feel". Recent studies have proven however that dogs, cats and other animals do in fact share similar emotions to humans, such as joy, grief, jealousy and even love. Animals like cats, dogs and even rats have the same brain structure as humans and release the same hormones that produce feelings of pleasure. I think everyone has seen an angry animal, so there really should be no question about the fact they feel fear or anger. So why is it so difficult for people to believe another species can experience the same emotions as humans? The debate continues, as I suspect it always will. Are we just anthropomorphizing our furry companions, hoping they love us and we share some unbreakable bond? I guess it's just a matter of perception and experience whether you believe one way or another.

Not everyone shares the same type of bond with animals, each relationship is unique and each experience is as different as each animal. There are people who have "pets" because they like the idea of it or they believe it's good for their children etc., but they do not see those animals as sentient beings who feel joy, sadness and love. Others have dogs or cats they leave tied up outside or to roaming free, because they feel it's good to have a dog or cat around but they do not believe in or understand the importance of training, structure and socialization. But then there are the true animal people. These are the people who share their couch, their bed, their car and their soul openly with their companion animals. These are the people who, even though they lose a piece of their heart each time, will always open their door to another dog, cat or whatever other animal has stolen their soul.

It is in these different groups of people and the animals they share their lives with that you can see the role the human/animal bond plays and what happens when that bond is absent. The bond you have with the animals in your life will ultimately determine the quality of the relationship you share and also the quality of life for that animal. In my own observations, I have seen a marked difference in the behaviour of dogs and cats who live in homes where the humans involve them in their every day lives, talking to them, playing with them and teaching them what is expected of them and the dogs and cats who simply exist in or outside a home, with little to no contact other than what is commanded of them.

As with any other relationship, it is what you invest in your companion animals and what you give to the relationship that will determine the bond you have with them and what they give back to you in return. When we connect with an animal on such an intimate level, it is undeniable that emotion is involved, from both sides. When our companion animals leave us forever, the hurt is like nothing else and there really is no other relationship, no other joy or love and no other loss, like it in the world.